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Completing small, simple tasks in a video game, such as the newly-released ‘Pokemon Pokopia,’ gives players a dopamine rush of satisfaction and achievement. (The Pokémon Company International)

The transactional — and optimizable — connections of ‘cozy video games’

Christina Fawcett, University of Winnipeg and Andrea Braithwaite, Ontario Tech University

“Cozy gaming” offers emotional comfort, community and a sense of control through low-stakes, repetitive play. It also features worlds where relationships are transactional.
A baby squirrel monkey rides on its mother’s back at an exotic animal pet store in Sudbury, Ont., in September 2016. Siloed ways of tackling wildlife, human and drug trafficking creates blind spots that sophisticated networks exploit. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Gino Donato

New study reveals how illegal wildlife trade intersects with organized crime in Canada

Michelle Anagnostou, University of Oxford; Ashwell Glasson, Stellenbosch University; Brent Doberstein, University of Waterloo, and Peter Stoett, Ontario Tech University

Illegal wildlife trade is one of the largest criminal activities in the world and some black markets are growing each year. Canada’s response remains inadequately prioritized and under-resourced.
Talking for Change is a government-funded national program that aims to prevent child sexual abuse. It provides an anonymous national helpline and treatment options for anyone concerned about their attraction to children. (Shutterstock)

To prevent child sexual abuse, we need to change our thinking — and stop exploitation before it happens

Ainslie Heasman, Ontario Tech University

There is a dire need to prevent child sexual abuse in Canada. It is critical to intervene early, and provide those at risk for offending with support through an anonymous helpline, as well as therapy.
Many caregivers were prevented from seeing and taking care of their loved ones in long-terms care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Caregivers were traumatized by COVID‑19 public health and long‑term care policies

Charlene Chu, University of Toronto and Vivian Stamatopoulos, Ontario Tech University

Family caregivers of residents in longterm care homes experienced a collective trauma as they were kept away from their loved ones during the pandemic. This isolation has long-ranging impacts.
Rachel McAdams and Will Ferrell in ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ will inspire viewers with more than keeping up fashionable appearances through December holidays in lockdown. (Netflix)

Will Ferrell’s ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ movie is the laugh we need this holiday

Anna Augusto Rodrigues, Ontario Tech University

The movie is indeed a silly look at how sharing song and media in popular culture can affect how we relate as individuals and nations but it also carries deeper insights.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Chrystia Freeland have relied heavily on the science-based advice of Chief Medical Officer Theresa Tam during the coronavirus pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Politicians and scientists need strong connections during the coronavirus crisis — and beyond

Dominique Robert, Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR); Adam T. Ford, University of British Columbia; Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde, Laurentian University; Amanda J. Moehring, Western University; Angela Kaida, Simon Fraser University; Arjun Krishnaswamy, McGill University; Catherine L. Mah, Dalhousie University; Cole Burton, University of British Columbia; Erin Bertrand, Dalhousie University; Heather Sparling; Jackie Dawson, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Jiaying Zhao, University of British Columbia; Kin Chan, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Mary A De Vera, University of British Columbia; Matt McTaggart, Royal Military College of Canada; Meghan B. Azad, University of Manitoba; Sheldon Williamson, Ontario Tech University; Stephanie Waterman, University of British Columbia; Trushar R. Patel, University of Lethbridge, and Valorie A. Crooks, Simon Fraser University

The effective integration of science into policy-making improves legislation and leads to effective solutions for society — and not only during times of crisis like the coronavirus pandemic.
La ministre de la Santé, Patty Hajdu, en compagnie de l'administratrice en chef de l'Agence de la santé publique du Canada, Theresa Tam, et du premier ministre Justin Trudeau, lors d'une conférence de presse sur le coronavirus qui s'est tenue à Ottawa, le 11 mars. La Presse Canadienne/Adrian Wyld

De l'importance des relations entre politiciens et scientifiques

Dominique Robert, Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR); Adam T. Ford, University of British Columbia; Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde, Laurentian University; Amanda J. Moehring, Western University; Angela Kaida, Simon Fraser University; Arjun Krishnaswamy, McGill University; Catherine L. Mah, Dalhousie University; Cole Burton, University of British Columbia; Erin Bertrand, Dalhousie University; Heather Sparling; Jackie Dawson, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Jiaying Zhao, University of British Columbia; Kin Chan, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Mary A De Vera, University of British Columbia; Matt McTaggart, Royal Military College of Canada; Meghan B. Azad, University of Manitoba; Sheldon Williamson, Ontario Tech University; Stephanie Waterman, University of British Columbia; Trushar R. Patel, University of Lethbridge, and Valorie A. Crooks, Simon Fraser University

Que l’on soit ou non en situation de crise, l’intégration efficace de la science dans la prise de décisions politiques améliore les projets de loi et mène à des solutions efficaces pour la société.
A resident of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is photographed while speaking about water and access issues in her community in February 2015. The Shoal Lake community, despite supplying water to the city of Winnipeg, has long been under a boil-water advisory and is only just getting year-round road access. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

We fail our citizens in Canada – and the UN is onto us

Dennis Raphael, York University, Canada; Morris Komakech, York University, Canada; Ryan Torrence, York University, Canada, and Toba Bryant, Ontario Tech University

Governments in Canada are routinely enacting public policies that primarily benefit economic elites, raising questions about government legitimacy and competency. Who’s looking out for us?
In school makerspaces, students problem-solve with traditional craft materials alongside. digital technologies such as 3D printing, virtual reality, programmable robots and video work.

How to help kids innovate from an early age

Janette Hughes, Ontario Tech University

Creative makerspaces in Ontario schools weave passion with digital technologies to teach 21st century skills.

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