Curing chemophobia or, how I learned to stop worrying and love PAHs
by Tyler Irving Chemistry subject editor Are you a chemophobe? Given that you’re reading this on ScienceBorealis.ca, a site dedicated to science communication, I’m going to assume that you’re probably...
View ArticleCanadian advances in “natural” chemistry
by Tyler Irving Chemistry subject editor When people think of chemistry, they generally picture scientists in sterile laboratories creating chemicals that have never been seen before – nothing much...
View ArticleNew nanotechnology, or old chemistry?
by Tyler Irving Chemistry subject editor Chemistry stories are inherently boring. At least, that’s how they’re often seen by the editors I pitch to. The producer of a prominent science news program...
View ArticleChemistry Nobel 2014 – Seeing smaller than light
by Tyler Irving Chemistry subject editor In my last post, I discussed how chemistry is the key to nanotechnology, a hot new field that’s promising to improve everything from smart phones to health...
View ArticleThe Language of Chemistry
by Tyler Irving Chemistry subject editor As a science writer, people often ask me which came first: my passion for chemistry or my love of words and language. I never have a good answer — these things...
View ArticleThe Chemistry Art of Rovena Tey
by Tyler Irving Chemistry subject editor When my wife and I got engaged, one of our friends gave us a very special card featuring a familiar-looking shape. Drawing on my undergraduate chemistry...
View ArticleThe science behind Canada’s ‘other’ Nobel Prize
by Tyler Irving Chemistry subject editor The Nobel Prizes are a bonanza for science communicators, as they give us a rare opportunity to talk about topics that would not otherwise come up in...
View Article8 Canadian Chemists Who Reshaped How We See Our World
by Mika McKinnon, Editorial Manager Eight Canadians changed the path of chemistry, winning Nobel Prizes for their innovative research. These are their discoveries, from exploring ultimate chill to...
View ArticleElizabeth Arden: More Than Just a Beauty Maven
By Connie Tang, Chemistry Co-Editor Elizabeth Arden is an international beauty and cosmetics brand that was founded in 1910. The titular woman wore many hats: successful entrepreneur, businesswoman,...
View ArticleFentanyl Analysis: From the Back Alley to the Crime Lab
Lawrence Cheung, Chemistry Co-editor The widespread use of illegal drugs in British Columbia is chilling. It is a growing epidemic and the number of drug related deaths has increased each year since...
View ArticleTriclosan: A Controversial Chemical in Your Soap
By Connie Tang. Chemistry Co-Editor Triclosan: it’s in your soap, body wash, and your toothpaste. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent added to personal care products, cosmetics, and even toys,...
View ArticleA Natural Approach to Carbon Fibre
by Anita Campanelli, for the second season of the New Science Communicator Series Researchers are working towards developing a new and improved carbon fibre material – one that environmentalists can...
View ArticleThe longer the path… the shorter the travel time?
By Danielle St. Jean, for the second season of the New Science Communicators Series “On a harsh desert evening, Baal Shem Tov, an 18th century Polish rabbi, was travelling with his new students. Having...
View ArticleChemistry CAN Change the World
Thoughts About the Closing Public Outreach Engagement Lecture of the 100th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition By Connie Tang, Chemistry Co-Editor Each year, the Canadian Society of...
View ArticleMolecular gastronomy creations in your own kitchen
By Lawrence Cheung, Chemistry co-editor. A lot of work goes into making a good meal. You have to plan what you want to eat and then you have to gather the ingredients. Cooking the food is the part...
View ArticleA Formidable Woman Takes Her Place in Canadian Chemistry: An Interview with...
By Connie Tang, Chemistry Co-Editor Dr. Katherine Elvira is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Victoria (UVic) in British Columbia. She first discovered her...
View ArticleChemistry: A Science of Order and Exception
By Chantal Mustoe, Chemistry Editor Ever look at a periodic table and wonder why it looks that way? As a chemist, I admire the order and logic of it every single day. To me, the periodic table is a...
View ArticleThe sappy science of maple syrup
Chantal Mustoe, Chemistry co-editor Tap. Tap. Tap. Drip… Drip… Drip… It’s the end of February and maple trees across the country are about to be tapped for their sweet sap. Step 1: Drill a small hole....
View ArticleLa science se cachant derrière le sirop d’érable
Par Chantal Mustoe, co-éditrice Chimie Février tire à sa fin et partout au pays, les érables seront bientôt entaillés afin de recueillir leur sève sucrée. Étape 1 : Percer un petit trou. Étape 2 :...
View ArticleIf you don’t talk to your cat about catnip, who will?
Ainslie Butler, Health, Medicine and Veterinary Sciences editor Is your cat a catnip user? Should you be worried about Princess Fuzzbottom’s drug use? What is catnip? It’s the common name of Nepeta...
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