A University of Toronto research team has isolated a gene that allows plants to grow in highly saline conditions. The gene encodes a transport protein called Na+/H+ antiport, which prevents sodium ions from harming the cell and draws water into the plant.
A University of Toronto researcher found that home births enable women to connect childbirth with their religious beliefs and family relationships. The study involved 45 American women from diverse backgrounds who valued having loved ones nearby during birth.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that 74% of adhesive tape specimens were colonized by pathogenic bacteria, which can contribute to serious diseases. Discarding the outer layer of tape significantly reduced bacterial growth, making it a simple way to reduce the risk of hospital infections.
A study by University of Toronto Professor Roy Shephard found that light physical training has the strongest protective effect on immunity in sedentary young adults. The research, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, suggests that low-volume exercises are optimal for improving immunity in this population.
Researchers at U of T used nonlinear dynamics techniques to predict seizures and identified a dynamic regime - type III intermittency - that takes place during seizures. This approach may improve techniques to control the brain's transition to seizure, offering new hope for patients with intractable epilepsy.
A University of Toronto study found the chance of needing a second operation following primary knee replacement surgery was between four and eight percent, half the rate expected by family doctors and rheumatologists. Younger patients with active lifestyles and those living in urban centers had slightly higher risks of follow-up surgery.
Researchers at U of T have created a new kind of luminescent silicon film that emits and transmits photons, a significant step forward in photonics. The discovery holds out the promise of new improved light-emitting diodes, optical interconnectors, displays, and chemical sensors.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong association between magnetic field exposures in residences and the risk of developing childhood leukemia. Children exposed to higher levels of magnetic fields were two to four times more likely to develop leukemia, with risks highest for those diagnosed before age six.
A study found that a significant number of infertile men have cystic fibrosis gene mutations undetected by routine screening. This raises concerns about the risk of passing on defective genes to future generations. The researchers suggest improving screening methods for men and testing women for gene mutations to mitigate this risk.
A University of Toronto study found that soy foods reduced levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and lowered total cholesterol, potentially explaining why heart disease is rare in East Asian countries with high soy consumption. The research suggests broadening dietary strategies to include more soluble fibre and soy protein foods.
Researchers may consider a new concept proposing the immune system responds only to foreign substances causing damage, rather than traditional views. This approach could lead to better understanding of hypersensitivity reactions and development of predictive tests for drug interactions.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong correlation between high weekend ozone levels and one degree Celsius higher temperatures. This challenges the assumption that ozone has a minor impact on greenhouse warming compared to carbon dioxide.
A team of researchers has determined that a gene on chromosome 12, previously suspected to be a strong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, cannot be replicated. Despite the initial findings, there is strong evidence for another genetic defect elsewhere on the chromosome that causes Alzheimer's disease.
A University of Toronto study found that female fashion models in magazine ads trigger negative emotions, including depression and hostility, immediately after viewing the ads. The research highlights the need for a cultural shift in how the female body is portrayed to reduce eating disorders.
A European beetle is expected to spread throughout Canada, posing a major threat to the forestry industry. The Introduced Pine Shoot Beetle has few natural enemies in Canada, making it a voracious insect that can feed on various pine species.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a 50-million-year-old association between an antibiotic-producing bacterium and fungus-growing ants. The study suggests that this symbiotic relationship may provide valuable new insights into the identification, production, and use of antibiotics.
A new study found that individuals with right anterior frontal damage struggle to appreciate written and verbal jokes and funny cartoons. Instead, they prefer silly slapstick humor, which is often illogical and absurd, such as The Three Stooges.
Recent research suggests that marijuana impairment does not increase driving accidents, but rather affects judgment. Drivers who consume marijuana slow down and drive more cautiously to compensate for their impairment.
Aging hamsters who received a new biological clock had their lifespan increased by 20%, proving the importance of circadian rhythms to health and longevity. Behavioural modifications, such as structured light-dark cycles, may achieve similar benefits in humans.
Patients with atrial septal defects can benefit from surgical closure earlier in life to prevent future symptoms, according to researchers. The study found that surgery between ages 16 and 80 can restore normal blood circulation and prevent arrhythmia.
Researchers have confirmed a genetic influence for Alzheimer's disease in families with high incidence of the disorder. The study identified a gene on chromosome 12 associated with an increased risk and susceptibility to late-onset Alzheimer's disease, offering new insights into the disease's causes.
A study published in Nature found that people with a genetic defect that reduces nicotine metabolism are less likely to become smokers and smoke fewer cigarettes. The defect is present in 20% of non-smokers, compared to 10% of smokers.
A synthetic detergent, nonylphenolethoxylate (NPE), commonly used in household cleansers, has been discovered to block a drug pump in cancer cells, reducing the need for chemotherapy drugs. The researchers found NPE present in human urine and suggest it could be a useful adjunct to standard treatments.
A research team has identified a critical weakness in the defence against aging and discovered that a specific cell type, the motor neuron, is the major target for oxidative damage. By inserting a human gene into fruit flies, researchers were able to boost their lifespan by 40%.
A University of Toronto study found that 35% of all homes and 20% with children and daily smokers were smoke-free in 1996. Despite this, only 50% of homes with daily smokers had no smoking rules, highlighting the need for parent education programs to reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
Researchers at U of T's Institute for Aerospace Studies have developed a smart structure on the Leslie Street bridge, lining columns with fibre-optic sensors and wrapping them with lightweight synthetic materials. The sensors precisely measure corrosion and hold the structure together, reducing road maintenance and closures.
A new software program, EXAKT, uses mathematical models to determine the optimal time to replace or repair equipment based on performance data and economic factors. This allows maintenance managers to combine risk assessment and economic considerations in making informed decisions.
Researchers at University of Toronto developed a more accurate glucose intolerance testing method, providing consistent results and reducing nausea. The new standardized test meal will help detect changes in blood sugar before signs of diabetes develop.
A new method developed at U of T directly dates individual grains of glaucony minerals, yielding ages scattered over millions of years. The study reveals variable sea levels and provides a way to follow their fluctuations, with applications in oil exploration industry.
Researchers at University of Toronto uncover how protein Src strengthens synaptic connections, enhancing memory and learning. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic pain and epilepsy.
A University of Toronto report suggests charging drivers for environmental damage caused by their cars can encourage sustainable transportation habits. The study found that combining increased prices with better urban planning led to the most significant changes in driving behavior and fuel emissions.
A year-long study predicts severe impacts of global warming on North American prairies, with water shortages and habitat loss threatening migratory birds. The changing climate could lead to further ecosystem upheavals, forcing native species out as nuisance plants move in.
Researchers developed a new approach to assess social determinants of health by examining issues like employment, housing, and education through the eyes of community residents. This approach gives a voice to those who are normally not heard, forcing experts to listen to their perspectives on quality of life.
Research suggests shrews can serve as an indicator of environmental health due to their high sensitivity to environmental change. In the Central African Republic, 16 species of shrews were found thriving in micro-territories, defying expectations for such limited habitats.
A study at the University of Toronto has discovered a biological basis for phantom sensations experienced by amputees. The researchers found that neurons in the brain that used to represent sensation in the lost limb remain functional and are now driven by stimulation of other body parts, usually the part closest to the amputated limb.
Numerical simulations by U of T physicists suggest sea-level changes exceeding 100 meters can occur, contradicting previous assumptions linking them to ocean floor elevation changes. The 'wobbling' of the Earth's rotation axis produces regional sea-level variations, requiring a reevaluation of long-term climate studies.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a strong association between financial conflicts of interest and authors' positions on the safety of calcium-channel blockers. Researchers analyzed 70 articles and found that supportive authors were more likely to have financial relationships with pharmaceutical manufacture...
Using heat-resistant microbes, researchers can treat waste air and water emissions at temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius. The new process eliminates the need for cooling, saving companies time and money while reducing environmental impact.
Researchers use numerical simulations to show connection between Earth's changing shape and gravitational effects of other bodies in the Solar System. The study reveals that changes in the Earth's axial tilt can produce large changes in climate.
Researchers have identified 80% of the genes active in the cardiovascular system, creating a comprehensive database that sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding complex diseases and developing new diagnostic tests and therapies.
A study projects a four-fold increase in hip fractures among Canadians aged 65 and older by 2041, highlighting the need for intervention to prevent this trend. The analysis attributes the rise to an aging population and emphasizes the importance of measures like exercise, diet, and hormone replacement therapy.
A new study found significant climatic change in the Arctic without human influence, contradicting previous assumptions. The research, led by Dr. Marianne Douglas, analyzed diatom assemblages in lake and pond sediments, revealing warming trends that began in the 1840s and ended the Little Ice Age.
A recent study found that women who perform specific components of Breast Self Examination (BSE) may have a reduced risk of dying from breast cancer. The three key components associated with this benefit are visually examining the breast, using finger pads to examine the breast, and using three middle fingers to examine the breast.
The number of women dying from breast cancer is decreasing due to earlier detection through mammography. Physicians play a key role in recommending and performing mammograms, with 93-94% of women complying with requests.
A new set of guidelines has been developed to assist physicians in dealing with wife abuse when the male and female partners are patients of the same physician. The guidelines prioritize autonomy, confidentiality, honesty, and quality care for both patients, while acknowledging that abused wives and their husbands have different needs.
Research suggests that women under 50 may experience false-negative mammogram results when screened during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. By scheduling mammograms during the first half of their cycle, the accuracy of breast cancer detection can be improved.