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Velvet Worm slime could inspire sustainable synthetic materials, study finds

In the tropical, temperate forests it calls home, the velvet worm uses a projectile “slime” to capture its prey. When it’s ejected from the worm, the slime transforms into a gel before solidifying into stiff fibers upon exposure to air. This forms an inescapable trap for struggling prey. "The fact that the slime transitions from a liquid to a solid in mid-air is extremely unusual," said Professor Matthew Harrington, co-director of the McGill Institute for Advanced Materials.

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Published: 31 Oct 2023

Government of Canada invests $15M in first-of-its-kind pan-Canadian genome library

Today at the McGill Genome Centre, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced a $15M investment over five years to create a Pan-Canadian Genome Library (PCGL), which will allow for easier sharing of genomic data across the country, and aid in the development of a national strategy to capture, store and access Canadian data in an equitable, secure, and sustainable manner.

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Published: 27 Oct 2023

The sunscreen paradox: McGill University researchers warn of ‘false sense of security’

Sunscreen usage is climbing, but so are melanoma and skin cancer rates: this, researchers say, is the sunscreen paradox.

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Published: 24 Oct 2023

A relational framework for microbiome research that includes Indigenous communities

Research on the trillions of microorganisms that make up a person’s microbiome can lead to medical breakthroughs to treat diseases like inflammatory bowel syndrome and diabetes.

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Published: 24 Oct 2023

Killer whales’ diet more important than location for pollutant exposure, study says

Both elegant and fierce, killer whales are some of the oceans’ top predators, but even they can be exposed to environmental pollution. Now, in the largest study to date on North Atlantic killer whales, researchers in the American Chemical Society’ Environmental Science & Technology report the levels of legacy and emerging pollutants in 162 individuals’ blubber.

Published: 24 Oct 2023

Rare collection of Voltaire manuscripts makes its way to McGill University

The McGill University Library is now home to a rare collection of materials related to the prolific Enlightenment period philosopher, Voltaire (1694-1778).

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Published: 18 Oct 2023

A sustainable alternative to air conditioning

As the planet gets hotter, the need for cool living environments is becoming more urgent. But air conditioning is a major contributor to global warming since units use potent greenhouse gases and lots of energy.

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Published: 25 Sep 2023

Study of Exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 b reveals new insights into its atmosphere and star

A team of astronomers has made a leap forward in our understanding of the intriguing TRAPPIST-1 exoplanetary system. Not only has their research shed light on the nature of TRAPPIST-1 b, the exoplanet orbiting closest to the system’s star, but it has also shown the importance of parent stars when studying exoplanets.

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Published: 25 Sep 2023

How having a purpose in life can bolster men’s mental health

Despite growing awareness about the high rates of suicide among men, research is still needed to examine men’s mental health challenges. Existential psychology, with its focus on questions of meaning and value, may bring new insights that can aid in this examination.

Published: 21 Sep 2023

The science behind playing music in sync

Music is a collective experience that binds people together. From orchestral play to audiences handclapping, synchronization lays the foundation for all musical interactions. But what explains our ability to get in sync with someone or act in lock step with a group?

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Published: 11 Sep 2023

Ten McGill students receive Canada’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Math scholarship

Ten students have been named McGill University’s recipients of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship, Canada’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship.

McGill graduate Seymour Schulich, BSc’61, MBA’65, DLitt’04, an entrepreneur and one of Canada’s leading philanthropists, created the scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage outstanding entrepreneurial-minded students on their paths to becoming technology innovators.

Published: 8 Sep 2023

New study shows need for better awareness, training and intervention on sex trafficking in the healthcare system

Victims’ agency and needs, independent of their desire to exit trafficking, should be the focus of healthcare services for individuals who have been sexually exploited, concludes a new study by researchers with McGill University’s Ingram School of Nursing (ISoN).

Published: 30 Aug 2023

Is digital media use a risk factor for psychosis in young adults?

On average, young adults in Canada spend several hours on their smartphones every day. Many jump from TikTok to Netflix to Instagram, putting their phone down only to pick up a video game controller. A growing body of research is looking into the potential dangers of digital media overuse, as well as potential benefits of moderate digital media use, from a mental health standpoint.

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Published: 30 Aug 2023

A global observatory to monitor Earth's biodiversity

At a time of unparalleled rates of biodiversity loss, a new interconnected system to monitor biodiversity around the world is needed to guide action quickly enough to target conservation efforts to where they are most needed.

Published: 28 Aug 2023

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