CHORD will be a huge leap forward for Canadian radio astronomy

Construction is underway of CHORD, the most ambitious radio telescope project ever built on Canadian soil. Short for the Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector, CHORD will give astronomers an unprecedented opportunity to explore some of the most exciting and mysterious questions in astrophysics and cosmology, from Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and dark energy to the measurements of fundamental particles, and beyond.

Study raises red flags about BPA replacements

Chemicals used to replace bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging can trigger potentially harmful effects in human ovarian cells, according to McGill University 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.

McGill researchers develop safe, scalable vibration technique to improve lab-grown tissues

Researchers in McGill’s Department of Mechanical Engineering have discovered a safe and low-cost method of engineering living materials such as tissues, organs and blood clots. By simply vibrating these materials as they form, scientists can dramatically influence how strong or, weak they become.

Even post-#MeToo, news reporting on sexual violence remains problematic, McGill researchers say

Even in the post-#MeToo era, news reporting on sexual violence remains problematic and causes harms, McGill researchers have found.

The researchers conducted a thematic review of academic literature, analyzing 41 relevant articles published between 2013 and 2023 in the Global North to assess whether news coverage of sexual violence has evolved since the #MeToo movement of 2017 had increased awareness.

Brightest fast radio burst seen so far allows researchers to zoom in on the location of origin  

A team of international astronomers, including McGill researchers, have pinpointed one of the brightest fast radio bursts (FRBs) ever detected to a location in a nearby galaxy. The finding and the location surprised the team and offered new insight into FRBs, which are one of astrophysics’ biggest mysteries. 

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

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

Study finds Montreal cycling infrastructure doesn’t match demand

Bike lanes, BIXI stations and other micromobility infrastructure make up just two per cent of Montreal’s street space – even in neighbourhoods where cycling demand would justify more – according to a new study by McGill University researchers. They think that the measure they developed to arrive at their findings can also help assess the situation in other cities.

McGill team discovers Canada’s first dinosaur-era dragonfly fossil 

In a first for Canadian paleontology, a Cretaceous fossilized dragonfly wing, uncovered in Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park, has been identified as a new species. It’s also the first known dragonfly fossil from Canada’s dinosaur aged rocks. The find, led by McGill University researchers, sheds light on a 30-million-year gap in the evolutionary history of dragonflies. 

Posting digitally enhanced photos of yourself could have a social cost, researchers find

The use of disclaimer labels on digitally enhanced portraits could have unintended social consequences for their subjects, according to a study by a team of McGill researchers.

Analysis of more than a century’s worth of political speeches challenges theory about how linguistic usage evolves

A study led by McGill University researchers challenges the theory that language change over time requires new generations to replace older generations of speakers. Rather, when words change meaning, speakers of all ages participate; while older speakers might take two or three years longer than their younger colleagues to adopt new word usage, in some cases they lead the way in introducing new word meanings into the common vocabulary, the researchers found.

New tool helps seniors reduce unnecessary medications

McGill University 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.

McGill scientists turn marine waste into a sustainable solution for wound care, wearable devices and more  

An interdisciplinary team of McGill researchers has developed an ultra-strong, environmentally friendly medical glue, or bioadhesive, made from marine waste. The discovery has promising applications for wound care, surgeries, improved drug delivery, wearable devices and medical implants. 

Climate change driving major algae surge in Canada’s lakes, study finds

Algal growth is accelerating in lakes across Canada, including those far from human development, and a new study shows that climate change is the primary driver. 

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

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