Health & Medicine

Recent cannabis use may slow memory

Recent cannabis users may be more likely to experience memory problems or difficulties with cognitive function than those who don’t use the drug, says a study led by McMaster University researcher James MacKillop.

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.   

David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery gives researchers a fighting chance against antimicrobial resistance

A forward-looking McMaster donor is investing $7 million in a new research centre dedicated specifically to tackling the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Doors of new institute open at McMaster

The offices of an institute dedicated to broadening Canada’s research capacity in infectious disease and the response of the human immune system, opened today at McMaster University.

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.  

Hamilton memory care centre will serve as living lab for researchers in aging

Ressam Gardens, a new seniors' residence in Hamilton, is designed to improve the quality of life of its ​residents, who are living with dementia and Alzheimer's.​The facility will also be space where partners, ​including the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), ​can develop and test advanced smart systems that may positively impact this population.

Get them moving before kindergarten

Researchers find physical activity in preschool years can affect future heart health.

New research centre brings expertise in healthy aging

The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) and the McMaster School of Nursing’s Aging, Community and Health Research Unit (ACHRU) have formed the newest research centre in the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit (OSSU) network.

There’s a health care crisis in Canada’s federal prisons, says Global Health grad

McMaster medical student and Global Health program graduate Eilish Scallan's recently published paper points out the inequities in Canada's prisons.

Project on chronic back pain receives new MIRA-IPRC catalyst grant

An interdisciplinary project aimed at developing a pre-surgery rehabilitation and education program for older adults with lumbar spinal stenosis receives the first cross-institute catalyst grant from the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care.

Major study finds one in five children have mental health problems

A new study has found that one in five Ontario children has a mental disorder, but less than one-third have had contact with a mental health provider.

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.

From foam to bone

Plant cellulose can pave the way for healthy bone implants.

Kids’ concussion recovery like snakes and ladders game

CanChild, a McMaster research centre, has developed new guidelines that reduce the amount of rest required for children recovering from concussion.

Physicists pinpoint a simple mechanism that makes bacteria resistant to antibiotics

Physicists at McMaster have for the first time identified a simple mechanism used by potentially deadly bacteria to fend off antibiotics, a discovery which is providing new insights into how germs adapt and behave at a level of detail never seen before.  

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.

The more you tweet, the higher your impact

A team of researchers at McMaster have found that the more thoracic surgeons tweet, the better their research citation index.

Working it out: Researchers find exercise may help seniors fight depression

The benefits of exercise are widely known but kinesiologists at McMaster University have for the first time found that physical activity may help fight depression in seniors by stimulating muscle-generated mood boosters.

McMaster Health Forum and World Health Organization partner to support evidence-informed policymaking

The World Health Organization and its regional office for the Americas – the Pan-American Health Organization – have renewed the McMaster health Forum's designation as the PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence-Informed Policy for another four-year term.

Exercise ‘snacks’ make fitness easier: Researchers find short bouts of stairclimbing throughout the day can boost health

A few minutes of stair climbing, at short intervals throughout the day, can improve cardiovascular health, according to new research from kinesiologists at McMaster University and UBC Okanagan.

McMaster Health Forum expanding the scope of Social Systems Evidence

McMaster to expand the scope of its Social Systems Evidence site in order to support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

McMaster and partners receive $2 million to help achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals

The McMaster Health Forum and 13 international partners have received a $2 million grant to help policymakers meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

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.

Research finds opioids may help chronic pain, a little

Use of opioids for patients with chronic, non-cancer pain may help, but not a lot.

Impairment rating of injured workers depends on the when and where of assessment

If you experience an injury at work, the amount of compensation you receive depends on which impairment rating system is used, according to research from McMaster University and the Netherlands.

Finding sleep’s sweet spot for heart health

How much you sleep is linked to your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and death, according to a McMaster University-led study of more than 116,000 people in seven regions of the world, published in the European Heart Journal this week.

Federal health minister announces research on gender-based violence

Researchers with McMaster’s Offord Centre for Children at Child Studies will lead the $3.4 million study over the next five years.

Big news about big muscles

"There’s definitely a genetic blueprint that determines how much muscle a person has and how much muscle they can put on," says kinesiologist Rob Morton.

Six new projects tackle mobility for older adults

MIRA awards catalyst grants to interdisciplinary research proposals from each faculty, including plans to turn the RBG's trails into a living lab, to trace family health across generations of Hamiltonians, to manage chronic pain, and to help with the transition when older adults stop driving.

McMaster study identifies an unexpected cell population key to blood cancer relapse

Current therapy is effective at inducing remission in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia, but most patients later succumb after a relapse. That relapse has been thought to be caused by rare and dormant cancer stem cells that escape chemotherapy.

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.

What you need to know about the EpiPen shortage

Pfizer has said it will not have new stock of the life-saving epinephrine autoinjector until the end of August - and Pfizer’s the only such needle available in the country.

Study suggests cannabis does not increase suicidal behaviour in psychiatric patients

The study findings contrast with pre-existing data that shows the drug is linked to an increased chance of suicidal behaviour in the general population.

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.

Context is key for improving health research among Indigenous peoples

When reporting on Indigenous health outcomes, it is crucial to provide context for Indigenous health challenges and highlight strengths, to avoid contributing to stigmatization in wider society, McMaster researchers say in the CMAJ.

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.

Playing Pokémon Go improves sense of well-being

Trying to catch ’em all could have mental health benefits, according to McMaster researchers.

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.

McMaster researchers receive federal infrastructure funding

Three McMaster researchers have been awarded infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to advance their work in materials processing, respiratory medicine, and mental health.

Vector Institute names three McMaster trainees to inaugural Postgraduate Affiliate program

Leading Canadian research hub for artificial intelligence is focused on developing the next generation of AI thinkers, researchers and entrepreneurs.

High-intensity interval training could help women battle breast cancer

HIIT boosts both the number and activity of "natural killer" cells, which help the body fight cancerous tumours.

Being born during a flu pandemic may increase your risk of death during another flu pandemic

The influenza A virus continues to pose one of the most pressing threats to global public health due to its tendency to cause a pandemic.

McMaster research tops global list of buzzworthy findings

McMaster researchers led three of the year's top 100 papers, and contributed to an additional one, according to the Altmetric Top 100.

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.

“No time” is no excuse when it comes to exercise

A perceived “lack of time” is one of the most commonly-cited barriers to engaging in regular physical activity.

Building a stronger body through strength-promoting exercise

Focusing on building strength just twice a week is part of the blueprint for optimal health, says Kinesiology professor Stuart Phillips says.

Can exercise help improve memory and promote brain health?

Jennifer Heisz is working to understand how exercise alters the brain.

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. 

McMaster to host major conference on health and exercise

Just the Facts Please: An Exercise in Achieving Optimal Health will take place Wednesday, December 6th from 7 – 10 p.m. at the McMaster Innovation Park.

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.

Meet the first Labarge Mobility Scholarship recipients

In July, two promising students in the field of aging became the first recipients of the Labarge Mobility Scholarship, an influential new award presented by the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging within McMaster’s Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA).

Learning, discovery, new friends highlight summer program for Indigenous undergrad scholar

Rebecca Crawford is one of 17 undergraduate students who participated in the Indigenous Undergraduate Summer Research Scholars (IUSRS) program under the supervision of Dr. M. Constantine Samaan, associate professor in pediatrics.

McMaster researchers show off Canadian expertise at world’s largest aging conference

Some of McMaster’s top researchers are presenting at the world’s largest conference on aging this week.

“It’s been an eye-opening experience”: One science student’s summer in Japan

McMaster PhD student Jason Au is spending the summer in Japan taking part in a unique fellowship that allows him to work on a project with Japanese researchers, while providing him with opportunities to explore and experience Japanese culture.

New book provides guide to evidence-based practices in addiction treatment

A new book will provide a definitive guide to the findings from cutting-edge clinical research on addiction to front-line clinicians.

Student wins Food and Beverage Ontario contest with refreshing product idea

Angie Ibrahim, a fourth year student in McMaster’s Biology and Pharmacology Program, won a Food and Beverage Ontario contest with her beverage concept ICI, a drink that tastes cold and yet has not been refrigerated.

McMaster hosts researcher looking for ways to help pregnant women safely fight malaria

Titus Divala was born and raised in Malawi, where the mosquito-borne infectious disease is the third most common cause of death.

What will the next 150 years look like for Canada’s aging population?

“Our sesquicentennial is an opportunity to look into the future and to imagine what Canada will become in the next 50 or 100 years,” says University president Patrick Deane

hitchBOT creators to study how AI and robots can help patients

McMaster and Ryerson universities have announced the Smart Robots for Health Communication project, a joint research initiative designed to introduce social robotics and artificial intelligence into clinical health care.

Three profs to be honoured at Negev Dinner

An endocrinologist, an oncologist and a neuroscientist will be honoured at the Jewish National Fund of Hamilton Negev Dinner on June 25 at Liuna Station.

International team set to evaluate new advances in hemophilia treatment

An international team involving dozens of stakeholders from patients and policy makers to payers and government agencies are getting together to set how gene therapies in hemophilia should be measured for effectiveness.

Five global research leaders named University Scholars

Recipients are considered global leaders in a number of diverse research areas and academic disciplines.

‘Distinguished University Professor’ title to be conferred on five McMaster faculty members

Five outstanding faculty members have been recognized as ‘complete scholars’ with the title of Distinguished University Professor.

Five McMaster scholars recognized as among Canada’s brightest young researchers

Five McMaster researchers will take on everything from senior isolation to antimicrobial resistance as Vanier Canada Graduate Scholars and a Banting Fellow.

Ottawa invests in McMaster’s healthy aging research

McMaster grad receives Governor-General’s Innovation Award

Dr. Santerre's key innovation was to add ingredients during manufacturing of plastic medical devices the body won't reject.

McMaster’s early researchers earn nearly $1M in funding

Seven researchers from across the disciplines have earned Early Researcher Awards to advance their work – a collective investment of nearly $1 million from the Province of Ontario.

Economics student spotlights healthcare challenges of working poor winning national essay competition

Her research examines the level of access to supplementary health insurance coverage among Canadians and key characteristics associated with having, or lacking, coverage.

Chair of Oncology inducted into Order of Canada

A renowned breast cancer researcher and Chair of Oncology at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine has been inducted into the Order of Canada.

Indigenous Nurses celebrated during Aboriginal Students Health Sciences event

The School of Nursing and the Aboriginal Students Health Science Office hosted a celebration and recognition event for Indigenous Nurses.

Lori Burrows honoured with MUFA Award for Outstanding Service

The award is given annually to a nominated candidate who has affected the University, enhanced its reputation, provided excellent service and demonstrated innovation.

McMaster scientist awarded inaugural national prize for excellence in health research

Gregory Steinberg, a professor of medicine of McMaster's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, has been awarded a new national prize for outstanding accomplishments early in his career.

Cancer biologist Juliet Daniel honoured with Harry Jerome Award

McMaster's Juliet Daniel was honoured with a Harry Jerome Award from the Black Business and Professional Association this weekend.

Panel discussion tackles effects of marijuana legalization on campus

A panel of cannabis use researchers says Canadians need to start preparing for the legalization of marijuana.

$100,000 awarded in student startup competition

On March 23, The Forge held it's third annual Forge@MAC Student Startup Competition. The event was attended by over 200 guests including students and individuals interested in the Hamilton entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Federal investments focus on building Canada’s prosperity

This Fund is in addition to ongoing support for cluster funding to accelerate economic growth in key sectors including advanced manufacturing and health and bio-sciences.

Ontario invests more than $9M in McMaster research

Two research projects – one focused on electric vehicles, the other on eye disease – have each received a $4 million boost from the Ontario Research Fund.

Interdisciplinary Research Fund supports six innovative projects

Six teams of researchers from across McMaster's Faculties have been awarded $20,000 each from the Interdisciplinary Research Fund.

International media tour Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute

The group, which included reporters from Japan, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Israel, France and other countries, met researchers and learned about the Institute’s work in human stem cell reprogramming and drug discovery.

VP Research updates Board of Governors on ways to support McMaster’s research excellence

McMaster’s Vice-President of Research, Robert Baker updated the Board of Governors on plans to maintain, enhance and improve the University’s position as a research leader in Canada and around the world.

Federal government invests $1.37 million in leading-edge facilities

Seven McMaster researchers received nearly $1.37 million combined for infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

From the burning Boreal to lead poisoning, McMaster 3MT a showcase of grad research

More than 50 graduate students registered to participate in this year’s full-day event. Competitors took part in four preliminary heats, with the top three from each heat moving forward into the Final at the end of the day.

Federal government invests in McMaster technologies

Three McMaster research projects have received a combined investment of nearly $1.7M over three years from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada.

McMaster study one of most influential of 2016

A key study in the prevention of heart disease, led by Professor Salim Yusuf, has been named one of 14 “notable articles” of the year by the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.

Fourteen Mac researchers among the world’s most cited

The 2016 listing of the world's most highly cited researchers includes 14 scientists from the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University.

McMaster-based institutes receive nearly $10M from Canada Foundation for Innovation

The awards, funded through CFI’s Major Science Initiative Fund, were announced today by Canada’s Minister of Science.

McMaster’s Kinesiology program ranked among world’s best

McMaster Kinesiology has been ranked among the top sport science programs in the world.

McMaster awarded six new CRCs, $8.9M to support research excellence

McMaster has been awarded six new Canada Research Chairs and three renewals, bringing a total of $8.9M in new funding from a federal program aimed at retaining and attracting research leaders.

Inspirational leader takes lifelong achievement award

Dr. John Kelton has received a Lifelong Achievement Award from the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine’s Division of Geriatric Medicine and the Regional Geriatric Program Central.

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.

Autism researcher, economist honoured with Distinguished Alumni Awards

Autism researcher Margaret Clarke and renowned economist Junsen Zhang will be presented with Distinguished Alumni Awards at this year's Fall Convocation Ceremonies.

Asthma researcher receives international honour

Malcolm Sears, a professor of medicine at McMaster and world-renowned for his influential research on asthma, has received the 2016 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine.

Ontario start-up secures $41.4M to advance cancer immunotherapy

Preparing for the aging tsunami target of $15 million gift from Chancellor Labarge

The gift, announced Wednesday at an event at Queen’s Park in Toronto, funds the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging.

Nine researchers named Vanier Scholars, Banting Fellows

Nine grad students and post-doctoral fellows have been have been recognized as some of Canada’s most promising young researchers.

Crunching numbers: Network receives $14.5M to analyze critical data on all aspects of Canadian life

The Canadian Research Data Centre Network, which arms researchers with the statistics to explore and analyze trends and issues that touch virtually every aspect of Canadian life, has received $14.5-million in renewed funding.

How understanding musical sounds could help build a better hearing aid

Michael Schutz, an Associate Professor of Music Cognition/Percussion has been awarded a $140,000 NSERC Discovery grant for research on how humans perceive natural and artificial sounds.

New app for stroke survivors receives $250,000 in funding

A $250,000 donation will allow McMaster researchers to test a new app designed to help stroke survivors and their care providers.

Mac researcher to harness big data to tackle superbugs

A cross-national research consortia co-led by Andrew McArthur is receiving two of 16 federal grants to further develop a big data solution to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

McMaster research featured on cover of Time magazine

Five IIDR members awarded more than $14M in federal grants

The grants, which will support cutting-edge research ranging from the discovery of novel antibiotics to the development of a global vaccination strategy to control Tuberculosis (TB), are part of a larger $667M investment from two of the federal agency’s funding competitions.

Federal government investing $12M towards Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing centre

The McMaster Fraunhofer Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (BEAM) research facility will be home to several of McMaster’s leading researchers.

Three researchers recognized for work to improve women’s health

Three McMaster researchers working to improve the lives of women around the world have been recognized by the Council of Ontario Universities.

Mental health policy researcher named Trudeau Scholar

A McMaster researcher studying how to embed mental health policy into Canada's social system has been named a 2016 Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholar.

McMaster strengthens ties with universities in the Netherlands

McMaster’s Acting Vice-President of Research, Allison Sekuler was recently in the Netherlands to explore and expand partnership opportunities and share best practices in university research and innovation.

McMaster to learn from Israel’s “start-up” expertise

McMaster is exploring Research and Development and commercialization opportunities in Israel as part of a week-long business mission to the Middle East led by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

McMaster scientist joins Order of Canada

Dr. John Kelton was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada last week.

McMaster to join Premier’s delegation to the Middle East

McMaster’s Associate Vice-President, International Affairs, Peter Mascher, will join Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne on a week-long business mission to Israel and the West Bank.

This year’s University Scholars tackling some of health’s biggest questions

Among the recipients are two researchers taking on infectious diseases in two very different ways.

How do agricultural, food processing practices affect obesity? McMaster team awarded $2M to find out

Research will look at how toxicants such as pesticides and herbicides and ingredients like artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup might affect brown fat activity.