On Halloween, the streets will be filled with children dressed up as witches, vampires and other frightening creatures. For the past fifty years, research has speculated that the myth of one of these monsters can actually be traced back to a medical disorder. Vampires are typically characterized by sensitivity to[Read More…]
Science & Technology
The latest in science and technology.
Research in protein breakdown opens doors for cancer treatment
A team of researchers, led by McGill Professor Dr. Barry Posner, has recently uncovered the importance of growth factors in maintaining healthy cells. Growth factors are molecules that stimulate and regulate cellular growth. Put simply, our cells are involved in a continuous cycle of breaking down and re-growth, much like[Read More…]
Robotic prosthetics make technological gains
With his amicable demeanour and brilliant smile, Cameron Clapp is the quintessential Californian. There is, however, one other dominant element of his persona—his shiny, state-of-the-art robotic limbs. Clapp, now 26, lost both his legs below the knee and his right arm after getting hit by a train at the age[Read More…]
Branché application reveals the secrets of urban trees
Mount Royal, west of downtown Montreal, serves as a vivid contrast to the cityscape. The autumnal leaves, ranging from yellows to fiery reds are reason enough to warrant a visit. Walking under the colourful canopy, a new tool will allow Montrealers to learn more about each tree. A made-in-Montreal iPhone[Read More…]
Christie Rowe: earthquake hunter
Christie Rowe is an earthquake hunter. The Wares Faculty Scholar and assistant professor of earth and planetary science at McGill travels the world studying fossilized earthquakes— earthquakes that occur deep in the earth’s crust, but eventually leave a visible record in rock that has risen to the surface because of[Read More…]
Charitable auction site launched
Big companies have always been pressured by customers, governments, and charities to take an active role in social responsibility. Technology is now bridging this gap. CampusAuction, an online, Vancouver-based company that launched this August, connects students, businesses, and charitable organizations for the benefit of all. Open to any user, the[Read More…]
Why you should get your flu vaccine
Most people don’t give the seasonal flu a second thought. It seems pedestrian compared to the famous 1918 Spanish flu, which claimed more than 50 million lives worldwide. Outbreaks of other influenza viruses occuring nearly every decade since have killed over a million people. Avian flu—currently only highly transmissible between[Read More…]
Biofuels: A waste of land?
Oil companies are pumping out oil and natural gas 24/7 in order to meet the worldwide demand for fuel. Despite the apparent assumption that our grandchildren will be able to drive SUVs running on gasoline, the fact is that fossil fuel resources are becoming exhausted more rapidly than we can[Read More…]
A guide to professional social media sites
Social media has taken on a new, interactive role beyond its origins as a tool to connect with new and old friends. Facebook now lets users join favourite celebrities’ pages, Twitter lets us know what they’re up to at any given moment, and Instagram can show us what they ate[Read More…]
Fish scales serve as new model for protective armour
Imagine a hockey player preparing himself for a game and donning his socks, skates… and fish scale shoulder pads. This is not as outlandish as it seems—researchers are using fish scales as the model for a new wave of stronger protective armour. Since 2006, Francois Barthelat—associate professor of mechanical engineering[Read More…]
