What can we conclude from the rash of published papers with obvious fingerprints of ChatGPT?

March 26, 2024 Stephen Heard Biology and Life Sciences, General Science

Over the last few weeks, there’s been a small flood of cases where a published paper turns out to have clear fingerprints of its authors’ use of ChatGPT (or other so-called “artificial intelligence” tools). By “fingerprints” I don’t mean the kind of odd-but-acceptable phrasing ChatGPT sometimes comes up with. I mean laugh-out-loud ridiculous things like...

The Anthropocene: our sedimentary footprint

March 25, 2024 Science Borealis General Science

By Mary Anne Schoenhardt, Science in Society editor What comes to mind when you think of the term Anthropocene? A dystopian novel? A hazy city filled with smog? Or do you think of the Holocene or Pleistocene epochs, and exhibits on evolution at the museum? While it may sound like something out of pop culture,...

Age Is Just a Number, and That Number is 142

March 22, 2024 Research2Reality Communication, Education and Outreach, General Science

Researchers have pinpointed 142 physiological traits where proximity to a homeostatic "sweet spot" is a predictor of good health as we age. Get the full story Age Is Just a Number, and That Number is 142

The Data Is In: Supervised Consumption Sites Are Helping

March 20, 2024 Research2Reality Communication, Education and Outreach, General Science

As the opioid crisis continues claiming lives, a two-year study in Toronto suggests these sites can be effective in lowering overdose fatalities. Get the full story The Data Is In: Supervised Consumption Sites Are Helping

Saskatchewan Success Story: SRC helps the Accelerated Site Closure Program Achieve Award-Winning Results

March 20, 2024April 15, 2024 Saskatchewan Research Council Environmental and Earth Sciences, General Science, Technology and Engineering

During a time when a global pandemic brought industries across the world to a standstill, shuttering businesses and stymying job growth, the Government of Saskatchewan initiated a program to help get people back to work.

We’ve Waited Too Long for Healthcare Solutions

March 19, 2024 Research2Reality Communication, Education and Outreach, General Science

The overcrowded emergency rooms are just the tip of the iceberg in our strained healthcare system. So how do we solve the growing problem? Get the full story We’ve Waited Too Long for Healthcare Solutions

Whether or not your Introduction should include your main result is “the most controversial issue in science”!

March 19, 2024 Stephen Heard Biology and Life Sciences, General Science

OK, it isn’t really, but I enjoyed seeing Dynamic Ecology say so. A couple of weeks ago I argued here that it’s effective, and thus desirable, to end the Introduction of a scientific paper with a brief statement of your main result. But I also admitted that this isn’t universally held opinion; in fact, I’ve...

Loretta Garbutt: A Little Story with a Big Message

March 15, 2024 L. E. Carmichael Biology and Life Sciences, Communication, Education and Outreach, General Science

Welcome to Cantastic Authorpalooza, featuring posts by and about great Canadian children’s book creators! Today’s guest: Loretta Garbutt. Take it away, Loretta! Writing for children is an incredible experience and it’s also a lot of hard work. But, I love it. Not every single minute, but when I sit to write, I feel like I’m...

The Bystander Effect: How Viruses Damage Our Brains

March 14, 2024 Research2Reality Communication, Education and Outreach, General Science

As millions battle lingering neurological symptoms from COVID-19 infections, new research elucidates how viral infections can wreak such havoc. Get the full story The Bystander Effect: How Viruses Damage Our Brains

Joint Effort: Controlling Cravings With Cannabis

March 13, 2024 Research2Reality Communication, Education and Outreach, General Science

Cannabis use could be a harm-reduction tool for people using stimulants such as cocaine, but the effects may not be the same for everyone. Get the full story Joint Effort: Controlling Cravings With Cannabis

General Science