Quick Links
McGill.CA / Office for Science & Society

Got a question? Ask us!

Submit your question here

Submitted text must be less than 700 characters.

Question mark

Check out some of your previous You Asked questions on our OSS blog: 

Does emu oil have any benefits?

Pain causes anger. Can relieving anger relieve pain?

Is niacin a possible successful treatment for schizophrenia?

CoEnzyme Q10?

Dr. Oz’s Questionable Wizardry: Green Coffee Bean Extract and Garcinia Cambogia?

What is Shania Twain’s Secret to Soft and Supple Skin?

Is Physioscan the latest hype or just old news in Naturopathy?

Don't Blame the Water Bottle


Why does coffee heated up in the microwave foam up when sugar is added?

Are plastic kettles dangerous?

Are the new Smart Meters from Hydro Quebec safe? Are they different from a cordless or cell phone when it comes to RF emmissions?

How safe is imported fish from China?

Could Omega 3's be used as a treatment for ADHD?

Virtually everyone is aware of the connection between dietary cholesterol and heart disease. But it may come as a surprise that cholesterol is often used as an ingredient in cosmetics. Why is it used in this fashion and why is there concern about adding it to such products?

Women worried about using estrogen for menopausal symptoms are resorting to various alternative therapies. What popular treatment has recently been shown to be ineffective?


How did a bird’s nest kill a whole family who had rented a holiday cottage in England?

What ingredient in Ivory Soap makes it float?

Humans and animals exhale carbon dioxide with every breath. Why is this not considered to be a problem as far as global warming goes?


What is the link between diamond, graphite and buckyballs?


Betacyanins can impart a bright red colour to the urine. When could this happen?


Are Electronic Cigarettes the New Trend?

Is there lead in my lipstick?

What are your thoughts on the extremely controversial CBD and THC substance and compound?

Is celery juice a viable alternative to nitrites in cured meats?

Can you please comment on the “arsenic in your food” report?


Why can you die just from picking up the South American “poison dart” frog?

Who first suggested that milk be pasteurized to make it safer for consumption?

Around 1000 B.C. a Chinese monk introduced the idea of blowing a substance up the nose of people to protect them from smallpox. What was this substance?

What is the environmental problem referred to as “witches’ knickers” in Ireland?

Soft drink bottles are made of a plastic called polyethyleneglycol terephthalate, or PET. While this plastic is fine for storing soft drinks, why is it not recommended for storing home-made wine?

In the 1920s a hair removal method widely advertised as “absolutely painless and needle free” became a medical disaster. What was the methodology used to remove the unwanted hair?

Why were Red M&Ms eliminated? Should I be concerned?

Why did Cleopatra supposedly bathe in sour donkey milk?

Why has California issued a health advisory about eating fried grasshoppers covered with chili – a traditional Mexican treat?

The chemical composition of the ice was changed for the 1949-1950 NHL season. What change was introduced?

Many substinence farmers in Africa grow peanuts. Why are they being encouraged to store these in sacks made of natural fibers instead of plastic?

What do you think about the gluten-free diet? According to William Davis, author of the best-seller "Wheat Belly", wheat is evil.

Is it true that garlic in China is grown in human feces and watered with urine? 

Are Wind Farms Really Bad for People’s Health?

I’ve heard so much about this “amazing” supplement designed to increase the production of glutathione in the body. What’s the deal?

We have a water fountain whose filter mechanism includes a power cord that runs through the water reservoir. The instructions include a warning that the cord contains lead, and that we should wash our hands after touching it. So if the cord is actually sitting in the water, does this lead get into the water at all? Is it safe (for humans & animals) to drink?

How does one extract lactose from milk?

Despite the claims, has there been any real scientific test on creatine supplements to see if they are safe and if they work?

How Does Peroxide Whiten Teeth?

Does food cooked in the microwave lose its’ nutritional value?

Depression and soft drinks

What is saltpeter used for and is it true it reduces certain “carnal urges?”

Is there a risk of heart attack for women taking calcium supplements?

When a person has hay fever (allergy to pollen) does the pollen transfer from the stamen to the nose?

Is it possible to get rid of what seems to be the smell of a dead mouse without removing vanity and ripping open the entire wall and removing the dead rodent?

Is it true that onions can absorb bacteria?

Are Vitamin K2 Supplements Recommended?

Can Red Marine Algae help with shingles, eczema or cold sores?

Can branched chain amino acids (BCAA) and/or glutamine improve strength and lead to muscle formation and weight gain?

Are labs in the Philippines that claim to detect cancer by testing for HCG in urine legitimate?

Are there any health benefits in taking maca in a pill form?

Do GMO foods cause any health related risks?

Are the claimed health effects of zeolites a hoax?

Does taking a high dose of aspirin actually help when you are currently having a heart attack?

Should we be concerned about lead in drinking water?

Is it true that cherry juice has health benefits?

Can Krebiozen Treat Cancer?

What Is The Role of Iodine in Thyroid Function?


Is HGH (Human Growth Hormone) an anti-aging miracle?  

How Did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Trick Houdini?

Why Does Dog Urine Stain the Grass?

What is the Difference between Type I and Type II diabetes?

Is There a Risk with Dented Cans? 

What is “Truth Serum?”

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

What’s the difference between white chocolate and brown chocolate?

Is there really something to the story that chicken soup is good for the common cold?

What was “Chardonnet silk?”

Why does cat urine smell so bad and what can I do about it?

What are the Pros and Cons of Eating Carrots?

Why are drugs which interfere with the levels of certain hormones in the body used to treat breast and prostate cancer?

Why does lettuce sometimes turn brown?

What are "Breathable Wine Glasses?"

What is a “Brazilian” hair straightening treatment?

Does Blue Cheese Cause Cancer?

What is the “Blood Type Diet?”

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Can Beta Blockers Help with Stage Fright?

Why does lipstick cause beer to lose its foam?

Have you heard of the book "The Cure of all Cancers"?

What Is Activated Carbon?

Is “Airborne” effective against the common cold?

Are Antibacterial Household Products A Health Hazard?

How do anti-fog sprays for glasses work?

What is Arnica?

What can be done about ants in the house?

Is there any risk in using antiperspirants or deodorants?

Do Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections work for wound healing and baldness?

What is Borax?

Why can't you use fresh pineapple to make Jell-o?

Does Policosanol Reduce Cholesterol?

Can Copper Bracelets Help with Arthritis?

Is it true that a single espresso can damage your heart?

What is Colon Cleansing?

What is the difference between “Unscented” and “Fragrance-free” products?

What’s the Relationship between Fats and Prostate Cancer?

What is Fluorescence?

Can You Overdose on Folic Acid?

Is Food Irradiation Dangerous?

What is Himalayan Salt?

What is "Hormesis"?

What is “Horny Goat Weed?”

What is Huffing?

Why is Iodine added to Salt?

 What is Lactose Intolerance?

Why Do Leaves Have Autumn Colours?

Why do lobsters change colour on cooking? 

Is there anything to raw food diet?

What is the latest on lycopene?

Can Zinc Lozenges Treat the Common Cold?

What are Prions?

What is macular degeneration?

What is melatonin?

What About Mercury In Fish?

What are modified milk ingredients?

Can the mugariga plant actually cure disease?

Why Do Nails Have Ridges?

What can you tell from the appearance of our nails?

Is it true that you can live without a brain?

Can nuts reduce your risks of heart disease?

What are oncogenes?

Why do onions make you cry?

Why does a cooked onion taste sweet and why does it not make the eyes water?

What makes a fish “organic?”

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

What is all the talk about “Paradox Blanc?”

The Story of Perfume

Can phytoplankton cure cancer?

Do Athletes Need Protein Supplements?

Extra Protein, Extra Performance?

Can Red Yeast Rice Reduce Cholesterol?

Rust stains in your bathtub?

What chemical makes self-cleaning windows possible?

What is snus?

How was “SpaceShipOne” powered?

What are smelling salts?

Is Sugar Addictive?

Sunglass Savvy

Can Synephrine Help In Weight Loss?

What is The History of Tattoos?

Can Tomatoes Prevent Cancer?

Is there a difference between synthetic and natural vitamin C?

Does Wasabi Have Any Health Benefit?

Is “Vibe” vitamin-mineral supplement the miracle people claim it to be?

Why are bees vanishing?

Can toothpastes really whiten teeth?

How does Tide Coldwater Liquid Detergent work? Is there any significant difference between this specialized version from the standard?

Is the Old Wives Tale true? Are onions toxic once they’re cut? And do they absorb bacteria?

Are all fats created equal? Are some worse for you than others?

Is it true that the Swiffer Wet Jet Kills Pets?

Why is milk white and not green like grass?

What makes a stink bomb stink?

What is liquid smoke?

What is xylitol doing in chewing gum?

The African Mango: can its' seeds really help you lose weight?

What is meat glue?

Will watering plants with heated microwaved water kill the plant?

What causes a geyser to erupt?

Microwave Fears

What is nutritional armour? 

Who invented scotch tape?

Can hazelwood or amber necklaces help with the pain of babies' teething?

Can placing an avocado seed in guacamole prevent discolouration?

What is an "oolichan?"

How do you make a perfect French fry?

What chemical is used in self-cleaning windows?

What is meant by the "date rape" drug?

Do men's armpits smell differently than women's?

Should we be worried about theobromine in chocolate?

What is "Bordeaux Mixture?"

How come you never see a baby housefly?

What does "blanc de noirs" mean when referring to wine?

Can asparagus be a treatment for cancer?

Is it true that onions are "magnets for bacteria?"

Can walnuts reduce the risk of heart disease?

What are endorphins?

What is "smart bread?"

Updated on Sun, 2013-09-15 21:12
top of page