In the worldwide race to find the next must-use mobile app, “there’s an app for that” is one of the most common refrains heard today. Backtrack is the scientific foray into the mobile app world for McGill graduates Alex Danco and Alex Daskalov. The app, which is in its developing[Read More…]
Science & Technology
The latest in science and technology.
Research Briefs—Nov. 18, 2014
Long-term marijuana use on the brain A study published in The Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences last week has found that chronic—defined as three times per day over 10 years—marijuana users have a lower IQ score and smaller gray matter volume in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) region of[Read More…]
Schrödinger’s Cat as a key player in cutting-edge technology
David J. Wineland, the 2012 winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, presented this year’s Anna McPherson Lectures on Nov. 6 and 7. In the lectures, he explained his research that won the Nobel Prize in Physics: The development of a laser cooling system that traps single ions and reduces[Read More…]
Uber simple, Uber convenient, Uber ruthless
Uber taxi service has recently blown away its previous valuation in a $1.2 billion financing round—making the taxi company worth a staggering $18.2 billion. According to Business Insider, the company is rumored to have made $2 billion of total profit, and Travis Kalanick, the CEO of Uber, claims that profits[Read More…]
Art in the digital world
On Nov. 5, as part of McGill Innovation Week 2014, art and technology enthusiasts alike gathered in Tanna Schulich Hall for a panel discussion on art and innovation. The event was organized by Standpoints, a student-run cultural think-tank. The night’s speakers included Stéphane Aquin, curator of contemporary art at the[Read More…]
Research Briefs—Nov. 11, 2014
Neuroscience of choking under pressure The experience of choking under pressure—in an exam, at the free-throw line, or in a presentation—is a familiar one. This week a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience attempted to explain what goes on in the brain when the stakes are raised. While monitoring their[Read More…]
Movember starts ‘mo’ conversations
By the end of November, many brothers, sons, and fathers will have grown an impressive amount of facial hair. As cool as these mustaches and goatees look, it isn’t lumberjack chic these men are trying to bring attention to—it’s men’s health. “Movember is a world-wide event where men shave on[Read More…]
ABCs of Science: Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias affect an estimated 500,000 Canadians. A study by the Alzheimer Society of Canada (ASC) found the disease to be the second most feared by Canadians as they age, and with good reason—the disease leads to cognitive function resulting in impaired short-term memory, the inability to[Read More…]
Université de Montréal develops cancer drug detecting device
After six years of research, Professors Jean-François Masson and Joelle Pelletier from the Department of Chemistry at the Université de Montréal have successfully developed the latest cancer detection tool. Their team created a nanodevice that can be used to accurately measure a person’s blood for the commonly used, but toxic[Read More…]
This month in student research: Sanahan Vijayakumar
You can spot Sanahan Vijayakumar on campus by his stylish French apparel, ear-to-ear grin, and fast paced chatter. The U2 materials engineer is an active member of the Engineering Undergraduate Society Council, and is known for his friendly attitude, passion, and outstanding success. Vijayakumar has been conducting research at McGill[Read More…]