Saturday, April 9, 2011

The value of pure science

Apr 5, 2011
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/value+pure+science/4558925/story.html
Quebec’s scientific community regrets the lack of consultation and has concerns about negative effects on the province’s research system.
Apr 4, 2011
Jean-François Venne
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/a-forced-merger-between-quebecs-three-research-funding-agencies.aspx
Few academic supervisors ever advise their social science PhD students to seek employment in the private sector. It is time that changed.
Apr 4, 2011
Sam Ladner
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/canadian-businesses-need-our-social-science-phds.aspx
Apr 6, 2011
Jim Hynes
McGill Reporter
http://publications.mcgill.ca/reporter/2011/04/mse-research-symposium-bridging-the-gap-between-science-and-policy/
Mar 31, 2011
Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA)
http://issuu.com/torontoresearch/docs/trra_the_race_for_global_leadership_in_innovation-#download
Mar 28, 2011
The Royal Society (UK)
http://royalsociety.org/uploadedFiles/Royal_Society_Content/Influencing_Policy/Reports/2011-03-28-Knowledge-networks-nations.pdf
Mar 28, 2011
The Royal Society (UK)
http://royalsociety.org/uploadedFiles/Royal_Society/Policy_and_Influence/2011-03-28-Malaysia-CountryCaseStudyNo%201.pdf
Mar 31, 2011
Ontario Centres Of Excellence Inc.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/International-Alliance-Created-to-Further-Commercialization-of-Research-1421066.htm
Unless governments act, colleges and universities could be priced out of reach for many
Mar 31, 2011
Don Drummond and Daniel R. Woolf
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/967089--who-will-pay-the-bills-for-the-education-dream
NRC president names four priority areas
Apr 3, 2011
Tom Spears
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Researchers+told+focus+projects+that+benefit+industry/4551003/story.html
Apr 5, 2011
Leo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/things-you-apparently-didnt-know-about-university/
The problem is that our schools admit too many people, not too few
Mar 31, 2011
MARGARET WENTE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/we-need-more-smarts-for-universities-to-work/article1963950/
Are students somehow getting smarter? I doubt it.
Apr 4, 2011
Christine Overall
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/university-for-the-masses-may-be-oversold.aspx

Why higher education matters

Apr 2, 2011
Eddy Campbell
Telegraph-Journal
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/1394695
Federation’s goal is to make highly relevant research better known.
Apr 4, 2011
Rosanna Tamburri
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/humanities-and-social-science-scholars-need-more-visibility-cfhss.aspx
Mar 29, 2011
Peggy Berkowitz
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/the-humanities-more-relevant-and-less-visible-than-ever/
Apr 4, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2011/04/04/calgary-aging-university-research.html
Watch Canadian innovators explain their Bold Ideas for solving the world's most persistent health challenges and let us know which ones you think are the best by rating them
Mar 28, 2011
Grand Challenges Canada
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/288228/4859ed9989/1315026949/5f28c264d9/
GE3LS Newsletter - Issue No. 04, Winter 2011
Genome Canada
http://www.genomecanada.ca/en/ge3ls/newsletters/winter-2011/

Life-changing scholarships

Most privately funded scholarships are awarded to students attending a particular university or to children of a company’s employees. But a few pan-Canadian programs have a bigger objective in mind.
Apr 4, 2011
Rosanna Tamburri
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/life-changing-scholarships.aspx
The new Minister's Award for Environmental Excellence recognizes outstanding achievement, leadership and innovation in environmental protection
Apr 2011
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/about/MAFEE/index.htm
Apr 4, 2011
U.K. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
http://www.parliament.uk/documents/post/postpn_373-Water-Adapatation-in-Africa.pdf

Undermining the oil patch

Apr 8, 2011
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/Undermining+patch/4579559/story.html
Apr 8, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/08/nl-spill-letters-408.html
Apr 8, 2011
Kevin Hursh
Postmedia News
http://www.canada.com/Risks+products+must+kept+perspective/4583776/story.html
Apr 8, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/08/bc-japan-tsunami-debris-drift.html
Apr 8, 2011
John Flesher
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/08/wdr-asian-carp-barrier-erected.html
Opponents fear Xayaburi dam in Laos will disrupt farming, fish migrations
Apr 8, 2011
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/08/environment-mekong-dam-plan.html
Apr 8, 2011
Sarah Schmidt and Aaron Derfel
Postmedia News
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/Experts+question+role+walnuts+coli+outbreak/4585322/story.html
Salmon farming leading the way through co-operative efforts
Apr 8, 2011
Jay Ritchlin
Vancouver Sun
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/seafood+sustainability+tide+starting+turn+better/4580815/story.html
Apr 8, 2011
NAUMAN FAROOQI
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/your-business/grow/new-product-development/innovative-model-pays-off-for-cancer-fighting-firm/article1975163/
McGuinty Government Helping Horizon Plastics Create Up To 350 Jobs
Apr 8, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://news.ontario.ca/mri/en/2011/04/turning-the-corner-by-transforming-good-ideas-into-great-jobs-in-cobourg.html
McGuinty Government Helping EcoSynthetix Create Up To 40 Jobs
Apr 8, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://news.ontario.ca/mri/en/2011/04/transforming-good-ideas-into-great-jobs-in-burlington.html
The Harper government’s 17-per-cent reduction target can’t be met with policies now in place, and every expert knows it. Canadians just don’t care. So the issue is barely mentioned
Apr 7, 2011
JEFFREY SIMPSON
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/climate-change-not-in-this-campaign/article1975493/
Environment Canada study says change needed now to stay below the 2 C warming threshold
Apr 7, 2011
Margaret Munro
Postmedia News
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Harper+slammed+climate+change+inaction/4573252/story.html
Apr 7, 2011
Dan Healing
Calgary Herald
http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+Liepert+urges+sign+bloody+order+oilsands+pipeline/4576923/story.html?cid=megadrop_story

Science museum scores coup

Electron microscope from 1938 going on display
Apr 7, 2011
Tom Spears
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Science+museum+scores+coup/4572607/story.html
Apr 7, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/07/science-silver-nanoparticles-bacteria-arctic.html
As nations scale back nuclear plans, renewables and fossil fuels vie to fill gap
Apr 7, 2011
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/07/nuclear-power-climate-change.html
Apr 7, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/06/canada-power-grid-investment.html
Apr 7, 2011
Conference Board of Canada
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/07/c2183.html
Apr 7, 2011
Conference Board of Canada
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/07/c2184.html
Apr 7, 2011
Emily Chung
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/04/science-tb-aboriginal-french-canadian.html
Apr 7, 2011
Kate Fillion
Macleans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/04/07/on-why-shaming-won%E2%80%99t-stop-obesity-why-vouchers-might-and-losing-80-pounds/
A modest proposal for an interstellar communications network
Apr 7, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18526871
Older family physicians more likely to narrow scope of practice than retire
Apr 7, 2011
Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/07/c9967.html
Apr 6, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/06/edmonton-obama-keystone-oilsands.html
Apr 6, 2011
Dennis Gruending
Canada.com
http://www.canada.com/running+time+address+climate+change/4570150/story.html
Apr 6, 2011
Amina Zafar
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/06/aging-women-brain-estrogen.html
Apr 6, 2011
CARLY WEEKS
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/avastin-debate-highlights-challenges-of-a-catastrophic-drug-program/article1974103/
Climate change is already having an impact on our economy
Apr 6, 2011
Roy J. Romanow
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/970481--a-warning-from-nature-for-canadians
Apr 6, 2011
Sheldon Alberts
Postmedia News
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Obama+hints+withholding+approval+Keystone+oilsands+pipeline/4571527/story.html
Apr 5, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/05/arctic-ocean-fresh-water.html
Apr 5, 2011
CARLY WEEKS AND LISA PRIEST
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/lack-of-catastrophic-drug-program-a-black-eye-for-canada/article1972570/
Apr 5, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/05/business-nortel-patents.html
Apr 5, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2011/04/05/nl-jones-mudspill-405.html
Apr 5, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/05/ozone-layer-arctic.html
Apr 5, 2011
NATHAN VANDERKLIPPE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/water-injection-tabbed-to-boost-oil-patch-production/article1972164/
Apr 5, 2011
Carrie Tait, Nathan VanderKlippe and Josh Wingrove
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/alberta-conservation-plan-stuns-oil-patch/article1971930/

Human-like milk made by GM cows

Future as infant formula replacement uncertain due to fears over transgenic foods
Apr 5, 2011
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/05/technology-human-breast-milk-cows.html

How to reduce ruinous drug costs

Ottawa could fund the R&D portion of the price of expensive new drugs
Apr 5, 2011
Paul Grootendorst
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/how-to-reduce-ruinous-drug-costs/article1970566/
Anything that brings researchers closer to understanding Alzheimer's, such as the discovery of five new genes, is welcome
Apr 5, 2011
Toronto Star
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/mindmood/brainhealth/article/968993--alzheimer-s-disease-new-clues-for-scientists
Apr 5, 2011
ADRIAN MORROW
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/ozone-layer-depleted-by-record-40-per-cent-over-arctic/article1971038/

The environmental paradox

Why, if the world’s ecosystems are under siege, do people seem to be prospering? When a group of Canadian researchers posed the question, they touched a nerve.
Apr 4, 2011
Daniel McCabe
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/the-environmental-paradox.aspx
Apr 4, 2011
Tom Spears
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Genetically+modified+wheat+research+goal+Canada/4550040/story.html
Apr 4, 2011
Randy Boswell
Postmedia News
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Canadian+scientist+slams+maple+syrup+study+touting+health+benefits/4545863/story.html

Canada warns EU over oil sands

Apr 4, 2011
Pete Harrison
Reuters
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/canada-warns-eu-over-oil-sands/article1969643/
Apr 4, 2011
LISA PRIEST
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/national-drug-policy-for-rare-diseases-has-fallen-between-the-cracks/article1970960/
Liberals, Tories, NDP each over 120 tonnes of carbon emissions
Apr 4, 2011
Max Paris
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/04/cv-election-carbon-footprint.html
Destructive bugs now threaten boreal forest
Apr 4, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/04/edmonton-pine-beetle-advances.html
June auction to sell the last major assets of former technology giant
Apr 4, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/04/google-stalking-horse-bidder-nortel-patents.html

The right call on Lower Churchill

Apr 4, 2011
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/right+call+Lower+Churchill/4553104/story.html
Apr 4, 2011
Omair Quadri
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/toronto-votes-to-continue-fluoridating-water/article1970703/
Apr 4, 2011
MARCUS GEE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/marcus-gee/fluoride-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-drink-the-water/article1970745/
A third-year health-sciences student at McMaster University is helping diabetes sufferers in First Nations communities better manage their disease, and he’s doing it through text messaging.
Apr 4, 2011
Jordon Fallis
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/diabetes-information-just-a-text-message-away.aspx
Canadian Diabetes Association Releases Opinion Poll Results and Report
Apr 4, 2011
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/04/c8890.html
Apr 3, 2011
ANDRÉ PICARD
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/the-cost-of-drugs-breaking-the-bank-to-stay-alive/article1969308/
Apr 2, 2011
Patrick Daniel
Financial Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/Gateway+pipeline+crossroads+Canada/4548023/story.html
Apr 2, 2011
Tom Blackwell
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Experts+risks+artery+devices/4547925/story.html
Apr 1, 2011
Patrick White
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/nunavut/the-trials-of-nunavut-lament-for-an-arctic-nation/article1963420/
Stephen Harper’s willingness to provide a federal loan guarantee for the building of an electricity transmission line from the Lower Churchill in Labrador to mainland Nova Scotia is entirely legitimate
Apr 1, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/ottawa-should-underwrite-the-lower-churchill-project/article1967641/
Apr 1, 2011
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/America+thirst+Europe+petro+posturing/4539794/story.html

The 5 Worst Promoters of Nonsense

JREF's 'Pigasus Awards' are a Dubious Honor for Dubious Claims
Apr 1, 2011
Sadie Crabtree
James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF)
http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/jref-news/1260-pigasus-2011.html
Apr 1, 2011
JAMES BRADSHAW
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/u-of-ts-forestry-school-faces-the-axe/article1968010/
Apr 1, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/01/hudson-bay-polar-bear-hunt.html
Apr 1, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/03/31/bc-radiation-milk-concerns.html
Mar 31, 2011
LES PERREAUX AND STEVEN CHASE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/sparks-fly-in-quebec-after-harper-backs-newfoundland-hydro-project/article1964803/
Mar 31, 2011
GLORIA GALLOWAY
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/visiting-quebec-layton-rips-into-oil-sands/article1964853/
Mar 31, 2011
Sharon Oosthoek
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/03/31/tech-salmon-hearts-fraser-river.html
Mar 31, 2011
MARK HUME
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/sockeye-salmon-at-risk-of-overheating-due-to-climate-change-study/article1965320/
Mar 31, 2011
STEVEN CHASE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/tories-lay-clean-energy-plank-with-support-for-lower-churchill-mega-project/article1965607/
Mar 31, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/obamas-oil-independence-speech-no-gift-to-canada/article1965814/
Mar 31, 2011
KEVIN LYNCH
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/us-energy-security-requires-partners/article1964812/
What can be done about the rising risk of antibiotic resistance?
Mar 31, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18483671

More Clean Energy Jobs In Vaughan

Ontario's clean energy economy continues to grow, creating 50 new jobs in Vaughan.
Mar 31, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Energy
http://news.ontario.ca/mei/en/2011/03/more-clean-energy-jobs-in-vaughan.html
Mar 30, 2011
Peter Fairley
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/03/11/f-power-2020-wind-profile.html
Mar 30, 2011
Emily Chung
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/03/12/f-power-2020-electric-cars.html
Mar 30, 2011
SHAWN McCARTHY
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/obama-signals-new-reliance-on-oil-sands/article1963575/
Mar 30, 2011
LEE-ANNE GOODMAN
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/obama-says-canada-a-partner-in-us-plans-to-make-itself-less-dependent-on-oil/article1963671/
Mar 30, 2011
Rebekah Funk
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/bc-funds-study-of-fibromyalgia-lyme-disease-chronic-fatigue/article1964319/

Make producers pay

The moment the province decided to blunt criticism last summer by getting rid of unpopular “eco fees” on an expanded recycling program, taxpayers were put on the hook
Mar 29, 2011
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/962992--make-producers-pay

Fish not foul

Mar 29, 2011
Patrick Moore
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/Fish+foul/4518851/story.html
Mar 29, 2011
MARK HUME
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/elevated-bc-radiation-levels-considered-no-threat-to-health/article1960854/
Mar 29, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/ignatieffs-learning-passport-would-help-poor-reach-university/article1961903/
Mar 29, 2011
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2011/29/c7594.html
Daffodil Day is April 27
Mar 29, 2011
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2011/29/c7033.html
Mar 29, 2011
Health Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Blood-Donation-Deferral-Policy-Expanded-Beyond-the-United-Kingdom-and-Western-Europe-1419177.htm

Ending the war on burgers

Mar 28, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/ending-the-war-on-burgers/article1960465/
Mar 27, 2011
MARK HUME
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/mark-hume/dfos-stifling-of-research-a-case-of-dj-vu/article1959051/
Mar 27, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/evidence-and-logic-clash-when-it-comes-to-small-cancer-tumours/article1957476/
Mar 27, 2011
SHAWN McCARTHY
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/ottawa-fights-eus-dirty-fuel-label-on-oil-sands/article1958987/
Mar 25, 2011
JESSICA LEEDER
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/renowned-economists-outlook-darkens-on-global-food-prospects/article1957725/
The Fukushima crisis will slow the growth of nuclear power. Might it reverse it?
Mar 24, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18441163
A powerful experimental battery that can be recharged completely in minutes
Mar 24, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18437910
Mar 23, 2011
NATHAN VANDERKLIPPE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/surprise-uk-oil-tax-hits-canadian-firms/article1954013/
Mar 23, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/controls-on-food-imports-from-japan-to-be-increased/article1953648/
Mar 22, 2011
Eric Reguly
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-magazine/is-ethanol-to-blame-for-global-unrest/article1951796/
Mar 21, 2011
SHAWN McCARTHY
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/oil-sands-emissions-rules-stalled-despite-vows-to-eu/article1950567/
Mar 21, 2011
CARRIE TAIT
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/canada-needs-overall-energy-strategy-shell-says/article1949756/
Mar 21, 2011
JESSICA LEEDER
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/contaminated-crops-may-be-the-legacy-of-fukushima/article1950731/