Science Canada: 06/05/10

Saturday, June 5, 2010

2010 Canadian Science Policy Centre Conference Details

Jun 4, 2010
Canadian Science Policy Centre
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/2010-Canadian-Science-Policy-Centre-Conference-Details-1271377.htm

OECD Innovation Strategy

May 27, 2010
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
http://www.oecd.org/innovation/strategy

Canada Excellence Research Chairs good for Canada

June 2, 2010
Calgary Herald
http://www.calgaryherald.com/Canada+Excellence+Research+Chairs+good+Canada/3101275/story.html

Research program highlights lack of vision

June 3, 2010
Penni Stewart
Special to The Windsor Star
http://www.windsorstar.com/technology/Research+program+highlights+lack+vision/3104855/story.html

Game changer — big bucks, big brains

Søren Rysgaard will leave Greenland for the University of Manitoba, and David Barber of the Centre for Earth Observation Science
May 21, 2010
Paul Wells
Macleans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/05/21/game-changer%E2%80%94big-bucks-big-brains/

Innovation isn’t just about science funding

June 1, 2010
Rob Annan
Researcher Forum
http://dontleavecanadabehind.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/innovation-isnt-just-about-science-funding/

Shutout of ’soft’ sciences provokes discontent

As 9,000 scholars descend on Concordia University for Congress, the role of the social sciences and humanities is top of mind
June 1, 2010
Carson Jerema
Macleans
http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2010/06/01/shutout-of-soft-sciences-provokes-discontent/

Arts and social sciences struggle for a place in new economy

Academics at Montreal conference worry about lack of recognition and funding in government policy
Jun 1, 2010
Elizabeth Church
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/arts-and-social-sciences-struggle-for-a-place-in-new-economy/article1587526/

Canada needs national 'orphan-disease' strategy,' MPs hear

June 3, 2010
Meagan Fitzpatrick
Canwest News Service
http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/Canada+needs+national+orphan+disease+strategy+hear/3108471/story.html

Discrimination in academia

June 3, 2010
Leo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/discrimination-in-academia/

Prestigious research awards show gender bias

The lack of female appointments demonstrates a need for better search criteria to enhance diversity
Jun 1, 2010
Lynne Quarmby
Special to the Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Prestigious+research+awards+show+gender+bias/3096092/story.html

The real discrimination at universities

The trend is to hire women over men, a shameful practice for anyone who favours non-discriminatory hiring
June 1, 2010
Andrew Irvine
Special to the Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/real+discrimination+universities/3096091/story.html

Sorry, professor, but women do still face hiring discrimination

The numbers just don’t support the notion that men have it worse in the workplace
June 3, 2010
Gary Mason
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/sorry-professor-but-women-do-still-face-hiring-discrimination/article1589954/

Alberta Innovates grants $43M for health research

Rebuilding damaged heart tissue among the funded projects
June 3, 2010
Karen Kleiss
Edmonton Journal
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/health/Alberta+Innovates+grants+health+research/3108171/story.html

Hawking in Canada for research visit

'Completely determined to work at all costs'
Jun 5, 2010
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/05/hawking-canada-visit.html

Ontario institute finally gets Stephen Hawking

Groundbreaking physicist begins stint at Waterloo centre
Jun 5, 2010
San Grewal
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/819558--ontario-institute-finally-gets-stephen-hawking?bn=1

After five-year 'relay race,' Vinet reflects on role of universities

Jun 1, 2010
PEGGY CURRAN
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/After+five+year+relay+race+Vinet+reflects+role+universities/3094992/story.html

Nortel-era degree cut in Ottawa

Jun 4, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/04/ottawa-algonquin-college.html

Government of Canada Introduces Proposals to Modernize the Copyright Act

Jun 2, 2010
Industry Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-of-Canada-Introduces-Proposals-to-Modernize-the-Copyright-Act-1270199.htm

Copyright reform plan flawed, but fixable

June 4, 2010
Michael Geist
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/Copyright+reform+plan+flawed+fixable/3109702/story.html

Copyright bill restricts user rights, research and innovation

Jun 2, 2010
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY TEACHERS (CAUT)
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2010/02/c9434.html

College gets innovative

Jun 1, 2010
MICHAEL LEA
THE WHIG-STANDARD
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2602223

The Government of Canada Invests in the Jobs of Tomorrow - Today

Government invests in new research partnerships for colleges and communities
May 31, 2010
Government of Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/The-Government-of-Canada-Invests-in-the-Jobs-of-Tomorrow-Today-1268486.htm

Government of Canada Announces New Research to Measure the Benefits of Co-Operatives for Canadians

May 31, 2010
Industry Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-Canada-Announces-New-Research-Measure-Benefits-Co-Operatives-Canadians-1268503.htm

Layoffs at AECL 'poorly timed:' Union

May 31, 2010
Kathryn May
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Layoffs+AECL+poorly+timed+Union/3094456/story.html

AECL Layoffs Compromise the Future of Canada's Nuclear Industry

May 31, 2010
Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/AECL-Layoffs-Compromise-the-Future-of-Canadas-Nuclear-Industry-1268591.htm

Another member quits federal fertility agency

Calls For Review
Jun 1, 2010
Tom Blackwell
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=3094761

Reproductive agency losses alarming: expert

June 3, 2010
CHRISTINA SPENCER
Toronto Sun
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/06/03/14252781.html

Toronto astrophysicists pretty much figured out origins of universe

But what do they do for an encore (and how do they get a date)?
Jun 4, 2010
Ian Brown
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/toronto-astrophysicists-pretty-much-figured-out-origins-of-universe/article1592812/

Want to know about climate science? Ask climate scientists

Jun 5, 2010
Dan Gardner
The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Want+know+about+climate+science+climate+scientists/3109623/story.html

Calmar gas leak conjures up spectre of future carbon capture woes

If an entire subdivision can be built over a forgotten well, then what happens when we lose track of CO2 stored underground?
Jun 5, 2010
Graham Thomson
Edmonton Journal
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Graham+Thomson+Calmar+leak+conjures+spectre+future+carbon+capture+woes/3115933/story.html

Study's findings contain lessons for all ecosystems, says scientist

In nature it's good to 'diversify your portfolio'
Jun 5, 2010
Margaret Munro
Canwest News Service
http://www.canada.com/Study+findings+contain+lessons+ecosystems+says+scientist/3116435/story.html

Too much yellow in our green spaces

Jun 5, 2010
Bronwyn Eyre
The StarPhoenix
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/much+yellow+green+spaces/3116714/story.html

West Nile threat looms this summer — but monitoring in decline

Jun 5, 2010
Carmen Chai
Canwest News Service
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/West+Nile+threat+looms+this+summer+monitoring+decline/3117618/story.html

No spill risk from proposed pipeline: Enbridge

But 'gaps remain' in federal regulations designed to minimize damage in case of a major oil leak
Jun 5, 2010
Scott Simpson
Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/spill+risk+from+proposed+pipeline+Enbridge/3117221/story.html

The Big Spill, coming to a coast near you

Jun 5, 2010
Peter Gorrie
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/819541--gorrie-the-big-spill-coming-to-a-coast-near-you

B.C. gov't leaves door open to coastal oil drilling

Jun 4, 2010
Judith Lavoie
Victoria Times Colonist
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/leaves+door+open+coastal+drilling/3113292/story.html

Fish-bearing lakes to be destroyed to become tailings ponds: CoC to sue feds

Council of Canadians to sue federal government over Fisheries Act amendment
Jun 4, 2010
Tiffany Crawford
Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Fish+bearing+lakes+destroyed+become+tailings+ponds+feds/3109850/story.html

Ottawa should do more to lower emissions, Charest says

Jun 4, 2010
Canwest News Service
http://www.canada.com/technology/Ottawa+should+more+lower+emissions+Charest+says/3113099/story.html

The numbers say it all: Canada is a climate-change miscreant

The annual report required by all signatories to the original Kyoto Protocol is depressing
Jun 4, 2010
Jeffrey Simpson
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/the-numbers-say-it-all-canada-is-a-climate-change-miscreant/article1591592/

Controversial treatment creating bitterness in MS Society elections

Board members split on backing CCSVI theory
Jun 4, 2010
Sarah Boesveld
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/controversial-treatment-creating-bitterness-in-ms-society-elections/article1593234/

Raids highlight gaps in medical marijuana program

Police shut down 5 compassion clubs in Quebec
Jun 4, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/06/04/mtl-compassion-club-raids-debate.html

Algae could power new Canadian industry: NRC

Jun 4, 2010
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/04/algae-biofuel.html

Screens to halt Asian carp go in near Chicago

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rejects lock closures
Jun 4, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/04/great-lakes-asian-carp.html

N.B. expands flu shot program

Public health office will offer free seasonal flu vaccine to children under 18
Jun 4, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/04/nb-h1n1-flu-vaccine-program-217.html

P.E.I. wants to improve vaccination rates

Jun 4, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/04/pei-vaccination-rates-584.html

Feds accused of being 'too soft' on emission targets

Jun 4, 2010
DOMINIQUE LA HAYE
QMI AGENCY
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2010/06/04/14270696.html

Gulf spill killing N.L. birds: researcher

Jun 3, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/06/03/nl-gannets-montevecchi-603.html

BP oil could hit Atlantic coast this summer

Simulations suggest oil will spread well beyond Florida
Jun 3, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/03/oil-spread.html

Sea ice retreat in Arctic worst in thousands of years: Study

June 3, 2010
Randy Boswell
Canwest News Service
http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/retreat+Arctic+worst+thousands+years+Study/3108574/story.html

Organ donation tax credit proposed

June 3, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/03/organ-donation-tax-credit.html

Labour shortage feared in energy sector

June 3, 2010
Dan Healing
Calgary Herald
http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Labour+shortage+feared+energy+sector/3105403/story.html

Lock in safety regime for high-Arctic drilling

Jun 3, 2010
Colin Kenny
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/818248--lock-in-safety-regime-for-high-arctic-drilling

Canada's food safety rated among world's best

But ability to trace food-borne outbreaks faulted
June 3, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2010/06/03/con-food-safety.html

H1N1 still a pandemic: WHO chief

Jun 3, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/03/who-flu-h1n1.html

AECL confirms more N.B. reactor delays

Jun 3, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/03/nb-aecl-point-lepreau-nuclear-reactor-delays-239.html

Mars mission simulation begins

'Something that no human has done before'
Jun 3, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/03/mars-flight-simulation.html

The Galapagos Islands: On the extinction of species

Tourism is imperilling a wildlife paradise
Jun 3, 2010
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/world/americas/displayStory.cfm?story_id=16281325

HIV/AIDS: Altogether now

Enlisting business to fight HIV
Jun 3, 2010
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/world/united-states/displaystory.cfm?story_id=16274497

Oil isn’t subsidized

New investments in oil and gas are already taxed more heavily than are other industries
Jun 3, 2010
Jack M. Mintz
Special to the National Post
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2010/06/03/oil-isnt-subsidized/

Technology, complexity, economy, catastrophe

Oil and financial crises highlight the massive regulatory challenge for our ever-innovating world
Jun 2, 2010
Kenneth Rogoff
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/technology-complexity-economy-catastrophe/article1588565/

India is world’s green giant while Canada’s image dims

Lots of motorists but not enough people cycling, walking, eco poll reveals
Jun 2, 2010
Olivia Ward
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/818235--india-is-world-s-green-giant-while-canada-s-image-dims

UN report calls for changes in diet, fuel use

More vegetarianism and less energy use called for
Jun 2, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/02/con-un-sustainability.html

United Nations identify meat eaters as warming the planet

With global population set to increase 50% by 2050, and climate change problems, world body presses issue
June 2, 2010
Margaret Munro
Canwest News Service
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/United+Nations+identify+meat+eaters+warming+planet/3102038/story.html

U.K. GMO group's senior member quits

Jun 2, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/02/uk-resignation-genetically-modified-foods.html

UN picks 13 new biosphere reserves

Jun 2, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/02/un-biosphere-sites.html

Beware the strict new fuel rules

Industry analyst says tougher fuel economy standards ‘are impossible to meet’ by 2016 deadline
Jun 2, 2010
Jeremy Cato
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/auto-news/beware-the-strict-new-fuel-rules/article1589568/

Time to get shaking on the salt issue

At last, the Sodium Working Group is making some headway
Jun 2, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/time-to-get-shaking-on-the-salt-issue/article1588649/

Evidence does not connect cellphones to brain cancers

Electromagnetic radiation streaming from a device held inches of sensitive brain tissue. Sounds nasty, right?
Jun 1, 2010
EVRA TAYLOR LEVY & EDDIE LANG
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Evidence+does+connect+cellphones+brain+cancers/3095570/story.html

U.S. says greenhouses gases to rise by 2020

Jun 1, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/01/us-global-warming-un-report.html

'We need to recognize the importance of our environment'

Jun 1, 2010
ALEXANDRA DAVIS
Daily Gleaner
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/1075638

Health Canada aims to cut Canadians' salt intake

Food industry asked to follow voluntary sodium reduction targets
May 31, 2010
Megan Ogilvie & Joseph Hall
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/817144--health-canada-aims-to-cut-salt-intake

Entrepreneurs flock to cleantech sector

Renewable Energy
May 31, 2010
Mary Teresa Bitti
Financial Post
http://www.financialpost.com/small-business/succession/story.html?id=3091153

Feds blasted over isotopes from Israel

May 31, 2010
CHRISTINA SPENCER
Toronto Sun
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/05/31/14204956.html

Fake pot poses real dangers

Products marketed as potpourri harbour severe side-effects when smoked
May 31, 2010
Douglas Quan
Canwest News Service
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Fake+poses+real+dangers/3091434/story.html

In search of Arctic riches

May 31, 2010
Ed Struzik
Edmonton Journal
http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/ARCTIC+RICHES/3094015/story.html

Exclude donors with risky behaviour: AIDS PEI

May 31, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/31/pei-gay-blood-donors-584.html

Sewage, jet fuel spilled in Arctic

May 31, 2010
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/31/arctic-spill-jet-fuel-sewage.html

Toxic spills put Arctic under threat, report finds

Revelations come as Gulf of Mexico spill presses Ottawa to put its Arctic environmental rules under more scrutiny
May 30, 2010
Steve Rennie
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toxic-spills-put-arctic-under-threat-report-finds/article1585959/

The changing face of the environmental movement

May 29, 2010
Stephen Murgatroyd
Troy Media
http://www.troymedia.com/?p=11209

Gulf oil spill stirs memories of Exxon Valdez disaster

May 29, 2010
Margaret Munro
Canwest News Service
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Gulf+spill+stirs+memories+Exxon+Valdez+disaster/3085437/story.html

There is s--- in the water - literally

May 29, 2010
PETER ZIMONJIC and THANE BURNETT
QMI Agency
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/05/25/14170301.html

Mexico's President pushes Ottawa to act on climate change

Felipe Calderon breaks diplomatic ranks with host Stephen Harper, says 'we cannot wait’ to follow U.S. lead
May 27, 2010
Campbell Clark and Brian Milner
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/mexicos-president-pushes-ottawa-to-act-on-climate-change/article1583574/

The lesson from the Gulf spill: drill with care

For the shaky political consensus Barack Obama crafted around offshore drilling to hold, he must demonstrate that the federal government can oversee the industry
May 27, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/the-lesson-from-the-gulf-spill-drill-with-care/article1583520/

Flaherty urged to phase out subsidies for oil and gas

May 26, 2010
Mike De Souza
Canwest News Service
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Flaherty+urged+phase+subsidies/3072167/story.html

Synthetic cells: the bride of Frankenstein?

There will still be years from the announcement of the making of an artificial bacterium to the making of the equivalent of Dr. Frankenstein’s monster
May 21, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/synthetic-cells-the-bride-of-frankenstein/article1577915/

Cellphones and cancer: watch that thing by your head

It is an open question whether cellphones can cause cancer. Panic is not indicated. But neither is denial.
May 20, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/cellphones-and-cancer-watch-that-thing-by-your-head/article1576323/