Famed fossil marking ocean-land shift grabs spotlight in new Museum of Nature exhibit
More than 20 years after its discovery, a 375-million-year-old fossil creature called “tiktaalik” has crawled into public view at the Canadian Museum of Nature in downtown Ottawa. Tiktaalik roseae is a well-preserved fossil discovered in 2004 by a team of American paleontologists on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut and is a highlight in the McLeod Street museum’s new exhibit “Life Onto...
The Arctic is alive and some rare extinct rhino fossils tell us how
It has four toes, rather than the usual three. It is around one metre tall, small, like a carnival pony. And it has no horn. Some 23 million years ago, the creature roamed the High Arctic, crossing between North America and Eurasia — a feat researchers previously thought impossible. “It” is a recently discovered, extinct rhino. Epiatheracerium itjilik, the Arctic...
Ottawa scientist Emilio Alarcón champions diversity in his research
University of Ottawa Scientist Emilio Alarcón has been named one of Canada's most inspiring immigrants for his disability advocacy and research.
Museum of Nature mineralogist wins major prize for photographic gems
A Canadian Museum of Nature mineralogist has been awarded one of the field’s most prestigious prizes for his striking photographs of geological specimens. Michael Bainbridge, the Canadian Museum of Nature’s assistant curator of mineralogy and a highly accomplished photographer, was recently presented with the Carnegie Mineralogical Award at the annual Tuscon Gem and Mineral Show in Arizona, the largest of...
Uplifting awards: Ecology Ottawa to celebrate the Earth — and those leading fight to protect it
Ecology Ottawa awards will be announced on April 22, Earth Day.
Skywatchers in Ottawa, across Ontario prepare to (safely) watch total eclipse
People across southern Ontario are gearing up for Monday's solar eclipse.
Despite improved finning regulations worldwide, shark deaths are still on the rise
Despite the widespread adoption of shark finning regulations, there is still a rise in shark fishing-related deaths internationally, even in Canada.
Museum lecture with space experts answers Ottawa’s moon questions
It took 25 days of the 2024 calendar year for the first full moon of the cycle to appear in the sky. Coincidentally, for Ottawa residents interested in this mysterious celestial object, that evening offered the opportunity to have all their questions answered. The Ingenium Foundation hosted a lecture titled “Lunar Exploration: Past and Present” at the Canadian Space and...
Experts welcome high tech and AI in wildfire response but say coordination, resources on the ground are key
As some regions make strides in implementing AI to predict wildfires, experts emphasize the need for more coordination and resources nation-wide.
Musical goosebumps: McGill study finds evidence chills produced by favourite songs may lessen pain — but it’s complicated
New research conducted by the Roy Pain Lab at McGill University helps to answer the question of why music can help reduce physical pain. While preliminary results imply musical "chills" are the underlying cause, experts debate the merit of this research for improving music-based pain therapies.
New colouring book helps people have fun while learning about the human brain
A new colouring book offers an accessible way to learn about the human brain and the importance of keeping it healthy.
Scientists will be keenly studying 4-billion-year-old asteroid sample
Scientists will be busy analyzing a rare and ancient piece of the asteroid Bennu, which was brought to Earth on Sept. 24 as part of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx robotic mission. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) provided the mission with an OSIRIS-Rex Laser Altimeter (OLA). It scanned the asteroid’s surface and allowed the mission team to create a 3D map from 0.6...
Conference seeks to provide a Black lens on coping with climate change
Carleton conference gives a voice to a BIPOC perspective on climate change.
For the birds: The joys of counting down to spring with winter FeederWatch in Canada, U.S.
Project FeederWatch is a great way for scientists to directly engage with citizens to make broad observations about birds.
Teen science whiz adds Nature Inspiration Award to long list of achievements
Ottawa area teen Naila Moloo recently won the Nature Inspiration Award from the Canadian Museum of Nature for her innovative leadership on projects such as the creation of flexible solar panels.
Ontario lake among finalists as scientists prepare to mark onset of the Anthropocene Epoch
Tiny Crawford Lake, near Milton, ON, could soon be known as the place where the Anthropocene Epoch began. The Anthropocene is the geological period in which humanity's impact on the planet is being measured. [Photo © Capital Current]
A dangerous shell game: Ontario’s Bill 23 adds to threats faced by Ottawa’s at-risk turtles, experts say
Local reptile experts advocate greater awareness of Ottawa's at-risk turtles after the passing of Bill 23.
Study by uOttawa professor helps explain Earth’s slow recovery from ancient mass extinction and offers warning for today
Earth couldn't get back to a normal state of self-regulation because ,of extinction of certain microorganisms potentially explaining why it took so long for life to return to the planet.
Carleton University’s annual butterfly show set to soar — in-person this year
The 23rd Annual Carleton Biology Butterfly show will be held in the school's greenhouse. The show will feature 41 species of butterflies.
It’s all about the clicks: Carleton scientist shows how sperm whale dialects mirror human culture
Researchers at Carleton University and beyond are identifying sperm whale dialects and social cultures to boost conservation efforts.
Selfies with a mammoth: Ottawa museums test drive augmented reality as a way to grab visitors and viewers
Ottawa museums are looking to augmented and virtual reality to complement their exhibits.
Novel brain imaging study could help revolutionize diagnosis of brain disorders and mental illnesses
Researchers at The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research have identified a brain-based biomarker for neurogenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
Putting a new spin on it: Finding by astrophysicists shows there is more than one way to orbit a star
The strange rotation of two planets around a distant star is raising questions about whether our planetary system is the norm in the universe.
Researchers work with fungi in promising study aimed at healing gut disease
Research shows the influence of fungi on gut health, and possible use of vaccine for relief from Irritable Bowel Disease.
Protecting the peat: Conservationists have bought a bit of the threatened Alfred Bog
Conservationists have announced the purchase of a small chunk of the environmentally sensitive and important Alfred Bog east of Ottawa. Capital Current explains the implications. The purchase will help protect the largest remaining chunk of privately owned peatland in southern Ontario’s largest bog – but it’s still a tiny fraction of a rapidly shrinking ecosystem
Magic of Lights brightens the community mood with vibrant holiday colours
The sixth season of the Magic of Lights is underway at Wesley Clover Parks where visitors can get into the holiday spirit until Jan. 8, 2022.
Monitoring monarchs: New technique may contribute to conserving key breeding grounds in southern Ontario
Megan Reich travelled nearly 20,000 km collecting milkweed samples across the U.S. and Canada. Now Megan and her research team could contribute to saving the longest insect migration in North America.
Breaking down perspiration: Carleton professor spends some sweat equity on a book on a very human function
Carleton professor Sarah Evert has written a new book about the amazing science of sweat.
Ottawa Riverkeeper wants your help to map and track changes in watershed health
Ottawa Riverkeeper has launched a project to track changes in the health of the Ottawa River and is asking the community to submit photos of the watershed to help create a land use map.
Ontario puts a priority on hotspots for second doses as evidence shows Delta variant more transmissible, less susceptible to vaccines
Experts speak as to why it's important to prioritize provincial hot spots for second doses of the vaccine - especially in light of the new Delta variant's presence.
COVID crisis adds new challenges for mother coping with child’s sickle cell disease
One family with a child with sickle cell disease shares challenges of living with serious illness, and how COVID has affected their situation.
Carleton grows wings: Pushed by COVID-19, the 21st butterfly show adapted well to life online
A closer look at Carleton University's 21st annual butterfly show, and how the event transitioned to virtual platforms for the first time.
Gatineau’s ‘Butterfly Girl’ nominated for 2020 Nature Inspiration Award
A young Gatineau girl who is trying to save the endangered monarch butterfly is among the finalists for the Canadian Museum of Nature's Inspiration awards.
Museum of Nature unveils new interactive exhibit emphasizing the importance of ice
The Canadian Museum of Nature’s new exhibit, Planet Ice: Mysteries of the Ice Age emphasizes the importance and need for preservation of ice with its use of new multimedia interactive technology.
Smaller fields, more biodiversity, research by Carleton professor shows
Lenore Fahrig, a biology professor at Carleton University, has found that dividing large fields into smaller ones helps provide habitat for native wildlife.
Insect watching during the pandemic: In a standstill world, nature’s transformations offer soulful reassurance
For many Canadians, this summer has been low key and quieter than most. Since travel during the pandemic isn’t really encouraged, many of us are staying closer to home – and that change may present the opportunity to observe things we don’t usually pay attention to.
New nuclear waste guidelines could lead to ‘massive dump’ upstream from Ottawa if approved
New regulation documents for Canada’s disposal of nuclear waste have come under fire from activists and the NDP, and could impact the Chalk River nuclear facility if passed.
Pets, vets, vaccines and the pandemic: Animal and human health entwined more than ever in COVID times
With COVID-19 forcing people to practise physical distancing, a pet can make a big difference in terms of emotional support. Fortunately, while the novel coronavirus is believed to be a zoonotic disease – which means it was transmitted from animals, presumably bats, to humans – research shows it’s very unlikely people can get it from their pets. And despite some...
Canada’s Borer War: Ottawa on front line in fight against ash-killing beetle that has wiped out 50,000 trees
Ottawa's war on the Emerald Ash Borer enters a new phase.
Nature’s baby season during COVID-19 leads to rekindled love of wildlife — and a spike in unnecessary ‘rescues’
With 'baby season' in full swing across Ontario, experts are sharing their advice for reconnecting with urban wildlife while dealing with the realities of COVID-19.
Podcast: ASMR: Tingles in Your Brain
Have you ever wondered about Autonomous sensory meridian response or ASMR? Tingles in Your Brain investigates the hype, and the science of this growing online sensory trend.
Silver lining: Teen robotics team wired to work on after competition scuttled by COVID-19
“The main takeaway of it all is what we learn,” he added, citing the team’s preparation along the way, including the thrill of past competitions. “It’s not really about competing or winning, but the experience that we get from it, and the fun — it’s actually a lot of fun doing all of it.”
Study underlines that air pollution a leading cause of premature death worldwide
While Ottawa air quality is considered low risk, a new study shows that long term exposure to air pollution is a major health threat worldwide.
Coyote risk ‘virtually nil,’ official says despite reports of incidents
In January, a Barrhaven couple lost one of their dogs to a suspected coyote attack. That was followed a few days later by a sensational story about a father in New Hampshire who wrestled and killed a coyote after it tried to nab his two-year-old son. These are the kinds of events that have helped to shape a narrative about...
Glebe’s Community Centre’s carbon-reduction project hailed as example to others
The historic Glebe’s community centre is nearing the finish line of a project that the community hopes will reduce the building’s carbon footprint by half.
Ottawa woman claims relief from Lyme with bee venom
Those living with Lyme disease face very little options when it comes to treatment. Bee venom therapy is on the rise and could potentially help treat the degenerative disease.
University of Ottawa lab takes aim at cancer stem cells
Dr. Yannick Benoit is focusing his research on cancer stem cells.
Ottawa positioned to benefit from growing market for blockchain technology
The city of Ottawa is well-positioned to take advantage of the coming importance of blockchain technology.
Meet Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden Ottawa’s ovarian cancer crusader
Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden is working hard to stop ovarian cancer from appearing in the first place.
Students turning to mental health apps as therapeutic tools
Mental health apps are on the rise, and more students are beginning to turn towards them to help with their mental illness.