Genome sequencing is a revolutionary technology that is changing the way diseases are being diagnosed. But in a startling article today in The Conversation Canada, Michael Mackley of Dalhousie University reveals genomics are benefitting some people more than others. “The lack of diversity in existing genomic data limits the ability of ethnic minorities — including Indigenous Canadians — to benefit from these advances in health care,” he explains. Genomic data bases “mostly contain data from individuals of European descent. As a result, the data doesn’t actually reflect the wider population, but the wider white population.”

Lynda Colgan, a professor of elementary mathematics at Queen’s University, points out children spend very little time in school (only 14 per cent of their waking time). That means parents are their children’s “first and most important teachers.” Prof. Colgan urges parents to get their kids interested in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and provides two fun experiments (both involving balloons!) that can be conducted at home.

Last month, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed the Oculus Go, a new virtually reality headset. It’s one of many new VR devices on the market. Matthew Flisfeder of the University of Winnipeg offers an interesting history of virtual reality over the years (it goes back to the 1800s) and looks at the growing impact alternative realities are having on a society that is already grappling with alternative facts.

And finally…what’s your favourite brand of weed? It’s a marketing question that’s becoming more important as Canada gets ready to legalize marijuana. Michael J. Armstrong of Brock University argues that the laws governing the sale of cannabis should allow companies to properly brand their products. “This will help consumers find the most appropriate products,” says Prof. Armstrong. “It will also encourage producers to improve quality.”

Regards,