Using computer simulations, researchers found that linked and unlinked DNA loops can be identified by their touching points. This discovery has implications for designing new drugs to treat cancer and infectious diseases.
Research found that people from stigmatized groups experience increased anxiety and stress, depleting their self-control when faced with threats or prejudice. This interference affects academic performance, including note-taking, study habits, and test scores.
A U of T study found that a combination of viscous fibres, soy protein, almonds, and plant sterol margarine can significantly lower cholesterol levels. After 12 months, over 30% of participants successfully adhered to the diet and lowered their cholesterol by more than 20%.
A new study uses quantum decoy technique to encrypt data over fibre optic cable, increasing security. Photonic decoys change after eavesdropping, alerting receiving computer to potential tampering.
A recent study found that universities in the mid-1990s had a significant impact on Internet adoption, with low-income households seeing a 50% increase in adoption rates. This effect has been transferred to members of these households across generations.
A study by the University of Toronto found that morphine and a combination of morphine and tetracaine are effective in treating pain in newborns undergoing central line placements. The study also identified potential side effects of these medications.
A University of Toronto study has ruled out the theory that duck-billed dinosaurs' crests were linked to their sense of smell. The research, led by David Evans, found that the brain changed little from non-crested dinosaur ancestors, suggesting the crests may have been used for visual display or attracting mates.
Using genetic evidence from over 20 species of locusts, researchers found that ancestors of the African desert locust flew across the Atlantic, giving rise to diverse New World species. The study's findings suggest high-altitude winds were essential for the swarm's flight, with modern-day examples supporting this hypothesis.
Researchers from University of Toronto found that environmental cues, such as portion size, palatability, and social norms, dominate eating decisions rather than physical or nutritional needs. This 'zone of biological indifference' makes individuals vulnerable to socially-based influences, leading to overeating.
Researchers at University of Toronto have developed a new therapy using functional electrical stimulation to improve walking skills in patients with spinal cord injuries. After 12-18 weeks of treatment, the patients showed significant improvement and some were even able to stop using leg braces.
Microglia have been found to play a crucial role in neuropathic pain by releasing Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF). BDNF disrupts inhibition in the spinal cord, leading to abnormal pain signals. The discovery offers new hope for diagnostics and treatment of chronic pain.
Scientists found high levels of ozone at extreme altitudes in Tibet, forming a 'halo' that may put climbers at risk due to its medical effects. Ozone concentrations are higher than expected and could exacerbate hypoxia and respiratory issues.
The discovery of p63, a death-promoting protein for nerve cells, may lead to new treatments for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The research also highlights the need for further funding in neuroscience research.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that regular physical activity can lower melatonin levels, which may contribute to a reduced risk of breast cancer. The research, conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto, involved 213 female volunteers and monitored their melatonin levels over time.
A team of researchers discovered that dark energy behaves similarly to Einstein's cosmological constant with a precision of 10%, contradicting several theoretical predictions. The study uses innovative camera technology and observations from multiple telescopes worldwide.
A study published in Cancer Research reveals that patients with high levels of the protein BCA2 are less likely to experience breast cancer re-occurrence. Higher levels of BCA2 are associated with positive estrogen receptor status and increased disease-free survival for regional recurrence.
Researchers discovered a genetic duplication of 27 genes on chromosome 7, which affects language abilities. The study's findings provide insight into the cause of specific language impairment and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a key component blocking stem cell growth and developed a system to expand cord blood stem cells, potentially treating adult patients with leukemia. The discovery may lead to clinical trials within the next year.
The study provides evidence-based medical practices for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, enabling physicians to determine the type of arthritis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The guidelines highlight the need for individualized patient care due to the complexity of the disease.
A study published in Neuron identifies the pre-frontal cortex as the origin of fear memory, contradicting previous research that linked it to the hippocampus. The researchers found that NMDA receptors play a critical role in developing fear memory, and blocking these receptors can reduce fear response.
Researchers have identified Notch1 and Jagged1 as markers indicating a patient's probable prognosis for aggressive breast cancer. The study suggests that targeting the Notch signalling pathway may improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers have identified two distinct formation times for chondrules in the Gujba and Hammadah al Hamra meteorites, contradicting the linear process of solar system evolution. The discovery suggests that giant plumes of vapor produced by planetary collisions may have formed these chondrules much later than previously thought.
Researchers at Sunnybrook Hospital have developed a unique mouse model that enables scientists to study how breast cancer spreads. By analyzing the genetic makeup of tumour cells, they hope to predict which tumours will metastasize and develop new treatments.
Researchers at U of T have identified heme as the molecule that allows protein E75 to regulate metabolic processes such as metabolism and circadian rhythms. The study, published in Cell, sheds light on how people metabolize fat, regulate their bodies' clocks, and age.
The discovery of a 190 million-year-old Massospondylus embryo provides a rare glimpse into the life of an early dinosaur. The delicate bones of most dinosaur embryos were destroyed over time, but this well-preserved skeleton offers detailed anatomy insights into the earliest known dinosaur embryo.
A study published in Nature Genetics indicates that loss of one copy of Plk4 is a major risk factor for primary liver cancer, increasing likelihood by half when enzyme levels are reduced. The research provides insight into genetic predisposition to hepatoma and implications for screening and early detection.
A U of T study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that a single exposure to methamphetamine during pregnancy can cause long-term neurodevelopmental problems. The developing fetus is vulnerable to DNA damage from the drug due to its lack of enzymes protecting it against free radicals.
A study by Professor Sali Tagliamonte found that female adolescents tend to use words like, just, and so more frequently in their conversations as they get older. This language change occurs earlier than in males, with 15- and 16-year-old females using the word 'like' most frequently.
A U of T study identified barriers to future HIV vaccine acceptance, including concerns about power dynamics, affordability, and stigma. Researchers found that women viewed vaccination as empowering and a way to protect themselves and their children.
Researchers have discovered a key gene controlling how leaves close their surface pores, leading to improved understanding of plant responses to climate. This finding has significant implications for crop breeding and studying evolutionary responses to drought.
A new technique manipulates laser light to create decoy signals, distracting eavesdroppers and protecting secret messages. This development has immediate commercial applications, improving the security of fibre-optic communications.
A trial involving 731 patients found that treatment with erlotinib resulted in longer survival compared to a placebo, with patients on erlotinib surviving an average of 6.7 months versus 4.7 months. Erlotinib was also well-tolerated and improved physical function, quality of life, and symptoms.
A population-based case control study found that PSA screening of asymptomatic men significantly reduces the risk of metastatic prostate cancer. The researchers discovered a 35% protective effect, even among men not screened regularly.
Researchers found a significant decrease in nursing injuries with increased staffing levels, particularly in for-profit homes. The study's findings have implications for Canadian healthcare, highlighting the need for policy changes to prioritize quality care over profits.
A new study has developed an oral rinse test that can detect the presence of white blood cells in patients undergoing bone marrow transplants. The test was found to be effective in predicting which patients are at risk of infection during their recovery, with a difference of less than four days being an indicator of susceptibility.
Childhood sexual abuse survivors from families with rigid gender roles and poor communication often faced social isolation, making it difficult for them to disclose the abuse. Only 40% of participants disclosed during childhood, underscoring the need for professionals to cultivate skills to detect subtle cues.
Researchers have discovered a new enzyme family that plays a role in Alzheimer's disease, generating toxic molecules called amyloid-beta peptides. The study uses genetically-engineered mice to show that the toxic activity of this enzyme can be separated from its other benign activities.
A nationwide Canadian study found that 5.5% of surveyed Canadians are very afraid of visiting the dentist, leading to over 400,000 people missing annual appointments and 1.5 million cancelled or avoided appointments at some point in their lives. Increased use of general anesthesia or sedation may be a potential remedy for this issue.
A University of Toronto study found that upgrading to R2000 homes can save up to $818 a year in energy costs. Homeowners can generate an annual cash flow of $423 by increasing mortgage payments, making energy-efficient homes a financially attractive option.
A study by Carla Cesaroni found that 10-15% of incarcerated male youth experience stress in custody due to vulnerabilities and institutional factors. Institutions can play a critical role in fostering a pro-social environment and improving rehabilitation outcomes.
Biblical scholarship must move beyond 'reverential antiquarianism' to make meaningful connections with modern society. Professor Bradley McLean argues that classical and biblical studies are using outdated approaches, resulting in limited funding and public interest.
A new topical pain cream has been shown to decrease pain during IV cannulation and even facilitate the procedure, leading to improved outcomes for children. The study, conducted at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, found that 74% of children who received the cream successfully had their IV inserted on first attempt.
A new study published in the Journal of Trauma found that pregnant women are at a higher risk of injury during the summer months due to common activities. The study, led by Dr. Donald Redelmeier, looked at data from Canadian hospitals between 1994 and 2001 and found a 12% increase in trauma cases during the summer.
Dr. Andras Nagy at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto has developed Canada's first embryonic stem cell lines, which hold promise for regenerating damaged tissues and treating various diseases. The lines will be freely available to Canadian scientists to research potential treatments.
Researchers found that removing the spleen and suppressing related factors can prolong survival in mice with leukemia. The study suggests a potential treatment model for human hematological malignancies, but further research is needed.
A University of Toronto report assesses the overall performance of 11 psychiatric hospitals and 45 acute-care facilities in Ontario, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. The study identifies key areas for improvement, including patient participation, continuity of care, regional variation, and evidence-based care.
A study by Sick Kids and the Toronto District School Board found that replacing outdated equipment with safety standards resulted in a 49% reduction in injuries. This effective strategy demonstrates the importance of regular playground maintenance in preventing childhood injuries.
A study found that attempts to change anti-vaccine attitudes can lead to increased opposition, damaging physician-patient relationships. Researchers discovered that after presenting evidence-based information or hearing from a polio survivor, some participants became more opposed to vaccination.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a detection technique using DNA to pinpoint diseases and pathogens. The system, which involves a fluorescent dye attached to probe DNA, can detect target DNA sequences in a matter of seconds and is being seen as a potential game-changer for clinical care and environmental monitoring.
Researchers identified 18 genes that predict which patients will respond to Hepatitis C treatment, offering a potential simple blood test for early diagnosis. The study found that these genes are key to the body's ability to eliminate the virus.