Science & Technology

About "Science & Technology"

The newest Canadian research and technological advances that are changing the way we understand and interact with our environment and each other.

Two leather sea stars photographed by marine ecologist Chris Harley in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on July 12, 2021, illustrate the impact of the extreme heat wave that hit Western Canada this past summer. The live star on the left was in a shady spot, while the star on the right perished in the direct sun. (Photos: Chris Harley)

(Photos: Chris Harley)

“We did this:” Is there a way out of our intertwined climate and biodiversity crises?

As the impacts of global warming become increasingly evident, the connections to biodiversity loss are hard to ignore. Can this fall’s two key international climate conferences point us to a nature-positive future?

A deer explores a clearcut area near Port Hardy, B.C. (Photo: Steve Fines/Can Geo Photo Club)

Photo: Steve Fines/Can Geo Photo Club

What if we could plant trees as quickly as we cut them down?

Experts say global reforestation is one of our best defences against climate change, so a Toronto-based company is developing drones that can get the job done quickly

A natural wonder? Niagara Falls as it appears today has actually been heavily engineered to hide power generation infrastructure behind a tourist-friendly façade. (Photo: Stuart Hendrie/Can Geo Photo Club)

Photo: Stuart Hendrie/Can Geo Photo Club

Niagara Falls is actually a marvel of engineering

A book by environmental historian Daniel Macfarlane reveals the decades of technological feats and cross-border politics that went into “fixing” one of North America’s most important natural sites

Illustration: Kat Barqueiro

Illustration: Kat Barqueiro

Inside your smartphone: analyzing the rare-earth elements

How so-called rare earth elements are powering our modern tech — and where to find them

A diver stands on top of a submarine on the sea surface

DSV Limiting Factor above the Mariana Trench. (Photo: © Reeve Jolliffe)

Photo: © Reeve Jolliffe

Going deep for discovery: ocean exploration reaches new lows

Meet Limiting Factor, the submersible leading us to new depths of ocean exploration

Two coastal wolves howl standing on wet sand in front of a blue ocean

The wolves emerge from the rainforest at dawn. The pack stops to howl on the beach, perhaps to mark their territory. (Photo: Steve Woods)

Photo: Steve Woods

The amazing sea wolves of the Great Bear Rainforest

First Nations and scientists work side by side to better understand — and protect — coastal wolves living in the Great Bear Rainforest

University of Toronto old medical building

The old medical building, which opened in 1903, was home to Frederick Banting’s laboratory. (Photo: Courtesy Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University of Toronto)

Photo: Courtesy Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University of Toronto

Diabetes breakthrough: the discovery of insulin

A century ago, the medical school building at the University of Toronto was the site of a momentous scientific breakthrough

Emily Choy stands in front of artic ice and ocean wearing a yellow lifejacket, alongside three yellow kayaks

RCGS's new Explorer-in-Residence, Emily Choy. (Photo: Courtesy Emily Choy)

Photo: Courtesy Emily Choy

RCGS appoints Emily Choy as its latest Explorer-in-Residence

The Arctic researcher has a long association with the Society

Two entomologist pose with their technical equipment and fossil insects

Dr. Stewart Peck (left) in his home office, with microscope always ready for close examination of specimens. (Photo: Jarmila Peck); Dr. Jarmila Peck with her world-class collection of fossil insects that she donated to the Canadian Museum of Nature. (Photo: Dan Smythe).

Photo: Jamila Peck; Dan Smythe

Bug news! World-renowned Canadian entomologists fund Canadian Museum of Nature visiting scientist program

After 50-plus years of fieldwork and education, Drs. Stewart and Jarmila Peck will support the next generation of biodiversity researchers