Dare to Know

Animal movement changes are the result of human disruption of ecosystems. Find out why these changes pose a threat to species survival and to global biodiversity. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2021/02/04/animal-movement-disruptions-threaten-biodiversity/

The Last Journey Simulation used Mira, one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, to model how mass flows through our Universe. Find out how it breaks ground for future cosmological studies. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2021/02/01/last-journey-simulation-follows-matter-through-universe/

A tidal dwarf galaxy has been the target of an international research team. Find out how their discoveries challenge what we thought we knew about how stars form. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2021/01/26/tidal-dwarf-galaxy-reveals-clues-about-star-formation/

Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change. Find out why a new study concludes that this C02 fertilization effect is getting weaker. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/12/19/trees-and-plants-losing-capacity-to-stop-climate-change/

Radio signals from an exoplanet have been detected by a team of radio astronomers. Find out how this discovery contributes to the search for life beyond Earth. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/12/18/radio-signals-detected-from-planet-beyond-solar-system/

International Human Rights Day is the perfect time to review a classic book. Find out why The Origins of Totalitarianism is rated one of the top non-fiction books of the 20th century. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/12/13/international-human-rights-day-a-review-of-the-origins-of-totalitarianism/

Patience seems to be universally valued as a virtue. Find out how a new study sheds light on how our brains regulate our capacity to delay instant gratification. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/12/08/patience-where-it-comes-from-and-why/

World Soil Day celebrates the value of healthy soil. Find out what a new soil biodiversity report found on soil’s place in a sustainable future. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/12/05/world-soil-day-celebrates-healthy-food-secure-future/

Fast radio bursts have puzzled astronomers since their discovery in 2007. Find out how scientists have revealed their origin and their variability. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/12/01/fast-radio-burst-puzzle-solved-by-using-four-telescopes/

Net-Zero Emissions is the stated goal of a bill tabled this week in Ottawa. Find out why opposition parties are calling it an empty shell. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/11/29/net-zero-emissions-bill-breaks-trudeaus-climate-pledge/

Dogmatic people pose a problem. They resist ideas, and divide groups. Find out why eliminating dogmatism is more challenging than you might think. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/11/26/dogmatic-people-are-less-likely-to-check-their-facts/

The Arecibo Observatory was already damaged when a main cable snapped. Find out why this closed the facility for good and what the plan is now. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/11/24/arecibo-observatory-decommissioned-after-second-cable-breaks/

Refugee resettlement worldwide hit a twenty year low due to the pandemic. Find out why the UN says this has to change by the end of the year. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/11/20/refugee-resettlement-hits-twenty-year-low/

Wolves and beavers interact throughout North America. Find out how their relationship has a profound impact on wetland habitats. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/11/18/wolves-and-beavers-are-vital-to-ecosystems/

Water on Mars has been escaping for at least a billion years. Find out how NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft has shed new light on why this happens. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/11/17/water-on-mars-where-does-it-all-go/

Beautiful food images are imposed on us everywhere. Find out what researchers at USC recommend to avoid making poor food choices as a result. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/11/15/beautiful-food-seems-healthier-even-when-its-not/

Remembrance Day was oddly sunny and warm this year. I reflect on the history of Armistice Day and what it means for us a century later. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://daretoknow.ca/2020/11/11/remembrance-day-a-day-of-pride-or-sorrow/