Parker: Calgary's Cvictus sourcing coal for sustainable livestock feed
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Calgary-based Cvictus, a clean energy and biotech startup, is poised to transform the way the world's livestock is fed by providing a low-cost, low-carbon, sustainable alternative to fish or soybean meal — and it's doing it by tapping into an abundant resource: coal.
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No, it's not digging it up. Cvictus is revitalizing a pioneering method of extracting beneficial gases to produce feedstocks such as methanol, from coal found deep within the earth's surface without mining.
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'We have giant dreams and expectations for where this technology will go, but as a startup we can't feasibly employ the resources required to scale,' says Katrina Stewart, Cvictus director, biotechnology and carbon reduction. 'Academic researchers provide the innovation, expertise and drive we need to help move the needle forward on this exciting technology.'
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Brought up in Calgary, Stewart earned her chemical engineering degree at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., before expanding her sciences understanding by spending a year in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she enjoyed studying for her Masters in Brewing and Distilling.
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Back home in Calgary she is converting that same drive in working with Mitacs-supported researchers to help Cvictus advance two separate, yet integrated projects.
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On the clean energy side, they're contributing to commercialization of the company's large-scale hydrogen recovery platform at a cutting-edge facility near Red Deer. Hydrogen is produced from deep within a coal seam using patented technology that successfully sequesters carbon at the same time.
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On the biotech side, Cvictus is tapping into cutting edge expertise at University of Alberta's Biorefining Conversions and Fermentation Laboratory under the supervision of professor David Bressler, and in consultation with experts who worked on the original technology.
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The Province
28 minutes ago
- The Province
Vancouver lingerie brand Understance sets sights on more Canadian stores
With four bricks-and-mortar stores already open, there are plans to bring the brand to more Canadian cities this year Understance opened its second Metro Vancouver boutique this spring at Metrotown in Burnaby. Photo by Understance Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Vancouver-based lingerie brand Understance is eyeing a further expansion across Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The company, which was founded in 2021 and is subsidiary of the international lingerie manufacturer Shenzhen Huijie Group Co., offers size-inclusive lingerie, including bras in sizes 28A to 48N. With four bricks-and-mortar stores already open, there are plans to bring the brand to more Canadian cities this year. We caught up with company director Jiayi Lyu to learn more. Q: What is Understance? A: Understance is a Vancouver-based lingerie brand. We take a solution-oriented, rather than fashion-oriented, approach to making undergarments. Our goal is to make all of our customers feel comfortable and supported. Q: What makes it unique? A: What sets Understance apart is our focus on fit, comfort, and education. We offer one of the most extensive size ranges available in North America, from cup sizes A to N and band sizes from 28 to 48. We split bras into eight size groups and take a tailored approach to each. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On our website and at our stores, we guide you to the best match for your size and shape. We've built proprietary resources like Branatomy, an educational page that helps customers better understand their breast shape and how it impacts bra fit. Our products are engineered to be as functional as they are beautiful. Our innovations, like FlexWire, are a testament to the thousands of hours our product team spends in the fitting rooms. Q: Who is the target customer? A: Our customer is anyone who wants to feel supported, understood, and comfortable, especially those who have felt overlooked by traditional lingerie brands. That includes people going through life transitions like pregnancy, post-surgery recovery, and weight changes, more mature customers who prioritize fit and comfort over trends, and anyone with unique fit challenges. We believe everyone deserves to feel good in their bra, and in their own skin. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Q: Is there a hero design in the collection? A: We don't believe that there is a perfect bra for everybody. What works well for 44G simply won't work for 30B. For the petite size range (A-C cups), our core product at the moment is Light 'n Free; for the middle size range (D-DDD cups), we recommend Zoe and Ivy; for the full size range (G-J cups), we recommend Salma and Ginger; and for the fuller size range (K-N cups), we recommend Addison and Dominique. These products best represent the Understance approach: gentle but supportive, forgiving but precise, sophisticated and simple at the same time. Understance opened its second Metro Vancouver boutique this spring at Metrotown in Burnaby. Photo by Understance Q: What more can you share about the brand's store plans following the U.S. tariff changes? A: Due to recent tariff changes affecting U.S. imports, we've made the difficult decision to pause U.S. shipping beginning April 24. With a $59 bra now subject to more than $95 in additional duties, continuing to serve our U.S. customers under these conditions would compromise our commitment to accessible, fair pricing. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In light of this, we are turning our focus to strengthening our presence in local markets, with a particular emphasis on retail expansion across Canada. Our newest boutique in Burnaby's Metrotown Centre marks an exciting step forward. This location allows us to bring our solution-based, inclusive lingerie offerings even closer to Canadian customers and visitors — complete with expert fittings available in-store. Q: What is the price range for the products? A: Our pricing reflects both quality and accessibility. Most bras range between $59 and $72, while our sleepwear and lounge collections start around $45. Q: And where can people learn more? A: At one of our four boutique locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, where our expert team offers personalized fittings and guidance tailored to your unique shape and needs. 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Vancouver Sun
an hour ago
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver lingerie brand Understance sets sights on more Canadian stores
Vancouver-based lingerie brand Understance is eyeing a further expansion across Canada. The company, which was founded in 2021 and is subsidiary of the international lingerie manufacturer Shenzhen Huijie Group Co., offers size-inclusive lingerie, including bras in sizes 28A to 48N. With four bricks-and-mortar stores already open, there are plans to bring the brand to more Canadian cities this year. We caught up with company director Jiayi Lyu to learn more. Q: What is Understance? Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. A: Understance is a Vancouver-based lingerie brand. We take a solution-oriented, rather than fashion-oriented, approach to making undergarments. Our goal is to make all of our customers feel comfortable and supported. Q: What makes it unique? A: What sets Understance apart is our focus on fit, comfort, and education. We offer one of the most extensive size ranges available in North America, from cup sizes A to N and band sizes from 28 to 48. We split bras into eight size groups and take a tailored approach to each. On our website and at our stores, we guide you to the best match for your size and shape. We've built proprietary resources like Branatomy, an educational page that helps customers better understand their breast shape and how it impacts bra fit. Our products are engineered to be as functional as they are beautiful. Our innovations, like FlexWire, are a testament to the thousands of hours our product team spends in the fitting rooms. Q: Who is the target customer? A: Our customer is anyone who wants to feel supported, understood, and comfortable, especially those who have felt overlooked by traditional lingerie brands. That includes people going through life transitions like pregnancy, post-surgery recovery, and weight changes, more mature customers who prioritize fit and comfort over trends, and anyone with unique fit challenges. We believe everyone deserves to feel good in their bra, and in their own skin. Q: Is there a hero design in the collection? A: We don't believe that there is a perfect bra for everybody. What works well for 44G simply won't work for 30B. For the petite size range (A-C cups), our core product at the moment is Light 'n Free; for the middle size range (D-DDD cups), we recommend Zoe and Ivy; for the full size range (G-J cups), we recommend Salma and Ginger; and for the fuller size range (K-N cups), we recommend Addison and Dominique. These products best represent the Understance approach: gentle but supportive, forgiving but precise, sophisticated and simple at the same time. Q: What more can you share about the brand's store plans following the U.S. tariff changes? A: Due to recent tariff changes affecting U.S. imports, we've made the difficult decision to pause U.S. shipping beginning April 24. With a $59 bra now subject to more than $95 in additional duties, continuing to serve our U.S. customers under these conditions would compromise our commitment to accessible, fair pricing. In light of this, we are turning our focus to strengthening our presence in local markets, with a particular emphasis on retail expansion across Canada. Our newest boutique in Burnaby's Metrotown Centre marks an exciting step forward. This location allows us to bring our solution-based, inclusive lingerie offerings even closer to Canadian customers and visitors — complete with expert fittings available in-store. Q: What is the price range for the products? A: Our pricing reflects both quality and accessibility. Most bras range between $59 and $72, while our sleepwear and lounge collections start around $45. Q: And where can people learn more? A: At one of our four boutique locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, where our expert team offers personalized fittings and guidance tailored to your unique shape and needs. Each store carries our full range of solution-based lingerie, including exclusive collections and in-depth fit support. You can also explore our entire collection, fit resources, and Branatomy guides online at .
Canada Standard
2 hours ago
- Canada Standard
Antarctic seafloor at risk as ship anchors crush unique marine life: study
WELLINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Ship anchors are causing significant damage to the fragile Antarctic seafloor, crushing unique marine life and leaving long-lasting scars, a new study revealed on Monday. Video footage from 36 Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island sites shows that ship anchoring leaves areas nearly lifeless, with crushed sponges and scarred seafloor, while nearby undisturbed zones remain biodiverse, according to scientists from New Zealand, Canada and the United States. "Anchoring impacts are understudied and underestimated globally. It's so important to recognize and mitigate the impacts across all industries and limit planned anchoring," said the study's co-author Sally Watson, a marine geophysicist at New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. Using underwater cameras, the research found that the problem is growing as shrinking sea ice opens up more of Antarctica to cruise, research, fishing, and private vessels, the scientists said, adding that anchor damage is almost entirely unregulated in Antarctica, despite strict conservation rules for other activities. During the 2022-2023 Antarctic summer, at least 195 ships anchored in Antarctic waters, likely underestimating the true number, said the study published in Frontiers in Conservation Science. Footage revealed crushed ancient sponges and a lack of benthic animals in disturbed areas, while undamaged sites were rich in unique, slow-growing species highly vulnerable to such impacts. While research on anchor impacts is increasing in tropical reefs, Watson highlighted a major knowledge gap in Antarctica. Each vessel anchoring in 30-40 meters of water could disturb at least 1,600 meters of seabed, not accounting for additional damage from chains dragging if ships move, she said. Scientists caution that recovery from seafloor damage in Antarctica could take decades or longer, as similar harm in warmer regions has persisted for over ten years. The loss of sponges and other seafloor life disrupts key ecosystem functions like water filtration, carbon storage, and habitat provision, threatening the broader Antarctic food web, including species such as penguins and seals that draw tourists, said the study's lead author, Matthew Mulrennan, who founded the California-based ocean exploration and conservation nonprofit KOLOSSAL. "Anchoring is likely the most overlooked ocean conservation issue in terms of global seafloor disruption; it is on par with the damages from bottom trawling," Mulrennan said.
