December 16, 2022
The fireball captured by the Global Fireball Observatory camera at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Alberta. (Photo source: University of Alberta)
A Western-led discovery confirms a fireball that originated at the edge of the Solar System was made of rock, not ice, challenging long-held beliefs about how the Solar System was formed.
A student art installation in the community garden was inspired by How to grow liveable worlds: Ten (not-so-easy) steps for life in the Planthroposcene by anthropology scholar Natasha Myers. (Photo source: Anahi Gonzales)
Students are examining their personal and physical relationships with the world through food in a new interdisciplinary, experiential visual arts course called Visualizing Foodways: Art + Food Relational Approaches.
Researchers presented study participants with a variety of familiar objects like dice in virtual reality and asked them to estimate their sizes. The trick? Objects were presented not only at their typical ‘familiar’ sizes, but also at unusual sizes. (Image source: Rob Potter/Western Communications)
Research led by neuroscientist Jody Culham examines the promise and limitations of virtual reality (VR) and suggests that perception of size in VR is more strongly influenced by our expectations than the visual information before our eyes.
Brendon Samuels, PhD candidate in biology, with the barn swallow structure located on campus. (Submitted photo)
A project to help barn swallows by giving them an alternative location to breed without interference from humans and predators could be a template for the conservation of bird species at risk in North America.
Joshua Pearce holds a solar panel used in agrivoltaics. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Engineering and Ivey Business professor Joshua Pearce is advancing solar-powered, open-source technologies such as agrivoltaics – the practice of growing crops underneath solar panels – to help reduce the effects of climate change.
A patient has their blood glucose level tested. A new study has found people with diabetes were among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo source: iStockphoto)
A new global study co-authored by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor
Dr. Stewart Harris looks at the impact of COVID-19 on diabetes care by drawing a parallel with the impact of natural disasters on chronic diseases and populations at risk.
Working at Western
Staff and faculty are asked to make sure their offices are secure before leaving for the holiday break. (Photo source: Tricia Starrett/Western Communications)
Preparing campus buildings for the holiday break
Please remember to close office and classroom windows when you leave campus for the holiday break. This helps conserve energy and may also prevent pipes from freezing which can lead to flooding.
Shop online safely
The holiday season and online shopping often go hand in hand. Visit Cybersmart today to help ensure you have a safe online shopping experience.
Advance your career this winter
Start the new year off with professional development courses. No matter where you are in your career, you can build on what you know today or branch out into new subjects.
Photo of the Week
Students pet away some pre-exam stress with a visit from Mulligan, just one of a number of furry friends who visited Weldon Library last week as part of St. John Ambulance's therapy dog program. (Photo source: Lauren Lee/Student Experience)
Coming Up
(Photo source: Housing and Ancillary Services)
December 16 to 22 (Wednesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Green Leaf Café holiday buffet
Enjoy roast turkey, soup, salad and a festive dessert at $30 per person. Located in Somerville House, room 3340. Reserve your table.
December 16 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.)
Core and cardio fitness class
Join Michelle Phillips, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor for a 40-minute core and cardio workout. Please wear active clothing, running shoes and bring a water bottle. This free wellness class is being held at University College, room 3110, Conron Hall. Registration required.
December 20 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.)
Yoga class
Focus on improving posture, balance, coordination, strength and breath control by practising a series of physical postures. Please bring your own mat. This free wellness class is being held at University College, room 3225.
Western in the News
Dr. Ruth Lanius (Photo source: Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Communications )
CBC National
After long detainment in Russia, Brittney Griner must readjust to life back home
WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner was released from a Russian prison last week. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Ruth Lanius shares insights on the challenges people face in re-adapting back into their normal lives after an event like this.
The Globe and Mail
Gender-based violence increased during the pandemic, and it’s robbing women of their potential
According to research by economics professor Audra Bowlus, victims of gender-based violence struggle at work because of absenteeism, lateness, inattentiveness and an inability to concentrate.
CBC The Current (22:00)
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred scientists’ efforts to restore people’s sense of smell
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Leigh Sowerby explains the science behind why so many people have lost their sense of smell due to COVID-19.
Canadian Geographic
Canada’s moonshot: What the success of the Artemis I mission means for our space program
From a lunar flyby to a Canadian-made rover on the moon, Earth sciences professor Gordon Osinski says Canada is set to play a leading role in the next phase of lunar exploration.
Commentary
(Photo source: Pexels)
The consequences of long COVID are likely to be profound and potentially more costly than the acute infection itself. That’s why we must continue work on preventing infections and invest in research on long COVID now, according to Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professors Lisa Saksida and Eric Arts.
