The human brain, composed of over 100 billion cells, is a natural work of art. Groups of brain cells, called neurons, and their synapses—the gaps in between them—are the functional units of the brain that allow us to store memories. While these cells are responsible for what we remember, what[Read More…]
Science & Technology
The latest in science and technology.
When Mendel meets Darwin
First there was Darwin, who published the revolutionary On the Origin of Species in 1859, introducing the world to the theory of natural selection. According to this theory, genetic variations arise as adaptions to differential environments, where any profitable traits that incur a survival advantage are selected for and preserved[Read More…]
Touchscreens
Touchscreens have revolutionized the way we interact with digital devices. The most important attribute they have brought to the user experience is the reduction in the learning curve of operating a device. A simple tap on the screen can trigger commands that would have otherwise been complicated with a mouse[Read More…]
A sonnet stored in DNA would sound as sweet
DNA has an incredible capability to store information. Now, thanks to a simple cipher, DNA can be manipulated to act as a storage system for digital data. The importance of archiving data holds significantly more relevance in today’s world, where information is generated at an increasing pace. From GDP economic[Read More…]
Does chocolate make you smarter?
As it becomes increasingly difficult to find a seat at McLennan, it’s clear midterms are fully underway at McGill. Although these tests make up less of our grades than finals, many students will do whatever it takes to perform well. Tactics range from taking up residence in the library to[Read More…]
Tiny, immortal jellyfish: Scientists discover immortality in pinky-nail-sized jellyfish
From the philosopher’s stone to Voldemort and his horcuxes, humans have long been fascinated with the concept of immortality. However, scientists have found that one pinky-nail-sized jellyfish species has the remarkable ability to live forever. Turritopsis nutricula, which originated in the Caribbean, is biologically immortal; its mortality rate doesn’t increase[Read More…]
Looking beyond mutation with cancer genetics
The media constantly bombards us with coverage of presumed cancer causing agents, jumping to the conclusions that we should ‘avoid this’ or ‘avoid that,’ only to contradict themselves the following week. Since the culmination of the Human Genome Project, which succeeded at sequencing the entire human genome, the media has[Read More…]
Why do we fall in love?
For some, the key to success on Valentine’s Day consists of an amalgamation of romantic gestures, boxes of chocolate, and dinner dates. However, no number of roses, Laura Secord truffles, or Chardonnay can amount to the necessary spark in our brains to fuel love. While common notions of romance suggest[Read More…]
Tech Reviews: Apple Alternatives
Alien M14x A true blend of aesthetics and exquisite craftsmanship, the M14x from Dell’s line of Alienware computers is the weapon of choice for dedicated gamers and multi-taskers. Designed for high-performance gaming, the laptop doesn’t fail to deliver in portability and performance. Under the hood, it packs the latest Intel[Read More…]
A bitter pill to swallow: Zoloft’s inefficacy
Pfizer, the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in terms of revenue, is being sued by a woman who claims that the antidepressant drug Zoloft is no more effective than a placebo pill. The plaintiff, Laura Plumlee, alleges that Zoloft failed to alleviate her depression in spite of a three-year treatment course.[Read More…]
