Ontario Science Centre’s Café Scientifique presents:
LOVE: just the right mix of genes and chemicals in your brain?
Everyone has read headlines about the "science of love" but here's your chance to hear what Toronto scientists know about the sentiments of love and romantic attachment.
Are humans just like other animals when it comes to mate selection? Are men really less faithful and women truly more picky? If so are there solid biological reasons for this?
Join our experts in the fields of biology, psychology, behavioural neuroscience, and behavioural genetics to find out more.
Experts:
- Robert T. Gerlai, Ph.D. - Professor, Dept. of Psychology, University of Toronto
- Melissa M. Holmes, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto
- Emily Agard, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biology and Coordinator, Office of Science Outreach and Enrichment, Ryerson University
Saturday, February 18th,
4-6 pm
The Rivoli,
334 Queen St. W
CIHR Café Scientifique presents:
Can Viruses Kill Cancer? (view poster)
Not all viruses are bad.
When most people think of viruses, they think of getting a cold or the flu. They also worry about catching a virus as it spreads through their community. While infection from some viruses can be prevented using vaccines, others cannot and people get sick.
But viruses also have a good side and may even be able to make people healthier. Cancer researchers today are exploring how viruses can be adapted to infect and spread in tumour tissues without harming the surrounding normal tissue. The results are promising and they could lead to a whole new type of cancer treatment with fewer side effects for patients.
Join some of Canada’s leading faculty for an evening of open discussion on how some viruses can be adapted to kill cancer cells and how these viruses differ from the ones we worry about.
You won’t look at the common cold in the same way again.
This event is produced by the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research with the collaboration of the Ontario Science Centre
Experts:
- Dr. John C. Bell - Senior Scientist, Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- Dr. David N. Fisman - Associate Professor, Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Moderator:
- Donna Francis - Researcher, Ontario Science Centre
Thursday, February 9, 2012
6 to 8 p.m.
The Duke of York Pub - 39 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto
Please RSVP to: info@oicr.on.ca
Ontario Science Centre Café Scientifique presents:
2012 SCIENCE PREDICTIONS: What does the future hold? (view poster)
As we head into a new year, it is time to reflect on the most interesting science stories of the past year. What were the big breakthroughs and discoveries?
In addition, let’s take a moment to peer into a scientific “crystal ball” and muse over the developments that are
likely to emerge in the next year(s).
Join our experts and find out more about the hottest stories in the fields of technology, physics, and energy. Take the opportunity to share your predictions (or wishlist) and perhaps find out the likelihood of it being fulfilled by scientists in the near future.
Experts:
- Walter Derzko - Executive Director, Strategic Foresight Institute, Toronto
- Martin Laforest - Manager of Scientific Outreach, Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo
- James Andrew Smith - Assistant Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Ryerson University
Saturday, January 21,
4-6 pm
The Rivoli,
334 Queen St. W
University of Toronto at Mississauga Café Scientifique presents:
Drinking Like a Fish: How the zebrafish may help us treat alcoholism (view poster)
Many of us assume that alcohol is not really a drug, since it is legal to purchase and to consume. However, alcohol abuse and alcohol related diseases represent a huge health care problem. In fact, the number of alcohol related diseases is more than that of all cancers and cardiovascular diseases combined.
We now know that abuse of alcohol induces a large number of complex changes in the brain and that these changes alter the way people respond to this drug. This can lead to alcohol dependence and the subsequent abuse of the substance.
Alcoholism is a disease, and it is a hard one to treat because we do not know enough about how alcohol interacts with our brain and how it influences its functioning. This is because alcohol is a “dirty” drug, from a pharmacological viewpoint. That is, it affects a lot of molecular mechanisms and in a rather complicated manner. It is this large complexity that hinders our advances towards the development of effective treatment strategies.
Surprisingly, the answer to our questions may come from a rather unlikely source - zebrafish - which allow for precise laboratory control in the analysis of the effects of alcohol, and the mechanisms of these effects. The Gerlai lab has pioneered the use of zebrafish in alcohol research. Join Dr. Gerlai as he talks about alcohol abuse, and some of his research groups most current and interesting findings.
Expert:
- Dr. Robert Gerlai - Professor, Department of Psychology
University of Toronto at Mississauga
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
7:00 PM
Rosewood Bistro & Wine Bar
Sherwood Forest Village
1900 Dundas St West, Mississauga
www.meetup.com/Cafe-Scientifique/
The Ontario Science Centre Café Scientifique presents:
Science in Society: For Better or For Worse?
Scientific and technological discoveries have changed the world. Many discoveries — such as penicillin, vaccines, and electricity — have been highly beneficial to humans. Others, however, have had negative repercussions, with ongoing and serious consequences for people and the environment: we now live with a hole in the ozone layer, pesticides in our foods, and superbugs. Will new discoveries be for better or for worse? Although scientific advances offer hope towards solving some of our current global challenges, can science hope to patch up all the world’s ills? Or will science contribute to more catastrophic results, taking the planet to the point of no return? Are the potential consequences serious enough that we should put the brakes on research? And how can we ensure that new research is and will be used wisely?
Do you have an opinion? Join us for drinks, discussion, and debate
PLUS: As part of National Science and Technology week, this event shares the same topic as others around the country and there may be special treats for a few participants at the event.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
4 – 6 pm
the Rivoli, 334 Queen Street W.
(on Queen St. W., just east of Spadina)
The Ontario Science Centre, the Worldviews Conference on Media and Higher Education and the MaRS Discovery District present:
Café Scientifique Special Edition: Science Goes to the Movies (view the awesome poster)
Does the portrayal of science in popular movies affect our understanding of science?
Join us for a special edition Café Scientifique at MaRS on June 17 in conjunction with the Worldviews Conference on Media and Higher Education as we attempt to tackle this question by sifting through our favourite (and not so favourite) depictions of science in film.
Featuring:
- Dan Falk - Science journalist, Broadcaster, and Author
- Mark Langer - Professor Film Studies, CarletonUniversity
- Yasaman Soudagar - Dept. Of Physics, University of Toronto
- Natasha Eloi –on-air reporter for InnerSPACE show at the SPACE Channel
MaRS Discovery District
101 College Street
June 17, 6:30-9:00 PM
Free Admission
Snacks and drinks available.
www.cafescientifique.ca
www.marsdd.com
The Ontario Science Centre, the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, and the CIHR Training Program in Regenerative Medicine present:
Cancer Prevention: Is it possible? (view the poster with details)
What does the medical research community know about cancer prevention? It seems as if every day there is a new study about another "superfood" or micronutrient which is capable of warding off cancer.
How much control does an individual have in preventing the formation of cancers through healthy diets and exercise?
Is genetic pre-screening able to pinpoint how susceptible we are to familial cancers?
What about other methods of prevention?
Will there ever be an effective vaccine against cancers?
Experts:
- Seema Panchal, MS, CGC - Genetic Counsellor, Familial Breast Cancer Clinic, Mount Sinai Hospital, Clinical Supervisor, University of Toronto
- Dr. Julia Knight - Principal Investigator / Epidemiologist, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Associate Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health
- Dr. Neil Berinstein - Associate Scientist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
- Michael Archer Ph.D., - Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
6pm to 8pm
This cafe is a collaborative effort involving:
Training Program in Regenerative Medicine,
the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital,
and the Ontario Science Centre,
with generous support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
CIHR Café Scientifique presents
Can we prevent, predict and detect cancer with images? (view the poster)
High quality cancer images are important in every stage of cancer.
Public health researchers use graphic images on cigarette packages to prevent harmful cancer causing habits. Imaging researchers are developing tissue imaging systems to help predict a person’s risk of cancer. And pathologists rely on detailed images to accurately detect cancerous cells.
Researchers are working to improve the images we use to prevent, predict and detect cancer. But will better images lead to better health? Join some of Canada’s leading faculty for an evening of open discussion on images in cancer. Learn how images are used to prevent cancer, how cancer images are helping to predict risk and where cancer detection research is headed.
Experts:
- Martin J. Yaffe, PhD - Senior Scientist, Imaging Research, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Professor, Medical Biophysics and Medical Imaging, University of Toronto
Co-Program Leader, One Millimetre Cancer Challenge and
Co-Platform Leader, Imaging Pipeline Platform, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
- Geoffrey T. Fong, PhD - Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo
Senior Investigator, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
- Sylvia L. Asa, MD, PhD - Pathologist-in-Chief and Medical Director, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network
Senior Scientist, Ontario Cancer Institute
Professor, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto
Moderator:
- Donna Francis - Researcher, Ontario Science Centre
Thursday, May 12, 2011
6pm to 8pm
The Duke of York Pub
39 Prince Arthur Avenue, near St. George Subway station
Please RSVP to: info@oicr.on.ca
The Ontario Science Centre Café Scientifique presents:
Nuclear Energy: What does the future hold? (view the poster)
Nuclear energy is under scrutiny again due to the recent events in Japan. With rising fossil fuel costs, global investment in alternative energy sources is growing.
How do nuclear power plants work?
Who calculates their safety?
What about the considerations for future nuclear installations and new technologies?
Join in the conversation!
Experts:
- Darrin Durant, PhD
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science & Engineering, York University
- George Bereznai, PhD
Dean and Professor ,Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, UOIT
Saturday April 16th, 2011
4-6 PM
the Rivoli, 334 Queen Street W.
(on Queen St. W., just east of Spadina)
The Ontario Science Centre Cafe Scientifique presents:
Is there a Formula for Beauty? (view poster)
The Golden Ratio highlights proportions which humans generally find to be attractive. The Fibonacci sequence describes many natural shapes including the elegant lines of seashells. In photography and art, the "rule of thirds" generates beautiful landscape pictures.
Is there a scientific or mathematical formula to explain why some things are more beautiful than others?
Got an opinion? Join us for drinks, discussion and debate.
Experts:
- John Newton - Professional violin and viola maker
- Christopher D. Green PhD - Professor, Dept of Psychology, York University
- Jill Glessing - Art writer, Photographic artist, and Professor, Liberal Studies, Ontario College of Art and Design
- Joe Repka - Professor of Mathematics, University of Toronto
Saturday, March 19th, 2011
4pm - 6pm
Free.
The Rivoli, 334 Queen St. W.
The Ontario Science Centre, the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, and the CIHR Training Program in Regenerative Medicine present:
WAKE UP! Is sleep more important than we think? (view poster)
We spend a third of our day sleeping, and yet the question "Why do we sleep?" has intrigued scientists for centuries. Considered to be a crucial rest period, researchers are discovering that sleep plays an integral role in our health. Its effects on heart health, mood, and disease are now receiving closer scrutiny. Join our experts to find out more about the link between good sleep and good health.
Experts:
- Dr. Douglas Bradley, MD, FRCPC
Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Director of the Sleep Research Laboratory at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
- Dr. Robert Casper
Senior Investigator, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital
Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto
- Dr. Michael McDonald, MD, FRCPC
Director, Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant Fellowship Program
Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology UHN and Mount Sinai Hospital University of Toronto
Wednesday March 9,
6 to 8 pm
The Duke of York Pub,
39 Prince Arthur Ave. 2nd floor, Stair access
Steps from St. George subway station (Bedford Rd. exit)
Funding support provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
CIHR Café Scientifique presents:
What does Cancer Look Like? Picturing Cancer (view poster)
Having a clear picture of cancer is important for everyone. Surgeons need to see the exact boundaries of a tumour so they can remove the entire tumour during surgery. Radiologists need to know the precise location to guide treatments directly to the tumour. Cancer patients want to know what their tumour looks like so they know what they are fighting against. Accurate pictures of cancer help public understanding of the cancer problem.
Images of cancer are invaluable. Join some of Canada’s leading faculty for an evening of open discussion on how we visualize cancer. Learn where cancer imaging and detection research is headed, how we visualize and perceive cancer, and how we can address the psychological challenges of being diagnosed with cancer with pictures.
This event is produced by the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research with the collaboration of the Ontario Science Centre
Experts
- Judy Gould PhD, MA – Psychotherapist and Wellspring Program Leader, Cancer Research Consultant, Assistant Professor Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
- Jodie Jenkinson BA, MScBMC - Assistant Professor, Biomedical Communications University of Toronto
- David A. Jaffray PhD -Senior Scientist, Ontario Cancer Institute, Head of Radiation Physics, Princess Margaret Hospital
Moderator
- Donna Francis - Researcher/ Programmer at the Ontario Science Centre
Thursday, February 17, 2011, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Duke of York Pub
39 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto,
near St. George subway station
Please RSVP to: cafescientifique@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
The Ontario Science Centre Cafe Scientifique presents:
QUANTUM: What is it and why should I care? (view poster)
Curious about quantum mechanics/quantum physics? If you have ever wondered whether it is pure theory or somehow relevant to everyday life, this is the event for you!
How has knowledge about quantum theory made understanding the nature of the universe easier for physicists? Why is it so confusing? Is it useful?
Join our friendly physicist experts as they explain the basics of this branch of science. One of our speakers has developed a way to use dance to express the topic of his thesis, so be assured that it will be an accessible talk. Sit back, relax and listen to the perspective of a few physicists working in the field. No formulas, calculators, or slide rules are required for attendance.
Got an opinion? Join us for drinks, discussion and debate.
Experts:
- Yasaman Soudagar - visiting PhD Candidate, University of Toronto
- Krister Shalm, PhD - Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo -- View his short video using dance to explain his thesis topic
- Robert Spekkens, PhD - Faculty, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
- Daniel F. V. James, PhD - Dept. of Physics, University of Toronto
Saturday, January 15th, 2011
4pm - 6pm
Free.
The Rivoli, 334 Queen St. W.
Click on the topic to view the poster from a previous Café:
2011 Ontario Science Centre Cafe Scientifique Events at the Rivoli
2010-2011 Cafe Scientifique Events funded by the CIHR and presented in partnership with several organizations
2010 Ontario Science Centre Cafe Scientifique Events at the Rivoli
2009-2010 Ontario Science Centre & Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute Cafe Scientifique Series funded by CIHR
2009 Ontario Science Centre Cafe Scientifique Events at the Rivoli
2009 - 2010 CIHR-funded Cafe Scientifique events in Toronto
2008 Ontario Science Centre Cafe Scientifique Events at the Rivoli
2008-2009 Ontario Science Centre & Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute Cafe Scientifique Series funded by CIHR
2008-2009 CIHR-funded Cafe Scientifique events in Toronto
2007 Ontario Science Centre Cafe Scientifique Events at the Rivoli
2007-2008 Ontario Science Centre & Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute Cafe Scientifique Series funded by CIHR
2007-2008 CIHR-funded Cafe Scientifique events in Toronto
2006 Ontario Science Centre Cafe Scientifique Events at the Rivoli
- Strings vs Loops: Why can't scientists decide how to quantize gravity? (November 18, 2006)
- Nuclear Energy: Friend or Foe (October 21, 2006)
- Is Creativity Genetic? (September 16, 2006)
- HIV/AIDS: Will science provide the answers? (August 19, 2006)
- Nanotechnology: the ultimate solution? (July 15, 2006)
- The End of Humankind: Will we be conquered by war, disease or the environment? (June 17, 2006)
- Humans as Endangered Species: Will machines make us obsolete? (May 20, 2006)
- The Ultimate Authority: Will science or religion win out? (April 15, 2006)
- Are Humans Just Animals? What makes us so special? (March 18, 2006)
- Does your brain have a gender? Does it determine your behaviour? (February 18, 2006)
- The Fighting Gene: Is war hardwired into our brains? (January 28, 2006)
2005 Ontario Science Centre Cafe Scientifique Events at the Rivoli