McGill University

The MENA Regional Hub aims to expand research capacity, equity, and leadership in health research across the Middle East and North Africa, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. Launched at Canadian University Dubai, the event featured a high-level panel discussion on building resilient public health systems, emphasizing cross-sectoral collaboration. Technical sessions covered public health research priorities and the strategic direction of the MENA Hub, which will support capacity-building and knowledge dissemination.

The Undiagnosed Hackathon was conceptualized and designed by H.C., M. Cederroth, A.N., and A.M.D.V. Biological samples and phenotype data were collected by various authors, processed and analyzed under the coordination of A.M.D.V. et al. All authors participated in data analysis and interpretation, with A.M.D.V. et al. drafting the manuscript. A.N., H.C., and M. Cederroth secured funding.

EURneffy, a needle-free adrenaline nasal spray, was approved in the EU and US as a first-of-its-kind treatment for anaphylaxis, overcoming barriers like fear of injections and accidental needle-related side effects. It offers comparable efficacy to traditional injectables, with simpler use and better temperature sensitivity, potentially increasing patient compliance.

Santé Cannabis, a Canadian medical cannabis clinic, is recruiting 3,000 patients for a 3-year study on personalized treatment outcomes, supported by Aurora Cannabis, Tilray Medical, and Vectura Fertin Pharma. The study aims to explore benefits, safety risks, medication substitution, and cost analysis, addressing unanswered clinical questions about therapeutic use.

Bilingual people exhibit increased brain connectivity, particularly those who learned a second language early, enhancing neuroplasticity and potentially aiding brain aging and recovery.

E-cigarettes, often used to quit smoking, can lead to addiction; 60% of vapers want to quit. FDA hasn't approved them as cessation tools, but some medications for smoking may help. A new drug, cytisinicline, shows promise in trials and may be approved by 2027. Nicotine pouches like Zyn are used to wean off vaping, but caution is advised.

Daniel J. Levitin's book 'I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine' explores music's healing potential, detailing its effects on mental health, movement disorders, and dementia, while also addressing the high-stress lifestyle of musicians. Levitin highlights music's ability to stimulate neurogenesis, improve mood, and enhance quality of life, suggesting AI could personalize music therapy. Despite the challenges faced by musicians, Levitin emphasizes music's overall benefits, including pain relief and immune system support.

A novel drug molecule, BIO-2007817, may help treat early-onset Parkinson’s by activating parkin, a protein that tags damaged mitochondria. Developed by Biogen, it shows promise but requires further research for broader clinical application.

Scientists at McGill University discovered the melatonin MT1 receptor's role in regulating REM sleep, offering potential for new treatments for sleep disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions. A novel drug targeting MT1 extended REM sleep in animal studies, highlighting its clinical potential. The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, suggests a paradigm shift in sleep disorder treatment.

Scientists identify melatonin receptor MT1 as crucial for REM sleep, offering potential for treating disorders like Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia.