Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Science and technology key to recession-proof Canada

Stimulus Minister of State tells Moncton Chamber of Commerce science and technology is Canada's future
July 25, 2009
GILEAN WATTS
Canadaeast News Service
http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/journal/article/740112

Ottawa looks at keeping Nortel Canadian

Softens hands-off stance under growing pressure to protect wireless assets from foreign ownership
Jul 28, 2009
Les Whittington & Rob Ferguson
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/Article/672695

Top 10 reasons to block Nortel-Ericsson deal

Intervention would signal nation's loyalty to iconic Canadian firms
Jul 28, 2009
David Olive
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/672623

In a pandemic, where's the moral ground?

As medical ethicists confront the difficult issues around swine flu, experts say ordinary Canadians should get in on the debate
Jul 27, 2009
Gloria Galloway
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/in-a-pandemic-wheres-the-moral-ground/article1231853/

Lesson from the 1918 pandemic: Focus on treatment, not prevention

In preparing for a possible autumn wave of influenza, we should prepare our health-care infrastructure to meet a worst-case scenario
Jul 27, 2009
Mark Humphries
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/lesson-from-the-1918-pandemic-focus-on-treatment-not-prevention/article1230854/

Health agency to test link between flu, vitamin D

By screening infected blood, researchers hoping to find new ways to fight the virus
Jul 27, 2009
Martin Mittelstaedt
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/health-agency-to-test-link-between-flu-vitamin-d/article1231852/

Is Google good for Canada?

As the U.S.-based Web giant extends its reach around the world, its effect on Canadian tech policy is growing
July 25, 2009
Matt Hartley And Jamie Sturgeon
Financial Post
http://www.canada.com/technology/Google+good+Canada/1826864/story.html

Huge investment needed for carbon capture: Report

Ottawa, Alberta may have to spend billions per year to develop commercial carbon capture technologies
Jul 27, 2009
The Canadian Press
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/672157

Apocalypse Soon

Flooding. Drought. Wildfires. Mass migrations of desperate people. Mike Blanchfield explains why security experts fear climate change will lead to war on a scale we have yet to see on this planet.
July 25, 2009
Mike Blanchfield
Canwest News Service
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Apocalypse+Soon+Cimate+change+lead+world+worst+wars/1827484/story.html

Friday, July 24, 2009

Seasonal flu shot may be mismatch

Samples of the emerging new strain of H3N2 viruses show substantially reduced response to antibodies generated by the corresponding virus in the vaccine, raising the possibility of significantly reduced protection
Helen Branswell
Jul 24, 2009
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/seasonal-flu-shot-may-be-mismatch/article1228824/

Swine flu could strike 40% in U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate means about twice the number of people who usually get sick in a normal flu season would be affected, and hundreds of thousands could die
Jul 24, 2009
Mike Stobbe
Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/swine-flu-could-strike-40-in-us/article1230000/

As Canadian as salt? Study finds more in our food

In every product studied, foods contained significantly higher levels of sodium than the same products sold in other countries
Jul 23, 2009
Carly Weeks
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/as-canadian-as-salt-study-finds-more-in-our-food/article1227967/

Food safety report leaves many questions

Analysis catalogues succession of failures that led to troubling tragedy
Jul 22, 2009
Robert Cribb
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/669868

Australia starts first H1N1 vaccine trials

Two biotechnology companies have started injecting adult volunteers in Adelaide and the government has ordered 21 million doses if tests are proven to work
Jul 22, 2009
Tanalee Smith
Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/australia-starts-first-h1n1-vaccine-trials/article1226829/

H1N1's oink is proving to be far worse than its bite

Latest flu outbreak is shaping up as fourth pandemic dud in the past six years
Jul 22, 2009
Dr. Richard Schabas
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/669727

Status quo won't get NASA to Mars, agency's chief says

Commitments to staff space station and return to the moon by 2020 make Martian expedition too daunting a task, says Charlie Bolden
Jul 21, 2009
Irene Klotz
Reuters
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/status-quo-wont-get-nasa-to-mars-agencys-chief-says/article1226281/

Monday, July 20, 2009

How do we get young Canadians to reach for the stars?

The new space race is a golden opportunity to inspire a new generation of space explorers
Jul 20, 2009
Sumitra Rajagopalan
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/how-do-we-get-young-canadians-to-reach-for-the-stars/article1222910/

Reaching for the stars through a cloud of debris

Growing importance of space makes it imperative to have a long-term strategy
Jul 20, 2009
Anthony Salloum
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/668158

Moon astronauts push for Mars and beyond

Moon could be stepping stone to Martian moon Phobos, Mars and asteroids, says Aldrin
Jul 20, 2009
Seth Borenstein
ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/668852

Should humans dictate nature in the name of conservation?

Bold experiment has scientists planting trees in areas they don't belong in a pre-emptive strike on climate change
Jul 19, 2009
Alicia Chang
Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/should-humans-dictate-nature-in-the-name-of-conservation/article1224103/

Enviro-romanticism is hurting Africa

My friends would be horrified to learn their convictions are keeping children hungry
Jul 20, 2009
Margaret Wente
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/enviro-romanticism-is-hurting-africa/article1222806/

It's all in the low-enriched uranium

Let's create a bank to guarantee supplies to countries that need nuclear fuel for their power reactors
Jul 17, 2009
Mohamed ElBaradei
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/its-all-in-the-low-enriched-uranium/article1222913/

Canada will have enough flu vaccines to share

Unique deal with supplier means Canadians will get the shot – and there will be excess supply for countries in need, health officer says
Jul 17, 2009
Gloria Galloway
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-will-have-enough-vaccines-to-share/article1221498/

Why pay Ontarians to buy U.S.-built cars?

McGuinty's plan to give Volt buyers $10,000 each is electrifyingly dumb
July 19, 2009
Randall Denley
The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Ontarians+built+cars/1805587/story.html

IT industry hopes to become carbon-neutral

Environment Computers help generate as much greenhouse gas as airline industry
July 20, 2009
CHELSEA MURRAY
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL
http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/733861

Canadians will continue to benefit from Nortel's legacy

Canada will continue contributing to the world’s advanced communications networks
July 14, 2009
Sue Spradley
Financial Post
http://www.financialpost.com/news-sectors/trading-desk/technology/story.html?id=1790506

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Innovation is alive and well in Canada

Entrepreneurs are spending on R&D: survey
July 14, 2009
Rick Spence
Financial Post
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1787664

Turbine rules may foil wind ventures

Dozens of projects, billions in investment at risk, energy group says
Jul 15, 2009
Tyler Hamilton
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/666309

A plan must engage the public

It is good that Canada has a plan for the H1N1 pandemic. But it involves choices, which need discussion
Jul 16, 2009
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/a-plan-must-engage-the-public/article1219950/

A world of competing sorrows

There's a flu pandemic and health-care resources are scarce. How do we decide who lives and who dies?
Jul 16, 2009
Margaret Somerville
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/a-world-of-competing-sorrows/article1219511/

Interview: 'A busy time' for rookie health minister

Amid flu pandemic and isotope crisis, Leona Aglukkaq tells The Globe: ‘You always expect that you will be on the hot seat for something'
Jul 16, 2009
Gloria Galloway
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/a-busy-time-for-rookie-health-minister/article1219866/

Sparks fly over electric cars

Premier offers rebates to ease sticker shock, but critics call plan a misguided 'bribe'
Jul 16, 2009
Tanya Talaga
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/667057

Why so much noise about wind?

Life is full of choices, four doctors argue, and wind turbines are more healthy than the alternatives
Jul 13, 2009
John Howard, Warren Bell, Alan Abelsohn and Cathy Vakil
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/why-so-much-noise-about-wind/article1216749/

Woman who gave birth at 66 dies, reigniting IVF debate

As the world's oldest mother to give birth leaves behind twin sons in death, experts are again debating who should be allowed to undergo infertility treatments
Jul 15, 2009
Dave McGinn
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/woman-who-gave-birth-at-66-dies-reigniting-ivf-debate/article1219661/

A small help in easing the isotope crisis

Nanoscience could provide an alternate method of diagnosis, in some cases, to the nuclear technology required for current medical imaging
Jul 16, 2009
Anne McIlroy
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/a-small-help-in-easing-the-isotope-crisis/article1219825/

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The summer of student discontent

Students face the coldest summer-job market in more than a decade but schools have less money bursaries
Jul 14, 2009
Elizabeth Church
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-summer-of-student-discontent/article1217086/

Target found in G8's climate-change fight

Wealthy countries have agreed to limit the world's temperature to a two-degree increase, requiring aggressive cuts to emissions Canada's oil industry calls 'incredible'
Jul 11, 2009
Brian Laghi and Shawn McCarthy
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/target-found-in-g8s-climate-fight/article1211478/

Gas pains

Harper refuses to recognize the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gases
July 10, 2009
JANET BAGNALL
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/pains/1776662/story.html

Turn off the lights

Dark sky is better for the environment and for our health
Jul 9, 2009
Robert Dick
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/turn-off-the-lights/article1212771/

Canada’s medical isotope industry in peril as U.S. moves to make its own supply

Loss of its biggest customer could doom Canada's struggling industry already hit by Chalk River shutdown, nuclear watchers say
Jul 13, 2009
Gloria Galloway and Karen Howlett
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/isotope-industry-in-peril-as-us-moves-to-make-its-own-supply/article1213096/

It's worth the risk, Ottawa: Set up an agriculture innovation fund for Africa

We need to ensure that our funding is sufficiently flexible to explore long-shot ideas that might yield big benefits for both Canada and African farmers
Jul 10, 2009
Parker Mitchell
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/its-worth-the-risk-ottawa-set-up-an-agriculture-innovation-fund-for-africa/article1214423/

Health Canada and FDA are on hunt for swine flu scams

Websites are selling unauthorized goods or making false claims
July 9, 2009
Meagan Fitzpatrick
Canwest News Service
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Health+Canada+hunt+swine+scams/1774239/story.html

It's not easy being green

Those new energy-efficient bulbs contain mercury and are a nightmare to get rid of
July 14, 2009
HENRY AUBIN
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/easy+being+green/1787872/story.html

Organic tastes good, but better for us? No

If you want to heal the land, it helps to be well-heeled. Let's just rethink what we eat
Jul 13, 2009
Margaret Wente
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/organic-tastes-good-but-better-for-us-no/article1214614/

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Canada's biotechs short of cash: experts

Investment Capital; Advocacy group calls for loans, tax exemptions
July 8, 2009
Giuseppe Valiante
Financial Post
http://www.financialpost.com/news-sectors/technology/story.html?id=1769493

On climate change, Ottawa's still emitting hot air

It’s not an issue the Tories feel passionately about, and given Canada’s track record, silence might be the preferred option
Jul 9, 2009
Jeffrey Simpson
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/ottawas-still-emitting-hot-air/article1209797/

Leaders urged to endorse 2-degree limit

Canada and the U.S. will feel the heat as G8 heads of government address climate-change issue
Jul 9, 2009
Shawn McCarthy
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/leaders-urged-to-endorse-2-degree-limit/article1209961/

Climate change may spread dengue fever across North America

U.S. report warns of risks when rise in temperatures lets disease-bearing mosquitoes survive in all corners of the country
Jul 8, 2009
Deborah Zabarenko
Reuters
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/climate-change-may-spread-dengue-fever-across-north-america/article1211208/

A green idea cool enough for Canada

A U.S. company has developed an environmentally friendly method for cooling buildings during peak summer hours using chunks of ice
Jul 8, 2009
Susan Krashinsky
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/a-green-idea-cool-enough-for-canada/article1210455/

Landmark needle exchange program closing down

Innovative program run by the Downtown Eastside Youth Activities Society is ending after 21 years amid allegations of mismanagement and financial improprieties
Jul 9, 2009
Robert Matas
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/landmark-needle-exchange-program-closing-down/article1210092/

El Nino is back, U.S. scientists say

Periodic warming of water in the tropical Pacific, which can affect weather around the world, has returned, forecasters warn
Jul 9, 2009
RANDOLPH E. SCHMID
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/el-nino-is-back-us-scientists-say/article1212321/

Aquaculture gets more than $930,000

Six B.C. firms receive funds to boost business
July 9, 2009
Judith Lavoie, with files from Dan MacLennan
Times Colonist
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Aquaculture+gets+more+than/1773887/story.html

Breaking the climate-change deadlock

An agreement on clear, practical goals could achieve major reductions in emissions
Jul 6, 2009
Tony Blair
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/660753

Reefs may die off by end of century, experts warn

Increasing amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide has warmed and acidified oceans, killing coral reefs, scientists say in London
Jul 6, 2009
MICHAEL KAHN
Reuters
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/reefs-may-die-off-by-end-of-century-experts-warn/article1208615/

Friday, July 3, 2009

Canada's innovation gap

The decline of Nortel coincides with a troubling reality: Research spending is shrinking, productivity is sliding, and we're still leaning too heavily on our resources
Jul 2, 2009
Konrad Yakabuski
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/commentary/canadas-innovation-gap/article1203108/

Canada to match U.S. climate change rules

Environment Minister Jim Prentice says regulations must be ‘comparable' to avoid punitive tariffs on oil sands and other big greenhouse-gas emitters
Jul 1, 2009
Shawn McCarthy
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/canada-to-match-us-climate-change-rules/article1202636/

Climate change in the land of great drought

Given that droughts represent a recurring reality, why does each new occurrence seem to be a surprise?
July 3, 2009
Barry Smit
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/climate-change-in-the-land-of-great-drought/article1204677/

Canada dead last on green list

We have fallen behind other nations on climate change plan, scorecard reveals
Jul 1, 2009
Catherine Porter
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/659218

U.S. legal case opens animal testing to more scrutiny

Settlement between Humane Society, federal government means Agriculture Department must post information online
Jul 1, 2009
Mary Clare Jalonick
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/us-legal-case-opens-animal-testing-to-more-scrutiny/article1203653/

New materials for renewable energy: The power of being made very small

Nano-engineering can produce substances with unique properties that will give renewable energy a boost
July 2, 2009
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13941135