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The University of Florida’s ‘AI Queen’ is using AI technology to help prevent dementia
To help the 50 million people globally who live with dementia, the National Institute on Aging is finding researchers to develop tech-based breakthroughs that target the disease — researchers like the University of Florida’s “AI Queen.” It’s a fitting nickname for Aprinda Indahlastari Queen, Ph.D., who is applying artificial intelligence technology to study transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS — a technique that involves placing electrodes on the scalp to deliver a weak electrical current to the brain — as a possible way to prevent dementia. The assistant professor in the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions’ Department of Clinical and Health Psychology is using UF’s supercomputer, HiPerGator, to perform neuroimaging and machine learning analyses to study how anatomical differences may affect tDCS outcomes. “Investigating working memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment offers an opportunity to understand how cognitive processes are disrupted in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Queen, whose study — funded by a National Institute on Aging research career development grant — integrates neuroimaging with information on brain structure that is unique to older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment. Refining the treatment with AI Using neuroimaging, Queen captures real-time changes during tDCS to the parts of the brain associated with working memory, which is the type of memory that allows humans to temporarily keep track of small amounts of information. Think of this as a mental “scratchpad.” Her study includes older adults with mild cognitive impairment as well as individuals who are cognitively healthy. In tDCS, a safe, weak electrical current passes through electrodes placed on a person’s head. The stimulation is being used in research and clinical settings for a variety of conditions and has shown partial success as a nonpharmaceutical intervention that can improve cognitive and mental health in older adults. But tDCS results can vary across individuals, and the suspected cause is both simple and complex: Everyone’s head is different. “One potential reason tDCS may not work for some individuals is the variation in head tissue anatomy, including differences in brain structure,” Queen said. “Since electrical stimulation must travel through multiple layers of tissue to reach the brain, and every individual’s anatomy is unique, these differences likely affect outcomes.” To address this further, Queen is using AI. “Artificial intelligence will play a major role in the modeling pipeline, including constructing individualized head models, conducting predictive analyses to identify which participants will respond to the stimulation, and disentangling multiple individual factors that may contribute to these outcomes,” Queen said. An estimated 10 to 20% of adults over age 65 have memory or thinking problems characterized as mild cognitive impairment. Their symptoms are not as severe as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but they may be at increased risk for developing dementia. “The fact that not all individuals with mild cognitive impairment progress to Alzheimer’s disease emphasizes the need to identify effective interventions that can slow the progression to dementia,” Queen said. “This project presents an opportunity to differentiate between multiple types of mild cognitive impairment and investigate how tDCS affects the brain across these subtypes.” An AI visionary Queen, who joined the UF faculty under the university’s AI hiring initiative, is an instructor in the College of Public Health and Health Professions’ undergraduate certificate program in AI and public health and health care, and the co-chair of the college’s AI Workgroup. She is also the assistant director for computing and informatics at the UF Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory Clinical Translational Research and a member of UF’s McKnight Brain Institute. Queen received her Ph.D. training in engineering with a focus on building and running computational models to investigate medical devices. She experienced a career “a-ha” moment as a postdoc, when she was a co-investigator on a large clinical trial that paired brain stimulation with cognitive training to enhance cognition in older adults. “This experience was transformative for me. I had the chance to interact directly with participants, which was both fulfilling and eye-opening. These interactions allowed me to see the immediate, real-world implications of my work and sparked a passion for pursuing aging research,” Queen said. “I realized that, through this type of research, I could have a more direct impact on addressing age-related challenges, which prompted a shift in my career plans.” The new grant will help Queen further improve her understanding of the neurobiology and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. “These experiences will ultimately prepare me to become a well-rounded aging investigator, capable of making meaningful contributions to the field of aging research,” Queen said. She also credits her mentors and collaborators — Ronald Cohen, Ph.D.; Adam Woods, Ph.D.; Steven DeKosky, M.D.; Ruogu Fang, Ph.D.; Joseph Gullett, Ph.D.; and Glenn Smith, Ph.D. — with supporting her as an early career scientist. “It really takes a village to get here!” Queen said.
Masoud Davari, an associate professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Southern University, has been awarded the 2024 IEEE Region 3 Outstanding Engineer Award, making him the first faculty member in the university’s 55-year history to receive this honor. Davari was recognized for his contributions to reinforcement-learning optimal controls for power-electronic converters, his work on integrating power-electronic systems with cyber-attack considerations in modern power grids, and for his leadership in hardware-in-the-loop testing and standards development, including service on the IEEE P2004 standards working group. In addition to the award, Davari was inducted into the IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) honor society. His research program at Georgia Southern has earned significant support, including more than $1.17 million in National Science Foundation funding, a 2024 Gulfstream Aerospace Research Fellowship, inclusion in the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists list, and selection as a finalist for the 2024 Curtis W. McGraw Research Award. You can find out more about Davari's research by visiting his Georgia Southern Scholars profile below: To arrange an interview or to learn more about this award - Looking to know more about Georgia — simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
When it comes to transforming how organisations produce, consume, and reuse resources, Dr Luciano Batista, professor of operations management at Aston University, is a global pioneer. His research sits at the crossroads of innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability, tackling one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: our overconsumption of the planet’s resources. Reimagining the economy around renewal Dr Batista’s work focuses on circular supply chains —a model he helped establish at a time when 'closed-loop' systems dominated sustainability thinking. His early research laid the foundation for how businesses could move beyond recycling and linear take-make-dispose models, instead designing systems that reuse, restore, and regenerate. View his profile here From theoretical frameworks to real-world applications, his studies—such as comparative analyses of circular systems implemented by Tetra Pak in China and Brazil—demonstrate the measurable economic and environmental benefits of circularity in action. His 2022 Emerald Literati Award-winning paper introduced a methodology for mapping sustainable alternatives in food supply chains, earning international recognition for its real-world impact. A global voice for industrial symbiosis and circular innovation The influence of Dr Batista’s work reaches far beyond academia. He has advised the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) and contributed insights to policymakers through the UK All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group. His expertise continues to inform national and regional strategies for sustainable production and industrial symbiosis —where one company’s waste becomes another’s resource. Today, he extends that impact globally as a visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), conducting research at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics on circular supply chain innovations, supported by Aston University’s study-leave programme. He also mentors future leaders in sustainability as part of Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). Driving the next wave of sustainable transformation Looking ahead, Dr Batista is spearheading collaborations through Aston’s Centre for Circular Economy & Advanced Sustainability (CEAS), working with the Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) on projects developing biochar-based clean energy systems for urban districts. He is also advancing the social dimension of the circular economy—ensuring that the move toward sustainable production is inclusive and equitable. His Symposium on the Socially Inclusive Circular Economy, held at the 2025 Academy of Management Conference, has sparked new international research partnerships with Monash University (Australia) and the Vienna University of Economics and Business. A vision for a regenerative future At the heart of Dr Batista’s work is a simple but urgent truth: humanity is consuming resources at a rate our planet cannot sustain. Through his research and global collaborations, he is helping organisations, policymakers, and communities move toward a future where growth and sustainability coexist. “The transition to a circular economy is not optional—it is essential,” says Dr Batista. “Our goal must be to redesign systems that allow people, businesses, and ecosystems to thrive together.”
How UF researchers are helping Floridians to build resilience
When Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend region of Florida in 2023, Jeff Carney and his team were watching. A coalition of architects, planners, and landscape architects led by Carney worked closely with the tiny Gulf island of Cedar Key, which is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, to prepare for this moment. The researchers had modeled for city officials how a major storm would flood the city’s core services. “Idalia caused flooding exactly where the maps said it would, including city hall, the historic downtown, older homes, and many streets,” Carney said. After the storm, Cedar Key moved city hall to higher ground, as outlined in the plan. And just in time. Barely a year later, Cedar Key was hit even harder by Hurricane Helene. Between the storms, Carney’s group had worked with the city to refine their storm preparation. The new plan focused more on resilience-boosting projects, like improving drainage around the city. Cedar Key finalized their plans just weeks before Helene. “A lot of the projects we put forward in this plan are in the process of seeking additional funding after Helene,” Carney said. A professor of architecture at the University of Florida, Carney directs the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience, or FIBER. A research institute in UF’s College of Design, Construction and Planning, FIBER engages with communities to understand how the designs of buildings and cities expose Floridians to risks — not just storms, but also excessive heat, poor air quality, even a lack of health care. FIBER faculty then work with cities to mitigate these hazards. By preparing for emergencies, upgrading buildings, and providing targeted services, communities across Florida are bolstering the resilience of their residents, all with expert help from UF researchers. Preparing to weather big storms That kind of resilience is especially important for some of Florida’s most vulnerable residents. Older and poorer Floridians face higher-than-average risks from natural disasters and other environmental hazards. That vulnerability was apparent in Cedar Key as it weathered the last two hurricane seasons. Centered around aquaculture and tourism, Cedar Key seems in many ways to be thriving. Yet, with the feel of a small fishing village, roughly 13% of its nearly 1,000 full-time residents are considered to be financially disadvantaged, according to U.S. Census data. Poorer residents may also have a harder time walking away from coastal communities devastated by storms. With savings invested into damaged homes and jobs tied to the local area, less-wealthy residents often have no choice but to stay and rebuild. Carney’s team helps people see the opportunities for rebuilding with a clearer vision of a future where rising sea levels are a reality. “You capture people’s attention and excitement when you can offer them options that are not doomsday,” said Carney, who has been working in Pine Island and Matlacha in Southwest Florida’s Lee County to help residents affected by recent storms prepare for the future. “There’s a lot of opportunity for rebuilding as long as you don’t try to have it be business as usual. We help people see how redevelopment can provide a community asset for the future,” he added. “We try to paint the picture of all the possible scenarios so people can find their own comfort level. It puts them in the driver’s seat.” Aging with fewer choices While that kind of agency is empowering, it can be harder to come by as people retire and find themselves facing tough decisions on fixed incomes. That’s a common experience in Florida, which has a larger proportion of seniors than any other state, due in part to its popularity as a retirement destination. More than 10% of Americans over the age of 65 live below the federal poverty line. This population often finds themselves moving to less safe places as they age. “Older people with more social vulnerability — such as low income or poor health — have a tendency to move to worse places,” said Yan Wang, Ph.D., a professor of urban and regional planning in the UF College of Design, Construction and Planning. “They are more likely to move to places with less economic stability, with less access to health care, and with more exposure to extreme weather.” Wang and postdoctoral researcher Shangde Gao, Ph.D., recently published a study that uncovered the risks low-income seniors face when moving. Compared to their peers with higher incomes, poorer seniors were more likely to end up in neighborhoods lacking access to health care facilities. To address these kinds of disparities, UF Health has launched mobile health units that can reach people who have trouble traveling to health centers, including low-income seniors. The Mobile Outreach Clinic provides primary care and referrals for specialists. And the newly launched cancer screening vehicle, which serves all of North Central Florida, can help catch the disease in the early stages when it is easiest to treat. It’s not just finding health care that’s a struggle. Older adults from minority racial groups were also more likely to increase their exposure to poor air quality and to natural disasters like flooding and hurricanes when they moved, Wang and Gao discovered. “If we understand the trend and causes of these income disparities better, we could better prepare some places with more health care resources or better hurricane preparation for these older populations,” Wang said. Building safer, healthier homes That preparation is happening right now in Jacksonville, not just for big storms but for the everyday nuisances and hazards — even the ones people are exposed to in their own homes — that threaten people’s lives and health. The Jacksonville Restore and Repair for Resiliency research initiative was founded to address these kinds of risks while improving energy efficiency. The R3 initiative, as it’s known, is a home remodeling program organized by a slew of community partners and supported by FIBER research on the impact of housing quality on health. The project aims to keep longtime residents of the Historic Eastside in their homes while addressing the home hazards that put people at risk for medical complications like asthma attacks and emergency room visits. “The designs of buildings impact human health and well-being,” said Lisa Platt, Ph.D., the lead researcher with the Jacksonville program and an assistant professor of interior design with FIBER. “Our research is helping the team prioritize the home improvements that will benefit residents’ health the most.” Jacksonville’s Eastside faces a lot of challenges. The population is older than the city as a whole. Roughly three-quarters of residents are over the age of 60, and the poverty rate is over 40%. Yet more than a third of residents own their own homes. Often passed down from previous generations, some of the houses are now over a century old and struggle to keep the intense Florida heat and humidity out. Platt’s research has modeled how things like high heat days — only growing more common in a warming world —are associated with increased emergency room use and poor perceived physical and mental health. That science helps guide the community partners to prioritize providing air conditioning and better insulation to protect Historic Eastside residents. To date, the Jacksonville program is targeting up to 70 homes for renovation. Builders have fixed holes in roofs, replaced drafty windows, and hooked up air conditioning for the first time, keeping the heat and humidity at bay and protecting residents’ health. Now the R3 initiative is applying for federal grants to expand the program. “I think the best way to approach this kind of community action research is with humility and outreach. Community members have amazing expertise. I always say, ‘I can build models to analyze the problem, but you are the ones that are the experts,’” Platt said. “That’s where UF can be most useful, is coming in from a perspective of service.”
Five Million Airbnb Reviews Illuminate Guests’ Crime and Safety Concerns
Concerns about crime and safety have a dramatic impact on the behavior of Airbnb customers, according to new research co-authored by Liad Wagman, Ph.D., Dean of the RPI Lally School of Management. In an analysis of nearly 5 million reviews left by Airbnb guests, Wagman and his colleagues found that a short-term rental property’s occupancy rate and rental price dropped by significant amounts after a guest left a review mentioning safety concerns at or around the property: occupancy rates fell by anywhere from 1.5 to 2.4 percent, while average nightly prices dropped by roughly 1.5 percent. These negative safety reviews influenced the behavior not only of potential future customers, but also of the people who wrote them. A customer who mentioned concerns about crime and safety in the neighborhood around a property, for instance, became 60 percent less likely to ever use Airbnb again. “To see the effect of these dynamics play out in action is always fascinating to me," Wagman said. “Given that humans have different preferences, and that information transmittal is imperfect, it’s unsurprising that the effect of self-experience is larger than that of reading a critical review that resulted from it.” Worries about safety within a property — say, a broken step or a slippery tub — also reduced customers’ willingness to return to the platform, but by a more modest amount. The study also found that when people with neighborhood safety concerns did return to the platform, they tended to book properties in areas with lower rates of crime. The study, co-authored by Aron Culotta of Tulane, Ginger Zhe Jin of the University of Maryland, and Yidan Sun of Binghamton University, was published in the journal Marketing Science. Overall, the researchers found that safety-oriented reviews were rare: only about 0.5 percent of customer reviews mentioned safety concerns. But those reviews tend to be more negative in sentiment than the typical customer review, giving them an outsize impact on the behavior of subsequent would-be customers. The findings illustrate a delicate balancing act digital platforms have to perform, particularly those that rely heavily on user reviews: while highlighting negative experiences can help consumers make more informed choices, too much emphasis can drive customers away completely. The team ran several simulations calibrated by their empirical analysis to test how these dynamics play out in the market. They found that if a platform suppressed negative safety reviews completely, customers might assume that safety information was being hidden, and become more wary of using the platform in general. Conversely, while more transparency around safety issues could lead to fewer bookings of impacted properties in the short term, in the long run such a policy could boost user trust and draw more people to the platform, offsetting the short-term losses. “Platforms with the competitive space to focus on long-term objectives may benefit from a higher level of transparency, which can be facilitated by making information that is relevant to their buyers’ decision-making more readily available,” Wagman said. “Doing so facilitates trust and helps incentivize sellers to work to improve the quality of their offerings, as well as help shape sellers' decisions to enter a market (e.g., offer their listings) in the first place.”
Taking the Reins of Holiday Stress
Ho-ho-ho and a bottle of Tums? From feeding a crowd to juggling travel and schedules and managing finances during a challenging economic time, the holidays can feel like a pressure cooker. But University of Rochester psychologist Jeremy Jamieson, one of the country’s leading researchers on stress, says the pressures of the season of giving (and giving and giving and giving some more) can be mitigated by mentally reframing the stress we feel. In other words, what matters is how we interpret our stress. Jamieson’s Social Stress Lab studies a technique called "stress reappraisal": the practice of reframing stress responses as helpful rather than harmful. According to researchers, people can learn to treat their signs of stress — the racing heart, the sweaty palms, the mental sense of urgency — as tools that prepare them to meet a challenge rather than a sign that they’re falling apart. “Stress reappraisal isn’t about calming down or shutting stress off,” Jamieson says. “It’s about changing the meaning of your stress response. If you view the demands as something you can handle, your body shifts into a challenge state, which is a more adaptive, productive kind of stress.” The research behind this approach has grown considerably. In one of Jamieson’s studies, published in Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, the Social Stress Lab trained community college students to reinterpret stress as a resource. The results were striking: students experienced less anxiety, performed better on exams, procrastinated less, were more likely to stay enrolled, and approached academic challenges with healthier physiological responses. Newer findings from the lab also suggest that stress reframing can support people facing workplace pressures, caregiving responsibilities, and major life transitions. In short, stress isn’t the enemy of our well-being during the holidays. The real culprit is believing stress is dangerous. Jamieson is available for interviews and can explain how people can use stress reappraisal strategies to navigate holiday pressures — and other high-demand moments — with more confidence, better health, and better outcomes. Click on his profile to connect with him.
New AI model predicts harmful videos before they go viral
Certain short-form videos on major social media platforms can trigger suicidal thoughts among vulnerable viewers, according to new research led by the University of Delaware's Jiaheng Xie. His team developed an AI model that can predict and flag these videos. In the study, published Nov. 17 in Information Systems Research, UD professor Jiaheng Xie and his co-authors showed how AI can assist with safety by predicting high-risk videos before they go viral by looking through both the content and what people write in the comments. • Distinguish what creators choose to post from what viewers think or feel after watching. • Separate known medical risk factors from emerging social media trends, such as viral heartbreak clips or challenges that may influence teens. • This system is especially novel because it predicts the high-risk videos before they reach large audiences. Xie is available for a Zoom interview to share how the model was developed and how it could potentially change the way platforms such as TikTok moderate.
New findings from a recent survey conducted by CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) highlight a concerning trend: substance use, particularly cannabis, is on the rise both recreationally and behind the wheel. “Cannabis is more accessible than ever, and that means more Manitobans are not only choosing to drive after consuming it but are also getting behind the wheel soon after and expressing increased confidence in their ability to do so,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government & community relations for CAA Manitoba. The data shows that 24 per cent of drivers admitted to consuming cannabis before driving, which is up six per cent from last year, while ten per cent of Manitobans reported driving after consuming cannabis in the past few months, a three per cent increase from 2024. Among cannabis-impaired drivers, most (63 per cent) say they drove within three hours of consumption, which is up 10 per cent from last year. Over a third of cannabis-impaired drivers acknowledged feeling high while driving. In addition to the survey conducted by CAA MB, a recent study with funding support from CAA, conducted by the University of Saskatchewan, examined 50 drivers aged 19 to 30 to assess how consuming edible cannabis influences collision risk. This age group of young drivers, identified as having the highest crash rates and a greater tendency toward risky driving behaviour, offers new insights into the impact of cannabis on driving. Drivers often have a false sense of confidence when driving high. This study examined how consuming edible cannabis affects collision risk. Findings indicate that critical driving skills, including reaction time, lane discipline, and speed control, were impaired even shortly after consumption. Contrary to popular belief that cannabis edibles take hours to take effect, this study shows that impairment is evident 90 minutes after consumption. When asked if they felt safe to drive after consuming edibles, only four per cent felt safe getting behind the wheel 90 minutes after eating an edible cannabis product. What is interesting about this is that in a controlled environment, young drivers feel unsafe driving under the influence of cannabis. However, the study conducted by CAA MB shows that drivers often have a false sense of confidence when they have driven high in the past. “This study marks an important first step in understanding how cannabis edibles impact driving performance,” adds says Friesen. “Too often, decisions about whether someone is fit to drive are made in the moment, relying on judgment rather than evidence. Cannabis impairment studies like this are essential. Each one brings new learnings that help us refine our approach and ensure that safety is never left to chance.” According to CAA Manitoba’s data, more drivers have reported feeling confident in their driving ability (77 per cent), which is up ten per cent from 2024. More drivers this year (33 per cent) also say that they are unsure about how much cannabis is needed for effects to kick in, up six per cent from 2024. Alarmingly enough, more than half of Manitobans are unaware that the penalties associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances are the same. “Drivers may face enhanced roadside sanctions, including an administrative penalty of $700, vehicle impoundment, mandatory Ignition Interlock participation for one year, an impaired driver assessment and movement of 10 levels down the Driver Safety Rating scale,” says Friesen. “Depending on the severity of convictions, impaired drivers may be charged further under the Criminal Code of Canada.” This holiday season, CAA Manitoba is asking that those who do consume cannabis, alcohol or other drugs to plan ahead by making alternate arrangements, such as a designated driver or using a rideshare service, to get home safely. Methodology CAA MB The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from June 27 to July 14, 2025, with 514 Manitoba drivers aged 19 and older. Based on the sample size of n=514 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 3%.) Methodology of University of Saskatchewan study The study collected extensive data from 50 young adult drivers (aged 19–30), resulting in 250 assessments across multiple realistic driving scenarios using a simulator after consuming a 10mg THC edible.
MEDIA RELEASE: New CAA Study Sheds Light on Edible Cannabis and Collision Risk Among Young Drivers
A recent study with funding support from CAA, conducted by the University of Saskatchewan, examined 50 drivers aged 19 to 30 to assess how consuming edible cannabis influences collision risk among young drivers. This demographic, which is known for having a higher tendency to engage in risky driving behaviour, currently holds the highest crash rates nationwide. “This study marks an important first step in understanding how cannabis edibles impact driving performance,” says Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. “Too often, decisions about whether someone is fit to drive are made in the moment, relying on judgment rather than evidence. Cannabis impairment studies like this are essential. Each one brings new learnings that help us refine our approach and ensure that safety is never left to chance.” The findings indicate that critical driving skills, including reaction time, lane discipline, and speed control, were impaired. Consumption times may vary to feel the effects of edible cannabis from driver to driver. However, the study found that impairment was most evident at 90 minutes after consumption, so its effects may not be noticeable until a motorist is already behind the wheel. When asked if they felt safe to drive after consuming edibles, only four per cent felt safe getting behind the wheel 90 minutes after eating an edible cannabis product. What is interesting about this is that in a controlled environment, young drivers feel unsafe driving under the influence of cannabis. However, a recent survey of 1,510 Ontario drivers from CAA SCO shows that drivers often have a false sense of confidence when they have driven high in the past. The perception of safety doesn’t match reality The survey found that the number of people admitting to cannabis-impaired driving in Ontario (nearly 20 per cent) has remained stable compared to last year. However, a concerning trend has emerged, with more cannabis-impaired drivers (78 per cent) saying they are confident in their driving abilities while under the influence – a 13 per cent overall increase from 2021. Why is this concerning? The perception of safety doesn’t match reality. More than a third of cannabis-impaired drivers acknowledged feeling high while driving, relying on their personal judgment for signs of impairment, such as drowsiness, slowed reaction time, or brain fog. “This misplaced confidence can lead to dangerous decisions, increasing the risk of collisions and endangering road users,” adds Stewart. “We must recognize that getting behind the wheel is not just a personal choice it’s a responsibility that affects the safety of everyone on our roads.” Growing issue of poly-use The research also points to a growing issue of poly-use, or the consumption of multiple substances and is on the rise. This trend adds another layer of complexity to road safety efforts, as the combined effects of different substances can further impair judgment and reaction times. Most respondents (57 per cent) say they consume cannabis in combination with other substances – most commonly, alcohol. However, painkillers, psilocybin, ecstasy, and MDMA are on the rise. CAA SCO continues to advocate for safer roads by encouraging motorists to make responsible choices. The message is clear: do not get behind the wheel when impaired. “While we’re all aware that alcohol-impaired driving can be dangerous, we should also take the same attitude towards cannabis-impaired driving,” says Stewart. “With the holiday season coming up, cannabis can be consumed legally and responsibly but should never be used when driving.” CAA is asking that those who do consume cannabis, alcohol or other drugs to plan ahead by making alternate arrangements, such as a designated driver or using a rideshare service, to get home safely this holiday season. Methodology The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from June 27 to July 14, 2025, with 1,510 Ontario drivers aged 19 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,510 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.) Methodology of the University of Saskatchewan study The study collected extensive data from 50 young adult drivers (aged 19–30), resulting in 250 assessments across multiple realistic driving scenarios using a simulator after consuming a 10mg THC edible.
The Conversation: A UF neuroscientist explains the science of pain
Nobody likes to feel pain, but it’s something every person will experience at some point in their life. But why is that? I am a neuroscientist, and my job is to research why and how people feel pain in order to help doctors understand how to treat it better. What is pain? To understand why people feel pain, it helps first to understand what pain is. Pain is the unpleasant sensation you feel when your body is experiencing harm, or thinks it is. Not everyone experiences pain the same way. Pain is a highly personal experience influenced by a variety of biological, psychological and social factors. For example, research has shown differences in the pain experiences of women and men, young and older people, and even across people from different cultures. Danger signals A network of nerves similar to wires runs all through the human body, from the tips of your fingers and toes, through your back inside the spinal cord and up to your brain. Specialized pain receptors called nociceptors can be found at the end of the nerves on your skin, muscles, joints and internal organs. Each nociceptor is designed to activate its nerve if it detects a danger signal. One way scientists classify nociceptors is based on the type of danger signal that activates them. Mechanical nociceptors respond to physical damage, such as cuts or pressure, while thermal nociceptors react to extreme temperatures. Chemical nociceptors are triggered by chemicals that the body’s own tissues release when they are damaged. These receptors may also be triggered by external irritants, such as the chemical capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their heat. This is why eating spicy food can cause you pain. Finally, there are the nociceptors that are activated by a combination of various triggers. For example, one of these receptors in your skin could be activated by the poke of a sharp object, the cold of an ice pack, the heat from a mug of cocoa, a chemical burn from household bleach, or a combination of all three kinds of stimulation. How pain travels though the body When you fall and get a scrape, the mechanical nociceptors in your skin spring into action. As soon as you hit the ground, they activate an electrical signal that travels through the nearby nerves to the spinal cord and up to your brain. Your brain interprets these signals to locate the place in your body that is hurting and determine how intense the pain is. Your brain knows that a pain signal is an SOS message from your body that something isn’t right. So it activates multiple systems all at once to get you out of danger and help you survive. Your brain may call on other parts of your nervous system to release chemicals called endorphins that will reduce your pain. It may tell your endocrine system to release hormones that prepare your body to handle the stress of your fall by increasing your heart rate, for example. And it may order your immune system to send special immune cells to the site of your scrape to help manage swelling and heal your skin. As all of this is happening, your brain takes in information about where you are in the world so that you can respond accordingly. Do you need to move away from something hurting you? Did you fall in the middle of the road and now need to get out of the way of moving cars? Not only is your brain working to keep you safe in the moments after your fall, it also is looking ahead to how it can prevent this scenario from happening again. The pain signals from your fall activate parts of your brain called the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex that process memory and emotions. They will help you remember how bad falling made you feel so that you will learn how to avoid it in the future. But why do we need to feel pain? As this example shows, pain is like a warning signal from your body. It helps protect you by telling you when something is wrong so that you can stop doing it and avoid getting hurt more. In fact, it’s a problem if you can’t feel pain. Some people have a genetic mutation that changes the way their nociceptors function and do not feel pain at all. This can be very dangerous, because they won’t know when they’re hurt. Ultimately, feeling that scrape and the pain sensation from it helps keep you safe from harm. Yenisel Cruz-Almeida is a UF Associate Professor of Community Dentistry and Associate Director of the Pain Research & Intervention Center Of Excellence, University of Florida This article is republished from The Conversation's Curious Kids series under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article:
