Science economics: What science is really worth

Spending on science is one of the best ways to generate jobs and economic growth, say research advocates. But as Colin Macilwain reports, the evidence behind such claims is patchy.
Jun 9, 2010
Colin Macilwain
Nature
http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100609/full/465682a.html

Oh The Humanities: Research as a commodity

Jun 5, 2010
Drew Halfnight
National Post
http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/06/05/oh-the-humanities-research-as-a-commodity/#more-8681

Innovation is key to prosperity, says think-tank

Institute argues against cuts in education to slash deficits
Jun 8, 2010
Madhavi Acharya-Tom Yew
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/820164--innovation-is-key-to-prosperity-says-think-tank

It’s innovation that matters

Without the ability to turn new creations into helpful processes, societal gains are elusive. Governments should make the link between the two easier
Jun 11, 2010
Roger Martin
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/its-innovation-that-matters/article1599801/

Teaching the humanities: Vital to society?

Acclaimed philosopher Martha Nussbaum argues it is. She’s the latest sage to raise the alarm against higher education's growing obsession with knowledge you can take to the bank.
Jun 11, 2010
John Allemang
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/teaching-the-humanities-vital-to-society/article1601322/

New chairs program nets prize researchers from abroad

All 19 chair holders held positions outside Canada prior to being named – a big brain gain for this country.
Jun 8, 2010
Mark Cardwell
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/new-research-chairs.aspx

Elite research needs more women

Jun 8, 2010
Lynne Quarmby
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Elite+research+needs+more+women/3124950/story.html

Why Do Scientists Blog?

Jun 9, 2010
The Black Hole: Science in Canada - Issues Affacting Trainees
http://scienceadvocacy.org/Blog/2010/06/09/why-do-scientists-blog/

Government of Canada Helps University of Lethbridge Science and Engineering Graduates Enter the Workforce

Jun 11, 2010
Industry Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-Canada-Helps-University-Lethbridge-Science-Engineering-Graduates-Enter-Workforce-1275085.htm

Genome Canada Funded Research Uncovers Key Changes in DNA in Individuals with Autism

Jun 11, 2010
Genome Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Genome-Canada-Funded-Research-Uncovers-Key-Changes-in-DNA-in-Individuals-with-Autism-1274851.htm

Alzheimer's research gains $1.26M deal

Jun 11, 2010
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/11/alzheimer-research-standards.html

Milestone for Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases

International cooperation to establish uniform guidelines and technologies
June 10, 2010
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2010/10/c3914.html

David Willetts plugs science lessons for MPs

Jun 9, 2010
Mark Henderson
The Times
http://timesonline.typepad.com/science/2010/06/david-willetts-plugs-science-lessons-for-mps.html#scivote

A brief history of Stephen Hawking’s time in Waterloo

Famed physicist spotted around town as he visits theoretical physics institute to help researchers
Jun 11, 2010
Elizabeth Church
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/a-brief-history-of-stephen-hawkings-time-in-waterloo/article1600096/

Carbon capture and storage will work

Jun 11, 2010
Eric Beynon
Edmonton Journal
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Carbon+capture+storage+will+work/3139984/story.html

Gulf spill could be double first estimates, scientists say

New figures for blown-out well show amount of oil spewing may have been twice as much as previously thought
Jun 11, 2010
Seth Borenstein and Harry R. Weber
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/gulf-spill-could-be-double-first-estimates-scientists-say/article1600305/

Sitting takes toll on body, scientists find

Jun 11, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/10/sitting-health-physiology.html

FDA reopens debate on dental amalgam fillings

Mercury-containing material used extensively in Canada, U.S.
Jun 11, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2010/06/11/con-amalgam-hearing.html

Why is Canada not putting climate change on the G20 agenda?

Our lack of action stands in stark contrast to earlier achievements
Jun 11, 2010
Jody Williams
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/why-is-canada-not-putting-climate-change-on-the-g20-agenda/article1599421/

An Arctic spill would be even worse

Canadians want to drill in some of the roughest, coldest oceans: If we can’t mitigate the risk, we shouldn’t undertake it
Jun 11, 2010
Gerald Butts
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/an-arctic-spill-would-be-even-worse/article1599718/

Cutting your personal dependence on oil easier said than done

Gulf oil spill reminds that oil permeates our daily lives in ways we never think about – it’s everywhere from shampoo to running shoes
Jun 11, 2010
Seth Borenstein
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/cutting-your-personal-dependence-on-oil-easier-said-than-done/article1600680/

Pooch feeling anxious? There’s a pill for that

Multi-billion-dollar market for ‘lifestyle’ drugs for animals raises alarms
Jun 11, 2010
Carly Weeks
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/pooch-feeling-anxious-theres-a-pill-for-that/article1600488/

Turbine damage stalls Fundy tidal power test

Jun 11, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/11/ns-fundy-tidal-blades.html

MS research projects test theory

Jun 11, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/11/multiple-sclerosis-ccsvi-research.html

Kirk's new enterprise — saving B.C. salmon

Jun 10, 2010
Amy Minsky
Canwest News Service
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/Kirk+enterprise+saving+salmon/3138121/story.html

Health Canada ruling: Food products can claim to be cholesterol busters

Becel’s pro.activ calorie-reduced margarine is first sterol-fortified food available in Canada
Jun 10, 2010
Carly Weeks
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/health-canada-ruling-food-products-can-claim-to-be-cholesterol-busters/article1599717/

Drug spending in U.S., Canada about same: report

Jun 10, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/10/con-drug-costs.html

Tougher consumer protection bill lauded

Jun 10, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2010/06/10/con-consumer-bill-reax.html

Fill gender gap in medical research: scientists

Jun 10, 2010
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/10/gender-bias-medical-research.html

Feds seeking oil cleanup crews as thousands of spills flow in Canada annually

Jun 10, 2010
Andy Blatchford
The Canadian Press
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/feds-seeking-oil-cleanup-crews-as-thousands-of-spills-flow-in-canada-annually-96076199.html

Oil spill could harm Arctic birds: WWF

Jun 10, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/10/north-birds-oil-spill.html

Eliminate Canada's 'one-size-fits-all' criminalization of marijuana, study argues

Jun 10, 2010
TODD COYNE
Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/Eliminate+Canada+size+fits+criminalization+marijuana+study+argues/3137447/story.html

How Canadian politics harms Africans

Jun 10, 2010
Elizabeth Payne
The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Canadian+politics+harms+Africans/3134068/story.html

Big changes on the way for Pharmacare

Drug policy reform should mean lower prices for generic medications and new ways to deliver health care
Jun 10, 2010
Cheryl Koehn
Special to the Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/changes+Pharmacare/3135349/story.html

Waiter, there’s a carcinogen in my soup

June 10, 2010
Ernest Scheyder
REUTERS
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietfitness/diet/article/821725--waiter-there-s-a-carcinogen-in-my-soup

Global warming concerns rising in U.S.

Jun 10, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/09/globalwarming-americans.html

Once more, with less feeling

Climate-change negotiations settle in for the long haul
Jun 9, 2010
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/16317359

Gulf oil disaster doesn’t make the tar sands green

Jun 9, 2010
Jeff Rubin
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/commentary/jeff-rubins-smaller-world/gulf-oil-disaster-doesnt-make-the-tar-sands-green/article1596265/

H1N1 decision free of money interest: WHO

Jun 9, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/09/h1n1-who-chan.html

Better your plan to fight TB on reserves, Health Canada urged

Jun 9, 2010
Jen Skerritt
Canwest News Service
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Better+your+plan+fight+reserves+Health+Canada+urged/3129517/story.html

Fungi a possible biodiesel source

Jun 9, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/09/fungi-biodiesel-study.html

We’ve seen the spewing oil... where’s the public outcry?

It’s the worst oil spill in American history, but the protests against BP and deepwater drilling have been surprisingly tame
Jun 9, 2010
Eric Reguly
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/commentary/eric-reguly/weve-seen-the-spewing-oil-wheres-the-public-outcry/article1598369/

B.C.'s ancient reefs slated for protected status

Jun 9, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/09/bc-glass-sponge-reefs-protected.html

NASA to launch Arctic mission

Jun 9, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/09/nasa-arctic-mission.html

Biomass allocation upsets ecology groups

Jun 9, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/09/nb-biomass-crown-forests.html

Toronto Hydro urged to spark local solar panel industry

Initiative would help the environment and create good jobs for disadvantaged groups, coalition says
Jun 9, 2010
Laurie Monsebraaten
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/820662--toronto-hydro-urged-to-spark-local-solar-panel-industry

Tale of two opinions at maternal health meeting

Jun 9, 2010
Lee-Anne Goodman
The Canadian Press
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/821466--tale-of-two-opinions-at-maternal-health-meeting

Awareness of oil risks seeps north

Jun 8, 2010
Gillian Steward
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/820289--steward-awareness-of-oil-risks-seeps-north

Arctic seismic testing useful: Nunavut minister

Jun 8, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2010/06/08/lancaster-seismic-nunavut.html

Health food store advice not scientific: study

Jun 8, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/08/con-health-study.html

Legal fight over breast cancer gene begins

Jun 8, 2010
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/08/brca1-patent.html

Black-footed ferrets survive Sask. winter

Jun 8, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/08/sk-black-footed-ferret-survive-winter-1068.html

Hospitals' biggest H1N1 problem: Confusion

Outbreak exposed serious gaps in Canada's pandemic planning
Jun 8, 2010
Sharon Kirkey
Canwest News Service
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Hospitals+biggest+H1N1+problem+Confusion/3125925/story.html

Being prepared

Jun 8, 2010
The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Being+prepared/3124943/story.html

Oil slick will head north but not to Canada, computer simulations show

Jun 7, 2010
Lesley Ciarula Taylor
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/820030--oil-slick-will-head-north-but-not-to-canada-computer-simulations-show?bn=1

Nuclear scientists slam Canada over isotopes

Jun 7, 2010
Joanna Smith
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/820089--nuclear-scientists-slam-canada-over-isotopes

Honour medical isotope promise: U.S. group

Jun 7, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/07/medical-isotopes-atcher.html

Other medical isotope cuts wait in Ottawa

Jun 7, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/07/medical-isotopes-ottawa-rubidium-pet.html

New drug prices in Ont. take effect July 1

Jun 7, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/07/ontario-pharmacy.html

Genetically altered trees for paper cause worry

Jun 7, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/07/genetically-altered-trees-paper.html

Strokes cost Canada $2.5B a year: study

Jun 7, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/07/stroke-cost.html

Invest in women's health: UN head

Jun 7, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/07/maternal-health-un.html

Deathbed reprieve for killer industry?

Ottawa and Quebec City appear poised to bail out asbestos producers
Jun 6, 2010
Kathleen Ruff
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/819432--deathbed-reprieve-for-killer-industry

Greenhouse gas cuts 'a tenth' of what was predicted, Ottawa says

Jun 4, 2010
Mike DeSouza
Canwest News Service
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Greenhouse+cuts+tenth+what+predicted+Ottawa+says/3110598/story.html

Emissions reductions 10 times less than government’s projections: report

Critics say results show Harper government failing to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas pollution
Jun 3, 2010
Gloria Galloway
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/emissions-reductions-10-times-less-than-governments-projections-report/article1591784/