A U of T engineer has devised a method to control vibrations in robots assembling or repairing objects in outer space. By entering a 'corrected' equation into the system, scientists can reduce deformations and complete tasks more quickly.
A new study of ancient stone tools in Eritrea reveals that early humans harvested seafood in Africa around 125,000 years ago. The discovery suggests a widespread adaptive strategy in early human behavior that spread across the continent between 115,000 and 125,000 years ago.
Researchers from the University of Toronto and Texas A&M University suggest that a belt of open water near the equator may have supported life during the Snowball Earth era. This region could have provided refuge for early multi-celled animals, enabling them to survive and thrive in the face of extreme climate conditions.
A landmark survey reveals that 57% of Canadians with asthma do not have their illness adequately controlled. Many patients and physicians underestimate the severity of asthma, leading to poor control of symptoms.
A study of 290 pre- and 400 post-menopausal women found that sleep apnea is more prevalent and severe in the older group. The researchers suggest that lower levels of estrogen and progesterone during menopause may contribute to this disparity.
A study found that surgeons in Ontario have differing opinions on when to perform surgery on children with ear infections, citing varying factors. The researchers surveyed 17 clinical and social factors, but only six were agreed upon, highlighting the need for a revised approach to addressing this common Canadian procedure.
Researchers have localized a major susceptibility gene for schizophrenia on chromosome 1, according to a study published in Science. The study involved assessing 300 individuals from 22 Canadian families with a high incidence of schizophrenia over a 12-year period.
A recent University of Toronto study found that new immigrants to Canada are significantly worse off financially than earlier generations of newcomers. The study attributes this trend to the rising level of education in native-born Canadians, making it difficult for new immigrants to compete for jobs. As a result, the income gap betwee...
Research shows younger children focus on observing angry behavior, while older kids understand parents' internal goals and behaviors. Parents should adapt their approach to explain conflicts and resolutions to suit their child's age.
A University of Toronto study reveals that wealthier and more educated Canadians are 40% more likely to see a specialist, but do not receive more intensive care. Despite the disparity, 77% of Canadians report at least one primary care visit per year.
Researchers found that taking American ginseng before a meal reduced blood sugar levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The study's findings suggest that controlling after-meal blood sugar levels may be an important strategy in managing diabetes and preventing its onset.
A new study found that soy foods can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease without stimulating harmful hormone activity. The research involved two groups of people on low-fat diets with or without soy, revealing no evidence to support claims of estrogenic effects.
A study found that women are three times more likely to have severe arthritis but less likely to discuss joint replacement surgery with their doctors. Women experience worse symptoms and greater disability due to arthritis, yet they receive fewer replacements.
Researchers at the University of Toronto and CAMH have discovered a natural window for blocking dopamine receptors to treat schizophrenia without excessive side effects. This breakthrough allows for lower doses of antipsychotic medication, reducing negative symptoms and improving treatment outcomes.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered a crucial link between coxsackievirus B and heart failure, identifying the key gene p56Ick as the trigger for this deadly disease. The finding may lead to new treatment strategies and more targeted predictions of who is at risk of developing heart disease.
Researchers found a species of frog in Puerto Rico that develops directly from eggs into fully formed adults, retaining the need for thyroid hormone despite bypassing the tadpole phase. This discovery showcases a classic case of evolutionary change in development, where the species adapted to evade predators by losing the tadpole stage.
A University of Toronto study has shown that botox injections can effectively relieve headache pain, especially for patients with neck-related headaches. The treatment group experienced a substantial reduction in pain and improvement in range of motion after just four weeks.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that teasing young girls about their weight can lead to serious eating disorders, poor body image, and distorted eating patterns. The study involved approximately 100 girls in grades seven and eight from schools in Kitchener and Waterloo areas.
Glaucoma is now understood as a neurodegenerative disease affecting the entire visual system, including brain cells. Researchers found that forty percent of nerve cells in both eye and brain are destroyed by the disease.
Researchers have discovered retinal stem cells in adult mice, cows, and humans, which can proliferate and differentiate into new neurons when removed from the eye. The study suggests that these cells may be harnessed to regenerate and restore vision in damaged eyes.
The University of Toronto has discovered a new species of giant ground sloth, challenging the long-held assumption that mammals from South America were inferior to those in North America. The study suggests that these groups thrived for nearly two million years after migration across the Panamanian land bridge.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered a gene called Mgat5 that affects cancer growth. By knocking out this gene in mice, they found a significant reduction in breast and lung cancer growth, suggesting that sugar structures play a role in promoting tumor development.
Researchers found that two-thirds of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions were given to patients with negative throat cultures. Inaccurate diagnoses and lack of immediate diagnostic tools contribute to the problem. Experts blame current diagnostic methods and advocate for improved solutions.
Researcher Professor Heather Jackson spent 15 years studying marginalia in books to uncover insights into cultural and reading habits of the past. Her findings suggest that handwritten notes left in books can be a valuable source of historical information, providing unique perspectives on authors' intentions and readers' reactions.
A new study by the University of Toronto found that children who had a daily activity program in Grades 1 to 6 showed no advantages in aerobic fitness 20 years later. The study highlights the importance of developing lasting skills and attitudes in physical education programs.
A high fibre diet was found to lower PSA levels in men, suggesting a potential link between soluble fibre and reduced prostate cancer risk. The study also supported existing advice to eat more vegetable foods and less animal products in preventing prostate cancer.
Butterflies have developed ultrasound-sensitive ears on their wings to detect bat calls and exhibit evasive flight manoeuvres. The study found that rare nocturnal butterfly species in Panama possess this unique adaptation, protecting them from bat predators.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a cellular communication method in the brain that could lead to improved treatments for schizophrenia and addiction. The study demonstrated how proteins can modify each other's function, including the ability of neurons to accept or reject dopamine and other neurochemicals.
Researchers identify genetic abnormalities in microsatelite instability (MSI) and chromosomal instability (CSI) leading to varying tumor behaviors. Colorectal cancer patients with MSI form have a better chance of surviving longer, prompting potential changes in treatment strategies.
A study found that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is critical to embryonic development, increasing the risk of prenatal and postnatal death. The deficiency also increases the incidence of birth defects in fetuses exposed to oxidative stress.
University of Toronto researchers have successfully integrated organic molecules and inorganic materials at the molecular scale, creating a new class of composite materials. These hybrid materials have unique properties that could improve their hardness, thermal and electrical insulation, or light emission and magnetism, paving the way...
Researchers found that patients who undergo aggressive treatment, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, may have lower long-term medical expenses compared to those who only take medication. After two years, costs for medical strategies increased twice that observed for revascularization.
A study found that antidepressant use increased with age, particularly among women, suggesting improvements in detection and treatment of mental health disorders. Women were 70% more likely to use antidepressants than men, regardless of age.
A study of 700 street youth found that geographic mobility and high-risk behaviors contributed to the spread of HIV among young people. The majority of those infected were male, aged 23-25, with high levels of unprotected sex, prostitution, and intravenous drug use.
Researchers found that massive planets can trigger the formation of additional planets through violent processes, leading to a different-looking system. The study suggests an upper limit to planetary growth due to unstable conditions, raising questions about the possibility of habitable Earth-like planets in such environments.
A study found that 11 female ballet dancers had osteoarthritis in their ankle joints, highlighting the risks of early onset ballet. Researchers suggest that girls should wait until they're older to start dancing on pointe and professional ballerinas should rest more between performances.
A University of Toronto study found that teenagers who engage in binge eating are more likely to experience poor mental health and substance abuse, with purging behaviors increasing the risk of drug use. The research highlights the need for school-based programs targeting both eating disorders and substance use issues.
A recent study published in Spine highlights the importance of properly securing the trunk during ambulance transport to prevent further injuries. The research found that up to 25% of cervical spine injuries occur or are aggravated during emergency transport, with 40% resulting in neurological damage.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital and AMGEN identify the role of T cells in bone destruction characteristic of many inflammatory diseases. The study reveals that T cells produce a substance that triggers bone loss, leading to severe osteoporosis and joint damage.
The Ontario Student Drug Use Survey reveals a significant increase in youth smoking rates to 28% this year. Meanwhile, adult smoking rates have decreased, but cigarettes remain accessible and affordable for minors, a major concern.
Researchers found that learning decreases brain variability, leading to improved perception and performance. Practice enhances sensitivity to relevant information, allowing individuals to identify faces and patterns more accurately.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto have discovered that Alzheimer's disease proteins also play a crucial role in mammalian development. The study used mice lacking PS1 and PS2 genes to investigate their normal function, finding that these proteins are essential for brain development.
Women at high risk for ovarian cancer experience depression when concerned about passing the disease to their daughters. A study found that 33% of participants were depressed during initial assessments and 38% during follow-ups, with concern for daughters being a leading source of distress.
A recent study of Ontario family physicians and gynecologists found that over 98% of respondents prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent osteoporosis, with almost 90% citing coronary artery disease as a consideration. The most significant reasons not to prescribe HRT included breast cancer concerns and strong family his...
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that poorer neighbourhoods have higher mortality rates and reduced access to cardiovascular services after a heart attack. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted healthcare delivery and promotion to address these disparities.
John Moffat, a University of Toronto professor, proposes that the speed of light was not always constant but rather increased over time. This theory could help explain recent discoveries about the accelerating expansion of the universe and provide an answer to some cosmology problems.
Researchers discovered that higher brain centers act as training wheels for the lower brain by providing input to adapt to damaged sensory pathways. This feedback loop enables the lower brain to reorganize and form new neural pathways.
A University of Toronto study shows that nearly a third of young men in Ontario drink excessively, putting their health at risk. The study found that 30% of men under 45 and 25% overall exceed daily and weekly drinking guidelines.
A new study led by Dr. Don Redelmeier found that people overestimate the speed of vehicles in the next lane, leading to unnecessary lane changes. Staying in one's lane is safer and achieves similar travel times as more aggressive driving.
A 10-year study by Dr. Morton Beiser shows that Canada's boat people were able to effectively cope with stress by temporarily suspending relationships with past traumas, thriving despite flight and exile.