David Nickle
Toronto
SF/horror author of Monstrous Affections, Eutopia and others. Represented by @roneckel. Follow me on Bluesky: (at)davidnickle.bsky.social.
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Articles by David Nickle
Evaluating genetic diversity differences within a likelihood framework
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Citation: Nickle DC (2026) Evaluating genetic diversity differences within a likelihood framework. PLoS One 21(8): e0356079. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0356079 Editor: Patrick R. Stephens, Oklahoma State University, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Received: January 24, 2025; Accepted: July 30, 2026; Published: August 14, 2026 Copyright: © 2026 David C. Nickle.
Phenotypic heterogeneity defines B cell responses to repeated SARS-CoV-2 exposures through vaccination and infection
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Keywords B cells adaptive immune memory antibodies SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccines booster vaccination breakthrough infection hybrid immunity Research topic(s) CP: Immunology Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike-encoding mRNA vaccines were developed shortly after the emergence of COVID-19 and shown to protect through the induction of potent neutralizing antibodies against the viral protein.1,2,3 The primary two-dose mRNA vaccine was also found to...
By Lela Kardava, James Lim, Clarisa M. Buckner, Xiaozhen Zhang, Wei Wang, Omar El Merhebi, Krittin Trihemasava, I-Ting Teng, Robin Carroll, Yogita Jethmalani, Mike Castro, Bob Lin, Lauren Praiss, Catherine Seamon, Peter D. Kwong, Richard A. Koup, David Nickle, Tae-Wook Chun, Susan Moir, Mattie L. Melnyk, Leonid Serebryannyy
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The pandemic, a hard winter and harder numbers all spelled the end for Betty's General in Toronto
When COVID-19 shut Danforth Avenue restaurant City Betty down in 2020, owner Amanda Gatien made an early decision to pivot — and turn the eat-in establishment into Betty’s General, a “general store” that sold some menu items as take-away but also offered wine, baked goods and epicurean treats for pandemic-weary east-enders.
OPINION: What kind of idiot spends a career in community journalism? Me, for one
It’s about trust. As such, we have launched a trust initiative to tell you who we are and how and why we do what we do. This article is part of that project. It started many years ago, this career in community journalism. I didn’t reasonably think it would last for so much of my working life, but of course deep down — and perhaps wholly unreasonably — I knew it would. It’s ending, at least this phase of it is ending, as you read this.
Betty's General closes its doors on the Danforth as Toronto reopens
Betty’s General opened its doors on the Danforth in 2018 as City Betty, a restaurant and cocktail bar, re-invented itself as an epicurean general store during the COVID-19 pandemic — and on March 15, owner Amanda Gatien announced one final pivot: That Betty’s General is shutting down. “Endings R so very bitter sweet... we couldn’t go on under the circumstances,” wrote Gatien on the Betty’s General Instagram page Tuesday evening.
Police called in to investigate alleged racist Snapchat at north Toronto high school
Toronto police and the Toronto District School Board are investigating an allegedly racist, homophobic and misogynistic online conversation between students at a north Toronto secondary school March 9. Adam Marshall, principal of Northern Secondary School, wrote to parents March 12, informing them of the investigation and apologizing for anti-Black racist, misogynistic and homophobic language used by students in the online Snapchat.
Boy, 16, charged in connection with holdups at Etobicoke pharmacies
Toronto police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with two holdups of pharmacies in Etobicoke.
Boy, 16, charged in connection with holdups at Etobicoke pharmacies
Toronto police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with two holdups of pharmacies in Etobicoke. Police say the robberies occurred in the Burnhamthorpe Road and Renforth Drive area March 3. Police say that, in each incident, four males arrived at the store in a stolen car, entered and approached the employees. They allegedly took what police describe as “physical control” of the employees then demanded narcotics and cash.
2 boys charged in connection with North York pharmacy holdup
By David NickleReporter Mon., March 14, 2022timer1 min. read updateArticle was updated 55 mins ago Two boys aged 14 and 15 are facing charges in connection with the armed robbery of a North York pharmacy March 8. According to police, the robbery occurred after two males entered the store at Sheppard Avenue West and Keele Street. Police allege one of the suspects pulled a knife and demanded narcotics and cash. They reportedly took a quantity of cash and fled the scene on foot.
2 boys charged in connection with North York pharmacy holdup
Two boys aged 14 and 15 are facing charges in connection with the armed robbery of a North York pharmacy March 8.
Taylor Creek Park graffiti leads to hate crime investigation by Toronto police
Antisemitic graffiti found Sunday on the Taylor Creek trail system has sparked a hate-crime investigation by Toronto Police Service.
New collision reporting centre for pedestrians and cyclists opens its doors in downtown Toronto
Pedestrians and cyclists involved in collisions near Toronto's core won't have to travel as far to report those incidents to police, with the opening of a new downtown collision reporting centre this...
Scarborough Centre Coun. Michael Thompson goes on a political blind date
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Scarborough Centre Coun. Michael Thompson goes on a political blind date
Scarborough Centre Coun. Michael Thompson will be talking about solutions to anti-Black racism on the premiere of TVO’s Political Blind Date’s final season March 15. The documentary series will be setting up Thompson with Greg Fergus, Liberal member of Parliament from Hull-Alymer in Quebec, who chairs the Parliamentary Black Caucus. The two will examine potential solutions to anti-Black racism.
Beaches-East York MPP Rima Berns-McGown won't seek re-election
Beaches East York MPP Rima Berns-McGown won’t be seeking re-election in the June provincial election. Citing the stresses of the job that she’s held since being first elected in 2018, Berns-McGown said she’ll be retiring following the election. “Because I am a deeply introverted person, this job takes an enormous toll,” Berns-McGown wrote in a March 10 statement.
Toronto's mask bylaw will end soon, but masking still a good idea, says city's top doctor
When Ontario’s mask-wearing requirements end on March 21, so too will Toronto’s bylaw requiring masks in most settings, Toronto council has decided. Council voted on March 9 to amend Bylaw 541-2020, the so-called “mask bylaw,” to match Ontario’s announcement from earlier that day that it would soon lift masking requirements.
Toronto's mask bylaw will end soon, but masking still a good idea, says city's top doctor
When Ontario's mask-wearing requirements end on March 21, so too will Toronto's bylaw requiring masks in most settings, Toronto council has decided.
Toronto's Reconciliation Action Plan heads to council next month
The City of Toronto is set to implement a wide-ranging Reconciliation Action Plan with Indigenous peoples — a plan that includes 28 specific actions, financial reparations, better accountability and measures to address racism in policing and other city activities. The action plan will be going to Mayor John Tory’s executive committee March 30 and then on to April’s council meeting — and once approved, will form a strategy for empowering Indigenous people in the largest city in Canada.
Toronto's Reconciliation Action Plan heads to council next month
The City of Toronto is set to implement a wide-ranging Reconciliation Action Plan with Indigenous peoples — a plan that includes 28 specific actions, financial reparations, better accountability and measures to address racism in policing and other city activities. The action plan will be going to Mayor John Tory’s executive committee March 30 and then on to April’s council meeting — and once approved, will form a strategy for empowering Indigenous people in the largest city in Canada.
Women have led municipal councils in Toronto since the early 1960s
While Toronto politics may seem like a 'boys club,' men didn't have a lock on leading before amalgamation News 05:00 AM by David Nickle Toronto.com Former East York mayor True Davidson appears here with former Leaside mayor Beth Nealson, to name a street in Nealson's honour. The two faced off in what was known as "The Battle of the Belles" in 1966. - Toronto Star file photo Gayle Christie was mayor of the former City of York from 1978 to 1982.
Women have led municipal councils in Toronto since the early 1960s
Looking at Toronto council now and over the years, you wouldn’t be wrong concluding municipal government in this city is a boys club. In 2018, out of 25 councillors and a mayor, only eight women were elected to Toronto council — less than a third. In 2014, Torontonians elected 12 women — just a quarter of the 44-member council, led by John Tory — the fourth mayor of an amalgamated city that has not yet been led by a woman.
8 iconic Toronto sites are due for a change, including the Coach Terminal on Bay Street
News 02:00 PM by David Nickle Toronto.com The iconic bus terminal at Bay and Dundas streets is among eight city-owned sites slated for redevelopment. - Torstar file photo The Toronto Transit Commission headquarters building on Yonge Street and the Bay Street bus terminal will soon be gone. These are two of eight sites that the city is looking at redeveloping, changing or repurposing — some recognizable as these two, others not.
8 iconic Toronto sites are due for a change, including the Coach Terminal on Bay Street
The Toronto Transit Commission headquarters building on Yonge Street and the Bay Street bus terminal will soon be gone. These are two of eight sites that the city is looking at redeveloping, changing or repurposing — some recognizable as these two, others not. In total, these eight real estate assets are estimated to be worth $450 million, and the plan for them will be coming to the March 7 meeting of CreateTO. Here's a list of the sites.
Soldiers at Bay Station in Toronto this weekend shouldn't raise alarm
People who see uniformed soldiers in downtown Toronto this weekend shouldn't be alarmed.
Developer-led plan to 'reset' discussion on Rail Deck in downtown Toronto kicks off with public meeting
A developer-led plan to build an open-space district where the City of Toronto had at one time planned to build a Rail Deck Park will be coming to an online public meeting Feb. 23.
A developer-led plan to build an open-space district where the City of Toronto had at one time planned to build a Rail Deck Park will be coming to an online public meeting Feb. 23. The meeting is intended to restart discussions about building a mixed use, open-space district over the rail corridor between Blue Jays Way and Bathurst Street.
New Dawes Road library branch to incorporate Indigenous themes
Draped in a blanket of stars, topped with a garden of native plant species and centred around a traditional roundhouse meeting hall and a Haudenosaunee long-house structure, the new Dawes Road Toronto...
ANALYSIS: Is Toronto's municipal election vulnerable to far-right financing?
News 10:00 AM by David Nickle North York Mirror Faith Goldy will face prosecution over the campaign finances from her 2018 Toronto mayoratly bid.
Toronto to add 17 vehicle charging stations to city streets, public parking in 2022
Electric vehicles in Toronto’s city core could find double the number of on-street charging stations on Toronto streets by the end of the year as are in place now. If Toronto Hydro can meet the request from Toronto Council made at its meeting Feb. 3, that will mean at least 17 of the charging stations constructed in neighbourhoods where permit parking is permitted, and also potentially at selected Toronto Parking Authority lots — adding to the 17 in place as a part of a pilot project.
Toronto to add 17 vehicle charging stations to city streets, public parking in 2022
Electric vehicles in Toronto’s city core could find double the number of on-street charging stations on Toronto streets by the end of the year as are in place now. If Toronto Hydro can meet the request from Toronto Council made at its meeting Feb. 3, that will mean at least 17 of the charging stations constructed in neighbourhoods where permit parking is permitted, and also potentially at selected Toronto Parking Authority lots — adding to the 17 in place as a part of a pilot project.
Toronto's Dentonia Park Golf Course will remain 18 holes, council rules
The city-owned Dentonia Park Golf Course will remain an 18-hole course, but Toronto will be reaching out to local community groups to find ways to increase their access to the site at Victoria Park Avenue north of Danforth Avenue. Toronto Council had the final word on the golf course at its meeting Feb. 3, agreeing with its Infrastructure and Environment Committee to keep things as they are.
Protesters who disrupt hospital access will face 'strict enforcement', says Toronto police chief
Truck drivers and others supporting the Convoy for Freedom protest expected to gather around Queen's Park this weekend will have to do so without their vehicles, said Toronto Police Chief James Ramer...
Toronto's Dentonia Park Golf Course will remain 18 holes, council rules
The city-owned Dentonia Park Golf Course will remain an 18-hole course, but Toronto will be reaching out to local community groups to find ways to increase their access to the site at Victoria Park Avenue north of Danforth Avenue. Toronto Council had the final word on the golf course at its meeting Feb. 3, agreeing with its Infrastructure and Environment Committee to keep things as they are.
Roads closed near downtown Toronto hospitals in advance of 'Convoy for Freedom' protest
Roads around Toronto's "hospital row" on University Avenue and College Street have been closed, to protect against demonstrations expected over the weekend from members of the so-called "Convoy for...
Toronto councillor cleared in handling of Adamson Barbecue incident
Etobicoke Lakeshore Councillor Mark Grimes did no wrong when he called on the city officials to deal with the November 2020 illegal operation of the Adamson Barbecue restaurant on Queen Elizabeth Boulevard, says Toronto’s Integrity Commissioner Jonathan Batty. Coun. Grimes was facing a complaint by a member of the public, alleging that he’d violated the code of conduct for Toronto Councillors by interfering with the city’s response to Adamson Barbecue’s operating from Nov.
Budget feedback focuses on Toronto's systemic weaknesses
Deputations may not reflect community: budget chief News 05:00 AM by David Nickle Toronto.com Toronto's budget chief Gary Crawford is presiding over a "COVID-19 budget" after having heard from almost 150 public deputations that the city needs to do more on housing, the environment and less on policing. - Dan Pearce/Metroland Coun.
Family raising blood and hospital donations in memory of Toronto girl who had rare form of cancer
It was the day after Halloween in 2018 that Zoah Johnson and her family's lives changed forever.
Toronto councillor cleared in handling of Adamson Barbecue incident
Etobicoke Lakeshore Councillor Mark Grimes did no wrong when he called on the city officials to deal with the November 2020 illegal operation of the Adamson Barbecue restaurant on Queen Elizabeth...
Budget feedback focuses on Toronto's systemic weaknesses
John Cameron was a rare voice near the top of two solid days of public hearings into Toronto’s 2022 budget. The Etobicoke resident logged on to the online hearings as speaker number eight of 151, speaking on behalf of the Etobicoke Pickleball Association.
Family raising blood and hospital donations in memory of Toronto girl who had rare form of cancer
Zoah Johnston shone with creativity and strength before dying of rhabdomyosarcoma in 2021 By David NickleReporter Tue., Feb. 1, 2022timer3 min. read updateArticle was updated 11 hrs ago It was the day after Halloween in 2018 that Zoah Johnston’s and her family’s lives changed forever.
What did Torontonians say about the city's 2022 budget? Here's a sampling
Over the course of two days, Jan. 24 and 25, Toronto’s budget committee heard from 151 Torontonians and advocates about its 2022 operating capital budget. While it still has to be approved by Toronto council, Toronto staff are recommending a $14.99-billion dollar budget supported by a total property tax increase for homeowners of 4.4 per cent. Toronto’s city manager, Chris Murray, has called the 2022 budget a “COVID budget” that will need $1.4 billion from the federal and provincial governments.
What did Torontonians say about the city's 2022 budget? Here's a sampling
Over the course of two days, Jan. 24 and 25, Toronto’s budget committee heard from 151 Torontonians and advocates about its 2022 operating capital budget. While it still has to be approved by Toronto council, Toronto staff are recommending a $14.99-billion dollar budget supported by a total property tax increase for homeowners of 4.4 per cent. Toronto’s city manager, Chris Murray, has called the 2022 budget a “COVID budget” that will need $1.4 billion from the federal and provincial governments.
Joan King, former councillor and school trustee, was a champion for the environment
Joan King represented voters in North York as a school trustee and councillor for the former North York, on Metro Council and finally the newly amalgamated Toronto and through a two-decade career was one of the city’s early promoters of solid waste diversion and recycling. King, who died Jan. 27 at age 80, was also remembered by former colleagues as a pioneer for women in municipal politics.
Joan King, former councillor and school trustee, was a champion for the environment
Joan King passed away Jan. 27 at age 81 News 09:30 AM by David Nickle North York Mirror Former Toronto Councillor Joan King (seen here with her husband William King) passed away Jan. 27. - King family photo Joan King represented voters in North York as a school trustee and councillor for the former North York, on Metro Council and finally the newly amalgamated Toronto and through a two-decade career was one of the city’s early promoters of solid waste diversion and recycling. King, who passed Jan.
How many public walkways does Toronto have and who maintains them? Good question
Toronto has 5,397 kilometres of roads, 7,300 kilometres of sidewalks on those roads, and more than 297 kilometres of off-road biking and walking trails. But between those roads, the city has an unknown number of public walkways — often well-trodden walkways between schools and townhouses and other buildings that for decades have been used by Toronto residents on the way to school and shopping, to shortcut through various subdivisions.
How many public walkways does Toronto have and who maintains them? Good question
Toronto staff to inventory informal shortcuts through Toronto's subdivisions and come up with a maintenance plan in 2023 By David NickleReporter Tue., Jan. 25, 2022timer2 min. read Toronto has 5,397 kilometres of roads, 7,300 kilometres of sidewalks on those roads, and more than 297 kilometres of off-road biking and walking trails.
As Toronto cleans up from last Monday's blizzard, crews brace for more snow
As the city braces for a significant snowfall Monday afternoon, Toronto crews are continuing to clean up the accumulation from the record-setting blizzard that covered city streets just a week ago. Environment Canada is predicting snowfall between five and 10 centimetres starting in the afternoon Jan. 24, and according to a city news release, crews are ready to begin salting and plowing operations to keep the city’s road clear. But cleanup is not yet finished from the Jan.
As Toronto still cleans up from last Monday's blizzard, crews brace for more snow
As the city braces for a significant snowfall Monday afternoon, Toronto crews are continuing to clean up the accumulation from the record-setting blizzard that covered city streets just a week ago.
Toronto looking for public feedback on backyard hens pilot project
So how did those chickens next door work out for you? That is the question being posed by an online survey that launched Friday on the City of Toronto’s website, asking the public how residents in neighbourhoods across the city felt about UrbanHensTO — a pilot program that allows chickens in backyards for food and enjoyment. The program allowed registered households in neighbourhoods in seven city wards to have up to four hens on their property.
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