Science news in brief

Canadian higher-education research spending reaches $20.3 billion in 2024/25

Canadian higher-education institutions spent $20.3 billion on research and development in 2024/25, up 7.2% from the previous year, Statistics Canada reported October 16. The sector includes universities, colleges and research facilities under their control. A classification adjustment beginning in 2023/24 complicates comparisons between natural and social sciences with earlier years, although overall sector totals remain unchanged by that adjustment. The release measures spending, not research outcomes.

Source dated October 16, 2026

Adapted from Statistics Canada, Higher Education Expenditures on Research and Development, 2024/2025, October 16, 2026. This does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada of this product.

Canadian-led study examines cabergoline and breast-cancer risk after childbirth

The Terry Fox Research Institute reported on October 15 that a Canadian-led study found an association between cabergoline use after childbirth and lower subsequent breast-cancer incidence. Researchers examined records covering more than 150,000 women in Spain and Norway, alongside mouse experiments. The findings do not establish that the drug prevents breast cancer in people. A controlled human trial is planned.

Source dated October 15, 2026

Joshua Kutryk scheduled for two station spacewalks

Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is scheduled to work outside the International Space Station on October 29 and November 5, the Canadian Space Agency said on October 14. He and NASA astronaut Anil Menon are to install two solar arrays, with support from Canadarm2. Kutryk would become the fifth Canadian Space Agency astronaut to perform a spacewalk.

Source dated October 14, 2026