News That Matters To You

By Mark Lowey
U.S. cuts to weather research, services and personnel could negatively impact Canada's forecasting accuracy, says Jim Abraham, former federal director general of weather and environmental monitoring. Abraham, who chaired the Council of Canadian Academies' new report on the future of Canada's public weather service, says Canada needs to strengthen weather services partnerships with our Northern communities and other countries.

By Mark Lowey
Nature-based solutions can help meet Canada’s 2030 climate and biodiversity targets but there are many gaps in research, implementing projects, measuring how well they work, and a $20-billion financing shortfall. Canada also needs a national framework for nature-based solutions with harmonized standards, experts said in a webinar by the Canadian Science and Policy Centre.

By Mark Lowey
Transforming the global food system demands a fundamental rethinking of how food is produced, distributed, consumed and governed, according to a CIFAR report by nine international food experts. Hugo Campos of the International Potato Center notes that failing food systems cannot deliver sustainable, nutritious and affordable diets, requiring interdisciplinary research to address this complex challenge.

By Mark Lowey
Quantum computing systems are expected to be commercialized within five years, potentially revolutionizing fields from drug discovery to AI. But experts warn that organizations must act now to protect against quantum computers' ability to crack current encryption – highlighting both quantum's opportunities and cybersecurity risks.

By Mark Lowey
Canada's commitment to hydrogen is evident through numerous federal initiatives; however, public awareness remains a potential bottleneck. Investment in hydrogen hubs and corridors, along with a strategic focus on high-potential end-uses, will accelerate Canada's position in the global hydrogen market, according to the federal government's progress report on Canada's hydrogen strategy.

By Mark Lowey
Canada's hydrogen sector is gaining momentum, with over $100 billion in potential investments and growing international interest, positioning hydrogen as a key player in global emissions reduction and energy security. The federal government's most recent progress report looks at hydrogen's potential to supply up to 18 percent of Canada's energy by 2050, particularly in heavy industries and transportation.

By Mark Lowey
Artificial intelligence combined with big data promises to revolutionize medicine, but realizing that promise will require AI models that doctors and patients trust, along with “secure enclaves” where data and privacy are protected, says a health care expert at Microsoft.

By Mark Lowey
Building new data centres in Canada can help safeguard data sovereignty and enable Canadian AI development, but the facilities consume huge amounts of power and water and emit greenhouse gases. Those are some of the tradeoffs that Canadians should consider in deciding how many data centres should be built, where they should be located where and how their impacts should be managed, experts say.

By Mark Lowey
Profile of Luke Stark, an early-career researcher at Western University whose research explores the history and contemporary effects of AI systems designed to interact with humans and digital technologies more broadly. Stark also offers some advice for early-career researchers.