Is Big Brother Really Watching You?
When I started grad school, I noticed a strange pattern occurring as I browsed the internet. The ads that popped up on completely unrelated websites started to show me products...
Are We Prepared? Assessing Outbreak Preparedness in Canada
Infectious outbreaks are an increasing public health concern in today’s modern world. Inevitably, due to growing population sizes, globalization, anti-microbial resistance, and climate change, there is increasing concern surrounding the...
Prescribed by DNA: How Genetic Testing May Inform Personalized Drug Regimens
Studying specific genes that influence a person’s response to medication has become one of medicine’s hottest area of research. The field – aptly named pharmacogenetics after the two areas of research...
Final Destination: Research in the Floating City
‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’ Sound familiar? As inspiring as it sounds, Walt Disney might as well have added: ‘…provided that you get permission’. As scientists,...
Ethics and Exploitation: Conducting Clinical Trials in Developing Countries
Clinical trials are a necessary stepping stone for the development of safe and effective therapeutic agents. Each year approximately 900 new clinical trials are approved in Canada alone, emphasizing the...
Behind the Bench to Behind the Scenes: An Alumni Interview with Dr. Korosh Kianizad
Dr. Korosh Kianizad finished his PhD in 2014, under the supervision of Dr. Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker, determining the molecular requirements for the expression of Delta-like 4, a Notch ligand necessary...
Science & Politics: An Intertwined Web
The relationship between two major powerhouses, science and politics, is incredibly important to society. On one hand, scientists are highly dependent on politicians and the government to fund institutions, research...
Informed Consent: What Are You Saying “Yes” To?
WHAT IS INFORMED CONSENT? Informed consent is necessary for conducting ethical research by ensuring that participants are making free and informed choices for themselves. It can only be given after...
On the State and Ethics of Animals in Science
CONSIDER THIS: A common argument in support of the systemic manipulation of animals is that humans are more intelligent; however, intelligence, sociability, or strength are not prerequisites for feeling pain. What...
Personal Piece – Anonymous
My life experiences have led me to decide to write this piece about mental health and graduate school. I’ve procrastinated and began writing late, which I take as a sign...