What exactly is Alzheimer’s? Often referred to as “Old timer’s disease,” Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects nearly 36 million people worldwide. It causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour, and is classified as a progressive illness, which means that symptoms will gradually worsen over time. Whereas someone[Read More…]
Science & Technology
The latest in science and technology.
Ideas spark at interface of physics, biology
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…]
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…]
CWTA creates blacklist for stolen mobile devices
By Sept. 2013, would-be thieves may not want to bother with cell phones and wireless devices. The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) is working with the Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA) to create a global database—employing new strategies to fight cell phone theft. The groups hope these new strategies will[Read More…]
Nano advances poised to change everyday technology
In the ‘nanoworld’ a human hair is huge: roughly 100,000 nanometres in diameter. Dr. Peter Grütter, a McGill University physics professor, has committed himself to understanding the miniscule realm of nanotechnology. Dr. Grütter’s group develops microscopes used for research in the emerging field of nanoelectronics—tiny computers that use the nanometre[Read More…]
Why should I put plastic on my window in the winter?
In Montreal, the sound of ripping plastic is the first sign of spring, as the city tears off window coverings to let in the first warm breezes. Unfortunately, spring is a distant prospect, and the first cold breezes are just beginning their assault. The basic science behind window coverings is[Read More…]
Nightmares may be evolutionary survival tool
Nightmares have always been a dreaded human experience. In certain cultures, they were thought to be premonitions of the future. It was this ominous notion that prompted indigenous cultures to construct dream catchers. When a bad dream entered the dreamer’s sleep, the webbing of the dream catcher supposedly trapped this[Read More…]
