Episodes
Wednesday Nov 25, 2020
WSS S5E8: Start Your Engines: The F1 of Bird Migration
Wednesday Nov 25, 2020
Wednesday Nov 25, 2020
Dr. Chris Guglielmo studies the process of migration in birds. However, while most researchers heavily focus on the flight, Chris focuses on the pit stops. Those pivotal breaks between long flights where birds are against the clock, in desperate need of a refuel. His research reveals birds as a dexterous athlete, capable of overcoming environmental and biological adversity. Chris joined the show to detail how migration is more like a prime-time sport than you think.
Wednesday Nov 11, 2020
WSS S5E7: Sharks Get Lonely Too
Wednesday Nov 11, 2020
Wednesday Nov 11, 2020
Paul Mensink, a marine ecologist from Western's Department of Biology, tracks sharks that have strayed far away from their natural habitats in order to cope with unsustainable conditions – usually brought forth by humans. As Western's resident shark aficionado, Dr. Mensink stops by to explain human-marine interactions, why the monstrous depiction of sharks in popular media isn't a bad thing, and how we can #SaveTheSharks.
Wednesday Oct 28, 2020
WSS S5E6 Halloween Special: Fright Night Explained
Wednesday Oct 28, 2020
Wednesday Oct 28, 2020
Our Halloween Special of Western Science Speaks includes Western University researchers Dr. Liana Zanette, Dr. Yolanda Hedberg, and Dr. Lyle Muller. Our guests join the show to talk about how fear evolved, varies across species, and how it stays with us. We also reveal the chemistry of candy and everything you need to know before biting into your Halloween haul. Don't be scared, tune in to hear fright night explained!
Monday Feb 24, 2020
WSS S4E11: Can I join? The Social Behaviour of Animals
Monday Feb 24, 2020
Monday Feb 24, 2020
Dr. Anne Simon joins Western Science Speaks to talk about the processes within group behaviour in a variety of animals. Later, Dr. Simon talks about her own research with fruit flies and the impact of experiences on genetic predispositions.
Wednesday Oct 03, 2018
WSS S2E8: Canada's Oil Disconnect
Wednesday Oct 03, 2018
Wednesday Oct 03, 2018
Western Canada is one of the world's largest oil manufacturing regions, but in the last half-decade the industry has experienced a significant downturn, and is only just starting to recover. Western Science Speaks brings in geologist and former oil exploration CEO, Professor Burns Cheadle, for an objective breakdown of Canada's oil sector woes, the head-scratching reality of half the country importing oil from abroad, and how the sector impacts our relationship with the U.S.