Research as reconciliation: Oil sands and health
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 29-Dec-2025 22:12 ET (30-Dec-2025 03:12 GMT/UTC)
Mitochondrial dysfunctions are associated with a variety of pathologies, and the onset and progression of disease are accompanied by alterations in extracellular biochemical and mechanical signals. Recent studies have demonstrated that physicochemical cues, especially mechanical cues, exert pivotal roles in the organization of mitochondrial network and their metabolic functions. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that orchestrate mitochondrial morphology and function is essential for elucidating their roles in both health and disease. In this review, we initially elucidate the critical role of mitochondrial dynamics and function in disease progression, subsequently focusing on how cells perceive extracellular mechanical signals to modulate mitochondrial dynamics and function through mechanotransduction. Last, this review explores the potential future directions, stressing that understanding mitochondrial dysfunction is crucial for developing effective therapies to improve mitochondrial function and address related diseases.
Led by Marc Murray, who completed the study as part of his PhD in the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, researchers aimed to build on earlier research about how exercise and protein influence Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a hormone that possesses anabolic effects, relating to protein synthesis, which play a role in muscle development and repair.
A specialist form of therapy could offer hope for some of the most vulnerable young PTSD sufferers – according to a University of East Anglia study.
Researchers investigated the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for treating children who had been through multiple traumas such as abuse, violence or serious accidents.
While this type of therapy is already known to help with PTSD, the new study focused on children who had experienced multiple traumas - a group often considered harder to treat.
The large clinical trial is one of the first of its kind to test this approach in real-world settings. The research team hope that this therapy could offer a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable young people.