What do breast cancer cells feel inside the tumour?
Using a new technique, a team of McGill University researchers has found tiny and previously undetectable ‘hot spots’ of extremely high stiffness inside aggressive and invasive breast cancer tumours. Their findings suggest, for the first time, that only very tiny regions of a tumor need to stiffen for metastasis to take place. Though still in its infancy, the researchers believe that their technique may prove useful in detecting and mapping the progression of aggressive cancers.
COVID-19 vaccines: McGill researchers track the global race
McGill University professor Nicole Basta and her team have created an interactive online COVID-19 vaccine tracker, that provides real-time updates on progress in developing a safe and effective vaccine.
McGill co-founded grassroots organization receives major gift to continue COVID-19 fight
COVID-19 Resources Canada, a grassroots organization co-founded by a McGill researcher, today announced it received a donation of $250,000 from the Trottier Family Foundation to facilitate Canada’s response to the pandemic. Since its launch in March 2020, the organization has developed two of the most comprehensive databases in Canada with more than 600 COVID-19 funded research projects and experts from over 25 Canadian institutions.
Bat-winged dinosaurs that could glide
Despite having bat-like wings, two small dinosaurs, Yi and Ambopteryx, struggled to fly, only managing to glide clumsily between the trees where they lived, according to a new study led by an international team of researchers, including McGill University Professor Hans Larsson.
Mandatory vaccinations required in only half of all countries
As countries struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination uptake is a public health priority now more than ever. Efforts to increase vaccinations vary greatly around the globe. A new McGill-led study comparing policies around the world finds broad implementation of mandatory vaccination mandates. However, the penalties for failing to vaccinate differ significantly by country, ranging from fines to jail time.
How are emerging technology and media shaping democracy?
The Max Bell School of Public Policy is launching a new Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy at McGill University. Collaborating with leading researchers, policy thinkers, and journalists, the Centre works to understand the impact of emerging technology and media on policy and public life.
McGill University provides job opportunities for students amid pandemic
As many students struggle to find work amid the pandemic, McGill University launches new Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for students to develop important digital skills for the future, with the support of the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program and TECHNATION, Canada’s leading national technology association.
Next level training for retail leaders of the future
Calling retail leaders of the future: McGill University’s Bensadoun School of Retail Management is launching a unique Master of Management in Retailing (MMR) designed to equip students with the tools they need to thrive in the rapidly evolving post-COVID retail industry.
McGill receives $15-million gift commitment from agri-food entrepreneur Marc Bieler
As a man whose career as a successful agri-food entrepreneur has spanned sectors as diverse as cattle breeding, apple growing, maple syrup production and French vineyards, and who almost single-handedly built Quebec’s cranberry industry into one of the largest and most highly regarded in the world, Marc Bieler, DipAgr’58, BA’64, has always had a profound attachment to the land and a deep respect for the natural environment.
Network science study of Montreal bilinguals could deepen understanding of real-world language use
Psychology researchers at McGill University have used network science – a mathematical technique for revealing connections and patterns – to gain novel insights into Montrealers’ experience of using French and English.
The unique approach has brought to light subtle differences as to which social settings Montreal bilinguals discuss certain topics and whether they use French, English or both languages to discuss those topics.
Discovery of a new key player in long-term memory
A McGill-led multi-institutional research team has discovered that during memory consolidation, there are at least two distinct processes taking place in two different brain networks – the excitatory and inhibitory networks. The excitatory neurons are involved in creating a memory trace, and the inhibitory neurons block out background noise and allow long-term learning to take place.
Trust and income inequality fueling spread of COVID-19
Trust in public institutions is linked to fewer COVID-19 deaths, but trust and belonging to groups is associated with more deaths, according to a wide-ranging, McGill-led study of 30-day COVID-19 mortality rates in 84 countries. Greater economic inequality is also associated with COVID-19 mortality.
Polycystic ovary syndrome increases risk for gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders
A recent study by researchers at McGill University has identified polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as an independent risk factor for gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The condition, known to lead to multiple reproductive complications, including infertility, affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age.
Holidays bring severe spike in nut allergies for children
A new study examining the link between peanut and tree-nut anaphylaxis in children and holidays found spikes at Halloween and Easter. The study, led by a team of researchers from the Montreal Children’s Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre (MCH-MUHC), found that most were previously unknown allergies, calling for increased awareness.
Expert opinion: COVID-19 vaccine rollout unlikely before fall 2021
Experts working in the field of vaccine development tend to believe that an effective vaccine is not likely to be available for the general public before the fall of 2021. In a paper published recently in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, a McGill-led team published the results of a recent survey of 28 experts working in vaccinology.
