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Science + Tech – Articles, Analysis, Comment

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Galaxy NGC 6822, neighbouring the Milky Way galaxy, being studied to learn more about stars and dust in the early universe. (NASA/James Webb Space Telescope)

How old is the universe exactly? A new theory suggests that it’s been around for twice as long as believed

A new hypothesis suggests that the universe may be twice as old as we had believed. Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope provide new information on the rate of the universe’s expansion.
Narrow-leaved kalmia is an invasive plant typical of boreal ecosystems. Its proliferation can hinder the reforestation of areas subject to disturbances. (Jacques Ibarzabal/iNaturalist)

Making the most out of boreal plant resources

Boreal plants produce molecules that are valued by traditional medicines and inspire the development of medicinal products by contemporary chemists.
The C.D. Howe Building is the home of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the department of the federal government responsible for regulating industry. (Shutterstock)

The Canadian government’s poor track record on public consultations undermines its ability to regulate new technologies

The Canadian government’s attempts at public consultations have fallen short when developing regulatory frameworks for AI. More needs to be done to ensure that policies serve the public.
Platforms like Zoom have been helpful in bridging geographical distances. However, a recent proposal to mine data raises questions about ownership of Indigenous Knowledge. (Chris Montgomery/Unsplash)

Zoom’s scrapped proposal to mine user data causes concern about our virtual and private Indigenous Knowledge

In-person collaboration between Indigenous communities has been aided by information technologies like Zoom. However, recent attempts to mine personal data raise concerns about data ownership.
Generative AI used to recreate Drake’s voice was trained on many copyrighted songs featuring his voice. Drake appears on screen during a tribute to Lil Wayne at the Black Music Collective on Feb. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Why the growth of AI in making art won’t eliminate artists

As a composer who has used creative AI in my music, I see that many artists will need to renegotiate terms of their labour, but there are also opportunities for different forms of collaboration.
Motivating young people to think critically about online risks helps them understand how stereotypes, inequalities and sexist double standards impact people online. (Shutterstock)

Young people need more support coping with online sexual harms

New approaches are needed to address the scope of abuse young people can experience when online.
People wait in line at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Montréal in June 2021. Attitudes toward COVID-19 guidance evolved over the course of the pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

The illusion and implications of ‘just following the science’ COVID-19 messaging

During the pandemic, it was common for politicians to explain their COVID-19 policies by saying they were ‘just following the science.’ Such claims can be misleading about both science and government.
UNESCO’s new report calls for corporate responsibility and stronger governance to regulate education technology. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Banning cellphones in classrooms is not a quick fix for student well-being

A new report from UNESCO analyzes the many challenges of the growing presence of technology in education and notes 14 per cent of countries have policies that ban mobile phones.
Synthetic human embryos mimic the development of “natural human embryos,” those created by fertilization. (Shutterstock)

Synthetic human embryos could allow for research beyond the 14-day limit, but this raises ethical questions

In June, the possibility of synthetic embryos was announced at a conference. This allows some research to extend beyond the 14-day rule, which restricts experimentation on embryos beyond this period.