The Weather Network consulted two U of G experts for an article and video on whether mass use of sanitizing spray in public spaces combats viruses or harms the environment. Prof. Keith Warriner, Department of Food Science, said spraying would have little effect, not only because the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 does not survive well …
The Financial Post spoke to Prof. Michael von Massow, a food economist with U of G’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, for his thoughts on why there are so few meat processing plants in Canada. As the article notes, COVID-19 outbreaks at two of the three largest plants have caused backlogs in the …
U of G food microbiologist Prof. Jeffrey Farber, Department of Food Science, spoke to the Financial Post about whether there should be concerns about contracting COVID-19 from meat from processing plants where outbreaks have occurred. Farber explained that although there is always a “theoretical possibility” of infection, the risk that the virus could survive on …
With reports that so-called “murder hornets,” officially known as Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia), have arrived in North America, the University of Guelph has an expert who can offer commentary. Prof. Gard Otis is an expert in honeybee biology and insect ecology with U of G’s School of Environmental Sciences While working on beekeeping projects …
Prof. Stephen Marshall, School of Environmental Science, spoke to CTVNews.ca about the discovery of Asian giant hornets in northwestern U.S. Marshall said Asian hornets look similar to the non-aggressive European hornets that are common across Canada and that are often easily confused with them. They are also confused with equally non-aggressive cicada killers. He said …
Prof. Mary Wells, dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, offered a commentary to the Vancouver Province that explains why engineers are some of the hidden heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. She wrote it’s engineers who created technology that is helping so many Canadians endure this pandemic, through smartphones, Zoom, Netflix. It’s also …
Prof. Jeffrey Farber, Department of Food Science, spoke to Global News Online about the proper way to ensure chicken is fully cooked. The article noted that research shows many home cooks judge “doneness” by the colour or texture of the meat, but Farber says the best way to avoid infection with Salmonella or Campylobacter is …
The pandemic has caused big disruptions to the food system, leading to problems such as food shortages, but it’s also opened up some business opportunities, says a University of Guelph expert in food supply chains. Prof. Simon Somogyi, the Arrell Chair in the Business of Food, researches aspects of the agri-food marketing system and food …
Prof. Myrna Dawson, director of U of G’s Centre for the Study of Social and Legal Responses to Violence and the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, co-wrote a commentary that appeared in The Globe and Mail on the Halifax shooting massacre. Dawson and her three co-authors note that the killings were preceded by …
With restaurants closed and so many Canadians ordering in these days, food delivery companies should be seeing booming profits, but most are not, says a University of Guelph food economist. Prof. Michael von Massow studies the structure and performance of food supply chains in U of G’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, and …
Many Canadians who own businesses in the equine industry say they are struggling to pay their bills and keep their horses fed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Guelph has an expert who can offer comment. Prof. Katrina Merkies, Department of Animal Biosciences, specializes in equine behaviour and welfare as well as management and …
Prof. Amy Greer, Department of Population Medicine, spoke to CTV’s Your Morning about the concept of “natural immunity” for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Greer explained that typically with many viral infections, immunity can occur either through vaccination or simply by infection with the illness. Those who are “naturally immune” can act as a …
With several professional sports leagues making the first moves to re-start practices and find ways forward during the pandemic, the University of Guelph has an expert who can offer comment. Prof. Norman O’Reilly is the director of International Institute for Sport Business and Leadership at U of G and a leading scholar in the business …
The Toronto Star spoke to Prof. Michael von Massow, a food economist with U of G’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, for his ideas on changes to make grocery store shopping easier during the pandemic. Von Massow, who studies the structure and performance of food supply chains, suggested a few ideas that would …
The Washington Post consulted Prof. Scott Weese, the head of infection control at U of G’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), to provide insight into news that two cats in New York state have tested positive for the new coronavirus. The article noted there is a difference between infected and infectious — meaning just because a …
With so many Canadians working remotely from their homes, many may be vulnerable to hackers because they have skipped simple precautions, says a University of Guelph expert on cybersecurity. Prof. Ali Dehghantanha is the director of the Cyber Science Lab in U of G’s School of Computer Science. He says employers typically have measures in …
Earth Day is typically a time to contemplate humanity’s impacts on the environment. While not the initial intention, our rapid behavioural changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have already brought about healthy changes in our environment, says a University of Guelph expert in global change ecology and sustainability. Prof. Madhur Anand, School of Environmental …
The Canadian Press turned to Prof. Michael von Massow, a food economist with U of G’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, to discuss the temporary closure of the Cargill meat packing plant in Alberta. The article appeared in several media outlets, including on CTVNews.ca. Postmedia News also quoted Prof. Von Massow’s YouTube video …
Prof. Evan Fraser, director of the Arrell Food Institute, has spoken to several news outlets recently about agricultural labour shortages, food shortages and increased demand on food banks. Fraser was interviewed by the Financial Post about why laid-off Canadians cannot simply take over farm work typically done by temporary foreign workers. He said agricultural work …
A sanitation innovation co-developed by Prof. Keith Warriner, Department of Food Science, is making national headlines. The Canadian Press featured the “clean flow” waterless sanitation process Warriner developed, with articles appearing across the country, including on GlobalNews.ca. Warriner also appeared on CBC Radio’s Morning Edition to discuss the invention. The technology uses ultraviolet light, hydrogen …