NEW AI helping to identify undiagnosed genetic disorders in children
Researchers have developed the world's first algorithm powered by artificial intelligence to identify children with undiagnosed rare genetic disorders.
News that she'd be headed back to the office was very welcoming for English instructor Kathy Andvaag, after more than two years teaching from her “dark” and “cold” basement.
Unlike many Canadian women who say they would prefer a flexible work schedule, Andvaag was very happy when she received the notice from her employer in October informing her to return to the office.
After two years and seven months of working from home, she now goes to the office most of the time.
“I get a lot of energy from my students in person and also from seeing some colleagues in person every day”, Andvaag told CTVNews.ca.
Andvaag, who teachers English as an additional language (EAL) in Saskatchewan, said, “I sometimes felt isolated at home and like I couldn't bear to go to my dark, cold basement office one more day.”
A recent study suggests working from home is a top priority for women, with 42 per cent saying they would give up a higher salary if it meant they could work from home as much as they like.
Although going back to the office is not always convenient for Andvaag, she still prefers it, saying working with students and colleagues in person is more effective and productive.
“As an EAL instructor, it is much better for my low-level learners. We can do so many more interactive activities. We have more of a community in person than online,” she said.
While Andvaag feels more productive while not at home, when it comes to actual productivity, where you work from is not really important, according to Paula Allen, global leader and senior vice-president at human resources company LifeWorks.
In an interview with CTVNews.ca, Allen, based in Toronto, said there are other things that should be considered.
“Really, it depends on a number of factors. The first factor is the nature of the job. There are some jobs that you need that collaboration, and you need to have that essential place, and [others where it] is not as critical and you do the job through video conference and other means,” she said.
“The other major factor is the nature of the individual. Some people work very well on their own. They are able to focus, they are able to organize and they are able to reach out for other when others need help.”
In the winter, cold temperatures and snowy weather can be a large issue if working in person. But for Tim, a manager at a Saskatchewan Crown corporation who declined to give his full name, the temperature doesn't bother him, nor does waking up early in the morning and heading to the office.
Although most of Tim’s work can be done online and he has flexibility at work, he prefers to go to the office and says he benefits from the social aspects of working in person.
“It is more difficult to get to know other team members without working with them in person,” he told CTVNews.ca. “I feel that new employees in companies can have a hard time getting acquainted with their work group without seeing and interacting with them in person. I think a mix of online and in-person work can give the benefits of both methods if used properly.”
Another element on the minds of some is their health. Canadians are returning to the office amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which the World Health Organization says remains a global health emergency.
“My feeling of safety changes from time to time. When reports of more virulent stains of [COVID-19] come out, I feel more uncertain. I believe safety concerns due to the pandemic will continue for years to come,” Tim said.
A recent survey shows that, on average, Canadians reported they wanted to work at home 58 per cent of the time.
“Time for commute and money is the number one reason why people really were wanting to have that work from home option,” Allen said.
Allen suggests that employers should find a solution for those who want flexibility in work and listen to them.
“You will never get good productivity if you are fighting with your employees. Whatever solution you have, you have to develop that solution jointly,” she said. “Be transparent and listen to your employees as well.”
Researchers have developed the world's first algorithm powered by artificial intelligence to identify children with undiagnosed rare genetic disorders.
Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet, a new study found.
Diminished but not deterred, Hamas is still putting up a fight after seven brutal months of war with Israel, regrouping in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza and resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities.
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
Toronto has been awarded the WNBA's first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026.
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
Canada's dental care plan is 'getting there' Health Minister Mark Holland said Wednesday defending the program's rollout that's now seen two million seniors sign up, but just 10,000 oral health providers enrolled to treat them.
While Canada is one of the top contributors to foreign aid among some of the world's richest countries, a fifth of the spending never leaves Canada's borders.
When Jujhar Mann said he wanted to be a pastry chef on a grade school career project, he didn't imagine that pursuing his dream would land him on a popular Netflix baking competition.
A city known for its history, ties to outer space and southern barbecue, is also home to a Winnipeg chef dishing out dozens of perogies.
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
Public libraries in Atlantic Canada are now lending a broader range of items.
Flashes of purple darting across the sky mixed with the serenading sound of songs will be noticed more with spring in full force in Manitoba.
Catching 'em all with impressive speed, a 7-year-old boy from Windsor, Ont. who only started his competitive Pokémon journey seven months ago has already levelled up to compete at a world championship level.
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
2b Theatre recently moved into the old Video Difference building, seeking to transform it into an artistic hub, meeting space, and temporary housing unit for visiting performers in Halifax.
A B.C. woman says her service dog pulled her from a lake moments before she had a seizure, saving her life.