Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences - Faculty of Medicine News

Amazing Brain Science Talks 2025: Exploring Brain-Heart Connections

51�Թ�� — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:41:49 +0000

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives (HBHL) presented the third edition of the Amazing Brain Science Talks, in partnership with Brain Canada Foundation and the Brain-Heart Interconnectome. Held at the Grande Bibliothèque in Montreal, the event attracted over 100 attendees for an engaging afternoon discussing popular topics in brain health.

51�Թ��moves up to third overall in Research Infosource rankings, maintains its No. 2 position for medical research

51�Թ�� — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:27:43 +0000

The University continues to be recognized as one of Canada’s top research institutions and drivers of innovation

Group therapy helps cancer survivors reclaim life after treatment

51�Թ�� — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:06:00 +0000

A program developed by a 51�Թ��researcher to help cancer survivors cope with the fear their cancer will return is expanding across Canada.

The Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FORT) program offers evidence-based support to address what co-founder Christine Maheu calls one of the most overlooked aspects of recovery.

51�Թ��researchers awarded funding to strengthen national capacity in metaresearch

51�Թ�� — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:21:44 +0000

Sam Harper and Arijit Nandi have received funding to help strengthen national capacity in metaresearch through the Research-on-Research joint initiative, supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and Michael Smith Health Research BC (MSHRBC).

24 51�Թ��researchers identified in Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List

51�Թ�� — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:15:58 +0000

Twenty-four 51�Թ��researchers have been named to the 2025 Highly Cited Researchers™ list, a ranking prepared each year by Clarivate, an analytics company based in the US. The list assesses researchers in a wide range of disciplines, from neuroscience to environmental science. The number of 51�Թ��scholars on the list grew from 14 in 2024 to 24 in 2025.

Cancer Research Society invests in 51�Թ��discoveries

51�Թ�� — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:34:38 +0000

New therapeutic strategies show promise against a hard-to-treat prostate cancer

51�Թ�� — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:05:40 +0000

A new study has uncovered promising therapeutic strategies against one of the deadliest forms of prostate cancer.

51�Թ�� researchers at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) identified a mechanism driving neuroendocrine prostate cancer, a rare and highly aggressive subtype for which there currently are no effective treatment options.

Heavy cannabis use during pregnancy linked to disruption in brain growth

51�Թ�� — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:47:39 +0000

51�Թ�� researchers at the Douglas Research Centre have found evidence that heavy cannabis use during pregnancy can cause delays in brain development in the fetus that persist into adulthood.

Using advanced MRI techniques, the team tracked the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure in mice across key developmental stages.

Lesser-known eating disorder just as severe as anorexia and bulimia, study finds

51�Թ�� — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:56:20 +0000

A diagnosis often viewed as less serious than anorexia and bulimia – and the most common eating disorder worldwide – can cause just as much harm, a new study has found.

$203.9 million raised to impact the lives of people with neurological disease

51�Թ�� — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:53:18 +0000

Brains Need Open Minds campaign, the largest in The Neuro’s history, has fueled innovative brain research

An initiative to reduce wait times for spinal cord surgery, research that is testing ways to inhibit brain cancer cells, an open database for multiple sclerosis and an app that tracks Alzheimer’s progression and aids diagnosis. All these projects and more were made possible by a campaign that has raised $203.9 million for groundbreaking neuroscience research and patient care.

51�Թ��Hearing Screening

51�Թ�� — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:39:34 +0000

No appointment needed.

First come, first serve.

Thank you

Nerve injuries can affect the entire immune system, study finds

51�Թ�� — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:06:47 +0000

Nerve injuries can have long-lasting effects on the immune system that appear to differ between males and females, according to preclinical research from 51�Թ��.

Experts: Social prescribing

51�Թ�� — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:34:12 +0000

As part of a new partnership with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (MSO), member doctors of Médecins francophones du Canada can now prescribe tickets to live performances.

51�Թ��researchers identify bacteria that could provide an early warning of blue-green algae toxicity

51�Թ�� — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:25:34 +0000

Researchers at 51�Թ�� have identified bacteria that can indicate whether a blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom is likely to be toxic, offering a potential water-safety early warning system. Blooms are becoming more frequent due to climate change, according to previous 51�Թ��research. They can produce various contaminants, known as cyanotoxins, that pose serious health risks to humans, pets and wildlife.

Study links early cannabis use and health problems

51�Թ�� — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:11:22 +0000

Adolescents who start using cannabis early and often are more likely to need health care for both mental and physical problems as they enter adulthood, according to a new study led by 51�Թ�� researchers.

Friends, parks and brain wiring predict whether people exercise after a cardiovascular diagnosis

51�Թ�� — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:32:32 +0000

Findings could help tailor interventions to encourage physical activity in older people with heart and blood flow conditions

A diagnosis is often a cue for people to change the way they live. For people diagnosed with cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, it is often a motivator to get more physical exercise, which can improve long-term health. However, the rate of physical activity increase after diagnosis varies widely depending on the individual.

Researchers at The Neuro show a brain exercise yields benefits

51�Թ�� — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:01:17 +0000

A 51�Թ��-led clinical trial is the first in humans to show online brain training exercises can improve brain networks affecting learning and memory.

The study found 10 weeks’ use of the game-like app BrainHQ by older adults enhanced cholinergic function, a chemical system in the brain that typically declines with age and influences attention, memory and decision-making.

New injectable gel shows promise as voice loss treatment

51�Թ�� — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 19:16:10 +0000

51�Թ��team develops hydrogel that outlasted current treatments in a preclinical study, a step toward reducing the need for repeat procedures

51�Թ�� researchers have engineered a new hydrogel that shows early promise as a treatment for people with vocal cord injuries.

Voice loss is often permanent when scarring forms on the vocal cords. Current injectable treatments break down quickly, which can force patients to get repeated procedures that can further damage the delicate tissue.

51�Թ��researchers awarded $9.7 million in CFI funding

51�Թ�� — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:08:32 +0000

Thirty-two 51�Թ��research projects have received new funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation's for investments in research infrastructure to support their innovative projects, for a total federal investment of $9.7 million.

New injectable gel shows promise as voice loss treatment

51�Թ�� — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:03:59 +0000

51�Թ�� researchers have engineered a new hydrogel that shows early promise as a treatment for people with vocal cord injuries.

51�Թ��researchers launch intersex health communication guide

51�Թ�� — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:56:18 +0000

Researchers at McGill’s Centre of Genomics and Policy (CGP) have launched a first-of-its-kind guide to help Canadian health-care providers offer more inclusive, respectful and affirming care to intersex adults.

Biochemistry professor Ian Watson awarded Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network’s Data Sharing & Use Pilot program funding

51�Թ�� — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:54:27 +0000

New AI tool detects hidden warning signs of disease

51�Թ�� — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:28:43 +0000

51�Թ�� researchers have developed an artificial intelligence tool that can detect previously invisible disease markers inside single cells.

In a study published in Nature Communications, the researchers demonstrate how the tool, called DOLPHIN, could one day be used by doctors to catch diseases earlier and guide treatment options.

51�Թ��researchers win Brain Canada’s Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Award

51�Թ�� — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:19:25 +0000

Jérôme Fortin, Paul Masset, and Simon Thebault have received the Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Award from Brain Canada for their research in brain cognition, brain cancer, and neurological disabilities.

The 51�Թ��researchers are among 22 successful applicants from across the country. They will each receive $100,000 in research funding distributed over a period of two years.

A transformation in neurosurgery

51�Թ�� — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 20:13:27 +0000

Demonstration of an AI-powered tool during a live surgery at The Neuro

A surgical device powered by artificial intelligence (AI) was demonstrated live for the first time at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) in a historic step forward for the field of precision neurosurgery. SENTRY™, an innovative technology developed by Montreal-based Reveal and its university partners, can differentiate cancerous tissue from healthy tissue in real time, offering tangible hope to patients for better outcomes.

$10 million for Neuro-led project seeking new Alzheimer’s biomarkers

51�Թ�� — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:27:40 +0000

Weston Family Foundation grant will fund the first ultra-high-sensitivity whole body PET/CT scanner in Canada

A groundbreaking project led by Dr. Pedro Rosa-Neto at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) of 51�Թ�� has received a major boost thanks to a $10-million grant from the Weston Family Foundation.

The funding is part of a $20-million initiative by the foundation to support highly ambitious scientific endeavors under its Healthy Aging Strategy, comprised of the Weston Brain Institute and the Weston Family Microbiome Initiative.

Availability of respite care almost triples a palliative care patient’s chance of dying at home

51�Թ�� — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:20:18 +0000

Access to respite services for family caregivers increases a palliative care patient’s probability of dying at home almost threefold, according to a 51�Թ��-led study.

Previous surveys suggest most Canadians with a serious illness would prefer to spend the end of their lives at home. In Quebec, fewer than one-in-10 palliative care patients die at home, a rate that has remained largely unchanged for two decades and lags behind the Canadian average of 15 per cent.

Scientists reveal how the brain uses objects to find direction

51�Թ�� — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:09:44 +0000

Study shows how visual landmarks tune the brain’s internal compass

We take our understanding of where we are for granted, until we lose it. When we get lost in nature or a new city, our eyes and brains kick into gear, seeking familiar objects that tell us where we are.

How our brains distinguish objects from background when finding direction, however, was largely a mystery. A new study provides valuable insight into this process, with possible implications for disorientation-causing conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Physiology professor Claire M. Brown appointed inaugural Chair for Inclusion in Science and Engineering

51�Թ�� — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:52:07 +0000

Claire M. Brown, Professor in the Department of Physiology, has been selected as Chair for Inclusion in Science and Engineering (CISE) in the province of Quebec. The newly established CISE program is jointly funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT).

Biases hinder access to sexual assault evidence kits, study finds

51�Թ�� — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:49:53 +0000

Survivors of sexual assault in largely rural and remote Northwestern Ontario face systemic barriers when seeking forensic care, according to a new study led by 51�Թ�� researchers.

Sylvain Baillet inducted into the Royal Society of Canada

51�Թ�� — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:34:58 +0000

Society recognizes distinguished Canadians who have made remarkable contributions to their academic fields and public life

Sylvain Baillet, PhD, a global leader in brain imaging and systems neuroscience, has been inducted into the Royal Society of Canada, one of the nation’s highest academic honours.

Event | Seminar: Computer-based Predictions of RNA Structures: Where do we stand?

51�Թ�� — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:11:03 +0000

Join D2R for this hybrid seminar with Professor Eric Westhof from University of Strasbourg

Study linking depression to specific altered brain cells opens door to new treatments

51�Թ�� — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:03:05 +0000

Researchers at 51�Թ�� and the Douglas Institute have identified two specific types of brain cells that are altered in people with depression.

The study, published in Nature Genetics, opens the door to developing new treatments that target these cells and deepens our understanding of depression, a leading cause of disability worldwide that affects more than 264 million people.

Call for Letters of Intent: Translational Impact Research Program | Cycle 2

51�Թ�� — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:56:59 +0000

D2R | DNA to RNA is launching the next round of funding for the Translational Impact Research (TIR) program. This program supports a select few large-scale translational research projects in RNA-based therapeutics which are expected to have a measurable impact on the health of Canadians. Projects must address the D2R Initiative’s strategic priorities and priority disease areas: oncology, rare diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases.

Applicant Eligibility:

This competition is open to:

Professor Simon Roy wins Marathon of Hope Clinician-Scientist Award for melanoma research

51�Թ�� — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:17:53 +0000

Simon Roy, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology, is one of four early-career clinician-scientists across Canada to receive the 2025 Clinician-Scientist Award from the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN).

Study raises red flags about BPA replacements

51�Թ�� — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:46:31 +0000

Chemicals used to replace bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging can trigger potentially harmful effects in human ovarian cells, according to 51�Թ�� researchers.

A new study examined several chemicals commonly used in price stickers on packaged meat, fish, cheese and produce found early signs of potential toxicity.

Tinnitus severity linked to mood, sleep and personality traits

51�Թ�� — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:15:46 +0000

How severely a person experiences tinnitus is shaped by their mood, sleep quality and even personality traits, a new study has found.

Tinnitus is a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears that affects roughly 14 per cent of adults worldwide. It is known to be linked to hearing loss and to affect people differently.

In order to gain a better understanding of impacts on individuals, 51�Թ�� researchers, in collaboration with colleagues at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, developed a predictive model.

High-salt diet inflames the brain and raises blood pressure, study finds

51�Թ�� — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:20:36 +0000

A new study finds that a high-salt diet triggers brain inflammation that drives up blood pressure.

Call for Applications: International Partnerships Program

51�Թ�� — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:41:03 +0000

D2R | DNA to RNA is launching the International Partnerships Program (IPP) to strengthen large-scale, multi-institutional collaborations with leading global organizations. This strategic funding program supports partnerships that align with D2R’s mission, offer complementary expertise, and provide enriched, multidisciplinary training environments. The program will prioritize initiatives with strong institutional commitment, alignment with D2R’s research priorities, and potential for high global impact.

Human instruction with artificial intelligence guidance provided best results in neurosurgical training

51�Թ�� — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:14:02 +0000

Study has implications beyond medical education, suggesting other fields could benefit from AI-enhanced training

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful new tool in training and education, including in the field of neurosurgery. Yet a new study suggests that AI tutoring provides better results when paired with human instruction.

New tool helps seniors reduce unnecessary medications

51�Թ�� — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:09:12 +0000

51�Թ�� researchers have developed and are licensing a digital tool to help safely reduce patients’ use of medications that may be unnecessary or even harmful to them.

When clinicians review a patient’s file, MedSafer flags potentially inappropriate medications. In a new clinical trial, the software helped deprescribe such medications in 36 per cent of long-term care residents, nearly triple as many as when reviews were done without the tool.

Montreal researchers use AI and wearable sensors to detect inflammation before symptoms appear

51�Թ�� — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:47:07 +0000

Modern medicine is largely reactive—treating illness only after symptoms emerge. But a new study from the Research Institute of the 51�Թ�� Health Centre (The Institute) and 51�Թ�� points to a more proactive future: one where silent signs of infection are detected before we even feel sick.

Youth at risk of suicide show early warning signs that adults often miss

51�Թ�� — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:22:33 +0000

Drawing on a landmark 25-year study that followed Quebec children into adulthood, 51�Թ�� researchers have identified two distinct patterns in how suicidal thoughts emerge and the early signs that are often missed.

Suicidal thoughts are increasingly common among youth, but how they begin and what mental health symptoms often precede them are poorly understood, the researchers said.

HBHL Scientific Director Alan Evans receives Order of Canada

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:07:55 +0000

Original article by The Neuro.

Career of breakthroughs in neuroimaging recognized with one of the nation’s highest honours

A career that took an uncharted trajectory has been recognized with the Order of Canada, one of the country’s top honours.

Nine McGillians appointed to the Order of Canada

51�Թ�� — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:10:48 +0000

Neuroscientist Alan Evans and music performance scholar Michael McMahon among 51�Թ��community members recognized for exceptional accomplishments and service

Nine members of the 51�Թ�� community have been appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

Among the honorees are two 51�Թ��faculty members, Professors Alan Evans (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) and Michael McMahon (Schulich School of Music).

Alan Evans receives Order of Canada

51�Թ�� — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 21:35:08 +0000

Career of breakthroughs in neuroimaging recognized with one of the nation’s highest honours

A career that took an uncharted trajectory has been recognized with the Order of Canada, one of the country’s top honours.

Dietetics students help MUHC mark National Indigenous Peoples Day with a special meal

51�Թ�� — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 21:11:30 +0000

Earlier this month, the 51�Թ�� Health Centre (MUHC) marked National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) with a special Indigenous-inspired cafeteria meal, featuring baked salmon, wild rice salad, and blueberry bannock.

51�Թ��researchers’ studies offer promise for lung and brain cancer treatment

51�Թ�� — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:20:00 +0000

Two seminal studies from 51�Թ��, investigating immune landscapes of lung and brain tumours, were published today in Nature. This work was led by Logan Walsh, Daniela Quail and Peter Siegel, researchers at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute and Philippe Joubert from Université Laval. The studies used innovative highly multiplexed imaging to create sophisticated immune atlases of lung and brain tumours and demonstrate how big data and artificial intelligence are the future of cancer research and clinical care.

Message from VP-Dean Eidelman - The Faculty's Return to Campus

51�Թ�� — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 16:02:57 +0000

Dear Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Colleagues,

Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network accelerates precision medicine plan with signing of Contribution Agreement with Health Canada

51�Թ�� — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 20:32:35 +0000

Vancouver, BC -- The Government of Canada and the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) have jointly signed a Contribution Agreement which opens the door for the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network to begin operating.

51�Թ��researcher-led International Task Force unveils first-of-its kind standards for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

51�Թ�� — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 20:19:51 +0000

By David McFadden

Listed by the World Health Organization among the ten leading causes of medical disability worldwide, the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is at a level on par with cancer. This prevalent disorder is characterized by highly distressing intrusive thoughts and repeated compulsive behaviours such as washing or checking.

Two cellular pathways involved in TNBC tumour development and a promising targeted combination therapy

51�Թ�� — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:34:32 +0000

A team of researchers at the RI-MUHC found two cellular pathways involved in TNBC tumour development and a promising targeted combination therapy

Source: RI-MUHC

Message from VP-Dean Eidelman - Planning for a return to campus

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:58:34 +0000

Dear members of our Faculty community,

Our world has changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet we have persevered to continue to offer world-class education and conduct leading research. Indeed, I am immensely proud of our contributions.

Under 30 and sexually active? It’s a good idea to get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea

51�Թ�� — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:02:40 +0000

Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends routine screening

Source: CMAJ

Anyone sexually active under age 30 should be offered testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, according to a new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Fertility Frontier: Can Transgender Women Get Uterus Transplants?

51�Թ�� — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 19:32:29 +0000

By David McFadden

It’s been nearly seven years since the world’s first successful birth after a human womb transplant. Since that medical milestone, the experimental procedure has seen such significant clinical advances that over 60 uterus transplants have been performed in women across the globe, resulting in at least 18 live births.

Infrared imaging could help screen for COVID-19

51�Թ�� — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 19:26:42 +0000

Technology offers more accurate method to detect illness in minimally symptomatic cases

As the global COVID-19 pandemic has continued to rage across the globe, temperature recordings have been widely used as a screening tool to help detect infected individuals.

Researchers identify the origin of a deadly brain cancer

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:58:34 +0000

Finding could lead to potential therapies

Pfizer Canada donation will help new researchers change the future

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:58:34 +0000

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – Pfizer Canada has made a $600,000 gift to the 51�Թ��Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity (MI4) via 51�Թ�� and the 51�Թ�� Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation. The gift, which was announced today during the 2^nd annual MI4 Scientific Symposium, will support innovation and life-changing research through the creation of the Pfizer Early Career Investigator Awards.

Transforming coronavirus proteins into nanoparticles may hold the key to an effective COVID-19 vaccine

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:58:34 +0000

Changing makeup of a specific protein has the potential to neutralize the virus

Researchers from 51�Թ�� are part of an international team led by the University of Buffalo, which has discovered a technique that could help increase the effectiveness of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The group’s study was published recently online in the journal Advanced Materials.

51�Թ��researchers part of international team awarded NIH grant to study causes and predictors of emerging psychosis

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:58:34 +0000

Researchers at 51�Թ�� are part of a major international study to better understand the cause and effect of psychosis in adolescents and young adults who are at risk for this condition. The research, which is being led by the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University, will be funded by a $52 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

First genetic sequencing of COVID in Quebec shows roots of outbreak

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:58:34 +0000

Initial results of study show that an estimated 250 independent events following spring break travel in March led to 60,000 people being infected

$12.5 million awarded to Montreal team to study Parkinson’s Disease

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:58:34 +0000

A group of scientists at University of Montreal, The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital), and 51�Թ�� has been awarded a major research grant of over $12.5 million from the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative over the next three years to study Parkinson’s disease. ASAP’s implementation partner The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research issued the grant.

Molecular alterations in neuronal trophic regulation in Alzheimer’s pathology begin decades before detectable cognitive impairments

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:58:34 +0000

Findings could lead to development of pre-clinical stage therapeutics

By Jason Clement

For decades researchers have known that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes the atrophy of a system of neurons and synapses highly involved in memory, learning and attention, which is highly dependent on a molecule known as nerve growth factor (NGF). The disease causes dysregulation of NGF’s metabolism, leading to the loss of the synapses and neurons that depend on it, akin to plants being deprived of light.

Game-changing blood test accurately detects Alzheimer’s disease

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

McGill-Gothenburg collaboration yields affordable test that could revolutionize the way AD is diagnosed, studied and treated

By Gillian Woodford

A simple blood test that can detect Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been discovered and validated in a joint effort by a 51�Թ��team and researchers in Sweden. Their results are published in the May issue of The Lancet Neurology. An accompanying commentary calls the discovery “transformative.”

COVID-19: Faculty of Medicine Update 2020/04/05 - Message from VP-Dean Eidelman - Faculty Council Takeaways and FAQs

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

To all members of the Faculty of Medicine, including learners and staff,

COVID-19: Faculty of Medicine Update 2020/03/23 - Message from VP-Dean Eidelman

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

To all members of the Faculty of Medicine, including learners and staff,

COVID-19: Faculty of Medicine Update 2020/03/14 - Status

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

To all members of the Faculty, including all learners and staff,

As we are all acutely aware, the COVID-19 outbreak and the provincial and federal governments’ responses are continually evolving. On Friday, March 13, the Quebec government held a press conference announcing the closure of schools, universities and daycares, while the federal government updated the country on its measures. The implications of the Quebec announcement are being assessed in detail; more information will be issued University-wide via your mcgill.ca address over the weekend.

COVID-19: Faculty of Medicine Update 2020/03/12 - Faculty-hosted conferences, events

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

To all members of the Faculty of Medicine, including all learners:

51�Թ�� is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it continues to rapidly evolve. When providing the community with advice, the University is following the guidelines of Quebec and Canada’s Public Health authorities. As members of the Faculty and health care system, we must exercise extra vigilance to contain the spread of the virus.

Faculty-hosted Conferences and Other Events

COVID-19: Faculty of Medicine Update 2020/03/11 - MSSS directive regarding learners, travel, conferences

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

To all members of the Faculty of Medicine, including all learners:

Getting off of the blood sugar roller coaster

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

51�Թ��researchers are pioneering a new artificial pancreas system that provides life-changing support to people living with type 1 diabetes.

By Ashley Rabinovitch

Vitamin E effective, safe for fatty liver in HIV patients

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

By Gillian Woodford

A type of fatty liver disease that commonly affects patients with HIV can be safely treated with vitamin E, a McGill-led study has found.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is characterized by liver inflammation and cell damage. It is a potentially dangerous condition that can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

How many gender subtypes exist in the brain?

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

New machine learning study suggest the presence of at least nine gender “expressions”

Beyond the Pap Smear

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

51�Թ��researchers identify new markers for early detection of cervical cancer

By Ashley Rabinovitch

Can Exercise Improve Video Game Performance?

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

By Monica Slanik, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy

Can lithium halt progression of Alzheimer’s disease?

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

51�Թ��researchers’ findings show that may be the case

51�Թ��PhD student named to Forbes Top 30 under 30 list

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Daniel Almeida, a PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Gustavo Turecki in 51�Թ��’s Integrated Program in Neuroscience and at the Douglas Research Centre, was included in Forbes Magazine’s Top 30 under 30 list, unveiled December 3. Overall, the ninth annual list includes 600 young entrepreneurs, risk-takers and game changers who are redefining what it means to innovate and lead by example.

Screening for thyroid dysfunction in patients without symptoms: don’t routinely check that box

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

New guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care

A new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care found no benefit of routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in adults without symptoms or risk factors. Based on the latest evidence, the Task Force guideline recommends against routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in non-pregnant adults and is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

New understanding of antibiotic synthesis

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Insight into way enzymes work could shape future therapeutic production

Researchers at 51�Թ��’s Faculty of Medicine have made important strides in understanding the functioning of enzymes that play an integral role in the production of antibiotics and other therapeutics. Their findings are published in Science.

New direction for treatment of aggressive type of breast cancer

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Researchers identify path to improve HER2+ breast cancer susceptibility to approved therapies

Researchers identify improved avenues to train plastic surgeons in microsurgery

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Adoption of methods that could reduce costs and spare animal models

Microsurgery is an intricate and challenging surgical technique that involves using miniature instruments and sutures as fine as a hair strand aided by sophisticated microscopes. In plastic surgery, microsurgery is used to repair small damaged vessels and nerves following trauma, or in reconstructive procedures by moving a component of living tissue from one place of the body to another and reconnecting its vascular supply to this new region to keep its blood supply.

Quebec’s First Online Bachelor of Nursing Program to be Launched at 51�Թ��Thanks to the Doggone Foundation

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

It’s a proven way to improve patient safety and outcomes, and meet the evolving health needs of the aging Quebec population. It’s a way to make higher education in nursing available to all communities in the province. It’s a way to increase the pool of potential candidates for graduate-level education to produce the next generation of nurse leaders, researchers and educators, as well as nurse practitioners. It’s a way to ensure more nurses have the required level of training if, and when, Quebec follows all other Canadian provinces and requires a nurse to have a university-level education.

Study shows the biological clock influences immune response efficiency

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Montreal, September 23, 2019 – According to a recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, the biological clock influences immune response efficacy. Indeed, CD8 T cells, which are essential to fight infections and cancers, function very differently according to the time of day. The study was carried out by a team of researchers led by Nicolas Cermakian, PhD, of the Douglas Research Centre, and Nathalie Labrecque, PhD, of the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre.

A Canadian First: Research Project will study blows to the head in University Football

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

51�Թ�� is participating in a new research project titled Tête première (head first), led by the team of neuropsychologist Dr. Louis De Beaumont, a researcher at the CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal research centre and a professor in the Department of Surgery at Université de Montréal. The project will assess the brain’s capacities to sustain blows to the head during a full university football season.

Four Burning Questions with Anthony Bossis, PhD

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

A clinical psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine, Anthony Bossis, PhD will be at 51�Թ�� in Montreal on September 12, 2019 to deliver a talk titled “Psychedelic Research: Implications for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Existential Distress.”

How Salmonella tackles cellular defense mechanisms

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Researchers uncover new protein that plays key role in bacterial infections

Bacterial infections represent a major public health concern, accounting for over 300 million foodborne illnesses and 60% of related fatalities globally. Salmonella alone is responsible for approximately 93.8 million illnesses and 155,000 deaths annually. Combined with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains, it is critical that researchers improve our understanding of the molecular details governing bacterial infections.

Early life factors connected to suicide risk later in life

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Researchers have long been interested in the question of whether a correlation exists between one’s early-life environment and suicide rates, with studies on the topic dating back to the 1980s. However, these studies have focused on individual countries or on only one or few risk factors. As a result, the lack of any meta-analysis of the data has made it difficult to draw any coherent conclusions.

A new study shows that the hippocampus retains traces of negative and stressful experiences which are linked to depressive behaviours

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Depression can be associated with behaviours such as social avoidance, that is, the refusal to interact with others for fear of being judged or criticized. Physicians and other mental health workers have noted that patients with depressive disorders exhibit cognitive symptoms, especially with regard to memory.

Dr. Joseph Hill named 2019 recipient of the Louis and Artur Lucian Award

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

The recipient of the 2019 Louis and Artur Lucian Award is Dr. Joseph Hill from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The award, established through a bequest to 51�Թ�� by the late Olga Leibovici to honour her two brothers, was designed to honour outstanding research in the field of circulatory diseases by a scientific investigator or group of investigators whose contribution to knowledge in this field is deemed worthy of special recognition.

Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor announces investment of $150M to create “Team Canada of Cancer Research”

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

MONCTON, NB – The federal Minister of Health, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, announced today an investment of $150 million over five years by the Government of Canada for the creation of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres network.

The network, which includes 51�Թ�� and is led by the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), will unite cancer centres across Canada for the first time, accelerating the implementation of precision medicine so that Canadian cancer patients can access the right treatment at the right time for their particular cancer, no matter where they live.

Research team receives $6M to find new ways to treat metastatic breast cancer

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Source: Terry Fox Research Institute

What is the best way to starve cancer cells? What role does obesity play in metastatic breast cancer and how does it affect the tumour microenvironment? Might combining a chemotherapeutic agent with a drug now used to treat diabetes be part of an effective therapy for metastatic breast cancer?

Researchers unlock mysteries of complex microRNA oncogenes

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

New research led by McGill’s Goodman Cancer Research Centre improves our understanding of microRNAs

51�Թ��researchers reveal how protein mutation is involved in rare brain development disorder

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Discovery could provide clues to potential therapies

Rearing its head in infancy, Christianson Syndrome is a rare disorder whose symptoms include intellectual disability, seizures and difficulty standing or walking. Although it is becoming increasingly diagnosed, with little being known about the neural mechanism behind the disease, therapeutic options for patients remain limited.

A Quebec first: Research chair in women’s heart health

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Heart & Stroke and 51�Թ�� to create Early-Career Professorship in Women’s Heart Health

Montréal, June 18, 2019 – The first research chair in Quebec focused on women’s cardiac health, propelled by Heart & Stroke and 51�Թ��, will officially be launched on July 1 via a research project led by Dr. Natalie Dayan, Assistant Professor of Medicine at 51�Թ��’s Faculty of Medicine and Director of Obstetrical Medicine in the division of General Internal Medicine at the 51�Թ�� Health Centre (MUHC).

$27.9 million investment to fund the Québec Cancer Consortium to develop novel therapeutics and biomarkers for cancer

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

The Québec Cancer Consortium for Novel Therapeutics and Biomarkers (QCC), a collaboration between six leading hospital and cancer research centre sites based in Montreal led by 51�Թ��’s Goodman Cancer Research Centre (GCRC) was awarded $10M in new funding from the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (MEI) du Québec through its Fonds d’accélération des collaborations en santé (FACS) program.

A step closer to identifying cause of a blinding disease

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Researchers find clue to rare genetic disorder

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is an inherited form of vision loss that causes people to have trouble with their colour vision and difficulty seeing in the centre of their visual field. Due to the founder effect from the filles du roi, there is a disproportionate preponderance of a particular LHON mutation among the French-Canadian population.

A step toward better understanding brain anatomy of autism spectrum disorder

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Study could lead to development of personalized biomarkers and treatment

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often lumped into a single catch-all group, despite significant differences in symptom profile and severity. Further muddying the waters when trying to understand and treat ASD, many previous studies show significant variability in findings.

Brain signaling proteins hit the road running

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

New study of brain neurotransmitter receptor has implications for drug discovery

Surprisingly complex movements in an important neurotransmitter receptor may help explain the brain’s unpredictable response to drugs, according to a new study. New research from an international team, published this week in the journal Neuron, has revealed that the resting state of signaling proteins are much more dynamic than previously thought.

Dr. Shari Baum on the Faculty’s Strategic Research Plan

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

51�Թ��’s Faculty of Medicine unveiled a new strategic research plan (SRP) for the Faculty in 2014, which was subsequently updated in 2017 as part of the strategic planning exercise known as Project Renaissance. Dr. Shari Baum, who recently assumed the role of Vice-Dean, Life Sciences, played an important role in the development of the most recent version of the plan. Dr.

I Medici di 51�Թ��celebrating 30 years of concerts for causes

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Growing up in the Croatian capital city of Zagreb, Dr. Ante L. Padjen, Associate Professor (post- retirement) at 51�Թ��, found inspiration in the orchestra of the Croatian Institute of Music (CIM). Founded in 1827, the CIM has mostly been an ensemble comprised of physicians, lawyers, engineers and students, conducted by a professor from the Zagreb Music Academy. Following an opportunity to play briefly with CIM himself, Dr. Padjen’s career path, and his passion for music, landed him at 51�Թ��some 42 years ago as professor of pharmacology and therapeutics.

New PhD program in Quantitative Life Sciences approved

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

By Gillian Woodford

An innovative interdisciplinary PhD program will bridge the gap between the quantitative and biological domains to improve life sciences research.

Anti-inflammatory drugs ineffective for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Study sheds light on longstanding debate

Researchers have known for decades that inflammation accompanies Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain lesions. Several early studies suggested that “super-aspirins” or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) could help avoid the disease. However, after clinical trials showed that NSAIDs don’t help patients who already have AD symptoms, doctors wondered whether these drugs could still be helpful to people who were at risk of developing the disease, but weren’t yet showing symptoms.

Predicting Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Lung and Liver with Biomarkers

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

By Josh Kaiser

For about 20% to 30% of breast cancer patients, their primary tumour will spread to other organs such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. Remarkably, this metastasis to other organs accounts for 90% of deaths during breast cancer treatment. Unfortunately, many of the specific cellular processes regulating breast cancer metastasis are poorly understood and there are currently no targeted treatments.

51�Թ��approves new Institute of Health Sciences Education

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

By Matthew Brett

51�Թ�� is now home to a new Institute of Health Sciences Education thanks to a motion approved by its Board of Governors in February.

The Institute, which replaces the existing Centre for Medical Education, is now an academic hiring and teaching unit that can provide graduate programs in health sciences education.

Student-led events aim to raise awareness of speech-language pathology issues

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Students from the 51�Թ�� Faculty of Medicine’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (SCSD) have once again been busy organizing a series of events for spring 2019. Working under the guidance of Dr. Nicole Li-Jessen, Assistant Professor at the SCSD, two groups of students, each comprised of five final year Master’s students in Speech-Language Pathology, have developed events geared towards raising public awareness of often-overlooked issues related to swallowing and voice.

Four Burning Questions for Madhukar Pai & Dick Menzies on World TB Day

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

March 24^th is World TB Day. Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient disease that killed humans as far back as 600 BC. Sadly, even in 2019, it is the leading infectious killer of humanity.

In Canada, the TB rate among the Inuit is about 280 times higher than that of the Canadian-born non-Indigenous. Thankfully, the Canadian government has pledged to end the TB epidemic in the Inuit Nunangat by 2030. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Trudeau apologized for the various injustices Inuit people with TB faced in the past.

Talking women’s health with Dr. Gabrielle Cassir

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

A native Montrealer, Dr. Gabrielle Cassir completed her medical school and residency training at Université de Montreal. During her time as a medical student, she was also able to experience the American health care system, spending two months at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. She completed two-years of subspecialty training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, before returning to Montreal where she recently became a staff physician in the Obstetrics and Gynecology division at St.

Dr. Arjun Krishnaswamy selected as 2019 Sloan Research Fellow

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

An Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology at 51�Թ��’s Faculty of Medicine and a member of the Cell Information Systems group at McGill’s Life Sciences Complex, Dr. Arjun Krishnaswamy was recently included among the 126 outstanding early-career researchers selected for 2019 Sloan Research Fellowships.

New study shows HPV not likely transmittable through the hand

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Researchers seek to answer longstanding debate

A first set of research guidelines for the field of neurofeedback

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Publication of checklist a product of collaborative initiative

Shared genetic marker offers new promise in targeting specific ovarian and lung cancers

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Two new papers, published simultaneously in Nature Communications and led by researchers at 51�Թ��, offer promise that a drug currently used to treat estrogen positive breast cancer may be effective in treating two different types of cancer, one rare and one common form.

New method may better predict the best treatment for burn wounds

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Technique involves use of non-invasive digital infrared imaging

Quebec researchers among recipients of $34 million ‘Grand Challenge’ Grant from Cancer Research UK to combat cancer

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

51�Թ��and MUHC research teams part of an international effort to uncover how chronic inflammation causes cancer

Some research may be encouraging ineffective prescriptions, says new study

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Concerns raised about efficacy of off-label use of already approved drugs

A new paper published by 51�Թ�� researchers in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that some clinical trials may promote the use of ineffective and costly treatments. That’s the opposite of what clinical trials are aimed at, namely preventing ineffective and costly treatments from being taken up by physicians and patients.

Can't sleep? Fruit flies and energy drinks offer new clues

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Source: MUHC Newsroom

In conversation with Dr. Gustavo Turecki

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

To mark the 75^th anniversary of 51�Թ��’s Department of Psychiatry, Canada’s first academic department in the field, a special symposium will be held at the St. James Theatre on November 29. Under the theme “Looking Forward, Looking Back” the event will provide participants with the opportunity to hear from a distinguished lineup of international speakers and to network with old and new colleagues alike.

ALS Quebec launches Taking Care, a virtual learning environment for caregivers

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

Montreal, Thursday, November 8, 2018 – With the financial support of L’Appui national pour les proches aidants d’aînés and the collaboration of 51�Թ��’s Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning (SCSIL), the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of Quebec is proud to launch a virtual education program Taking Care, intended for those caring for someone living with ALS.

On-demand virtual support

Entre-Nous with Dr. Mark Ware

51�Թ�� — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:56:21 +0000

In July 2018 Dr. Mark Ware took a leave of absence from his position as Associate Professor in the Departments of Anesthesia and Family Medicine at 51�Թ��’s Faculty of Medicine in order to become the Chief Medical Officer for the Canopy Growth Corporation. On November 7 he returns to 51�Թ��where he will deliver the 41st annual Osler Lectureship “100 years of cannabis: a journey from William Osler to the modern era,” beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Charles F. Martin Amphitheatre in the McIntyre Medical Building. Dr.

For new HPV DNA test, study finds there may be little benefit in screening women aged 55 with a negative test