Introduction
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News
Stanford University Scientists Discover New Lifeform Residing in Human Microbiome
Microbiologists and clinical laboratories know that human microbiota play many important roles in the body. Now, scientists from Stanford University have discovered an entirely new class of “viroid-like” lifeforms residing inside the human body. The researchers detected their presence in both the gut microbiome and saliva samples. Most interesting of all, the researchers are not sure what the lifeforms actually are.
Monocyte Count Predicts Lung Disease Risk in COVID-19 Patients
A simple blood test result can inform clinicians which patients with severe COVID-19 will develop long-haul lung problems
Dino Island: A Canadian-Made Therapeutic Video Game For Neurodiverse Children and Families
Dino Island is an innovative game-based intervention program designed for children with brain-based differences that can lead to challenges with attention, memory, adaptability, and self-control. This engaging tablet-based program utilizes five dinosaur-themed games that are aimed at improving specific brain abilities, including impulse control, attention, memory, flexible thinking, and problem-solving.
Bioengineering edible mycelium to enhance nutritional value, color, and flavor
In a recent study published in Nature Communications, researchers developed a modular synthetic biology toolkit for Aspergillus oryzae, an edible fungus used in fermented foods, protein production, and meat alternatives.
Scientists develop a rapid gene-editing screen to find effects of cancer mutations
With the new technique, MIT researchers hope to identify mutations that could be targeted with new cancer therapies.
Financial strain is bad for our health, says new Canada Research Chair
Candace Nykiforuk asks governments at all levels to see poor financial well-being among Canadians as a public health challenge that can be tackled at the population level.
Visual rehab therapy could be an eye-opener for those living with concussion symptoms
A new study by a UHN research team seeks to investigate the effectiveness of a type of visual rehabilitation therapy for adults struggling with symptoms following a concussion. The absence of research that considers the unique experience of people of different sexes has led to an incomplete understanding of concussions, oculomotor deficits and treatment effectiveness.
Ask an expert: How can I protect myself and my loved ones against the measles?
In light of the recent surge of measles cases across the country, our expert shares what preventative measures to take and how to spot symptom
UCalgary students create VR mental health platform to enhance accessibility to treatment
“We hope to promote mental wellness in all the spaces that we work within,” says third-year Schulich School of Engineering student Zaid Ahmed. “We believe that innovative solutions such as BraVRy can supplement the work being done by experts in the mental health field.”
Study challenges previously held views on brain preservation in archaeology
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, led by postgraduate researcher Alexandra Morton-Hayward (Department of Earth Sciences, Oxford), has challenged previously held views that brain preservation in the archaeological record is extremely rare. The team compiled a new archive of preserved human brains, which highlighted that nervous tissues actually persist in much greater abundance than traditionally thought, assisted by conditions that prevent decay.