Have you ever taken the tunnel from Otto Maass to Burnside to MacDonald Engineering and wondered which dead, old, white men these buildings were named after? Have you picked up a bag of Redpath sugar and wondered if there was any connection with the library? Read on for a deep[Read More…]
Science & Technology
The latest in science and technology.
How debiasing techniques could help combat discrimination
When making key decisions like who to hire for a job or who to trust in a crisis, we all like to imagine that we are rational actors, making reliable, objective decisions. However, we are known for being quite the opposite, and bias can creep into every aspect of our[Read More…]
How non-coding RNA molecules could advance mental health treatment
The human genome is more than just a blueprint of DNA and RNA—it is a complex network of molecules working together to regulate the processes that keep us alive. These hidden architects are critical for cell function and gene expression. Recent research has begun to shed light on how they[Read More…]
Outpatient knee replacement: A cost-effective alternative
Bone surgeries, particularly total hip replacement (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), are common procedures for treating advanced joint conditions like arthritis and avascular necrosis. While these surgeries are highly effective, they are also invasive and resource-intensive, posing challenges for healthcare systems striving to manage costs. However, with the emergence[Read More…]
Perfectionism: A blessing or a curse?
At first glance, being a perfectionist may seem like an advantage in a world where productivity and achievement are so highly valued. As a student, what could possibly be better than having the drive to ensure everything you do is done perfectly? As it turns out, recent research shows that[Read More…]
Should consent for examinations under anesthesia be obligatory?
In recent years, the practice of obtaining consent from medical patients, particularly when conducting examinations under anesthesia (EUAs) of the sensitive pelvic, rectal, or prostate regions, has gained increased attention. While the United States has seen significant media coverage and regulatory changes on this issue, Canada continues to lag behind.[Read More…]
Zooming in on the streets of Montreal
Streets play a vital role in our day-to-day life, and their layout can affect everything from physical health to social connections and mental well-being. Well-designed streets that prioritize pedestrian safety and offer accessible, active transport options support encourage a healthier lifestyle. However, these thoughtful design features aren’t always equitably distributed[Read More…]
Frozen zero-cement backfill may cement a carbon-free future
In 2022, cement production accounted for eight per cent of the world’s total carbon emissions, releasing 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. As climate change worsens, reducing carbon emissions becomes more necessary than ever. As such, many researchers are seeking alternative methods to produce cement-like materials without[Read More…]
When a DNA test doesn’t go the way you expected…
Imagine taking what appears to be a harmless DNA ancestry test, expecting to uncover more information about your heritage, only to be met with the discovery that your assumed parent is not biologically related to you. Direct-to-consumer DNA tests—such as those provided by 23AndMe and Ancestry—typically provide three pieces of[Read More…]
Think you know how your friends feel? Think again
Can you always accurately tell how your friends are feeling? What about the stranger across from you on the metro? Can you differentiate between someone smiling out of happiness, excitement, or contentment? If you think “yes,” recent research may come as a surprise. Alexandrija Zikic, a graduate psychology student working[Read More…]
