Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Toronto


Future medical leaders have shorter futures, study says

A recent study by University of Toronto researchers found that doctors with leadership roles tend to have a shorter lifespan. The study compared the life expectancies of 1,521 doctors who graduated from U of T over the past century. On average, these leaders lived 50 years after graduation, whereas their peers lived for 52 years.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 9, 2003

Complementary medicine use high for prostate cancer

A study found that 29.8% of Ontario men diagnosed with prostate cancer used complementary medicine, highlighting the need for awareness and discussion among clinicians. The most commonly used products were natural health supplements like vitamin E, saw palmetto, and selenium, which may interact with conventional therapies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalUrology·DateDec 9, 2003

U of T team makes 'movie stars' of atoms

The U of T team has developed a technique to capture the atomic-level melting process of aluminum, revealing the solid's arrangement as it changes into a liquid. The researchers observed the transformation in real-time using laser and electron pulse technology, shedding light on the fundamental processes governing chemistry and biology.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2003

Men, women perceive Muslim world differently

A new study reveals that Western perceptions of the Muslim world vary greatly depending on gender. Women tend to perceive Islamic culture as sensual and attractive, while men often view it as uncivilized and barbaric. This disparity highlights a complex interplay between cultural stereotypes and media representation.

Old English Dictionary examines 'F' words

Researchers on the Old English Dictionary project found a heavy preponderance of 'for' compounds and the phrase 'to be on fire,' which originated in an Old English quotation. The study highlights the importance of understanding language as a conveyor of culture, revealing insights into social, political, and intellectual institutions.

Premature babies benefit from breast milk, study says

A study of premature infants found that human milk, fortified in-hospital, was comparable to nutrient-enriched formula for growth and development. The study tracked the progress of 463 premature infants under four pounds at birth, showing better visual acuity outcomes with human milk.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateOct 29, 2003

New hybrid material has potential use in microelectronics

Researchers have developed a new hybrid material with superior insulating properties, which could help address the performance limitations of smaller chip components. The material, called three-ring periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO), is a porous solid that combines organic and inorganic parts to create a stable molecular assembly.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateOct 9, 2003

Biological basis for creativity linked to mental illness

A study published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that creative individuals have low levels of latent inhibition, a process that filters out irrelevant information. This allows them to remain open to new possibilities, potentially leading to original thinking and creative accomplishment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 30, 2003

Popular Canadian writing born in US, says scholar

A study by Professor Nick Mount reveals how Canadian writers who emigrated to the US in the 19th century formed expatriate communities that helped promote and publish their work. These communities provided valuable networking opportunities, enabling many Canadians to achieve literary success and make a living from writing.

'Buckyball' material brings light into line

Researchers have developed a new material combining buckyballs with polyurethane to improve information processing in fibre-optic networks. The material interacts with light particles 10-100 times more strongly than previous C60-based materials, enabling faster and more efficient data transmission.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 12, 2003

U of T team maps halos around galaxies

The study provides strong support for the popular cold dark matter model of the universe, suggesting that galaxies are surrounded by massive, three-dimensional halos. The team measured the shapes of over 1.5 million distant galaxies using weak gravitational lensing, revealing that dark matter halos extend far beyond visible stars.

U of T scientists build a bridge for new bone

A team of University of Toronto researchers has created a biodegradable scaffold that accelerates bone healing rates by providing a building structure for bone growth. The scaffold, similar in structure to a dish sponge, eventually dissolves, eliminating the need for expensive chemicals called bone growth factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJun 16, 2003

Essential gene for male fertility found

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a gene, Fkbp6, essential for male fertility but not female fertility. The study shows that the gene plays a critical role in sperm cell development and chromosome pairing, highlighting potential new principles in how cells control the number of chromosomes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2003