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University of Waterloo


Understanding fear of guilt key in better treating OCD

A new study at University of Waterloo found that fear of guilt evokes feelings of doubt in decision-making, leading to indecisiveness and repetition in OCD patients. The study's results suggest that addressing this specific factor could improve treatment outcomes for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders·DateMay 2, 2018

Vaccination apathy fueled by decades of misinformation

A study by University of Waterloo historians reveals that vaccine hesitancy, also known as immunization apathy, is rooted in social and political factors rather than bad parenting. The study shows how decades of misinformation and a lack of political priority on disease prevention contributed to the issue.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 9, 2018

Mandatory nutrition policies may impact sugar consumption

A University of Waterloo study found that mandatory nutrition policies in Ontario reduced sugar-sweetened beverage consumption by 16% compared to Alberta. The study suggests that schools alone may not be enough to curb adolescents' intake of sugary drinks, highlighting the need for broader environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 28, 2018

Muslims face high rates of discrimination in Canada

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that Muslims are the least liked group in Canada, with higher rates of discrimination than most other demographic groups. Residents of Quebec and those with conservative views hold more negative feelings towards Muslims.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie·DateMar 19, 2018

Large numbers of students skipping breakfast

A study from the University of Waterloo found that 39% of students in Alberta and Ontario eat breakfast fewer than three days a week, with 48.5% skipping breakfast nationwide. The study highlights the need for improved social awareness and economic support for breakfast programs to reach their full potential.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of School Health·DateMar 14, 2018

Obesity could be linked to early childhood behavior

A study by the University of Waterloo found that early childhood behaviors are strong predictors of adult obesity. The research team identified four clusters of risk: Inactive Screen-Users, Moderately Active Substance Users, and two groups with healthier behaviors. Public health efforts should focus on modifying these behaviors earlier...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2018

Eye exams linked to kids' reading levels

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that children with reading challenges may have lower than expected binocular vision test results, which could be compounding their academic difficulties. The study suggests that full eye examinations can be a valuable tool for identifying and addressing these issues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Optometry·DateFeb 15, 2018

Mixed-use developments may actually reduce housing affordability, social diversity

A study by the University of Waterloo found that mixed-use developments in Toronto neighbourhoods led to increased costs and reduced social diversity, disproportionately affecting low-income groups. The study suggests that good policy, such as inclusionary zoning and affordable housing trusts, is needed to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateFeb 5, 2018

Vaccines not protecting farmed fish from disease

A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that vaccines used by commercial fish farmers are not protecting fish from disease, with vaccinated fish showing more symptoms and higher death rates. The study highlights the need for veterinary pharmaceutical companies to redesign and test vaccines tailored to fish immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2018

Rapid cellphone charging getting closer to reality

Scientists at the University of Waterloo have created a new type of supercapacitor that can store significantly more electrical energy than existing devices. This breakthrough enables faster charging times for cellphones and laptops, and potentially replaces batteries in electric vehicles and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 25, 2017

Aging slows perception of falls

Seniors need twice as long as young adults to realize they are falling, increasing their risk for serious injury. The study's findings will help shape wearable fall prevention technology and aid clinicians in identifying at-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalGait & Posture·DateOct 11, 2017

An app for the perfect selfie

A smartphone app developed by computer scientists at the University of Waterloo uses an algorithm to direct users on camera positioning for optimal photos. The app, which has shown a 26% improvement in selfie quality, teaches users about composition principles and can be expanded to include additional factors.