Scientists are on a quest for drought-resistant wheat, agriculture’s ‘Holy Grail’

Scientists are on a quest for drought-resistant wheat, agriculture’s ‘Holy Grail’

Plant biologist Marcus Samuel has been working for more than a decade to improve the climate resilience of crops. At his research greenhouse at the University of Calgary, he uses cutting-edge gene editing techniques to produce hardier varieties of plants able to withstand temperature fluctuations, floods and frosts. But while he has worked on canola, … Read more

Niagara Falls, Ont., mayor, police and telecoms brace for eclipse day crowds as 1 million visitors expected

Niagara Falls, Ont., mayor, police and telecoms brace for eclipse day crowds as 1 million visitors expected

Niagara Falls, Ont., mayor Jim Diodati says that when he goes out on April 8 to watch the total solar eclipse, he’s packing everything he might need for the entire day. “My plan is I’m riding my bike down there with my backpack. And it’s going to be loaded with cereal bars and water bottles. … Read more

N.L. government demands VRBO remove I’se the By from ‘derogatory’ commercial

N.L. government demands VRBO remove I’se the By from ‘derogatory’ commercial

A VRBO commercial that uses I’se the B’y as its soundtrack has images of undesirable rental accommodations. (VRBO/YouTube) A commercial for the vacation rental site VRBO has both Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry and government calling for its removal. The video ad uses the traditional folk song I’se the B’y as its soundtrack, along with images of … Read more

In the market for a diamond? Stones that are manufactured, not mined, are gaining in popularity

In the market for a diamond? Stones that are manufactured, not mined, are gaining in popularity

When Evelyn Schaffer first saw her engagement ring, she was speechless. It was a 0.76-carat, oval-cut stunner — and she said no one has been able to tell that the diamonds were created in a lab. “I’ve never seen anything like it and it’s gorgeous,” Schaffer said. “The lab-grown diamonds are actually more sparkly in my … Read more