‘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 January 2021 issue
The post-Trump world: A new dawn takes shape
On the eve of vaccination, three York University thought leaders consider the effects of the Trump-plus-COVID double whammy, the erosion of trust and the mending of international relations. In discussion with ‘Brainstorm’ guest contributor Paul Fraumeni, these change makers offer their expertise on how 2021 needs to unfold.
Paper on post-pandemic gender inequity offers evidence-based manual for change – Bonus video
Researchers have raised alarm bells on inequity during the pandemic, suggesting that women are shouldering a heavier burden and this inequity may continue post-pandemic. One law professor adds vital evidence to this claim and, most importantly, offers policy-applicable suggestions for improvement.
Researchers underscore predicting chemoresistance would better tailor cancer treatment
A trailblazing chemist digs deep on resistance to chemotherapy. What he and his team discover may prevent needless chemo treatments, open different treatment pathways and have application to other cancer biomarkers – a gamechanger for oncology, the healthcare system and, most of all, patients.
Drinking to cope: A penetrating look at alcohol problems during the pandemic
Two psychology profs investigate coping mechanisms during the pandemic, and discover that people are consuming more alcohol, particularly if they’ve lost income; they’re drinking alone and feeling isolated; and those with children are using alcohol to cope with stress. Knowing this could help healthcare practitioners create better, more tailored and evidence-based interventions.
Librarian/sound artist captures the unnerving silences of COVID-19
York University librarian William Denton has a double life. He’s also a sound artist who has been busy capturing the noises (or lack thereof) during the pandemic, providing a unique and valuable contribution to our understanding of this unparalleled situation.
Enhanced public education on flood risk could strengthen disaster resilience
A professor in the Disaster & Emergency Management Program who studies flood risk management, identifies a gap between public beliefs and data-informed reality. She proposes a community-based solution to bolster disaster resilience – a timely example of how research can create positive change for communities and the world.
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 and Ashley Goodfellow Craig, YFile deputy editor.