All articles tagged with #mcgill university
A McGill University clinical trial found that 10 weeks of digital brain training with BrainHQ can restore brain chemistry in older adults to levels seen 10 years younger, potentially reducing dementia risk and improving memory without medication.
Nine members of the McGill University community, including faculty members Alan Evans and Michael McMahon, along with seven alumni, have been appointed to the Order of Canada, recognizing their significant contributions in fields such as neuroscience, music, child disability care, philanthropy, and more. The appointments highlight McGill's impact on Canadian society and the country's highest civilian honors.
The Borderlands Science minigame embedded in Borderlands 3 has successfully engaged 4.5 million players in tracing the evolutionary relationships of over a million different kinds of bacteria in the human gut, substantially advancing knowledge of the microbiome and improving AI programs. The project, led by McGill University, demonstrated the potential of integrating citizen science into games, with players completing an average of 35 tasks and showing enthusiasm for science. While the gamification approach diluted the scientific contribution per result, it significantly increased player engagement and retention. The data collected will be used to relate specific microbes to diet, aging, and diseases, and researchers are still collecting data provided by gamers.
A study from McGill University suggests a potential link between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people aged 50 and above. Analyzing health data of over four million UK residents, the study found that those with symptomatic H. pylori infection had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The research highlights the need to investigate potential prevention strategies, including eradicating H. pylori, to address the growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease globally.
Listening to favorite music can act as a powerful painkiller, according to a study from McGill University. The research suggests that emotional responses generated by music play a significant role in pain reduction. Participants who listened to their favorite tracks reported a decrease in pain intensity and unpleasantness compared to silence or scrambled sound. The study also found a correlation between music pleasantness, the experience of "chills," and lower pain intensity and unpleasantness. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects and whether they apply to individuals who do not favor certain types of music.
McGill University has been awarded a $165 million grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund to launch DNA to RNA (D2R), a global research effort specializing in the development and delivery of more inclusive genomic-based RNA therapeutics. The initiative will receive significant support from over 50 partners, including academic and industry partners, bringing the total amount invested in D2R to $353 million. The team of 70 researchers from five academic institutions will work collaboratively with Canada’s Indigenous and immigrant populations to ensure the promise of RNA therapeutics is made widely available in a manner that is inclusive and beneficial to all Canadians.