Researchers at uOttawa developed a novel computational procedure for enzyme design that approximates the intrinsic flexibility of protein scaffolds, improving catalytic efficiency by 1000-fold. This breakthrough enables the creation of artificial enzymes with high-efficiency catalysis on par with natural enzymes.
A University of Ottawa study suggests non-suicidal self-injury is contagious among teenagers, with those knowing someone who has harmed themselves twice as likely to try it. The study found over 1,400 Ontario teens aged 14-17 were more likely to harm themselves if they knew someone who had.
Two Canadian students, Angéline Lafleur and Jeremy Leigh, have been awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships to pursue science and engineering studies at uOttawa. The four-year scholarships are valued at up to $100,000 each and provide numerous benefits, including joining an elite network.
Researchers at University of Ottawa receive $3 million from SSHRC to study the pandemic's effects on abortion provision and services. The Partnership Grants aim to inform decision-making across various sectors in response to emerging challenges.
A study published in Hormones and Behavior found that oral contraceptive use affects brain structure and function, particularly in women who start taking them during puberty or adolescence. This can lead to altered stress response and changes in working memory processing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in cardiac surgeries worldwide, with an average of 50-75% decrease in procedures. Hospitals are now working to resume operations while protecting patients and staff from SARS-CoV-2. Experts have developed recommendations for safely resuming cardiac surgery activity.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered a new sex hormone in zebrafish that regulates sexual behavior and reproduction. The hormone, secretoneurin peptide, was found to restore sexual function in genetically modified fish by increasing hormone release and enhancing ovulation.
Researchers found that FDA-approved drugs Betaxolol and Pravastatin can increase muscle strength in mouse models of DMD by stimulating utrophin production. This approach could lead to novel therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, potentially offering advantages over traditional gene replacement methods.
The University of Ottawa is receiving $2M in research funding to develop low-cost, rapid diagnostic tests and genetically engineered antibodies to combat the coronavirus. Researchers will also investigate how senior government officials communicate public health advice and assess Canada's preparedness and response.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa develop a new technique to predict the impact of climate change on species extinction risk, finding that bumble bee populations are disappearing in areas with hotter temperatures. The study's findings suggest a future with fewer bumble bees and reduced diversity, both in the wild and on our plates.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have found evidence that slow earthquakes are related to dynamic fluid processes at the boundary between tectonic plates. The team used a technique similar to ultrasound imagery and analyzed rock properties to confirm that fluid pressures fluctuate during an earthquake cycle.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa offer a unique tool to accelerate nanopore research development, making it more accessible and affordable. The innovative approach enables fast, low-cost, and automated fabrication of solid-state nanopores, which hold promise for various applications in medicine, IT, and life sciences.
A study of 4,524 children found that those who didn't meet Canadian guidelines for sleep and recreational screen time were more likely to exhibit impulsive behavior. The research suggests that meeting these guidelines is associated with better decision-making and less impulsivity.
Climate change is causing retrogressive thaw slumps to form on Banks Island, leading to a 60-fold increase in landslides since the 1980s. The impact on aquatic ecosystems and fish populations is unknown due to lack of baseline data.
A team led by Professor Ebrahim Karimi creates a new quantum simulator that uses the properties of light to simulate periodic and closed structures in nature. The experiment reveals fundamentally different physics between ring-shaped and line-shaped systems, opening opportunities for developing efficient photonic-based quantum computers.
Mothers experiencing significant prenatal stress are at a higher risk of their child developing behavioral issues such as hyperactivity and conduct disorder. The study found that these changes can be long-lasting or permanent due to alterations in brain development caused by maternal stress.
Researchers have identified a class of enzymes that play an active role in regulating stress granules, which help cancer cells defend themselves against treatments. Disabling these enzymes can lower SG levels, opening doors to new therapeutics for various diseases.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have developed a high-dimensional quantum cloning machine that can intercept secure quantum messages. By analyzing the results, they discovered clues to protect quantum computing networks from potential hacking threats.