News archive

Monday, October 15, 2018

Abnormal vision in childhood can affect brain functions

A research team has discovered that abnormal vision in childhood can affect the development of higher-level brain areas responsible for things such as attention.

The researchers from the University of Waterloo, University of British Columbia, and the University of Auckland uncovered differences in how the brain processes visual information in patients with various types of lazy eye. In doing so, they are the first to demonstrate that the brain can divert attention away from a lazy eye when both eyes are open.

Friday, October 12, 2018

Canadian smokers support bold new approaches to end tobacco use

Most Canadian smokers are in favour of novel policies to reduce tobacco use, according to a national survey by the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project (ITC) at the University of Waterloo.

Responding to the Canadian government’s commitment to reduce tobacco use to less than five per cent of the population by 2035, the ITC study assessed baseline levels of support among Canadian smokers for potential endgame policies. The researchers found that most smokers in Canada support new and radical tobacco endgame strategies.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Antidepressants can help treat Alzheimer’s

Scientists at the University of Waterloo have discovered that antidepressant medications can be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

The study, recently published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, found that selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRI medication) can delay the development and growth of amyloid-beta proteins, which can clump together and form a plaque, contributing to disease symptoms.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Expert Advisory - Cannabis Legalization

The Cannabis Act will come into effect October 17, making cannabis possession, growth, and purchase for recreational purposes legal across Canada. The University of Waterloo has experts available to speak with the media about the impact of cannabis legalization on Canadians.

Michael Beazely, Chair of the Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Steering (WRIDS) Prevention Coordinating Committee and vice-chair of the WRIDS Steering Committee.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

University of Waterloo to hold 117th convocation

More than 2,000 students will receive their degrees at Waterloo’s 117^th convocation, and the University will install a new chancellor and award four honorary doctorates.