Search Results

The Rise of Psychedelic Capitalism: Work Harder and Be Happy About It?

Once stigmatized and outlawed, psychedelics are moving from the counterculture to the mainstream. From Prince Harry's use of psilocybin to National Football League quarterback Aaron Rodgers' adventures with ayahuasca, our media is awash with accounts of their professed benefits.

Hidden Codes of Language: Carleton Psychology Researcher Probes How We Map Meaning onto Words

When presented with images of an inkblot-like rounded shape and a spiky shape and the made-up words "bouba" and "kiki," the vast majority of people are likely to associate bouba with the curvy shape and kiki with the jagged one. The "bouba-kiki effect" holds for both English and non-English speaking study respondents, and for everybody from university students and older adults to very young children. In some experiments, 98 per cent of people reached the same conclusion, though the average is just below 90 per cent. Carleton University psychology researcher David Sidhu first read about this phenomenon in an undergraduate class. Carleton University psychology researcher David Sidhu "It was like finding a secret layer of meaning that you don't really…

The Stars of Brain Chemistry: Carleton Researcher Believes Astrocytes Hold a Key to Neuropsychiatric Health

Astrocytes are the best cells in the brain. At least that's the verdict of Carleton University's Natalina Salmaso, the Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neurobiology. So named because of their star-like shape, astrocytes are glial cells found in the brain and spinal cord. More than half of the brain's cells are "glial," a descriptor derived from the Latin word for glue because it was once thought that these cells held neurons in place. Now we know they do so much more, which is why Salmaso is smitten with the "beautiful" astrocyte. It's the most abundant cell in the human central nervous system and is linked to the blood-brain barrier, a layer of cells that protects the brain from harmful substances.…

Carleton University Celebrates Four New Canada Research Chair Appointments

Four Carleton University researchers have been appointed to newly created Canada Research Chair (CRC) positions, driving forward innovative research that tackles real-world challenges. As leaders in their fields, they are advancing critical work in multigenerational trauma, person-centred care, energy system modelling and the intersection of disability, gender and communication. "Carleton is committed to impactful research," said Rafik Goubran, Vice-President (Research and International). "These Canada Research Chairs highlight our dedication to attracting top academics to address some of Canada's most pressing issues.” Amy Bombay, CRC in Multigenerational Trauma and Resilience in First Nations Peoples (Tier II) Amy Bombay's research strives to fill critical gaps in our understanding of multigenerational trauma and resilience among First Nations Peoples in Canada. In partnership with…

Carleton Celebrates 2024 Fall Convocation Medal Winners

At Carleton University’s fall convocation, more than 1,200 graduates from the class of 2024 are crossing the stage, marking a journey defined by resilience, innovation and academic excellence. This ceremony not only recognizes their dedication to learning but also highlights exceptional achievements, with Carleton awarding prestigious medals to celebrate the commitment of Ravens who have excelled in their studies. Continue reading to learn more about six inspiring students. Governor General Gold Medal Brodie Hobson, PhD, Building Engineering Brodie Hobson Brodie Hobson was studying Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering at Carleton when, during his undergrad third year building science course taught by Prof. Burak Gunay, he discovered his interest in making buildings more efficient by improving the systems they use for heating and…

Carleton University Launches Innovative New Nursing Program

Ontario's health-care system is stretched thin. The province has an aging, diverse and growing population with complex needs. A lack of family doctors means people often don't receive preventative treatment. And data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information reveals that Ontario needs 26,000 additional registered nurses (RNs) to catch up to the RN-to-population ratio in the rest of Canada — a gap that has widened by three per cent since 2022. It's good news, then, that Carleton is launching a new nursing program in September 2025, in partnership with Ottawa's Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH). Designed to send graduates into the workforce swiftly to address the shortage, it also promises to transform how nurses care for patients — a huge step…

Carleton Experts Available – Back to School

As students return to school, Carleton experts are available to comment on a number of themes related to this important time of year. If you are interested in speaking with the experts below, please feel free to contact them directly. If you require other assistance, please email Steven Reid, Media Relations Officer, at steven.reid3@carleton.ca. For other experts, please visit the Carleton Experts Database: https://experts.carleton.ca/ Amedeo D’Angiulli Professor, Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University Email: amedeo.dangiulli@carleton.ca D’Angiulli is available to discuss the relationship between poverty, socioeconomic status and brain/mental health. He can also comment on healthy mental development in children. D’Angiulli is available to speak about the impact of economic hardship on families and children in terms of cognitive and brain…

Carleton Students Gain Hands-On Experience through Black and Indigenous Internships

Over the summer, Carleton University science students gained hands-on research experience through the Black and Indigenous Summer Research Internships (BISRI).

Debunking 5 Myths About Antidepressants

During my work as a clinical psychologist and neurobiologist, I have spoken with many individuals who are considering taking antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Summer Reading: 4 Books on Well-Being That You Can Rely On

In a survey examining views on health and well-being, almost all Canadians responding reported wanting to improve their personal well-being. Perhaps there is no better time for a personal wellness reboot than during the summer months. Picking up a book with information aimed at improving your well-being may be the boost you need to kickstart your wellness journey.