After Hubble: This Canadian telescope could fill coming 'ultraviolet gap'
By
Elizabeth Howell ,Space.com , December 11, 2023
CASTOR's team is looking for funding soon, to prep for a planned 2029 launch.
Bundle up and look to the sky: It's time for one of the best meteor showers of the year
By
Nicole Mortillaro ,CBC News Network , December 11, 2023
Annual Geminid meteor shower could produce more than 100 to 150 meteors per hour
Ancient Balkan genomes trace the rise and fall of Roman Empire’s frontier, reveal Slavic migrations to southeastern Europe
By
Briefs ,Science , December 07, 2023
A multidisciplinary study has reconstructed the genomic history of the Balkan Peninsula during the first millennium of the common era, a time and place of profound demographic, cultural and linguistic change.
Optimising credit limit increases for profit, with Cristian Bravo
By
Brendan Le Grange ,How to Lend Money to Strangers podcast , December 07, 2023
Cristian Bravo Roman is featured on "How to Lend Money to Strangers" talking about Sherly Alfonso-Sánchez's research into "Causal Learning for Credit Limit Adjustment in Revolving Lending Under Adversarial Goals"
Western, international researchers reconstruct Balkan genomic history
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , December 07, 2023
Ancient genomes help trace demographic shifts, shared ancestry of modern communities
New math approach provides insight into memory formation
By
Maggie MacLellan ,Western News , December 05, 2023
Western neuroscientists analyze timing of brain activity patterns in new study
Hazards of flushable wipes
By
Marek Sutherland ,CTV News London , December 01, 2023
Western students team up with the City of London for awareness campaign about the hazards of 'flushable' wipes.
See a forgotten meteor shower caused by a dead comet this weekend
By
Abigail Beall ,New Scientist , December 01, 2023
The Andromedid meteor shower is normally a quiet affair, but very occasionally it puts on an intense show - which may happen on 2 December
Newly appointed AI leaders driving digital transformation
By
Amber Jackson ,AI Magazine , November 30, 2023
Amber Jackson highlights the latest executive appointments and departures that are set to drive innovation and business success within the AI sector
Celebrating the inaugural recipients of the Western Research Excellence Awards
By
Will Kinchlea ,Western News , November 30, 2023
Six scholars recognized for pioneering work in their fields, community advocacy
Preparing for the Unanticipated: AI Applications in Higher Education
By
Ray Schroeder ,Inside higher education , November 27, 2023
Generative AI (GenAI) has emerged and is developing far more rapidly than expected. How should universities prepare for the impact that may not be anticipated?
NASA’s first successful recovery of asteroid samples may reveal information about the origins of the universe
By
Neeraja Chinchalkar ,The Conversation , November 14, 2023
The OSIRIS-REx mission is NASA’s first mission to collect samples from an asteroid — in this case 101955 Bennu — and return to Earth. OSIRIS-REx is an acronym for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security - Regolith Explorer. The sealed capsule landed on Sept. 24 near Salt Lake City, Utah, a feat that was broadcast live by NASA.
Program aims to help first-year Indigenous students thrive and connect with language, culture
By
Western Communications ,Western News , November 07, 2023
Grants from Parr Centre for Thriving to also support new students’ mental health, wellness
Animals like crickets use the ground to amplify calls: Western study
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , November 07, 2023
Research upends traditional theory that ground hinders animal communications
Cobalt nanoparticles could become a significant player in the pursuit of clean energy
By
T.K. Sham and Ali Feizabadi ,The Conversation , November 05, 2023
While platinum makes an efficient catalyst for furl cells, the cost of the precious metal is prohibitive. Western researchers are exploring alternatives and cobalt nanoparticles look promising.
Dr. Christain Bravo Roman part of panel discussing CPP and Alberta's plan
By
Reshmi Nair ,CBC News Network , November 04, 2023
On a panel discussion about Alberta leaving the Canada Pension Plan featuring Jennifer Barton, Dr. Christian Bravo and Mark Warbner
Space mining is getting closer to becoming a reality, and Canada could play a major role
By
Nicole Mortillaro ,CBC News , November 04, 2023
'This is a future industry that we could own as Canadians,' says one space mining expert
The Breathing Lands episode of Water Brothers
By
Alex Mifflin ,TVO Today Docs - YouTube , November 03, 2023
Dr. Brian Branfireun is featured in this episode of Water Brothers discussing his research in the wetlands of northern Ontario and their role is sequestering carbon.
Summit explores how to manage AI's risks
By
Crystal Goomansingh ,Global News , November 01, 2023
AI has the potential to aid or harm our lives. Western professor Mark Daley shares his insights on the AI Summit and the Bletchley Accord.
Extreme environments leave genomic imprint in tiny organisms: Study
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , October 31, 2023
DNA of extremophiles living in comparably harsh conditions are similar despite being biologically unrelated
Safety measures taking flight to protect birds from crashing into windows
By
Erin Anderssen ,Globe and Mail , October 30, 2023
The first bird that Brendon Samuels found was a young northern flicker on the sidewalk by the gym at the University of Western Ontario in September, 2018.
The World's Most Frightening Animal Sounds like This
By
Karen Hopkin ,Scientific American , October 27, 2023
A new study shows that animals from impalas to elephants are more likely to flee from a talking human
Groundhogs Are Old News. In This Tiny Town, Caterpillars Predict the Weather
By
Corey Buhay ,Smithsonian Magazine , October 27, 2023
Thousands of people flocked to Banner Elk, North Carolina, this year to watch the nation’s biggest woolly worm caterpillar race
‘Buckthorn Bust’ helps eradicate invasive species
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , October 27, 2023
As part of Western's 'Campus as a Living Lab' project, master of environment and sustainability students mapped and removed the shrub along the Thames River
Western scholars among global winners in undergraduate competition
By
Crystal Lamb ,Western News , October 25, 2023
Lance Javier, an earth & environmental sciences student among winners with paper entitled Growing Concerns: The Interactive Effects of Soil Copper and Microplastics on Soybeans
Animals fear humans more than lions as 'super predators'
By
Paul Adepoju ,Nature , October 24, 2023
Findings could affect ecology and conservation efforts in tourism-dependent regions of Africa.
Western’s ‘dead bird guy’: Brendon Samuels
By
Sonia Persaud ,The Gazette , October 24, 2023
Brendon Samuels never thought he would be known as the “dead bird guy” on campus.
Earth Sciences professor shares insights about the EU ban on glitter
By
CBC London Morning ,CBC News London , October 24, 2023
CBC London Morning interviewed Earth Sciences professor Patricia Corcoran about the European Union’s ban on glitter to reduce microplastics.
Space director, Sarah Gallagher, discusses measuring methane emissions Part 1
By
Mike Stubbs ,CFPL London Live , October 24, 2023Dr. Gallagher joined London Live with Mike Stubbs on AM980 (Part 1) to discuss her project measuring methane emissions from London’s landfill.
Space director, Sarah Gallagher, discusses measuring methane emissions Part 2
By
Mike Stubbs ,CFPL London Live , October 24, 2023Dr. Gallagher joined London Live with Mike Stubbs on AM980 (Part 2) to discuss her project measuring methane emissions from London’s landfill.
Mice thrive at 6700 meters up—higher than any mammals were thought able to live
By
Elizabeth Pennisi ,Science , October 23, 2023Survey turns up several mouse species living on Andes peaks, breaking records for the highest dwelling mammals. Comment by Western grad student Catherine Ivy
Human Voices and the "Ecology of Fear"
By
Aynsley O’Neill ,Living on Earth , October 20, 2023
A new study finds that giraffes, zebras, warthogs and impalas are far more afraid of human conversation than even the growls of lions.
Q&A: Being a University’s First Chief AI Officer
By
Lauren Coffey ,Inside higher education , October 19, 2023Mark Daley, CAIO of Western University in Canada, answers questions about his groundbreaking new role.
New interdisciplinary chair brings a philosophical lens to AI
By
Alice Taylor ,Western News , October 18, 2023Western announces chair in ethics and technology with new $1.5M gift from alum Tim Duncanson
First-year Science student's website provides insights into COVID-19 impacts
By
CBC London Morning ,CBC News London , September 19, 2023First-year science student Yogya Kalra was interviewed by CBC London about a website he founded that provides data-driven insights through dashboards to help the public better understand the impact of COVID-19.
Alumni award presnted to Dr. Boluwaji Ogunyemi, BSc'08
By
Western University ,Western Alumni , September 18, 2023
Recipient of the Western Science Alumni Award of Achievement
Researchers have created a camera system to track the ever-increasing satellites lighting up our night skies
By
Ivan Semeniuk ,Globe and Mail , September 17, 2023
When Lauchie Scott was a teenager growing up in rural Nova Scotia, a satellite was something you might expect to see crossing the night sky once or twice an hour. Fast forward about three decades to a summer vacation he recently spent under similarly dark skies when he found himself counting satellites at the rate of one per minute.
What is was like in Morocco during the earthquake?
By
Ben O'Hara-Byrne ,A Little More Conversation with Ben O’Hara-Byrne on CHQR Radio , September 12, 2023
A Little More Conversation host Ben O'Hara-Byrne discusses quake challenges in Morocco and building more quake-resistant structures with Prof. Katsu Goda
The 'science of reading' swept reforms into classrooms nationwide. What about math?
By
Sharon Lurye ,PhysOrg via Associated Press , September 12, 2023
For much of her teaching career, Carrie Stark relied on math games to engage her students, assuming they would pick up concepts like multiplication by seeing them in action. The kids had fun, but the lessons never stuck.
Scammers are using AI to clone media personalities for online ads
By
John Vennavally-Rao ,CTV News via YouTube , September 12, 2023
Prof. Mark Daley is featured in a story reported by John Vennavally-Rao on the growing online ad scams using voice, face cloning to get media personality endorsements.
New comet makes historically close approach to Earth today, but spotting it will take some luck
By
Nicole Mortillaro ,CBC News , September 12, 2023
Comet Nishimura, discovered last month, will be competing with the sun as it rises and sets
‘That enjoyment’: Western prof engages teens in world of math
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , September 08, 2023
Asghar Ghorbanpour awarded for outreach work with local students, teachers
Migratory songbirds change breathing pattern to fly at high altitude
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , September 06, 2023
Groundbreaking study reveals how avian species are pushing physiological limits to escape climate change effects
Being bugged by wasps? They're just bored and will die soon
By
Michael Lacasse ,CBC News London , September 06, 2023
The queens have left the colony and worker wasps are looking for food to keep themselves busy
Mushrooms thriving in Nova Scotia's wet summer, say foragers
By
Josefa Cameron ,CBC News Nova Scotia , September 04, 2023
'There are possibly more chanterelles than I have ever seen'
Prof. Matt Davison talks about the cost-of-living crisis on 580 CFRA
By
Kristy Cameron ,580 CFRA AM , September 01, 2023
A new Leger poll suggests that nearly half of Canadians are living paycheque to paycheque. This comes as the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze household budgets.
Ontario professor part of NASA’s geology team for Artemis III moon mission
By
William Eltherington (CP) ,The Globe and Mail , September 01, 2023
Gordon Osinski has spent the last two decades studying craters left behind by meteorites. The analysis of planetary geology has taken the Ontario university professor around the world and will now see him work on the NASA team that will develop the lunar surface science plan for the first people to walk on the moon in more than 50 years.
Western grad offers field work opportunity to Black, Indigenous, racialized students
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , September 01, 2023
Weekend biology program at provincial park builds new skills, relationships
Swarms of flying ants are emerging across Ontario right now
By
Jack Landau ,blogTO , August 31, 2023
Masses of flying ants are congregating in mating swarms across Ontario, just the latest disgusting fact to think about as you try to squeeze those last few days out of patio season.
Science student shoots for the stars with $100K Schulich Leaders scholarship
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , August 31, 2023
Emma Harmos is one of six incoming Western students to earn prestigious national award
Western prof named to geology team for first crewed lunar landing in 50 years
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , August 30, 2023Gordon “Oz” Osinski will work with NASA to determine the mission’s geological science objectives
Denis Vida discusses the super blue moon with Alex Pierson
By
Alex Pierson ,CFMJ Talk Radio , August 30, 2023We're going to see a very big, very, very, very big moon rising the biggest all move Moon of the year and the second this month that expected to light up the skies this week. And if you like to if you're into astronomy and I like to look to the heavens to cease impressive sites well we're going to tell you exactly how and when you can't do that.
‘Alien hunter’ claims to have found material from outside solar system
By
Rozina Sabur ,The Telegraph , August 29, 2023
Professor Avi Loeb says unusual meteoroid, named IM1, left interstellar metals in the Pacific Ocean
Could miniscule organisms help the world meet its climate goals?
By
Isabelle Gerretsen ,BBC Future Planet , August 29, 2023
With global greenhouse gas emissions reaching an all-time high last year, many scientists and world leaders are now arguing that new technologies which can capture carbon and store it underground are needed to help the world meet its climate goals.
'Did a tree fall?': Londoners recall Sunday night earthquake
By
Jenn Basa ,CTV News London , August 28, 2023
Measuring a 4.3 on the Richter Scale, a small earthquake rattled residents in southwestern Ontario on Sunday night. According to Earthquakes Canada, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake was felt in St. Thomas, Ont. just after 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Western takes animal and plant research to the field in globe-spanning trips
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , August 17, 2023
Western students are exploring Algonquin Park, the Adirondack Mountains and even destinations as far as Belize and Taiwan through field research courses this summer.
CheatGPT
By
Simon Lewsen ,Toronto Life , August 16, 2023
AI has made it easy for post-secondary students to fake their way to a degree. They argue that ChatGPT is just another study tool. Schools say it spells the end of university education as we know it. Maybe that’s not a bad thing
Why the international space race is heating up again
By
Matt Galloway ,CBC Radio - The Current , August 16, 2023Cassandra Marion, science advisor for the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, mentioned Earth Sciences professor Gordon Osinski trained Canadian astronauts at an impact crater in Labrador.
Western signs nuclear research agreement with energy consultant Kinectrics
By
Western Communications ,Western News , August 16, 2023
Western has signed a partnership agreement to facilitate collaboration in areas related to nuclear research, with energy and environmental consultants Kinectrics Inc
Western student chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics wins community outreach award
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , August 14, 2023
The Western University student chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) has won the community outreach award in the seventh annual AWM student chapter competition.
How to watch the Perseid meteor shower this weekend
By
Ivan Semeniuk ,Globe and Mail , August 11, 2023
The Perseid meteor shower, one of summer’s most pleasing celestial rituals, reaches its annual peak on Saturday night. If the weather co-operates, those who can escape the glare of street lights have an excellent chance of spotting meteors as they dart across the night sky.
Perseid meteor shower to peak over Canada this weekend
By
Isabelle Docto ,Daily Hive Canada , August 10, 2023Canadians can look to the sky this weekend to see the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17 to August 24, 2023, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich. The best time to watch it will be this weekend, between August 12 and 13.
Denis Vida discusses the Perseid meteor shower
By
Denis Vida ,CBC Radio London , August 10, 2023We are in for a real treat this weekend. The annual Perseid meteor shower's going to light up the night sky on Saturday and the new moon means that conditions will be dark and optimal
The question mark seen from JWST image
By
Ted Henly ,CHQR Radio , August 10, 2023
A question mark seen from an image from the James Webb Space Telescope has been the source of numerous memes, but what is it really? Dr. Viraja Khatu from Western's Physics and Astronomy discusses the phenomenon with Ted Henly.
This weekend's Perseid meteor shower is 'worth staying up for'
By
Nicole Mortillaro ,CBC News Toronto , August 10, 2023
Over the coming nights, be sure to look to the sky, as the peak of one of the most active and impressive meteor showers is taking place: the Perseids.
James Webb Telescope reveals new mystery
By
Shaye Ganam ,CHED Edmonton and CHQR Calgary radio podcast , August 10, 2023In this podcast, Shaye Ganam discusses new findings of the James Webb Space Telescope with Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. Viraja Khatu.
Denis Vida discusses the Perseid Meteor Shower with Ben O'Hara-Byrne
By
Ben O'Hara-Byrne ,A Little More Conversation with Ben O’Hara-Byrne on CHQR Radio , August 10, 2023The Perseid meteor shower is one of the big ones every year and so the question is, is it worth staying awake for this weekend?
One of The Most Spectacular Meteor Showers of The Year Peaks THIS WEEKEND
By
Fiona MacDonald ,Science Alert , August 10, 2023Make sure to head outside this weekend to witness one of the most spectacular cosmic events of the year – the Perseid meteor shower. The peak will occur on Sunday night, August 13, but the viewing is predicted to be excellent in the preceding nights. In fact, researchers say this will be one of the best years for spotting the Perseids.
Webb telescope images Ring Nebula in brilliant detail
By
Shawn Knight ,Techspot , August 09, 2023
An international team of astronomers recently published new images of Messier 57, more commonly known as the Ring Nebula, captured using the James Webb Space Telescope. Nebulae like Messier 57 are formed when a star, in its final stages of life, expels its outer layers out into space.
Perseid meteor shower to peak with stunning display on Saturday evening
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , August 09, 2023
The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak on the night of Saturday, August 12 and continue into the early hours of August 13, and conditions are shaping up for a stunning display, said Western meteor investigator Denis Vida. The new Moon, which occurs only three days after the peak, will help ensure a dark sky for optimal viewing on Saturday night.
Look up! The Perseids may put on their best show in years this weekend
By
Scott Sutherland ,The Weather network , August 09, 2023Already one of the best meteor showers of the year, the Perseids are expected to put on an exceptionally good show during its peak in the days ahead.
James Webb Telescope Captures the Glowing Ring Nebula in Magnificent Detail
By
Will Sullivan ,Smithsonian Magazine , August 08, 2023The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured exquisite new images of the Ring Nebula, a glowing orb of material strewn about the cosmos by a dying star some 4,000 years ago. Humans have been imaging the expelled remnants of the star for nearly 150 years. But the new views from Webb show the Ring Nebula in greater detail, revealing structures that no other telescope has been able to detect.
James Webb Captures the Ring Nebula in a New Stunning Photo
By
Tommy Hunter ,Great Lakes Ledger , August 06, 2023The Ring Nebula, which is located in the Lyra constellation, qualifies as a planetary nebula. This type of nebula forms when a star reaches its final stages before becoming a white dwarf and expels a luminous envelope of ionized gas into interstellar space.
Webb telescope captures iconic Ring Nebula in unprecedented detail
By
Ashley Strickland ,CNN , August 04, 2023Astronomers have used the James Webb Space Telescope for a fresh perspective of an iconic celestial favorite called the Ring Nebula. The new image captures never-before-seen details within the colorful nebula, located in the Lyra constellation about 2,600 light-years from Earth.
Webb Space Telescope captures stunning shots of Ring Nebula
By
Julia Musto ,Fox News , August 04, 2023The James Webb Space Telescope has captured stunning new images of the Ring Nebula. The images were released Thursday by an international team of astronomers, including three from the Canadian Western University's Institute for Earth and Space Exploration.
The Ring Nebula comes into focus, and it's astounding
By
Bill Chappell ,NPR , August 04, 2023Gone are the days when the Ring Nebula looked sort of like a bagel, or a jelly doughnut, a massive astronomical blob holding the secrets of a dying star.
The Ring Nebula is a glowing gas-filled donut in the latest JWST snap
By
Laura Baisas ,Popular Science , August 04, 2023The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has just headed into its second year in service, and recently recorded new images of the Ring Nebula named Messier 57. This nebula is about 2,600 light-years away from Earth, located in the Lyra constellation. The images were released by an international team of astronomers who are part of the JWST Ring Nebula Project.
Dr. Jan Cami discusses the Webb Telecope images of the Ring Nebula
By
Ted Henly ,CHED Radio Edmonton , August 04, 2023The images gathered by the James Webb Space Telescope has Dr. Jan Cami of Western's Physics and Astronomy Department feeling "like a kid in a very big candy store."
Watch a brilliant fireball shine brighter than the full moon (video)
By
Brett Tingley ,Space.com , August 04, 2023
In the early morning hours of Wednesday (Aug. 2), a fireball streaked across southeastern United States skies. And thanks to stargazers in the area, the event was captured on film.
Unlocking the brain's spiral symphony: a new path to understanding brain activity
By
Lindsay Kalter ,Salon , July 29, 2023
Imagine going to the orchestra and instead of a symphony, each musician plays solo, one movement at a time – a violinist during one piece, a cellist during the next, perhaps a clarinetist after that.
Mushroom hunter: A summer spent searching for rare macrofungi
By
Justin Zadorsky ,Western News , July 27, 2023
Biology graduate student William Van Hemessen is spending his summer hunting in the wilds of southern Ontario, on the lookout for macrofungi. Perhaps the most recognizable form of fungi to humans, macrofungi, such as mushrooms, toadstools and puffballs are distinguishable by their visible fruiting bodies.
Astrophysicist who claimed to find alien tech may have done the science wrong
By
Will Shanklin ,Engadget , July 24, 2023
Last month, theoretical physicist Avi Loeb made headlines with the sensational claim that tiny spherules recovered from the bottom of the ocean were probably of alien origin. “It’s most likely a technological gadget with artificial intelligence,” he said to The New York Times, which published a story today about the Harvard professor’s contentious claims.
Western Graduate student breaks barriers in mathematics
By
Amandalina Letterio ,CTV News , July 23, 2023
A University of Western Ontario graduate student is breaking barriers in the field of math by using her skills to better her community, and contribute to scientific research.
Brain scans are putting a major theory of consciousness to the test
By
Clare Wilson ,News Scientist , July 18, 2023
A proposed way to measure consciousness called integrated information theory has been tested using data from human brain scans, and seems to work
Harmless but hated, the ubiquitous earwig is a 'fascinating' bug with bad PR
By
Andrew Lupton ,CBC News London , July 17, 2023
Graham Thompson is a Western University entomologist and self-described "big-time bug guy." He has no problem getting up close and personal with all sorts of creepy crawlies, including ones known to bite, sting, suck blood or feed off human hosts.
Seeing more Canada geese than normal? It's because their goslings are growing up
By
Michael Lacasse ,CBC News London , July 15, 2023
If you've been noticing more Canadian geese recently across the city of London, Ont., you're not alone. Park goers are reporting seeing more of the familiar bird this summer, especially compared to this time last year.
London, Ont. homeowners prepare as Bank of Canada raises interest rates
By
Marek Sutherland ,CTV News London , July 13, 2023
Many people who purchased homes in 2018 and 2019 are preparing for a big hit, as they approach renewal dates of mortgages that will see a jump of over double what they first signed up for.
A year after the first photo from the James Webb space telescope: what impressive images do we owe to him?
By
Kathleen Heylen ,VRT , July 12, 2023
One year ago, on July 12, 2022, the first image from the James Webb space telescope was released. It was immediately an image that made us look back in time 13 billion years.
Professor Graham Thompson discusses his research on boosting the health of honeybee colonies
By
The Afternoon Edition ,CBC Saskatchewan , July 12, 2023Well by now you've probably seen more than a few bees buzzing around outside at summer after all. And they're on the move, helping to pollinate plants, many of which are important to overall food chain for us and other animals well now some Canadian researchers are trying to help honeybees, since they can fall victim to a variety of diseases Graham Thompson joins us this afternoon.
Will a supernova explosion visible from Earth happen in our lifetime?
By
Sarwat Nasir ,National News , July 10, 2023
One of the brightest stars in the sky that is visible from Earth will eventually explode and will appear as a full moon during the daytime. Betelgeuse, about 640,000 light years away, is one of the closest and brightest stars to Earth, and its violent death will be visible from our planet.
Canada’s first moon mission
By
Sarah Malina ,Canadian Geographic , July 10, 2023
The dark side of the moon. An ancient celestial mystery that’s captured imaginations for millennia. Earth’s eternally distracted friend. And a bestselling Pink Floyd album. Now, the moon’s far side is the site of a global hunt for frozen water, with a Canadian-designed lunar rover leading the charge.
Yellow, white or green: What colour is the Sun?
By
Sarwat Nasir ,National News , July 07, 2023
Sometimes the Sun appears yellow, in the evenings it seems red, it is white for astronauts in space and billionaire Elon Musk thinks it is green. But what colour is it, really?
A 'gargantuan' sunspot erupted. Everything you need to know about the solar event and how it impacts Earth
By
Sharon Kirkey ,National Post , July 05, 2023Sunspots can cause powerful bursts of energy, solar flares and solar eruptions which can impact satellites and navigation signals, or even knock out electric power grids
The Moment a supermoon dazzled people around the world
By
Ian Hanomansing ,CBC The National , July 04, 2023A supermoon is a relatively new term for a full moon that is within 90 per cent of its closest possible orbit to the Earth. The impressive sight thrilled night sky watchers all around the world, including at the Temple of Poseidon near Athens
The moon as you’ve never seen it
By
Elizabeth Howell ,Canadian Geographic , July 03, 2023
Mapping the moon is surprisingly difficult. It has mountains, suspected caves and vast lava-painted terrains. Unlike Earth, cartographers are working with only a few satellites and surface missions worth of data.
Study lays out full extent of humans as global predators — and it’s a big problem
By
Ivan Semeniuk ,Globe and Mail , June 30, 2023
Humans collectively prey on nearly 15,000 wild vertebrate species, roughly one third of all varieties on the planet
Stored fuel’s importance for migrating monarch butterflies: Implications for conserving all migrant animals
By
Keith A. Hobson ,Open Government , June 29, 2023
In his latest research, Keith A. Hobson explores why stored fuel is critical to migrating animals, such as monarch butterflies. Conserving migratory animals in a rapidly changing world requires we quickly and efficiently determine the most critical or vulnerable points in their annual cycles that typically involve numerous locations spread over hundreds to thousands of kilometers.
Conifer needles found to consume oxygen when times are hard
By
Umea University ,Phys.org , June 18, 2023
Plants give us oxygen through photosynthesis—this is commonly taught in school. An international research team has now shown that, particularly in early spring when low temperatures coincide with high light, conifer needles consume—not produce—oxygen by using an ancient mechanism. The results were published in Nature Communications.
Gut health the key to a healthy honeybee
By
Marek Sutherland ,CTV News London , June 14, 2023
Concern over the health and longevity of bees has grown over the years. “They get exposed to all kinds of things. First of all, monoculture crops. That is not necessarily the most nutritious thing for them,” said Western University biology Professor Graham Thompson.
Orcas are attacking boats. But is it revenge or trauma?
By
Zayna Zyed ,Popular Science , June 14, 2023
Orcas may be one of the ocean’s top predators, but they’ve rarely shown aggression against humans or watercraft in the past. But since 2020, orca pods have increasingly targeted sailboats off the Iberian Peninsula in Western Europe. In one instance, three of the black and white whales destroyed a vessel’s rudder, causing it to sink before it reached port.
Noticing more mosquitoes? It could be because of the heat wave
By
Michael Lacasse ,CBC , June 12, 2023
If you feel like there are more mosquitoes this year, you might be partially right. With temperature changes and other "catastrophic ecological events," more mosquitos earlier could become the norm, said Jeremy McNeil, a professor of chemical ecology at Western University.
Can mushrooms save the world? This Ontario farmer thinks so
By
Colin Butler ,CBC , June 11, 2023
He grows more than 40,000 pounds of mushrooms every week — the equivalent of an unloaded tractor trailer and demand keeps climbing, especially when it comes to the specialty mushrooms like lion's mane that have become all the rage in health circles because of the long-held belief they have medicinal benefits.
‘There are people who will help’: Biology grad cherishes undergrad journey
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , June 08, 2023
There were moments over the last seven years when Alyssa Harvey didn’t think she would ever be walking across the stage at a graduation ceremony to receive her undergraduate degree in biology. “Taking more than four years to graduate was really hard for me,” Harvey said.
The logic game: Math graduate breaks barriers, builds business at Western
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , June 07, 2023Victoria Quance is breaking barriers as a woman in the male-dominated field of math. But she’s more interested in driving change than hanging around in the spotlight. Quance is already using her math skills to better her community and contribute to scientific research, helping younger students in a thriving tutoring business as well as taking on a summer contract at Western, working with a team of avian experts.
Ready to launch
By
INNOVATION IN CANADA'S TOP UNIVERSITIES REPORT ,The Globe and Mail , May 26, 2023
Canada’s expertise in space exploration has long been recognized through high-profile projects such as the Canadarm program, a series of robotic arms used on the space shuttle orbiters to deploy, manoeuvre and capture payloads. Now, two new homegrown innovations are set to further raise the country’s space science standing.
U.S. will not default, but Republicans won't be to blame if it does, McCarthy says
By
James McCarten ,The Canadian Press , May 25, 2023The United States won't go into default on its debt, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy predicted Wednesday — but the highest-ranking Republican on Capitol Hill also said it won't be his fault if it does. A default would trigger "pretty much an immediate recession" in the U.S., said Cristián Bravo Roman, an expert in banking and insurance analytics
From beloved West African cuisine to Canadian road salt, corrosion study opens new path
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , May 24, 2023
What does a traditional West African dish have to do with road salt spread across snowy Canadian streets every winter? The two subjects are equal passions for chemistry PhD candidate Robert Addai, who works in Western’s Material Science Addition lab and studies how metals corrode when they come into contact with food and road salts.
Western University researchers develop sustainable packaging substitute using hemp
By
Kelly Wang ,Global News , May 14, 2023
Western chemistry professor Elizabeth Gillies, mechanical and materials engineering professor Aaron Price, and their research teams worked with CTK Bio Canada to develop the new biodegradable material. “When it comes to packaging, plastic replaces things like metal and glass. Those are heavy and expensive,” said Gillies, who is also the Canada Research Chair in polymeric biomaterials.
New hemp-based biomaterial may solve global microplastic pollution crisis
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , May 12, 2023Western chemistry professor Elizabeth Gillies, mechanical and materials engineering professor Aaron Price and their research teams worked with industry partner CTK Bio Canada to develop a new biodegradable, hemp-based material that could serve as a sustainable substitute for packaging needs for a wide variety of products.
2023 DC Plan Summit: AI insights on financial wellness
By
Blake Wolfe ,Benefits Canada , May 12, 2023
Financial stress is impacting Canadians’ mental and physical health, as well as decisions related to their pension plans, said Matt Davison, Western University’s dean of science and principal researcher, during a session at Benefits Canada‘s 2023 DC Plan Summit. In an analysis of the National Payroll Institute’s annual survey, Western’s financial wellness lab found respondents’ financial perspectives were characterized by their responses to questions about emergency funding, the use of debt to pay for essentials and the impact of financial stress on work productivity.
Enjoy ‘day of discovery’ with award-winning Western team at Science Rendezvous
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , May 10, 2023
An award-winning Western team is planning a free, family-friendly event full of science and art exploration for kids and community members of all ages. Science Rendezvous will take over Western’s Alumni Stadium on May 13 as part of a nationwide event bringing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programming to the masses in more than 30 Canadian cities.
Canadian Researchers Receive Funding for Continuing AstroSat Science Investigations
By
Marc Boucher ,SpaceQ , May 10, 2023Three Canadian researchers, including Pauline Barmby from physics and astronomy, have been awarded funding for 2022-23 science investigations using the AstroSat astronomy space-based observatory. Barmby will combine AstroSat images of the ultraviolet light emitted by a sample of low surface brightness spiral galaxies with data from other telescopes to understand the current and past properties of these enigmatic galaxies and others.
Is Your Favorite New Mushroom Eradicating Native Mushroom Species?
By
Natalie Jesionka ,Modern Farmer , May 01, 2023Golden oyster mushrooms, with sunny-golden thumbprint caps, branch-like gills and clusters of fruiting bodies, are originally from Japan, Eastern Russia and Northern China, and they are prized for their culinary uses. Now, some experts in the field are saying it might be too late to prevent the mushroom from overtaking American forests.
Konermann receives Distinguished University Professors accolade
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , April 27, 2023
Recognized as one of the “stars” in the Faculty of Science, Konermann has established himself as an international leader in the field of protein mass spectrometry. “Konermann’s research has contributed tremendously to the capabilities of mass spectrometry for understanding the role of proteins in health and disease, including cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer’s disease,” one of his nominators writes.
How wild animals cope with stress—from overeating to sleepless nights
By
Liz Langley ,National Geographic , April 26, 2023As it turns out, several wild animals also experience physical reactions to stress. The main challenges faced by wild animals are whether they’ll find enough food or whether they become someone else’s food. But sometimes, it’s people that cause the trauma.
Health Canada grant funds innovative drug-checking technology
By
Crystal Mackay ,Western News , April 14, 2023
Chemistry professor teams up with local startup company to pilot technology at safe consumption sites across the country. Inside a nondescript black cube no bigger than two shoeboxes, there is sophisticated technology that can analyze the composition of street drugs in under fifteen minutes.
Now there's a way for users to test toxicity of drugs at safe use sites
By
Randy Richmond ,The London Free Press , April 14, 2023Small cubes that can save lives are heading to London’s safe drug consumption site and 10 others across Canada, thanks to a $1.9-million federal grant, Western University research and two student entrepreneurs.
Federal Minister says 'people will die' if drug treatment is only option
By
Sean Irvine ,CTV News London , April 14, 2023Canada’s Minister of Mental health and Addictions said lives are at stake if drug addiction treatment and harm reduction measures cease to coexist. “These are real people, these are people with real families and friends,” stated Carolyn Bennett. The minister, speaking at a federal budget funding announcement at Western University on Friday, said political attacks on harm reduction need to stop.
Banks rarely fail in Canada, but how many billions of dollars would be needed if there's trouble?
By
Geoff Nixon ,CBC , April 14, 2023
Bank failures haven't happened often in Canada. The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), which insures deposits in Canadian banks, last handled one in the mid-1990s, and the Crown corporation has dealt with only 43 such incidents since it was established in 1967.
Western students land five of 23 Canada Space Fellowships
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , March 24, 2023
Five self-described Space nerds, now pursuing studies in engineering, medicine and business at Western, are looking to leave their mark on Canada’s Space industry. They all grew up obsessed with Space. It led them to apply for internships and mentors through the Zenith Canada Pathways Foundation, which seeks to make the Space industry more inclusive and diverse in terms of background and specialization.
What Canada can learn from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank
By
The Conversation Canada ,Yahoo! News , March 17, 2023The sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank left its investors reeling, shocked and unsure of what had happened to their funds. Cristián Bravo Roman, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Banking and Insurance Analytics, Western University and Yuhao Zhou, PhD Candidate in Financial Modelling, Western University
Volcanoes on Venus erupt every few months like Hawaii, study suggests
By
Sheena Goodyear ,CBC As it happens , March 17, 2023Venus, Earth's next-door neighbour, is covered in craters, volcanoes, mountains and lava plains. But it lacks the plate tectonics that gradually reshape Earth's surface. Because of that, scientists long believed it to be geologically dormant.
Deep neural networks still struggling to match human vision
By
George Hopkin ,AI Magazine , March 17, 2023New study led by Psychology and Computer Science professor Marieke Mur looking at how deep neural networks are unable to accurately reproduce human visual recognition.
Timeline for Canadian Lunar Rover Mission
CJOB 680 , March 14, 2023Audio: A Little More Conversation with Ben O’Hara-Byrne, broadcast on Corus radio stations across Canada, interviewed Gordon Osinski, Earth Sciences professor and principal investigator of the Canadian Lunar Rover Mission, about the timeline for the Canadian rover launch.
The SVB collapse and Canada
By
Andrew Nichols ,CBC , March 14, 2023Statistical and Actuarial Sciences professor Cristián Bravo Roman joined The Rundown with Andrew Nichols on CBC News Network to discuss how the Silicon Valley Bank collapse could impact Canada.
After the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, how likely are bank failures in Canada?
By
Tom Yun ,CTV News , March 14, 2023The world economy continues to feel the ripple effects after U.S. authorities took over Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) last Friday. "No bank is immune to a bank run," Western University's Cristián Bravo, who is the Canada Research Chair in banking and insurance analytics, told CTVNews.ca over the phone Tuesday. "If everyone goes to the bank and tries to withdraw their money, that is going to cause a collapse."
London physicist immortalized by colleagues with asteroid namesake
By
Mike Lacasse ,CBC , March 05, 2023Western University physicist and professor Pauline Barmby is very familiar with celestial objects. When she found out an aseteroid was named after her, it was a welcomed new discovery. The asteroid, first discovered by Canadian astronomer Paul Weigert in 2006, was then categorized as 281067. Now, when someone looks up the space rock at the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, it's called Barmby.
Western first-year student and award recipient motivated to help others
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , March 03, 2023Whitney Onoberhie is one of 20 Canadians to receive RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Black Youth. When Whitney Onoberhie arrived in Canada from Nigeria four years ago, she was adjusting to life in a new country and a new school. Yet, she turned her focus outward, helping other youth in her school and in her community.
These red dots could change everything we think we know about how galaxies form
By
Sheena Goodyear ,CBC As it happens , February 28, 2023Scientists have peered billions of years into the past and discovered something that could fundamentally change what we think we know about how galaxies form. Images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) show bright six red dots, which are believed to be distant galaxies as they would have appeared more than 13 billion years ago. But if they are indeed galaxies, then they are unlike any galaxies that scientists have previously observed. That's because they're impossibly large and dense for their relatively young age.
Western signs with national partners to advance collaborative research in clean energy
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , February 15, 2023Western has signed a significant partnership agreement between Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) to advance collaborative research in health and environmental sciences, clean energy and nuclear safety. The partnership with CNL, Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, and AECL, a federal Crown corporation, was announced yesterday (Feb. 14) with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Western.
Listen: Katsu Goda on earthquake in Turkey and Syria
By
Shaye Ganam ,630 CHED and 770 CHQR , February 07, 2023Earth Sciences professor Katsu Goda joined Shaye Ganam on 770 CHQR and 630 CHED (Calgary and Edmonton) to discuss the magnitude and impact of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
The James Webb Space Telescope gets its own micrometeoroid forecast — here's how
By
Meghan Bartels ,Space.com , February 02, 2023Even as the James Webb Space Telescope is allowing astronomers to see inside vast, distant galaxies, it's also studying some tiny, nearby objects — albeit inadvertently. These are micrometeoroids, tiny mysteries zipping through the solar system at lightning speed. They're far too small for scientists to observe directly in deep space, but they shouldn't be ignored: Micrometeoroids can pack quite a punch, as NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST or Webb) can attest.
Beyond Math encourages more Black students to join STEM fields
CBC London , February 02, 2023In recognition of Black History Month, CBC London Morning interviewed Statistics and Actuarial Sciences student Jasmine Uboma who founded Beyond Math to encourage more Black students to join STEM fields.
New EEG procedure accurately measures distress caused by tinnitus
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , February 02, 2023While it’s especially common in older adults, tinnitus – a potentially devastating ringing in the ears – can affect people of all ages. Most often described as consistent buzzing, hissing or humming, tinnitus is usually caused by an underlying condition, like age-related hearing loss, an ear injury or heart disease and affects approximately one in five people in North America.
There's a new comet in the sky. Here's how you can see it for yourself
By
Nicole Mortillaro ,CBC , January 18, 2023The year has started off with a rare treat for sky-watchers: A recently discovered comet that may soon be brightening. On Jan. 12, the comet — called C/2022 E3 (ZTF) — made its closest pass around the sun. Now, it's heading back out of the solar system and swinging by Earth, making its closest approach on Feb. 1. The best part is that it is a circumpolar comet and is seen high in the north, which means Canada is in an ideal place from which to spot it.
AI tools like ChatGPT and Lensa are spreading like wildfire online, fuelling ethics debates
By
Josh O'Kane ,The Globe and Mail , January 16, 2023Western's chief digital officer and Computer Science professor Mark Daley shares how artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT can be used ethically, and the implications of AI in creative and academic fields.
After three seasons of killing, PCs have no idea if their cormorant cull is working
By
Joel Wittnebel ,The Pointer , January 16, 2023Biology professor Keith Hobson contributes to the discussion around the efficacy of bird cull.
What does U.S. inflation mean for Canada?
By
Reshmi Nair ,CBC (Audio) , January 16, 2023Statistical and Actuarial Science professor Cristián Bravo Roman joined CBC News Network Weekend Business (Part 1) (Part 2) as part of a panel discussion on U.S. inflation and what it means for Canada’s economy, and the economic impact of small business owners retiring in large numbers.
Canada on the moon: A Canadian-made rover will pave the way for the next astronauts
By
Quirks & Quarks ,CBC , January 14, 2023A team of Canadian academics and engineering companies is developing our nation‘s next contribution to space exploration. The federal government recently announced that space systems company Canadensys will be designing and building the first Canadian lunar rover, expected to launch to the moon in 2026.
Audio: AI Chat GPT Can Write Essays, What Now?
CBC Morning Drive , January 11, 2023The essay has been the center of our educational system for generations. But suddenly, Artificial Intelligence has entered game and, in some cases, can write as well as humans can. Guest host Jackie Sharkey is joined by Western University professor of computer science, Mark Daley, to discuss.
We thought the Oort cloud threw snowballs at us — but it's throwing rocks too
By
Quirks & Quarks ,CBC , January 09, 2023A fireball that appeared in the sky over central Alberta nearly two years ago presented Dennis Vida, a meteor physicist at Western University in London, Ontario with a mystery. The rocky object that caused the fireball came from the Oort cloud in the outer solar system, previously thought to be home to only icy comets, not rocky bodies.
Most workers are distracted by financial anxiety and it is hurting productivity
By
Jared Lindzon ,The Globe and Mail , January 06, 2023Canadians are stressed about their finances, and it’s having an impact on their productivity, but experts warn increasing wages won’t be enough to ease economic concerns. According to a recent survey conducted by human resources software provider Ceridian, in partnership with the Financial Wellness Lab of Canada, North American workers are reporting the highest levels of financial stress since the 2008 recession.
Professor Fred Longstaffe, five alumni appointed to Order of Canada
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , January 04, 2023Fred Longstaffe, founding director of the Western Academy for Advanced Research (WAFAR), and five Western graduates have been named among 99 new appointments to the Order of Canada. The honourees were announced Dec. 29, 2022, by Mary Simon, governor general of Canada. The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest honours, recognizing people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation.
January 01, 2023
Grad finds ‘true calling’ sharing Indigenous knowledge, helping species at risk
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , January 01, 2023Andie Albert will receive her master of environment and sustainability degree during fall convocation
