Roughly equal to the mass of 12 Jupiters, exoplanet XO-3b was the subject of a recent study led by Lisa Dang, a PhD student studying short-period exoplanets and their atmospheres at McGill. Exoplanet XO-3b is classified as a “Hot Jupiter,” a planet with physical properties similar to Jupiter that has[Read More…]
Science & Technology
The latest in science and technology.
Researchers pinpoint a gene variant that could provide increased protection against severe COVID-19
It is well known that a person’s genome can predispose them to certain diseases—but can also provide increased protection against other diseases. Geneticists have recently observed that a particular haplotype, a chunk of DNA that encodes several genes, is protective in nature against COVID-19 and results in a reduced risk[Read More…]
Millipedes: A fascinating gateway into the world of entomology
It’s safe to say that most people are familiar with the creepy-crawly known as the millipede; from scuttling out of the dirt in your garden to gnawing on leaves in your attic, millipedes are a common sighting. Many creatures, from spiders to snakes—and even some species of butterfly—evoke fear due[Read More…]
The glowing DNA that can act as protein motion sensors
In the methodical world of scientific research, there is irony to be found in serendipitous stories of discovery. More often than expected, a scientist’s day in the lab is filled with more head-scratching than “eureka” moments. It is in these moments that a curious scientist would dig deeper, even in[Read More…]
How gene mutations affect vitamin B12 deficiency
In recent years, vitamin supplements have become all the rage, with an increasing number of supplements claiming to clear your skin, promote hair growth, and even increase your IQ. Unrealistic advertisements aside, vitamins are in fact quite important. Our bodies need vitamins in small amounts to be able to grow[Read More…]
Demystifying ARSACS, a rare neurodegenerative disease concentrated in Quebec
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease first identified in the Charlevoix-Saguenay region of Quebec. The disease affects muscle control, making a range of activities, from swallowing to speaking to walking, more difficult. Brenda Toscano Marquez, a postdoctoral researcher, and Alanna Watt, a biology professor[Read More…]
ROAAr symposium delves into the complicated relationships between scientists
The science behind friendship and how it develops between people has been a longstanding object of study. However, much less research has looked into the friendships between scientists themselves. The Rare & Special Collections, Osler, Art, and Archives (ROAAr) branch of the McGill Library held a symposium on Jan. 20[Read More…]
A mother’s fight to bring an understanding of autism outside of the clinic
From last century’s fears surrounding poor parenting to modern vaccine hesitancy, persistent misconceptions about the causes of autism have often resulted in the developmental condition being wrongfully associated with moral panic. During a recent talk hosted by McGill’s Division of Social and Transcultural Psychiatry for the Culture, Mind and Brain[Read More…]
Faculty of Science presents the 33rd edition of Soup and Science
The 33rd edition of Soup and Science, a popular Faculty of Science event showcasing the diversity of research being conducted at McGill, aims to provide students with an opportunity to interact directly with professors from different disciplines. Held remotely this semester, the mini-lecture series took place from Jan. 10 to[Read More…]
Three-factor model predicts psychiatric illnesses with 90 per cent accuracy
Remember the butterflies in your stomach and the tingling sensation that gives you shivers when you are just about to pitch an exciting project idea to your professor? Or when you finally deliver your handmade gift that you spent countless hours perfecting? Last summer, Marco Leyton, a professor in the[Read More…]
