A new study by global health law scholars reveals that most countries are not fulfilling their international legal obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers argue that the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR) are often misunderstood and may not be sufficient to guide governments' responses to pandemics.
A publicly available water quality database has been created for nearly 12,000 freshwater lakes worldwide, providing insights into lake health and the effects of human activity, climate warming, and land use on water quality. The database can help scientists monitor and manage lake health, informing environmental management decisions.
A York University study reveals that 94% of wild bee and native plant species networks have been disrupted, with 30% completely lost. Climate change and habitat destruction are major drivers of this loss, while native plants and bees can still be found in some areas.
Researchers at York University found that the mixing of African and European genetics led to hyper-aggression in invasive African hybrid honey bees (AHB). The study sequenced genomes of AHB colonies and identified mutations associated with their aggressive behavior.
Researchers tested 27 published diagnostic PCR assays and found seven with potential sequence mismatch issues that may lead to underperforming or false-negative COVID-19 test results. This study highlights the importance of re-evaluating current tests periodically to ensure their efficacy in detecting circulating variants of the virus.
Researchers found that six-month-old infants could discriminate between major and minor musical tones with eye movements and visual stimuli. This capacity is similar to adults, with approximately 30% of infants able to distinguish the difference and 70% unable to.
Researchers found that ozone-depleting chemical alternatives have increased dramatically in the Arctic since 1990, contaminating freshwater sources and affecting wildlife. The substances, known as scPFCAs, can travel long distances and accumulate in human blood and food crops.
Neuroscientists at York University developed five predictive models using non-motor clinical and biological variables to detect early-stage Parkinson's disease. The models achieved over 80% accuracy in distinguishing early-stage Parkinson's from healthy controls, offering a potential alternative to traditional diagnosis methods.
A new study by Professor Cary Wu finds that women are underrepresented as commentators on published research, hindering scholarly exchange between men and women. The study reveals gendered patterns in academic commenting, which could exacerbate the marginalization of women in the scientific community.
A study by York University researchers found that the brain's representation of the back and palm of the hand are different. The perceived width of the back of the hand changes depending on its orientation, but the palm's size is accurately judged.
Researchers at York University have created a new carbon-based organic molecule that can replace cobalt in lithium-ion batteries, reducing environmental impact. The new material maintains high power capabilities and stability while being environmentally friendly.
Researchers found that bilingual individuals had a shorter conversion time from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease than monolinguals. Despite this, bilinguals still experienced a faster decline once diagnosed with the disease.
A study from York University reveals a wide trust gap between Americans in southern and northern regions. The gap persists even after considering internal migration, with southerners generally exhibiting lower trust levels due to the region's collectivist culture.
A study found that disclaimers on retouched photos have no effect on mitigating negative body image in women. In fact, some disclaimers heightened and harmed body dissatisfaction in at-risk women.
A team led by John Tsotsos disproved a long-standing theory of how the human vision system processes images. The study found that salience is not needed for quickly deciding what an image depicts and that current AI algorithms fall short in matching human performance.
Scientists are developing a bee health diagnosis tool to help Canada's declining honey bees. The 'BeeCSI' tool will assess bee health in living colonies and provide management strategies.
A new measurement for the size of the proton at 0.833 femtometres confirms it is approximately five percent smaller than previously accepted value. The study resolves the long-standing proton-radius puzzle with an electron-based measurement that agrees with a 2010 finding.
A global audit and survey found that cardiac rehab is available in only 55% of the world's countries, serving only 1.65 million patients, leaving a gap of over 18 million patients in need. The programs that do exist are often under-resourced, with many countries lacking cardiac rehab spots altogether.
A study led by York University researchers found that children's brains can compensate for lost regions of the visual cortex after surgery, retaining normal visual perception. The brain's plasticity allows it to re-wire itself in a way not seen in adults, enabling children to read and recognize faces with minimal impairment.
York University researchers have identified novel genes that play a crucial role in regulating muscle cell differentiation and growth. The study found that Smad7 and β-catenin proteins work together to control the pathway for normal gene expression, resulting in normal skeletal muscle cells.
A study by York University researchers found that individuals with a history of eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive traits, and poor body image are more likely to develop orthorexia nervosa. The review of studies also showed that strict eating schedules, being lacto-vegetarian, or having depression can increase the risk.
Researchers developed a new fluorescence-based test for Lewis acidity, simplifying existing methods and providing accurate measurements. The innovation could lead to improved and cheaper processes in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
A new study led by York University reveals the American Bumblebee is critically endangered due to a 70% reduction in its area of occurrence and an 89% decrease in relative abundance. Immediate conservation action may save the species from extinction, similar to the fate of the Rusty-patched Bumblebee.
A new study from York University found that children with more years of sport experience recover better from concussions and have quicker motor skill recovery times than those with fewer years of experience. This suggests that playing sports for longer periods may provide a protective effect against future concussions.
A new residential wood ash program aims to replenish Muskoka's declining calcium levels, essential for forest growth and life. The program could also improve crayfish stock, water quality, and maple syrup production.
Researchers at York University have identified a group of genes controlling hygienic behavior in honeybees, which helps to limit the spread of harmful mites and bacteria. These genes are associated with improved colony survival and may be used to breed healthier colonies through selective breeding programs.
Infants exposed to two languages at home exhibit better attentional control and learning abilities than monolingual peers. This study suggests that bilingual environments can shape attentional systems from an early age, laying the groundwork for future cognitive advantages.
A study published in the Journal of Obesity found that losing weight quickly versus slowly does not provide additional health benefits, with improvements in metabolic health being similar regardless of rate. The focus should be on achieving sustained weight loss at a safe pace of one to two pounds per week.
A York University study found that young women who compare themselves to more attractive peers on social media experience decreased self-esteem. The research highlights the importance of educating young people about the potential negative effects of social media use on body image.
Researchers at York University discovered a new role for beta-catenin, a protein involved in cell regulation, in controlling messenger RNA translation. This finding could lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions for cancers and neurological diseases.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that drinking water fluoride levels significantly impact pregnant women's urine. Researchers discovered that Canadian cities with fluoridated public drinking water have higher urinary fluoride levels compared to non-fluoridated areas.
A new study provides insights into designing effective scientific advisory committees (SACs) to safeguard legitimacy of scientific advice. The research highlights key factors such as committee composition, chair, diversity, and stakeholder engagement that impact SAC effectiveness.
A York University study found that difficult people who practiced acts of kindness had the greatest reductions in depression and increases in life satisfaction. Researchers tracked over 640 participants who were mildly depressed and asked them to complete online compassion training exercises.
Researchers at York University found that inbreeding and disease are likely causes of the yellow-banded bumblebee's rapid decline in North America. The study reveals that bumblebees' immune genes are under selection, pointing to disease as a likely cause.
A recent study published in Clinical Obesity found that individuals with metabolic healthy obesity, but no other risk factors, do not have an increased rate of mortality. The study followed over 54,000 participants and contradicts current weight management guidelines.
Research reveals that six-year-old minority children show an implicit pro-White bias when exposed to images of both White and Black children. However, this bias decreases with age, suggesting that the social environment plays a crucial role in shaping racial attitudes.
A total of 43 known cuckoo bees have been identified in North America, with 15 new species discovered by York University PhD Candidate Thomas Onuferko. The newly described species possess distinctive patterns and are difficult to distinguish from other bees.
A study from York University shows that cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly improve children's emotional regulation, including anxiety and other emotional challenges. The intervention, involving a computer program and family support, led to improved mental health outcomes in children with autism.
A new study found structural and functional changes in the muscles of young adults with Type 1 diabetes, leading to reduced metabolism and greater difficulty controlling blood glucose levels. The study suggests revising exercise guidelines for those with Type 1 diabetes to prevent muscle damage.
A recent study led by York University researchers found that individuals with severe obesity who are fit have a similar health profile to those who weigh significantly less. Regular exercise can lead to dramatic improvements in health for those with severe obesity, even if they don't lose weight.
Children as young as five years old demonstrate an implicit pro-White bias when exposed to images of both White and Black children. The research suggests that positive and negative racial attitudes can follow distinct developmental trajectories, with younger children more likely to show automatic positivity toward their own racial group.
A study by York University researchers found that over two-thirds of children and youth with concussions in Ontario do not receive follow-up care as recommended. This increases the risk of another concussion or serious consequences.
A new longitudinal study from York University's OUCH Cohort found that parents' behavior during vaccinations significantly impacts their child's pain coping responses. Engaging in positive behaviors like deep breathing and distraction, while avoiding negative ones, can reduce pain-related distress. The study suggests that a preschooler...
A new study from York University reveals that parents who participate in cognitive therapy with their children with autism experience improvements in their own depression, emotion regulation, and mindful parenting. The research shows that co-therapy with parents alongside their child's therapist leads to positive outcomes for the family.
Researchers at York University found that beta blockers can reverse detrimental gene expression patterns in heart failure. The study suggests that this reversal may be protective against heart failure and could lead to new treatments.
A new study by York University researchers has found that exposure to field-realistic levels of neonicotinoids kills honeybee workers and queens earlier, reducing the overall health of the colony. The study also revealed that contaminated pollen comes from plants adjacent to treated crops, not directly from corn or soybeans.
Climate change and increased demand will outstrip freshwater supply in Iqaluit, even with stagnant population growth. Researchers predict the city may run out of fresh water by 2024 unless alternative sources are found to extend the water supply.
York University scientists have developed a 3D beating heart tissue created from three cell types that beat together as one entity. This breakthrough will facilitate better and earlier drug testing, eliminating harmful medications sooner.
Scat detection dogs helped biology PhD student Alex Filazzola discover the importance of shrubs in preserving lizard populations in the face of climate change. Shrubs proved instrumental in providing critical micro-environments, such as shady places to regulate body temperature and refuge from predators.
A set of international guidelines helps individuals with type 1 diabetes exercise safely, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia and improving overall health. The guidelines provide recommendations for glucose targets, nutritional and insulin dose adjustments to prevent blood sugar fluctuations during exercise.