The new microrobots can load, transport and deliver cellular material with greater speed and less damage than traditional methods, opening up a wide range of applications in life sciences and beyond. They also enable precise control over cell behavior, which is crucial for regenerative medicine and neural repair.
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered a protein called HRI that can sense and respond to misfolded proteins in all mammalian cells. This finding opens promising research avenues for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and ALS.
A team of researchers has discovered a new way to target the unique metabolism of drug-resistant parasites, using a molecule called rhodoquinone. This approach could lead to the development of new drugs that selectively kill parasites without harming humans.
Researchers found a consistent cholesterol-lowering effect for soy protein across all 46 trials, contradicting the FDA's proposed revocation of its health claim. The study's findings support the original FDA claim and highlight the benefits of incorporating soy into a plant-based diet.
Researchers found KLF4 protein stability is critical for stem cells to specialize and become specific cell types. By preventing this breakdown, stem cells can differentiate into organs.
Adults with parents struggling with addiction, intimate partner violence, and mental illness are more than 30 times likely to be victims of childhood physical abuse. The study found a strong correlation between these risk factors and childhood abuse, highlighting the importance of screening for children in vulnerable homes.
A University of Toronto study reveals that individuals often repeat patterns with the same personality traits in their current and past partners, indicating a strong tendency to date similar types. This finding suggests that people may indeed have an innate 'type' when it comes to romantic relationships.
A new study from Professor Doug VanderLaan's lab found evidence for at least four different subgroups of men, each with distinct biomarkers associated with same-sex attractions. The study suggests that there are multiple and distinct pathways influencing male sexual orientation in men.
A new U of T study found that extroversion is linked to greater motivation, more frequent positive emotions, stronger communication skills, and better job performance. These advantages appear to have a cumulative effect on workplace success across the lifespan.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found dozens of genes unique to humans that code for transcription factors controlling gene activity. These genes recognize diverse DNA motifs, regulating different genes and potentially driving species differences between humans and chimps.
A new study found that social support was a significant factor in recovery from suicidal thoughts among Canadians with disabling chronic pain. Nearly two-thirds of those who had previously thought about suicide were free from suicidal thoughts, highlighting the importance of close relationships in remission.
A study from U of T Mississauga uses new techniques to reconstruct summer temperatures over the last 13,600 years, confirming current global warming trends. The research reveals that recent climate warming in the central Yukon region has surpassed the warmest temperatures experienced in the previous 13,600 years.
A study by the University of Toronto found that adults with migraines who experienced childhood physical or sexual abuse were more likely to attempt suicide. Approximately 8.7% of individuals with migraines had attempted suicide, compared to 2.3% without the disorder.
A University of Toronto study found that exposure to coffee-related cues can increase physiological arousal, leading to more alert and attentive thinking. The effect was stronger among Western cultures, suggesting a possible link between coffee consumption and arousal.
Researchers at U of T Mississauga have identified SOX2 as a key regulator of the biological clock, responsible for coordinating gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The study found that mice lacking the SOX2 gene displayed disrupted circadian rhythms and irregular sleep patterns.
Researchers say gene interactions are key to understanding disease risk and treatment response, but current methods lack statistical power to uncover multiple genes. Genome-wide association studies have identified thousands of mutations that contribute to disease, but environmental effects and genetic diversity complicate matters.
A new report by University of Toronto researchers evaluates Canada's largest food and beverage companies based on their policies and commitments to sell healthier products. While many companies are making meaningful efforts to reduce sodium, sugar, and saturated fat in products, there is significant variability among them.
Researchers at U of T discovered the human hippocampus is sensitive to time information on short timescales, helping bind together information about time when forming long-term memories. The study builds on a previous rodent study that found 'time cells' in the hippocampus.
Researchers developed a machine learning tool to classify children with arthritis into seven distinct groups based on joint patterns. This allowed them to predict which children will go into remission faster or develop more severe disease, enabling doctors to tailor treatment and spare patients unnecessary medication side effects.
A new study led by Brenda Andrews and Charles Boone uncovers the role of genetic background in shaping trait inheritance. By analyzing yeast strains, they identified modifier genes that affect gene function and predict biological outcomes from genome sequence alone.
Deforestation affects lizard populations differently in highlands compared to lowlands, with some highland species facing extinction due to the lack of suitable habitat. The study provides insights into the consequences of climate change and human land-use on biodiversity.
A nationally representative study found that two-thirds (69%) of Canadians who had ever attempted suicide were completely free of any suicidal thoughts in the past year. The study also identified that social support and effective mental health treatment played a critical role in recovery from suicidal ideation.
Scientists studied memory blocking in worms to understand how memories form and retrieve. They found that blocking is related to memory recall, not formation, and identified key cells and molecules involved.
The open-science model is being expanded to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. M4ND Pharma will pursue promising new genetic drug targets, sharing progress with the scientific community through regular online meetings.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that four crops (soybeans, wheat, rice, and corn) now dominate globally, with only 152 out of 153 main crops being grown. This trend has implications for regional food sovereignty, ecological resilience, and pest/disease management.
A new study led by Grant Brown suggests that at times of stress, DNA replication errors are far more frequent than previously appreciated. This could lead to increased mutations in human cells, potentially contributing to cancer and other diseases.
A team of scientists analyzed lunar craters and found a drastic change in asteroid impact rates around 290 million years ago. This period saw an increase in asteroid impacts, with the rate being 2.6 times higher than before.
A large international study has identified 124 genetic variants linked to risk tolerance, revealing biological mechanisms underlying willingness to take risks. The findings shed light on the shared genetic influences across various specific risky behaviors.
Archaeologists have discovered a mass of charred seeds in Brantford, Ontario, dating back to 900 B.C., identified as ancient quinoa native to Eastern North America. The finding sheds light on the cultural exchange and agricultural practices of Indigenous peoples in the region.
A large Canadian study found that having a confidant was crucial for achieving complete mental health after a stroke, while childhood maltreatment and chronic pain were significant predictors of poor well-being. The study identified over two-thirds of stroke survivors as being in optimal mental health.
Gut immune cells, specifically plasma cells producing Immunoglobulin A antibodies, migrate to the central nervous system and produce an anti-inflammatory effect during MS flare-ups. Increasing these cells blocks inflammation entirely in a preclinical model of the disease.
Researchers discovered that vibrating stamens, pollen-bearing organs of flowers, are a key trait for understanding early stages in the transition from insect to wind pollination. This finding helps explain why some flowering plant species have evolved to rely on wind instead of insects for pollination.
A large-scale meta-analysis found strong support for accurate self-reporting of personality traits, with most people rating themselves similarly to their peers. However, individual differences in self-enhancement and self-effacement were identified, with some people overestimating or underestimating their behavior.
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered that cell phone levels of toxic chemicals correlate with those on hands and in urine, suggesting handheld devices as time-integrated samplers for chemical exposure. The study highlights the need to reduce use of handheld devices, especially by children.
Researchers created a cannabis chromosome map, detailing gene arrangement on chromosomes, published in Genome Research. The study reveals ancient colonization by viruses, which influenced the production of THC and CBD, lesser-known cannabinoids.
A study of over 110,000 respondents found that morbid obesity was strongly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in never-smokers. In particular, among older women, those with morbid obesity had a higher prevalence of COPD compared to their normal-weight peers.
New research reveals that ligaments hold teeth in place, contradicting previous assumptions. Early dinosaurs like Changchunsaurus parvus had unique tooth replacement methods and wavy enamel.
Donnelly Centre researchers have identified a genetic network linked to autism, revealing a mechanism underlying alternative splicing events. The study reveals that microexons, small protein-coding gene segments, are disrupted in autism and could be targeted for therapeutic applications.
University of Toronto researchers found that higher levels of urinary fluoride during pregnancy are linked to more ADHD-like symptoms in school-age children. The study analyzed data from over 200 mother-child pairs and found a strong association between prenatal fluoride exposure and inattentive behaviors.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a way to select the outcome of chemical reactions by manipulating the 'impact parameter', a key factor in reaction dynamics. By directing reagent molecules towards targeted molecules with controlled accuracy, chemists can now control the products of chemical reactions.
Researchers developed a DNA-based test to predict which patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at risk of relapse. The test can identify treatment-resistant cancer cells three weeks after transplantation, allowing for earlier therapeutic intervention.
University of Toronto researchers have identified protein NUAK2, associated with poor disease prognosis in bladder cancer. Blocking NUAK2 slows down cancer cell growth and raises hopes for treating patients.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that two-thirds of current and three-quarters of former cancer patients aged 50+ are mentally flourishing. The researchers discovered that factors such as marital status, income, and childhood experiences can influence mental health outcomes.
A recent study published in Science suggests that global warming can alter ocean chemistry, threatening the future of many fish species. The researchers found that increased CO2 levels can lead to oxygen loss in oceans, allowing sulfate-eating bacteria to thrive and producing hydrogen sulfide, a broad-spectrum toxin.
Researchers found the portfolio diet reduces LDL cholesterol by 30%, as well as blood pressure, triglycerides, and inflammation, with a combined effect of 13% lower risk for coronary heart disease. The diet's four main components include nuts, plant protein, viscous soluble fibre, and plant sterols.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a mechanism that recreates vivid sensory experiences from memory using smell. The findings shed light on how sensory-rich memories are created and stored in our brains, and could explain why loss of smell is recognized as an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease.
A team of researchers has uncovered a new protein complex called Shieldin that plays a critical role in normal cell division and cancer treatment. The complex shields broken DNA ends and controls the type of DNA repair system used by cells, making it vulnerable to targeting by PARP inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapies.
Researchers found that the mountain beaver's ancestor had a larger relative brain size than modern-day mountain beavers. The study suggests that as the animal transitioned from living in trees to burrowing underground, its neocortex, responsible for sight, may have shrunk over time.
Researchers discovered a key molecular machinery driving DNA segregation in yeast cells, which may hold insights into human chromosome maintenance and cancer development. Cells lacking this machinery, RSC, exhibit abnormal DNA segregation and spontaneous chromosome duplication.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that vervet monkeys use heuristics to plan their routes when foraging for food, finding relatively short paths without much thought. This ability is similar to that of humans and highlights the cognitive abilities of these primates.