The study of the potential for alien life elsewhere in the universe is ramping up as two major universities in the US have established astrobiology centres. Major U.S. universities launched centres dedicated to studying life on — and beyond — Earth. The study of the potential for alien life elsewhere …
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Meet the man fighting city hall to rename natural gas
In this week’s issue of our environment newsletter, we meet a B.C. man who is trying to convince municipalities to do away with the term natural gas, and explore the idea of a meat tax. Also: A meat tax? Our planet is changing. So is our journalism. This weekly newsletter …
Read More »Canadian growers eager to get their hands on hottest new chili pepper in the world
Pepper growers in B.C. and Alberta are keen to get their hands on Pepper X seeds. Pepper X is three times hotter than the Carolina Reaper, which held the Guinness title for a decade. The new Pepper X has been named the hottest chili pepper in the world by the …
Read More »Senator, Liberal MP move to ban export of live horses for human consumption
A senator and Liberal MP are both trying to ban the export of live horses from Canada for human consumption, a niche industry animal rights advocates say is inhumane. But others argue the ban has more to do with people’s discomfort with eating horse. Draft horses are flown around the …
Read More »Meet the magnet fishers pulling treasure from the Detroit River
There’s plenty of history, some treasures and a whole lot of junk at the bottom of the Detroit River — and local magnet fishers are doing their part to bring it all to light. Harbour Master Peter Berry says the hobby has historical allure. Meet the magnet fishers of the …
Read More »Sci-tech, innovation fest promotes STEM-related careers
DOST facade (photo courtesy of Department of Science and Technology) MANILA – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is hoping to attract the youth to pursue a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through the National Youth, Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF) on Oct. 25 to 28. …
Read More »AI is an energy hog
Bob McDonald’s Blog: Artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT enable computers to behave in what are perceived as more human-like ways. But a new study has concluded that it is also a very energy intensive technology. Bob McDonald’s blog: AI programs like ChatGPT consume vast amounts of electricity, study finds. Artificial …
Read More »The dark sky blues: Light pollution is robbing us of the stars
Scientists have a new term for expressing the feeling of loss that comes from losing the pristine dark skies that allow for good stargazing. They call it “noctalgia,” or “sky grief.” Get out into the countryside or visit an observatory, experts advise. Earlier this year, in a letter to the …
Read More »AI will be critical for the future of rural health care in Canada, experts say
Dr. Drone and RN Robot? Probably not, but less dramatic forms of artificial intelligence are evolving quickly. As the technology becomes more mainstream, experts say rural Canadians desperate for health care may have the most to gain. Fewer specialists, doctors, nurses in rural Canada means AI will play a larger …
Read More »A new book lays out why women’s bodies may have driven evolution
Writer Cat Bohannon’s book brings together a wealth of science that’s filling in some blanks in our previous male-centric picture of human evolution. Adaptations like a mother’s ability to provide milk to her offspring were catalysts for human evolution. Cat Bohannon’s new book argues that the demands of women’s bodies …
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