A team of physicians at the University of Toronto successfully treated a pediatric patient with an autoimmune disease using a cell-free hemoglobin solution. This alternative provides oxygen-carrying capacity similar to blood cells, making it a viable option for children and Jehovah's Witnesses.
A recent study by Jennifer Berdahl and Cameron Anderson found that supervisors with more power can influence team decisions more than their subordinates. The researchers discovered that this can lead to subordinates underestimating their supervisors' approval and overestimating their anger, resulting in poorer decision-making.
Researchers found that scientists tend to accept research from reputable organizations without requiring supporting data. The 'Exxon factor' phenomenon shows how company reputation and large-scale facilities can carry weight over empirical evidence.
Researchers have discovered a new drug that can prevent brain damage caused by strokes in the majority of patients. The drug, developed by University of Toronto researchers, works by blocking negative NMDA receptor stimulation, making it a potential practical stroke therapy.
Researchers have discovered a new way to prevent cell death in the brain, which could lead to treatments for stroke, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. By enhancing the interaction between two proteins, they may be able to design medications that target specific brain functions.
A Canadian study found a 353% increase in antidepressant prescriptions from 3.2 million to 14.5 million between 1981 and 2000, outpacing the country's population growth. The study suggests increased awareness and better understanding of depression may be contributing factors, but the underlying cause remains unclear.
A study by Aysan Sev'er explores the experiences of 39 women who escaped abusive relationships, revealing key findings about resilience, support networks, and the importance of self-respect. The book provides a model for coping strategies that can help survivors rebuild their lives.
A geologist's study suggests that melting ocean crust under volcanoes can create rich mineral deposits, such as gold and copper. The research provides new insights into the formation of these deposits, which could help identify regions with high potential for mining.
A University of Toronto study reveals that women who undergo prophylactic bilateral mastectomy significantly overestimate their breast cancer risk, except for those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The study suggests that formal genetic counselling is essential for women considering the procedure to make an informed decision.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has identified a protein and developed a prototype vaccine that shows promise in treating Sjögren syndrome. The vaccine was able to stop disease progression even after the condition had fully developed.
A University of Toronto professor has identified a key protein in the fight against plant disease, which could lead to genetically engineered crops resistant to various diseases. The discovery was made using a mutant strain of weed that lacks this protein, revealing its role in triggering systemic acquired resistance.
A team of researchers, led by Josef Penninger, found that the PTEN and PI3K alpha and gamma proteins work together to regulate heart size. They also discovered that when these proteins are shut down, large hearts can pump more efficiently than normal-sized hearts.
Researchers have filled in gaps in the 250 surviving troubadour melodies with various interpretations. Professor John Haines says different influences, such as Arabic-style melodies and waltz-like rhythms, have shaped these songs over time.
A study published in JAMA found that continuous care from nurses did not significantly reduce caesarean delivery rates. However, the majority of women preferred this type of care, highlighting the need for widespread changes to hospital practices and caregivers' attitudes.
A researcher has reviewed over 350 clinical studies to find evidence-based therapies for stroke prevention, highlighting the underutilization of anti-coagulation therapy in high-risk patients. The study aims to make this evidence accessible to clinicians to improve healthcare outcomes.
A Toronto-based researcher has developed a system that uses acoustic signals to locate and orient devices, mimicking the navigation abilities of blind people. The technology could lead to improved communication devices such as cell phones or hand-held computers within five to ten years.
A study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that ad repetition can be confusing for consumers. Students who were mentally engaged with ads performed better at matching product names and slogans than those who were not, suggesting a positive effect of mental engagement on memory.
Researchers studied Candida albicans in the presence of fluconazole and found changes in hundreds of genes. The altered genes displayed three distinct patterns that can be targeted with companion drugs, delaying or preventing drug resistance.
A large-scale study involving 50,000 Canadian women in their 40s found that annual mammography screenings did not reduce breast cancer deaths, but increased cancer detection rates. The study's results, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, challenge the long-held assumption that mammography screening saves lives.
Newborn infants exhibit increased pain response after repeated painful procedures, learning to anticipate pain. The study supports efforts to decrease pain in infants undergoing medical procedures.
Dr. Laura Hawryluck argues that administering neuromuscular blockers can blur the lines between palliative and euthanasia care. She suggests that physicians should prepare family members for the reality of a dying patient's breathing and bodily reactions.
Researchers have developed a new technique to improve earthquake resistance in highway structures using epoxy and flexible materials like glass or carbon fibres. This method can strengthen concrete structures up to five times and extends their lifespan, providing crucial seconds for evacuation during earthquakes.
Researchers suggest that the concept of teenagers emerged between the 13th and 17th centuries in western Europe. Young people in this age group engaged in various activities such as sports, education, and work, but also faced societal pressures like marriage and violence.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that brain music reduced anxiety and improved sleep in subjects with insomnia lasting at least two years. The customized music created specific brain wave patterns, leading to more pronounced effects than placebo music.
Researchers have discovered a new drug combination that outperforms existing treatments in patients with no prior treatment. The lopinavir-ritonavir combination demonstrates superior virus inhibition and reduces the risk of resistance, offering a more convenient regimen for patients.
A recent study published in Child Development found that public schools should not be required to teach religious or character values. Older children and adults believed these values should be taught at the discretion of individual teachers and schools, rather than being mandated by law. In contrast, younger children were more likely t...
Photonic crystals, which can act as tiny optical components for managing photons, may enable the development of miniaturized optical components and circuits. The new technique could accelerate computing to the speed of light by reducing the size of optical components.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that black students believe teachers treat them worse than other racial groups and are more likely to be suspended from school. These perceptions can lead to a negative attitude towards education and the pursuit of conventional occupations in Canadian society.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a protein called SSPase that plays a critical role in regulating natural killer cells, which attack foreign or mutated cells. The discovery provides insights into how the immune system works and how viruses and cancer try to evade it.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that balancing ACE 1 and 2 genes leads to healthy hearts in mice models. The study sheds light on the complex relationship between ACE 1 by-products and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that predisposes children to the most common type of pediatric brain tumor, medulloblastoma. This discovery could lead to new treatment options and improve survival rates. The study also found that the same signaling pathways affected in medulloblastomas are disrupted in other cancers.
Researchers discovered unique genetic differences between lung cancer patients that correlated with cancer relapse rates. A 22-gene cluster was identified as a key predictor of treatment outcome, providing unprecedented insight into individual lung tumors.
Research by Professor Malcolm Koo found that higher dietary fibre intake is associated with a later onset of menstruation in girls. Girls consuming over 25g of fibre per day had approximately half the risk of early menarche compared to those with less than 18g of fibre daily.
A new bioreactor-based technique has improved stem cell cultivation, allowing for large-scale production and higher efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
A recent University of Toronto study examines the probability of male homosexuality based on fraternal birth order. The researchers found that 15% of gay men in the sample could be attributed to the fraternal birth order effect.
A study of children's friendships in Ontario schools found that kids with learning disabilities befriended each other more often than those without. However, these friendships were often one-sided, with the child with a learning disability feeling closer to their non-learning-disabled peers.
A recent study by University of Toronto professor Cecilia Reynolds found that women are underrepresented in school leadership positions and often face limited opportunities for advancement. Women who do become principals are frequently assigned to challenging schools, perpetuating gender imbalances in the education system.
A preliminary study at the University of Toronto found that green roofs were better at protecting roof membranes from extreme temperatures than conventional roofs. Green roofs also reduced storm water run-off and kept summer temperatures inside structures lower due to vegetation cooling effect.
A new oral medication, valganciclovir, has been shown to be as effective as traditional intravenous treatment for CMV retinitis in AIDS patients. The pill form reduces the need for permanent catheters and improves patient convenience.
Researchers have identified a specific DNA flanking region that triggers genetic instability in trinucleotide repeat disorders. This finding opens up new therapeutic targets for treating or preventing these diseases, which affect the nervous system and cause conditions such as muscular dystrophy and Fragile X syndrome.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital's Ontario Cancer Institute have identified the IRAK-4 gene as a key regulator of the immune response. Deleting this gene from test mice effectively tamed their inflammatory response and prevented septic shock, highlighting its potential as a target for future treatment.
A University of Toronto geochemist has found evidence of abiogenic gases in underground mines, matching hydrocarbons formed from non-life-based reactions. The discovery raises the possibility that life on Earth could be sustained by these gases, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of complex life.
A new study found that amiodarone is the most effective anti-arrhythmic drug for treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with almost twice as many patients surviving compared to lidocaine. The ALIVE trial provides clear guidelines for emergency responders and hospital staff on the best treatment option.
A new optical laser sensor will reduce energy consumption by up to 30% and greenhouse gas emissions in the steel industry. The sensor, developed at the University of Toronto, measures thermal and chemical energy losses and adjusts parameters to lower energy consumption.
A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a method to precisely control the placement and ordering of photonic crystals on surfaces, paving the way for the creation of photonic microchips. This breakthrough could enable faster data transfer rates in optical communications systems.
A study by the University of Toronto found that patients' knowledge and behavior improve with baccalaureate-educated home care nurses. The research analyzed factors influencing the cost and quality of home care services, revealing a correlation between nurse education and client progress.
A University of Toronto study finds that immigrants receive on average half to two-thirds less in earnings for their educational and work experience than native-born Canadians. To address this issue, a better 'mutual orientation' between immigrants and employers is needed, says Professor Jeffrey Reitz.
A University of Toronto researcher discovered that embryonic motor systems are largely intrinsic to central nervous systems, with rhythmic movements developing even when deprived of sensory input. This suggests that these movements are coded in the intrinsic properties of neurons, sufficient to drive coordinated movement.
A University of Toronto geneticist has discovered a process to clarify the relationship between bacterial pathogens and their plant hosts. By developing a functional screen, Professor David Guttman identified more type III effectors in plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae than in any other animal or plant pathogen.
Scientists have discovered two significant fossil finds in Europe, shedding light on the early evolution of humans. The oldest relative of all living great apes was found in Germany, while a nearly complete skull of Dryopithecus was uncovered in Hungary.