Wednesday, September 9, 2009

We need a forum on science policy

National conference in October is a first step to making this a reality
Sep 8, 2009
Mehrdad Hariri and Jeff Sharom
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/we-need-a-forum-on-science-policy.aspx
In its pre-budget submission to the federal government, association puts emphasis on research spending
Sep 8, 2009
Peggy Berkowitz
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/AUCC-calls-for-research-funding-boost.aspx

Ottawa enhances student aid

Canada Student Loans Program expects to dole out over $500 million in new grants
Sep 8, 2009
Nick Taylor-Vaisey
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/ottawa-enhances-student-aid.aspx
This sensitive subject is back in the spotlight following tabling of new bill
Sep 8, 2009
François-Olivier Dorais
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/changes-ahead-for-university-governance-in-Quebec.aspx

Fair access to university

What will it take to make postsecondary education within the grasp of more Canadians?
Sep 8, 2009
Rosanna Tamburri
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/fair-access-to-university.aspx
Sep 8, 2009
Peter O'Neil
Canwest News
http://www.canada.com/business/Education+pays+many+ways+OECD+tells+Canada/1973184/story.html
The history of attempts to measure and improve quality is not a happy one
Sep 8, 2009
Ross Finnie and Alex Usher
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/making-university-education-a-quality-product/article1276857/
Sep 9, 2009
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/692576

Bright idea or sci-fi?

Experts meet to discuss feasibility of harvesting solar power in space, beaming it back to Earth
Sep 9, 2009
Tyler Hamilton
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/692716
Panel suggests extending planned life of space station, shuttle fleet
Sep 9, 2009
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/09/space-nasa-moon-travel-009.html
Sep 8, 2009
Irene Klotz
Reuters
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/NASA+strategy+proposal+aims+Mars+over+Moon/1972693/story.html
Findings by U.S. health authorities stoke fears that classrooms will serve as incubators for the pandemic virus
Sep 8, 2009
Caroline Alphonso
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/swine-flu-shown-to-be-deadliest-among-children/article1275321/
Sep 8, 2009
Meagan Fitzpatrick
Canwest News Service
http://www.canada.com/Swine+models+preparing+Canada+pandemic/1972331/story.html

Smart grid, smart future

Work is already under way on bringing the electrical system, which is largely unchanged since its inception a century ago, into the information age
Sep 8, 2009
Grant Buckler
Special to Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/smart-grid-smart-future/article1279109/
Sep 8, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/09/08/swine-flu-china.html
North Sea oil environmental technology, recruitment and engineering firms are setting up shop in Alberta
Sep 8, 2009
Nathan Vanderklippe
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/why-the-british-are-invading-the-oil-patch/article1278005/
As salmon numbers drop, bears are also few and far between along B.C.'s wild central coast – signalling what conservationists say is an unfolding ecological disaster
Sep 8, 2009
Mark Hume
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/as-go-the-sockeye-so-go-the-grizzlies/article1279874/
Sep 8, 2009
D.C. Reid
Special to Times Colonist
http://www.timescolonist.com/Fraser+River+sockeye+little+chance+because+fish+farms/1971312/story.html
A new study finds that consumer demand for healthy omega-3 fatty acids has put a squeeze on the fish-food supply, where alternatives must be relied upon to avoid a wipeout of wild forage fish
Sep 8, 2009
Sarah Boesveld
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/fish-farms-put-squeeze-on-marine-resources/article1279812/
Sep 8, 2009
Ken Field
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/09/08/ken-field-protecting-the-environment-without-hurting-the-economy.aspx
Sep 8, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/08/milner-balzan-prize.html
Sep 8, 2009
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/08/climate-change-tuktoyaktuk-erosion.html

Banff may get new caribou herd

Sep 8, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/08/calgary-banff-caribou-extinct.html

Fungus threatens P.E.I. frogs

Sep 8, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/08/pei-chytrid-frog-fungus.html
In lead up to the international climate change negotiations, energy and environment issues lobbied with Cabinet ministers and MPs.
Sep 7, 2009
Bea Vongdouangchanh
The Hill Times
http://www.hilltimes.com/html/index.php?display=story&full_path=2009/september/7/rim/&c=2

Influenza has a cure: affluence

This spring, H1N1 flu hit native communities first and deepest. This fall, it's likely to get much, much worse. Today we know the main factor is poverty. Laying out the science that explains why, in a pandemic, that puts us all at risk
Sep 7, 2009
Kevin Patterson
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/influenza-has-a-cure-affluence/article1276838/
Another way of getting rid of carbon dioxide
Sep 7, 2009
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14396594
Election or no election, federal politicians need to get moving on these critical public policy issues
Sep 7, 2009
Pierre Sadik
The Hill Times
http://www.hilltimes.com/html/index.php?display=story&full_path=2009/september/7/green_files/&c=2
Sep 7, 2009
James Keller
THE CANADIAN PRESS
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/692037
Sep 7, 2009
James Keller
The Canadian Press
http://www.thestar.com/Article/691867

Trouble bubbling in the Arctic

Pockets of methane gas rippling waters like hot tub may be an acceleration factor for global warming
Sep 7, 2009
Bob Weber
The Canadian Press
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/691868
Sep 7, 2009
Tyler Hamilton
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/691776
Sep 7, 2009
ROBERT MATAS
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/no-clear-answer-about-whos-responsible-for-approval/article1277362/
Experts say cuts to research grants will make it difficult to determine why more than nine million sockeye won't return to the Fraser River this year
Sep 6, 2009
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/no-answers-in-bcs-salmon-collapse/article1277846/
Sep 5, 2009
Jack Lightstone
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/09/05/jack-lightsone-university-research-grab-would-be-a-national-disaster.aspx

Forestry's future is R&D

Sep 5, 2009
Don Floyd
Telegraph-Journal
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/782592

For awareness, not panic, on flu

Sep 5, 2009
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/690722
Sep 4, 2009
Ray Grigg
Courier-Islander
http://www.canada.com/Canada+environmental+politics+tragedy+delay/1962780/story.html
Sep 4, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/09/04/h1n1-deaths-who.html

Sigg backpedals on BPA

Sep 4, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/09/03/siggbpa-admission.html

Misconceptions about the flu

Sep 4, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/09/04/f-flu-myths.html
Uadjuvanted swine flu shot to be available to help ease reluctance many pregnant women feel about taking any medication
Sep 4, 2009
Helen Branswell
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/canada-to-offer-pregnant-women-modified-vaccine/article1277115/
Sep 3, 2009
Steve Mertl
The Canadian Press
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5j6jAdmtwEEwHFg9zCE92LH1WVemw

Canada needs a sense of urgency

This country should be committed at the highest political levels to having an effective H1N1 vaccine ready for Canadians at high risk by the early fall
Sep 3, 2009
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/canada-needs-a-sense-of-urgency/article1272818/
Profit to triple
Sep 3, 2009
John Morrissy
Canwest News Service
http://www.financialpost.com/related/links/story.html?id=1957368
Comments run contrary to the federal government's insistence that Canadians should not expect to be immunized until mid-November
Sep 3, 2009
Caroline Alphonso
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-will-get-vaccine-by-october-health-chief/article1273858/
Canada's chief public health officer rejects medical association's charge that Ottawa's strategy is resulting in unnecessary delay
Sep 3, 2009
Patrick White and Caroline Alphonso
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/doctors-ottawa-clash-over-vaccine/article1272775/
Sep 3, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/03/climate-environment-arctic-change.html
Sep 3, 2009
Randolph E. Schmid
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/690581

NUMBY strikes Ohio

Sep 3, 2009
Lawrence Solomon
Financial Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2009/09/03/lawrence-solomon-numby-strikes-ohio.aspx
Sep 3, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/03/ban-ki-moon-climate.html

Electric cars: Charge!

Carmakers are shifting towards electric vehicles. Policymakers must do their part, too
Sep 3, 2009
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14363307
After many false starts, battery-powered cars seem here to stay. Are they just an interesting niche product, or will they turn motoring upside down?
Sep 3, 2009
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14362092
Sep 3, 2009
Leo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/university-infrastructure-now-slightly-less-old/
Sep 2, 2009
Amir Attaran
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/09/02/amir-attaran-funding-ivf-would-save-taxpayers-money.aspx
Sep 2, 2009
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/09/02/cannabis-schizophrenia.html
Vancouver therapists get green light to use drug in trial to treat post-traumatic stress
Sep 2, 2009
Frances Bula
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/landmark-bc-study-lets-trauma-sufferers-find-relief-with-ecstasy/article1271380/

Survival of the biggest

Sep 2, 2009
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/689552
Leading medical journal argues plan to vaccinate population will move too slowly
Sep 2, 2009
Caroline Alphonso
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canadas-flu-strategy-flawed-cmaj/article1271216/
Sep 2, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/02/nwt-emissions-station.html
Sep 2, 2009
Bob Weber
THE CANADIAN PRESS
http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/689974
Sep 2, 2009
Joanna Smith
Toronto Star
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/689715
Fresh thinking about our 'innovation ecosystem' is needed for adapting to a rapidly evolving global economy
Sep 1, 2009
WARREN JESTIN AND STAN SHAPSON
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/canadian-innovation-starts-in-the-classroom/article1270259/
Sep 1, 2009
Richard Ingham
AFP
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Risky+schemes+only+hope+cooling+planet+scientists/1951915/story.html
Sep 1, 2009
AFP
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Nitrous+oxide+destroyer+ozone+layer+study/1951069/story.html

Are the ICUs ready?

Experts predict ICUs will be the main battlefield in the war against a pandemic virus and they have a warning for hospitals: Prepare. Now.
Sep 1, 2009
Helen Branswell
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/are-the-icus-ready/article1271352/

Manning turns to the dark side

Sep 1, 2009
Peter Foster
Financial Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2009/09/01/peter-foster-manning-turns-to-the-dark-side.aspx
Sep 1, 2009
Andrew Heintzman and Preston Manning
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/09/01/andrew-heintzman-and-preston-manning-our-quality-of-life-depends-on-a-green-economy.aspx
Fertility specialists Dr. Arthur Leader and Dr. Marjorie Dixon and one couple took questions about IVF in Ontario
Sep 1, 2009
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/your-in-vitro-fertilization-questions-answered/article1271263/
Aug 31, 2009
Don Martin
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/08/31/alberta-to-u-s-use-the-oilsands-or-lose-them.aspx
Aug 31, 2009
Carrie Tait
Financial Post
http://www.financialpost.com/news-sectors/story.html?id=1947720
Aug 31, 2009
Stephen Gordon
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/08/31/stephen-gordon-a-lesson-for-the-ndp-on-environmental-economics.aspx
Aug 31, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/08/31/pei-shellfish-ban.html
Aug 31, 2009
Norma Greenaway
Canwest News Service
http://www.vancouversun.com/Give+Canada+excess+vaccine+developing+world+Experts/1946953/story.html
Aug 31, 2009
Raphael Alexander
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/08/31/raphael-alexander-evidence-of-success-in-decriminalizing-drugs.aspx

The man who doubted Al Gore

To dissent on the man-made global warming ‘consensus’ is seen as evidence of mental deficiency
Aug 28, 2009
Peter Foster
Financial Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/08/28/peter-foster-the-man-who-doubted-al-gore.aspx
Aug 28, 2009
Jeff Nagel
Surrey North Delta Leader
http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/55786357.html
The evidence from Portugal since 2001 is that decriminalisation of drug use and possession has benefits and no harmful side-effects
Aug 27, 2009
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14309861
Aug 31, 2009
Leo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/big-five-controversy-keeps-on-going/
If big universities spent half as much time on teaching as they do searching for research money, students might be better off
Aug 28, 2009
Jeffrey Simpson
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/a-teachable-moment-for-canadas-universities/article1268920/
Aug 27, 2009
Don Lajoie
The Windsor Star
http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=b5789361-70db-436e-8317-654bb55f7f13

Ode to the mid-sized university

Aug 27, 2009
Daniel Woolf
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/letters-to-the-editor/ode-to-the-mid-sized-university/article1264554/

Smartening up

Presidents of seven smaller universities take aim at the big five
Aug 10, 2009
Cathy Gulli
Macleans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/08/10/smartening-up/

Our universities can be smarter

Canada’s ‘big five’ presidents have an ambitious plan for fixing our schools, writes Paul Wells
Jul 28, 2009
Paul Wells
Macleans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/07/28/our-universities-can-be-smarter/

Can higher ed reach higher?

Canada’s leading universities want to, writes Paul Wells, but big dreams call for big changes
Jul 22, 2009
Paul Wells
Macleans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/07/22/can-higher-ed-reach-higher/