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University of Toronto


Intermittent fasting may not be as safe as once believed

A new study found that intermittent fasting is associated with disordered eating behaviors, including binge-eating and compensatory behaviors like vomiting and compulsive exercise. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 adolescents and young adults and found that 47% of women, 38% of men, and 52% transgender or gender non-conforming i...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEating Behaviors·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Breast cancer survivorship doubles

A study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that breast cancer survivorship has doubled among Canadian women, with 2.1% of adult females diagnosed with breast cancer and 86% surviving by 2022. The prevalence varies by age group, with senior women having a higher rate of survival.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Revealed: oldest star clusters in the universe

A team of astronomers used the James Webb Telescope to identify five ancient globular clusters, potentially containing the first and oldest stars in the universe. The clusters were formed close to the Big Bang, offering insights into star formation and galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2022

Activity 'snacks’ following meals may help maintain muscle mass: University of Toronto Study

Researchers found that short bursts of activity after meals can improve the body's ability to use amino acids from food to build muscle proteins. Breaking up prolonged sedentary periods with brief activity 'snacks' may help maintain muscle mass and quality, according to a University of Toronto study.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2022

New study shows higher death toll among Puerto Ricans following Hurricane Maria than reported following 2017 disaster

A new University of Toronto study finds an additional 514 deaths should be added to the official Hurricane Maria death toll due to displaced Puerto Ricans in the US. The study suggests undercounting and highlights the need for equitable disaster preparedness and cross-jurisdiction data sharing.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

541-million-year-old 3D fossil algae reveal modern-looking ancestry of the plant kingdom

A new genus and species of algae called Protocodium sinense has been discovered in China, providing new insight into the early diversification of the plant kingdom. The fossils are remarkably modern-looking and suggest that green algae were already established in shallow waters as carbon dioxide recyclers and oxygen producers before th...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBMC Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

“Bulk and cut” dieting linked to symptoms of eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia

A recent study found that nearly half of men and one in five women engaged in 'bulk and cut' cycles, connected with a greater desire for muscularity. The study also linked this dietary method to symptoms of eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia among participants.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2022

Geoscientists confirm millions-year-old dripping of Earth’s lithosphere beneath Andes Mountains

A team of researchers has confirmed that regions in the central Andes Mountains were formed through a process called lithospheric dripping, where parts of the planet's outer shell sink into the mantle over millions of years. This discovery may have implications for other terrestrial planets with non-Earth-like plate tectonics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Hubble Space Telescope captures largest near-infrared image to find universe’s rarest galaxies

The Hubble Space Telescope has released the largest near-infrared image ever taken, allowing researchers to map star-forming regions and understand how the earliest galaxies originated. This high-resolution survey will enable the identification of rare objects such as massive galaxies, highly active black holes, and colliding galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 6, 2022

Two in five adults with ADHD are in excellent mental health

A new nationally representative study found that two in five adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were in excellent mental health. Being married, physically active, free from chronic pain, and having no history of depression or anxiety were associated with complete mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Positive Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022

Faces of dominance: why the faces of women and men are perceived differently by liberals and conservatives

A study found that liberals and conservatives read dominance signals differently in the faces of men and women, with conservative biases against women's faces. The researchers suggest that this perception may be rooted in evolutionary psychology and traditional social hierarchies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Researchers expand target range of CRISPR/Cas Systems

Scientists have developed a new approach to expand the target range of CRISPR/Cas systems, allowing for slight variations in target DNA while maintaining local specificity. This technology could help realize the potential of CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy and pathogen diagnosis, particularly for diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Road traffic isn’t just bad for the air — it could also be a major source of water pollution

A new study found that heavy traffic near roads is a significant contributor to water pollution, with contaminants from vehicle fluids, paints, and tires affecting nearby rivers. The study suggests that these pollutants come from road surfaces and are transported to watersheds through stormwater run-off.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022

Immigrants are twice as likely to fear being targets of stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

A new study from the University of Toronto reveals that immigrants are twice as likely to fear being targeted of stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada compared to Canadian-born residents. Additionally, migrants expressed greater health concerns related to vaccines and accessing healthcare during the early days of the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2022

High levels of hazardous chemicals found in Canadian nail salons

A University of Toronto study found high levels of hazardous chemicals in Canadian nail salons, with exposures up to 30 times higher than in homes and 10 times higher than in e-waste handling facilities. The study urges government and product manufacturers to make safer personal care products and safer spaces for workers and customers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Researchers reveal largest catalogue of gene activators

A team of researchers has identified over 250 gene activators in human cells, expanding our understanding of transcriptional regulation and its role in cancer. The study also reveals new insights into how proteins interact with each other to regulate gene expression, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Risk factors linked to anxiety disorders differ between men and women during the pandemic

A Canadian study found that the pandemic-related risk factors for anxiety differ between men and women, with 13.6% of Canadians experiencing clinically significant levels of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Men's high anxiety was linked to exposure to COVID-19 misinformation, while women's anxiety was tied to precarious employment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Performance enhancing substances linked to eating disorder symptoms

A recent study found that U.S. college students who use appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs and substances are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders. The study analyzed over 7,000 students and discovered a significant association between the use of protein supplements, creatine supplements, and diuretics or water pill...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2022

Study: Social connectedness essential for successful mental health interventions

Researchers found that successful mental health programs built on social connectedness, accountability, trust, and resilience can effectively address the needs of individuals with chronic health conditions. These elements are interconnected and crucial for developing effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 15, 2021