Where did western honey bees come from? New research finds the sweet spot

For decades, scientists have hotly debated the origin of the western honey bee. Now, new research led by York University discovered these popular honey-producing bees most likely originated in Asia. From there, the western honey bee (Apis mellifera) expanded independently into Africa and Europe creating seven separate geographically and genetically distinct evolutionary lineages traceable back to Western Asia. […]

STS Seminar Series looks at social pharmaceutical innovation for rare diseases

The second talk of the 2021-22 Science and Technology Studies (STS) Research Seminar Series takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and features Conor Douglas, assistant professor in York University’s Department of Science and Technology Studies. His talk is titled “Social Pharmaceutical Innovation for Rare Diseases: Towards a Conceptual Definition and Research Program.” According […]

Stellar first-year students get feet wet as summer researchers

Supported by a York Science Scholars Award (YSSA), 19 top first-year students participated in their first summer research experience as university students this year. The YSSA program provides awards of $10,000 to high-achieving, passionate science students entering the Faculty of Science. Half of the award is an entrance scholarship and the other half pays for […]

How artificial intelligence and big data are fighting COVID-19 in Africa

A collaboration led by York University researchers in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Health is using artificial intelligence (AI) to define public health policies and interventions to contain and manage the spread of COVID-19 in Africa. With a scarcity of COVID-19 vaccines in […]

York U planetary scientist puts Mars lake theory on ice with new study that offers alternate explanation

For years, scientists have been debating what might lay under the Martian planet’s south polar cap after bright radar reflections were discovered and initially attributed to water. But now, a new study published in Geophysical Research Letters, led by planetary scientists from the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University, puts that theory to rest and demonstrates […]

Social media use one of four factors related to higher COVID-19 spread rates early on

Researchers from York University and the University of British Columbia have found social media use to be one of the factors related to the spread of COVID-19 within dozens of countries during the early stages of the pandemic. The researchers say this finding resembles other examples of social media misinformation ranging from the initial phase […]

Exploring a universe of mysteries: Four scientists consider how we fit into the ‘vast cosmic dance’

What are the mysteries of the 'final frontier?' Four exceptional researchers identify the most pressing questions in space exploration, planetary science and cosmology, once again demonstrating York University's leadership on an international (and perhaps cosmic) scale.

Females in reproductive years less likely to contract COVID-19, finds new research on the role of estrogen

Compelling new research determines that females between puberty and menopause are less likely to contract the virus. This suggests that estrogen may help in reducing COVID-19 incidence and in the development of symptoms, especially those related to increased survival. Researchers at York University are on the frontlines of discovery, tackling issues of paramount importance and […]

York recognizes alumni in inaugural list of Top 30 Changemakers Under 30

York University has released its first-ever list of Top 30 Changemakers Under 30, shining a spotlight on remarkable young alumni who are making a difference in their communities, the country and around the world. “York’s Top 30 Under 30 is a community of changemakers,” says Julie Lafford, executive director, Alumni Engagement. “Driven by passion, they create […]

Maternal instincts lead to social life of bees

The maternal care of offspring is one of the behavioural drivers that has led some bee species to have an ever-expanding social life over the history of evolution, new research out of York University has found. By virtue of being in a social group, the genome itself may respond by selecting more social rather than […]