Science North Science Cafés

Most people, at the core, believe themselves to be rational beings. But when you dig down into the psychology of belief, most of us believe things that we have no scientific support for, or hold on to beliefs that we know have been disproven.

Most people, at the core, believe themselves to be rational beings. But when you dig down into the psychology of belief, most of us believe things that we have no scientific support for, or hold on to beliefs that we know have been disproven. Why does misinformation stick, and what are the consequences of these mistaken beliefs? As a society, why should we care if people believe things that can be disproven? And at the end of the day, what can we do to make our own belief systems more based in fact?

Panelists included:

Charles RamcharanPhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biology and Cooperative Freshwater Biology Unit, Laurentian University

Chantal BarriaultMSc, Co-Director, Science Communication Graduate Program, Laurentian University

Michael EmondPhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Laurentian University

Moderator: Dana MurchisonStaff Scientist, Science North

Addiction to technology is a growing issue as it infiltrates every point of our lives. We now play hyper-realistic video games, we invest and foster our relationships through social media, and we are expected to be in touch through mobile devices at all times. But when using technology becomes compulsive and interferes with daily life, can we diagnose this as an addiction? E-addiction, like other addictions can cause neurological complications, psychological disturbances, and social problems. How is technology designed to promote prolonged engagement? How does our brain react to technology? Is e-addiction a symptom of other disorders such as anxiety or depression? How do we treat this new and evolving disorder?

Panelists:

Dr. Aaron LangilleMaster Lecturer. Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, Laurentian University.

Dr. Michel LarivierePracticing Clinical Psychologist at Sudbury Psychology;Full Professor, School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University

Danielle WaltenburySenior Scientist, Science North, Parent.

Dr. Matias MarianiClinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist at Mariani and Associates Assistant Professor, Northern Ontario School of Medicine Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology, Laurentian University.

Addiction to technology is a growing issue as it infiltrates every point of our lives. We now play hyper-realistic video games, we invest and foster our relationships through social media, and we are expected to be in touch through mobile devices at al...

What's Coming up for the Fall 2018 Science Café Season

What's Coming up for the Fall 2018 Science Café Season

Over the past 120 years, the Sudbury landscape has experienced two dramatic transformations: first from deforestation and pollution and more recently through an ambitious regreening effort. How far have we come towards transforming our city into a sust...

Over the past 120 years, the Sudbury landscape has experienced two dramatic transformations: first from deforestation and pollution and more recently through an ambitious regreening effort. How far have we come towards transforming our city into a sustainable community in a thriving landscape? What remains to be done, and what steps must we now take to achieve our ongoing goals? Discuss these questions, and more, with key players in the regreening effort.

Panelists included:

Dr. Stephen MonetManager, Environmental Planning Initiatives, City of Greater Sudbury

Glen WatsonEnvironmental Biologist, VALE

Dr. Peter BeckettBiologist, Laurentian University and Head of City of Greater Sudbury's Regreening Committee

Lisa LegerEnvironmental Biologist, Xstrata Nickel

Moderator: Jennifer BeaudryStaff Scientist, Dynamic Earth

Do well-meaning foreign aid NGO projects really have a long-lasting positive impact in the communities they are trying to help? What are the factors behind successful projects, and how can you ensure that your aid is really helping? Come hear the stories of local representatives of foreign aid initiatives, and join the discussion of what works to effect change.

Panelists included:

Carissa MacLennanDirector of Education and Youth Engagement, Jane Goodall Institute of Canada

Jason VaillancourtStudent and active member of the Health Promotion project, Laurentian University

David WiwcharTeacher and vice-principal, Lively Secondary School

Lori AdamsCoordinator, Sudbury Minga for Masaai

Moderator: Ashley LaroseStaff Scientist, Science North

Do well-meaning foreign aid NGO projects really have a long-lasting positive impact in the communities they are trying to help? What are the factors behind successful projects, and how can you ensure that your aid is really helping?