Tick-borne pathogens increasingly widespread in Central Canada

Tick-borne pathogens, known for causing illnesses such as Lyme disease, are on the rise in Central Canada – presenting new risks in areas where they were never previously detected.

The findings from researchers at McGill University and the University of Ottawa demonstrate the need for more comprehensive testing and tracking to detect the spread and potential risk of tick-borne pathogens to human and wildlife populations throughout Canada.

McGill and RI-MUHC awarded $5.1 million for infectious disease research

New funding of $5.1 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), announced today by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will help researchers Marcel Behr, MD, PhD, and Silvia Vidal, PhD, ensure that Canada is better prepared for the next pandemic.

A suite of government funding in support of McGill research

Today, the Government of Canada announced an investment of more than $ 301 million in support of social sciences and humanities research, bioscience infrastructure and the Canada Research Chairs Program. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry made the announcement at the Canadian Science Policy Conference in Ottawa.

$15.3 million gift for brain research at McGill University will bring new insights into neurological diseases and disorders

Scientists around the world are beginning to use new techniques in analyzing single brain cells to understand conditions like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

McGill University appoints H. Deep Saini as new Principal and Vice-Chancellor

The Board of Governors of McGill University is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. H. Deep Saini as the University's 18th Principal and Vice-Chancellor. He will begin his five-year, renewable term on April 1, 2023.

Prof. Saini was chosen by a unanimous vote of the Board of Governors, following a recommendation of an Advisory Committee formed to lead an extensive, international search.

Low levels of air pollution deadlier than previously thought

The World Health Organization’s most recent estimates (2016) are that over 4.2 million people die prematurely each year due to long-term exposure to fine particulate outdoor air pollution (often referred to as PM2.5,).

Vaccine uptake remains low among at-risk Canadians

As the flu season begins and the COVID-19 pandemic continues, pneumococcal vaccination is more important than ever to prevent disease and death from pneumonia and other forms of pneumococcal disease. But vaccine uptake remains low among adults at high risk, say researchers from McGill University.

McGill University to establish high-profile discussion series on Canada’s place in the world

Thanks to an endowment of $5 million from Canadian philanthropist Charles Bronfman, LLD’90, the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada (MISC) is launching a new flagship event entitled Conversations, sponsored by Charles Bronfman, a series of high-profile and broadly accessible discussions about issues of global importance and the challenges and opportunities facing Canada.  

Penguin feathers may be secret to effective anti-icing technology

Ice buildup on powerlines and electric towers brought the northern US and southern Canada to a standstill during the Great Ice Storm of 1998, leaving many in the cold and dark for days and even weeks. Whether it is on wind turbines, electric towers, drones, or airplane wings, dealing with ice buildup typically depends on techniques that are time consuming, costly and/or use a lot of energy, along with various chemicals.

Forging a healthier future through research: McGill University launches new Institute of Genomic Medicine

A landmark donation to support McGill University’s renowned genomics research and education programs from UK-based alumnus and long-time donor Victor Dahdaleh is a catalyst for advancements in genomics research. Thanks to gifts from Victor Dahdaleh totalling more than $30 million, McGill will launch the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine.

Advancing climate research thanks to new satellite mission co-led by McGill University

Canadian scientists will contribute to assessing and addressing climate change thanks to a new satellite mission that has received more than $200 million from the Canadian federal government. This is Canada’s contribution to a major multi-satellite mission led by NASA, the Atmosphere Observing System (AOS) mission, and will improve extreme weather prediction, climate modelling, and the monitoring of disasters.

Transparent face masks restore emotional understanding, but not empathy

Mask-wearing has become the norm for many since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite their effectiveness in preventing the spread of viruses, opaque masks impair our ability to understand and convey emotions, a group of McGill University researchers has found.