Surprise findings suggest anti-inflammatories increase chronic pain risk

A new study led by researchers at McGill University challenges current notions of how acute pain is treated. The findings suggest treating some forms of acute pain with anti-inflammatory drugs may actually increase the risk of that pain developing into… Continue reading Surprise findings suggest anti-inflammatories increase chronic pain risk

Cancer risk increased by wildfire exposure, first-of-its-kind study finds

A first-of-its-kind study from researchers at McGill University has investigated the relationship between certain cancers and people living in close proximity to wildfires. The findings revealed higher rates of brain tumors and lung cancer in populatio… Continue reading Cancer risk increased by wildfire exposure, first-of-its-kind study finds

Seashell-inspired glass promises shatterproof smartphone screens

Glass is one of the most useful materials in our modern world, but being prone to cracking or shattering is a major downside. Scientists at McGill University have developed a new type of glass inspired by the mollusk shell that’s stronger and tougher, … Continue reading Seashell-inspired glass promises shatterproof smartphone screens

Protein discovery pulls at the roots of recurring brain cancer

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer, and compounding the threat is the high probability of recurrence following treatment, with dormant tumor cells springing back into action and giving rise to new growths. In a development likened to ta… Continue reading Protein discovery pulls at the roots of recurring brain cancer

Diving beetle inspires a better diagnostic skin patch

When someone is suffering from a skin disease, diagnostic devices are often used to determine what disease it is, and how it’s progressing. A new adhesive skin patch could make doing so quicker and easier than ever – and it’s inspired by a diving beetl… Continue reading Diving beetle inspires a better diagnostic skin patch

Softest-ever brain implant delivered via dissolving sugar needle

While neural implants play a vital role in monitoring or stimulating parts of the brain, they’re often attacked by the body’s immune system. A new device gets around that problem by being very soft – and it’s implanted using a needle made of sugar.Cont… Continue reading Softest-ever brain implant delivered via dissolving sugar needle

Astronomers detect new frequencies from mysterious fast radio bursts

The mystery of fast radio bursts (FRBs) from space may be a step closer to being solved. Astronomers studying a repeating signal from a nearby galaxy have detected radiation at the lowest frequency of any FRB found so far, providing new potential hints… Continue reading Astronomers detect new frequencies from mysterious fast radio bursts

Next-gen sutures inspired by tendons boost healing and deliver drugs

While they’ve been around for centuries in various forms and helped heal many a wound in the process, some scientists see a world of possibility when it comes to how sutures might help the human body. A team at McGill University has come up with novel … Continue reading Next-gen sutures inspired by tendons boost healing and deliver drugs

“Lonely brain” imaging study reveals unexpected neural patterns

A compelling new study examining brain scans from thousands of older adults is suggesting people identifying themselves as lonely can display an unexpectedly unique neural signature. The research found lonely people present with greater volumes of gray… Continue reading “Lonely brain” imaging study reveals unexpected neural patterns

Ice sheet coverage at one pole found to influence coverage at the other

They might be tens of thousands of kilometers apart, but ice coverage at the North and South Poles may be more closely related than once thought. Scientists have tapped into geological records to model historical ice sheet changes at either end of the … Continue reading Ice sheet coverage at one pole found to influence coverage at the other