Microplastics are harming gut health

Scientists have been worried about the potential harms of microplastics for years. These small plastic particles less than 5 mm in length have been found everywhere because of plastic pollution – from the Earth’s deep oceans to remote regions in Antarctica, and even the seafood we eat. But, are microplastics really harmful?

McGill University celebrates graduates and honorary doctorate recipients at 2023 spring convocation

As part of this year’s Spring Convocation celebrations, McGill University will confer honorary degrees upon seventeen inspirational individuals.

Leaders in their respective fields, these honorary doctorates stand as examples of creativity, compassion, dedication, service, and a pioneering spirit. These are people who have made a difference in their community, in the world and – in the case of astronaut Drew Feustel – beyond.

A new understanding of human origins in Africa

There is broad agreement that Homo sapiens originated in Africa. But there remain many uncertainties and competing theories about where, when, and how.

Using 3D printing to improve implantable biomedical devices, touchscreens and more

McGill researchers are exploring a new technique that uses 3D printing and hydrogels. It has the potential not only to improve biomedical implants but could also be useful in the development of human-machine interfaces such as touch screens and neural implants. Biomedical devices like pacemakers or blood pressure sensors that are implanted into the human body need to be fabricated in such a way that they conform and adhere to the body – and then dissolve at the right time.

Historical fiction: a guarantee of critical success or a trap?  

For 21st century authors, the odds of writing a critical hit are much higher if the novel takes place in the past, not the present or future. Between 2000 and 2020, about three quarters of the novels shortlisted for the National Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and the National Book Critics Circle Award took place in the historical past.

How anti-Asian racism manifested at work in the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged any notion that Asian Americans are a privileged, white-adjacent group skirting above racism.

Tiny proteins found across the animal kingdom play a key role in cancer spread

Phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRLs) are a family of enigmatic proteins involved in cell growth and metabolism present in various species. From humans to fruit flies, they play a unique role in the growth of cancerous tumours and the spread of cancer throughout the body. New research emerging from McGill University is contributing to what is known about PRLs, which could potentially become an important tool in the development of cancer-fighting treatments.  

Nature favours creatures in largest and smallest sizes

Surveying the body sizes of Earth’s living organisms, researchers from McGill University and University of British Columbia found that the planet’s biomass – the material that makes up all living organisms – is concentrated in organisms at either end of the size spectrum.

One step closer to developing a potentially ultraprotective sunscreen from our own melanin

A new discovery about the structure of melanin has brought scientists one step closer to developing a new, potentially ultra-protective sunscreen derived from a biological substance found in nearly all organisms.

As racial and linguistic minorities, English-speaking Black Quebecers face more barriers to receiving mental healthcare 

Black anglophones in Quebec experience more discrimination and report more barriers to mental healthcare – and overall lower mental health – than their French-speaking counterparts, according to a new study from McGill University researchers in the Department of Psychology.

Study sheds light on how the immune system protects the body

First study of humans with a rare immunodeficiency reveals how the immune system protects the body against pathogens known to cause serious diseases, such as tuberculosis and COVID-19. The research involving McGill University, paves the way for new therapies to treat autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, and new approaches to vaccine development.

STOPMTL.ca: unveiling of the first data on police stop experiences in Montreal

The first research report from STOPMTL.ca, a participatory mapping project of police stop experiences, presents preliminary data contributed by citizens of Montreal.

$165-million for McGill University’s world-leading inclusive genomics and RNA research program

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced $1.4 billion in support of 11 large-scale research initiatives through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) today at Concordia University in Montreal. The CFREF grants are awarded through a highly competitive process to the top programs in their fields.  

Doubling the number of sources of repeating fast radio bursts

Astronomers from McGill University are part of an international team that has discovered 25 new sources of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs), these explosions in the sky that come from far beyond the Milky Way. This discovery brings the total number of confirmed FRB sources to 50.