Science & Technology

The latest in science and technology.

This Week in Research

Compiled by Caity Hui Artificial Obesity New evidence suggests that diet soft drinks and other artificially sweetened products may induce weight gain, as well as increasing our risk for Type 2 diabetes. According to former McGill researcher Dana Small, sugar substitutes, like aspartame and sucralose, taste more intensely sweet than[Read More…]

How does the internet work?

The internet, a network of networks, is often thought to have an ethereal existence—an illusive virtual web that somehow enables a message to travel from your McGill email to an account in London, or a tweet to circulate around the globe. What is surprising, however, is the tangible basis of[Read More…]

As a faculty member, Kaspi recognizes the challenges faced by female physics students. (Alexandra Allaire / McGill Tribune)

Extreme, observable physics

In honour of “Women’s Month,” the Tribune is profiling different female researchers at McGill, and the story behind their work.    Imagine walking into a classroom filled entirely with people of the opposite gender. McGill Physics Professor Dr. Victoria Kaspi remembers her shock at the overwhelmingly male cohort during her[Read More…]

Viruses contain both living and non-living characteristics, making them difficult to classify. (static.ddmcdn)

Viruses develop a life of their own

Researchers have hotly debated the topic of viral classification for the past several decades. While scientists are still undecided as to whether or not viruses should be considered “living,” it is clear that these organisms do not meet the classical definition of life—maintenance of homeostasis, cellular organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation,[Read More…]

Cornell researchers used fMRIs to observe brain activity. (Image Source: scientopia.org)

Neuroimaging allows scientists to see thoughts

Scientists are getting closer to something mothers have been doing for years: knowing what we’re thinking. The development of neuroimaging technology—various techniques used to directly and indirectly image the brain—has shifted our understanding of how the brain works. Recently, two studies utilized technology to visualize brain activity associated with the[Read More…]

Dr. Hannah Gay made the decision to treat the baby with drugs even before her infection was confirmed. (Image Source: lancasteronline.com)

Exceptions to the epidemic?

Over the last 30 years, science has seen many breakthroughs with respect to AIDS caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Affecting over 34 million people worldwide, billions of dollars have been donated to finding a cure for this disease. However, as of 2013, there is still no cure for[Read More…]

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