Sunday, January 17, 2010

Call for a bigger vision

Science in Canada cannot realize its full potential without clear direction from government
Jan 14, 2010
Nature
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v463/n7278/full/463135a.html

Canadian survey of postdocs reveals dissatisfaction

Report recommends time limit on postdoctoral training
Jan 11, 2010
Rosanna Tamburri
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/canadian-survey-postdocs.aspx

Manning: an unlikely ally for universities?

Preston Manning has been a knowledgeable supporter of science for years
Jan 11, 2010
Daniel Mccabe
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/manning-an-unlikely-ally-for-universities.aspx

Canada needs a polar policy

A lack of coordination in Arctic research funding leaves scientists without the support they need for fieldwork. John England outlines how Canada can set things right, and show leadership in the north.
Jan 14, 2010
John England
Nature
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v463/n7278/full/463159a.html

Cancer studies face national funding crisis

As hospitals scramble for philanthropic dollars, many fear that only pharmaceutical firms will have pockets deep enough for trials
Jan 16, 2010
LISA PRIEST
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/cancer-studies-face-national-funding-crisis/article1433644/

Taxing Issues

Quebec culture, special interest groups to blame for slow pace of reform at cash-strapped universities
Jan 9, 2010
Giuseppe Valiante
Financial Post
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/fp/Taxing+Issues+Reform+happening+slowly+cash+strapped+Quebec+universities/2422520/story.html

Invasion of the bighead carp has Ontario scared

Supermarket fined $3,500 for selling a live bighead carp that could endanger native fish
Jan 16, 2010
Ann Hui
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/751564--invasion-of-the-bighead-carp-has-ontario-scared

The new inquisition

In a new collection of essays, Post columnist Rex Murphy defends climate change heretics from David Suzuki
Jan 14, 2010
Rex Murphy
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2010/01/14/rex-murphy-the-new-inquisition.aspx

Fat Nation: Canadians are heavier, wider, weaker

According to a landmark new study, we’re less fit in almost every way than we were 28 years ago. How did this happen – and what can we do about it?
Jan 13, 2010
André Picard
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/fat-nation-canadians-are-heavier-wider-weaker/article1430315/

Low amount of BPA can increase cardiac risk by 45%, study finds

The widely used plastic-making compound has already been labelled toxic by Health Canada and removed from baby bottles
Jan 12, 2010
Martin Mittelstaedt
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/low-amount-of-bpa-can-increase-cardiac-risk-by-45-per-cent-study-finds/article1428929/

Are we on the brink of a stem-cell breakthrough?

Researchers say China may be the country to make significant discoveries in regenerative therapies
Jan 11, 2010
SHARON LEM
QMI AGENCY
http://www.torontosun.com/news/world/2010/01/11/12416196-sun.html

Surprise baby 'boomlet' lifts B.C.'s orca pods

Six young killers whales born in the past year returns endangered population back to 2007 levels
Jan 11, 2010
ROD MICKLEBURGH
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/surprise-baby-boomlet-lifts-bcs-orca-pods/article1426431/

Prentice leads way in contact with lobbyists

Analysis shows environment minister nearly matched by calls to Clement
Jan 10, 2010
Glen McGregor
The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/Prentice+leads+contact+with+lobbyists/2425569/story.html

'It's like a death watch'

Environmentalists say Canada is dithering despite clear evidence showing many species in decline
Jan 10, 2010
Ed Struzik
Edmonton Journal
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/like+death+watch/2425928/story.html