Categories
Biology

3 Fascinating Species Invading Vancouver This Summer

British Columbia’s coast is a complex, lush mosaic. A constant sluice of rain saturates the dark earth, coaxing plant life into the warm salty air. Vancouver in particular has ecosystems unlike any on the planet. Our city is enclosed by enchanting rain forests, boggy sumps, and verdant riverbanks, while urban green spaces brim with chlorophyllic potential. Plants both native […]

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Physics

Proba-V Satellite 1Km Photos: I can see my plants from here!

Global vegetation satellite Proba-V has produced some of the best photos of Earth yet. The washing-machine-sized observer has a 2,200-km-wide field of view, and shoots in specific frequencies of red and blue wavelengths that target vegetable growth. This allows us to monitor deforestation, track the spread of deserts, and keep tabs on inland water resources. The earth-watcher can even alert authorities […]

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Biology Chemistry Physics

Bikinis and sashimi: your guide to nuclear radiation in Vancouver this summer

Radioactive water laps at Vancouver’s shores and buoys sailboats floating in the harbours that dot the pristine Seawall. Man-made radioactive iodine and cesium molecules, diluted in the vast volume of the Pacific Ocean, drift amongst naturally radioactive potassium and rubidium. As Vancouverites slip into bathing-suit-weather and hungily grab their chopsticks, some residents are still in […]

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Biology Chemistry

The Chilliwack Measles Outbreak

You likely received 2 immunizations for measles as a child; if you’re unsure, just check with your doctor. The vaccine is free and often carried at pharmacies. You don’t have anything to worry about.   The measles outbreak in B.C.’s lower mainland is both fascinating and chilling. Personally, I am in utter disbelief- I remember […]

Categories
Biology Chemistry

You Are Creating Demand For GMOs

GMO Madness! There is a lot of dialogue going on about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). And unless you want to pore through back-issues of Orchard & Vine or Fruit Growers News, mainstream news supplies most of your information. I recently read a good recap of the Arctic apple, a non-browning apple being studied in the Okanagan by […]