Medical Discovery

Scurvy is still a thing in Canada

McMaster University researchers surveyed the data of patients of Hamilton’s two hospital systems over nine years and found 52 with low Vitamin C levels. This included 13 patients who could be diagnosed as having scurvy, and an additional 39 who tested positive for scurvy but did not have documented symptoms.

Special delivery: McMaster physicists design ‘super-human’ red blood cells to deliver drugs to specific targets within the body

A team of physicists from McMaster University has developed a process to modify red blood cells so they can be used to distribute drugs throughout the body, which could specifically target infections or treat catastrophic diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer’s.

VISION study finds connection between cardiac blood test before surgery and adverse outcomes

A common cardiac blood test done before surgery can predict who will experience adverse outcomes after most types of surgery, says an international study led by Hamilton researchers.

Secret behind diabetes drug’s benefits revealed

Researchers at McMaster University have unlocked one of the secrets behind the many benefits of metformin.

Better way to interpret blood tests reduces need for CT scans to diagnose pulmonary embolism

A study led by Hamilton researchers has found a new way to interpret blood test results in patients who are investigated for blood clots in their lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism.

Gut feelings

McMaster researchers have taken a significant step toward understanding how the most commonly prescribed form of anti-depressant medication actually works in the body, establishing a better understanding of the role of the gut in regulating mood and behaviour.

Study finds simple cardiac risk score can predict early problems with blood flow in the brain

Findings from one of the largest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cohort studies in North America show that a simple cardiac risk score can indicate who may have carotid artery plaque and silent strokes, which often come before a serious clinical stroke,

International study finds similar results from total or partial hip replacement

Now a large clinical study of almost 1,500 patients in 10 countries world-wide has found those who had a total hip arthroplasty have modestly better function after two years, but a higher incidence of serious complications.

Preventative artery repair provides major benefit after serious heart attack

A major international study has shown that opening all clogged arteries with stents after a serious heart attack is much better than opening only the single clogged artery that caused the heart attack.

Study finds many psychiatric disorders have heightened impulsivity

Individuals with many different psychiatric disorders have a higher tendency to choose smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed rewards, a study led by Hamilton researchers has found.

Study offers insights into making surgery safer for patients taking direct oral anticoagulants

A Hamilton-led international study of more than 3,000 patients could set the stage globally for how patients can safely use blood-thinning medications before and after surgery to mitigate risk of bleeding and stroke.

Scientists find simple urine test could offer a non-invasive approach for diagnosis of IBS patients

Scientists at McMaster  have identified new biomarkers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in urine, which could lead to better treatments and reduce the need for costly and invasive colonoscopy procedures currently used for diagnosis.   

Scientists map elusive toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s, providing new molecular clues for prevention

A team of researchers from McMaster has mapped at atomic resolution a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease, allowing them to better understand what is happening deep within the brain during the earliest stages of the disease.  

Discovery of ‘kingpin’ stem cell may help in the understanding of cancerous tumours

A team of McMaster researchers has discovered a unique subset of cells within human stem cells that appear to signal how the surrounding cells will develop and grow.

McMaster helps provide new insight on gene mutations associated with autism

Karun Singh is a principal investigator of the Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute at McMaster University.

Identifying cystic fibrosis earlier and more reliably

Chemists at McMaster have discovered new signatures that could identify cystic fibrosis in infants sooner with better reliability.

Simple score to diagnose heart attacks is safer, faster than current methods

An international team led by McMaster researchers has developed a simple laboratory score that is safer and faster at diagnosing patients who visit the emergency department with heart attack symptoms.

McMaster professor seeks to stop the bleeding

Alfonso Iorio has been named the inaugural holder of the new Bayer Chair for Clinical Epidemiology Research and Bleeding Disorders.

McMaster prof leads team developing approach to assess hemophilia research

Patients are helping researchers, including those at McMaster University, clarify the essential aspects of assessing the value of gene therapy in hemophilia.

International study suggests alternative treatment for mild asthma 

Paul O’Byrne is the principal investigator on a study that suggests an alternative to conventional treatment strategies.

Too much oxygen increases risk of death in acutely ill adult patients

Extensive data analyses in a study from McMaster show that supplemental oxygen, when given liberally to these patients, increases the risk of death without improving other health outcomes.

Spinal tap needle type impacts the risk of complications

New study provides convincing high-quality evidence for people to change to the atraumatic needles for a better patient care.

Clot-busting drugs not recommended for most patients with blood clots

Clearing clots with drugs and specialized devices may not reduce the likelihood that patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome.

Funding announcement at McMaster boosts genomic research across Canada

The announcement highlighted the work of researcher Jonathan Bramson, who received a total of $2.3 million in funding for a project that will validate a new white blood cell therapy for cancer.

Injury from contact sport has harmful – though temporary – effect on memory

Concussions and repetitive impact can interrupt neurogenesis — or the creation of new neurons — in the hippocampus, a vulnerable region of the brain critical to memory. 

Polanyi Prize-winner setting her sights on targeted asthma treatment

Approximately 10 per cent of asthmatics do not respond to therapy, with life-threatening consequences.

Innovation Showcase highlights growing impact of student-entrepreneurs

This year's Innovation Showcase focused on the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity exhibited by students, graduate students, post doctoral fellows and researchers from across campus.