Blair is a multimedia freelance journalist and emergency and critical care doctor based in Toronto, Canada.  He received his journalism training at the Munk School of Global Affairs and his research training at the Institute for Medical Sciences, both at U of Toronto. His medical training was at ...

Investigation finds a big hike in youth demand for mental health care

03 Jun 2017  |  Radio-Canada  |  English  |  University Students' Mental Health

The Toronto Star and Ryerson School of Journalism have conducted a joint investigation revealing a significant increase in mental health issues among Canadian youth, particularly university students. The investigation, which involved emergency doctor Blair Bigham, found a 50% rise in depression and anxiety in the past three years. Factors contributing to this surge include the pervasive nature of social media, economic pressures, and changes in parenting styles. Despite more open discussions about mental health, the demand for services has outpaced the support available at universities and in the public health system. The article highlights the need for a comprehensive mental health strategy to address the growing needs of young Canadians.

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McGill University Toronto Star Ryerson School of Journalism Hamilton Health Sciences

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The Problem With the ‘Magical Children’ of the Telepathy Tapes

20 Mar 2025  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Podcast

The article critically examines the podcast 'Telepathy Tapes,' which claims that non-verbal children with severe autism possess psychic abilities. Despite its popularity, the podcast faces criticism for lacking scientific evidence and potentially exploiting hopeful narratives. Experts argue that the claims may be explained by facilitated communication rather than telepathy. The podcast taps into a post-COVID openness to fringe theories, but skepticism remains about its assertions of a global spiritual awakening led by these 'magical children.'

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McGill University Skeptical Inquirer Atlantic

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Nicole Chang is a journalist based in Paris, France. She has more than 5 years’ worth of professional journalism experience, and has lived in Singapore, London and Shanghai. She is a native English speaker, and also knows Mandarin and French.

How speaking other languages affects our brain

04 Aug 2022  |  noticias.uol.com.br  |  Portuguese  |  Cognitive Science

Speaking multiple languages can lead to accidental slips where words, grammar, and accents mix. Research reveals that multilingual individuals often have all their known languages active simultaneously, leading to potential interference. Studies by experts like Mathieu Declerck and Tamar Gollan show that this interference can affect vocabulary, grammar, and even pronunciation. The phenomenon of 'inverted dominance' can make a person's dominant language less accessible in certain contexts. Immersion in a foreign language environment can help manage this competition between languages. While the cognitive benefits of multilingualism are debated, it is associated with better executive control and delayed dementia symptoms.

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University of McGill University of Brussels University of California

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Seasoned journalist with over nineteen years of experience in conceptualizing, developing and producing engaging and informative content for television and digital channels. Offers a keen sense of compelling storytelling, skillfully weaving content with visually engaging components to draw in ...

CRISPR-Cas9: The science behind the world’s first gene-edited babies

05 Mar 2019  |  Global News  |  English  |  Designer Babies

In late 2018, Jiankui He, a scientist from Southern University of Science and Technology in China, claimed to have created the world's first gene-edited babies using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This announcement sparked global controversy and ethical debates within the scientific community. Experts like Sarion Bowers and John Bergeron criticized the move as unethical and scientifically premature. CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing tool, has significant potential beyond designer babies, including applications in agriculture and cancer treatment. The incident has prompted important discussions about the responsible use of gene-editing technologies.

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McGill University Southern University of Science and Technology Wellcome Sanger Institute New York Genome Centre NYU

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Eduardo Franco Berton is an investigative environmental journalist, nature photographer and documentary filmmaker Msc. in Climate Change with experience reporting on climate change, biodiversity, conservation issues and indigenous populations, based in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. (Capable to ...

The case for maintaining water fluoridation in West Island

28 Oct 2024  |  montrealgazette  |  English  |  Local Government

The article argues against Montreal's decision to stop fluoridating West Island water by 2025, emphasizing the public health benefits and cost-effectiveness of fluoridation. It criticizes city councillor Maja Vodanovic's reasons for ceasing fluoridation, highlighting that fluoridation reduces dental decay and is a proven public health measure. The authors, affiliated with McGill University and the University of Calgary, advocate for maintaining fluoridation to prevent dental diseases, especially among disadvantaged groups, and suggest that municipalities should cooperate with federal efforts to reduce dental treatment costs.

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Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary McGill University Montreal City Council

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Claire Gillespie is a journalist based in Glasgow, UK. Before the digital age, she wrote for several Scottish publications including The Herald, Daily Record and The Big Issue. A former parenting editor at SheKnows.com, the biggest women's digital lifestyle media brand in the US, she knows the ...

Videographer ,photographer ,documentary movie maker

U.S. cereal rye winter cover crop growth database

07 Mar 2024  |  www.nature.com  |  English  |  Data Collection

The article presents a study on cereal rye, a common winter cover crop in the United States, focusing on its biomass production and associated ecosystem services. The study compiled plot-level observations from various agronomic, soil, and climate conditions across the eastern half of the United States. Data included biomass, nitrogen content, carbon to nitrogen ratio, and other agronomic and soil metrics. The study aimed to help farmers optimize cover crop termination timing for maximum benefits and support the adoption of winter cover crops for climate resilience and reduced soil erosion. The dataset excluded outliers and observations from sites terminating cover crops after May. Statistical analysis was performed using R software, and the final dataset showed a mean cereal rye biomass of 3,428 kg ha−1. The variability in biomass production was attributed to differences in agronomic, soil, and climate factors.

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McGill University Purdue University West Texas A&M University Tennessee State University University of Maryland USDA-ARS Texas A&M University University of Nebraska-Lincoln Virginia Tech University of Missouri University of Kentucky University of Vermont Extension University of Florida Ohio State University North Carolina State University Louisiana State University AgCenter Iowa State University University of Minnesota Cornell University Michigan State University University of Delaware Mississippi State University Navajo Technical University University of Arkansas Clemson University University of Wisconsin–Madison Montana State University Pennsylvania State University University of Tennessee at Martin Beltsville Agricultural Research Station

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Kate Johnson is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She covers lifestyle trends in wellness, spirituality, food, leisure and technology. She has an MA in International Journalism with distinction from London's City University and has written for Vice, BBC Good Food, Stylist and Positive ...

Helicobacter pylori Infection Linked to Increased Risk of Alzheimer's

13 Dec 2023  |  Medscape  |  English  |  Dementia

A recent study suggests that adults with a history of clinically apparent Helicobacter pylori infection have an 11% increased risk for Alzheimer's disease compared to those without such exposure. The research, led by Paul Brassard, MD from McGill University, analyzed data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink and found a moderate but statistically significant association between the infection and Alzheimer's disease. The study indicates that Helicobacter pylori infection could be a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's, but emphasizes the need for large-scale, randomized trials to confirm the impact of controlling this bacterium. The findings were published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia on December 13. Critics, such as David S. Knopman, MD from the Mayo Clinic, warn that the small effect size and potential for misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's in the study could lead to misleading conclusions.

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McGill University Medscape Medical News UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Canadian Institutes of Health Research

I'm a freelance business and technology journalist based in Dublin, Ireland. I primarily cover the European tech industry and regulation with a particular focus on sectors like fintech, transport and VC.

BXVentures Raising $250 Million To Back Climate Tech “Trapped” In Universities

27 Sept 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Start-ups

BXVentures, a New York-based climate venture studio, has launched a new fund of up to $250 million to support early-stage climate tech start-ups, particularly those emerging from universities. The studio, which operates in Montreal, New York, and Brussels, aims to commercialize promising technologies that are often difficult to launch. BXVentures has partnered with McGill University to finance and commercialize clean tech innovations, offering the university a mix of equity and royalties. The venture studio's approach includes creating companies from scratch and providing both capital and operational support, which has historically resulted in higher success rates. Notable investments include Fex Energy, focused on long-duration energy storage, and Thermo Power Systems, which addresses energy wastage in industrial settings.

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McGill University UCLouvain

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Samantha Lande is a journalist based in Chicago, United States of America.

Hope for Catching Infants With CP Early

17 Jan 2023  |  www.medscape.com  |  English  |  Medical Research

A new prognostic tool developed by Canadian researchers may enable earlier identification of infants with cerebral palsy (CP), potentially improving outcomes through early therapies. The tool, which uses 12 clinical variables, predicted 75% of CP cases and was found to identify 2.4 times more children with CP than current diagnostic methods. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, suggests integrating the tool into routine newborn screenings. It is cost-effective and does not require specialized equipment or training. The study also highlights the importance of addressing maternal and reproductive health to reduce CP risk. While the tool is promising, further research is needed to catch CP cases without known risk factors.

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McGill University University of Calgary Canadian Cerebral Palsy Registry Yale New Haven Children's Hospital NeuroDevNet KidsBrainHealth Montreal Children's Hospital Public Health Agency of Canada

Sarah is a multimedia journalist based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her expertise is radio, but she is also handy when it comes to video and print mediums as well. While Canada serves as a home base, she also travels through the Middle East and Europe looking for new stories to tell.

Swoop flies back to city after pandemic halt

23 Apr 2021  |  Winnipeg Free Press  |  English  |  Travel

Swoop, a low-fare carrier and subsidiary of WestJet, has resumed flights to Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport after a year-long suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline is initially focusing on essential travel with limited flights to Hamilton and Abbotsford, with plans to expand to Kelowna in June. The return is part of a broader trend in the airline industry, which is banking on increased vaccination rates to drive recovery. Expert Karl Moore notes the potential profitability for low-fare carriers as business travel remains low. Air Canada's recent financial support from the federal government is also influencing market dynamics.

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McGill University Federal Government of Canada

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Emmanuel Paul is a tech journalist, script writer, podcast host, and narrator for one of Africa's largest digital media publications. With 6 years experience in freelance writing and professional journalism, he has deep understanding of the business, political, and technology sector in Africa.

Fintech's role in sustaining Nigeria's family businesses

23 Apr 2024  |  Techpoint Africa  |  English  |  Access to Credit

Family-owned businesses in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the GDP, face challenges in accessing capital and managing finances. Despite their global prevalence, these businesses often lack access to traditional credit, with only 4% of Nigeria's MSMEs having such access. Fintech companies like Moniepoint are stepping in to bridge this gap, offering loans and financial services that help these businesses adapt and grow. The rise of fintech solutions is seen as a promising development for the future of family-owned businesses, providing them with necessary financial tools and insights.

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McGill University Wharton University Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria National Bureau of Statistics EFInA Paris School of Economics KPMG

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Nastasia Peteuil is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Xavier Rouxel wants to change the content of our plates with his 'Gardyn'

06 Jun 2023  |  French Morning US  |  French  |  Business

François-Xavier Rouxel created an indoor garden system called 'Gardyn', powered by artificial intelligence, which has reached over 40,000 American homes, especially during the Covid crisis. With a team spread across the United States, designers in Grenoble, and a production factory in China, Rouxel's company aims to improve consumer diets and reduce the environmental impact of fruit and vegetable production. Gardyn has raised significant funding, with $15 million in 2021 and $35 million in 2022, and has produced nearly 900,000 kg of pesticide-free plants.

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McGill University Capgemini European Union

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Daniel Rivas is a journalist based in Madrid, Spain.

The Role of the Kynurenine Pathway in the Pathophysiology of Frailty, Sarcopenia, and Osteoporosis

13 Jul 2023  |  MDPI  |  English  |  Inflammaging

The review article discusses the kynurenine pathway's role in the pathophysiology of aging-related conditions such as frailty, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis. It highlights the pathway's modulation by inflammatory factors in older individuals, a process termed inflammaging. The article suggests that disruptions in the kynurenine pathway due to chronic inflammation or changes in gut microbiota can lead to increased serum levels of toxic metabolites, which are associated with these conditions. Conversely, anabolic products of the pathway may have positive effects on skeletal muscle and bone. The review also explores the potential of kynurenines as biomarkers and targets for new pharmacological treatments.

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McGill University McGill University Health Centre Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón

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Looking for Yoga Instructor course? Training & Certification for Teachers.

Here Are Top-Ranking Universities In Canada For Indian Students In 2023

28 Nov 2023  |  www.indiatimes.com  |  English  |  International Students

Canada is a preferred destination for Indian students due to its safe, inclusive environment and top-ranking universities. The University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta, University of Waterloo, McMaster University, University of Calgary, Queen's University, University of Montreal, and Simon Fraser University are highlighted for their academic excellence, research, and supportive student environments. Prospective students are advised to explore official university websites and consult recent rankings for detailed information.

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University of Waterloo University of Alberta McGill University University of British Columbia University of Toronto McMaster University University of Calgary Queen's University University of Montreal Simon Fraser University

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Simona Torrettelli is a journalist based in Loano, Italy.

Fast Radio Bursts, intercepted new mysterious signals from space

01 Aug 2019  |  it.blastingnews.com  |  Italian  |  Space Exploration

Canadian radiotelescope Chime has detected eight new mysterious fast radio bursts (FRBs) from space, adding to the ongoing enigma surrounding these extragalactic signals. The FRBs, which can be repetitive or non-repetitive, are believed to originate from deep space, possibly from phenomena involving neutron stars. The team from McGill University, led by astrophysicist Andersen, noted variations in the repetition rates and intensities of the signals. One of the signals appears to be relatively close to our galaxy, though still billions of light-years away.

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McGill University Chime

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Eileen Truax is a veteran journalist specialized in migration and politics. She’s a Knight-Wallace Fellow 2019-2020 at the University of Michigan. She currently lives in Ann Arbor.

Eileen was born in Mexico City, where she was a political reporter and a Congress correspondent. In 2004 she moved ...

Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States

20 Jan 2021  |  gatopardo.com  |  Spanish  |  Women's Rights

Kamala Harris, the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States, represents a significant milestone in American politics. Her diverse background and career achievements are celebrated, highlighting her role in breaking barriers and advancing representation for women and minorities. The article also discusses her personal life, including her supportive family and her husband's adaptation to his new role. Harris's political journey, including her controversial decisions as a prosecutor and her progressive stances on various issues, is examined. The narrative underscores the symbolic and practical implications of her vice presidency in a racially and politically divided America.

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University of Howard University of McGill University of Georgetown University of California Berkeley The New Yorker Senate Spouses Club Senate Wives Club Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) Alpha Kappa Alpha DLA Piper

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