Expert: A new gold rush? The search for natural hydrogen in Canada
After helping to discover the world's first deposit of natural hydrogen in West Africa, which kick-started a search for the buried gas around the world, Denis Brière hopes his next breakthrough will be in Canada. Brière is a petrophysicist and vice-president of Calgary-based Chapman Hydrogen and Petroleum Engineering, which plans to begin testing and drilling in northern Ontario this summer in the hopes of finding enough hydrogen underground to produce and market the gas.
Expert: Two years of Russia-Ukraine war
February 24 will mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Throughout the war, thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been killed. One-fourth of the country remains displaced. Numerous cities and villages have been destroyed, and experts predict it will take over one trillion dollars to rebuild the country. (The Hill)
Experts: International Day of Women and Girls in Science | February 11
February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science – a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities, and that their participation should be strengthened. Diversity in research expands the pool of talented researchers, bringing in fresh perspectives, talent and creativity. This day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened.
Experts: Valentine’s Day | Heart Month 2024
February is Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health and an opportunity to focus on what we can do to improve our heart health. Heart disease is the second leading cause of death for both men and women in Canada.
Expert: Canada’s housing market outlook in 2024
Interest rates will continue to dictate the outcome of Canada’s housing market in 2024 with the first and second halves showing different pictures. RBC’s latest housing report projects slow activity and softer prices in the early part of the year as the Bank of Canada maintains its policy rate at a two-decade high and home ownership stays out of reach for many potential buyers.
Expert: Record number of invasive strep A infections in Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has noted more than 4,600 invasive group A streptococcus samples from 2023 – the highest Canada has seen. Group A streptococcus, a bacteria that can cause illnesses like strep throat, can develop into acute infections that can lead to pneumonia, a flesh-eating disease, or toxic shock syndrome.
Expert: Alzheimer’s Awareness Month | January 2024
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada. More than 650,000 people have dementia in this country, and that number is expected to spike by 187% over the next 30 years, according to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. For people living with dementia, participating in activities they enjoy is key to maintaining their sense of self and quality of life.
Experts: Four changes to Canadian laws to watch for in 2024
A new year often brings new federal regulations and rules. In 2024, there will be a slew of new laws that come into effect with significant implications, including changes to Canada’s bail system, new timelines for the dental insurance program, a new tax on foreign tech companies, and changes to the federal carbon tax.
Here are some experts from McGill University who can provide comment on these topics:
Expert: Meta will limit reach of harmful content to teens on Facebook and Instagram
Facing increased scrutiny over its social networks’ effects on teenage users, Meta announced Tuesday that teens on Facebook and Instagram will see less content related to self-harm and eating disorders. Meta already filters such content out of the feeds it recommends to users, such as Instagram’s Reels and Explore.
Experts: B.C. to offer Canada’s first at-home, self-screening test for cervical cancer
B.C. residents will soon become the first in Canada to have access to an at-home, self-screening test for cervical cancer. About 200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer a year in the province, according to Premier David Eby. He said doctors in B.C. have been looking for ways to improve the diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer.
Experts: 2024 U.S. presidential election
U.S. President Joe Biden will lay out what he sees as the stakes of the 2024 presidential election — democracy and freedom — in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 6, his first campaign event of the new year. “This Saturday will mark the three-year anniversary of when, with encouragement from Donald Trump, a violent mob breached our nation's Capital.
Experts: 2023 Holiday Season
The McGill Media Relations Office suggests the following sources for your holiday stories:
Expert: Health Canada approves updated COVID-19 vaccine ahead of holidays
Amidst the onset of respiratory illnesses this flu season, Canada has fortified its defences against the persistent threat of COVID-19 with the approval of another vaccine. Health Canada on December 5 approved the updated Novavax vaccine, marking the third updated booster available to Canadians alongside those from Pfizer and Moderna.
Expert: Myths and preconceptions of privacy in the age of AI
Protecting people from their personal information being used against them is more important every day as our lives become increasingly interconnected through data-driven products and services. In his new book, Ignacio Cofone challenges us to reevaluate conventional wisdom about data, showing how many of the rules that govern the information economy are outdated in today’s social and economic reality.
Expert: Canada’s winter forecast and the critical factor of El Niño
El Niño will be a major contributing factor to how the season ahead plays out. El Niño has a reputation for bringing mild winters to much of Canada and it appears that this winter will feature one of the strongest El Niño events on record. So, can we expect a mild winter across the country this year? The answer is not so simple.
