Quirks & Quarkswith Bob McDonald
Latest
Feb 27: Black in science special
The legacy of racism in science and how Black Scientists are moving the dial
Black scientists around the world are calling for action, equality and representation
After a woman walking in Central Park falsely accused a Black man of assaulting her, social media erupted in support of the scientist who was simply birdwatching causing anger, outrage — and action. Now, Black scientists from around the world are taking part, promoting their work and calling for change.
How historical racism in science continues to shape the Black experience
Racism has been perpetuated under the guise of science for centuries, and the effects are still being felt today, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meet 7 groundbreaking Black scientists from the past
From the first treatment for leprosy to the foundation of the global positioning system, Black scientists have long been involved in major scientific developments, despite being pushed to the margins, refused jobs, and denied credit for their discoveries.
Feb 20: Magnetic pole reversals, viruses hunt bacteria, solar powered microflyers and more …
Trans people and sexual health, the music of endangered birds and why elliptical orbits?
Analysis
It's critical to detect life on Mars before humans set foot on the red planet
Bob McDonald's blog: how we can avoid accidental microbiological 'wars of the worlds'
When the magnetic poles flip out, Earth seems to suffer
Magnetic pole reversal indicated in 42,000 year old tree rings may have triggered global environmental change
Bacteria-hunting viruses can track down antibiotic-resistant bugs where they hide
Bacteriophages could potentially help us mitigate the rising threat of antibiotic resistance.
Levitating solar-powered micro flyers may fly high where planes and rockets can't
At that height, there isn’t even enough air pressure for balloons to float
HIV testing study of trans people in the U.K. reveals health-care gaps
Researchers have found HIV testing rates skyrocket in transgender people, an at-risk group, when they are supplied with self-testing kits — but that promising sign also points to a bigger problem in the health-care system.
Music inspired by endangered bird calls brings focus on conservation and creativity
Science and philosophy of conservation informed Toronto composer Keith Stratton's piece
If the sun is round, why are the planets in elliptical orbits?
This burning question of the week concerns why planets have elliptical orbits around the sun given its round shape.
Feb 13: Driving a rover on Mars, a stinky romantic gift, coral that can handle bleaching and more…
Easy choices aren’t stress free, monkeys ‘self-domesticate’ and unhealthy water holes
Analysis
Getting to Mars is a shooting gallery where all targets are moving
Bob McDonald's blog: Given the precision that's required, it's no wonder roughly half of Mars missions fail.
Meet the Canadian engineer who will help guide NASA's new rover on Mars
Raymond Francis, originally from Sudbury, Ont., plays a key role in operating the new Perseverance rover — including shooting its laser.
Butterfly males leave a stinky parting gift with mates that deters further suitors
The strong-smelling chemical compound saves the female from unwanted harassment and guarantees his paternity
Scientists can tell how some corals survive climate-related coral bleaching events
The researchers discovered a biomarker they hope can help them identify heat-resistant coral for restoration efforts
Quick decisions might not be easy ones as 'choice overload' leads to stress
We're increasingly bombarded by more and more options. Scientists call this choice overload, and new research suggests those who seem able to make quick decisions may actually be more stressed out beneath the surface.
Monkeys are 'naturally selecting' themselves for domestic cooperation and tranquility
Researchers found the marmosets' social development is tied to their white facial fur as part of their self-domestication process
Why don't animals get sick from filthy, shrinking water holes in Africa?
This week's question of the week concerns elephants, crocodiles and other wild animals that congregate around shrinking watering holes during the dry season. Why don't they get sick from drinking from what seems like a bacteria-infested pond?
Feb 6: COVID treatments: what have we learned? Breakups change language, algae blooms on Greenland and more….
Bats’ impressive flight, amateur astronomers find brown dwarfs and fish in space?
Analysis
Scientists develop transparent wood that is stronger and lighter than glass
Bob McDonald's blog: A simple backyard procedure results in see-through wood with enormous potential as a building material.
Treating COVID-19 one year in: what have we learned?
From throwing 'the kitchen sink at them' to scientific analysis — separating hype from hope in treating COVID-19
Me, myself and I: Little words may signal a big breakup is coming — long before you know it
New research suggests that long before a relationship comes crashing down, our word use shifts in subtle ways that may signal the end is near and we may not even know it.
What's feeding the algae growing on — and helping to melt — Greenland's ice?
Mineral dust linked to Greenland ice melt could be into driving multiple feedback loops that are accelerating ice loss.
