Menu Close
The Conversation

McMaster University

Founded in 1887, McMaster University is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities. Our researchers are committed to advancing human and societal health and well-being.

Ranked 83rd overall in the 2016 Academic Ranking of World Universities, McMaster is the home of problem-based learning – our signature teaching method. Pioneered at McMaster and adopted by institutions around the world, this innovative approach opens young minds to new ideas and hones the critical thinking skills needed to create healthy communities in a complex and changing world.

At McMaster, collaborative thinking is a gateway to greater intelligence and greater optimism. In short, it’s helping us create a brighter world.

Links

Displaying 341 - 360 of 432 articles
Snapping and posting your meal has become a daily ritual for many. Shutterstock

Hey foodie, do you know where your meal came from?

Sarah Duignan, McMaster University

While foodie culture can be a fun hobby, it can also be an indictment of our lurking Western values that appropriate and exclude necessary voices.
In this October 1998 photo, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu dance after Tutu handed over the final report of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Pretoria. (AP Photo/Zoe Selsky)

Do truth and reconciliation commissions heal divided nations?

Bonny Ibhawoh, McMaster University

Wherever there is an ugly, unresolved injustice pulling at the fabric of a society, there is an opportunity to haul it out in public and deal with it through a truth commission.
Les premiers prototypes du Guide alimentaire révèlent que l'on continue à mettre l’accent sur les produits frais. Et pourtant les fruits et légumes congelés sont meilleur marché et néanmoins vraiment nutritifs. Shutterstock

Le nouveau guide alimentaire canadien est-il un échec culturel?

Sarah Duignan, McMaster University

Le Guide alimentaire canadien ne représente pas les pauvres, les personnes culturellement marginalisées et les plus vulnérables à l'insécurité alimentaire.
Supporters of the Unist'ot'en camp and Wet'suwet'en walk along a bridge over the Wedzin kwa River leading towards the main camp outside Houston, B.C., on Jan. 9, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Unist’ot’en and the limits of reconciliation in Canada

Brian Budd, University of Guelph and Liam Midzain-Gobin, McMaster University

It’s time to engage with Indigenous people through the governance systems built prior to European settlement.
Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, right, and nutritionist Jessica Cole look over samples of some of the food groups at the unveiling of Canada’s new Food Guide, January 22, 2019 in Montréal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Canada’s new food guide: A fail on culture and sustainability

Sarah Duignan, McMaster University

Canada’s Food Guide is a political document. It does not represent those who are poor, culturally marginalized and most at risk for food insecurity.
Firefighter Jose Corona sprays water as flames from the Camp Fire consume a home in Magalia, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Using archaeology to understand the past, present, future of climate change

Andrew Roddick, McMaster University

With the dire consequences of climate change looming, archaeologists recognize the importance of communicating their findings on ancient landscapes and the threats that face vulnerable populations.
Paramedics bury a man who died of the Nipah virus in Kozhikode, southern India, in May 2018. There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause raging fevers, convulsions and vomiting, and kills up to 75 per cent of people infected. (AP Photo/K.Shijith)

‘One Health’ keeps humans one step ahead of the microbes

Arinjay Banerjee, McMaster University; Karen Mossman, McMaster University, and Kaushal Baid, McMaster University

As new viruses “jump” from wildlife to humans and we struggle with antimicrobial resistance and even climate change, a new interdisciplinary approach to human health might just save the day.
Canadians seem not to want to talk about race and racism, deferring instead to ‘income’ and immigration status when it comes to measuring education success. LeonardoBurgos /Unsplash

Why won’t Canada collect data on race and student success?

Karen Robson, McMaster University

News of Canada’s successful immigrant students glosses over important stories of racism, for example the ‘streaming’ of Black males. But without more data beyond Toronto, the story is hard to share.
U.S. President Donald Trump is seen at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Trump’s fascist efforts to demolish democracy

Henry Giroux, McMaster University

Donald Trump’s relentless nods to fascism in his rhetoric requires us to form a language of resistance, rooted in compassion for others, justice and the confrontation of the forces of tyranny.
Antidepressants bring in almost $17 billion a year for the pharmaceutical industry, and yet science shows their benefit to be small. Natural therapies such as diet, exercise, light therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy are just as effective. (Shutterstock)

Why natural depression therapies are better than pills

Matt Strauss, McMaster University

These four “natural” therapies for depression have rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific studies to support their use.
There already exist some promising new antibiotic therapies, and more are in the pipeline. However, our economic model prevents researchers from moving them out onto the market. (Shutterstock)

Humanity under threat from antibiotic-resistant infections

Gerry Wright, McMaster University

The end of effective antibiotics will be frightening. Life expectancy will fall dramatically and people of all ages will die from illnesses that we are used to treating with $10 worth of pills.
A YouTube producer trying to create a parody of ‘The Simpsons’ found out that Apu is being phased out of the show. While many will miss Apu, others reflect on what his character represents – a flat stereotype of South Asian immigrants. The Simpsons

Goodbye Apu – here’s what you meant to us

Faiza Hirji, McMaster University

Recent rumours of Apu’s demise may be exaggerated but his presence has been slowly written out of ‘The Simpsons,’ and many feel it is time for the stereotyped Indian-American character to go.
In this February 2016 photo, people wave German flags in Erfurt, central Germany, during a demonstration initiated by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer, file)

How Russians have helped fuel the rise of Germany’s far right

Petra Rethmann, McMaster University

The political power of Germany’s Russian community is significant, and it’s helped fuel the rise of the right-wing, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party known as the AfD.
Stink bug sightings are on the rise. In winter, they tend to move indoors to wait out the cold weather. (John Slaney/Flickr)

Why there may be thousands of stink bugs hiding under your sofa

Rosa da Silva, McMaster University

With the onset of cooler temperatures and shorter days, some insects pack-up and migrate to warmer climates. Others, including stink bugs, take up residence in our homes.
In this Oct. 27, 2017 photo, actress Rose McGowan, left, waves after being introduced by Tarana Burke, right, founder of the #MeToo movement, at the inaugural Women’s Convention in Detroit. Are men any more likely to confess to sexual assault since #MeToo? (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Confessions to sexual assault are rare: #ItWasMe

Lucia Lorenzi, McMaster University

Confessions of sexual assault are rare. Are men any more likely to confess to sexual assault since #MeToo?
Training in improvisational theatre enables health professionals to learn deeper empathy, as well as mental agility and other clinical skills. (Shutterstock)

How theatre training can boost your doctor’s empathy

Hartley Jafine, McMaster University

Health professionals need a dose of drama in their training to build clinical and interpersonal skills.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland arrive to hold a news conference on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) in Ottawa on Oct. 1, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The winners and losers in the new NAFTA

Atif Kubursi, McMaster University

Who are the winners and losers in the new USMCA? It’s complicated, but one thing’s for certain: Canada should never again allow itself to be overly dependent upon one trading partner.
The U.S. Capitol is seen here in this January 2018 photo. Three top Russian intelligence officials met with their American counterparts in D.C. in January. Why? (AP Photo)

Pondering the mystery of why the Russians came to Washington

John Colarusso, McMaster University

In January, three top Russian intelligence officials met with their peers in Washington, D.C. What was their goal amid the Robert Mueller investigation? An expert on Russia speculates.
U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence speaks about the creation of a United States Space Force on Aug. 9, 2018 at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

How Canadian technology could protect Space Force troops

Fiona E. McNeill, McMaster University

Could Canadian technology play a part in the newly announced U.S. Space Force? A team at McMaster University has developed an instrument that could keep Space Force troops safe from radiation.

Authors

More Authors