Brainstorm, a special edition of YFile publishing on the first Friday of every month, showcases research and innovation at York University. It offers compelling and accessible feature-length stories about the world-leading and policy-relevant work of York’s academics and researchers across all disciplines and Faculties, and encompasses both pure and applied research.
In the April 2019 issue
Researchers make a compelling case for clean hydrogen fuel
Three Lassonde researchers have found a way to lower the price of hydrogen production and increase profitability. This vital work, which will capture the attention of environmentalists, government policy-makers, investors and consumers, could revolutionize the alternative energy market.
York-Yale research finds racial differences in end-of-life care
York-led research, conducted in collaboration with Yale University, discovers racial and ethnic differences in end‐of‐life care, which suggests that local practice patterns may be influencing decisions around this care. The researchers have policy-based suggestions for improvement that will be of interest to those in the health-care sector in both Canada and the United States.
Provocative new sculptures speak to the power and connectivity of public art
Sculptor Brandon Vickerd, AMPD professor, has created large public art pieces in three major cities across Canada, all completed by 2019. Community consultations, workshops and storytelling opportunities have informed his engaging and conceptually rigorous pieces.
In the mind’s eye: YRC reinvigorates age-old philosophical puzzle
A York Research Chair, philosopher and core member of VISTA adds new insights on the question of what constitutes reality. Jacob Beck unpacks key philosophical questions around mental representation, mental imagery and consciousness.
Researchers study mother-preschooler attachment and maternal depression
York University-led research looks at mother-child attachment and maternal depression, and finds that children who have the greatest challenges with attachment have mothers with more symptoms of depression. This highlights an important reason why helping mothers helps children.
Launched in January 2017, Brainstorm is produced out of the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation in partnership with Communications & Public Affairs; overseen by Megan Mueller, senior manager, research communications; and edited by Jenny Pitt-Clark, YFile editor and Ashley Goodfellow Craig, YFile deputy editor.