Researchers at University of Western Ontario developed a strategy to stimulate blood vessel formation in tissues lacking oxygen, potentially treating conditions like coronary artery disease. The approach, using fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), activates supporting cells that create functional new vessels that last over a year.
Researchers discovered that the flavonoid Nobiletin in tangerines prevents obesity and protects against metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Nobiletin stimulated genes involved in burning excess fat and inhibited those responsible for manufacturing fat, leading to improved insulin sensitivity.
A recent study by University of Western Ontario researchers has identified a critical brain pathway responsible for the effects of cannabinoid drugs on emotional processing. The findings suggest that activating cannabinoid receptors in the amygdala region can significantly impact emotional information and memory processes.
A study by molecular geneticist Shiva Singh found that even identical twins have distinct DNA profiles due to random genetic variations. The research uses monozygotic twins with one having schizophrenia to investigate the genetic determinants of schizophrenia.
Researchers have discovered that sulphur plays a crucial role in forming gold deposits by enhancing gold solubility. The study's findings could lead to more successful gold exploration and mining practices.
Woolly mammoths living north of the Arctic Circle began weaning infants up to three years later than modern African elephants, potentially contributing to their eventual extinction. This adaptation to harsher environment and prolonged nursing may have made them more vulnerable to climate change and human hunting.
Researchers have found that vitamin C can prevent the onset of sepsis and even reverse the disease by restoring blood flow to vital organs. Early and delayed injections of vitamin C have been shown to improve survival rates in mice with sepsis, making it a promising treatment option.
A review published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology finds that consuming egg yolks can significantly increase cardiovascular risk for patients at risk of vascular disease. The researchers advise limiting dietary cholesterol to less than 200mg per day and recommend alternative protein sources like egg whites.
Dr. Charles DeCarli, an international leader in neuroimaging, has received the 2010 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine for his groundbreaking research on imaging of the aging brain and its connection to vascular diseases.
Research finds that patients receiving a combination of ketamine and propofol have a faster recovery time and less severe side effects compared to using ketamine alone. The study, conducted by Drs. Amit Shah et al., included 136 children treated in the Paediatric Emergency Department.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario discovered a causal link between enhanced visual abilities and reorganization of brain areas in congenitally deaf cats. Visual localization and motion detection are the two specific abilities that are enhanced in deaf individuals.
Research led by Dr. James White has developed a novel 3D imaging technique to visualize myocardial scar tissue and coronary blood vessels in a single image. This breakthrough may improve targeting of blood vessels for therapy in patients requiring pacemakers, bypass surgery or angioplasties.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have discovered a link between chronic stress and heart attacks using hair cortisol levels as a biological marker. The study found that heart attack patients had higher cortisol levels in their hair samples compared to control group, suggesting chronic stress as a contributing factor.
A new study reveals that a combination of common and rare genetic variants contribute to hypertriglyceridemia. Researchers found that patients with high triglycerides had excess rare variants in four genes, adding up to 28% of cases.
The US Department of Defense has awarded over $1 million to a team of researchers at the University of Western Ontario to develop an antibody treatment for spinal cord injuries. The therapy targets inflammation caused by CD11d protein, which can limit damage and improve recovery rates.
A study published in JAMA found that high-dose vitamin B therapy worsened kidney function and increased heart attacks and strokes in people with diabetes and kidney damage. However, the treatment did lower homocysteine levels, a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
Scientists at University of Western Ontario discovered a biological link between stress, anxiety, and depression by identifying the connecting mechanism in the brain. A small molecule inhibitor was developed to selectively target depression and treat it more effectively.
A new study at the University of Western Ontario found that common marinades may provide unforeseen health benefits due to their antioxidant content. The research shows that even after cooking, these sauces can still provide benefits over meat cooked without them.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have identified a protective pathway in the brain that may help explain why symptoms of Huntington's disease appear later in life. This finding could lead to new treatments for the devastating genetic disorder, which is caused by cell death in specific brain regions.
A study using genetically modified mice reveals a previously unidentified mechanism contributing to heart failure, specifically the decreased release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This finding opens up a new avenue for treating failing hearts and highlights the significance of acetylcholine regulation in cardiac function.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario used state-of-the-art micro-computed tomography systems to collect detailed 3D scans of bat internal anatomy. The study identified a unique bone connection that distinguishes bats using laryngeal echolocation from those using tongue clicks.
A recent study shows that supervised exercise combined with nicotine replacement therapy can help women quit smoking and reduce weight gain. However, long-term relapse rates remain a challenge, highlighting the need for cost-effective maintenance programs to prevent smoking relapse.
A clinical trial at the University of Western Ontario aims to improve patient treatment for Crohn's disease by evaluating a new combination therapy approach. The REACT study will compare conventional management strategies to a newer paradigm featuring early use of immunosuppression and anti-metabolites.
Researchers developed non-invasive technology using nanoparticles that react with glucose molecules in tears, changing color to alert users. The innovation has potential applications beyond biomedical devices, including food packaging and biodegradable materials.
Scientists are studying the physical processes of ice formation in insects to understand why some survive freezing while others don't. The research found that insects that freeze at consistently higher temperatures have adaptations that allow them to control ice formation, implying cellular or biochemical level adaptations.
A new study by the University of Western Ontario reveals that couples in shared roles models, where both partners contribute to unpaid work, experience higher average measures of happiness and life satisfaction. This model is advantageous for society, promoting gender equity and maximizing labor force participation.
Researchers from the University of Western Ontario detected cortisol in ancient Peruvian hair samples to understand how our ancestors responded to life-changing experiences like illness and disease. The study found high stress levels right before death, but also multiple episodes of stress throughout their final years of life.
A cancer researcher has identified a protein called RanBPM that regulates apoptosis, a process by which damaged cells self-destruct. The discovery has implications for both diagnosing and treating cancer, as it may enable targeted therapy to reactivate apoptosis and kill cancer cells.
Scientists are using various imaging techniques, including MRI and CT scans, to study chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and develop a better understanding of the disease. The research aims to categorize COPD patients into two major groups based on airway dysfunction and lung tissue damage.
Researchers have developed a reliable way for doctors to filter MEDLINE for relevant kidney patient information, improving treatment and outcomes. The new tool has high performance, exceeding 97% sensitivity and specificity, making it available for all healthcare professionals.
A $1.1 million grant from CIHR will support John MacDonald's research on preventing nerve cell death in Alzheimer's and stroke. The study aims to develop a peptide that can prevent toxic interactions between ion channels, which may lead to breakthroughs in treatment.
A Canadian report reveals that nearly a million students will fail to graduate high school due to poor reading skills. The study highlights the importance of literacy education and calls for increased support in junior and senior high schools.
Researchers found that a patient blinded on one side of his brain could still avoid obstacles in his non-damaged visual field, suggesting ancient visual pathways bypass the main visual areas. These primitive pathways work in real-time and do not access memories, with important implications for rehabilitation.
A recent report from the University of Western Ontario warns that codeine use after tonsillectomy can be deadly for some children due to ultra-rapid metabolism genotypes. The study highlights the need for cautious prescribing and monitoring of pain relief medication in these cases.
A researcher at the University of Western Ontario is investigating how bacterial superantigen toxins lead to toxic shock syndrome and other serious diseases. By understanding how these toxins work, scientists hope to develop drug inhibitors that can neutralize them.
A flavonoid derived from citrus fruit, naringenin, has shown promise in preventing weight gain and metabolic syndrome. In a study, mice fed a high-fat diet were treated with naringenin, which corrected triglyceride and cholesterol levels, prevented insulin resistance, and normalized glucose metabolism.
A $2 million research chair has been launched at the University of Western Ontario to tackle the growing nursing shortage in Canada and the US. The Chair will focus on optimizing nurses' scope of practice and educating new graduates for optimal role functioning in evolving healthcare environments.
The article highlights the importance of sharing surgical knowledge between military and civilian surgeons to prepare for disasters. Canadian physician Dr. Vivian McAlister shares his experience working at a field hospital in Afghanistan and emphasizes the benefits of 'damage control resuscitation' techniques in saving lives.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario discovered that superbugs like Staphylococcus aureus can manipulate the immune system to prevent toxic shock syndrome. The study identifies a mechanism by which the bacteria bind to immune cells and produce an anti-inflammatory protein, allowing them to evade the host's defense.
A study by Nicole Lauzon and Dr. Steven Laviolette found specific receptors in the brain can control emotional significance and memory formation for traumatic events, offering new therapeutic treatments for psychiatric disorders like Schizophrenia and PTSD.
Research led by David Hess identified how to use bone marrow stem cells to grow new blood vessels in mice with ligated leg arteries. These pro-angiogenic stem cells have a natural ability to induce blood vessel repair and improve blood flow in ischemic limbs.
A new study published in Hypertension journal recommends a simplified method of treating hypertension using low doses of single pill combinations, which has shown to be more effective and easier for patients than traditional treatment methods. The 'Simplified Treatment Intervention to Control Hypertension' (STITCH) study found that pat...
A new Clinical Research Chair in Transplantation has been established at the University of Western Ontario to improve organ transplant outcomes for patients like Pat Davis, who received a kidney transplant after being told it was impossible.
A new technology has been developed to identify pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. The technology employs a panel of biomarkers found in the placenta and could lead to earlier detection and targeted intervention.
The University of Western Ontario has received $45.5 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to develop new methods for growing stronger lab-grown bones and tissue. This will help address conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and traumatic injuries, where current lab-grown materials lack sufficient strength.
A new study reveals that Canada's supervised injection facility, Insite, saves the healthcare system millions of dollars while extending life-years by 920 over a decade. The facility's implementation reduces HIV and Hepatitis C cases, increases methadone treatment referrals, and decreases drug overdose rates.
A new study suggests that standardized patient prioritization and wait-list sharing among surgeons are more effective ways to reduce wait times for joint replacement surgery. Even with increased surgical capacity, it may take almost a decade to ensure 90% of patients receive surgery within recommended wait times.
Research by Dr. J. Donald Richardson found that deployed peacekeeping veterans with PTSD experience significant impairments in health-related quality of life. The study highlights the importance of assessing quality of life when evaluating veterans for rehabilitation needs.
A study by Dr. David Spence found that 95% of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis can manage without surgery, benefiting from improved medical treatment and lifestyle modifications. Patients with microemboli are the exception, requiring revascularization to reduce stroke risk
Research by Daniel Ansari at the University of Western Ontario is exploring brain differences between children with math difficulties and those with both math and reading problems. Children with developmental dyscalculia show atypical activation patterns in the parietal cortex, which may lead to remediation tools to improve their lives.