Users of genetic ancestry tests tend to “cherry pick” races they identify with, UBC study finds
By Marina Wang A new study has found that users of genetic ancestry tests such as ancestry.ca or MyHeritage tend to select which races to identify with based on preconceived biases. “People often buy these genetic ancestry tests because they’re
Ontario Election: Here’s what to expect with Ford sworn in as premier
By Marina Wang Friday, June 29 will see Doug Ford, leader of the Progressive Conservatives, officially made premier of Ontario. Campaign slogans included “for the people” and “Ontario is open for business” but the party platform has been short on
More women in government leads to less corruption, study finds
By Marina Wang A new study has found that corruption is lower in countries that have a higher proportion of women politicians. The study, conducted across 125 countries, found the relationship to be causal and posits that corruption may be
Loneliness associated with doubled mortality risk in heart disease patients, new study finds
By Marina Wang A new study has further confirmed the adverse health effects that feeling lonely can have. Of patients with heart disease, loneliness was associated with doubled mortality risk in women and nearly doubled in men. A growing body
UBC study finds a quarter of seafood in Vancouver mislabelled
By Marina Wang The next time you dole out for some pricey red snapper at a restaurant, there’s a strong possibility that you’re actually paying for cheaper tilapia. A new study from UBC has found that an average 25 per
Newly discovered type of photosynthesis could aid in the search for alien life
By Marina Wang Scientists have recently discovered a new type of photosynthesis that could change the search for alien life as well as improve engineered crops. Photosynthesis typically occurs using a pigment called chlorophyll a which uses red light to
What’s in a name? Study criticizes planning of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside by examining place names
By Marina Wang A new study uses critical toponymy, or the historical and political implications of place-naming, as a lens to critique Vancouver Downtown Eastside’s Local Area Planning Process (LAPP). The study examined how various naming conventions around the neighborhood
Rare, ancient mammal named after David Bowie’s alter ego
By: Marina Wang Researchers in Brazil have newly described a species of ancient mammal and named the creature Brasilestes stardusti, after Ziggy Stardust as a tribute to David Bowie’s alter ego. The new species was based on a fossil discovered in
New study finds most supplements have little to no effect on heart health
By: Marina Wang Common belief holds that supplementary vitamins can boost overall health and longevity, but a new study has found that to be largely untrue—at least when it comes to heart health. According to a review published in the
Ontario election: Progressive Conservatives take majority government
By Marina Wang Within 15 minutes of the polls closing, Doug Ford, leader of the Progressive Conservatives, was projected to be the next premier of Ontario. Six minutes later, the Progressive Conservatives were declared a majority government. The Progressive Conservatives,
