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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 […]

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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 […]

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Chemistry

7 Science Valentines That ACTUALLY Work

Valentines. Nestled in the heart of the WORST month of the year, this perfunctory holiday excels at parting fools with their money. The only thing keeping this tradition alive is secret lobbying from industries that produce chocolate, jewelry and collector’s editions of Notting Hill. All of these things are close to worthless Valentines themselves are pretty […]

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Biology Chemistry Physics

4 Apps That Turn YOU Into a Scientist

In case you hadn’t noticed, the universe is huge. There is just too much stuff going on. Scientific inquiry has shed light on particular areas, like gravity and bugs and how airplanes work, but there is still SO MUCH that we don’t understand. Think about the cure to cancer, or the exact number of times […]