CurioCity - CurioCité | New Brunswick Curriculum

Are All Cancers Inherited?Articles with Starting Points

Cancer is linked with genetics and genetics is linked to heredity, which is why some people assume that all cancers are inherited. But the truth is, only about 10 percent of cancers are hereditary. Read More »

Angelina’s choice: A double mastectomy to prevent breast cancerArticles with Starting Points

What is your reaction to this decision by Angelina Jolie? Was the risk great enough to warrant the preventative surgeries? Read More »

Hybrid vigour: Stronger than the sum of your partsArticles with Starting Points

Hybrid offspring often exhibit qualities that are more desirable than those of either of their parents. Read More »

Twin trouble: Why DNA evidence isn’t always reliableArticles with Starting Points

The DNA of identical twins is identical, which makes it impossible to determine which twin was present at a crime scene using a DNA test. Read More »

Extinction? That’s bananas!Articles with Starting Points

The Cavendish banana's lack of genetic diversity means that when a deadly disease strikes, there are no genetic variations that might help some members of the species to survive. Read More »

How does X-chromosome inactivation cause calico coloration?Videos with Starting Points

Why does the calico coloration only occur in female cats? It happens because in order for proper development to occur in females, one of the x chromosomes must be switched off resulting in... Read More »

A “Toast” to the Bread Genome! (Conquering the Wheat Genome)Articles with Starting Points

On November 28, 2012, scientists reported in the journal Nature that they have finally sequenced the roughly 96 000 genes that that make up the draft genome for wheat. Read More »

Plant Pharming: Old Crops Learn New Tricks Articles with Starting Points

You probably don't normally associate tobacco with good health, or carrots with cutting-edge medical breakthroughs. But all that might be about to change. Read More »

Ensuring Genetically Modified Foods Are Healthy and SafeArticles with Starting Points

Before hitting Canadian supermarket shelves, all GM foods need to be evaluated for health risks by Health Canada and for environmental risks by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Read More »

Agricultural BiotechnologyVideos with Starting Points

North Carolina Biotech Centre- focus on cotton, soy-based vaccines Read More »

Should scientists clone extinct species?Articles with Starting Points

What could be more thrilling than cloning dinosaurs and letting them roam free on an island? Read More »

What is glucose for?Articles with Starting Points

We have to travel back to the beginning of life on earth, just to explain why sugars taste so good. Read More »

Your Athletic DNA?!Articles with Starting Points

What if you could take a medical test that would tell you what sports you might be best suited for? Read More »

Making Human Proteins with Gross Green StuffArticles with Starting Points

Through a process called pharming, algae may provide a more efficient way of producing insulin and other proteins for pharmaceutical use. Read More »

Kalydeco: Opening the gates to a cystic fibrosis cureArticles with Starting Points

This new drug may serve as a model for developing other drugs that address the root causes of CF Read More »

Deinococcus radioduransArticles

This tiny microbe can survive in extreme conditions including a lack of nutrients, variations in pH, drought, and high temperatures. It can even live in a vacuum! Read More »

Mutations...Articles with Starting Points

What's really behind the X-gene? Read More »

The science of racism: GeneticsArticles with Starting Points

Researchers have found that there is more genetic variability and diversity within individual races than between different races. Read More »

Freckles!Articles with Starting Points

The flat, tanned spots known as freckles are due to a higher amount of the skin pigment melanin in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun. Read More »

“You’re just like your grandfather”: Can experience be inherited?Articles

The same way your parents’ and grandparents’ DNA influences traits like your eye colour, you may actually inherit behaviours. Read More »

The science of homosexualityArticles

Exactly what determines a person's sexual orientation still remains a mystery. Read More »

The magic of geneticsArticles

Ever wondered how Harry Potter was lucky enough tobe born with magical powers? It may be as simple as classical genetics. Read More »

Unknown Blindness!Articles

About 250,000 people in Canada have glaucoma and only half of them know it! Read More »

It's all in your genesArticles

Did you ever wonder why you have the same allergies as your father? Or questioned whether you really would eventually turn into a worry-wart like your mother? Read More »

Monster Science Part 1 - The Wolf-ManArticles

This is the first article in a series that looks at the scientific or medical basis for the defining features of several horror movie favorites. Our first "victim" will be the Wolf-Man. Read More »

Did humans evolve from Apes?Articles

Both humans and the apes at the zoo are descendant from a common ancestor species. So in a sense, we both share an extremely distant relation. Read More »

what does it mean to be ambidextrous?Articles

Some people write with their right hand, others write with their left. Haveyou ever wondered about people that can write with both hands? These people are known as ambidextrous. Read More »

Bread gets a boost from genome scienceArticles

The draft sequence of the bread wheat genome will help plant breeders identify agriculturally important genes and improve crops. Read More »

Knowing the pig’s genetic code could benefit human healthArticles

Pigs are already used to study certain human diseases. They are also being considered as potential organ donors for humans. Read More »

Personalized MedicineArticles

With progress in research, we now know that even if two people suffer from the same disease, they may not benefit from the same treatment. Read More »

How can genetic research save water?Articles

Are you tired of being nagged to remember to water the plants when your parents go away for the weekend? Scientists are actually working on a solution that will get you out of watering... Read More »

Scientists Create a Synthetic Genome!Articles

Paving the road to custom-made organisms? Read More »

Can genetic engineering happen naturally?Articles

Scientists have discovered that the sweet potato genome contains bacterial genes. Read More »

GM? GE? Gee Whiz!Articles

What’s the difference between genetically engineered (GE) and genetically modified (GM) plants? Read More »

Lunchtime Low-DownArticles

You might not be the type to ponder world issues over lunch, but it just so happens that the food you're eating is quite likely at the centre of a controversy that is dividing both science... Read More »

GM Foods: Am I Allergic to Them?Articles with Starting Points

Genetically modified foods (GM foods or GMOs) breed controversy so read on to see what both sides have to say about them. Read More »

Clones!Articles

Administration (FDA) decision that cloned animals as food are no different from regular animals, you will surely be hearing about cloned animals a lot more in the future. Read More »

Fill 'er up!Articles

But behind those flashy labels, fruit flavours and bright colours of a sport drink, there is a simple science. It is the science of electrolytes and carbohydrates. Read More »

Trick or Treat...Articles

While all of us eventually outgrow "Trick or Treating" on Halloween, many of us may never outgrow sugar cravings, and there is a good reason why. Read More »

Sweet Molecule, Dude!Articles

Biologists think that humans love sweets because we evolved from fruit-eating tree dwellers. Since fruits sweeten as they ripen, we associated a sweet taste with food that would give us... Read More »

It's a matter of FATArticles

There are several different types of fats, and it's important for our health to get them straight. Fats must be distinguished because while some are necessary for survival, the negative... Read More »

CholesterolArticles

There's such thing as a good kind of cholesterol? So settle the confusion, here's what you need to know about the good, the bad, and the ugly [cholesterol]. Read More »

It’s alive… and it glows! Fluorescence in medical researchArticles

From highlighters to reflective road signs, fluorescence is all around you. But some of the most exciting uses of fluorescence are in medicine and biomedical research. Read More »

Meringue: The science behind a wonderfully fluffy dessert Articles

Egg whites and a little sugar are what gives meringue its wonderful texture. Read More »

Miraculin: The sweetest miracleArticles

There is a fruit native to West Africa that makes even the sourest foods taste sweet. Read More »

Seeking a cure for Alzheimer’s diseaseArticles

Although there are treatments that reduce certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have yet to find a cure. Read More »

Follow the brainbow! Fluorescent proteins and neural circuitryArticles

Revolutionary new technologies are allowing researchers to visualize the connections between individual neurons in your brain. Read More »

Working out the protein powder factsArticles

Consuming extra protein won't help you burn fat or gain muscle. Read More »

Garlic, I love you. Garlic breath? Not so much.Articles

Garlic is made up of many kinds of proteins, some of which are special in that they are full of sulphur atoms. Sulphur stinks. It’s what makes onions stink, it’s what makes farts stink and... Read More »

Protein On The GoArticles

Looking at the usual array of food, you notice a different kind of snack: protein bars. Brands such as Bio-X, Proteins Plus, and Muscle Tech are all marketed as high protein supplements,... Read More »

Mad-Cow DiseaseArticles

Instead of reproducing like bacteria and viruses, prions (cause of the Mad-Cow Disease) are like trendsetters—they tell others to look and behave like them, and those proteins that conform,... Read More »

It's Green, It Glows!Articles

Researchers glow green with pride after winning the Nobel Prize. Read More »

What gives Jell-O its jiggle?Articles

Have you ever wondered why Jell-O is so jiggly-wiggly? Read More »

What are fingernails made of?Articles

The bulk of the fingernail is made of a protein called keratin, although that just scratches the surface. Read More »

Folding@homeArticles

Curing diseases one game at a time. Read More »

Why are there more boys than girls?Videos

This video from MinuteEarth explains why there are more boys than girls on earth. Read More »

Why do blood types matter?Videos

Natalie S. Hodge defines the four major blood types and sheds light on why some bloods can mix while others cannot. (4:41 min.) Read More »

The myths and misconceptions of evolutionVideos with Starting Points

How does evolution really work? Some of the metaphors we use, such as survival of the fittest, actually create misconceptions. This TED Ed video sets the record straight. (4:22 min.) Read More »

Why are there more boys than girls?Videos

This video from MinuteEarth explains why there are more boys than girls on earth. Read More »

The Majestic Grolar Bear in CanadaVideos

This video from SciShow explains how the Grolar bear came to be! Read More »

Population Genetics: When Darwin Met MendelVideos with Starting Points

Biology - A quick introduction to population genetics Read More »

Evolutionary Development - Crash CourseVideos

Biology - An introducation to evolutionary development. Read More »

Natural Selection - Crash CourseVideos

Biology - Learn about one of the major forces of evolution - natural selection. Read More »

Heredity - Crash CourseVideos

Biology - Watch this video to learn a little bit about heredity and genetics. Read More »

Taxonomy: Life's Filing System - Crash CourseVideos

Biology - An introduction to taxonomy, Linneaus and how it came to be! Read More »

18 Things You Should Know About GeneticsVideos

18 Things You Should Know About Genetics is an animated film that presents fundamental background information about genetics, as well as offering some quirky but interesting facts about... Read More »

Why We Haven't Cured Cancer?Videos

Ever wonder why we still haven't found a cure for cancer? SciShow’s Hank explains that it is partly due to the fact that there are many types of cancer and they use our genetic mechanisms... Read More »

Mutations: The potential power of a small changeVideos

Discusses the difference between gene and chromosome mutations and explores the significance of these changes, both pros and cons. (7:21 min.) Read More »

Mitochondria Replacement (aka 'Three Parent Babies') - Some FactsVideos

Provides the scientific explanation behind a proposed treatment, for certain genetic disorders, called Mitochondria Replacement (sometimes referred to as 'Three Parent Babies'). Read More »

Origin of bird speciesVideos

This video from the National Science Foundation details recent discoveries about the evolution of birds. Read More »

The Power and Promise of GenomicsVideos

The science of genomics & Canada's Genome Centres are working hard to fund research in genomics that can help improve health, industry, and the environment. Learn about the role genomics... Read More »

What is Genomics?Videos

Ever heard about genomics and wondered what it was? Watch this video by Ontario Genomics Institute and Genome BC to find out! Read More »

High Speed Gene SequencingVideos

Within the next few years, Helicos BioSciences may be able to read an entire human genome for under one thousand dollars. This video explains the science behind their amazing technology. Read More »

What is synthetic biology?Videos

Very easy to understand animation describes what synthetic biology is, how it works, and future potential. (3:24 min.) Read More »

Synthetic biology explained 2Videos

Uses lego blocks as an analogy to explain how synthetic biology works using “biobricks”. Also explains how commonplace synthetic biology has become and looks at the pros and cons of this... Read More »

Synthetic Biology ExplainedVideos

This animation from TechNYou explains how from selective breeding to genetic modification, our understanding of biology is now merging with the principles of engineering to bring us... Read More »

Synthetic Life Becomes RealityVideos

In this 2:14 minutes video Craig Venter discusses the process and the implications of this discovery. Read More »

The Synthetic KingdomVideos

Synthetic Biology is turning to the living kingdoms for its materials library. Read More »

The Terrifying Truth About Bananas Videos

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits and are very nutritional. In this episode, SciShow’s Hank explains how the monoculture of commercial banana production is threatened by a new... Read More »

GMOs (Healthcare Triage)Videos

This video by Healthcare Triage presents a brief summary of the research and evidence surrounding the safety of GMOs. Read More »

How Are GMOs Created? (GMO Answers)Videos

This video shows how GMOs are made, through the story of the Hawaiian Rainbow Papaya. Read More »

Cartagena Protocol on Biotech SafetyVideos

Protecting biodiversity from adverse effects of modern biotechnology. (6:45 min) Read More »

E. ChromiVideos

A collaboration between designers & scientists in synthetic biology saw seven Cambridge University undergraduates genetically engineer bacteria to secrete a variety of coloured pigments,... Read More »

The Science Behind Calories and Nutrition Facts LabelsVideos with Starting Points

This ChemMatters episode explains the science behind calories and nutrition facts labels. Find out how scientists first determined the calorie content of food in the 1800s, and how fat,... Read More »

What the heck is gluten?Videos

What is gluten? Should we be eating it? Is there any evidence that removing gluten from your diet will make you healthier? AsapScience tackles these questions by looking at the scientific... Read More »

Glucose SongVideos

Everything you need to know about glucose and why our bodies need it. Read More »

What is fat?Videos

This Ted-Ed video from George Zaidan explains fat. Read More »

You are what you eat! - Crash CourseVideos

Biology - Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. You are what you eat -learn about what it is you are actually eating - and what you are made of! Read More »

Why do blood types matter?Videos

Natalie S. Hodge defines the four major blood types and sheds light on why some bloods can mix while others cannot. (4:41 min.) Read More »

How to unboil an eggVideos

It’s so obvious that it’s practically proverbial: you can’t unboil an egg. But actually, it turns out that you can -- sort of. Read More »

Protein StructureVideos

Animation of protein structure.(2:28 min) Read More »

Radiation Effects on the BodyBackgrounders

This backgrounder explains the potential effects of radiation on the human body. Read More »

Radiation Effects on Cells & DNABackgrounders

This backgrounder explains the effects of radiation on cells and DNA. Read More »

What is a Species?Backgrounders

How we determine & identify species Read More »

Overview of Genetically Engineered CropsBackgrounders

This backgrounder provides an overview of GE crops. Read More »

Recombinant CloningBackgrounders

Learn about the steps involved in recombinant cloning and the applications of this biotechnology. Read More »

What is Biotechnology?Backgrounders

Learn about what is biotechnology (Biotechnology 101 Case Study #1) Read More »

Regulation and Labeling of GM FoodsBackgrounders

Read about Regulation and Labeling of GM Foods (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Genetically Modified SoybeansBackgrounders

Read about genetically modified soybeans (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Genetic Modification to Genetic EngineeringBackgrounders

Read about genetic modification to genetic engineering (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Marker-Assisted SelectionBackgrounders

Read about when conventional crop breeding meets biotechnology (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Introduction to Genetic Modification of CropsBackgrounders

Read about genetic modification of crops (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Public Perceptions of Genetically Engineered Food CropsBackgrounders

Read about public perceptions of Genetically Engineered Food Crops (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

What is Genomics?Backgrounders

Backgrounder on Genomics and the role of the Human Genome Project (Biotechnology 101 Case Study #1) Read More »

DNA DayEvents

Established by Let’s Talk Science and Genome Alberta, DNA Day is a unique day where students, teachers and the public can connect with Canadian experts to learn more about genetics and... Read More »

Karen Bedard - Assistant Professor in PathologyCareer Profiles

Karen's research finds the gene mutations that cause diseases. Read More »

Director, Sector Development - Genome British Columbia.Career Profiles

David, one of our DNA Day 2015 experts, focuses on building partnerships that bring together the necessary industry and academic experts to work on... Read More »

Carolyn Fitzsimmons - Research ScientistCareer Profiles

Carolyn works to improve beef production through a greater understanding of bovine genetics. (Carolyn is one of our DNA Day 2015 experts. Learn more about Read More »

Thomas Merritt - ProfessorCareer Profiles

As a Professor I teach several courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I attend committee and faculty meetings, meet with students and plan for the classes I teach. In my... Read More »

Sylvie Cloutier - Research ScientistCareer Profiles

Sylvie is a molecular geneticist currently doing research on flax - the best plant based source of omega-3 fatty acid! Read More »

Breeding new varieties of fruits, vegetables & plantsCareer Profiles

Ever wonder where all those different varieties of fruits, vegetables and plants come from? Well, for Rachael LeBlanc, Senior LabTechnician at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, it’s... Read More »

Clinical Genetics TechnologyCareer Profiles

Genetics definitely has a cool factor that makes it a really interesting field to study (full disclosure: your trusty editor has a degree in genetics and maybe a DNA tattoo). But what can... Read More »

Leann Sweeney - Business Unit DirectorCareer Profiles

Science and business go hand in hand in many companies, like Amgen Canada, a biotechnology company. Leann Sweeney started out in genetics in university and discovered the business side of... Read More »

Jordan Thomson - Manager, Strategic Planning at Ontario GenomicsCareer Profiles

Ontario Genomics helps to support research and commercialization in genomics. Our goal is to make sure that society benefits from the amazing discoveries being made in labs across Ontario.... Read More »

Kathy Deuchars - Ontario GenomicsCareer Profiles

I work with smart people get their genomic inventions, such as new medicines or new diagnostic tests, into use to make people healthier. Read More »

Marc Fiume - CEO at DNAstackCareer Profiles

I manage a team of software engineers who are developing a website to help researchers and doctors manage genomic information. Read More »

Antonis AsiminasResearch Profiles

I am currently working on a novel rat model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). FXS is the most common form of inherited mental retardation, and the most common known genetic cause of autism. Read More »

Dr. Mark BayfieldResearch Profiles

I am an Associate Professor at the York University Department of Biology. We study the gene expression of La and La related proteins. Read More »

Does DNA die with an organism?Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Dr. Sean Myles. Read More »

Does your body adapt to DNA mutation or attempt to correct the altered DNA?Questions & Answers

This question was answered by Dr. Paul Gordon Read More »

What is the most common gene mutation?Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Ethan Yang Read More »

If we are products of positive mutations, what are negative mutations?Questions & Answers

This question was answered by Dr. Karen Bedard Read More »

Are there increases in genetic mutations from chemicals in our environment? Questions & Answers

This question was answered by Jay Ingram Read More »

Why is ALD only in boys?Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Jay Ingram. Read More »

Do astronauts get enough exposure to radiation for there to be a long term effect?Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Dr. Aaron Goodarzi. Read More »

Is it possible to change the DNA of a plant to change its use? Questions & Answers

This question was answered by Dr. Sylvie Cloutier Read More »

Is it possible to mix animal and human DNA to have heightened senses, or run faster?Questions & Answers

This question was answered by Dr. Richard Sparling Read More »

DNA Day experts answer your questions about combining animal and human DNAQuestions & Answers

Our DNA Day experts answer your questions about combining animal and human DNA. Learn More about DNA Day. Read More »

Will it ever be possible to reverse or modify genetic conditions?Questions & Answers

This question was answered by Dr. Karen Bedard Read More »

How do extra chromosomes form?Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Harman Sawhney Read More »

Why does having an extra chromosome (eg. Down Syndrome) have so many consequences?Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Ethan Yang Read More »

Why do children whose mother and father are siblings have genetic disabilities?Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Dr. Gijs Van Rooijen. Read More »

How is data from a sequenced genome protected?Questions & Answers

Nasim Monfared, one of our DNA Day experts, answers the question, “Once a genome is sequenced,... Read More »

Can you tailor a medication like penicillin so that a person is no longer allergic to it?Questions & Answers

Can you tailor a medication like penicillin so that a person is no longer allergic to it? Read More »

What kind of jobs are available in genomics?Questions & Answers

Dr. Pierre Meulien, President and CEO, Genome Canada answers the question "What kind of jobs are available in genomics?" as part of DNA Day 2015. Learn more at Read More »

What forces are responsible for difference in genome sizes?Questions & Answers

Roland Wilhelm, one of our DNA Day 2015 experts, answers your question 'What forces are responsible for difference in genome sizes? Why is the human... Read More »