Researchers found that older victims of fraud have poorer cognitive abilities in everyday activities and are less conscientious and honest. Cognitive factors, such as simple calculations and remembering events, play a crucial role in identifying and avoiding scams. The study's findings can help prevent fraud victimization in older people.
New studies reveal that infants as young as six months old display racial bias, favoring their own race and rejecting others. Researchers believe this bias emerges without prior experience with other-race individuals, suggesting a potential starting point for preventing racial biases in later life.
Researchers discovered that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) regulates small blood vessel function and blood pressure by acting as a mechanosensor. TNF controls blood pressure, and drugs that interfere with TNF signaling can dramatically reduce it.
A University of Toronto study has identified a gene that may strongly influence obesity in humans, similar to the foraging gene found in fruit flies. The study reveals that the human version of this gene plays multiple roles in feeding and metabolism.
Researchers have discovered a way to distinguish small or distant objects that normally blend into a single blur by utilizing the phase property of light. This method allows for increased resolution in microscopes and telescopes, with potential applications in observing binary stars and studying tiny structures.
University of Toronto scientists have discovered a better way to extract proteins from membranes, making it easier to study cell communication and human health/disease. Using a type of polymer, they stabilized proteins while keeping fatty molecules attached.
Researchers developed machine learning algorithms to reconstruct 3D protein structures using microscopic images, enabling faster discovery of new drugs for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. The approach eliminates prior knowledge requirements, making it possible to study previously inaccessible proteins.
Researchers found anomalies in measurements of 3,200 quantities up to 100,000 times more often than expected, highlighting the limitations of scientific certainty. The study suggests that complex scientific disciplines like medicine and particle physics struggle to eliminate uncertainties.
Scientists have determined that hyoliths, extinct cone-shaped animals with mineralized external skeletons, are more closely related to brachiopods than molluscs. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these ancient creatures and their place in the tree of life.
A new personality model, Trait-Reputation-Identity (TRI), combines self and peer ratings to gather feedback on big five personality traits. The model provides a robust method to determine agreement or divergence about an individual's personality traits, helping organizations improve hiring and employee performance.
The study reveals new ways in which receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and phosphatases interact, with surprising effects on cancer progression. The researchers found that some phosphatases promote RTK signalling, while others activate it to a halt.
New research by University of Toronto professor Cindy Chan finds experiential gifts improve relationships from the recipient's perspective. Emotionally evocative experiences elicit a strong emotional response, making them more intensely emotional than material possessions.
Researchers induced autistic-like behavior in mice by lowering nSR100 protein levels, showing its causative role in autism. The study identifies nSR100 as a hub that channels molecular miscues contributing to the disorder.
Researchers found that the position of a molecule on a catalytic surface determines the rate of bond breaking. They observed a 100-fold difference in reactivity between bonds aligned along rows and across rows of copper atoms. The discovery could lead to more selective and efficient catalysts.
A study of 129,535 Americans aged 50+ found that never-smoking older African American women had the highest COPD prevalence, with 7% and 5.2% in White women, respectively. Hormones and second-hand smoke exposure may contribute to this vulnerability.
A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that four-year-olds with average and lower vocabulary skills learn more effectively with an adult reading an eBook to them versus relying solely on the eBook's voiceover. The study highlights the importance of interaction in learning for young children.
A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a novel machine learning approach to determine whether planetary systems are stable or not. This method is 1,000 times faster than traditional methods and can provide valuable information about exoplanets, including their mass and orbital eccentricity.
Researchers have found that C2H2-zinc finger proteins control genes in new and surprising ways, interacting with multiple other proteins to regulate gene expression. This discovery could lead to more accurate interpretation of individual genomes and improve our understanding of disease.
Canadian and European boreal forests have distinct differences in terms of dominant shrubs, animal cycles, and predator-prey dynamics. The research found that climate is the primary factor driving these differences.
A University of Toronto study found that infant handling and natal attraction had a significant impact on the weaning process in female chimpanzees. Infants who were held and carried more by babysitters nursed less often and drank less milk, becoming nutritionally independent sooner.
A University of Toronto study found that individuals who prioritize working on their sexual growth are more satisfied with their relationships, whereas those relying on 'sexual destiny' tend to use their sex life as a barometer for relationship success. The research showed that while both groups experience an initial honeymoon phase, t...
A team of scientists discovered a comprehensive set of suppressive mutations in yeast cells, which could help explain how some people remain healthy despite carrying catastrophic mutations. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between genetic suppression and disease-causing mutations.
Research by University of Toronto scientists found that adult ruby-throated hummingbirds choose to balloon up in weight before flying south for the winter. They discovered that individual hummingbirds make decisions based on experience, with some fatten up to gain an advantage over rivals and establish territories quickly.
A new University of Toronto study reveals widespread differences in protein biochemistry between healthy and diseased hearts, shedding light on the molecular causes behind dilated cardiomyopathy. The researchers mapped changes in protein signalling pathways, uncovering hundreds of signalling pathways that go off course in DCM hearts.
A study by the University of Toronto found that age and gender can affect car prices, with older women paying an average of $200 more than younger counterparts. Doing research on prices and quotes before negotiating can help consumers save thousands of dollars.
A new report reveals that nearly half a million B.C. residents struggled to afford food in 2011-12, with families and children facing extreme hardship. Provincial government actions are needed to address this issue.
A team of University of Toronto scientists has discovered a way to convert gaseous carbon dioxide into energy-rich fuel in a carbon-neutral cycle. Silicon nanocrystals meet the criteria for a highly active and selective catalyst, making them an efficient material for harvesting sunlight and converting CO2 into fuel.
Researchers at University of Toronto have created a biologically-derived battery that stores energy in flavin from vitamin B2, a green alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The battery has high capacity and high voltage, making it suitable for powering next-generation consumer electronics.
A new U of T Scarborough study identified rice varieties that can reduce nitrogen waste and minimize environmental pollution. The research found that certain chemicals produced by the roots of these crops can significantly reduce nitrogen capture inefficiencies in soil microbes.
A new approach to discover key proteins necessary for biologics has been developed by Philip M. Kim at the University of Toronto, combining high-tech computer simulation and laboratory experiments.
Researchers discovered that lower-income children have less working memory capacity than their higher-income peers, affecting academic test scores. The study suggests a difference in how lower-income children tap into their working memory, which can be changed with training and better opportunities.
A University of Toronto study found that high ocean temperatures and uncoordinated treatment likely led to an outbreak of sea lice in BC salmon farms. The study revealed that the spread of sea lice to migrating juvenile wild salmon resulted in the highest numbers of sea lice observed on wild salmon in a decade.
Researchers have created an expandable, open-access database to study human cultural diversity. The D-PLACE database brings together information on over 1,400 societies, allowing users to search and analyze data on language, geography, culture, and environment.
A recent study by Avni Shah at the University of Toronto found that paying with cash increases feelings of connection and attachment to purchases, while credit cards may lead to a decrease in emotional attachment. This phenomenon is attributed to the 'pain of payment', which varies depending on the type of payment method used.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that upward changes in probability make events feel closer and more likely than downward changes. This phenomenon, known as psychological momentum, influences people's behavior and decision-making regarding uncertain events.
A new technique called targeted metabolomics predicts the development of type 2 diabetes in women with recent gestational diabetes with 83% accuracy, significantly better than conventional methods.
Archaeologists uncover evidence of domesticated rice in China, shedding new light on the history of human agricultural practices. The discovery suggests that rice domestication has been ongoing for much longer than previously thought, with characteristics consistent with japonica rice now cultivated in Japan and Korea.
A new study published by University of Toronto researchers found that childhood sexual abuse and physical abuse are associated with twice the odds of drug dependence. Chronic parental domestic violence exposure also remained significantly associated with both drug and alcohol dependence.
Researchers found that non-profit CEOs with higher 'warmth' scores tended to have lower total revenue and funding from private sources. In contrast, for-profit CEOs who appear more powerful are often associated with greater success in the corporate world.
A new lizard species, Anolis landestoyi, has been found in the Dominican Republic, revealing similar evolution on separate Caribbean islands. The discovery adds support to the concept of replicated adaptive radiation in anoles.
A recent University of Toronto study found that individuals with arthritis are more likely to attempt suicide compared to those without the condition. The study also identified childhood adversities such as parental domestic violence and sexual abuse as key risk factors for suicide attempts among adults with arthritis.
Research from University of Toronto and University of Aberdeen suggests ancient 'scars' in the Earth's crust may trigger earthquakes and mountain formation. The team proposes a new 'perennial plate tectonic map' to illustrate how past processes impact present-day geological activity.
Researchers found that approximately 39% of adults who experienced major depression can attain complete mental health, characterized by happiness, life satisfaction, and well-being. Social support was a key factor associated with this outcome, particularly having close relationships.
Researchers developed a new contrast agent to monitor stem cell treatments inside the body using MRI scans. The agent addresses technical challenges such as toxicity and accumulation in cells, offering improved resolution and sensitivity.
Researchers have developed a method called 'LIGR-Seq' to explore the functions of non-coding RNAs in human cells. The study revealed new roles for small nucleolar RNAs in regulating protein-coding mRNA stability and abundance.
A new University of Toronto study examines the effect of infant vocalizations on adult cognitive conflict processing and attention. The research found that infant cries reduce attention to tasks and trigger greater cognitive conflict than infant laughs.
A team of collaborators has developed a cell-free, paper-based diagnostic platform for detecting the Zika virus. The platform uses toehold sensors and isothermal RNA amplification to provide rapid, low-cost, and programmable diagnostics.
Researchers studied how tree crickets adjust their ears to match the changing frequency of their song with rising temperatures. By analyzing nerve cell reactions and ear vibrations, they found that tree cricket ears can adapt at a cellular level to recognize specific frequencies.
Researchers at the University of Toronto will investigate how environmental factors contribute to chronic conditions, with a focus on autoimmune disease, colorectal cancer, and respiratory diseases. The funding will help identify better ways to prevent and treat these diseases affecting millions of Canadians.
A team of researchers has developed a new technology that can stitch together DNA barcodes inside cells, allowing scientists to search amongst millions of protein pairs for protein interactions. This breakthrough increases the rate of discovery without increasing costs.