Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered that southern Africa was significantly wetter and housed a plant community unlike any other in the modern African savanna two million years ago. Human ancestors lived in environments other than open, arid grasslands during this time period.
Researchers uncover how different genes work together to keep cells alive, revealing surprising partnerships between genes with unrelated functions. The study provides a roadmap for understanding genetic interactions in complex cells and organisms, including humans.
A new study published in Journal of Applied Psychology found that moderate levels of workplace anxiety can facilitate and drive performance. Employees who can harness anxiety by focusing on tasks and regulating their behavior are more likely to experience improved performance.
The study found that sensory experiences impact the production of new brain cells and brain growth in zebrafish larvae. Researchers suggest that simulated physical movement could be used to combat abnormal neurogenesis and improve learning and cognition.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that a specific region of the hippocampus may play a key role in emotional regulation, including anxiety. The discovery challenges current thinking on how this part of the brain processes information.
Researchers have developed a new technology that can characterize gene expression at the level of individual cells in prostate cancer. The technique uses magnetic nanoparticles to trap and analyze circulating tumor cells, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of biomarkers associated with drug resistance.
A shift in western Arctic wind patterns occurred during the winter of 2017, with sea ice movement also changing. This anomaly is possible indicator of a changing climate, with potentially significant impacts on Arctic ecosystems and food webs.
Researchers at University of Toronto found that women with food insecurity are less able to sustain breastfeeding than those who are food-secure. By the age of two months, half of the food-insecure women had stopped breastfeeding exclusively, compared to most food-secure women who continued for four months or longer.
A study published in the journal Primates shows that while plants growing near the edges of cleared regions are negatively impacted by human activity, monkeys sharing the same habitat do not fare as poorly. The researchers found less diversity of tree species at the forest edge compared to the interior, and noted that these trees were ...
A new study found that larger hummingbirds are more fuel efficient than smaller species, thanks to their ability to increase mechanochemical efficiency. This allows them to conserve energy while maintaining hovering flight, which is a remarkable feat given the high metabolic rates required for this activity.
Researchers from the University of Toronto discovered that Captorhinus, a small reptile from the Early Permian period, could detach its tail to escape predators. The reptiles had naturally occurring cracks in their vertebrae that allowed them to break away and escape relatively unharmed.
A new technique developed by neuroscientists at the University of Toronto Scarborough can reconstruct images seen by test subjects based on electroencephalography (EEG) data. This method uses machine learning algorithms to digitally recreate images in the subject's mind, revealing fine-grained visual detail.
Researchers discovered that Arctic ponds can be hotspots for the degradation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), releasing more carbon into the atmosphere. The study found that these ponds have distinct chemical compositions compared to rivers, and rapid permafrost thaw is adding carbon to them.
Researchers at University of Toronto have developed technology for creating durable disease-fighting molecules that can last longer in the body, reducing frequent drug injections. Mirror-image versions of existing drugs, such as GLP1 and PTH, have been created using computational approach, showing longer-lasting effects on cells.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that plants with diverse root microbiomes are more resilient to drought, while those with similar microbial communities struggle. The research also found that recruiting specific bacteria can improve drought resistance.
A team of researchers has estimated the number of protein molecules in a simple cell for the first time, revealing around 42 million molecules. The study's findings provide insights into how cells control protein abundance and may help reveal molecular roots of disease.
Scientists have identified the world's first hybrid bird species in the Amazon rainforest, created by the mating of two distinct species. The golden-crowned manakin boasts unique yellow crown feathers and an intermediate keratin structure, setting it apart from its parental species.
Scientists have discovered a 508-million-year-old sea predator with a unique 'jackknife' head, shedding light on the evolution of spiders, scorpions, and horseshoe crabs. The fossil's anatomy reveals a complex apparatus of appendages and jaws that made it an efficient predator.
Research finds that male redback spiders benefit from mating with immature females, which appears to have no cost to female reproductive output or survival. This early mating may be advantageous for females, as delays in mating can lead to shorter lifespans and reduced offspring success.
Researchers have discovered two super-Earths around the red dwarf star K2-18, one of which could be a scaled-up version of our own planet. The newly found planet, K2-18c, is likely too hot to support life, but its companion, K2-18b, has potential for liquid surface water and might harbor conditions suitable for life.
Researchers at University of Toronto and Istanbul Technical University propose an 'active drip' model for the formation of the Central Anatolian Plateau, where the lower tectonic plate has dripped below Earth's surface. This process is linked to the planet's crust and upper mantle thickening and sinking into the lower mantle.
A study found that male ring-tailed lemurs' stink-flirting displays may influence females in choosing a mate and could be an alternative mating strategy, despite being met with aggression and potential physical harm.
A study by Haris Majeed and Professor G.W.K. Moore found a correlation between declining summer sunshine and rising Rickets cases among British children, with median incidences doubling between 1997 and 2011.
Researchers from University of Toronto and Georgian National Museum discover 8,000-year-old wine production in ancient Middle East, dating back to early Neolithic period. The discovery confirms the use of domesticated grapes (Vitis vinifera) for winemaking, pushing back the origin of practice by 600-1,000 years.
A recent study reveals that urbanization is driving evolutionary changes in various species, including mosquitoes, bedbugs, and rats, with potential consequences for human health. The researchers argue that cities are becoming a novel ecosystem, influencing the evolution of species that may, in turn, affect our lives.
A study by University of Toronto professors found that approximately half of the editors of influential medical journals received payments from the pharmaceutical and medical device industry in 2014. The authors believe that similar policies for journal editors should be implemented to address conflicts of interest.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that immigrant parents and refugees are more likely to experience mental health issues and socioeconomic challenges. Their children are also more likely to fall behind in learning before kindergarten, which can have long-term implications for their education and development.
A new study investigated the effects of domestic violence on workplaces by asking perpetrators, finding substantial negative effects on productivity and safety. The survey found that nearly half of respondents reported that violence issues negatively affected their job performance.
A study by researchers including Dr. Kang Lee and Miao K. Qian found that teaching 4-6 year old Chinese children to distinguish individual black faces using a touch-screen app significantly reduced their implicit anti-black bias, which lasted for at least two months.
A large-scale Canadian study found that nearly one percent of the population has elevated antibodies indicating celiac disease. Despite a strong genetic link to Caucasians, South Asian individuals were surprisingly affected by a specific genetic variant, suggesting other factors may play a role in who develops the disease.
Researchers gathered data from over 16,000 students and found no evidence that motivation decreased despite prolonged effort on a single task. Instead, motivation increased as new tasks were completed, suggesting that self-control may be stable throughout the day.
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered two genes in ants that regulate foraging behavior and impact protection provided to plants. Activating these genes increases ant aggression against herbivores, reducing damage to trees.
A team of paleontologists at the University of Toronto discovered that ancient amphibians had a vast array of tiny teeth, called denticles, on the roofs of their mouths. These toothy plates were ideal for holding onto prey and may have facilitated swallowing prey via eyeball retraction, similar to modern amphibians.
Two studies found that praising children's intelligence leads to increased dishonesty and cheating. The research suggests that 'smart' praise creates expectations and pressures children to perform well, leading them to cheat. The findings highlight the importance of using specific, behavior-based praise to promote positive outcomes.
Three scientists have closed loopholes in previous experiments, proving the nonlocal nature of quantum entanglement. This achievement opens doors to new technologies like super-secure communications and exponentially faster computing.
A study found that preschoolers shared more after listening to books with human characters, while those who read about human-like animal characters shared less. Children's altruistic giving was assessed before and after the reading, showing a significant difference in sharing behavior.
A 3,000-year-old female statue was discovered at the Tayinat archaeological site in Turkey, measuring over 1 meter long and 0.7 meters wide. The statue features intricate carvings and is believed to represent a prominent matriarchal figure, possibly Kubaba or Kupapiyas, wife of King Suppiluliuma.
A new method developed by an international research team uses yeast cells to speed up drug discovery by linking compounds to cellular processes they target. The study found that natural compounds derived from soil microbes hold promise as potential medicines against various diseases, including infections and cancer.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that hiring chief risk officers (CROs) actually increased risky behavior in US banks, leading to the 2008 financial crash. Banks with CROs were more likely to use high-risk derivatives, while safer options were used less.
Researchers found people can accurately determine social class from neutral faces with 53% accuracy, a level that exceeds random chance. Emotions mask life-long habits of expression on the face, which become visible as a person ages.
A new study found that women with learning disabilities had a lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts 16.6% compared to 3.3% for those without learning disabilities. Chronic parental domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse increased the risk of suicide attempts among men and women with learning disabilities.
Researchers found that rhodopsin accelerates visual performance in cold-water catfish at high altitudes, enabling survival. The study provides new insights into the evolution of complex biological processes and potential therapeutic targets for human disease.
Researchers discovered two fossils of Graecopithecus freybergi with fused premolar roots, characteristic of modern humans and early humans, indicating a European origin for the pre-human lineage. The study also suggests that environmental changes, such as the formation of the Sahara desert, drove the evolution of pre-humans.
Researchers developed custom-engineered protein destroying MERS virus in cultured human cells within 24 hours. Synthetic ubiquitin variants also target Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, showing promise for future anti-viral medicine.
The study found that Ormia's mechanically-coupled hearing system prevents it from using spatial release from masking, which improves signal detection in noisy environments. This limitation affects the fly's ability to navigate complex situations and may have implications for developing artificial sensors.
Astrophysicists discovered that the TRAPPIST-1 system remains stable due to a 'resonant chain' configuration, where planets' orbital periods form simple ratios. This harmonic stability explains why the system has survived for millions of years.
Adolescents who experienced physical or sexual abuse were more likely to engage in non-suicidal self-injury than their non-abused counterparts. Additionally, females with depression, ADHD, and mood disorders were at higher risk, while those with emotional support had lower rates of self-injury.
Researchers developed DeepLoc, a deep learning algorithm that can track proteins in cells faster and more accurately than human eyes or previous computer vision-based approaches. The algorithm recognizes patterns in cell images made by proteins and can process data from other labs.
Researchers have developed a novel NMR technique that can extract full metabolic profiles from living organisms, providing insights into disease diagnosis and biological processes. The technique has potential for non-invasive disease detection and understanding brain chemistry.
The discovery of Tokummia katalepsis sheds light on the evolution of mandibulates, a group including flies, ants, and crabs. The fossilized arthropod features can opener-like pincers and specialized claws, providing insights into its feeding behavior.