Category Archives: Science Communication

The Midway Project

Posted on February 13, 2012 by c.lee | 4 comments

: Photo by: Midway Journey @ Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/midwayjourney)

How does an albatross and a piece of plastic relate to one another? The connection isn’t obvious, but to those who are part of The Midway Journey, it is. I recently came across a haunting image of what appeared to be a bird of some type with plastic pieces inside of it. At first glance, I thought the pieces had been placed their for some unknown purpose, but after some research I realized this was not the case. The image I saw is linked here (photo cred: Chris Jordan @ Midway Project), just in case there are some who are wary with these kind of things (I know I am).

You are probably wondering what is happening. These birds live on a series of islands called the Midway Atoll. For those who are familiar with the Battle of Midway, this is the very place the naval battles occurred. Presently, these islands serve as a home for a large population of the world’s albatross. It is unfortunate to know that human habitation has altered the living conditions of these islands and parts around it. The most notable development is probably the huge amounts of garbage being dumped into the Pacific Ocean, at such a great calibre that a plastic belt extends from Hawaii to Japan. This extensive area of garbage has now been coined the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” and was brought to light by an oceanographer by the name of Charles Moore. This increase in garbage has forced the residing albatross to unknowingly feed their young pieces of plastic, mistaking them as food.

Studies have shown a negative correlation between plastic ingestion and albatross chick survival rate. It has been suggested that due to the increase in plastic digestion, the chicks are not actually consuming food and therefore die of emaciation and dehydration. The Midway Project aims to document the reality of our consumption of plastics and its detrimental effects on the environment around us. By taking pictures of the Midway Islands, they aim to share their journey and increase awareness. This is a real concern as plastics are insoluble in water and their durable properties make them very resilient to degradation. Not only is this a problem in the Midway Islands, but scientists have also discovered other areas like in the North Atlantic Ocean where our plastic debris is accumulating, similar to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. I’ve included a short video below for more information about the Midway Project. I highly recommend checking out them out!

References

4 Comments

Posted in Issues in Science, Public Engagement, Science Communication

Happily Ever After

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Jenny Ito | 4 comments

Design by Viktor Hertz

With St. Valentine’s Day fast approaching, whether you are celebrating it, resenting it, or simply ignoring it, I thought it would be appropriate to research on the phenomenon of online dating.

A recent study on online dating lead by Dr. Eli Finkel from Northwestern University examines studies carried out by groups of psychologists as early as 1995, when the infamous Match.com opened for business. Online dating may sound silly to you (and me), but it is a multi-billion-dollar industry that provides the platform for spending even more money on days like Valentine’s day.

Photo from Frederick Basket

For guys out there, it may come to no surprise that according to the Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada, Men spend $158 on gifts on this day alone.

But before you move to spending money on gifts, let’s focus on the portal to happily ever after.

Data cited from Dr. Finkel’s paper suggests that 78% of North Americans have access to the internet in 2011. Thus, internet has now become the optimal platform for a third party intervention for match-making.

The resources for offline dating transfers directly to online dating.

Access: diverging from the traditional offline matchmaking, we now rely on the profiles generated by the online dating site. Another study by Dr. Catalina Toma and Dr. Jeffrey Hancock published earlier this month presents scientific evidence on how writing styles are directly correlated with trustworthiness for online dating profiles. This attributes the falsehood already present in the pool of potential partners. Not only might they have pro Photoshop skills, they might also write beautifully to further deceive you!
Communication: this refers to the various computer-mediated communication such as Skype or MSN to interact with potential partners before meeting face-to-face.
Matching: this is accomplished by the site’s use of mathematical algorithms to select the potential “soul mates” for their users. However, Dr. Finkel states that there is no scientific proof that the outcomes of these algorithms will provide a route to lasting relationships.

While online dating with its downfalls and falsehoods may still prove to be a supermarket of love, there is a hefty price for quality service. Different sites may claim to provide unique portals to finding a potential partner, but there will be no guarantees (just like in offline dating, of course, minus the fees).

But if you, or your friends, really do not want to celebrate Single Awareness (or Appreciation) Day tomorrow, here is a video on tips to online dating to get started! Happy fishing!

—
To see where all your money went on Valentine’s Day, click here.
The trend on average Valentine’s Day spending per consumer, by year, here.
Read the full article on The Economist, here.
Read the full paper on the review of online dating studies (as hyper-linked above), here.
Read the full paper on how online profiles are a lie, here.

4 Comments

Posted in Public Engagement, Science Communication, Science in the News

Tagged internet, love, online dating, relationships, socializing, spending money, Valentine's Day

History of Science

Posted on February 13, 2012 by yusraq | 3 comments

I recently took a journey—a “staycation” you may call it. It was an eye-opening experience enriched with history, with mathematics, with architecture, with various other aspects of knowledge. And science, you may ask? Definitely.

Intrigued by the lone black and white poster surrounded by blurring splashes of colour in Buchanan D, I stepped closer to read “Islam Awareness Week at UBC! Visit our booth in the SUB from Feb 13-17 and find out about… Islam and Science!” Curiosity piqued, I rushed to a computer and that’s where it all began.

My very first stop on this journey was the United States Library of Congress — it’s ceiling, to be exact. This famous ceiling contains the names of all the previous nations that have been prevalent in the spread of knowledge through history. Amongst the names of numerous countries such as Italy, Greece, Germany, Spain, and Britain, was one religion: Islam.

Islam? How could this be? I delved into the literature, sprinted across fields of research and came across gem after gem. Here are a few:

Gem #1: Muhammad Ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi, a Muslim mathematician, invented algebra, arithmetic and introduced Arabic numerals. His method was deemed to be far more superior than the current European system of arithmetic of the time, which was based on Roman numerals. (Imagine doing this on a math test: CXXIII x XI = MCCCLIII. Aren’t you glad we use this instead: 123 x 11 = 1353?) His work was first referenced by Fibonacci, the Italian mathematician in a book titled Liber Abaci.

Gem #2: Ibrahim al-Uqlidisi, a Muslim scholar in the 10th century, created the decimal system to describe fractions. This is such an integral part of our everyday life that it seems impossible that we once existed without this concept.

Gem #3: Al-Zahrawi (known in the West as Abulcasis), a Muslim physician, is regarded as the father of modern surgery. He was the first physician to describe surgical procedures such as one for an ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy in which the embryo grows outside the womb.

Gem #4: Ibn Sina, one of the greatest Muslim legends of the Islamic golden age, compiled an encyclopedia over a million words long which became the standard European medical reference work. This work included a description of the six motor muscles of the eye and the various types of hepatitis as well as their causes among many other medical concepts. Today, his portrait adorns the hall of the School of Medicine in the University of Paris.

The one thing these great scientists had in common was their religion—Islam. Their motivation and determination for seeking knowledge was encouraged by Islam. Prophet Muhammad (May Peace and blessings be Upon Him) to whom the message of Islam and Quran was revealed stated that

“For him who embarks on the path of seeking knowledge, Allah (God) will ease for him the way to paradise.”

and

“Seeking knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim”

3 Comments

Posted in Public Engagement, Science Communication, Uncategorized

Tagged History, Islam, Medicine, numbers, Religion and Science

BRINGING THE OUTDOOR, INDOOR

Posted on January 23, 2012 by ktan | 1 comment

Who would have known that those days when you are stuck indoor, confined in dark workspaces while anxious to catch a glimpse of a clear open sky are soon over?

No, you still are not allowed to bring your cubicle outdoor, but researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) at Germany had collaborated with LED Maker, LEiDs, to bring the sky into your office instead.

Fraunhofer researchers believe that environmental factors play a great role in mood and productivity in the workplace. Which is why they have meticulously examined how natural light changes as clouds move across the sky throughout the day. The Fraunhofer researchers have then successfully designed a luminous ceiling that simulates natural lighting conditions like clouds passing overhead across an entire room.

This ceiling is made up of 50cm by 50cm tiles, each comprising of 288 red, blue, green and white light emitting diodes (LEDs) so as to display a full light-spectrum, thus generating millions of colors and even animated effects. These white LEDs are also said to be more energy efficient than the colored ones, hence keeping the energy cost to a minimum. The researchers have also attached a diffuser film about 30cm beneath the LEDs to make the light spread out evenly across the room.

The dynamic luminous ceiling gives office staff the pleasant feeling that they are working under the open sky. (Photo: Fraunhofer IAO)

“The LEDs allow us to simulate these dynamic changes in lighting in a way that is not directly obvious to the naked eye. Otherwise the lighting might distract people from their work. But it does need to fluctuate enough to promote concentration and heighten alertness,” explains Dr. Matthias Bues, head department at the IAO.

The researchers have conducted a small study comprising of 10 volunteers who worked under the cloud ceiling in a span of 4 days with 3 different settings of light shifting from static, gentle and then to rapid fluctuations. 80 percent of the volunteers preferred the latter.

Apparently, the researchers will be exhibiting a 2.8m by 2.8m virtual sky at a trade fair in Germany on March 2012. Right now, this innovation costs approximately 1,000 euros (1,300CAD) per square meter, but the makers expect this price to drop as it becomes more cost-effective when production of units increase.

Being an outdoorsy person, I personally think it’s a great invention especially if I’m unfortunate enough to end up working in an office without any windows in sight all day long in the future.

1 Comment

Posted in Science Communication

Tagged 2012, ceiling, Germany, inventions, office, sky, workspace, workspace environment

Science Beyond Six Digits

Posted on January 23, 2012 by nellie | 1 comment

As a student in UBC’s Faculty of Science, I often hear my peers talk about how they plan to use their education to earn a six-figure income. In truth, it frustrates me to see how selfish my generation has become. We are receiving the best education in the world, and yet, it seems that the mindset of many science students and professors alike, has now become: get a lab, make a drug, set up your own company, and sell the drug for big bucks.

Yet, I recently had the pleasure of listening to a presentation given by Dr. Kishor Wasan. Dr. Wasan, director and co-founder of UBC’s Neglected Global Diseases Initiative (NGDI), renewed my hope in the type of science that goes beyond just me and my needs.

Dr. Wasan’s accomplishments are incredible, to say the least. In the seventeen years that Dr. Wasan has been an independent researcher at UBC, he has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and 240 abstracts. He has won numerous awards, including the Canadian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences Leadership award for outstanding contributions to Pharmaceutical Sciences. However, upon meeting Dr. Wasan, you will realize that despite all of his articles and awards, he is most proud of his work through NGDI.

Truth be told, Dr. Wasan was inspired by a medical student to co-found NGDI. When the president of the UBC Chapter of the Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM) club approached Dr. Wasan one day in June 2009 and proceeded to tell Dr. Wasan how he should use his research and development of oral lipid-based Amphotericin B formulations (PubMed) to treat a neglected disease called leishmaniasis, which is a prominent cause of death in third world countries, Dr. Wasan did not even know what leishmaniasis was. Dr. Wasan says that at the time when the UAEM president challenged him to take action, he was more ready to start his own business and make millions of dollars, than to help others. Yet, the hope, determination, and inspiration he saw in his students moved him from greed to greater good; Thus, NGDI was created.

Image: Skin ulcer due to leishmaniasis

NGDI-UBC serves to unite research and initiatives for neglected global diseases and to ensure the delivery of essential medicines, vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, micronutrients, and prophylactic measures to those in need. For Dr. Wasan, this means that his development of oral lipid-based Amphotericin B can be delivered to countries where patients are suffering from leishmaniasis. Although it is a grass roots initiative, the essence of NGDI is to take UBC research on neglected global diseases from conception of the interventions to the final use in afflicted individuals.

All this being said, I hope that more and more scientists will also choose the path of helping others over the path of making money, much like Dr. Wasan did. After all, it is incredible to realize and necessary to understand that what we gain from our education can truly be used to save a life.

References:

1 Comment

Posted in Biological Sciences, Issues in Science, Public Engagement, Science Communication, Uncategorized

Tagged Dr. Kishor Wasan, Leishmaniasis, The Greater Good, UBC Science, UBC-NGDI

Robots are going to rule the world!

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Jenny Ito | 2 comments

How many of us watched “i Robot” featuring Will Smith back in 2004, and was freaked out upon the thought of futuristic robots dominating the world? Well, less than a decade later, there is a chance of this happening at a place close to home—At the University of Ottawa.

The director of this project, Professor Emil Petriu, is a computer engineer at the University of Ottawa. He has been working on a robot that will mimic human facial expressions and sensory processes which will be useful not only in areas such as nursing, but could also act as a companion.

Dr.Petriu claims that as our society is becoming more and more disconnected, this awesome robot is going to meet the needs of physical companionship without the complications of human relationship. Maybe robots will be the new dogs—A man’s best friend.

Model of a robot based on drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. Photo by Erik Möller.

From the early sketchings of Leonardo da Vinci’s (1452 – 1519) humanoid robot in 1495 to the tea serving karakuri dolls built by Japanese craftsman Hisashige Tanaka (1799-1881), we have definitely come a long way in terms of robot building. But are these technological advances really a helpful alternative to improving the social relationships among human beings, or are they simply encouraging the growing gap between human interactions?

Tea Serving Karakuri. Photo by PHGCOM.

While the idea of robots being integrated into our society seems cool, but how many of us can actually adapt to this change? Dr. Petriu has apparently already thought of a solution to this problem.

“We are using biology as our source of inspiration. Human beings are most comfortable interacting with devices that move and respond the same way we do,” says Dr. Petriu. His team of scientists are using a coding system that will program the artificial skin over the robot’s skull so the expressions will appear familiar and authentic. Dr. Petriu also mentions, “It’s critical that they should have a warm, fuzzy feeling or they don’t feel human.” How is an artificial machine going to give a warm and fuzzy feeling, you ask? Apparently, they will match the temperature of the human skin by embedding white tubes that circulate hot water in the robot’s skin. Why didn’t I think of that?

If this is unimaginable to you, the Japanese scientists at the Tsukuba Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology have already created and is test running their version of the nurse robot, Actroid-F, as seen in the video below. (Apologies about the language not being in English, but the demonstration is self-explanatory.)

All in all, this seems pretty creepy to me. What do you think?

To find out more, read the abstracts of Dr. Emil Petriu‘s published articles relating to this project here, here, and here. (Hover over the links to see what it’s about.) The full article on CBC News can be found here.

2 Comments

Posted in Biological Sciences, Issues in Science, Public Engagement, Science Communication, Science in the News

Tagged companionship, nursing, robots, robots and humans symbiotic relationship., social interactions, Tsukuba Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, university of ottawa

Is Facebook making you sad?

Posted on January 21, 2012 by jckim | 3 comments

Facebook Logo / Source: Google images

Facebook is a social networking site that allows us to make a personal profile, upload pictures, add friends, and much more. People can stay in touch with friends and family easily with Facebook. You can literally see where your friends are and what they are doing, but this may lead to a phenomenon generally known as “Facebook depression.”

Sociologists Hui-Tzu Grace Chou and Nicholas Edge at Utah Valley University published a new study that found that the hours spent on social networking sites, such as Facebook, is related to the belief that others are happier.

In this study, 425 undergraduate students in various academic disciplines of study at Utah Valley University answered to questionnaires that included items measuring years of using Facebook, time spent on Facebook each week, number of people listed as their Facebook “friends,” and perceptions about others’ lives.

The results showed that those spending more time on Facebook each week agreed more that others had better lives. Also, those that have used Facebook for a longer period of time agreed more that others were happier and agreed less that life is fair. The study claims that this is due to the fact that Facebook users tend to upload pictures of cheerful faces that portray a message to others. Chou quoted in an interview with the ‘Daily Mail’ that “Looking at happy pictures of others on Facebook gives people an impression that others are ‘always’ happy and having good lives.”

Source: Google images

See video for more on “Facebook depression.”

Now, why is this research important? It’s because Facebook is very popular. I think it is safe to say that everyone in developed countries have been on Facebook or have at least heard of it. According to Wikipedia, as of 2012, Facebook has over 800 million active users. If you are a part of that 800 million, let me ask you a question. Why are you using Facebook? Are you using it to stay close and keep in touch with your family and friends? Or are you using it to portray how happy you are to your Facebook “friends”?

3 Comments

Posted in Science Communication, Science in the News

Tagged depression, facebook, facebook depression, research, social networking

Category Archives: Science Communication

The Midway Project

Happily Ever After

History of Science

BRINGING THE OUTDOOR, INDOOR

Science Beyond Six Digits

Add Users

Recent Posts

Categories

Authors

Blogroll

Science Feeds

Category Archives: Science Communication

Add Users

Recent Posts

Categories

Authors

Blogroll

Tags