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a, Arts & Entertainment, Music

The New Familiar: Goldenboy

by Kristal Spreadborough on

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As the title suggests, The New Familiar delivers on its promise to be everything familiar in a brand new album. Goldenboy, led by vocalist and guitarist Shon Sullivan, have released four albums since first bounding into the spotlight with Blueswan Orchestra a decade ago. Blueswan Orchestra was re-released last month as a warm-up act for The New Familiar—but rather than foreshadow their latest work, it overshadows it.

The New Familiar begins with “The Walking Song,” with vocals blending effortlessly with the development of guitar and drums, suggesting a stylized approach to the remainder of the album. Unfortunately, this prediction rings all too true. “Today is the Day” is too repetitive, coming off as directionless. “Steal Your Face” doesn’t give any respite from the endless abyss of sound with its all-too-frustratingly familiar mix of strumming patterns and instrumentals. While Goldenboy are known for their catchy guitar riffs, what The New Familiar delivers here is too much of a good thing. “Soho’s Empty” feels like a turning point in the album, and along with “Starlight Town,” it is the highlight of the 40 minutes.  “Starlight Town” is a clever combination of sound and lyrics and, like “Soho’s Empty,” refreshingly axes the repeat signs, adding a bit of contrast.

The New Familiar does not lack musicality or sensitivity; it lacks direction. Undoubtedly, Goldenboy is sticking to what they know best. This is a band with a great sound, but it is time for a change. Give me Blueswan Orchestra any day.

Ex-Cult during one of their raucous live performances. (facebook.com)
a, Arts & Entertainment

Worship the Ex-Cult

by Leyang Yu on

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A city deemed the birthplace of both rock and roll and blues, Memphis, TN is fertile ground for cultivating musical talent. Cue Ex-Cult—a musical project that brought together five local musicians. Drawing influences that transcend several decades, the members have woven psychedelic, garage, punk, and other terms that precede the word “rock” into their distinct sound, all the while engrossing modern audiences.

Ex-Cult (Sex Cult, before the band discovered that a New York techno label had already laid claim to the name) is what the members describe as a “meaningless” name for this up-and-coming punk band. Since their conception, Ex-Cult have been working their way through small local venues, house parties, and Gonerfest 8 and 9—an annual music festival in Memphis.

Ex-Cult also made a notable appearance at SXSW last year in Austin, where things suddenly clicked with fellow musician Ty Segall. The quintet had been good friends with Segall before their SXSW appearances, and it came naturally that Segall later produced their debut LP.

“A lot of people think we saw [Ty Segall] for the first time at SXSW, and he just agreed to do an album with us,” says lead singer Chris Shaw, pointing out that they’d been friends and mutual fans of each other’s music for about a year before Ex-Cult played at the festival.

For the band, making music has become so integral to their lives that the process of doing so no longer requires much planning; it just happens.

“We make music individually and we make music together,” says Shaw. “Then, when we come together in real life, we combine all of it.”

UK artists Television Personalities and Brian Eno, as well as fellow Memphis punk band Useless Eaters are among the artists that have shaped the sound of Ex-Cult’s debut album. Recorded in a small studio in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the self-titled release features 12 tracks, all of which are distinctly aggressive, while remaining masterfully controlled.

Gritty vocals are backed by Ex-Cult’s true driving force: instrumentation. Songs like “Better Life Through Chemistry” and “Don’t Feel Anything” bring a sense of wild exhilaration—the kind that sweeps you off your feet and never lets you back down. With relentless energy, the band plows their way through 30 minutes of hard-hitting music, while listeners try to keep up. The rawness of the album, both musically and lyrically, strikes a parallel with the down-to-earth personalities of the members themselves.

With so much intensity stuffed into a single LP sleeve, one can only imagine the kind of damage this band could do at a live concert. Luckily, Montreal is one of the stops on their tour across the US and Canada this month. They’ll be playing 21 shows in 23 days—an impressive number for a band going on its first extended tour. It’ll also be the band’s first time visiting their northern neighbours, alongside none other than Ty Segall.

When asked which other artists they would like to work with in the future, Ex-Cult says they wouldn’t mind a chance to perform with San Francisco experimental rockers Chrome. Although they currently have new music in the works, the band says they’re not focused on looking for producers right now.

Like everything else about Ex-Cult, there’s nothing really definitive, nothing too clear-cut about whatever it is they’re doing. This is Ex Cult’s strength—there’s always something you can’t quite put a finger on, which makes them worth looking out for.

Ex-Cult is performing with Ty Segall and K-Holes on February 5th, 8 p.m., Cabaret Du Mile End (5240 Avenue du Parc). Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door.

Keep an eye out for trucks like this. (Alexandra Allaire/ McGill Tribune)
a, Student Life

Streets of Montreal to welcome gourmet, mobile fare

by Alycia Noë on

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Walking around trendy neighbourhoods in New York City or Chicago, you’ll pass many food trucks on street corners, serving meals as distinct as the cultures represented in each city. Initially, many may think the trucks offer a lower-quality last option. The trucks actually offer plenty of gourmet and affordable fare, and they can be ideal for those constantly on the go. Food trucks have also increased the availability of a broader range of ethnic foods and quirky, but delicious combinations of cuisines. The trucks provide access to dishes previously unavailable if not unimaginable and are soon to crop up all around Montreal.

Starting in 1947, when food trucks were first under consideration in Montreal, the Quebec government refused to authorize the operation of such enterprises, citing concerns for food safety and quality. But after the successful launch of numerous food trucks in other big cities, it became impossible to oppose the establishment of Montreal’s own signature brand of street food. Food trucks will be approved and should rapidly begin to appear this summer. To date, six food trucks have been approved by the government, and will be available for our enjoyment before the summer.

Two original food trucks pushed the margins of the old law and are indisputably the real deal: Grumman’s ‘78 and Noveau Palais. Grummans ‘78’s imaginative tacos provide the city with authentic Mexican food. According to the owners, “the food is fresh, healthy, affordable, locally-sourced, and locally-owned,” according to their website.  Customers can purchase two generously sized tacos for $7.50. Grummans ’78 began the revolutionary “food-truck” idea in downtown Montréal. Under the old law, Grummans had to limit their presence to a few days per year. Finally, after numerous struggles with the old law, this truck will now be available for all to enjoy.

Nouveau Palais serves miniature burgers, cookies, and milk out of a Winnebago, as if sent to satisfy the hunger pains that accompany late night studying. This truck operated just within the old laws by serving food outside their restaurant on West Bernard and Parc, in the wee hours of the night. Now, the Nouveau Palais truck will serve food in the daytime as well.

In addition to these classics, newer options have cropped up at Montreal’s yearly Jazzfest are worth exploring. Crêpe-moi is famous for its fabulous paper-thin crêpes and unlikely fillings, like chorizo and goat cheese. Purists need not fear—it also carries the classics, such as sugar and lemon crêpes. La Mangeoire, a gourmet sandwich truck, serves unique and tasty combinations.  Popular choices include an enormous falafel sandwich, and the ‘Ribwich’ (BBQ ribs and coleslaw). Their most indulgent concoction, the Decadent, combines peanut butter, Nutella, and bacon.

 Pas d’Cochon dans mon Salon and Lucky’s Truck are both known for their comfort food and barbecue. Finally, out of an understated trailer, HotBullDog serves homemade sausages, including a tomato-basil sausage.

The development of a network of food trucks in Montreal is undoubtedly exciting. These six trucks are, hopefully, only the beginning of healthy, imaginative, and affordable meals for students. They will eventually be allowed to freely roam the city; but will first be spotted during festivals in the Quartier des Spectacles and on First Fridays at the Big O.

a, Student Life

New Years’ Resolutions Revamped

by Susan Westfall & Elisa Muyl on

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Yes, it’s that time of the year again. If you’ve made a New Years resolution  this month, you are engaging in an age-old custom. According to a study by Virgin Mobile Canada, a whopping 51 per cent of Canadians make resolutions — 19 per cent of which fail within the first 24 hours of the New Year. This year, the Tribune has come up with two different approaches to a hopefully different 2013.

Keep it classic

Set a goal: Step one may sound idiot-proof, but it can be harder than it looks. Setting a goal is the easiest thing in the world to do, but making a plan and—here’s the kicker—trying to actually stick to it, is deceptively tricky. Yes, many of us would like to be able to run a marathon after only two weeks of training, but setting reasonable, reachable goals is the best way to actually succeed. Setting smaller milestones, under a reasonable timeframe, allows you to better track your progress and schedule rewards (sweet, savory, or otherwise). Flip on your motivational switch and internalize why you want to achieve your goal. Write it down, memorize it, chant it, post it beside your bed—do not let the idea leave you.

Grab a buddy: The problem with setting personal goals is that you are more likely to cheat yourself. If you use the buddy system, and advertise your goals to your family, friends, and roommates, you are more likely to be encouraged, or policed, into keeping at it. Tip: advertise your goals and your progress in a clearly visible place. This is a great conversation starter and a good way to boost your motivation every time someone asks you about your resolutions.

Work out at home: The vague goal of “getting fit” can leave you not knowing where to start. Instead of buying a gym membership and meaning to show up every day, try to incorporate small things into your day to increase your physical activity. Establish a home-workout routine, including skipping rope, yoga, and weight-bearing exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, planking, squats). If you need inspiration, search for ‘at-home workouts’ on YouTube to get programs and music you can follow along to, for free! Cardio is key, but do not forget those weight-bearing exercises. Building extra muscle improves metabolism, and increases the number of calories that you burn when working out.

One step at a time: In order to become conscious of your daily activity, you may also want to invest in a pedometer. You can chart your daily steps, and strive to increase your activity by walking to class or work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Treat your body well: For those who have resolved to diet, don’t focus on skipping meals, but on eating properly and proportionally. You do not want to be ravenously hungry, nor do you want to indulge. Spread your caloric intake out over the day, and strive to have at least three different colours of fruits and vegetables for a nutritional boost. Another healthy suggestion is to increase your water intake. Simple, and effective, water is indisputably good for you, your skin, your metabolism, and your mind.

Focus on friends: Another healthy resolution to make this year is to improve your social bonds. Take the time, and make the effort to reconnect with those old friends you may have been losing touch with. You can also expand your circles by joining a new club, or volunteering in the community.

Smile: Finally, strive to smile and be happy! People with positive emotions live longer, happier, and fuller lives. Resolve to look at yourself in the mirror every morning before you have breakfast, and simply smile. Try adopting a mantra, or short saying like “I am a happy person” or “My life is full of happiness” to internalize positive emotions.

— Susan Westfall

You need new goals

Year in and year out, popular New Years resolutions relate to fitness, money, and other lifestyle overhauls: lose weight, stop smoking, get a better job, learn to budget money, and get organized.

Instead, set more meaningful objectives this year. If you really want to make a change, then be honest with yourself, and make better resolutions.

Instead of: “Get better grades.”

Try: “Getting off of Facebook in class.” No, it’s not just for a minute, or to check one notification. If you want to do well, you need to be present and engaged in lecture. What else are you sitting there for?

Instead of: “Don’t stress.”

Try: “Managing stress by giving your brain some down-time.” Avoid TV show marathons, and clicking through Reddit or Twitter for hours. Use the time you spend away from glowing screens to let your mind wander. Daydreaming can help you to actually process feelings and information, which is crucial in keeping your head clear.

Instead of: “Find the perfect job.”

Try: “Prioritizing.” Choose a couple of issues you care about and think about how you can get involved.  Let those priorities shape your plans after McGill, rather than the other way around.

Instead of: “Get ‘involved.’”

Try: “Helping others.” Sign up for a volunteering organization. It may be new and awkward at the beginning, and you may not know what you’re doing, but throw yourself into the new task. Once you’ve gained your bearings, you’ll be surprised by how much you learn, and wonder why you never got involved in the first place.

Instead of: “Look better/lose weight/get ‘fit’”

Try: “Cutting the extras out.” Stop getting advice in bullet point form. Don’t expect the advice from ‘top ten’ lists to change your life! We’re good, but we’re not that good. Use this semester to think about what’s important to you, and don’t worry about the rest.

— Elisa Muyl

Alexandra Allaire/ McGill Tribune
a, Student Life, Student of the Week

Student of the Week

by Jacqui Galbraith on

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This Student of the Week was chosen for his enthusiastic work in the Gardner Hall council, as well as within the larger McGill community.

Q: If you were a mode of transportation, which would you be?

A: I’d probably go with a sidecar. Not the motorcycle itself, just the sidecar. It’s cooler, it’s safer. I’ve always wanted to be the guy with the goggles and the scarf; and I’m always a good sidekick.

Q: What’s the best reason to visit your hometown?

A: I live in the northern suburb of Chicago: Wilmette. ‘Thrill-mette’ as I like to call it….A New York minute’s like 20 seconds, a Wilmette minute’s more like 20 minutes….I actually really love my hometown, and Bill Murray’s from there. I run the Facebook page of my town, it has a thousand or so likes on it. Also it has the Baha’i temple—there’s [only] one in North America, and it’s in Wilmette.

Q: What’s your recommendation for a bird course at McGill?

A: It’s not a bird course, but a course that people should take [is] PSYC 180. It’s called Critical thinking: Biases and illusions. The professor [Amir Raz] is a magician. As he explains it, he’s a mentalist. He plays mind tricks on you. It’s a three hour lecture once a week, and he just takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and he weaves magic tricks into his lectures.

Q: Who do you think should take over as principal when HMB leaves?

A: Can we go with Joe Biden? I mean, I’ve always loved Joe Biden. We all really know who’s pulling the strings in this Obama administration: Joey B. I’ve really just supported any vice president ever, being a vice president myself [VP Internal of Gardner Hall]. I feel like … he’d settle in nicely.

Q: What word or phrase do you most overuse?

A: I use a lot of interjections, so I’d probably go with ‘drat!’ I use drat a lot, probably too much. I’m a very energetic type of guy, so even when things don’t really need a ‘drat’ to be given, I still do it.

Q: If you could say one thing to Leonard Cohen, what would it be?

A: ‘Great music. You wanna hang out sometime? Please?’

Q: Name one movie you’ll never get tired of watching.

A: Truman Show, 100 per cent. [It’s my] favourite movie of all time. I watch it actually once a year. I cry every time. It’s not really a movie to cry during, but it’s just so good.  It’s so great.

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

A: When people crumple money. I guess with the Canadian money, you can’t crumple it. Like the fifties and the hundreds are plastic now; and the twenties as well? Looks like I moved to the right country. Solving my biggest pet peeves. Thank you, Canada!

Q: What’s your party trick?

A: I have two different sized hands, which is one of my party tricks. And recently, my ability to speak Chinese. It’s cooler when I bust out the hand trick though.

Q: Name your favourite McGill event this year so far.

A: Probably gonna have to go with the Gardner floor crawl that we did for Halloween. From being on council to being one of the leaders of the groups, it was cool to see [how the event was created], to be in it, and to watch the entire progression of it. I really played all sides of the field on that one.

Q: Describe Add/Drop in three words.

A: ‘This class sucks’, or, ‘temporary woes, stress’.

Q: What is your new year’s resolution?

A: Probably to call my mother more, and tell her that she is a lovely woman.

Q: What technological or sociological advancement do you hope to see during your lifetime?

A: Do you remember the movie Clockstoppers? I just want to turn on a hose, clockstop, and just bat those water droplets out of the air. That was the coolest part of the movie.

Project Glass makes wearable computing a future reality. (digitaltrends.com)
a, Science & Technology

Wearable computing at a glance

by Abhishek Gupta on

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Imagine window-shopping down Ste. Catherine on a crisp Sunday morning, when a stunning suit on display catches your eye. Beep! Brand: Arrow; Size: M; Price: $700—all this information pops up in front of your eyes in the flash of a second. This is the future of shopping, as Google envisions it, by introducing Glass.

Glass is a head-mounted, augmented reality display set developed by Google X Labs, which works on other futuristic projects, such as driverless cars.  In simpler words, Glass is a pair of glasses that contain a computer, which can provide information about any object, viewed through the lens.

“Augmented reality”—a term used to describe a live view of a real world environment, whose elements are amplified by computer-generated information—is not a new idea. However, with Glass, there is a real possibility of this concept being integrated more into everyday use.

Glass has a minimalistic design. The glasses include a light titanium frame with lenses replaced by LED displays.  This minimalism makes it easy to use Glass as daily wear, part of a technological trend currently referred to as “wearable computing.”

“[Glass is about] allow[ing] people to connect to others with images or video,” said Babak Parviz, head of the Google Glass project.

Parviz went on to explain that one of the primary goals of the project was to bring more of the “visual” to social computing.

With this technology come many advantages. From ‘Instagraming’ that delicious carpaccio at the local Italian restaurant without digging out your smartphone, to quickly accessing any information on the web through eye and motion gestures, Glass opens up new applications of computing.

But Glass is more than just a webcam mounted on trendy-looking glasses. With this fashion-oriented foray into wearable computing, Google has opened up a new platform to access and create social content in a manner relevant to the individual user.

In a world where online social networks are incredibly popular, Glass gives the consumer a new tool: a faster way to share life moments and ideas with friends. Unlike other social networking technologies, Glass allows others to view your experiences through the same lens as your own.

Google X Labs are exploring a new territory in terms of how users integrate information streams within the real-life context. It will be interesting to see how consumers will respond when this technology is released in 2014.

For a preview, Sergey Brin, CEO of Google, walked down the catwalk with celebrated fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg in her show in New York for her Spring 2013 line, sporting these brightly coloured glasses. Diane’s models wore them on the ramp, and recorded the show through their perspective in a video called “DVF through Glass.”

TIME magazine also listed Glass as one of the “Best Inventions of 2012,” alongside other scientific marvels like the Mars Curiosity Rover.

However, with all this excitement buzzing around Glass, it is important to take a step back. There are a few drawbacks to this project, which are not quite as evident at first glance.

Having a display screen so close to the eyes for extensive periods of time can strain the optic nerves, and such harmful effects have yet to be properly investigated. Besides, with the constant bombardment of technology today, switching off for a while is not a bad idea.

Yet, with the advent of this kind of wearable computing, it might become even harder to go offline.

“Here’s where human behaviour comes in,” Christopher Rims from the MIT Technology Review explained. “We are really bad at ignoring distractions that are at hand. And the more accessible they are, the more addictive and distracting they can become.”

a, Science & Technology

Quantum computers: science fiction brought to life

by Kieran Steer on

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Constructing the fastest computer has always been a huge challenge posed by technology. In the past, computer developments werheld back, as the machines, though extremely fast, could only perform one binary operation at a time. Today, this is no longer true.

In May 2011, computing company D-Wave released the first commercial quantum computers, which run on complex physics principles to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Deep inside a common computer’s system, all operations boil down to 0’s and 1’s—like an “on” and “off” switch—in the programs. For example, a computer solves the basic numeric operation of 2+2 with a series of 0s and 1s in varying patterns, that will eventually be converted by the machine to print the symbol 4 on the screen. This set of instructions is known as binary code.

The speed of computer operations has been hampered by the fact that it takes time for a machine to go through the lists of 0s and 1s to accomplish a task. Though 2+2 is virtually instantaneous for a modern machine, current computing systems pose a serious time efficiency issue regarding large tasks requiring billions of operations.

Quantum computers, however, have the ability to perform multiple binary tasks simultaneously.

As stated on D-Wave’s website, “the laws of quantum physics, which govern the microscopic world, allow bits of matter to be in two states simultaneously…. [Quantum computing] put[s] bits of information into their 0 and 1 states at the same time.”

Promoters of the invention were skeptical at first, finding the idea esoteric and far-reaching. However, a research group from Burnaby, British Columbia made immense progress in this technological field, making the product a reality.

“At first I thought, ‘this sounds like science fiction’… and many people had told them over the years that [it] is impossible,” said Vern Brownell, CEO of D-Wave, in an email to the Tribune. “But they have really accomplished a miracle to get this far.”

These quantum computers are among the most predominant breakthroughs in worldly applications of deep quantum physics. Numerous corporations are supporting the promotion of these computers, showing a strong public interest in the new technology.

According to a D-Wave press release, “[As of 2010], Lockheed Martin purchased serial number 1, completing the historic first sale of a commercial quantum computer.” Since then, D-Wave has received support from Goldman Sachs, Harris & Harris, the Business Development Bank of Canada, and others.

The press release stated the company had over 100 pending patent applications worldwide, related to quantum computing and superconducting electronics.

Beyond a magnificent technological innovation, these computers show how science on the smallest scales is rapidly becoming more applicable. According to data released by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, the number of companies and organizations involved worldwide in nanotechnology projects has reached 1,200—an increase of 50 per cent since 2011.

With this immense support and  the percent increase in corporations involved, science on the nano and quantum scale is likely to bring rise to more of these “science fiction” innovations previously deemed impossible.

According to ScienceNews, incredible quantum effects, such as the ability to change the outcome of an event after it has happened, quantum teleportation, and quantum computing are properties that are currently being taken advantage of by researchers. These properties could lead to further discoveries that reach beyond basic human understanding.

Another practical use of quantum mechanics recently developed is the nearly perfected secret messaging technology known as cryptography. Based on the principle that a photon of light—a particle carrying light radiation—changes once observed, the code can catch any person trying to intercept the message. Observation of the photons would change the code and alert those on the receiving end to its interception.

The list of developments of recent quantum technology goes on. As the science expands, the previously esoteric quantum mechanics will continue to influence other fields of science, as well as spur invention. D-Wave computers are just the first of several small-scale innovations that lead to large-scale changes in life as we know it.

 

Online brain games may prevent cognitive degeneration. (mindblogs.smartandstrong.com)
a, Science & Technology

Newborn computer games prevent elderly dementia

by Jennifer Lee on

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The feeling of hitting your maximum capacity to remember facts is not a foreign concept to students—especially the night before an exam. Fortunately, one’s cognitive reserve is far from rigid. Recent research has shown that keeping your cognitive faculties active may be instrumental in preventing the age-related neurodegenerative diseases that affect one in every 11 Canadians over the age of 65.

Today, online brain-training programs like Lumosity are at an all-time peak in popularity. Youth and adults alike are more eager than ever to find ways of keeping their minds active and sharp as they age, while enjoying the immediate daily benefits that accompany heightened mental agility.

Now, thanks to McGill’s Dr. Jens Pruessner and his team at the PONDER project, the public can access these online brain training exercises for free, while contributing invaluable data to ground-breaking neurological research.

PONDER—Prevention of Neurological Diseases in Everyone at Risk—is a free, personal mental training program, available to anyone with computer and internet access. Interactive applications accessible through the PONDER website prompt the user to perform challenging memory tasks, designed to improve cognitive function, such as reproducing sequences of picture patterns in the right order.

In conjunction with the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, the McGill Centre for Studies in Aging developed PONDER in hopes of documenting and characterizing successful aging, identifying participants at risk of cognitive deterioration, and preventing the onset of disease where possible. The project has already attracted thousands of participants.

The team at PONDER hopes to achieve its goals through the program’s computer games designed to improve the participants’ attention, along with their working, verbal and long-term memory. Users are also asked to take an online assessment every six months to monitor changes as they age—similar to a doctor’s check up. This assessment allows researchers to harvest longitudinal data—data over a period of time—for further investigation.

“By starting to observe subjects in their 30s or 40s, we can identify sub-groups of participants at risk of developing dementia earlier on,” Pruessner said. “We want to gain a better understanding of each person’s individual trajectory or slope.” Normally, data is collected through cross-sectional testing—a study of many subjects at the same point in time. The downfall of this method is that it takes much longer for the performance of brighter-than-average individuals to fall below the expected norms. Consequently, their dementia may go undiagnosed for far longer.

“It’s possible that your cognitive reserve has declined, but that you may still be above average for your age group,” Pruessner explained. “[Doctors] will believe nothing to be wrong, when this is not actually the case.”

This problem is the reason why there is now a greater need for longitudinal studies, like PONDER, in the field of neuroscience.

Pruessner believes that descent into dementia is like passing a threshold that defines the boundary between normal and impaired cognition. If one’s cognitive reserve is large enough to start, one is more likely to die from other means before ever reaching that threshold.

“Statistically, that’s why higher IQ may be correlated with lower incidences of dementia,” Preussner said. “You would probably see it later, but for some people, that later never comes.”

The team behind the project is therefore hoping to change the way we think about prevention, shifting the focus away from finding a cure for Alzheimer’s to learning about lifestyle changes that can help slow the effects of cognitive decline.

However, the most daunting challenge in combating cognitive deterioration is the fact that diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s can develop inconspicuously in the brain for up to several decades before manifesting themselves as irreversible but detectable symptoms.

Misfolded proteins in the brain, such as beta-amyloids, induce the misfolding of adjacent proteins in a domino effect. These then aggregate into plaques that inhibit proper cell function. However, this process can last up to 20 years before the individual starts noticing a difference.

All too often, we brush aside misplaced keys and forgotten names as a normal and inevitable part of growing old, and it’s often difficult to delineate neurological disease from the natural process of aging.

“This is really the holy grail of modern neuroscience,” Pruessner explained. “How do we differentiate changes that are part of ‘healthy’ cognitive aging, and when do we start to see these changes as more than just normal?”

It may be worthwhile to trade that Facebook scrolling habit for something to keep the cogs in the brain turning instead. Visit ponder.mcgill.ca to enroll for free today, and help McGill researchers combat neurodegenerative disease, one game at a time.

a, Science & Technology

Promising solution for those with poor taste

by Krishanth Manokaran on

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For people without a functional salivary gland, food tastes like it is rolled in sand, says Dr. Simon Tran, Faculty of Dentistry and Canada Research Chair in Craniofacial Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering.

Based on a recent paper by Vijayendra Kumar for the Indian Journal of Stomatology, up to 1.5 litres of saliva is produced in and secreted from the salivary glands every day. Composed mainly of water, saliva contains enzymes and lubricants that help the digestive system break down food, and make speaking, chewing, and swallowing more comfortable.

“Without functioning salivary glands, these actions would prove very difficult,” explained Tran, who has been working on clinical therapies to regenerate lost salivary gland tissue.

Two of the most common reasons for a dysfunctional salivary gland are the result of therapeutic irradiation treatment of patients with head or neck cancer, as well as the autoimmune disease Sjögren’s syndrome.

“Approximately 500,000 new cases of head and neck cancer occur each year worldwide,” Tran said. “Sjögren’s is estimated to affect as many as 4 million people in the United States alone, with nine out 10 patients being women.”

Tran’s lab, based at the Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building, looks to bio-engineer new salivary glands by using bone marrow stem cells. So far, Tran has tested the use of bone marrow cells to bio-engineer salivary glands by means of mice models in the hope of restoring saliva flow. His experiments have been successful, and now Tran is looking ahead to restore salivary flow in humans.

“It’s harder,” Tran said. “The salivary glands, in terms of complexity, are somewhere between skin tissue and the heart.”

Understanding the therapeutic effect of bone marrow stem cells in restoring saliva flow is one of many areas of research on Tran’s list.

Tran and his colleagues have also built a prototype artificial salivary gland using a biodegrable polymer. A small tube-like structure, it is coated with human salivary cells, which would rest in the mouth near the salivary glands. The aim of this prototype is for the cells to form a “basement membrane,” which can lead to the stimulation and regeneration of the salivary tissue cells.

“Meanwhile, there are short term ‘reliefs’ for patients,” Tran said, explaining that artificial saliva or saliva substitutes can be prescribed and are regulated by the FDA as medical devices.

Artificial salivas are used to moisten and lubricate the mouth, but do not stimulate the salivary glands to make saliva, since they have no chemical action. The FDA has also approved several prescription drugs to relieve dry mouth caused by certain medical treatments or conditions, such as Cevimeline for Sjögren’s syndrome and Pilocarpine for radiation of head or neck cancer.

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