Science North Science Cafés

With increased demand for resources, the mining industry continues to search for new deposits, often in new places. These deposits are often much deeper underground than deposits that have historically been mined. However, mining in difficult landscapes (such as below 2.5km underground) has major challenges such rock stresses and stability, heat on the human body, ventilation, productivity, and energy consumption, to name a few. What innovative ways are people in the mining industry overcoming these challenges? What does the future of mining look like? Speakers: Charles Nyabeze, Vice President of Business Development CEMI Dr. Tammy Eger, Full Professor in the School of Human Kinetics, Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety with the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University Patti Pegues, Manager of Mine Planning for the North Atlantic Technical Services Department, Vale.

Unfettered experimentation driven by pure curiosity is giving way to a debate over whether to establish “no-go” areas of science—such as using new gene-editing technologies to produce engineered babies, giving flu viruses and other pathogens new capabilities, and engineering microbes to produce illegal drugs. Should we establish no-go areas of research? Who decides and who enforces it? What are the risks of not establishing regulations? Do we limit our potential by limiting ourselves? Speakers: Barbara Ward-Dagnon, CEO Medicor Research Inc Adam Pawluch, Clinical Research Coordinator, Medicor Research Inc. Dr. Farukh Jabeen, Founder and CEO, Avecina MedCann Innovations Dr. Michael Yeo, Full Professor, Department of Philosophy Laurentian University

The current rate of species loss on our planet is alarming, but scientists and conservationists are divided about the best response to this extinction crisis. Is it possible to save all species, and should we even try? What is the value of a species, and what is lost in extinction? If it is not possible to save all species, how should we make decisions about where to focus our conservation efforts? Do we have a responsibility to conserve as many species as possible... or even bring some back? In partnership with Thinking extinction Panelists included: Brett BuchananAssociate Professor, Department of Philosophy, Laurentian University Matt ChrulewAdjunct Researcher, School of Humanities, University of New South Wales David LesbarreresAssociate Professor, Department of Biology, Laurentian University Thomas NuddsProfessor Emeritus, Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph Moderator: Dana MurchisonStaff Scientist, Science North

TV shows and movies about crime solving have exploded in popularity in recent years, but real-life forensic research is much more complicated, and much more diverse, than what we see on the screen. Is forensic science in the media actually affecting real-life court cases, and are criminals walking free because of junk science? Meet experts from Laurentian's Department of Forensic Science and hear some myths busted about forensics. Supported by NSERC. Panelists included: Dr. Scott FairgrieveFull Professor, Department of Forensic Science and Director, Forensic Osteology Laboratory, Laurentian University Dr. Gerard M. CourtinProfessor Emeritus, Adjunct Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Laurentian University Dr. James WattersonAssociate Professor and Chair, Department of Forensic Science, Laurentian University Moderator: Dana MurchisonStaff Scientist, Science North

The beginning of a new year brings with it a flood of new diet and exercise programs promising a new you in the new year. We all want to look better and be healthier, but with this information overload where does one start? Your everyday diet can have major effects on your health and resistance to rampant diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Advice on what constitutes a healthy diet is more prevalent and more inconsistent than ever. High fat? Low fat? High carb? Low carb? How can your diet act as a preventer of disease? What other factors can affect your health? Is there one perfect diet for all?

The uncertain future of Canada's Arctic is a matter of pressing public concern, but most Canadians will never experience this changing landscape firsthand. Most of us must rely instead on information sent back to us by researchers, traditional knowledge holders, and documentarians. But whose stories are being told, and what kinds of images, data, and stories have the greatest impact on motivating public concern? How are scientific and traditional knowledge about Canada's North being integrated? Who speaks for Canada's Arctic: researchers, traditional inhabitants, polar bears, or politicians? This event was part of the Science in Canada's North Café Scientifique Series. Science North gratefully acknowledges the support of the W. Garfield Weston Foundation and the Canadian Association of Science Centres for their support of this event. Panelists included: Jeremy BrammerPh.D. Candidate, Department of Wildlife Biology, McGill University Brandon LaforestPh.D. Candidate, Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University David F. LickleyFilmmaker, Wonders of the Arctic, Lickley Productions Moderator: Dana MurchisonStaff Scientist, Science North

Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection was so revolutionary that it changed the whole field of natural history and the way we see ourselves. Will we ever see another discovery that shifts our paradigms so dramatically? How does evolutionary thought influence current research in molecular genetics? What historical conditions allowed Darwin to arrive at his discovery? In today's research environment, could a self-taught naturalist ever change the way we see our world? Panelists included: Thomas MerrittPhD, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Canada Research Chair in Genomics and Bioinformatics, Laurentian University Peter NoskoPhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Nipissing University Anne ClendinningPhD, Associate Professor, Department of History, Nipissing University David LegrosM.Sc., Natural Heritage Education Specialist, Algonquin Park Moderator: Franco MariottiStaff Scientist, Science North

Artificial intelligence (AI) is creeping into our homes and lives and has the potential to change how we live more than any other technology. While artificially intelligent software is able to understand what movies or music you will like or autonomously drive you to work, there are still questions, myths and safety issues with AI that need to be addressed. How is AI improving the safety and efficiency of our every day jobs? How can AI be used in health, politics, and the environment? Will computers take over jobs in the future? How do we ensure that the goals of AI are aligned with our own?

Cities are relatively recent recent and novel habitats for many animals. Living in an urban environment is not only changing the behaviour of animals but even their core genetic makeup. Habitat fragmentation by roads and highways, the availability of both natural and human foods, the light conditions, and the architecture are all contributing to changes in a range of species.availability of natural foods and human foods, light conditions and architecture are all contributing to changes in different species. What are the risks to biodiversity in urban environments? Are we at risk of increased pests or disease as species evolve? What are the evolutionary consequences for humans living in an urban environment? In partnership with: Laurentian University and the Centre for Evolutionary Ecology and Ethical Conservation.

Most people, at the core, believe themselves to be rational beings. But when you dig down into the psychology of belief, most of us believe things that we have no scientific support for, or hold on to beliefs that we know have been disproven. Why does misinformation stick, and what are the consequences of these mistaken beliefs? As a society, why should we care if people believe things that can be disproven? And at the end of the day, what can we do to make our own belief systems more based in fact? Panelists included: Charles RamcharanPhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biology and Cooperative Freshwater Biology Unit, Laurentian University Chantal BarriaultMSc, Co-Director, Science Communication Graduate Program, Laurentian University Michael EmondPhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Laurentian University Moderator: Dana MurchisonStaff Scientist, Science North

Addiction to technology is a growing issue as it infiltrates every point of our lives. We now play hyper-realistic video games, we invest and foster our relationships through social media, and we are expected to be in touch through mobile devices at all times. But when using technology becomes compulsive and interferes with daily life, can we diagnose this as an addiction? E-addiction, like other addictions can cause neurological complications, psychological disturbances, and social problems. How is technology designed to promote prolonged engagement? How does our brain react to technology? Is e-addiction a symptom of other disorders such as anxiety or depression? How do we treat this new and evolving disorder? Panelists: Dr. Aaron LangilleMaster Lecturer. Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, Laurentian University. Dr. Michel LarivierePracticing Clinical Psychologist at Sudbury Psychology;Full Professor, School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University Danielle WaltenburySenior Scientist, Science North, Parent. Dr. Matias MarianiClinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist at Mariani and Associates Assistant Professor, Northern Ontario School of Medicine Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology, Laurentian University.

What's Coming up for the Fall 2018 Science Café Season

Over the past 120 years, the Sudbury landscape has experienced two dramatic transformations: first from deforestation and pollution and more recently through an ambitious regreening effort. How far have we come towards transforming our city into a sustainable community in a thriving landscape? What remains to be done, and what steps must we now take to achieve our ongoing goals? Discuss these questions, and more, with key players in the regreening effort. Panelists included: Dr. Stephen MonetManager, Environmental Planning Initiatives, City of Greater Sudbury Glen WatsonEnvironmental Biologist, VALE Dr. Peter BeckettBiologist, Laurentian University and Head of City of Greater Sudbury's Regreening Committee Lisa LegerEnvironmental Biologist, Xstrata Nickel Moderator: Jennifer BeaudryStaff Scientist, Dynamic Earth

Do well-meaning foreign aid NGO projects really have a long-lasting positive impact in the communities they are trying to help? What are the factors behind successful projects, and how can you ensure that your aid is really helping?

Headlines have been dominated by recent announcements of the closing and withdrawal of funding of several of Canada’s leading environmental research stations, including the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) and Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Lab ...

Scientific research pushes the boundaries of what we know and uncovers new truths about the world around us. But how is scientific truth established? With sometimes contradictory findings in the news, how do we know what to believe?

Depression is a serious mental health concern that not only affects brain and behavior—it affects the entire body. While depression is a common mental illness among the general population, it is even more likely to occur in those with type 2 diabetes.

One of the most identifying and unifying features of the Arctic is ice, and the properties of ice and the ecosystems it supports are fundamental to understanding the Arctic now and in the future. The area of the Arctic that is covered by ice year round...

The BODY WORLDS family of exhibitions exists because individuals choose to donate their bodies for plastination. This may seem extraordinary, but we all make decisions that require us to consider the "ownership" of our bodies.

SNOLAB is a world-class particle research facility, located two kilometres below the ground at the Vale Creighton mine in Lively. This Café focused on how, and why SNOLAB hunts for dark matter and neutrino particles.

Commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's first and final voyage with a look backward in time and forwards to the future. From identifying the youngest victim of the Titanic, to personalized medicine and genetic counselling,