Biology professor Bryan Neff will be – ahem – fishing for answers with his latest project exploring the health of Canada’s 200-plus freshwater fish species in the face of increasing (mostly human-made) challenges.
Biology
Shark salvation found in crossing confirmation
Confirmation of a trans-Atlantic crossing by a highly endangered marine animal signals the need for “an international mindset” when seeking ways to conserve the basking shark – named among the world’s ‘weirdest’ animals by National Geographic.
Probiotics may protect bees against fatal disease
Microorganisms best known for promoting gut health in humans may be the key to saving honey bee colonies from collapse, according to a novel discovery by Western and Lawson Health Research Institute researchers.
Answering in the form of questions
From writing to Icelandic soul, to embracing obscure ‘Ologies,’ Biology PhD candidate Jacqueline Lebenzon is certain to offer up all her selections in the form of a question when she takes a turn on Read. Watch. Listen.
Students get ‘eyes-on’ learning experience
Paul Mensink would love nothing more than to take his class to the dump. Or anywhere, really, that could augment their learning about environmental sciences.
Naming something to chirp about for professor
If you find yourself in the tropical deciduous forest of the Querétaro, Mexico, you may run into Natasha Mhatre. Or, at least, the tree cricket that bears her name.
Predator fear factor unlocks PTSD secrets
The fear predators inspire in their prey can leave long-lasting traces in the brains of wild animals, comparable to effects seen in humans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a Western-led study.
New underwater research vehicle makes a splash
A new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) will allow researchers to explore Canadian waters in previously unimaginable detail, offering up a deeper understanding of everything from conservation efforts to animal habitats to the impacts of climate change.
Selections setting off for open spaces
Set off for big skies, open waters and a hip hop-meets-hoedown jam session when Biology professor Benjamin Rubin takes his turn on Read. Watch. Listen.
Huner heads ‘back to future’ to lead Biotron
Recently, Biology professor Norm Huner, the founding father of Western’s Biotron, was tapped to lead the climate-change research centre – again – two decades after he first sowed the seeds for the cutting-edge facility.
Study dives deep into saving endangered shark
Thanks to findings from a Western-led study, the porbeagle shark could be on its way to recovery after a half century of overfishing.
Four nab Strategic Partnership Grant
Four Western research projects recently shared in more than $2 million in Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Strategic Partnership Grants, the funding body has announced.
Haffie and Wahl: Tapping into talent, technology
Tom Haffie and Lindi Wahl have spent most of their careers in front of “small towns.”
Three named Distinguished University Professors
Three professors are the latest recipients of Distinguished University Professorships (DUP) awards, joining a select group of faculty members recognized for exceptional scholarly careers
Study: Students ignoring online feedback
While a majority of students tend to ignore online feedback from professors, it matters the least to those who need it the most. However, inspiration for a solution might be as simple as a trip to the local grocery store, according to researchers from Western and Queen’s University Belfast.
Researchers root out relief in tobacco plants
The roots of an effective and affordable way to combat Type 2 diabetes, stroke, dementia and arthritis might be found by using high-yield plants, like tobacco and potatoes, according to work by Western and Lawson Health Research Institute.
Plaques honour research, advocacy legacy
The past continues to be on display across campus as the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC) and Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel were unveiled this week as the latest heritage plaques celebrating significant research-related moments in the university’s history.
Researchers eye emerald ash borer’s Winnipeg debut
Say what you will about the emerald ash borer and the damage it has wreaked during two decades of munching millions of North American ash trees, you have to admire its cold-weather tenacity.
Western gives CSA astronaut’s mission a boost
During a space-to-Earth connection today, Saint-Jacques launched Exploring Earth, a web-based initiative in cooperation with Western researchers that uses photos he is taking in orbit to explain the amazing science of how Earth works.
Black widow spiders dial up posture for survival, sex
A new study led by Western University’s Natasha Mhatre shows how black widow spiders’ body dynamics and posture help them decode important vibrations that travel through their webs and up their legs.