When is the last time you thought about where your water ends up? The water that flows down the drain in the tub, that runs through the grates on the side of the road, that gets flushed down the toilet—all of it makes its way to treatment plants where it gets processed and cleaned before returning to our waterways. The plant treats incoming water for all types of waste and pollutants, but it’s micropollutants—those chemicals present in tiny amounts that can still cause widespread...

Dr. Colin Laroque (PhD) listens to what the trees tell him. Laroque, a professor in USask’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources and the head of the Department of Soil Sciences, is an expert dendrochronologist. Or, in other words, he is an expert in “tree-ring analysis,” which allows him to read the rings of trees to get a better understanding of the environment over years, decades and centuries. In recent years, the number of wildfires in Canada and around the world have inc...

Public health is something that has an impact on all of us - but over recent years, public health has been thrust into a bigger spotlight. Trust in science, academia and public health is critical to maintain strong public health for the future. We explore how trust in public health has changed, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what can be done to address those changes, on this episode of the USask Signature Series podcast. Guests this episode: Dr. Thilina Banda...

How often do you think about the environment you live in? Our houses, our towns, our cities, our communities - we have surrounded ourselves with our "built environment." But as populations grow and move, the we have to ask ourselves: how do we make sure our built environment is healthy, safe and sustainable for us and for future generations? We explore a few of the facets of a sustainable built environment in this episode of the USask Signature Series Podcast. Guests: Dr. Wanda Martin (...

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is home to Canada's only synchrotron. The Canadian Light Source at USask gives researchers at the university and around the world an opportunity to explore scientific questions down to the molecular and atomic level with the help of the synchrotron's beamlines. But what exactly does a synchrotron do, and how does it advance scientific curiosity and innovation? We shine a light on the power of the synchrotron in this episode of the USask Signa...

Water is a vital part of life.Water is constantly flowing all around us - in our streams and rivers, into our lakes, through our deltas and in pipes in our cities. Our waterways are interconnected, often in ways we never think of. But how are those waterscapes changing, and what role do we play in those changes?We explore all the things you didn't know about our changing waterscapes on this episode of the USask Signature Series podcast.Guests:Dr. Corinne Schuster-Wallace (PhD)Dr. Grant Fergus...

Farming and Saskatchewan are practically synonymous, and agriculture research from the University of Saskatchewan is second to none. USask research has supported Saskatchewan producers and the agriculture industry for decades and has helped make Saskatchewan - and Canada - a bastion of agricultural efficiency and sustainability. But what makes an efficient farmer, and what helps Saskatchewan stand out among the rest? Join us on this episode of the Signature Series Podcast to learn m...

Quantum technology isn't science fiction - it's science fact. We're surrounded by more quantum technology than you'd expect, and with the quantum computers growing in size and power we are looking at new and exciting developments on the horizon for how our daily lives are impacted by quantum-influenced technology. How fast are quantum computers? What are quantum materials? These questions and more are answered on this episode of the USask Signature Series Podcast. Guests:Dr. St...

Do you ever think about where your power comes from when you turn on your lights?The world is looking for new sources of energy - but the global energy transition won't happen with the flick of a switch. The research and the resources has to come from somewhere, and Saskatchewan is home to both. On this episode we explore how the energy transition will take shape, the future of critical minerals and nuclear power - and the role both Saskatchewan and Canada will play. Guests:Dr. Greg...

We all love our pets, but are they good for us? And are we good for them?On the first episode of the USask Signature Series Podcast, we dive into the ways animals in our homes influence our health - the risks they may pose, and the benefits they provide - along with a trio of accomplished University of Saskatchewan researchers. Guests:Dr. Emily Jenkins (PhD) Dr. Joseph Blondeau (PhD) Dr. Colleen Dell (PhD) Host: Matt Olson Producers: Matt Olson and Leslie-Ann Schlosser Au...

World-leading research and innovation - right in the heart of Canada. The USask Signature Series explores the cutting edge research taking place at the University of Saskatchewan. From quantum technology to agricultural innovation, sustainable communities to synchrotron sciences, the USask Signature Series will answer questions about the world using USask expertise. Are your pets good for your health?How do we prepare for the energy transition?What makes Saskatchewan farmers so effi...