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Public Lectures

The McGill Office for Science and Society has developed over 60 lectures on a host of topics of interest. These lectures are offered to educational institutions, study groups, social clubs, and professional organizations with the level, format, and length of the presentations tailored to fit any audience. A screen is required, as the material is normally presented with slides. Listed below is a description of some of the most popular topics. (Note: Only some of Jonathan Jarry's lectures can be given in French).

Contact us if you're interested! 

Health

Herbs, Hype and Hope
Herbal supplements have escaped from health food stores and are filling the shelves of pharmacies. They promise to prevent, and in some cases, cure disease. What is the truth? Is there magic behind echinacea, St. John's wort or ginseng? This presentation explores the fascinating world of herbs from a historical and current perspective.

The Age of Anxiety
Life isn’t always a bowl of cherries. Sometimes it even seems like there are no cherries, just the pits. We’re inundated with worries. We worry about PCBs in our fish, bisphenol A in our food, preservatives in our antiperspirants, mercury in our teeth, radon in our basement, aspartame in our diet drinks, dioxin in our toilet paper, radiation from power lines, pesticides on our lawns and golf courses and cooking in aluminum pots. In many cases, the worries are exaggerated and do not reflect the scientific evidence. Maybe it is time to organize our worrying and put life’s risks into perspective. Fish, cosmetic ingredients, genetically modified foods or golf courses are not destroying our health. But maybe worrying about them is.

Aging: Fact and Fancy
Everybody wants to live long but nobody wants to get old. Can science solve this conundrum? What are we to make of claims which suggest that the secret of longevity lies in human growth hormone injections or some dietary supplement? Can testosterone or estrogen keep us young? Can we live longer just by eating less? Are antioxidants like beta carotene or vitamin E the key to happy golden years? A look at the science behind these issues can be a real eye-opener!

Chemistry and Dentistry
Most dentists don’t think of themselves as chemists, but in fact, chemistry and dentistry are strongly intertwined. It is fascinating to explore the chemical composition of dental materials and their potential health consequences. The fluoride issue is also intriguing as is the science behind tooth whiteners. Historically dentists played an important role in the development of anesthesia and are now exploring the links between dental health and heart disease. These and other relevant issues will be examined in an informative and entertaining fashion.

Health, Hype and Hope
Many people suspicious of modern medicine are turning to “alternative” practitioners. Homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and naturopathy are enjoying popularity and the Internet offers miraculous solutions for virtually any health problem. It is, however, important to examine the claims scientifically in order to separate the quackery from potentially useful treatments.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Alternative medicine, integrated medicine, complementary medicine. These terms are widely featured in the media, usually without appropriate critical analysis. There is a great deal of confusion among the public, as well as among physicians, about what the various “alternative” treatments actually encompass and about their safety and efficacy. Homeopathy, for example, is often mistakenly believed to be synonymous with any kind of herbal treatment. A proper scientific investigation of the pros and cons of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) can be very enlightening particularly when it comes to vaccination, certainly one of medicine’s most impressive triumphs. Smallpox has been wiped out, polio has virtually been relegated to the history books and childhood diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella have been brought under control. Yet, there is a booming anti-vaccine movement championed by the likes of “Dr.” Jenny McCarthy and “Dr.” Jim Carrey. This sort of unscientific activism presents real risks and needs to be addressed by the scientific establishment.

Hey! There are Cockroaches in my Chocolate Ice Cream!
No, there really are no cockroaches in chocolate ice cream. But one of my radio listeners did jump to this conclusion after misinterpreting what had been said about a certain food colourant. Being on one end of a microphone and in front of television cameras for over twenty years has afforded some fascinating insight into the public’s perception of science. It has also provided an opportunity to separate sense from nonsense in areas ranging from nutrition and medications to cosmetics and pesticides. This highly visual and entertaining presentation examines some serious as well as some frivolous experiences in dealing with the public and emphasizes the importance of fostering critical thinking.

Nutritional Advice - Is there a solution to the confusion?
Eating has become a confusing experience. Virtually every day bring news about some “miracle food” that we should be gulping down. One day it's tomatoes to prevent cancer, then flaxseed against heart disease or soybeans for menopause. Then there are the worries: genetic modification, aspartame, MSG, the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements. We need proper science to guide us through this nutritional maze.

Agricultural Myths and Facts
Pesticides, fungicides, herbicides…they are all meant to kill. Obviously, these are potentially toxic substances. But that does not mean they cannot be used safely. Indeed, without the proper use of agrochemicals, we have no hope of feeding the Earth’s increasing population. However, when it comes to weeds on our lawn, we may want to be a touch more circumspect. We need to trace out a path between the fear-mongerers and the chemical enthusiasts.

Magic

The Magic of Science
Everybody loves magic. And when you couple it with science, you have a unique presentation that goes beyond entertainment. This show is ideal for an after-lunch or after-dinner program but can also stand on its own. Good old fashioned stage magic blends with a variety of chemical demonstrations to delight and educate spectators of all ages.

Humour, Magic, and Medicine
It is becoming more and more clear that there is a strong interrelationship between the body and the mind. While sick people may not exactly be able to laugh their way back to health, scientists are looking very seriously at the potential therapeutic value of humour and play. There appears little question that mental attitude can influence how we deal with stress and how we recover from certain illnesses. Unfortunately though, sometimes people place too much hope on the power of "positive thinking." Come laugh a little, and learn a lot about the value of humour in managing stress! You may even experience a little magic...

Science and the Paranormal
Since the dawn of civilization, humans have been fascinated by phenomena which appear to lie outside the scope of science. Our history is peppered with accounts of psychics predicting the future, mediums conversing with the dead, and aliens in UFO's abducting earthlings. Today, there is widespread belief that the moon and planets influence our behaviour, that "psychic surgeons" can remove tumours without making incisions and that Uri Geller bends spoons with the power of his mind. Do these effects really lie outside the scope of modern-day science? This lecture examines paranormal phenomena and describes how many of the effects can be explained by perfectly "natural" means. The presentation is highlighted by a number of "demonstrations" aimed at increasing the awareness of the need to evaluate "paranormal" phenomena by critical scientific methods.

The Science of Magic
Magicians have been called the scientists of the stage. Their wondrous effects seem to defy the laws of nature but in reality, are all scientifically explicable. Exploring magic can teach us a great deal about the scientific method and the process of making observations and coming to conclusions. It can also be an eye-opener in terms of understanding techniques used by psychics to convince people that they possess special powers.
 

Pseudoscience

Brainy Science
Many people suspicious of modern medicine are turning to “alternative” practitioners. Homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and naturopathy are enjoying popularity and the Internet offers miraculous solutions for virtually any health problem. It is, however, important to examine the claims scientifically in order to separate the quackery from potentially useful treatments.

Yikes! There Are Worms in My Blood Vessels
I not only have worms in my blood vessels, I also have little insects dining on my bones and muscles. You just never know what a clairvoyant will see when she scans your body. For almost forty years my colleagues and I at the McGill Office for Science and Society have been in the business of separating sense from nonsense for students and the general public, taking advantage of all available media. In the process, we’ve witnessed the consequences of scientific illiteracy as we locked horns with a variety of phonies, charlatans and alarmist zealots. These adventures make for an entertaining and informative plea for critical thinking. And, oh yes, apparently I also have mushrooms in my prostate.

Are Cows more Trustworthy than Chemists?
A story in Time magazine about the relative merits of conventional and organic produce featured a curious quote from a professor of nutrition education at Columbia University. When asked if she preferred butter or margarine, she replied: “I would rather trust a cow than a chemist.” Unfortunately, such negative comments about chemistry are not unusual these days as the lay press often focuses on “toxic chemicals” in our air, water, food and even in our blood. The truth is that chemicals are neither safe nor dangerous. There are safe ways to use chemicals and dangerous ways to use chemicals. The International Year of Chemistry is an especially appropriate time to try to build a dike of scientific reality to stem the rising tide of chemophobia.

Quackery
Most people think that the snake oil era ended with the advent of modern medicine. It did not. Snake oil is more popular today than ever, it just goes by different names. Ear candling, colonic cleanses, “aerobic oxygen,” “zero-point energy wands,” magnets and a plethora of dietary supplements all claim to cure disease. Quackery is a multi-billion dollar business and is a testimonial to the extent of scientific illiteracy.

Celebrity Science - From Suzanne Somers to Dr. Oz
Is it sound science or quackery? When it comes to health advice dispensed by celebrities it may be hard to tell. Suzanne Somers offers opinions on cancer treatment, Jenny McCarthy rails against vaccinations and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver serves up nutritional advice. And then there is the enigma of Dr. Oz! What we have here is a fascinating blend of sense and nonsense. Time to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Everyday Chemistry

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...
Who is the fairest of them all? The one who sports the most alluring make-up! And of course, cosmetics companies all vie to make that claim. But are there really significant differences between inexpensive and pricey brands? Can creams retard ageing? What about allegations that some cosmetics contain untested and potentially harmful ingredients? The scientific story of cosmetics, stripped of hype, hope and fear-mongering, makes for a fascinating account.

"Serendipitous Science"
Although many chemical discoveries have been the result of goal-oriented research, there are a good number that have come about serendipitously. But as Louis Pasteur stated, “chance favours the prepared mind.” William Perkin’s chance discovery of synthetic dyes, Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, Craven’s discovery of aspirin’s anti-clotting effect and the discovery of artificial sweeteners are just some of the examples to be explored.

Have You Ever Wondered...
Why for years and years there were no red M&M's or how do they get that maraschino cherry to float in the syrup inside a Cherry Blossom? What is the link between the bombardier beetle at the V-2 rocket? Why does popcorn pop? Why are there holes in Swiss cheese? Have you ever considered why there are no nuts or grapes in Grape Nuts Flakes or why witches supposedly use broomsticks as a method of transportation? Why did Van Gogh mangle his ear? Were Agatha Christie's accounts of dastardly poisonings based on real science? Can chocolate really make you fall in love? After this presentation, you’ll wonder no more!

Houeshold Chemicals: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Most people don’t realize it, but our kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms are really chemical laboratories. We may call them detergents, drain cleaners, stain removers and deodorizers, but these common household items are actually chemical products that merit attention beyond their efficacy. There are both health and environmental issues that need to be considered. Claims referring to “biodegradable,” “green” or “environmentally friendly” products require careful, realistic analysis.

The Chemistry of Love
This presentation features a lighthearted but scientific look at a topic of interest to all. The chemistry of the brain "in love" is examined, as well as the possible existence of aphrodisiacs and love potions. Chemical sex attractants in insects constitute the background to a discussion of possible analogues to these compounds in humans. This talk is of interest to anyone who ever has been, or ever plans to be "in love," as well as to anyone else.

Plastics - Facts and Myths
When Young Ben was counselled by a family friend in “The Graduate” that the future lay in plastics, audiences did not bat an eyebrow. Plastics were flying high! But these days plastics are often regarded as a pariah, a blot on the environment and an insidious contributor to disease. Public fear can be eroded by a factual, unbiased discussion of the facts and myths that envelop modern plastics.

English Lectures

How to separate sense from nonsense when our health is on the line?
[General public, 60 min] We are being bombarded with messages selling us revolutionary treatments and game-changing scientific discoveries when it comes to our health. Charlatans fill us with hope with their science-flavoured books, while the media too often emphasizes unreliable testimonies over scientific data. How can we separate sense from nonsense? The right tools can help us identify good science and warn us against dangerous falsehoods.

Why We Do Science
[High school students, CÉGEP students, and general audience, 60 min] A one-hour whirlwind tour of the myriad ways in which we fool ourselves and why science is needed to help us figure out what's real from what's not. Three live demonstrations involving volunteers frame this lively presentation. Why is astrology so convincing? How is this quantum spray making you stronger? And can you really find water using dowsing? By the end, the audience will have gained a good understanding of why rigorous science is critical and how it differs from pseudoscience.

Truth vs. Truthiness: Better Habits for Eating, Digesting, and Excreting Information
[General public, 60 min] Information is currency in the digital age. We consume it, process it, and use it to convince others. But when our information pipeline is polluted by fake news and biased perspectives, how can we make sense of it all? And how does this affect the science we hear about in the media? This presentation goes over important concepts, like the distortion of research findings by PR releases; confirmation bias; and how to get others to listen to information they don't want to hear. Alternative medicine is used as a case study.

If You See Something, Say Something
[Biomedical/healthcare professionals and students, 30 min] This talk invites biomedical professionals and students to contribute to denouncing bad information and harmful pseudoscience on social media by showing the potency of Twitter to get institutions to change course. When a high-ranking doctor published an anti-vaccination screed on a local website, the mobilization on social media created a PR problem for his institution, which led to concrete action. How all this happened is a fascinating story, which demonstrates how you can help when it happens again.

Podcasting for Science Communicators
[Scientists with an interest in podcasting, 45 min] There may be close to half a million podcasts out there, with many spreading the word about science. But how do you "podcast" and what should you look out for? From good and bad examples of science podcasts to tips on interviewing guests to the technical gear you'll need, this talk is all about the science (and art!) of podcasting.

8 Lessons in Science Communication
[People interested in communicating science, 90 min] Scientists are being asked more and more to communicate their research to the public, while others veer away from a career in academia to pursue science communication. But how can we get better at scicomm? This presentation takes you through eight lessons, from the importance of storytelling to dispelling the myth that we live in an anti-science age. After this talk, you'll be ready to take your communication to the next level!

French Lectures

Comment démêler le vrai du faux en matière de santé?
[Grand public, 45 min] Nous sommes bombardés de messages nous vantant les mérites de traitements révolutionnaires et de découvertes scientifiques renversantes en matière de santé. Les charlatans nous remplissent d'espoir avec leurs livres à saveur scientifique, alors que les journalistes mettent trop souvent en valeur des témoignages non pertinents. Comment séparer le vrai du faux? Des outils de pensée critique existent pour nous aider à identifier la vraie science et à se méfier du non-sens!

Non, c'est pas comme dans C.S.I.: mes expériences en biologie médico-légale et autres applications scientifiques qui m'ont mené à séparer le vrai du faux
[Étudiants du CÉGEP et baccalauréat en science, 45 min] Un espèce que "qui suis-je?" qui démontre que le cheminement professionel des jeunes scientifiques risque d'être tordu! Du monde de la recherche au forensic, en passant par les laboratoires cliniques, mon parcours m'a éventuellement amené à séparer la science de la pseudoscience!

Lessons Learned from an Accidental Career in Medical Journalism (60 min)

Is most published research wrong? Sometimes it seems that way. Almost every food has at one point been shown to both cause and prevent cancer. So how does this happen? In this talk we will look at how some famous studies got it so wrong. We will try to understand why chocolate probably won’t help you win a Nobel prize, why red wine might not be that heart healthy, and why cell phones likely don’t cause cancer.

Sex, Love and Other Matters of the Heart (60 min)

Humans love having sex. We spend so much time thinking about, talking about it, writing about it, and trying to do it. But many animals don’t have sex, and almost none have sex for fun the way we do. So what makes us so different?

Maybe its our brain biochemistry. Oxytocin has something to do with love, doesn’t it? In that case can we make someone fall in love with us by using oxytocin? Is monogamy biological or is it a social construct? If most animals are not monogamous then why are we? Finally is sex just for the young? What causes sexual dysfunction and how do we treat it? Is Viagra and Cialis safe for men and why don’t they work for women? Why isn’t there a sex drug for women?

In this talk, we’ll try to answer the many fascinating questions surrounding that crazy little thing called love.

Cardiovascular Disease in Women (60 min)

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in women and yet few women are aware of the risks. But how much of what you’ve heard is actually true? Do most heart attacks come on with no warning? Are women less likely to have chest pain when they have heart disease? Does the birth control pill and hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of heart disease? Have most cardiac medications not been tested on women? Do women do worse after a heart attack compared to men?

The Tragic Myths about Vaccines (60 min)

Vaccines are probably one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century. They have saved, who knows how many lives over the past 50 years. And yet people are terrified of them. After having wiped out diseases like smallpox and polio, diseases on the verge of extinction like measles are making a comeback.

In this presentation we will answer some of the common questions and concerns surrounding vaccination including mercury and other metals in vaccines, the threat of autism, why we vaccinate infants, and why alternative vaccine schedules are problematic.

Exercise: yes it’s tough, but it actually works (60 min)

If you watch the news, you will slowly come to believe that everything is bad for you. At some point, everything has caused cancer. But the one thing that is almost universally acknowledged to be good for you is exercise.

Exercise is good, not just for heart health, but also for healthy bones, lung function, preventing dementia, cancer and arthritis. So why don’t we do it more? Some may be worried they are too old and some may worry that they are not in good enough health to exercise. In this talk we will look at how and how often to exercise because the reality is that exercise is generally only bad for your health if you don’t do it.

The Cholesterol Conundrum (60 min)

One week eggs are good for you, the next week eggs are bad for you. It’s impossible to keep up. Why has cholesterol been so controversial? Why is cholesterol so hotly debated whereas the other cardiac risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and smoking don’t generate the same vicious arguments?

In this talk we will look at the roots of the apparent cholesterol controversy and see why the lipid hypothesis has been so problematic over the years. We will also see what the latest scientific research says about treating cholesterol and look at why statins have gotten such bad press over the years.

Lies, Damn lies, and Statistics: The Challenge of Science Communication (30 min)

Why is it so hard to communicate science to the public? Part of the problem is that medical research can sometimes be wrong. Whether we are talking about how eating chocolate can help you win a Nobel prize or whether coffee can cause a heart attack, sometimes what we hear on the news is not the whole story.

The Cardiac Complications of Anti-Inflammatories (60 min)

Common pain medications like Advil or Aleve are great for relieving arthritis pain or headache. But are they safe? Do they increase the risk of heart disease and raise the blood pressure? And if they aren’t safe, what alternatives are out there?

The Health Effects of Climate Change: How to Ask the Right Questions (30 min)

Does climate change and pollution affect our health? Absolutely. But how do we approach the problem. Are all the studies on the issue reliable? How can we approach such a broad topic.

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