The emergence of social media has drastically changed how people share and receive information. It has also altered how we learn about current events; keep in touch with family and even how we make healthcare decisions. In recent times, social media has also been seen to have a profound impact on global health and scientific research. In 2014, the third and fifth most searched for trending terms on google globally were “ebola” and the “ALS ice bucket challenge” respectively. Both of these events brought science into the spotlight and much of their exposure can be attributed to tremendous discussion over…

Why do we explore? Joel Hutchinson speaks about using the “holographic principle” as an interdisciplinary tool to provide insight into how science and nature actually works together. He believes that by incorporating these innovative approaches to science education, it makes it easier to get people interested in how science impacts the world around them. Filmed at TEDxTerryTalks 2014 on October 25th, 2014.

Animal research is a very controversial topic that has been generating heated arguments and debates all around the world over the past few decades. Recently, there appears to be an overwhelming growth in animal right groups all over the world. Most of these groups don’t just support animal welfare, but they demand a ban on any kind of use of animals in research. At the same time, more and more pro-testing groups that support the humane use of animals in research have been forming – these proponents argue and recognize the essential role that animal research has played in medical…

It is seven in the morning and your alarm is chirping away, or maybe it’s the morning sun, or the screech of a parent pressed for time. Regardless of the method from which you awake from your slumber, you crawl out of bed and feel that familiar morning growl emanating from your hungry gut. Some might grab a snack and quickly rush out the door, others might ruminate over an elaborate breakfast, and some are content with a simple bowl of oatmeal. This often first and necessary act of the day is repeated by billions of humans around the globe…

The prediction of gravitational waves, which are the ripples of space and time, is a major theory that many scientists are working hard to confirm. Emmanuel Fonseca talks about how the detection of these waves would uncover previously invisible objects such as black holes and cosmic strings, and may have further important implications. Emmanuel, a 2nd year PhD student in Physics and Astronomy, gives an informative introduction to gravity, gravitational waves, and what research into this concept could mean for the world. In his talk he also speaks to the importance of communicating scientific research and science education.

Note that this was written in April 2013, with an emphasis on the activities around the Northern Gateway pipeline. In late December 2013, the joint review panel recommended that the Federal government approve the pipeline, “with conditions.” See this link for more information. THE GLOBAL Q: What is a pipeline? A pipeline is a means of transporting products from one point to another via a piping system. Oil pipelines run crude oil and petroleum products from the oil source to the communities that require the gas, or to an alternate point from which the oil can be shipped or transported…