Is AI good or bad for the climate? It’s complicated
As the world fights climate change, will the increasingly widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) be a help or a hindrance?
$26.5 million for McGill Research from NSERC Discovery Research Programs
Asked to list the most earthquake prone countries, few people would earmark Canada. Yet, in 2021, Natural Resources Canada identified 46 earthquakes, which registered between 1.8 and 5.3 magnitude and to date, 26 earthquakes have occurred in 2022. Damaging earthquakes are surprisingly common in the Western Quebec Seismic Zone, which encloses the Ottawa Valley from Montreal to Témiscamingue as well as the Laurentians.
A blueprint for life forms on Mars?
The extremely salty, very cold, and almost oxygen-free environment under the permafrost of Lost Hammer Spring in Canada’s High Arctic is the one that most closely resembles certain areas on Mars. So, if you want to learn more about the kinds of life forms that could once have existed – or may still exist – on Mars, this is a good place to look. After much searching under extremely difficult conditions, McGill University researchers have found microbes that have never been identified before.
Melanoma map shows skin cancer is on the rise in Canada
Rates of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, are on the rise in Canada. Those living in southern and coastal areas are most at risk, according to a new study led by McGill University.
A biological super glue from mistletoe berries?
Each mistletoe berry can produce up to two metres of a gluey thread called viscin. It allows the seeds of this parasitic plant to stick to and infect host plants. Since ancient times, mistletoe berries have been explored as treatments for everything from infertility and epilepsy to cancer. But, until now, no one has fully investigated the potential medical or technical uses of the glue itself.
Fast-fashion, air pollution and women leaders under the media spotlight
Lack of environmental awareness and preference for variety leading causes of waste in fast-fashion production
The secret lives of Darwin's finches reveal daily commutes the equivalent of 30 soccer fields
Using radio transmitters, scientists have gained new insights into the behaviour of medium ground finches in the Galapagos Islands. A study led by McGill University researchers reveals daily movement patterns covering an area equivalent to the size of 30 soccer fields.
Decoding the language of immune responses
Fever, cough, sore throat – symptoms in the spotlight in the era of COVID-19 – are just some of the tell-tale signs of our body’s immune system kicking into action against an unwanted intruder. Whether triggered by an infection, an allergen, or a vaccine, immune responses are driven by a complex array of cellular processes that can play out over several days or even weeks.
Research briefs: Origami-inspired design and why mice fear bananas
Here are some interesting new stories from McGill University Media Relations:
McGill announces C$6 million chair in architecture to develop turn-key solutions for mass building climate retrofits
As the impact of climate change intensifies and accelerates, there is growing urgency to radically transform areas that can be substantially decarbonized. Buildings are among the largest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG) however the vast majority of existing Canadian building stock was constructed with no energy code in place.
Music to our ears: Gift to McGill and UdeM creates hub for collaborative piano in Montreal
After two years of health restrictions that have often left concert halls empty and musicians struggling, a generous donation from the Azrieli Foundation is helping to breathe new life into the world of elite music performance.
Concussion symptoms in children may have multiple underlying causes
Different types of brain damage caused by a concussion may lead to similar symptoms in children, according to research led by McGill University. A new way of studying concussions could help develop future treatments.
Astronomers reveal first image of the black hole at the heart of our galaxy
Astronomers have unveiled the first image of the supermassive black hole at the centre of our own Milky Way galaxy. This result provides overwhelming evidence that the object is indeed a black hole and yields valuable clues about the workings of such giants, which are thought to reside at the centre of most galaxies. The image was produced by a global research team called the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration, using observations from a worldwide network of radio telescopes.
Discovery reveals blocking inflammation may lead to chronic pain
Using anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to relieve pain could increase the chances of developing chronic pain, according to researchers from McGill University and colleagues in Italy. Their research puts into question conventional practices used to alleviate pain. Normal recovery from a painful injury involves inflammation and blocking that inflammation with drugs could lead to harder-to-treat pain.
McGill University's carbon reduction strategy in investments yields outstanding results
As part of its ongoing commitment to fighting climate change, McGill University’s result-oriented strategy has accelerated the effective decarbonization of its investment, and further reduced its exposure to large users of oil, gas, and coal, as well as fossil fuel producers.
