A team of biologists at McGill are changing the way scientists think about the subcellular organization of bacteria. The research group, led by Dr. Stephanie Weber, Assistant Professor of Biology at McGill, examines the spatial organization of living systems using E. coli, a species of bacteria commonly used in laboratory[Read More…]
Science & Technology
The latest in science and technology.
Facing the back-to-school blues
Stress levels of university students have peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether these students return to campus or continue their studies remotely, that stress is unlikely to dissipate. In a recent survey, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 62.9 per cent of individuals aged 18-24 disclosed[Read More…]
Gene therapy provides a potential breakthrough in brain cancer treatment
In the fight against cancer, scientists have long grappled with the ambiguous nature of stem cells. Glioblastoma tumours, the most aggressive form of brain cancer in adults, consist of these cells, which have the notable ability to self-renew. This makes these tumours notoriously hard to treat with targeted radiation therapy[Read More…]
Satellites: Concerns 2,000 km above the Earth’s surface
Satellites are possibly the most notable example of space technology used in daily life. Portable GPS devices and mobile applications, such as Google Maps, both rely on satellites to ensure commuters arrive at their destination. Telecommunication satellites have connected the world far more than ever before, while meteorological satellites can[Read More…]
Lab classes move online, revamped for distance learning
Laboratory classes have long depended on hands-on teaching, the kind that instructors can no longer provide as the COVID-19 pandemic pushes the Fall semester online. Lab skills, however, remain an essential component of many science degrees, prompting professors to develop creative solutions to ensure that students can continue to learn[Read More…]
The science of tear gas
In an effort to dismantle protests, police departments across the U.S. and Canada, including in Montreal, have taken violent measures to repress civil demonstrations. From rubber bullets to water cannons, police units and municipal governments have been criticized for what many are calling the use of “excessive force” to disperse[Read More…]
Global study exposes the disproportionate impact of pollution on Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous communities all over the world, from the Cree of Waskaganish to the Sámi of Sápmi, differ greatly in language, history, and culture. However different they are from each other, a common belief that informs the traditional practices of many Indigenous Peoples is the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the[Read More…]
Sex bias in pain research leads to failed studies, inequity in pain management
It is a well established fact that men and women experience chronic pain differently. By the late 1990’s, the findings of various review studies on pain research were clear: Women are more likely than men to experience a variety of recurrent types of pain. It remains troubling, however, that most[Read More…]
Tyrannosaurus rex: Nature’s strongest power walker
The Tyrannosaurus rex is one of the most well-known dinosaurs in popular science culture. Almost anyone can easily identify it, whether they are seasoned paleontologists or fans of the Jurassic World franchise. Once called the “king of all kings,” the T. rex has long been thought of as residing at[Read More…]
Understanding the psycho-social effects of social distancing
At the start of each school year, McGill’s campuses bustle with life. Separated friends reunite, while eager newcomers explore the grounds in awe. However, with McGill’s announcement that the Fall 2020 semester will proceed remotely, the usual energy of campus life is anticipated to be changed drastically. Remote semesters are[Read More…]
