In light of Black History Month, it is important to honour the contributions that various black individuals throughout history have made towards science. Whether they were researchers, authors, inventors or even patients, their contributions have forever changed the scientific world for the better.
Read moreEnvironmental Wellness Tips
With reading week behind us, we are wrapping up our sustainability article series with 10 simple and efficient ways to be mindful of your environmental wellness.
Read moreAustralian Wildfires: A Terrible Sign of What Could Come
Since the start of the school year in September, Australia has been ravaged by wildfires. Even after several months, a cooler climate, and a herculean effort by Australian firefighters, approximately 60 fires are still burning in parts of Australia such as New South Wales and Victoria. The intensity and duration of this season’s wildfires are simply unprecedented, and some experts point to the influence of global warming.
Read moreHow Virtual Reality is Changing Research at Western
The CulhamARI lab from the Brain and Mind Institute at Western University is leading the development of a virtual gaming environment for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Their project will involve determining whether brain activity in real life situations can match those produced by the actions of a virtual avatar. They also intend to analyze brain activation produced by three dimensional environments and active video game-play.
Read moreOne Health Awareness Month: Appreciating the Environment, Animals and Ourselves
For the most part of human history, the interconnected web between humans, environment, and animals has been more conceptual than methodological. While we have acknowledged the existence of the relationship since the Ancient Greek civilization, there was no scientifically rigorous approach of analyzing a looming issue that would inevitably affect the whole world. To fill this void, experts convened at Rockefeller University in 2004 and developed the Manhattan Principles to combat health threats to humans, animals and the environment, which now serve as the basis of the “One Health, One World” concept. Then on December 19, 2019, the U.S. Senate unanimously designated January 2020 as “National One Health Awareness Month” in the U.S.
Read moreChoosing the Right Pet
One rainy afternoon in August, I sensed a strong emptiness in my heart—a void that demanded to be filled, and the only solution was the addition of a new pet to my family. I had four pets already: a Persian cat, a white bunny, a ball python, and a Chihuahua; but, as I realized that fateful day, I needed one more to be a full-time pet owner.
Read moreFaculty Spotlight: Dr. Brent Sinclair
With over 40 faculty members, the Department of Biology is one of the most diverse departments within the faculty of science. Even “biology” itself, that is the study of life, can encompass many aspects. This is no surprise, as life can exist in a myriad of forms, with just as many ways to study it. One example of biology’s unique facets is entomology, the study of insects. Dr. Brent Sinclair, a professor in the Department of Biology, has been studying insect cold tolerance for over 20 years, an interest that stemmed from his early years in university.
Read moreLibrarians and Archivists at UWO
Recently, as of November 21st, 2019, Western’s Board of Governors ratified the tentative agreement reached by the University’s Librarians and Archivists (UWOFA-LA) on November 4th. This deal had been passed by the 42 members representing the UWOFA-LA, with 89 percent voting in favor. With the new collective deal in place, a potential strike between UWOFA-LA and the University had been avoided. As students, librarians and archivists play a key role in supporting our education. While their role may be much more “behind-the-scenes”, librarians and archivists are in charge of maintaining many important services.
Read moreGifts and the Environment
The holidays are a time for giving. Everywhere you go, people are exchanging thank you cards, gift bags, and brightly wrapped presents. From $20-dollar-limit Secret Santas with co-workers to more heartfelt gift exchanges with friends and family, people are exchanging gifts left and right. But all of these holiday gift-giving festivities generate much waste each year.
Read moreScience Sophs
Clad in paint-splattered lab coats with their true identities hidden behind a pair of sunglasses, Science Sophs during O-Week look like they’ve just stepped outside a science fiction novel. And with all those “Yips” and adamant refusals to give out real names, Science Sophs may seem like an intimidating bunch. But they are actually a group of extremely passionate upper-year students who have dedicated their time and energy to being the best mentors, academic resources, and friends they can to all first-year Science students.
Read moreDo Climate Change Movements Work?
This year, we have seen an evolving attitude towards climate change through the occurrence of several international protests which seek for actions that will reduce global warming. The face of this movement has been 16-year-old Greta Thunberg who has traveled around the world to take part in these climate strikes. Though Greta’s campaign has clearly spread awareness throughout the world, we cannot know at this point how much of an impact her movement has made on the actual state of Earth’s warming.
Read moreOpinion: Minority Governments are More Canadian
On October 21st, 2019, the Liberals won the 2019 Canadian Federal Election with 157 seats, forming a minority government with the Conservative Party as the official opposition. Majority governments can respond quickly to issues of national concern by imposing change without needing to spend long periods of time in debate. Swift, unopposed decision-making is a good thing, right?
Read moreWhy Aren't Students Voting?
In just about every election, there’s always that one riding which gets decided by the narrowest of margins. The 2019 Federal Election was no different.
Voter turn-out is a frequent topic of discussion after each election, especially if the numbers are low.
Read moreExclusive Interview: Basketball Player Says "It’s My Cause Until the Cause Costs Me $$$$$"
Thanks for tuning into another episode of “The Fake Show with Mike Oxmaul”. We have a special guest tonight, professional basketball player, LeGreen Cash. He’s here to talk about the recent protests happening in the city Krusty Krab and its citizens’ fight for freedom and independence from mainland Chumbucket. LeGreen Cash is known as the most outspoken athlete in the world, having funded hundreds of high school students to college and even built a brand new school in his hometown. But between Krusty Krab and Chumbucket, his political position seems to have stirred much controversy.
Read moreDiagnosing the Canadian Health Care System
Canada’s universal health care system has historically been a national pride—one that has served as a unique model for the rest of the world since mid-twentieth century. Changing or eliminating the system may lead to a fundamental transformation in the national identity. So the question begs: an Canada do better than ninth or tenth? Let’s talk about the problems.
Read moreNASA International Internship Project
Ever wondered what it would be like to work under arguably one of the most influential space agencies in the world? NASA and many other international space agencies have collaborated and formed the NASA International Internship Project for university students this summer. This program aims to foster an interest and experience in space science and technology for a new generation of students.
Read moreYou Can’t Vote for Mickey Mouse in Canada… And That Probably Won’t Change
Mickey Mouse, Santa Claus, Jesus… These are some of the more renowned figures who receive thousands of ballots every four years in the American federal election. In a country where all but nine states allow write-in votes, many Americans have used this quirk in their election system to truly exercise their freedom of speech and vote for some of the most significant figures in their lives who have influenced and inspired them on a spiritual level: Harambe, Kanye West, and “Your Mom.”
Read moreWestern Space: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Making Western University a Global Destination for Earth and Space Studies
Western University officially launched the new Institute for Earth and Space Exploration earlier this October—an expansion to the former Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX).
Read moreWISc Symposium: A Sneak Peek into the Inner Circle of Integrated Science
Five thousand, one hundred and forty three. Five thousand one hundred and forty three is the stunning number of full-time undergraduates under Western University’s Faculty of Science. But within this sizable population, there exists a small tight-knit community of around two hundred and forty undergraduates, who pride themselves as students of Western Integrated Science (WISc).
Read moreThe Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Frosh Year
Purple pride is a serious matter at Western University. As science students, we feel privileged to experience one of the most spirited frosh weeks across Canada. Not only does O-Week help us make fun memories on which we’ll continue to reflect throughout our time at Western, but it also allows for developing new friendships that enliven our overall undergraduate experience. This is, of course, assuming that you’re not one of many introverts (or even extroverts alike), pressured by your peers to engage in activities that aren’t necessarily in your comfort zone.
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