Quebec-based researchers publish over 16,000 peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals on an annual basis. For the past 26 years, the magazine Quebec Science has taken on the difficult endeavour of choosing which of these thousands of discoveries deserves to be honoured for both their methodology and impact on the scientific[Read More…]
Articles by Océane Marescal
Follow your nose
Those who can easily navigate new cities and unfamiliar locations might also find they have an unusually-precise ability to accurately identify a plethora of different smells, ranging from basil and cinnamon to strawberry and peppermint. A recent study conducted at the McGill Department of Psychiatry demonstrated the surprising link between[Read More…]
McGill welcomes inspiring new science professors
McGill University is world-renowned for the quality and exceptional range of its scientific research. Such excellence is made possible by its professors, competitively selected from among the world’s best scientists. This year, 17 new professors joined McGill’s Faculty of Science. The McGill Tribune got to know four of the departments newest[Read More…]
The Willy Trip: A student initiative to learn about rocks
In many programs at McGill, experiential learning opportunities are difficult to access. A student group with a passion for geology has found their own solution to this frustrating barrier. Every year, students from the earth and planetary science department organize a reading week field trip to a geologically-rich region of[Read More…]
Meet the newly-discovered species of 2017
The most recent estimates of the number of species world-wide, according to Science Daily, suggest that there are around 7.8 million animal species on Earth of which only about one million have been described and catalogued. Fortunately for aspiring field biologists, a staggering 87 per cent of animal species may[Read More…]
Are vegetarians healthier than meat eaters?
Plant-based eaters come in many forms. Traditional vegetarians, also known as lacto-ovo vegetarians, do not eat animal flesh of any kind but will consume dairy and eggs. Pesco-vegetarians, or pescatarians, incorporate fish into their otherwise vegetarian diet. Vegans are those who abstain from all animal-derived products, including dairy, eggs, and[Read More…]
Cloning: A tale of two monkeys
At the end of 2017, researchers in Shanghai successfully cloned primates for the first time: Two macaque monkeys they named Hua hua and Zhong zhong. Published in the latest edition of the journal Cell, this was the first time that a Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)—a reproductive cloning strategy—was used[Read More…]
Why science students shouldn’t be afraid to write
For students in the Faculty of Science, the typical evaluation consists of a knowledge-based exam. Large class sizes, characteristic of first and second-year courses, often require evaluators to depend heavily on multiple choice questions. For better or for worse, this means that science students are rarely subjected to the torments[Read More…]
Breastfed babies are less likely to develop eczema
Since the 1950s, breastfeeding has been almost a taboo subject in the United States and Canada. A simple Google search of “breastfeeding” shows top news stories of women being shamed by strangers for breastfeeding in public. This negative response might help explain the low rates of breastfeeding in many developed[Read More…]
McGill researcher develops new HIV self-testing app ‘HIVSmart!’
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the deadliest viruses in the world and has claimed over 35 million lives to date. Recently, Nitika Pant Pai, Associate Professor at the McGill Department of Medicine and researcher at The Research Institute McGill University Health Centre has helped develop a new app[Read More…]
Printing in 3D: Easy as 1-2-3
For many, 3D printing seems futuristic and inaccessible. However, in reality 3D printing is easy, available, and relatively cheap. Those looking to get involved need look no further than right here at McGill. Christophe Paganon is one of four board members of the McGill 3D Printing Design Team (M3DP) and[Read More…]
Fantastic new science professors and where to find them
As one of the top universities in Canada, McGill boasts top-notch professors—dedicated academics and researchers from all around the world. According to Gregor Fussmann, chair of the Department of Biology, as many as 200 candidates initially apply for a single tenure track position. From these, a search committee identifies a[Read More…]
SciTech 101: Getting involved at McGill
With over 230 clubs at McGill, finding the perfect match may seem like a daunting task. Luckily for the burgeoning scientist or technology buff, there are plenty of opportunities at McGill to foster one’s enthusiasm for research, technology, medicine, and so much more. For the star-struck space cadet: Astro[Read More…]
Full Coverage: The Solar Eclipse is coming, here’s how to prepare
As the Aug. 21 solar eclipse approaches, science fans and space enthusiasts across North America are preparing for the event. Even though the eclipse’s path won’t cross McGill campus, students shouldn’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. Here is everything you need to know: What is an eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when[Read More…]
Why we procrastinate and tips to overcome it
“The deadline is a week away—I’ll just do it tomorrow.” For many, this phrase has become the all too familiar reasoning to put off an assignment in exchange for a more relaxing night spent watching Netflix. However, as finals approach, those who left studying to the last minute will start[Read More…]
What to make of NASA’s announcement of newly discovered planets
What do a beer, a Roman Catholic religious order, and a newly discovered planetary system have in common? They are all named Trappist, but only one of the three could potentially hold the key to life beyond Earth. On Feb. 22, NASA announced the groundbreaking discovery of seven new exoplanets—planets[Read More…]
Safety first: A history of lab mishaps at McGill
Any student who has taken a chemistry lab at McGill is familiar with the infamous “Safety Lecture.” For most students, this means an hour of staring off into space as an overly-dramatic video shows acids inevitably spilled on unprotected eyes. Yet, such unfortunate accidents have such a low probability of[Read More…]