Office for Science and Society - Separating Sense from Nonsense

AI Comes for Academics. Can We Rely on It?

Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

By now, the fact that artificial intelligence can hallucinate is, I hope, well known. There are countless examples of platforms like ChatGPT giving the wrong answer to a straightforward question or imagining a bit of information that does not exist. Notably, when Robert F.

Hungary’s House of Houdini Reveals Another Astonishing Magician

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:49:38 +0000

This article was first published in The Montreal Gazette.

“Did you know about the House of Houdini here?”

The Anatomy of a Bad Argument

Sophie Tseng Pellar BSc — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:00:08 +0000

Ever find yourself in a heated argument about climate change, vaccines, or whether the moon landing was “just Hollywood propaganda”? Suddenly, you’re not debating facts, you’re dodging YouTube links and rants about shadow governments. If you’ve ever wondered how a conversation spiraled into chaos, the FLICC framework might help you make sense of it.

How to Beat a Fruit Fly Infestation

Ada McVean M.Sc. — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

As I type this, I occasionally have to pause and swat away tiny annoying flying bugs that seem drawn specifically to my face. In light of my plight, let’s look at some fruit fly science – specifically, how best to bait, trap and rid your home of them.

While fruit flies might seem like a warm weather problem, as temperatures cool they can move inside and become just as much of a nuisance during the cold months as when delicious summer fruits are sitting on your counter.

Health Canada and Natural Health Products

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:56:36 +0000

“Bach Rescue Remedy” features a Natural Product Number (NPN) issued by Health Canada so one would naturally assume that it will relieve stress and nervousness as the label claims. If you have an earache, you might go for “Ear oil” that claims to relieve pain with extracts of mullein, garlic, calendula and St. John’s Wort. It too has an NPN. So does “Wild Rose Herbal Detox” that claims to detoxify the colon and kidneys with its 24 ingredients extracted from the likes of dandelion, burdock, licorice, buckthorn, raspberry and radish.

Nailing Down the Risk of Nail Polishes and Gels

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:42:54 +0000

This article was first published in The Montreal Gazette.

I subscribe to numerous science and health-oriented newsletters that flood my email inbox every day along with a bevy of unsolicited press releases and blog posts. Broadly speaking, the information provided either warns about some risk in our lives or suggests ways to improve our prospects for longevity. Let me address a typical scare that recently popped up.

Is There Really Room for Beer in Your Wellness Routine?

Eva Kellner B.A.Sc. — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

“Beer Spa” –– two words that you wouldn’t think to put together. Well, go to the center of Prague, and there is seemingly no end to the signs for these curious retreats.

When I think of a spa day, I imagine walking in the door and instantly being embraced by the calming aroma of eucalyptus. So, I must admit, that the concept of soaking in and sipping unlimited beer for hours doesn’t really seem like my ideal spa experience.

But maybe that’s just me.

PragerU Targets Kids and Parents with Shockingly Bad Science

Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

If we’re trying to understand our era, we need to recognize the following: mainstream institutions and their various consensuses are being replaced by fringe alternatives. In the United States right now, mainstream science and education are being levelled to make way for replacements, and because ideas are not contained by geopolitical borders, this institutionalization of bad ideas can affect us all.

Mozart, Mice and Microbes

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:51:19 +0000

I must admit that my interest in Mozart has mostly focused on the various theories of his demise in the prime of his youth. The composer had always been sickly, and it is well known that he had often been treated with antimony compounds by his physicians. He even dosed himself when he didn’t feel well. Antimony compounds can indeed be lethal if the dose is high enough. Recently, though, my curiosity about Mozart has taken a different turn. I’ve become interested in his music. Not because I’ve suddenly developed an appreciation for his sonatas.

The Quagmire of Nutritional Studies

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:32:53 +0000

This article was first published in The Montreal Gazette.

There are roughly 9,000 research papers published annually in the 75 or so journals dedicated to nutrition. That translates to about two dozen a day. Why is this staggering amount of nutritional research carried out by scientists around the world? The simple answer is so that we can determine what to eat and what not to eat for a healthier, longer life.