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This project, known as ISXRD, is a highly portable, compact x-ray diffractometer: A machine that can tell scientists the composition of a material through a series of x-rays. It’s a collaboration between LaSalle’s Proto Manufacturing and Western University. The project is a collaboration between Western University and Proto Manufacturing in …

A recent study found that transporting organics from the surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, to its deep ocean isn’t enough to support life. But that doesn’t mean the search for life in our solar system is dead in the water. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and there are …

Burlington, Ont., is reminding residents they’re more likely to see coyotes since it’s mating season. They also amended a bylaw making it easier for wildlife management companies to use guns. However, the city says, the plan is not to shoot more coyotes.  Coyotes are more likely to be out during …

On Thursday, a private spacecraft landed on the moon. On board is a Canadian-built camera system that will be used to see if the south pole of the moon is an ideal place for a space-based telescope. Odysseus lander touched down on the lunar south pole after a nail-biting few …

New research into baleen whales shows how they hit such low notes — as well as the limits to how deep in the water they can go to talk to each other. It suggests most of their communication happens closer to the surface, right in the zones of ship noise.  …

People who search for human remains in Alberta say a new study identifying predominant scavengers in the region will help them conduct their searches more efficiently.  Forensic scientist Shari Forbes says research helps police, search and rescue groups. People who search for human remains in Alberta say a new study …

It’s hard to be optimistic about the world when you see the devastating effects of climate change all around you. But Hannah Ritchie, a University of Oxford data and environmental scientist, says that mindset only gets in our way.  Hannah Ritchie calls for ‘urgent optimism’ in her book Not The …

“A lot of people talk about fire season and the end of the fire season, but our fires did not stop burning in 2023,” said a wildfire crew chief in Fort Nelson, B.C. There are still 94 active fires in British Columbia and another 54 in Alberta, holdovers from last …

What do you call it when a chimpanzee offers his buddy a delicious piece of fruit, only to pull his hand away at the last second? It’s not quite play, argues anthropologist Erica Cartmill, but it’s not quite aggression either. It’s teasing. Scientists document 18 distinct behaviours that are ‘mildly …

In this week’s issue of our environment newsletter, we look at the versatility of fungi in the fight against climate change and how global warming is affecting the world’s migratory species.  Also: 2024 is already threatening to break temperature records. Our planet is changing. So is our journalism. This weekly …