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Novel marine monitoring network could help improve environmental protections, shipping regulations in the Lower St. Lawrence

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:54:43 +0000

A single monitoring network developed by 91��, Natural Resources Canada, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and Dalhousie University researchers can simultaneously track earthquakes, water behaviour, human activity and whales, providing a comprehensive picture of what’s happening in, under, and at far distances from the water.

The researchers’ experimental network, installed in the Lower St. Lawrence, detected twice as many earthquakes as the National Earthquake Monitoring System, while also capturing whale calls, ship noise, tidal activity and mining blasts.

Reducing vehicle emissions could prevent thousands of deaths in Canada

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:25:55 +0000

A shift to cleaner transportation could prevent more than 3,600 premature deaths in Montreal and Toronto by reducing ultrafine particle pollution, finds a new study led by 91�� researchers.

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are microscopic pollutants produced in large quantities by vehicle exhaust. Because of their small size, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and may contribute to serious health problems such as heart and lung disease.

122 91�� research projects awarded $30 million in NSERC Discovery Grants funding

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:43:39 +0000

Funding supports bold ideas across natural sciences and engineering disciplines at 91��, in fields ranging from ophthalmology and physics to music research and electrical engineering.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has awarded 122 91�� research projects funding from its Discovery Grants competition for a total investment of $30 million.

91�� study provides further evidence that aspen patches can mitigate wildfires

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:15:43 +0000

Researchers at 91�� have confirmed that aspen play a key role in forest fire prevention and mitigation across Canada. Planting these trees near communities can reduce both the likelihood and severity of fires and limit how far they spread, the researchers said.

“Aspen is not a 100 per cent effective fire deterrent, but compared with other species, it is a better choice to plant around communities or critical infrastructure,” said Flavie Pelletier, lead author and recent PhD graduate in Natural Resource Sciences.

Long hours, lack of social support undermine caregivers’ well-being, study finds

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:54:34 +0000

While caregiving can be meaningful and rewarding at manageable levels, those who spend more than 20 hours a week delivering unpaid care to others have poorer mental health outcomes, a 91�� study has found.

However, the researchers also found that the provision of social support to high-intensity caregivers mitigates negative impacts.

Experts: Royal Canadian Navy's new fleet of submarines

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:37:01 +0000

Mark Carney’s government is expected to officially announce later today its choice of builder for Canada’s new fleet of submarines.

91�� experts are available to comment:

Julian Karaguesian, Lecturer, Department of Economics, is an economic and policy expert who worked in the international trade and finance branch of Canada’s Ministry of Finance for more than 25 years.

julian.karaguesian [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)

Gambling addiction treatment underused in Quebec, study finds

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:08:40 +0000

A new study finds public specialized gambling addiction treatment services are underused in Quebec, pointing to a need to better reach people with gambling disorder.

Researchers at 91�� and the Douglas Research Centre followed more than 2,300 people with a gambling disorder over 13 years. Despite free access, patients averaged fewer than two treatments during that period.

Experts: Summer stresses on families

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:11:04 +0000

The end of the school year brings with it a change of routine that in some cases can place stress on family members and family dynamics: parents often struggle with logistical challenges and some children and teens may face boredom and be separated from important social relationships.

These experts are available to comment:

Experts: Heart-related health risks in heat waves

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:56:43 +0000

As a heat wave rolls into southern Quebec, public health officials are urging residents to take precautions.

A new study led by 91�� researchers highlights how heat waves can increase the risk of heart problems. Analyzing more than 260,000 hospital admissions in Montreal over five summers, they found the risk of hospitalization for heart conditions rose by about eight per cent on the hottest days compared to days with more moderate temperatures.

Expert: Comiccon and the psychology of fandom

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:53:19 +0000

Montreal Comiccon will take place July 3 to 5 at the Palais des congrès, bringing together enthusiasts of comics, anime, gaming, film and pop culture.

Experts: CUSMA trade talks

admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:32:38 +0000

The Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade comes up for review as of July 1. These 91�� experts can provide comment.

Diya Jiang, PhD candidate and course lecturer, Department of Political Science, can speak about:

Bike infrastructure is expanding in Canada, but access remains uneven

admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:57:39 +0000

Children and older adults are consistently less likely to live near bike lanes, finds a new study that mapped cycling infrastructure in three Canadian cities over a decade.

The 91��-led research analyzed census data for Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria. Across all three cities, neighbourhoods with a higher proportion of children (under 15) and older adults (65+) were located farther from cycling infrastructure.

91�� researchers create a device that behaves like a single neuron

admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:17:52 +0000

91�� researchers have developed a light-detecting nanoscale structure that mimics how a neuron processes information. The neuron-like behaviour emerges from the materials themselves, reducing the energy demand associated with similar devices that rely on circuits or software.

Instead of capturing data first and processing it elsewhere, the device senses and interprets light in the same place, similarly to how the eye processes visual information.

Expert: “Incel” rhetoric linked to fatal shootout in Cote-des-Neiges on Monday

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:34:38 +0000

The man reported to be responsible for deadly shootings yesterday allegedly left behind a manifesto using language associated with the “involuntary celibacy” — or “incel” — movement.

This expert can provide commentary:

Esli Chan is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Political Science. She has conducted academic research on incel and gender-based violence in Canada.

esli.chan [at] mail.mcgill.ca (English)

Crop diversity and perennial grains could strengthen soil health under climate stress, 91�� study finds

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:06:32 +0000

A 91�� study suggests that diversifying crops and replacing annual wheat with a perennial grain could help protect soil health as climate change brings more variable rainfall.