Blogging science

Three guys, three PhDs in science (one pending), write three blogs on science policy. Their blog posts – and personal lives – provide interesting insights into the state of science training in Canada today.
Sep 13, 2010
Léo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/blogging-science.aspx

Bright minds win innovation awards

From an oregano water filter to sonic drills, these inventors and whiz kids rose to the top
Sep 16, 2010
Virginia Galt
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/your-business/business-categories/innovation/bright-minds-win-innovation-awards/article1710084/

Why science matters in campaign season

Thirteenth in a series of expert analysis articles on major issues in the 2010 N.B. election
Sep 13, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nbvotes2010/story/2010/09/12/nbvotes-analysis-environment-305.html

Genome Canada Chair Elected to the Royal Society of Canada

Sep 15, 2010
Genome Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Genome-Canada-Chair-Elected-to-the-Royal-Society-of-Canada-1319771.htm

Tightened muzzle on scientists is 'Orwellian'

Documents reveal federal researchers, whose work is financed by taxpayers, need approval from Ottawa before speaking with media
Sep 12, 2010
MARGARET MUNRO
Postmedia News
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Tightened+muzzle+scientists+Orwellian/3515345/story.html

What if Galileo were here?

Renaissance man wouldn't have caused uproar because Tories would have him silenced
Sep 15, 2010
Graham Thomson
Edmonton Journal
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/What+Galileo+were+here/3526525/story.html?cid=megadrop_story

Off with the muzzles

Sep 15, 2010
The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/with+muzzles/3526055/story.html

Harper's censure

Vetting scientists, muzzling media
Sep 15, 2010
The Windsor Star
http://www.windsorstar.com/opinion/Harper+censure/3525822/story.html

Media chill

Control of 'ice age' story is troubling
Sep 15, 2010
Calgary Herald
http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Media+chill/3527204/story.html

Muzzling scientists offends principle of public service

Sep 14, 2010
Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Muzzling+scientists+offends+principle+public+service/3521456/story.html

Federal scientists should be allowed to speak up

Sep 13, 2010
John Geddes
Macleans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/09/13/federal-scientists-should-be-allowed-to-speak-up/

Canada's universities make the grade globally

Influential rankings put nine schools in top 200, with University of Toronto edging out McGill for the top spot in Canada, using new yardstick for excellence
Sep 16, 2010
Simon Beck and Adrian Morrow
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canadas-universities-make-the-grade-globally/article1709616/

In higher education, we don’t own the podium

Sep 16, 2010
Norman Spector
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/second-reading/spector-vision/in-higher-education-we-dont-own-the-podium/article1709620/

Canada’s universities ranked (again)

Sep 16, 2010
Rob Annan
Researcher Forum
http://dontleavecanadabehind.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/canadas-universities-ranked-again/

Another week, another international university ranking

Sep 16, 2010
Leo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/another-week-another-international-university-ranking/

Canada lacks innovation

Global competitiveness report delivers a low grade for our country, placing it well behind the U.S., Japan, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland
Sep 16, 2010
DAVID CRANE
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/Canada+lacks+innovation/3531837/story.html

Dementia researchers feel blocked by Ottawa, big pharma, medical dogma

Drug companies' hopes for a cure are dashed. Ottawa has been slow to listen. Now leading scientists are taking action
Sep 17, 2010
Carolyn Abraham
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/dementia/dementia-researchers-feel-blocked-by-ottawa-big-pharma-medical-dogma/article1712597/

No science? no worries

Getting a C in chemistry may not be a barrier to that white coat, as med schools reassess their admissions
Sep 13, 2010
Carson Jerema
Macleans
http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2010/09/13/no-science-no-worries/

Fed's R&D regional investment 'insufficient'

Alward will press Ottawa for more funds if elected premier, Graham would create bursary program to increase number of workers
Sep 17, 2010
Adam Huras
Telegraph-Journal
http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/journal/article/1222396

Science hurt by N.B. budget cuts: expert

Sep 13, 2010
Daniel McHardie
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nbvotes2010/story/2010/09/12/nbvotes-environmental-science-decisions-election-936.html

Health ministers: Stop micromanaging MS research

Sep 15, 2010
Andre Picard
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/health-ministers-stop-micromanaging-ms-research/article1708482/

MS society sets aside funding for clinical trials of controversial procedure

Group setting aside $1-million for new treatment for multiple sclerosis called liberation therapy
Sep 16, 2010
Gloria Galloway
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/ms-society-of-canada-to-fund-controversial-procedure/article1710340/

MS treatment trials possible, Ottawa says

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq says trials could start as soon as she receives research findings
Sep 14, 2010
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ms-treatment-trials-possible-ottawa-says/article1707560/

Aglukkaq calls for more cohesive approach on MS studies

Health ministers meeting in St. John’s also take on sodium targets and isotope compensation
Sep 14, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/aglukkaq-calls-for-more-cohesive-approach-on-ms-studies/article1707811/

Terry Fox Foundation to give $14.8-million to four hospitals for cancer research

Research projects include using ultrasound to track chemotherapy progress and how to stop blood flow to tumours
Sep 16, 2010
Carys Mills
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/terry-fox-foundation-to-give-148-million-to-four-hospitals-for-cancer-research/article1710395/

Government of Canada Promotes Jobs and Growth in Southern Ontario

New program will strengthen economy by bringing promising technology to market
Sep 14, 2010
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-of-Canada-Promotes-Jobs-and-Growth-in-Southern-Ontario-1318580.htm

Matter. Of. Fact. If only government decisions were...

Is it too much to expect research to trump dogma?
Sep 13, 2010
Shari Graydon
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/matter-of-fact-if-only-government-decisions-were/article1703291/

Prentice to review oilsands pollution monitoring

Federal environment minister reacts to diseased fish in Athabasca waters
Sep 17, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/09/17/edmonton-prentice-polluted-fish-athabasca.html

Alberta’s water watchdog under tighter scrutiny over oil sands

Prentice, saying he’s ‘disgusted’ by images of deformed fish from the Athabasca River, will review agency overseeing province’s water quality
Sep 17, 2010
Josh Wingrove
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/albertas-water-watchdog-under-tighter-scrutiny-over-oil-sands/article1712995/

Don't read too much into cod bounce: observers

'69% of nothing is nothing', says retired Newfoundland fisheries executive
Sep 17, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/09/17/cod-population-science-517.html

Unmistakable Warming

Sep 17, 2010
Ray Grigg
Courier-Islander
http://www.canada.com/Unmistakable+Warming/3536881/story.html

Kick at the darkness to fight dementia

Our health system is woefully unprepared for the oncoming crisis. So today, The Globe and Mail presents a seven-point plan to grapple with it.
Sep 17, 2010
André Picard
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/dementia/why-canada-needs-a-national-strategy-on-dementia/article1712700/

Kick at the darkness to fight dementia

In the new world of fearless senior citizens, there is a largely hidden group that should not be forgotten. Those who have dementia will be a large and growing, and difficult-to-care-for, population.
Sep 17, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/kick-at-the-darkness-to-fight-dementia/article1712722/

Deformed fish found near Alberta oilsands developments

Sep 16, 2010
Hanneke Brooymans
Postmedia News
http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Deformed+fish+found+near+Alberta+oilsands+developments/3535749/story.html

Oilsands poisoning fish, say scientists, fishermen

Deformed fish found in Athabasca watershed
Sep 16, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/09/16/edmonton-oilsands-deformed-fish.html

Mutant fish lead to calls for Ottawa to monitor oil sands

Scientists, aboriginals concerned after fish taken from Lake Athabasca have tumours and lack snouts, spines
Sep 16, 2010
Bob Weber
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/prairies/mutant-fish-lead-to-calls-for-ottawa-to-monitor-oil-sands/article1711070/

Canada's electric car technology on show

Sep 16, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/09/16/electric-car-technology-project-eve.html

Genetically modified salmon not safe: activists

Sep 16, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/09/16/pei-modified-salmon-environmentalist.html

Grand Banks cod stocks grow 69% since 2007

Atlantic cod population recovering, though still far short of 1960s levels
Sep 16, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/09/16/cod-grand-banks-wwf-nafo.html

Government of Canada Supports Development Opportunities in Oshawa

Federal funding supports quest for new discoveries in Ontario
Sep 16, 2010
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-of-Canada-Supports-Development-Opportunities-in-Oshawa-1320183.htm

The death of mothers is not just a women’s issue

We have a responsibility to protect the legacies of our mothers and the futures of our sisters and daughters
Sep 15, 2010
Catherine Clark
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/the-death-of-mothers-is-not-just-a-womens-issue/article1708849/

Arctic sea ice levels third-lowest on record

Suggestions earlier this summer that ice was recovering now ruled out, long-term decline seems to be continuing
Sep 15, 2010
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/arctic-sea-ice-levels-third-lowest-on-record/article1708568/

Less smog due to U.S. downturn: scientists

Sep 15, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/09/15/smog015.html

Canada to become global power thanks to climate change: Author

Sep 15, 2010
Randy Boswell
Postmedia News
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Canada+become+global+power+thanks+climate+change+Author/3527188/story.html

US Bioproducts Company Joins Saskatoon Research Hub

Sep 15, 2010
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/US-Bioproducts-Company-Joins-Saskatoon-Research-Hub-1319827.htm

New Partnership to Improve Revenue for Farmers in Canada's Fastest Growing Crop Sector

Pulse research agreement to improve commercial yield, disease and drought resistance for $2 billion crop family
Sep 15, 2010
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA-NRC
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/New-Partnership-Improve-Revenue-Farmers-Canadas-Fastest-Growing-Crop-Sector-1319840.htm

Minister Goodyear Opens New Surgery Training Centre in Montreal

Sep 15, 2010
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Minister-Goodyear-Opens-New-Surgery-Training-Centre-in-Montreal-1319720.htm

Government of Canada Supports Leading Research at Universite Laval

Sep 15, 2010
Industry Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-of-Canada-Supports-Leading-Research-at-Universite-Laval-1319471.htm

Less salt, please

Someone has to hold the federal government accountable for making sure its proposed salt reduction actually happens. The provincial health ministers seem inclined to do just that.
Sep 14, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/less-salt-please/article1707603/

Health ministers to curb salty Canadian diet

Federal and provincial officials meeting in St. John’s will agree to cut recommended daily sodium intake by a teaspoon, sources say
Sep 14, 2010
Gloria Galloway
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/health-ministers-to-curb-salty-canadian-diet/article1706622/

Provinces give Ottawa $33-million bill for isotope shortage

Canadian nuclear reactor responsible for a third of the world’s supply went out of service in 2009
Sep 14, 2010
Gloria Galloway
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/provinces-give-ottawa-33-million-bill-for-isotope-shortage/article1706765/

Saving money on drugs

Sep 14, 2010
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/860458--saving-money-on-drugs

The case of the missing drug plan

Forget nationalizing existing drug programs. Canadians are still waiting for the catastrophic drug care program promised to them many years ago.
Sep 14, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/the-case-of-the-missing-drug-plan/article1707598/

Environment Canada Receives International Award for Advancing Clean Technology with Zero Energy Housing Projects

Sep 14, 2010
Environment Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Environment-Canada-Receives-International-Award-Advancing-Clean-Technology-with-Zero-1319102.htm

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Health and Healthy Living

Wellness Ministers Agree on Ways to Strengthen the Health of Canadians
Sep 14, 2010
Health Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Health-Healthy-Living-Wellness-Ministers-Agree-on-Ways-1319058.htm

Government of Canada Helps Boost Biofuel Industry

Quebec investment helping to position Canada as clean energy superpower
Sep 14, 2010
Natural Resources Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-of-Canada-Helps-Boost-Biofuel-Industry-1318633.htm

Government of Canada Invests in Wind Energy in Quebec

Sep 14, 2010
Natural Resources Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-of-Canada-Invests-in-Wind-Energy-in-Quebec-1318810.htm

CMAJ editor supports cautious approach to MS theory

Sep 14, 2010
CTV.ca News
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Health/20100913/ms-funding-100914/

Scientist warns of food crisis

Gov'ts must 'wake up' to threat of global famine
Sep 14, 2010
Cassandra Kyle
The StarPhoenix
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/Scientist+warns+food+crisis/3520929/story.html

Quebec City leaps ahead on green projects

Sep 14, 2010
HENRY AUBIN
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/money/Quebec+City+leaps+ahead+green+projects/3520497/story.html

Universal pharmacare touted as way to save billions

New study dismisses out-of-hand the notion that a public drug plan is unaffordable
Sep 13, 2010
André Picard
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/universal-pharmacare-touted-as-way-to-save-billions/article1704881/

Dr. Zamboni’s treatment deserves study

With high rates of multiple sclerosis, Canada has an obligation to be aggressive in determining whether a controversial new treatment for multiple sclerosis works
Sep 13, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/dr-zambonis-treatment-deserves-study/article1706134/

Saskatchewan Health Minister defends trials for MS therapy

Province to push ahead despite concerns by health-research community the new treatment is too risky
Sep 13, 2010
Karen Howlett
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/saskatchewan-health-minister-defends-trials-for-ms-therapy/article1704912/

Newfoundland to fund study of controversial MS therapy

Move at odds with cautious approach by Ottawa
Sep 13, 2010
Gloria Galloway
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/newfoundland-to-fund-study-of-controversial-ms-therapy/article1705346/

Canadians will have to pay up as Canada gets drier

Statistics Canada found that the water supply in “Southern Canada” – meaning the set of areas where 98 per cent of the population lives – fell by 8.5 per cent from 1971 to 2005
Sep 13, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/canadians-will-have-to-pay-up-as-canada-gets-drier/article1706142/

Water resources declining in Southern Canada

Statscan says annual loss equal to 1.4 million swimming pools
Sep 13, 2010
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/water-resources-declining-in-southern-canada/article1705092/

Food labels leaving shoppers and regulators confused

Sep 13, 2010
Sarah Schmidt
Postmedia News
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Food+labels+leaving+shoppers+regulators+confused/3516800/story.html

Government of Canada Announces Over $875,000 for Twenty new Projects to Clean up Lake Winnipeg

Sep 13, 2010
Environment Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-Canada-Announces-Over-875000-Twenty-new-Projects-Clean-up-Lake-Winnipeg-1317954.htm

Canada and Manitoba Sign Agreement to Collaborate on Cleaning Up Lake Winnipeg

Sep 13, 2010
Environment Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Canada-and-Manitoba-Sign-Agreement-to-Collaborate-on-Cleaning-Up-Lake-Winnipeg-1317957.htm

Free fish from their pain and suffering

Humane slaughter is required for other animals killed for food
Sep 13, 2010
Peter Singer
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/free-fish-from-their-pain-and-suffering/article1705707/

Doctors sound alarm over antibiotics in livestock feed

Sep 12, 2010
Randy Shore
Vancouver Sun
http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/greenman/archive/2010/09/12/doctors-sound-alarm-over-antibiotics-in-livestock-feed.aspx

Bedbugs feed nationwide, but no one is tracking the pests

Ontario Liberal, Michael Colle, organizing a bedbug summit on Sept. 29 at the Ontario legislature
Sep 11, 2010
Pat Hewitt
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ontario/bedbugs-feed-nationwide-but-no-one-is-tracking-the-pests/article1704126/