The gas around Milky Way's central black hole is rich in metals, study finds
The gas orbiting Sagittarius A (Sgr A*), the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way galaxy, is rich in metals, researchers at McGill University’s Trottier Space Institute have found. The metal enrichment probably resulted from stars that exploded and released material into the black hole's surroundings over time, they said.
What makes us human? A first atlas of functional DNA changes offers new clues
A new genetic atlas is helping scientists trace the DNA changes that transformed a shared primate ancestor into modern humans.
For the first time, researchers can systematically test which genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees affect gene activity.
Upgraded trail and new observation pier now open to the public at the Gault Nature Reserve
The Gault Nature Reserve of McGill University has completed work aimed at protecting and enhancing the shoreline of Lake Hertel.
This project, with an estimated value of $67,520, received financial support of $49,300 from the Fondation pour la biodiversité et la faune du Québec and its financial partner, Hydro-Québec, through the Programme Hydro-Québec pour la mise en valeur des milieux naturels.
Urbanization takes a bigger toll on bird diversity in the tropics than it does at other latitudes, McGill study finds
Researchers at McGill University have found that urbanization is weakening one of Earth's most enduring ecological patterns: the tendency for biodiversity to increase toward the tropics, a pattern known as the latitudinal diversity gradient.
Survival mechanism in the brain may help explain PTSD
A surprising feature of how the brain stores memories could help explain why harmless situations can sometimes quickly feel threatening, a hallmark of anxiety and trauma disorders.
Scientists have long believed that fear helps the brain draw a clearer line between danger and safety. The new study from researchers at the Douglas Research Centre at McGill University and the University of Toronto-Scarborough, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggests the opposite.
Pain peaks earlier in life than might have been expected, global study finds
People experience the steepest increases in pain before age 55, rather than in later life as might be expected, a new study led by McGill University researchers has found.
Published in Nature Medicine, the study analyzed self-reported pain data from more than 6.1 million people across 118 countries and territories.
Focusing on the ‘obesity paradox’ to improve cancer treatment success
To the surprise of researchers, certain diets often considered “unhealthy” or “fattening” were associated with better responses to a type of cancer immunotherapy.
Famed dancer Nijinsky's diary offers rare window into psychosis
More than a century after legendary ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky penned a diary in a state of psychosis, McGill University researchers have mined the pages to learn more about how mental illness can affect language.
New resource supports parents of preschoolers with suspected developmental delays
McGill researchers have created and validated a virtual coaching program that helps parents of preschoolers with developmental delays navigate the maze of assessments, appointments and decisions with which they can be faced.
Montreal’s squirrels provide insight into evolutionary change in urban species
By comparing variations in the colour of the coats of the eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Montreal city parks, researchers found that hyper-local conditions appear to play a bigger role in determining wildlife traits than had been thought.
History, art and science join forces to unlock the mysteries of a 400-year-old book
A major grant will enable McGill University Libraries to delve into the Libro di Piume, or Feather Book, an exceptional artifact created in Italy more than 400 years ago. This unique object contains 156 illustrations made from feathers and other organic materials, including approximately 100 bird depictions incorporating, beaks, feathers and feet.
Young, eco-anxious Canadians are the most likely to support disruptive tactics by environmental activists, study finds
The tolerance of individual Canadians for radical forms of environmental activism depends on several factors. Overall, however, Canadians do not support vandalism or violence as forms of protest. Those are the key findings of a new study by researchers from McGill University and Université Laval.
Building stronger teams, in sports and beyond
A sports psychology intervention aimed at improving the culture of the McGill Redbirds football team provides valuable insights that can be applied in many organizational settings, researchers say.
During the 13-week intervention, athletes were invited to work together to define the team’s values and recommend how to cultivate and reinforce them.
Having compassion for oneself is linked to well-being, study finds
Caring for others without caring for oneself is associated with lower levels of well-being and may not be sustainable, a new study found.
Transition to cleaner heating can lower blood pressure
An environmental policy designed to improve air quality also has benefits for cardiovascular health, finds a new McGill-led study.
Researchers found China's Clean Heating Policy – introduced to reduce smog by helping rural households switch from coal to electric or natural gas home heating – also lowered adults’ blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide.
