A Western University study has discovered a unique population of microbes in the female breast associated with cancer risk. The research found that certain types of bacteria, including Proteobacteria, were present in and beside tumors.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario found that rural youth are more prone to concussions caused by motorized vehicle accidents, while urban youth tend to suffer from sports-related injuries. The study highlights the need for targeted injury prevention programs and education on concussion protocols in various settings.
A new study found that 21% of transgender people avoid EDs due to fear of negative experiences. Trans-specific negative experiences reported include refusal of care or examination in alignment with their felt/core gender. This highlights the need for better training and safe environments within EDs.
A team of researchers, including a Western University primatologist, has developed an action plan to conserve Madagascar's 101 lemur species. The plan outlines strategies for 30 priority sites and aims to raise funds for individual projects.
The REACT clinical trial found that an accelerated step-care approach can improve the management of Crohn's disease by inducing remission, reducing corticosteroid use, and healing intestinal ulcers. This new strategy involves early introduction of combined immunosuppression in high-risk patients.
Research reveals that fetal exposure to nicotine increases long-term risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome in offspring, as the liver produces more triglycerides. The study found that pregnant rats exposed to nicotine had an increased risk of developing these conditions later in life.
Research reveals Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5) as a potential therapeutic target for treating movement disorders like Huntington's disease. The study found that blocking mGluR5 improved motor behaviors in a mouse model, suggesting its potential for treating Parkinson's disease as well.
A new MRI approach called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has been validated for measuring Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression. QSM provides a quantitative way to measure myelin content and iron deposition in the brain, which are important factors in MS physiology. The study demonstrated that using the correct model can separ...
Researchers have identified a new potent and selective PI3Kdelta inhibitor, GS-9820, which regulates osteoclast shape and resorptive activity. This discovery offers a potential new approach for treating inflammatory bone diseases and skeletal metastases.
Researchers at Western University found that neurofeedback training can alter key brain networks linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to improved subjective well-being. The study used a combination of EEG and fMRI techniques to measure changes in brain activity and connectivity after a 30-minute neurofeedback session.
A $225,000 grant will help map the landscape of epigenetic changes associated with chemotherapy, a new area in cancer research. The collaboration aims to identify novel targets for more effective cancer treatment.
Researchers suggest annexin A5 may have therapeutic potential for treating sepsis, improving cardiac function and survival rates in mice. The study's findings could apply to multiple organs affected by sepsis.
Researchers found increased iron deposits in deep gray matter of patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a precursor to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study also revealed subtle brain damage and lack of correlation between iron deposits and jugular vein diameter, casting doubt on the Zamboni hypothesis.
Researchers have identified a protective pathway that helps counteract the toxicity associated with Alzheimer's disease. By preventing amyloid-β peptides from interacting with prion protein, stress-inducible phosphoprotein 1 (STI1) protects neurons from damage.
Research led by Robert Gros and Marco Prado found that heart cells release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to regulate heart activity, in addition to nervous systems. The findings suggest that this non-neuronal system may play a crucial role in counterbalancing sympathetic activity and boosting parasympathetic signaling.
Researchers identified a molecular memory switch in the basolateral amygdala that controls opiate addiction memories. The switch is triggered by exposure to heroin and involves two distinct signaling pathways controlled by ERK and CaMKII molecules.
The GEMINI studies found vedolizumab to be an effective treatment for patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study suggests that the drug may provide people living with these conditions an additional option for inducing and maintaining clinical remission.
A Western University-led team of geologists has solved the long-standing puzzle of the Martian meteorite age by directing energy beams at tiny crystals found in a Martian meteorite. The team discovered that the most common group of meteorites from Mars is almost 4 billion years younger than previously believed.
Researchers discovered that bacteria like Burkholderia cenocepacia share small molecules to become resistant to antibiotics. This novel communication mechanism protects not only itself but also other susceptible bacteria.
The study found that the mice had terrible attention spans and struggled with working memory and spatial memory due to the excessive release of acetylcholine. This highlights the importance of ACh in differentiating cues, but also suggests that too much of a good thing can be detrimental
A study from Western University has identified the Numb-p53 pathway as a key mechanism underlying chemotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. By targeting this pathway, researchers hope to develop novel therapies that can sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy.
High levels of kisspeptins in aggressive breast cancers increase tumor grade and metastatic potential, according to Western University research. The study suggests that estrogen receptor status may play a role in kisspeptin's unusual behavior, making it a potential diagnostic biomarker for more aggressive breast cancer.
Research reveals ATRX mutations cause DNA damage leading to premature aging symptoms such as shortened lifespan, cataracts and low bone density. The study found mice without the ATRX gene displayed problems in learning and memory, body growth and metabolism.
Researchers have identified a new genetic mutation in the ARHGEF28 gene that is present in all cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The protein arising from this gene appears to play a critical role in the disease, and understanding its function could lead to targeted therapies.
A Western University study found that students proficient in basic single-digit arithmetic perform better on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), with brain activity linked to fact retrieval and fluency. This correlation suggests a critical role of arithmetic fluency in building mathematical proficiency among students.
A Western University-led study found that intelligence quotient cannot be measured by a single test, with three distinct cognitive components: short-term memory, reasoning and verbal ability. The research also showed that brain function is influenced by factors such as age, gender and computer gaming habits.
Researchers at Western University identified a common mechanism in the pre-limbic cortex to control recall of memories linked to aversive experiences in PTSD and rewarding memories in drug addiction. Stimulating a specific dopamine receptor subtype can prevent spontaneous recall of both types of memories without altering their integrity.
Researchers at Western University have made a breakthrough in understanding diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), a common form of arthritis affecting six to 12 percent of North Americans. The team discovered a mouse model that resembles DISH, pointing to the role of adenosine in causing abnormal mineralization.
A breakthrough study found that brainwave training enhances a cognitive-control network in just 30 minutes, leading to reduced mind-wandering. The study used neurofeedback to train participants' brains and showed significant changes in brain activity and behavior.
Researchers created a mouse model reproducing Alzheimer's chemical changes to shed light on spatial memory issues. The study found reduced acetylcholine led to spatial memory deficits and hyperactivity in mice.
Dr. Lorne Parnes, a renowned Canadian otolaryngologist, has won the American Academy of Otolaryngology's Distinguished Service Award. He is recognized for his extensive contributions to the field, including pioneering treatments for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and direct drug delivery implementation.
A new channel-forming protein, Panx1, has been identified as a potential target for the treatment of melanoma skin cancer. Over-expression of Panx1 in melanoma cells enables aggressive tumor behavior and metastasis. Researchers suggest targeting this protein with a topical medication to treat melanoma lesions.
Regular egg yolk consumption accelerates atherosclerosis in a manner similar to smoking cigarettes, according to a new study published in the journal Atherosclerosis. The research found that those eating three or more yolks per week had significantly more plaque area than those who ate two or fewer yolks per week.
Scientists at Western University have identified Nodal as a promising new therapeutic target for advanced breast cancer. The protein promotes vascularization, providing nutrients and oxygen to tumors, and its expression is correlated with more blood vessels in the tumor.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that overexpressing the c-Kit receptor increases insulin production and counteracts early diabetic effects of high-fat diets. This breakthrough research provides a promising lead for developing strategies to preserve and restore function to beta cells.
A unique board game called 'Circles of Care' helps educate students about their roles in healthcare teams by simulating real-world interactions among allied health professionals. The game is being translated into French and digital applications are also being explored for its potential to improve patient care.
Researchers found that Cardiac MRI identified a new or alternate explanation for arrhythmias in 50% of patients, often revealing inflammation of the heart muscle or small heart attacks that went undetected. CMR outperformed standard cardiac imaging tests in diagnosing cardiac causes, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A recent JAMA commentary suggests vitamin B therapy can still lower stroke risk, particularly in patients with good renal function. However, the authors argue that clinical trials overlooked the role of vitamin B12 and renal failure, which can affect treatment efficacy.
The SAV001 vaccine, developed by Dr. Chil-Yong Kang's team, has shown strong immune responses in preliminary tests with no adverse effects. It is the only HIV vaccine under development in Canada and one of few globally.
Researchers found changes in motor cortex of the brain in patients with spinal cord compression, which may impact surgical procedures and patient outcomes. The study also identified a 15% decrease in N-acetylaspartate levels, suggesting potential implications for reversibility and treatment.
A team of researchers at the University of Western Ontario has demonstrated that eliminating a specific neurotransmitter in the striatum may improve brain function in Parkinson's disease. By using genetically-modified mice and high-level behavior and imaging techniques, the researchers found that neurons responsible for this neurotrans...
Research shows that organized stroke care can significantly reduce one-year mortality rates among patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The study, led by Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, found a 26% reduction in mortality rates among those referred to a stroke prevention clinic following a TIA or non-disabling stroke.
Researchers have identified a neurotransmitter released in response to stress that stimulates the growth and migration of breast cancer cells. The study found that this neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, and its receptor NPY play a key role in the progression of breast cancer.
Researchers developed an effective way to pinpoint high-risk patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis using 3-D ultrasound to identify ulcers in the carotid arteries. The study found that three or more ulcers indicated a high risk of stroke and benefited from intervention.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario will investigate whether prion protein is a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease. The team aims to test their hypothesis on the interaction between prion protein and amyloid beta, which could lead to novel therapeutics for both Prion diseases and Alzheimer
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario identified two key genes, PU.1 and Spi-B, that appear essential in preventing B cell ALL, the most common form of ALL in children. The study found these genes function as unanticipated 'tumor suppressor' genes that prevent leukemia.
Researchers at The University of Western Ontario used fMRI to decode action intentions from brain activity, predicting which action a person was planning seconds before execution. This breakthrough understanding of brain planning could lead to controlling prosthetic limbs for movement-impaired patients.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario discovered how biochemical pathways can be rewired in cancer cells to resist apoptosis, a key process in normal cell turnover. This 'rewiring' allows cancer cells to ignore death signals and potentially evade therapy.
Researchers found blind echolocators' brains process clicks and echoes in the 'visual' part of their brain, enabling independence. Sighted controls did not show similar echo-related activity.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that the human brain is wired to recognize familiar objects, including faces and animals, in their typical upright orientation. The research used fMRI scans to measure brain activity in response to camouflaged faces and animals, revealing a strong bias towards recognizing upright visuals.