AC learners research innovative solutions for biological pest control

Posted on Monday, April 10th, 2023

As part of sustainable, integrated pest management initiatives, learners in the Biotechnology – Advanced program are researching safe and effective alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides in the form of microscopic roundworms known as nematodes. By working with DNA fingerprinting, third-year students Dara Palmer and Autumn Henry are creating diagnostic profiles to identify different nematode species. They will debut their research findings in the upcoming RE/ACTION Showcase on April 14.

Nematodes are roundworms that exist naturally in nearly every ecosystem worldwide. As part of their life cycle, nematode larvae enter into a pest insect through naturally occurring openings, then release bacteria and mature rapidly, thus killing the host insect. In this study, wax moth juvenile caterpillars are used as this moth species acts as the model system to efficiently assist in the nematode life cycle. As a form of pest control, nematodes can be used for many insect pests affecting ecosystems from home gardens to commercial agriculture.
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Hot Cross Buns – A Sweet Easter Tradition

Posted on Thursday, April 6th, 2023

Algonquin College culinary students preparing foodThe spiced, sweet treat we refer to as hot cross buns are studded with raisins, and commonly toasted and eaten with butter.

Traditionally eaten during the Easter holiday, this beloved sweet bun can be traced back to the medieval Hertfordshire countryside. By many accounts, a 14-century monk called Thomas Rocliffe is credited as making the very first hot cross bun. The buns were handed out to the local poor on Good Friday. The Easter treat was so well-loved among the community that word soon spread, and imitations of the bun became popular across the country. To this day, hot cross buns are widely eaten on Good Friday to mark the end of Lent.

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Overcoming obstacles (on a course)

Posted on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023

When Victoria Coman received an out of the blue direct message via InstagramHeadshot of Victoria Coleman in yellow team shirt from Canada's ultimate challenge last year, she had to do a double take, not sure if what she was reading was legit. Coman, a 24-year-old fitness and health promotion student from Iqaluit, is active on Instagram, sharing and posting photos of herself working out, spending time with friends and studying at Algonquin College.  

“I received a message about a new reality show, and I was scouted online,” said Coman. “They cast the show through Instagram.”   Read more >