Category: public posts

Studying a meteor is akin to solving a mystery. The meteor leaves evidence through a crater, which is then investigated by scientists. Often, this evidence is difficult to analyze due to changes made by external forces, but Meteor Crater is one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth. It is found in Arizona and was…

Today, dinosaurs are alive in the form of birds. This means that similarities in behaviour should not be shocking, even if they pertain to the odd dietary habit of eating rocks! Termed gastroliths, these are rocks that birds eat today and bird-like dinosaurs ate millions of years ago to aid their digestion. As all birds have…

Although most students understand that sleep is vital to good health and maximum productivity, getting the recommended seven hours is just not possible with our heavy workload and questionable time management (Watson et al., 2015). Luckily, there is a science behind tricking our bodies into not perceiving our need to rest. This is most commonly…

You may have heard of infrared (IR) vision, an ability possessed by many snake species, but have you heard of ultraviolet (UV) vision? With minute changes in the visual systems of animals, such abilities are possible. In some cases, these abilities are highly advantageous in the context of the animal’s surroundings. One UV-sensing mammal is…

The myriad of benefits associated with exercise is well known; regular physical activity decreases the risk of chronic conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer and can prolong an individual’s life (Warburton, Nicol, and Bredin, 2006). While exercise remains one of the most highly promoted and revered methods of maintaining a healthy lifestyle,…

Meat biofabrication shakes the very foundations of the modern day food industry. Its far-reaching applications surpassing that of the mere Costco veggie burger. In vitro meat production systems (IMPS) yield a great deal of possibility for the plant-based market (Bhat, 2011). The popularization of this technology will benefit not just those with dietary restrictions but…

Feeling anxious about your upcoming exam? Stressed about all the assignments you have yet to complete? Chances are that all of us have experienced the feeling of anxiety at some point in our lives. Anxiety is known to be accompanied by excessive fear and extreme worry, both of which interfere with one’s daily life, causing…

“Science isn’t science until it is communicated!” For anyone in the Integrated Science program, it’s a quote that we’ve heard many times.  The importance of communicating science cannot be understated; however, it can sometimes be difficult to engage the public in a way that will interest them. Now, imagine if there was a way to…

When neuroscience is the topic, neurons tend to take all of the spotlight due to their association with information processing. However, glial cells have also been shown to contribute to higher functions such as the modulation of nociception, the sensation of pain, in addition to performing supporting roles (Spitzer, Agathou and Karadottir, 2013). Due to…

Democrats and Republicans seem to never get along. Although that’s only the case for government policies and controversial topics right? There should be an agreement on topics that have a strong scientific consensus and objective truth, correct? Unfortunately, that is not the case. In fact, there have been consistent trends on the growing partisan divide…