Black, South Asian, and Aboriginal immigrants are nearly four times more likely to have multiple pre-existing medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Multimorbidity gaps are particularly pronounced among older adults from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Researchers developed ProteinSolver, a graph neural network that can design fully new proteins to fit specific geometric shapes. By leveraging Sudoku constraints, the algorithm generates amino-acid sequences for functional protein structures.
Researchers identified 182 genes that regulate interaction between cancer and immune T cells, which could be harnessed for effective immunotherapy across different tumour types. The study also revealed the need for new therapy to account for genetic mutations in cancer cells that can make disease worse in response to treatment.
Researchers estimate 24-34 million metric tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems annually, with efforts needed to reduce 8 million tonnes. A transformation of the plastics economy is crucial, requiring 25-40% reduction in production, improved waste collection and management, and cleanup of 40% of emissions.
A study found that antibiotics can alter the diversity and abundance of microbes in breast milk, particularly those with potential to influence growth and disease in newborns. The research suggests that antibiotic stewardship programs should focus on mothers as well as newborns.
A new study reveals that US adults experiencing common symptoms of anxiety and depression are at a higher risk of delaying medical care. The research found that nearly a third of Americans surveyed did not receive necessary non-coronavirus medical care during the pandemic.
A new study found that young adults who used legal performance-enhancing substances were more likely to report problematic alcohol use and drinking-related risk behaviors seven years later. The study highlights the need for government oversight and regulation of these substances, which can lead to health problems and worsen mental health.
A new study found that adults who experienced parental intimate partner violence, mental illness, and substance dependence were more than 10 times more likely to have been victims of childhood sexual abuse. The study suggests that these parental problems can increase the risk of childhood sexual abuse by nearly tripling or even doublin...
Research reveals that lower-income families experience reduced memory and language abilities in children due to smaller anterior hippocampus development. The study also suggests that higher income thresholds beyond $75,000 may not provide additional cognitive benefits.
Researchers discovered an alternative splicing mechanism enabling parasites to thrive in the human gut's low oxygen environment. The unique enzyme variant allows for anaerobic metabolism, raising hopes for targeted treatments that are safe for humans.
A new University of Toronto study found that individuals with suboptimal mental health died on average 4.7 months earlier than those in excellent mental health. The study, which followed 12,424 adult Canadians from 1994 to 2011, also identified key factors associated with premature mortality.
Researchers found that RNA polymerase II enables ribosomal RNA gene expression, a key step in creating molecular complexes that produce proteins in all cells. The enzyme generates R-loops to shield these genes from disruptors produced by Pol I.
Researchers found that bacterial toxins bind unrelated human receptors, causing diarrhea and fatal toxic shock syndrome. The discovery reveals a mechanism by which pathogens evolve receptor preferences to infect different organs.
A study found that gene retention depends on functional and structural entanglement, which measures interdependency between gene structure and function. This suggests that some gene duplicates are retained due to the limitations of their protein products.
A new study found that consuming more vegetables and fruits, as well as nuts and pulses, is associated with higher verbal fluency scores. Adults who were immigrants for 20 years or more had better cognitive functioning, while those with stage 2 hypertension, obesity, or high body fat had lower scores.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that halogenated flame retardants from old TVs can be transferred to hands, cell phones, and indoor air, posing a health risk. Frequent handwashing is essential to reduce exposure to these toxic chemicals.
A new study found that cancer cells adapt by gobbling up fat molecules from their environment when they can't make their own, potentially rendering treatments ineffective. The research identified a new gene, LUR1, involved in lipid uptake and suggests targeting this process could lead to more effective cancer treatments.
A new blood test can identify women at risk of developing type 2 diabetes up to 10 years after delivery, allowing for potential interventions such as diet and exercise. The test uses metabolic markers that are present in the blood of women who have had gestational diabetes.
A study published in Advances in Preventive Medicine found that Canadians with a history of cannabis dependence are more likely to have some form of mental illness or substance dependence. Social support and being older were also associated with better mental health outcomes.
A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has delayed the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice by preventing neuron degeneration. The result, combined with other clinical advances, holds promise for a potential treatment for ALS in humans.
The Human Reference Interactome (HuRI) map charts 52,569 interactions between 8,275 human proteins, providing insights into protein function and disease mechanisms. The data reveal new cellular roles for human proteins and molecular mechanisms behind diseases like cancer and COVID-19.
Researchers have created a new tool called CHyMErA that enables simultaneous editing of multiple genes and genomic fragments in the same cell. The method uses a combination of Cas9 and Cas12a enzymes to systematically target DNA at multiple positions, allowing for comprehensive analysis of gene cooperation and function.
A study found that uninsured older adults in China are 35% less likely to receive needed inpatient care due to financial barriers. They also experience poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of perceived illness and mental distress.
Adults with low fruit and vegetable consumption have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Body fat levels are also significantly linked, with total body fat increasing by 70% or more elevating the risk.
Researchers have identified two leukemia drugs that could be used to treat lung cancer patients with triple mutant EGFR, a type of non-small cell lung cancer. The drugs, gilteritinib and midostaurin, were found using a new live cell-based method developed by the University of Toronto team.
Researchers identified a blueprint for plant immunity against rapidly evolving disease-causing pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They found that nearly all strains of certain crops carry immune-eliciting effectors, which can be recognized by plant immune receptors.
A study found that malnourishment is linked to psychological distress among Canadians aged 45 years and older, with indicators including low fruit and vegetable intake and higher chocolate consumption. Chronic pain, multiple health problems, poverty, and immigrant status were also strongly associated with psychological distress.
A new online version of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has been developed to help treat lingering depressive symptoms and prevent their return. The digital program, called Mindful Mood Balance (MMB), combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive therapy to teach patients adaptive ways of regulating emotions.
A recent study found a strong association between the incarceration of a family member during childhood and an increased risk of developing diabetes in men. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto and University of Alabama, analyzed data from over 40,000 adults and found that men who experienced childhood inc...
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a complex system of filaments and liquid droplet dynamics that enables the repair of damaged DNA in cell nuclei. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about DNA damage and highlights the value of cross-disciplinary research.
Researchers identified a tiny gene fragment impacting brain development and information processing in individuals with autism. The finding may lead to new treatments by targeting a specific microexon that contributes to social behavior and learning deficits.
A recent study found that older refugees in Canada have significantly higher rates of depression, even decades after arrival. The research highlights the importance of social support for refugee mental health, with those lacking strong relationships experiencing higher levels of distress.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has confirmed the presence of a specialized sheep-hunting camp in prehistoric Lebanon, dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A period. The site, located in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, shows that sheep were the primary game hunted by its temporary inhabitants.
A new University of Toronto study reveals that seven in ten Canadians with a history of generalized anxiety disorder are free from the condition, with 40% achieving excellent mental health. Social support and spiritual coping also play significant roles in recovery.
A brief disruption to a molecular pathway in mice before birth compromises adult immunity to rotavirus, preventing antibody responses and interfering with gut cells that support antibody production.
A new hypothesis identifies a common link between schizophrenia and pellagra, suggesting that some people with psychosis in poorer nations may have a vitamin B3 deficiency. This could lead to better diagnosis, treatment, and potential cure of psychosis through niacin supplementation.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered the brain cells responsible for nicotine aversion in mice, paving the way for new treatments to help smokers quit. The study found that dopamine neurons signal reward and GABA neurons signal aversion in the ventral tegmental area.
A study by the University of Toronto found that two-thirds of Indigenous people living off reserve in Canada have excellent mental health. Social support and having a post-secondary degree were significant factors contributing to this positive outcome.
A new study found that two-thirds of adult childhood sexual abuse survivors met the criteria for complete mental health, highlighting factors associated with resilience and flourishing. Social isolation, chronic pain, and a history of substance dependence or depression are impediments to recovery.
A new study found that depression is linked to nutrition in middle-aged and older Canadians, with lower intakes of fruits and vegetables being a risk factor. The study also found that immigrant women were more likely to experience depression than Canadian-born women.
A recent yeast study found that combining gene deletions can lead to increased drug sensitivity, while some combinations result in hyper-resistance. Researchers used a model system to demonstrate the impact of perturbing many different gene combinations.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that new organophosphate flame retardants have been associated with lower IQ in children and reproductive problems. These chemicals are also being carried by wind and water far from their origin, polluting areas worldwide.
Researchers analyzed Toronto resident Vivian White's diary entries from 1985 to 2016, finding a significant relationship between language changes and cognitive decline. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 84, White included the first-person pronoun 'I' consistently in her writing.
Researchers identified two mechanisms driving herbicide-resistant weed emergence in Ontario: pollen and seed dispersal via wind and water, and spontaneous genetic mutations. This study highlights the need for integrated management approaches to minimize gene flow and resistances, including thorough equipment cleaning and crop rotation.
Researchers use CRISPR gene editing and MICS to identify genes that can be targeted by drugs in cancer and regenerative medicine, revealing promising targets for cancer treatment. The technology also enables faster harvesting of desired cell types for therapy.
Researchers found a significant decline in top predatory fish populations in Lake Simcoe from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s due to commercial fishing. However, once recreational fishing increased, the number of top predators began to recover, suggesting resilience in the system.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that metformin promotes brain repair and improves cognitive function in adult female mice, but has no effect on males. The drug works through a sex hormone called estradiol, which enhances neural stem cells' ability to respond to treatment.
A new study found that Japanese-American adults with a normal body mass index have a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. The study revealed that younger respondents, never smokers, and those with higher education levels were less likely to have diabetes.
A new study finds that male black widow spiders will hijack the silk trails left by rival males in search of a potential mate. The researchers discovered that males can locate females from up to 60 meters away and move at higher speeds when following rival's silk trails.
A new Canadian study found that food insecurity and lack of a high school degree are significant impediments to recovery from suicidal ideation. Conversely, individuals with social support, knowledge of their ancestral language, and education were less likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year.