Vaccine would be a huge win for young people and adults alike An international collaboration involving researchers at the University of Alberta and Griffith University in Australia has launched the first phase of human clinical trials for a potential strep A vaccine. Group A streptococcus bacteria, more commonly known as strep A, kills more than…
New minerals discovered in massive meteorite may reveal clues to asteroid formation A team of researchers has discovered at least two new minerals that have never before been seen on Earth in a 15-tonne meteorite found in Somalia – the ninth-largest meteorite ever found. “Whenever you find a new mineral, it means that the actual…
Being able to forgive yourself plays an important role While moral injury and post-traumatic stress-related disorders can affect anyone, veterans and military service members are at a higher risk of developing such conditions due to the nature of their service. “We appreciate that these groups are exposed to higher rates of potentially traumatic events than…
Despite increases in predators and hunting success
It would seem inevitable that an increase in predators would lead to a decline in the prey they eat – and the chances of success for hunters. But a new study shows that hasn’t happened with elk in Alberta over the past 26 years, despite an increase in the number of wolves, grizzly bears and…
The effects of stuttering extend beyond just speech difficulties
Social robots that interact with humans could be a promising new addition to current treatment tools for people who stutter, according to a recent study looking at how the high-tech helpers might be used in clinics. Unlike apps and AI programs within computers, social robots have a physical presence, making them well suited for interventions…
University of Alberta and Infosys will continue to collaborate on research projects in energy, machine learning and climate change
Austin Fedoretz, a fifth-year engineering physics student, is no stranger to getting hands-on experience in his field of study. As an engineering co-op student, he has had work terms in construction, web development and sensor design. “Each drew on different aspects of the degree,” he explains. “You just never know what knowledge you’re going to…
It’s a marathon, not a sprint, says an expert
For many students and teachers, the start of the new school year has added a new set of challenges to the big ones they’ve already been dealing with for nearly two and a half years. And though it may be simple enough to “switch on” motivation to get things done in the short term, sustaining…
AI researchers may have found a method for removing bias in natural language processing
A better way to reduce gender bias in natural language processing models while preserving vital information about the meanings of words may have been found, according to a recent study. The research could be a key step toward addressing the issue of human biases creeping into artificial intelligence. While a computer itself is an unbiased…
One simple tip to get some natural protection is to wear light-coloured clothing
It’s nearly impossible to head outdoors during the summer without coming across mosquitoes – and experiencing the itch-inducing bites they bestow. But as irritating as those bites may be, mosquitoes are a necessary part of the ecosystem. “Both the larvae and the adults are food sources for other insects such as dragonflies, amphibians, birds and…
The federal funding supports centres that advance research in these two areas that have the potential to impact health on a wide scale
Two fundamental fields of study poised to revolutionize health treatments just got a major funding boost. The fields of glycomics and metabolomics are all about better understanding the human body and all its cells and processes. These two fields of study provide an avenue to address a wide variety of health needs. They are leading…