There are a lot of concerns the automotive industry has to face today that really weren’t on the table in previous generations, such as rising oil costs and the need to lower emissions. Hybrid cars, which combine gas-powered and electric motors, are a growing technology representing a step towards dealing with these issues, and the students of UVic’s EcoCar 2 project are providing a big boost in their development.

When the subject of climate change comes to mind, people may think of how the entire planet would be affected. But when it comes to what can actually be done about it — how we can adapt, or even mitigate its effects — it may be easier to look at climate change on a local level.

With recent government crackdowns on file-sharing hosts and portals, the software pirate community has started to develop and refine alternative means of sharing both legal and illegal content. The latest idea — anonymous offline file sharing.

A recent astronomical discovery, at first suspected to be a mistake, is now changing our understanding of how the universe works.

When thinking about humankind’s environmental impacts on the Earth, the first thing that comes to mind is how our immediate habitat could be affected.

For people like writers, illustrators and musicians, the speed at which technology is changing their craft can cause concern. Not only are traditional forms of media giving way to newer electronic formats, but their tried and true business models are facing tough times as well.

A lot of important work takes place in our science laboratories. But according to E. Paul Zehr, director of UVic’s Centre for Biomedical Research, what is almost as important as the work done in the lab is making sure the general public knows about it and understands it.

The current discussion of peak oil is creating a lot of doom-and-gloom scenarios about life after our energy supply runs dry. It makes one wonder, is our future going to be less like Star Trek and more like Mad Max?

Updated Feb. 7, 2012

September 30, 2010. A wayward lunch bag shuts down the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

I stay up late at night to watch androgynous Korean boys battle each other in space, and it costs me $9.99 a month.

Have we passed the tipping point where we are too reliant on technology? Should we fear a disappearance of our traditional ways — particularly our traditional ways of writing, reading and communicating?

People concerned that they can’t stop checking their Facebook, text messages, email and Twitter over and over again can take heart that they’re not alone.

Will the world end in 2012? Not according to Colin Goldblatt, an assistant professor in UVic’s School of Earth and Ocean Sciences. However, an apocalypse will eventually hap- pen. People just have to be a bit more patient . . . to the tune of 500 million years.

All of our modern technological devices, including smart phones and laptops, give us many conveniences that only existed in the realm of science fiction not that long ago. And there are always newer devices with amazing features to make our lives even better.

For those wondering what to put under the tree for the budding young scientist they know, there are many great toys and kits available.

It can sometimes be frustrating to set up a home entertainment centre, computer or satellite dish. Projects like these involve numerous electronic components that need to work properly and be set up correctly, or else the whole system will not work.

Watching stuff blow up on stage can be the highlight of an Iron Maiden concert or an evening of lowbrow entertainment on the Discovery Channel. But it can also be a good way to contribute to a worthwhile cause and learn about interesting scientific concepts. In any case, explosion fans of all ages would be satisfied after seeing That Chemistry Show, a fundraising event for the United Way of Greater Victoria.

This week I’d like to talk about a classic video game that I feel did not get anywhere near the recognition it deserved — which was especially strange in that it was a Mario game, made by Nintendo.

While some may equate a discussion about biology with a dull lecture, it can actually be quite fun and interesting. Especially if it’s held in a pub.

Is it possible to grow a new set of breasts from our own fat? Can we engineer entire organs and transplant them into animals? Are scientists attempting to renew and rewire neurons by injecting stem cells into damaged spinal cords?