Brainstorm, a special edition of YFile publishing on the first Friday of every month, showcases research and innovation at York University. It offers compelling and accessible feature-length stories about the world-leading and policy-relevant work of York’s academics and researchers across all disciplines and Faculties, and encompasses both pure and applied research.
In the February 2019 issue
Interactive video game highlights the impact of vaccine decision-making
An interactive art installation brings to life the spread of viruses and the impact of vaccine decision-making in a wholly original way. This interdisciplinary and policy-relevant work, led by a York U PhD student, is designed to spark the public imagination.
How can marketers combat moral opposition to genetically modified foods?
A PhD student and Canada Research Chair get to the bottom of why consumers are turned off by genetically modified foods, and what could be done to change this. This research will be of interest to all parties involved in labelling practices – industry, marketers, government and consumers.
Wearable tech may aid in insulin dosing for those with diabetes during exercise
New research shows that accurate wearable technology could help those with diabetes in adjusting their insulin dosage to factor in the effects of exercising. This could mean a higher quality of life and less interactions with the health-care system for those with diabetes. It could also save on expenditures.
Unpacking politics of higher-ed info hubs for Indigenous and international students
A researcher looks at service delivery, in three Ontario universities, to Indigenous and international students. He concludes that the higher education institutes are making certain assumptions about these student populations – a finding that will be of interest to all universities and colleges.
Tweaks to radio transmitters could prevent deadly songbird entanglement
Researchers warn others in the scientific community that tracking ground-nesting grassland birds using radio transmitters – a common practice – can result in the bird’s entanglement, particularly for fledglings. Two biologists make suggestions for alterations to the apparatus to prevent this.
Launched in January 2017, Brainstorm is produced out of the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation in partnership with Communications & Public Affairs; overseen by Megan Mueller, senior manager, research communications; and edited by Jenny Pitt-Clark, YFile editor.