Humming away in the Rutherford Physics building, a long cold walk from Stewart Bio, is a computer that can predict one of the fundamental processes in biology: how vertebrae form. Paul François, associate professor in the department of physics, and associate member of the department of biology, is one researcher[Read More…]
Author: Leigh Miller
Debate pits Science against Homeopathy
On Nov. 27, in a crowded Leacock 132 auditorium, McGill’s Office of Science and Society (OSS) hosted its second debate on naturopathy, titled “Homeopathy: Mere placebo or great medicine?” The debate pitted Dr. Joe Schwarcz, professor of chemistry and director of the OSS, against Dr. André Saine, a practicing naturopath[Read More…]
This Week in Research
Vitamin D and cancer Vitamin D is correlated with many health benefits, including lower cancer risk; but until now, the link has always been unclear. McGill researchers have uncovered a piece of the puzzle, explaining how the vitamin may help to prevent cancer. In a recent study published in[Read More…]
Ocean may yield cystic fibrosis treatment
The Cystic Fibrosis Translational Research Centre at McGill University and the University of British Columbia are looking in unexpected places for potential cures—under the sea. Dr. David Thomas, Chair of McGill’s department of biochemistry and Canada Research chair in molecular genetics, focuses his research on investigating quality control of proteins.[Read More…]
Taking a broader view of nicotine addiction
Over the past 20 years, scientists have completed hundreds of studies on the adverse effects of nicotine consumption—especially from cigarette usage. However, the progress made in lowering the fatalities and costs from the drug has been disappointing, given the amount of money put into these studies. Approximately 37,000 deaths and[Read More…]
FEATURE: Playing in the Shadows
Preparing for one of its biggest weekends of the year, McGill’s women’s lacrosse team woke up for a 6 a.m. to practice at Molson Stadium. An hour into the two-hour session, members of the Redmen football team took over the field, and the women were forced to cut their practice[Read More…]
Holiday Drink Recipes
Hot Buttered Rum: Serves 4 2/3 cup dark brown sugar ½ cup unsalted butter 1 tsp. finely grated orange rind ¼ cup sugar or honey ½ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. nutmeg ¼ tsp. cloves pinch of salt ¾ cup spiced rum 2 cups boiling water 4 cinnamon sticks 1. Beat[Read More…]
McGill Compliments sweeping campus
McGill Compliments is a new Facebook account that is quickly joining many McGill students’ friend lists. McGill Compliments provides a safe, anonymous outlet for McGill students to do just that: compliment one another. Through private inbox messages that get posted by the McGill Compliments profile creator, and tagged by whoever[Read More…]
Student of the Week
Q: What word or phrase do you overuse? A: I get a lot of flack for using the word ‘primo,’ which is a way to say ‘awesome.’ Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve? A: When people drag their feet when they walk. Q: What’s your secret talent? A: I can[Read More…]
Dreaming of a white Christmas
Classes are coming to an end, finals are rapidly approaching: it’s the final push. Sometimes it’s difficult to cope with so much stress, but whatever holiday you celebrate, if you stop to think about it, there is a lot to look forward to. Food: The first delight of the holidays[Read More…]
