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University of Toronto


How a deadly fungus evades the immune system

A recent study published in Nature Communications has found that a little bit of sugar on the surface of fungal cells triggers the death of immune cells that would otherwise kill the fungus. This discovery could lead to a new therapeutic strategy for treating Candida albicans, one of the most common causes of bloodstream infections.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 2015

Sex and the single evening primrose

Researchers found that sexually reproducing species are healthier and less likely to accumulate deleterious mutations over time. The study used the evening primrose plant as a model, comparing 30 pairs of species with different reproductive methods, revealing strong support for the theory that sex is beneficial for health in plants.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 12, 2015

Liberal democracy is possible in Muslim-majority countries

A new study by University of Toronto researchers explores the relationship between Islam and liberal democracy in Muslim-majority countries. They found that while people in these countries are less tolerant on average than those in Western nations, socio-economic conditions and political regimes play a significant role.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie·DateAug 21, 2014

Despite a significant reduction in smog-producing toxins, the Greater Toronto Area still violates Canada's standards for ozone air pollution

A new study shows that the Greater Toronto Area has reduced some smog precursors by at least 20% since 2004, but still exceeds Canada's ozone standards due to high sunshine and calm winds. The research found that lower ozone levels between 2008 and 2011 were offset by a record-high summer ozone concentration in 2012.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 21, 2014

One in 25 middle school children binge drinking

A new study from the University of Toronto found that one in 25 middle school children in Canada binge drink, with those having three or more chronic conditions facing twice the risk. Youth with mood disorders are also three times as likely to binge drink, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalISRN Public Health·DateMay 8, 2014

Sleep disorder linked to brain disease

Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong link between rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder and neurodegenerative brain diseases. Up to 90% of people with RBD will develop a brain disease, making it an important warning sign for clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateApr 22, 2014