Canada has one of the world’s highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the brain and nervous system. There is no single cause of MS, but researchers were aware that several factors contributed, including genetic susceptibility and immune system anomalies. But environmental factors also play a role. Recent research has identified an important environmental trigger in the development of MS.
Today in The Conversation Canada, Michael C. Levin of the University of Saskatchewan discusses the recent discovery that MS is linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a very common bug that causes mononucleosis. In a substantial breakthrough, a 20-year study found adults exposed to the virus were significantly more likely to develop MS. As Dr. Levin explains: “The discovery of the link between EBV and risk for MS is a crucial piece of the MS puzzle, opening up new potential treatments for people living with this condition.”
We also have the latest on the French elections from our colleagues at The Conversation France.
Regards,
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Patricia Nicholson
Health + Medicine Editor
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MS is an autoimmune disease in which elements of the immune system begin to damage the brain and spinal cord.
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Michael C. Levin, University of Saskatchewan
The causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) are complex, but recent research found Epstein Barr virus, the same virus that causes mononucleosis, is an environmental trigger for MS.
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There are few courses or programs that teach men relationship skills from the perspective of healthy masculinity.
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John L. Oliffe, University of British Columbia; Gabriela Gonzalez Montaner, University of British Columbia; Mary Theresa Kelly, University of British Columbia
Healthy relationships have a positive influence on men’s health and mental health. Prioritizing relationship skills for men is one way to approach the global crisis in male suicide.
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Military personnel walk on the tarmac at Canadian Forces Base Trenton.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Paul T. Mitchell, Canadian Forces College
In a world where co-operation has given way to competition and conflict, how will Canada approach the prospect of war?
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The pandemic and the aging population are both partially responsible for the current labour shortage.
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Geraint Harvey, Western University
With employers struggling to hire enough workers, reliance on automation is becoming more of a necessity than just a source of competitive advantage.
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If time travel were possible, it would mean the existence of parallel timelines.
(Shutterstock)
Barak Shoshany, Brock University
Scientifically speaking, for time travel to exist, so must parallel timelines. This theory addresses the paradoxes that arise when studying the possibility of time travel.
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Statues grace the covers of history books, museum pamphlets and course syllabi.
(S. Ruvalcaba/Unsplash)
Grace McNutt, Dalhousie University
The danger in these metaphors is they can subconsciously discourage reinterpretation, which can further contribute to sexist, racist and colonial influence in historical writing.
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French Election
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Emmanuel Macron on his arrival at the Champ de Mars in Paris.
Thomas Coex/AFP
Mathias Bernard, Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA)
Emmanuel Macron’s success validates a strategy aimed at making him appear as the champion of the “progressives”, but it has only partially worked.
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Guilliame Horcajuelo/EPA/AP
Romain Fathi, Flinders University
The next five years are going to be harder than Emmanuel Macron’s first term.
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La Conversation Canada
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Des femmes attendent d'être évacués, après la destruction par l'artillerie de leur habitation, le 21 avril 2022. L’invasion russe de l’Ukraine par la Russie a été un réveil brutal pour les défenseurs du libéralisme.
(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Arthur Silve, Université Laval; Jonathan Paquin, Université Laval
L’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie révèle au grand jour la nouvelle donne des relations internationales. Elle met à mal le libéralisme, vu comme une panacée depuis la chute du rideau de fer.
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Un manifestant tient une pancarte sur laquelle on peut lire «ARNaqueur, voleur, tueur, Pfizer» lors d'une manifestation contre le pass vaccinal et le vaccin contre la Covid-19 devant le siège de Pfizer, à Paris en janvier 2022.
(AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Mathieu Nadeau-Vallée, Université de Montréal
Décortiquer intelligemment des études scientifiques n’est pas chose simple. Cette barrière de compréhension amène certaines personnes, dont des professionnels de la santé, à propager de fausses nouvelles.
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