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UBC engineering students create automated life-saving robots in competition

UBC engineering students create automated life-saving robots in competition

CBC13 hours ago
University of British Columbia's engineering physics students raced against time in a heated competition last week. They had to create robots that could identify plush toys through an obstacle course designed to mimic a burning building. The teams had just two minutes to save as many toys as possible.
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Animal sedative increasingly found in illegal drugs in Quebec
Animal sedative increasingly found in illegal drugs in Quebec

CTV News

timean hour ago

  • CTV News

Animal sedative increasingly found in illegal drugs in Quebec

Prescription pills containing oxycodone and acetaminophen are shown in this June 20, 2012 photo. (Graeme Roy / The Canadian Press) An emerging substance is increasingly being detected in illicit drugs in Quebec. Called medetomidine, it's primarily a sedative and analgesic used by veterinarians. Medetomidine is not approved for use in humans, but on the illegal drug market, the new additive is often mixed with opioids, mainly fentanyl. It is also found in other substances with sedative effects or synthetic benzodiazepines. Medetomidine is frequently detected in drug samples seized and analyzed in the United States and Canada, according to a recent report by Quebec's public health institute (INSPQ). In Canada, medetomidine was first detected in 2022 in a powder sample in Ontario. The substance became more commonly detected in the country in 2024. According to data from Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service, 925 samples analyzed between January and September 2024 contained medetomidine, most of which were drugs seized in Ontario, accounting for 85 per cent of Canadian detections. In Quebec, it was first detected in April 2023. Since then, medetomidine has been found about 20 times, representing less than two per cent of all detections of the substance in Canada. The main risk of consuming medetomidine is its powerful sedative effect, especially when taken with other substances that work as depressants on the central nervous system. 'This situation is particularly concerning given that people may consume this substance without knowing it,' said the INSPQ. Other side effects include dizziness, sedation, slow heart rate, hypothermia, low blood pressure, slow breathing and respiratory depression. Medetomidine can be even more dangerous when consumed with other sedative substances, as it can amplify the effects of drowsiness, low blood pressure, slow heart rate and slow breathing. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Aug. 11, 2025. The Canadian Press health coverage is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for this journalistic content.

Science Fair Foundation of BC opens registration for Youth Innovation Showcase
Science Fair Foundation of BC opens registration for Youth Innovation Showcase

National Post

time4 hours ago

  • National Post

Science Fair Foundation of BC opens registration for Youth Innovation Showcase

Article content The Science Fair Foundation of BC is launching its seventh-annual STEM competition Article content VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Science Fair Foundation of BC (SFFBC) is excited to announce that registration is now open for the Youth Innovation Showcase (YIS), a virtual STEM competition with all-new dates. Youth across British Columbia and Yukon are invited to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills by sharing science-based solutions to challenges in their life or community. Going into its seventh year, the Youth Innovation Showcase brings together passion, ingenuity and scientific creativity. Young people are constantly ideating how to solve some of the world's problems, and SFFBC aims to help illustrate that the youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow's science and technology sector. Article content Whether a project is fully developed or just an idea, participants can compete individually or in teams of up to two people, and will be divided into two age categories: 12 to 15 years old and 16 to 19 years old, with each offering a $5,000 grand prize. Projects must be innovative and unique, as previous winning entries are not eligible for entry. For inspiration, participants can explore inspiration from past finalists and semi-finalists. Article content 'The Youth Innovation Showcase is back for its seventh year, and we couldn't be more excited to showcase the talent,' said Sarah Prade, Executive Director of the Science Fair Foundation of BC. 'Last year's applicants were truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the innovative ideas and unique skills this year's participants will bring to the table.' Article content The showcase has sponsorship and judging support from prominent organizations in BC's technology community, as well as returning alumni with a refreshed evaluation criteria. Article content This year also marks the second edition of the YIS Visionary Award, celebrating young individuals who demonstrate entrepreneurial passion and excel in communication. Participants will showcase their ideas through compelling presentation materials, including a one-page report and a pitch video. The award will honour youth who are forward-thinking visionaries, identifying the future needs of their family, community, or society, and articulating how their innovation addresses those needs. Article content Finalists will attend the Awards Show on January 28, 2026, where the grand prize winners will be announced and receive feedback from judges. The Awards Show has been pushed later this year to give students ample time over the winter break to prepare their Finalist submissions and get ready for their interviews. Article content Please see below for the full list of key dates. For details on how to register, visit for more information and details on the YIS 2025 Workshop Series to help students get started. Article content Important Dates Article content Registration Opens – August 11, 2025 Registration Deadline – September 29, 2025 Semi-Finalists Announced – October 22, 2025 Semi-Finalist Interviews – November 18, 2025 Finalists Announced – December 1, 2025 Finalist Interviews – January 13, 2026 Awards Show – January 28, 2026 Article content About Science Fair Foundation of BC Article content The Science Fair Foundation of BC (SFFBC) is the largest volunteer science outreach network in the province, dedicated to fostering science and technology education by inspiring curiosity through the Science Fair program. Established in 1997, SFFBC supports Science Fairs across British Columbia and the Yukon by uniting over 1,500 educators, industry professionals, and volunteers as mentors, judges, and hosts. This collaboration empowers students to excel at regional, national, and international competitions, where Team BC has consistently achieved outstanding results. With 13 regional fairs in BC contributing to over 100 held annually across Canada, SFFBC plays a vital role in preparing the next generation for success in a knowledge-based economy. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Inquiries Article content Article content Emily Larman Article content Article content Article content

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