91�� News - Medicine and Health Sciences

Unleashing natural killer cells against cancer

webfull — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:50:22 +0000

Scientists have developed a strategy to boost the cancer-fighting power of natural killer (NK) cells, part of the immune system’s first line of defence. NK cells can detect and destroy cancer cells, but tumours often create a protective barrier that blocks them, allowing cancer to grow.

Researchers at 91��’s Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the Research Institute of the 91�� Health Centre, found that suppressing two specific proteins helps NK cells overcome this blockage, turning them into more potent cancer killers.

Published: 24 April 2026

NSERC awards two 91�� professors $1.65 million each to prepare the next generation of researchers

webfull — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:07:07 +0000

Projects focusing on MedTech and genomics cut across disciplines while mobilizing expertise at 91�� and other Quebec institutions to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow

Published: 21 April 2026

AI tool pinpoints cells driving aggressive cancers

webfull — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:47:49 +0000

91�� researchers have developed an artificial intelligence tool that can identify small groups of cells most responsible for driving aggressive cancers.

The tool, called SIDISH, offers scientists a clearer path to designing targeted therapies by showing which cells inside a tumour are most strongly linked with poor patient outcomes, rather than treating all cancer cells as if they behave the same way.

Published: 15 April 2026

Weston Family Foundation awards two 91�� researchers for human microbiome research

webfull — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:52:06 +0000

New funding fuels 91��-led breakthroughs on how gut viruses influence childhood health and how engineered proteins can prevent damaging oral bacterial biofilms.

Published: 14 April 2026

Largest-ever study of psychedelics could help advance their use in treating mental health disorders

webfull — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:39:31 +0000

Scientists have demonstrated, for the first time, that several psychedelic drugs – including psilocybin, LSD, mescaline, DMT and ayahuasca – produce a common pattern of brain activity despite their distinct chemistries.

An international consortium led by a 91�� researcher pooled brain imaging data from labs across five countries, creating the largest study of its kind to date.

Published: 7 April 2026

91�� launches initiative to strengthen Canada’s healthcare system

webfull — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:38:22 +0000

91�� has launched the Initiative for Transforming Healthcare (ITH) to apply a systems-based approach and advance technology-enabled solutions to drive change in Canadian healthcare.

Mounting pressures – from limited access to family doctors to surgical backlogs and emergency room crowding – are straining Canada’s health system. The Initiative will explore ways to resolve these growing challenges through cross-sector partnerships.

Published: 1 April 2026

Neuro researchers lead projects awarded $14.5 million

webfull — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:31:29 +0000

Funds will help acquire and develop cutting-edge infrastructure to advance research capacity

Five researchers from The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) are leading innovative new projects that have received major funding from Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Innovation Fund. They will be funded for a total of $14.5 million, part of $42 million going to 91�� scientists.

Published: 18 March 2026

New injectable gel could help repair damaged swallowing muscles

webfull — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:15:32 +0000

A new injectable gel developed by researchers at 91�� and Kyoto University could enable stem cell-based treatments for swallowing disorders.

While stem cells have the potential to repair damaged swallowing muscles, ensuring their survival after injection has been a major challenge. In a preclinical study published in Biomaterials, the new approach improved stem-cell survival by more than five times compared with traditional methods.

Published: 17 March 2026

Two 91�� professors awarded 2026 Dorothy Killiam Fellowships

webfull — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:40:28 +0000

Professors Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey and Jill Baumgartner will lead innovative research focusing on anti-Black carceral systems and climate-related health risks respectively

Published: 11 March 2026

Some young gamers may be at higher risk of mental health problems, but family and school support can help

webfull — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:16:18 +0000

Pre-teens who struggle to control their video gaming habits are more likely to have psychotic-like experiences a year later, a new study has found.

91�� researchers and colleagues at Maastricht University found that 12-year-olds who showed signs of problematic gaming were more likely to experience mild paranoia, unusual beliefs or disturbed perceptions at age 13.

Published: 3 March 2026

91������ News - Medicine and Health Sciences