Researchers discovered that HIV embeds itself in unique DNA patterns across various tissues, including brain, blood, and digestive tract, explaining its ability to persist for decades. This knowledge can help identify targeted therapeutic approaches to eliminate infected cells or 'silence' the virus.
A new tiny prehistoric fish species, Acronichthys maccognoi, has been discovered in Alberta, Canada. The fossil provides critical data to understand the origin and evolution of otophysans, a supergroup that includes catfish, carp, and tetras.
A recent study by Western University researchers shows that wolves fully fear humans, even in protected areas, and avoid us to minimize risk. The findings verify the reason for this behavior is humanity's lethal impact on wildlife, particularly large carnivores.
Researchers developed a new computer modelling method that adheres to a cricket's physical characteristics, predicting precise vibration patterns and song frequency. The study used preserved specimens and wetting the wing with water to recover correct frequencies, providing a more reliable way of reconstructing cricket acoustic function.
A new study published in Science Advances uses machine learning to re-examine historical earthquake data from the Yellowstone caldera over a 15-year period. The team detected and assigned magnitudes to approximately 86,276 earthquakes, significantly improving previous understanding of volcanic and seismic systems.
A recent study by Western University neuroscientists found that nostalgic songs elicited a higher desire to dance than familiar songs, with popular hits from the late 2000s scoring high for both familiarity and nostalgia. The researchers used a controlled online experiment to test participants' responses to different types of music.
A Canadian researcher, Bogumil Karas, has been awarded $1.5M funding from ARIA to create genomes from scratch in plants. His team aims to develop crops that are more nutrient-dense, resilient, and longer-lasting by transferring genomes into crops.
A new study by Western University found that passive scrolling is associated with heightened anxiety, depression, aggression, and impulsiveness in adolescents. Exceeding two hours of weekday screen time doubled the odds of clinically elevated anxiety, quadrupling emotional and behavioral difficulties.
A new clinical trial will test the effectiveness of two anti-inflammatory medicines as potential treatments for long COVID. The trial, funded by the Schmidt Initiative for Long Covid, will enroll hundreds of people across four continents and examine whether upadacitinib and pirfenidone can reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Researchers found individuals with cannabis use disorder exhibit increased dopamine levels in the brain, a key factor in psychosis. This study suggests that regular cannabis use is linked to signs of increased dopamine activity.
A new study found that oxytocin treatment can improve apathy symptoms in patients with frontotemporal dementia. The trial, conducted across 11 sites in Canada and the US, showed a significant improvement in apathy levels when patients received oxytocin compared to placebo.
A new study has identified two biomarkers, corticomotor excitability and peak alpha frequency, that can accurately distinguish high- and low-pain sensitive individuals. This finding has the potential to transform the way chronic pain is understood and managed, allowing for more effective treatment strategies.
A study on mountain chickadees reveals that enhanced spatial learning and memory abilities are linked to longer lifespan. Birds with better cognitive skills can successfully retrieve cached food, allowing them to survive harsh environments and climate change.
A recent study found that vaccination can reduce cognitive symptoms, including memory loss, after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Researchers identified IL-1β as a potential mechanism driving cognitive impairment and showed that prior vaccination reduced inflammation and lowered levels of this cytokine protein.
A new Australian study proves kangaroos and wallabies fear humans more than dogs, devils or wolves, with a 2.4 times higher likelihood of fleeing in response to human voices.
A team of Western University researchers has discovered a potential path toward a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by targeting an interaction between two proteins. The breakthrough, fueled by the Temerty Foundation's $10-million investment, could lead to treatment in human clinical trials within five years.
Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial that expands by 40% when stretched in one direction, breaking the previous record. The material, made of tungsten semi-carbide, uses plasma physics to create single atom layers and has potential applications in strain gauges, sensors, and wearable technology.
Researchers have found an effective and affordable targeted treatment strategy for an HIV cure, using a virus-like particle that can 'shock and kill' latent HIV reservoirs. The study demonstrates the therapy is 100 times more effective than other candidate HIV cure therapeutics.
A new study shows that placental oxygen levels are a crucial predictor of cortical growth and childhood cognition and behavior. The study used MRI imaging to demonstrate the connection between placental health and fetal brain health.
A Western University postdoctoral fellow's discovery of apatite in early lunar crust reveals a volatile-rich surface from 4.5 billion years ago. This finding challenges previous understanding and offers exciting new evidence for the Moon's early history.
Research reveals crickets and other calling animals utilize the ground for acoustic efficiency gains. The study challenges traditional theories that the ground impedes animal communication.
A new study reveals female sex hormones play a crucial role in how Alzheimer's manifests in the brain, with estradiol contributing to variation in beta-amyloid protein regulation. This understanding is necessary for developing targeted therapies.
Researchers propose a new classification of atrial fibrillation detected after a stroke, which exhibits distinct characteristics and lower risk factors. This discovery could enable more targeted and effective treatment strategies for stroke patients.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that animals in the South African savanna exhibit a widespread fear of humans, with some species fearing them more than their natural predators. The study suggests that this phenomenon is not unique to Africa and may be a global issue affecting various animal populations.
A breakthrough discovery identifies cis P-tau as a central circulating driver of preeclampsia. The antibody targets this toxic protein, correcting features associated with the condition and eliminating symptoms in mouse models.
Researchers at Western University developed a method to predict ICU patient survival rates after severe brain injury using fMRI and machine learning. They found an accuracy of 80%, surpassing current standards.
Researchers at Western University have discovered a potential 'super molecule' called 5-OP-RU that can enhance the effectiveness of several vaccines for viral diseases. The molecule binds to a protein called MR1 before stimulating mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, which are key players in fighting off infection.
Research on white-throated sparrows reveals that the cluster N brain region is activated at night when motivated to migrate and goes dormant during rest periods. This study expands understanding of how animals use the Earth's magnetic field for navigation, shedding light on the impact of human activities on bird migration.
A new study analyzing US National Health Interview Survey data found significantly higher levels of pain among LGBTQ+ adults compared to straight adults. Psychological distress was the most strongly linked factor driving these differences.
A new study reveals that 26% of Canadian high school students have vaped in the past month, with 12% exclusively smoking vapes containing nicotine. The researchers found that male students are more likely to vape, and substance use is linked to higher odds of vaping with or without nicotine.
Researchers at Western University discovered that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enhances SARS-CoV-2 replication by 10- to 15-fold. This finding could inform the development of new therapeutic approaches for COVID-19 patients with bacterial co-infections.
A new study by University of Western Ontario researchers finds that fear of predators can reduce prey population growth rates over generations. The study, led by Professor Liana Zanette, demonstrates for the first time in any free-living wild animal that fear itself can halve populations in a short period.
A novel body tissue adhesive incorporating snake venom has been developed to stop life-threatening bleeding in seconds. The 'super glue' works with visible light and offers 10 times the strength of existing fibrin glue, cutting blood clotting time in half.
A molecule found in oranges, called nobiletin, has been shown to drastically reduce obesity in mice by reducing insulin resistance and blood fats. Researchers are now exploring its potential as a treatment for human obesity and related diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that regular cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to reduced birth weight by up to 8% and decreased brain and liver growth. The researchers used a rat model and human placental cells to demonstrate the impact of THC on fetal development.
New research from Western University found that people with a stroke are 20-25 times more likely to have a major cardiovascular event within 30 days. The risk persists even after one year, with men and women still experiencing twice the risk of heart complications compared to those without a stroke.
Researchers used specialized MRI techniques to follow patients with mild to moderate asthma over six years, finding consistent ventilation defects that persist over time. The studies refute the long-held belief that these defects are random and widespread, opening up opportunities for patient-specific treatments.
A new study published in JAMA found that patients with kidney dysfunction who were prescribed high doses of the muscle relaxant baclofen were more likely to experience cognitive-related symptoms such as severe confusion. The research team analyzed data from over 16,000 patients and found a significantly higher risk of hospitalization a...
Researchers found that probiotic supplementation increased immunity against American Foulbrood and reduced the survival rate of infected bees. The study demonstrated a significant increase in Defensin-1 expression, a key antimicrobial peptide in honey bee defense.
A new CRISPR delivery system developed by Western University researchers enables targeted attacks on specific bacteria, including Staph A and E. coli. This breakthrough has the potential to create personalized antimicrobial agents and revolutionize the treatment of bacterial infections.
A new study from Western University found that tRNA gene mutations can cause misreading of the genetic code, leading to protein malfunction. Researchers discovered an average of 66 variants in tRNA genes among individuals in London, Ontario, suggesting a potential link between these mutations and human diseases such as Alzheimer's.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine found that depression is the single largest driver of substance use during pregnancy. Pregnant women with depression were 2.6 times more likely to use cannabis and twice as likely to smoke cigarettes and use alcohol while pregnant.
A new study by Western University demonstrates that fear of predators can leave long-lasting traces in the neural circuitry of wild animals and induce enduringly fearful behaviour. The findings support the notion that PTSD is not unnatural and have important implications for biomedical researchers, mental health clinicians, and ecologi...
Researchers at Western University found evidence for direct formation of massive black holes without stellar remnants. The new model explains observed distribution of supermassive black hole masses and luminosities, providing an explanation for their presence at an early stage in the universe.
Researchers at Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute have found that senescent cells contribute to the growth of ascending aortic aneurysms. The study suggests that therapies targeting these cells could prevent or slow down aneurysm growth, potentially saving lives.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that ICU patients with non-brain-related injuries often experience cognitive deficits, despite lack of brain injury. The study used online tests to detect cognitive impairments in 20 patients and revealed significant cognitive deficits in memory, attention, decision-making, and reasoning.
The new technology provides a 360-degree, three-dimensional view of surgical tools and surrounding tissue for more precise needle placement. This allows for improved dose pattern distribution to the tumour and surrounding tissue, reducing complication rates.
Researchers are using tobacco plants as 'green bioreactors' to produce large quantities of the human protein Interleukin 37, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing properties. The production method is more affordable than current methods, offering potential for treating a range of inflammatory disorders.
New research from Western University reveals that the spinal cord plays a crucial role in processing and controlling complex functions like hand positioning, challenging previous beliefs about its limitations. The study demonstrates that the spinal cord can generate responses to bumps, enabling precise hand control.
A new MRI technique reveals three distinct brain signatures associated with concussions in rugby players. The study confirms persistent changes in brain structure and function that persist six months after injury, even in healthy athletes.