For science journalist and CBC radio host Bob McDonald, the journey to the path of totality is part of the adventure of being an eclipse-chaser. Getting to the path of totality — the best place to experience this cosmic display — is part of the adventure This First Person column …
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These giant batteries store energy, but not as electricity
Wind and solar generate cheap, clean power, but not always when it's needed most. So storing energy is an important part of a low-carbon grid — and storing it as heat can be cheaper, safer and more convenient than storing it in traditional batteries. Thermal energy storage could boost wind …
Read More »The Deaths of Effective Altruism
Leif Wenar Backchannel Mar 27, 2024 6:00 AM The Deaths of Effective Altruism Sam Bankman-Fried is finally facing punishment. Let’s also put his ruinous philosophy on trial. ILLUSTRATION: BILL MAYER I’m fond of effective altruists. When you meet one, ask them how many people they’ve killed. Effective altruism is the …
Read More »Elie Hassenfeld Q&A: ‘$5,000 to Save a Life Is a Bargain’
By Virginia Heffernan Backchannel Mar 27, 2024 6:00 AM ‘$5,000 to Save a Life Is a Bargain’ As Sam Bankman-Fried’s downfall sends effective altruism into a spiral of self-doubt, the idealist quant Elie Hassenfeld is still helping Silicon Valley richies give away hundreds of millions each year. Facebook X Email …
Read More »It’s impossible to feel the full magic of an eclipse. That’s why I’m always chasing the next one
Alan Dyer was a Winnipeg kid in the space-race days of the 1960s when he decided he needed to experience a total solar eclipse. This week, he's on the road with a carload of gear to see his 17th. I was in a snowy Manitoba field for my first eclipse. …
Read More »Is milk safe to drink? Can you catch bird flu from beef? What to know about H5N1 cattle outbreaks
Dairy and beef farmers are implementing biosecurity measures to keep H5N1 out of their herds, while Canadians are understandably concerned about what U.S. dairy cattle outbreaks could mean for food safety. So what is the scope of these dairy cattle outbreaks, and how is Canada impacted? And is it safe …
Read More »Warming climates have chimps changing behaviours — but it can only go so far
In this week's issue of our environment newsletter, we look at how climate change is impacting the lives and habits of chimpanzees, share an award-winning image from last summer's record-breaking wildfires,and find out why Atlantic farmers are being paid to avoid farming all their property. Also: Farmers get paid to …
Read More »Meta Kills a Crucial Transparency Tool At the Worst Possible Time
Vittoria Elliott Business Mar 25, 2024 3:18 PM Meta Kills a Crucial Transparency Tool At the Worst Possible Time CrowdTangle helps researchers track disinformation, but Meta will close it down before the US election. The tool's cofounder, Brandon Silverman, says it's time to force companies to share data. Photograph: Ian …
Read More »The EU Targets Apple, Meta, and Alphabet for Investigations Under New Tech Law
Morgan Meaker Business Mar 25, 2024 9:33 AM The EU Targets Apple, Meta, and Alphabet for Investigations Under New Tech Law The probes are the first to take place under Europe’s landmark Digital Markets Act—and add to Apple’s mounting antitrust woes. Apple is among three tech giants being investigated for …
Read More »‘Zombie plant’ here to stay in N.B. waterways, eradication is futile, say experts
The invasive Eurasian watermilfoil is now well established in several places along the St. John River and its tributaries, but that didn't stop one group from fighting back. Eurasian watermilfoil forms thick mats of vegetation that can choke out native species As with many invasive species, now that Eurasian watermilfoil …
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