Research explores how fungi become drug-resistant

Research explores how fungi become drug-resistantAs resistance to antimicrobial drugs rises, understanding the mechanisms at play could help doctors treat patients Researchers are investigating how disease-causing fungi become resistant to antifungal drugs to help prevent potentially devastating consequences of the growing resistance harmful microbes are developing to drugs. “Antimicrobial drugs are fundamental for us to live healthy lives,” says Daniel…

Researchers team up to speed up nerve regeneration

Researchers team up to speed up nerve regenerationCould help more people recover from nerve injuries and illnesses University of Alberta researchers and physicians are aiming to combine their expertise in surgery, electrical stimulation and drug discovery in an effort to help more people recover more quickly from nerve injuries and illnesses. Nerve regrowth is very slow, at best one millimetre a day,…

Parasites may be taking heavy toll on mammal populations

May not kill, but have heavy effect on mammals overall health

Parasites may be taking heavy toll on mammal populationsA new study looking at research on parasitic worms suggests the pesky, but pervasive creatures have a far greater impact on the health of mammal populations than previously known. “Parasites don't have to kill the animal to control a population,” says Kyle Shanebeck, a PhD student in the Faculty of Science’s Department of Biological Sciences…

New method creates lifelike aquatic artificial habitats

Studying living habitats that attract and retain different organisms is crucial in restoration planning

New method creates lifelike aquatic artificial habitatsResearchers have devised a new method of making lifelike aquatic artificial habitats that could help scientists better understand and restore real-world environments. Aneri Garg, who completed the research as part of her master’s studies under the supervision of Stephanie Green, first developed the 3D scanning, printing, moulding and casting (3D-SPMC) method on a project involving coral reefs. As…

Study challenges the link between obesity and junk food advertising

Banning junk food advertising may have little effect on reducing obesity

Study challenges the link between obesity and junk food advertisingA new study from the University of Alberta challenges the notion that advertising junk food is at the root of the obesity epidemic. Growing up in a low social-economic environment is more of a precursor to obesity later in life than junk food advertising, according to the report, with adults who grew up in a…

Can beavers catch chronic wasting disease?

New research suggests beavers may be susceptible to the fatal illness – increasing spread between species

Can beavers catch chronic wasting disease?Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an infectious disease that affects the central nervous systems of animals, typically affecting cervids such as deer, elk and moose. “CWD is always fatal. There’s no cure; there are no treatments,” says Debbie McKenzie, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. CWD is increasing its geographic range as well…

Enzymes could hold key to better understanding inflammation

Findings show promise for new anti-inflammatory drugs and treatments for autoimmune diseases

Enzymes could hold key to better understanding inflammationNew research shows a group of enzymes may have a critical role in how immune cells are activated and then migrate to certain sites in the body – findings that could improve our understanding of inflammation and potentially lead to new treatments. In a recent study, researchers explored a particular family of enzymes called neuraminidases. "We…

My neighbour the osprey in all its grandeur

These magnificent birds often nest in odd places, such as the light standards and hydroelectric towers

My neighbour the osprey in all its grandeurThe waterfront of Port Perry, Ont., is hosting new neighbours. Two osprey have taken up residence right in the middle of town on the waterfront. These magnificent birds inspire awe but often nest in odd places, such as the light standards and hydroelectric towers. A pair has nested for years at the ball fields at…

Forestry grad harvests his passion for the outdoors into a career

Fergus McSween is applying his new knowledge of forests, plants and animals to help protect them

Forestry grad harvests his passion for the outdoors into a careerFergus McSween loves the outdoors. Growing up in Calgary, he spent much of his youth outside the city, roaming Alberta’s forests as a Scout, on school outdoor education trips, or camping with friends and family. “Nature is so peaceful and tranquil. It’s a place where I can be myself, turn my brain off and just…

Plant diversity minimally affected by intensive cattle grazing: study

The large-scale study adds to the understanding of how different grazing practices affect the land

Plant diversity minimally affected by intensive cattle grazing: studyThe way ranchers graze their cattle doesn’t make much difference in plant diversity on the land, according to a U of A study. That’s important because plant diversity is a useful metric to gauge the resilience of a landscape, including rangeland used by cattle producers, says Jessica Grenke, first author of the study. Researchers compared adaptive…
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