91�� News - school of communication sciences and disorders

Study yields new insights on what makes conversation engaging

webfull — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:43:01 +0000

What makes a speaker engaging? Both what is said and how it is said matter, but in different, complementary ways, a new study conducted at the 91�� School of Communication Sciences and Disorders has found.

When people try to sound “engaging,” they tend to speak more loudly and in a higher pitch, and this can lead listeners to evaluate them more positively, the researchers said. However, the study also reveals that the listener’s desire to extend a conversation depends mainly on interest in what the speaker has to say.

Published: 18 June 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

Construction starts: 2001 91�� College – SCSD Accessibility Improvements

webfull — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:40:35 +0000

91�� has mandated Corenov Inc. to carry out Project 22-031 at 2001 91�� College. The project aims to improve accessibility and functionality for the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (SCSD).

The work will enhance inclusive access throughout the 8th floor by adding an accessible washroom, upgrading access control systems, improving storage facilities, and ensuring barrier‑free entry.

Published: 17 March 2026

Bilingual teenagers in Montreal exhibit writing skills on par with their French unilingual peers’, new research shows

webfull — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:01:05 +0000

91�� researchers who examined the writing skills of teenagers in Montreal found that the performance in French of English-French bilinguals was similar to that of near-monolingual francophones. Bilinguals were defined as teens raised in anglophone or bilingual (English-French) households and who had had significant exposure to French through attending French-language school. Further, the English writing skills of the bilingual participants were found to be on par with their French writing skills.

Published: 23 October 2025

New injectable gel shows promise as voice loss treatment

webfull — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:03:59 +0000

91�� researchers have engineered a new hydrogel that shows early promise as a treatment for people with vocal cord injuries.

Voice loss is often permanent when scarring forms on the vocal cords. Current injectable treatments break down quickly, which can force patients to get repeated procedures that can further damage the delicate tissue.

Published: 10 October 2025

Do we trust people who speak with an accent?

webfull — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 15:16:16 +0000

You are in a strange neighbourhood, your cell phone’s dead, and you desperately need to find the closest garage. A couple of people on the street chime in, each sending you in opposite directions. One person sounds like a local and speaks in a nonchalant manner, while the other uses a loud, confident voice but speaks with a strong accent. Who are you going to trust?

Published: 19 September 2018

91������ News - school of communication sciences and disorders