McMaster University

Nature’s Toolkit: Scientists Breed Mushrooms to Build Versatile Natural Substitutes for Commonly Used Materials | Newswise

David Bale3 weeks ago04 mins

Newswise — Scientists at McMaster University have demonstrated that natural genetic variations in a common species of mushroom can be used to create new strains capable of making customized, biodegradable replacements for fabric, plastic, packaging and other environmentally harmful materials. While mushrooms are already being used to produce a wide variety of eco-friendly products, manufacturers…

Researchers Show How the Evolution of a Single Gene Allowed the Plague to Adapt, Survive and Kill Much of Humanity Over Many Centuries, Only to Fade Out Later | Newswise

David Bale4 weeks ago09 mins

Newswise — Scientists have documented the way a single gene in the bacterium that causes bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis, allowed it to survive hundreds of years by adjusting its virulence and the length of time it took to kill its victims, but these forms of plague ultimately died out. A study by researchers at McMaster…

Junk Food for Thought: Landmark Canadian Study Directly Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Poor Health | Newswise

David Bale1 month ago08 mins

Newswise — A landmark study exploring Canadians’ consumption of chips, frozen pizzas, breakfast cereals and other ultra-processed foods typically loaded with fat, sugar and additives has confirmed these foods are directly and significantly linked to poor health outcomes. Researchers at McMaster University investigated the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and risk factors including blood…

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McMaster leads Canada’s first-ever guidelines for Post COVID-19 Condition | Newswise

David Bale3 months ago06 mins

A team of experts from McMaster University has led the creation of Canada’s first-ever comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing, managing, preventing, and treating post COVID-19 condition (PCC), more commonly known as long COVID. The Canadian Guidelines for Post COVID-19 Condition (CAN-PCC) provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to educate and help patients, health-care professionals, and policymakers navigate the…

Inhaled COVID vaccine begins recruitment for phase-2 human trials | Newswise

David Bale4 months ago06 mins

Researchers at McMaster University have started a phase-2 clinical trial on a next-generation, inhaled COVID-19 vaccine. The AeroVax study, supported by $8M in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), will test needle-free vaccines developed to provide protection from SARS-CoV-2. Led by Fiona Smaill and Zhou Xing, members of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute…

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Doomscrolling in a Time of Tariffs: Expert Insights on the News Cycle and Mental Health | Newswise

David Bale4 months ago013 mins

Newswise — Constant access to news keeps us informed in a fast-moving world, but it’s important to find ways to navigate the news cycle to protect our mental health, a McMaster sociologist says. “With 24/7 updates, social media algorithms that prioritize extreme content, and an endless stream of crisis-driven headlines, it’s no surprise that…

Researchers debunk common belief that women get better muscles by timing their workouts to their menstrual cycles | Newswise

David Bale4 months ago05 mins

Hamilton, ON, Mar. 3 – New research from kinesiologists at McMaster University is challenging the internet belief that timing resistance training to specific phases of the menstrual cycle boosts the body’s ability to build muscle and strength. The researchers have shown that exercising at various points in the cycle had no impact—positive or negative—on…

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Is a Dry January actually helpful? Expert available to discuss | Newswise

David Bale5 months ago01 mins

Most people have likely heard of Dry January, a voluntary month where people go without consuming alcohol. But the idea can extend beyond booze to other activities like cannabis consumption. James MacKillop is a professor with McMaster’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences and director of the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research. He has spoken…

Expert available: Spread and impact of L.A. wildfires | Newswise

David Bale6 months ago02 mins

Jan. 15, 2025 –The Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires have collectively burned over 38,600 acres in Los Angeles County. Ramla Qureshi, assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, is available to provide commentary on the structural impacts. Qureshi specializes in structural resilience against extreme hazards, including fires, and can offer insights into how wildfires…

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Expert available: U.S. bans red dye No. 3 | Newswise

David Bale6 months ago01 mins

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is banning the use of a food dye that has previously been linked to cancer in animals. According to the FDA, Red No. 3 is a synthetic food dye that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red colour. The dye has been primarily used in certain food products,…