In polar regions, microbes are influencing climate change as frozen ecosystems thaw, McGill review finds 

Microbes across Earth’s coldest regions are becoming more active as glaciers, permafrost and sea ice thaw, accelerating carbon release and potentially amplifying climate change, according to a new international review from McGill University. 

McGill researchers create shapeshifting materials that could power the next generation of soft robots

McGill University engineers have developed new ultra-thin materials that can be programmed to move, fold and reshape themselves, much like animated origami. They open the door to softer, safer and more adaptable robots that could be used in medical tools that gently move inside the body, wearable devices that change shape on the skin or smart packaging that reacts to its environment.

McGill researchers identify a range of unexpected chemical contaminants in human milk

An interdisciplinary team including researchers at McGill University has found a range of unexpected chemical contaminants in human milk samples from Canada and South Africa. The chemicals include traces of pesticides, antimicrobials and additives used in plastics and personal-care products. The findings were published across five papers.

McGill professor awarded one of the eight science diplomacy chairs newly created by the Fonds de recherche du Québec

Ebenezer Miezah Kwofie, Assistant Professor in the Bioresource Engineering Department, has been awarded one of eight science diplomacy chairs newly created by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ).

Microencapsulated B-vitamins help dairy cows produce more milk with fewer emissions

A new international study led by McGill University in collaboration with Jefo Nutrition shows that supplementing dairy cow diets with microencapsulated B-vitamins can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing milk yield and quality. The use of the feed additive cut global warming potential, an internationally standardized measure of climate impact, by up to 18 per cent across seven countries.  

Scientists decode the full range of oat genomes, opening the door to more nutritious, climate-smart crops

Researchers have cracked one of agriculture’s most complicated genomes, revealing long-hidden DNA rearrangements that could help scientists breed oats that are more resilient, nutritious and sustainable.

Remembrance ceremony brings generations together to honour Canadian veterans

On November 6, the John Abbott–Macdonald Remembrance Day Ceremony united students, veterans, and community members in tribute to Canada’s armed forces. Held on the John Abbott College football field, the event featured moving speeches and a solemn wreath-laying at Macdonald Campus’s War Memorial.

Patrick Cortbaoui Appointed UNAI Vice Chair

Patrick Cortbaoui, Senior Managing Director of McGill’s Margaret A. Gilliam Institute for Global Food Security, has been appointed Vice Chair for Outreach and Partnership for the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 2 Hub for the 2025–2027 term. This appointment recognizes Patrick’s ongoing leadership in advancing SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through global academic collaboration.

Experts: Food insecurity in Quebec

Food bank use in Quebec in 2025 has hit record numbers, surpassing 3 million assistance requests, according to Food Banks Canada's HungerCount 2025 recent report. Employed people and students are among the fastest growing user groups, with food banks struggling to keep up with demand.  

McGill experts are available to comment on this topic: 

WELL-E: Rethinking Cow Care with AI

In Canada, researchers from McGill University’s WELL-E Chair are using artificial intelligence to improve the welfare of dairy cows. At a farm in Montreal, high-definition cameras track cows’ movements, ear positions, and walking patterns to gather behavioral data. These subtle signals help assess the animals’ physical and mental health.

AES administrative appointments

Dean Salwa Karboune is please to announce the following appointments in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences:

Canada wins bid to host the International Congress of Nutrition

The Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) has proudly won the bid to host the International Congress of Nutrition (ICN) 2029 in Vancouver, Canada, marking a major milestone for Canada’s nutrition community.

Cracking the Code of Pre-Harvest Sprouting

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a major global issue affecting cereal crops like wheat and barley. It occurs when grains begin to germinate on the plant before harvest due to environmental triggers like moisture and humidity, combined with genetic factors such as low seed dormancy. This premature sprouting degrades starch, reducing grain quality and leading to significant economic losses—estimated at $1 billion globally, and $100 million annually in Canada.

Macdonald Campus welcomes new leadership

As we welcome the Fall semester, the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is pleased to announce the following appointments:

Dr. Faucher obtained his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the Université de Montréal in 2007 and joined our Faculty in July 2011.  He has previously served as Acting Associate Dean (Research) in 2020.

Study raises red flags about BPA replacements

Chemicals used to replace bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging can trigger potentially harmful effects in human ovarian cells, according to McGill University researchers.

A new study examined several chemicals commonly used in price stickers on packaged meat, fish, cheese and produce found early signs of potential toxicity.