Latest news with #UniversitédeMontréal
Cision Canada
08-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal and IRICoR Announce initiation of Phase 1 Trial of Licensed Small Molecule Therapy for Solid Tumors Français
Milestone marks a key advancement in the partnership with Ipsen. MONTRÉAL , July 8, 2025 /CNW/ - IRIC and IRICoR today announced the start of a Phase 1 clinical trial of its small molecule therapy for solid tumors licensed to Ipsen. This marks a major milestone in the strategic collaboration between the partners, which began in May 2020 with a research and option agreement followed by a licensing agreement in February 2023. The small molecule clinical candidate, now known as IPN01195, is a RAF inhibitor, an important target in a signaling pathway involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation. It was originally discovered and developed by the teams of Professors Marc Therrien and Anne Marinier at the Université de Montréal's Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) and has shown promising activity in preclinical models of various solid tumors. "We are extremely proud to see our novel small molecule therapy reaching this important clinical milestone. This is another example of the efficiency and innovative approach of IRIC's collaborative drug discovery research model," said Dr. Anne Marinier, Director of the Drug Discovery Unit at IRIC. "This marks a major step forward for our multidisciplinary teams of biologists and chemists, but more importantly, it brings us closer to delivering a potential new treatment option for patients facing advanced cancers," said Dr. Marc Therrien, Principal Investigator, Intracellular Signalling Research Unit and Chief Executive Officer, IRIC. "We are delighted by the commitment and progress of our partner Ipsen, and we look forward to the continued development of this promising therapy," concluded Dr. Marinier. "The initiation of this clinical trial marks a major validation of our business development efforts," said Elizabeth Douville, CEO, IRICoR. "It demonstrates our ability to translate novel science into programs that attract world-class partners and progress into the clinic. With additional first-in-class and best-in-class molecules targeting key cancer pathways in our pipeline, we are actively exploring new strategic collaborations and raising capital to accelerate development. This is an exciting inflection point for IRICoR as we continue to deliver both scientific and commercial value," added Elizabeth Douville. Under the terms of the agreement, the Université de Montréal granted Ipsen exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the compound globally. The University and IRICoR are eligible to receive development and commercial milestone payments, as well as royalties on net sales. About the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the Université de Montréal An ultra-modern research hub and training centre located in the heart of the Université de Montréal, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the Université de Montréal was created in 2003 to shed light on the mechanisms of cancer and discover new, more effective therapies to counter this disease. The IRIC operates according to a model that is unique in Canada. Its innovative approach to research has already led to discoveries that will, over the coming years, have a significant impact on the fight against cancer. For more information about IRIC, visit Founded in 2008 by Université de Montréal's Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, IRICoR's mission is to accelerate the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies in oncology, immunotherapy and rare diseases. IRICoR plays an essential role in establishing strategic partnerships with the biopharmaceutical industry or creating spin-off companies, thus facilitating the transformation of academic research projects into new therapies for the benefit of patients. Thanks to its crucial financial support, IRICoR enables researchers to bridge the gap between academic research and the business world. For more information about IRICoR, visit
Medical News Today
01-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Cheese may actually give you nightmares: Here is why
Researchers estimate that about 56% of people in the United States and 31% in Western Europe have a sleep disorder. Past studies have shown that about 5% of adults have frequent are a number of known causes for nightmares, including some that are food-related. A new study has found eating too much dairy, especially for those who are lactose intolerant, may be causing nightmares and sleep studies have shown that many people around the world have trouble getting a good night's sleep. Researchers estimate that about 56% of people in the United States and 31% in Western Europe have a sleep disorder. One reason why people may struggle with sleep is due to nightmares. Previous research reports that about 85% of adults have a nightmare at least once a year, with about 5% of adults experiencing frequent are a number of possible causes for nightmares. Some are tied to mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, and medications and the use of illicit drugs and alcohol can also bring on nightmares. And eating before bedtime may also put a person at a higher risk of this. 'Sleep disturbances affect a huge proportion of the general population; one large survey found that 30-40% of individuals will have a clinically significant sleep disorder in their lifetime,' Tore Nielsen, PhD, professor in the Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction at the Université de Montréal in Canada, and director of the Dream & Nightmare Lab in the Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine at the Montréal North Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (CIUSSS NIM), told Medical News Today.'We have effective treatments for some, but by no means all, of these disorders. So, any intervention that can help improve sleep contributes to the overall national battle against poor sleep,' Nielsen is the lead author of a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, which has found that eating too much dairy, especially for those who are lactose intolerant, may be causing nightmares and sleep disturbances. Healthy dietary habits may improve dream qualityFor this study, researchers recruited more than 1,000 students from MacEwan University in Canada, who were asked questions regarding their sleep quality, dreams and nightmares, and their food tolerances and allergies. 'Our previous study found that dairy was the most frequently blamed food by people for affecting their dreams; this suggested lactose intolerance as an obvious explanation,' Nielsen said. 'However, since we had no measures of lactose intolerance or other food sensitivities to test that possibility in that study, we decided to look deeper into the question with standardized measures of food sensitivities.'Upon analysis, when researchers compared reports of food intolerances to reports of poor sleep and nightmares, they discovered that lactose intolerance was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, nightmares, and low sleep quality. 'Lactose intolerance and food allergies were previously unknown to be factors that could incite nightmares,' Nielsen explained. 'But with what we have now learned, we have new avenues of research and clinical intervention to develop.' 'For example, our findings suggest that avoiding allergenic foods or adjusting diets to be healthier could serve as a first line of defense against nightmares — especially in food-sensitive individuals,' he told evidence is far from conclusive but, based on the findings so far, the researcher emphasized that dietary choices could have a significant impact on night-time dreams:'Controlling the severity of lactose intolerance could be used to lessen the severity or prevent nightmares. Other food allergies may also affect dreaming but, since we don't yet know which ones, you should be on guard for possible connections. Reverting to a healthy eating style may be beneficial for your dream life.'Could personalized dietary interventions help improve sleep?MNT had the opportunity to speak with Inderpal Randhawa, MD, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, pediatrician, pulmonologist, and internist and founder of the Food Allergy Institute in Long Beach, CA, about this study. Randhawa, who was not involved in this research, commented that the study was a thoughtful and creative exploration of how food sensitivities — especially lactose intolerance and general food allergies — may influence not just sleep quality but also the content and emotional tone of dreams. 'The rigor in linking gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms to nightmare severity offers novel insight into how physical discomfort from food reactions could manifest psychologically during sleep,' he said.'Sleep quality is closely tied to both mental and physical health,' explained Randhawa. 'For individuals with food intolerances, undiagnosed or unmanaged sensitivities can lead to GI distress that disrupts sleep architecture and promotes negative dream content.''By exploring dietary interventions — especially personalized ones — researchers may offer low-risk, non-pharmacologic strategies to improve sleep, emotional regulation, and even mental health outcomes in populations sensitive to common food allergens,' he suggested. 'Future work should include interventional studies that test specific dietary modifications in people with known food sensitivities to determine causal effects on sleep and dream quality,' Randhawa advised. 'Additionally, applying wearable sleep technology and biomarker data (e.g. cortisol, gut microbiota) could help elucidate the mechanisms linking food-induced GI distress to disrupted REM sleep or nightmare production.'How to get better sleep: 7 dietitian tips for people with food intolerancesMonique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Nutrition-In-Sight, not involved in this study, offered MNT her top tips on how those who may have food intolerances should eat to help improve their sleep advised to:try to finish dinner and snacking 2 to 3 hours prior to bedtime to allow enough time for the 'rest and digest' phaseavoid spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine too close to bedtimeavoid fast food or foods heavy in saturated fat and added salt (i.e. pizza, burgers and fries, fried chicken)eat a well balanced meal of protein, fat, and carbohydrates until you are satisfied, but not feeling 'stuffed' if you need a snack before bed, opt for something easier to digest but filling like a nut butter and fruit, trail mix, or hummus and crackers or veggieskeep a food log or journal to observe patterns and associations between what you eat, your dreams/ nightmares, and quality of sleepbe sure to adequately hydrate with water or caffeine-free herbal teas like lemon balm, chamomile, or lavender, avoiding carbonation or sugar-sweetened beverages.'I recommend prioritizing meeting with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) if you need specific recommendations due to a food intolerance such as lactose, gluten, food allergy, or other or if what you're eating is affecting your sleep patterns, quality of sleep and duration,' she added, noting that 'digestive enzymes, supplements, or other recommendations may be appropriate to implement.'On a lighthearted note, Richard said that: ''Desserts' spelled backwards is 'stressed' — try not to restrict or deprive yourself of things that bring you joy, but overindulging can wreak havoc as well.'Finally, she advised: 'Work with an RDN and your healthcare team to figure out what may be driving your cravings, patterns or body's messages. Listen to your sweet tooth, but be mindful. Here's wishing you sweet dreams!'
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The cheese in your fridge is quietly taking years off your life
A charcuterie board favorite; a fondue staple; and the perfect pasta topping: cheese may just be the most versatile - and delicious - food. But while it's tempting to give into every craving, scientists say you could be setting yourself up for a horrible nights sleep, and even worse, cognitive decline as you age. Scientists from Canada found eating dairy before bed could cause vivid and disturbing nightmares, which can disrupt sleep - and a lack of sufficient quality sleep has been linked to obesity, mood disorders and impaired cognitive function, including memory issues and even an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The team found a 'strong association' between nightmares, food allergies and lactose intolerance, potentially because gas and stomach pain during the night affects people's dreams. The researchers surveyed about 1,000 people asking them about their sleep time and quality, and their dreams and nightmares. They also asked them if they believed there was any association between dreams and certain foods. About 40 percent of people believed that eating late at night or eating specific foods affected their sleep, while 25 percent thought certain foods negatively impacted their sleep. Results revealed that people who ate less healthy diets were more likely to have bad dreams and less likely to remember them. Dr Tore Nielsen of Université de Montréal and lead author of the article, said: 'Nightmare severity is robustly associated with lactose intolerance and other food allergies. These new findings imply that changing eating habits for people with some food sensitivities could alleviate nightmares. They could also explain why people so often blame dairy for bad dreams.' Researchers looked at the survey answers from 1,082 students at MacEwan University. Nearly 25 percent said certain foods worsened their sleep and 20 percent said certain foods improved sleep. Approximately 5.5 percent of respondents reported food affected their dreams. About 31 percent of people blamed disturbing dream changes on desserts and sweets and 22 percent blamed foods that contain dairy, according to the paper published in the journal Frontiers. While people with food allergies and gluten intolerance reported poor sleep, worse sleep perceptions were tied to lactose intolerance. It's known that late-night snacking disrupts shut eye. By eating foods close to bedtime, it causes your digestive system to continue to be active while the rest of your body is trying to sleep, which leads to a night of tossing and turning. Dairy is one of the biggest culprits of stealing sleep as it contains lactase and other nutrients that trigger metabolic activity telling the body to stay alert and active. In doing so, this disrupts REM sleep - rapid eye movement sleep, which is when deep sleep and dreams occur - making brain function and memory worsen if the cycle continues. The idea that cheese - or dairy in general - causes nightmares has been investigated before, as those who are lactose-intolerant and eat dairy products at night have reported being awakened by gastrointestinal issues that cause discomfort and cramps while sleeping. Dairy also contains large amounts of tryptophan, which actually makes people more tired, but this drowsiness increases the likelihood for vivid and nightmare-like dreams. And frightening nightmares then lead to disrupted sleep, anxiety, fear and even PTSD. 'Nightmares are worse for lactose intolerant people who suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is disrupted,' said Dr Neilson. 'This makes sense because we know that other bodily sensations can affect dreaming. Nightmares can be very disruptive, especially if they occur often, because they tend to awaken people from sleep in a dysphoric state. They might also produce sleep avoidance behaviors. Both symptoms can rob you of restful sleep.' Experimental psychology expert Dr Dana Smith said there is limited data on how cheese specifically affects dreams and nightmares but, writing for Nature's blog Mind Read, posited that bacteria found in blue cheeses is similar to those found in magic mushrooms and may have similar psychoactive effects. These include tyramine and tryptamine. Tyramine aids in releasing neurotransmitters like adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine, all of which can cause unconscious excitement and disturbance while sleeping. And tryptamine is a common precursor to serotonin, which may be associated with hallucinogenic effects of magic mushrooms. However, it is still up for debate how much of these are actually in cheese to cause symptoms. The general guideline is seven to nine hours of quality sleep and a lack of or interrupted sleep can have serious side effects down the line. In 2024 research, scientists at Yale School of Medicine examined the brains of 40,000 adults to understand how sleep affects brain health. They found that poor sleep is 'significantly correlated with' brain injuries that doctors know foreshadow stroke and dementia years before their onset. Poor sleep can also increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, dementia and depression. To avoid dairy-induced nightmares and sleep chaos, experts advise cutting down on late night snacking, and indulging in dairy or food consumption two hours prior to climbing into bed.
The Advertiser
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Feta up with 'cheese dreams'? Scientists say dairy may cause nightmares
Cheese nightmares may be real, according to scientists who say dairy products could be affecting dreams. The findings published in Frontiers in Psychology emerged after scientists investigated the links between diet, sleep problems and cultural beliefs about how they were linked. An online survey of more than 1000 students followed the quality of their sleep, eating habits and any perceived link between the two. It found healthier eating habits seemed to be linked to better sleep and better recall of dreams, whereas consuming dairy products was associated with nightmares. The study found regular nightmares were reported by a third of the respondents and one in four thought eating late at night or specific foods affected their sleep. Roughly a quarter thought particular foods could make sleep worse. Women were more likely to remember their dreams and to report poor sleep and nightmares, and nearly twice as likely as men to report a food intolerance or allergy, according to the study. Scientists then compared reports of food intolerances with reports on bad sleep and found a link between gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance and low sleep quality and nightmares. "Nightmares are worse for lactose intolerant people who suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is disrupted," lead author Dr Tore Nielsen from Université de Montréal said. "This makes sense, because we know that other bodily sensations can affect dreaming. Nightmares can be very disruptive, especially if they occur often, because they tend to awaken people from sleep in a dysphoric state. READ MORE: A dummy's guide to cheese: Everything you didn't know The study found that people who ate less healthily were more likely to have negative dreams and less likely to remember dreams. "These new findings imply that changing eating habits for people with some food sensitivities could alleviate nightmares. They could also explain why people so often blame dairy for bad dreams!" Cheese nightmares may be real, according to scientists who say dairy products could be affecting dreams. The findings published in Frontiers in Psychology emerged after scientists investigated the links between diet, sleep problems and cultural beliefs about how they were linked. An online survey of more than 1000 students followed the quality of their sleep, eating habits and any perceived link between the two. It found healthier eating habits seemed to be linked to better sleep and better recall of dreams, whereas consuming dairy products was associated with nightmares. The study found regular nightmares were reported by a third of the respondents and one in four thought eating late at night or specific foods affected their sleep. Roughly a quarter thought particular foods could make sleep worse. Women were more likely to remember their dreams and to report poor sleep and nightmares, and nearly twice as likely as men to report a food intolerance or allergy, according to the study. Scientists then compared reports of food intolerances with reports on bad sleep and found a link between gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance and low sleep quality and nightmares. "Nightmares are worse for lactose intolerant people who suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is disrupted," lead author Dr Tore Nielsen from Université de Montréal said. "This makes sense, because we know that other bodily sensations can affect dreaming. Nightmares can be very disruptive, especially if they occur often, because they tend to awaken people from sleep in a dysphoric state. READ MORE: A dummy's guide to cheese: Everything you didn't know The study found that people who ate less healthily were more likely to have negative dreams and less likely to remember dreams. "These new findings imply that changing eating habits for people with some food sensitivities could alleviate nightmares. They could also explain why people so often blame dairy for bad dreams!" Cheese nightmares may be real, according to scientists who say dairy products could be affecting dreams. The findings published in Frontiers in Psychology emerged after scientists investigated the links between diet, sleep problems and cultural beliefs about how they were linked. An online survey of more than 1000 students followed the quality of their sleep, eating habits and any perceived link between the two. It found healthier eating habits seemed to be linked to better sleep and better recall of dreams, whereas consuming dairy products was associated with nightmares. The study found regular nightmares were reported by a third of the respondents and one in four thought eating late at night or specific foods affected their sleep. Roughly a quarter thought particular foods could make sleep worse. Women were more likely to remember their dreams and to report poor sleep and nightmares, and nearly twice as likely as men to report a food intolerance or allergy, according to the study. Scientists then compared reports of food intolerances with reports on bad sleep and found a link between gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance and low sleep quality and nightmares. "Nightmares are worse for lactose intolerant people who suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is disrupted," lead author Dr Tore Nielsen from Université de Montréal said. "This makes sense, because we know that other bodily sensations can affect dreaming. Nightmares can be very disruptive, especially if they occur often, because they tend to awaken people from sleep in a dysphoric state. READ MORE: A dummy's guide to cheese: Everything you didn't know The study found that people who ate less healthily were more likely to have negative dreams and less likely to remember dreams. "These new findings imply that changing eating habits for people with some food sensitivities could alleviate nightmares. They could also explain why people so often blame dairy for bad dreams!" Cheese nightmares may be real, according to scientists who say dairy products could be affecting dreams. The findings published in Frontiers in Psychology emerged after scientists investigated the links between diet, sleep problems and cultural beliefs about how they were linked. An online survey of more than 1000 students followed the quality of their sleep, eating habits and any perceived link between the two. It found healthier eating habits seemed to be linked to better sleep and better recall of dreams, whereas consuming dairy products was associated with nightmares. The study found regular nightmares were reported by a third of the respondents and one in four thought eating late at night or specific foods affected their sleep. Roughly a quarter thought particular foods could make sleep worse. Women were more likely to remember their dreams and to report poor sleep and nightmares, and nearly twice as likely as men to report a food intolerance or allergy, according to the study. Scientists then compared reports of food intolerances with reports on bad sleep and found a link between gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance and low sleep quality and nightmares. "Nightmares are worse for lactose intolerant people who suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is disrupted," lead author Dr Tore Nielsen from Université de Montréal said. "This makes sense, because we know that other bodily sensations can affect dreaming. Nightmares can be very disruptive, especially if they occur often, because they tend to awaken people from sleep in a dysphoric state. READ MORE: A dummy's guide to cheese: Everything you didn't know The study found that people who ate less healthily were more likely to have negative dreams and less likely to remember dreams. "These new findings imply that changing eating habits for people with some food sensitivities could alleviate nightmares. They could also explain why people so often blame dairy for bad dreams!"
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Early childhood study brings active play into Montreal daycares
A Montreal daycare is trying a pilot project called 'active play' that experts say is helping with brain development. A new pilot project in Montreal is using something simple — movement — to help preschoolers build lifelong skills before they even step foot in a classroom. At the Pré-maternelle de la petite italie in the Little Italy neighbourhood, children are running, jumping, stretching, and laughing as part of a project that researchers hope will strengthen both body and brain during the most critical stage of development. 'About 90 per cent of brain development happens before age six,' said Sylvana Côté, a professor at Université de Montréal's School of Public Health and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine. 'When children start school, they should already have acquired several basic skills in order to really benefit from everything school has to offer.' Sylvana Côté Professor Sylvana Côté says that about 90 per cent of brain development happens before age six. (CTV News) Côté is leading the research project, which aims to help young children develop motor, cognitive, and social skills through structured active play. Educators are supported over 14 weeks to integrate movement into daily routines, even in spaces that may lack ideal infrastructure. 'Our goal is to give educators simple, effective tools,' said Côté. 'We offer a portfolio of active games that can be done anywhere, in any weather — even if the daycare doesn't have a backyard or is far from a park.' The project is currently running its pilot in two Montreal daycares, with a planned expansion to 60 centres involving about 2,000 children over the next two years. The goal is to measure not just how much children move, but how their abilities and attitudes toward physical activity change over time. Active children The children at two Montreal daycares are engaged in active play, which is said to develop the brain as well as the body. (CTV News) The long-term aims include improving kids' coordination, balance, and posture, but the broader ambition is to build confidence, enjoyment of movement, and a foundation for lifelong health. 'We do what we like to do, it's a cycle,' said Côté. 'Learning to enjoy movement because we know how to do these movements, that's one of the greatest pleasures in life.' She said these skills shouldn't be taken for granted. 'A little practice and support can make a big difference in how much children enjoy physical activity.' At the Little Italy daycare, educator Marilyn Harper said the impact on children was almost immediate. 'They're very into it; every morning they ask what we're going to play,' said Harper, who's worked at the centre for nine years and has a three-year-old daughter enrolled there. Marilyn Harper Marilyn Harper says the impact on children involved in active play was immediate. (CTV News) 'It's very special to bring this to them and to see the emotions when they're playing more, especially with all their friends.' She said the project is also allowing her to broaden her toolkit as an educator. 'Before, kids would mostly be left to play on their own, but now I have specific things to work on with them, like posture and balance,' said Harper. 'And I can already see they're more attentive and active.' The focus isn't just on movement for movement's sake. According to Côté, active play also teaches children how to manage emotions and navigate social situations by setting boundaries. 'They learn how to communicate their frustrations,' she said. 'Even if someone is their friend, they can say, 'This time, I need my space.' Those kinds of social skills are really useful for life.' At home, parents have noticed changes too. Geneviève Woods, a mother of four — two of whom attend the daycare — said her younger children have been more engaged and independent since the program started. 'It's such a challenge being able to fulfill their needs on a daily basis — like how they want me to play with them all the time, but meanwhile I have to prepare snacks and everything,' she said. 'Now, I see them playing games together, and it's not coming from me telling them how to do it. I can just meet them there, and my older kids also join in because it looks fun.' Woods said the program gave her new ideas and models to engage with her kids, and brought a boost in energy and happiness across the board. 'At the end of the day, I see them and their educators being happier,' she said. 'It brings something really positive and for parents, it's also helped us spend more quality time with them.' To track the impact, children in the study wear actimeters — devices that measure physical activity — for a week at the beginning and end of the program. Researchers will also observe school readiness and assess basic motor skills, with final results expected in two years. But for Côté, the mission is already clear: 'We want to give the kids a strong start.'
