Graduate Students

Scientists reveal how the brain uses objects to find direction

admin — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:09:44 +0000

Study shows how visual landmarks tune the brain’s internal compass

We take our understanding of where we are for granted, until we lose it. When we get lost in nature or a new city, our eyes and brains kick into gear, seeking familiar objects that tell us where we are.

How our brains distinguish objects from background when finding direction, however, was largely a mystery. A new study provides valuable insight into this process, with possible implications for disorientation-causing conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Research | Viral DNA sequences in the human genome may help control gene activity, new study shows

admin — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:40:53 +0000

Long dismissed as “junk,” viral fragments buried in human DNA may help regulate our genes, according to a new international study co-led by Guillaume Bourque, professor in ɬ�﷬’s Department of Human Genetics, D2R-funded researcher and member of the D2R Research Steering Committee and Executive (RSC). The findings offer new insights into what makes us human, 25 years after the human genome was first mapped.

$10 million for Neuro-led project seeking new Alzheimer’s biomarkers

admin — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:27:40 +0000

Weston Family Foundation grant will fund the first ultra-high-sensitivity whole body PET/CT scanner in Canada

A groundbreaking project led by Dr. Pedro Rosa-Neto at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) of ɬ�﷬ has received a major boost thanks to a $10-million grant from the Weston Family Foundation.

The funding is part of a $20-million initiative by the foundation to support highly ambitious scientific endeavors under its Healthy Aging Strategy, comprised of the Weston Brain Institute and the Weston Family Microbiome Initiative.

Human instruction with artificial intelligence guidance provided best results in neurosurgical training

admin — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:14:02 +0000

Study has implications beyond medical education, suggesting other fields could benefit from AI-enhanced training

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful new tool in training and education, including in the field of neurosurgery. Yet a new study suggests that AI tutoring provides better results when paired with human instruction.

A transformation in neurosurgery

admin — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 20:13:27 +0000

Demonstration of an AI-powered tool during a live surgery at The Neuro

A surgical device powered by artificial intelligence (AI) was demonstrated live for the first time at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) in a historic step forward for the field of precision neurosurgery. SENTRY™, an innovative technology developed by Montreal-based Reveal and its university partners, can differentiate cancerous tissue from healthy tissue in real time, offering tangible hope to patients for better outcomes.

Friends, parks and brain wiring predict whether people exercise after a cardiovascular diagnosis

admin — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:32:32 +0000

Findings could help tailor interventions to encourage physical activity in older people with heart and blood flow conditions

A diagnosis is often a cue for people to change the way they live. For people diagnosed with cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, it is often a motivator to get more physical exercise, which can improve long-term health. However, the rate of physical activity increase after diagnosis varies widely depending on the individual.

News | David Bujold (C3G) appointed Co-Lead of GA4GH Discovery Work Stream

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:46:52 +0000

The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) has announced new leadership across several initiatives, including the appointment of David Bujold, Data Team Lead at the Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics (C3G)and Bioinformatics Manager at ɬ�﷬’s Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, as Co-Lead of the Discovery Work Stream.

Norman Hillmer on Mackenzie King’s Cautious Transformation

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:21:10 +0000

October 1, 2025 | Norman Hillmer (Slater Family Visiting Scholar) co-authored the chapter “King’s Cautious Transformation” with Stephen Azzi in The Enduring Riddle of Mackenzie King (UBC Press, 2025), edited by Patrice Dutil. The authors argue that King reshaped Canada’s national life and institutions through incremental and consensual change, a style of leadership they describe as “cautious transformation” in a country historically resistant to rapid reform.

Sylvain Baillet inducted into the Royal Society of Canada

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:34:58 +0000

Society recognizes distinguished Canadians who have made remarkable contributions to their academic fields and public life

Sylvain Baillet, PhD, a global leader in brain imaging and systems neuroscience, has been inducted into the Royal Society of Canada, one of the nation’s highest academic honours.

New publication from the Bui Lab in Current Biology on cilia tip structure

admin — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:16:09 +0000

Motile cilia are specialized organelles essential for cell movement and fluid flow, driven by the beating of their internal cytoskeleton called the axoneme. At the core of the axoneme lies the central pair (CP) of microtubules, which features a distinct distal tip structure critical for motility. However, the proteins stabilizing this region have remained largely unknown.

TISEDTalk: Bridging the Gap Between the Environmental Impacts of Tyre Particles, Tyre Recovery and End-of-Life Solutions

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:08:50 +0000

Date: September 29th, 2025 | Time: 1:00 PM | Location: Macdonald Engineering Building- MD 267

Tyres keep the world moving—but at a cost. From microscopic wear particles to end-of-life waste, the environmental footprint of tyres spans their entire lifecycle. In this eye-opening seminar, Dr. Linda Mitchell, Science, Research and Innovation Manager at Tyre Stewardship Australia, will unpack the complex challenges and emerging solutions across the global tyre value chain.

🌍 What to Expect:

MSSI Interdisciplinary Fellowship Showcase

evan.henry@mcgill.ca — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:50:26 +0000

Join Us for the 2024 MSSI Fellows Showcase Event

MSSI Media Training Workshop

phuong.hoang3@mcgill.ca — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 19:21:55 +0000

The ɬ�﷬ Sustainability Systems Initiative (MSSI) and the ɬ�﷬ Innovation Fund (MIF) are hosting a workshop that will explore entrepreneurial pathways for student and postdoctoral researchers.

Media Training - MSSI Scholars Workshop

larissa.jarvis@mcgill.ca — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:07:53 +0000

Facilitator: Claire Loewen, Media Relations Officer

Media Relations 101

Science Policy in Canada - MSSI Scholars Workshop

larissa.jarvis@mcgill.ca — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:50:58 +0000

Purpose

An introduction to the policy process in Canada. In collaboration with the Trottier Institute for Science and Public Policy.

Facilitators