Saturday, June 18, 2011

Changes to NSERC’s Discovery Grants spark controversy

A new system for allocating one of Canada’s most important grants program for university scientists leads to upsets in who gets funding.
Jun 13, 2011
John Lorinc
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/changes-to-nserc-discovery-grants.aspx

Quebec’s research funds will remain autonomous

All three funds will be merged under Fonds Recherche Québec, but each will maintain its own board of directors.
Jun 13, 2011
Jean-François Venne
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/quebecs-research-funds-will-remain-autonomous.aspx

Government slashes spending at NRC by 20%

Retirees likely to be approached first in effort to cut 25 science jobs
Jun 15, 2011
CHRIS COBB
The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Government+slashes+spending/4953501/story.html

Cracking the science ceiling

Programs to encourage women to choose science, engineering yield results
Jun 15, 2011
Derek Sankey
Postmedia News
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Cracking+science+ceiling/4947720/story.html

The devaluation of higher learning

'Students will exit university and end up with the same job they would have without attending'
Jun 11, 2011
Joanne Laucius
Postmedia News
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/todays-paper/devaluation+higher+learning/4931270/story.html?id=4931270

These cures are no longer science fiction

Regenerative medicine can transform the delivery of health care, with lower costs, and faster and more effective treatments
Jun 16, 2011
Robert McEwen
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/these-cures-are-no-longer-science-fiction/article2062110/

Acfas conference goes totally green

Université de Sherbrooke and Bishop’s University host an “environmentally responsible” gathering of 5,000 researchers.
Jun 13, 2011
Jean-François Venne
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/acfas-conference-goes-totally-green.aspx

Thoughts on tuition

All-quiet masks problems on the tuition front.
Jun 13, 2011
Doug Owram
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/thoughts-on-tuition.aspx

Pain in the Asbestos Mines

Somehow, the Tories (and other political parties) keep on defending Canada's asbestos industry.
Jun 17, 2011
The Mark News
http://www.themarknews.com/articles/5691-pain-in-the-asbestos-mines

Protecting the sharks

Each year it’s estimated that some 70 million sharks end up slowly dying at the bottom of our oceans, their fins sliced off for the dubious pleasure of a bowl of soup in a restaurant.
Jun 15, 2011
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/1008774--protecting-the-sharks

Supporting Biomedical Innovation To Create New Jobs

Ontario is helping Hamilton's Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) undertake one of the largest studies led by Canadian scientists.
Jun 15, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://news.ontario.ca/mri/en/2011/06/supporting-biomedical-innovation-to-create-new-jobs.html

Ontario power: Don’t give in to energy NIMBYs

Two years ago Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said NIMBYism would “no longer prevail,” yet it seems to be thriving
Jun 14, 2011
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/1008037--don-t-give-in-to-energy-nimbys

Asbestos back in the spotlight

Support is needed for adding chrysotile asbestos to the Rotterdam Convention on hazardous chemicals
Jun 14, 2011
Fe de Leon and Sarah Miller
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1008808--asbestos-back-in-the-spotlight

Clean Energy Project In Lower Mattagami Creating 550 Local Jobs

Northern Ontario's first major hydroelectric project in 40 years is making good progress and is now 20 per cent complete.
Jun 14, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Energy
http://news.ontario.ca/mei/en/2011/06/clean-energy-project-in-lower-mattagami-creating-550-local-jobs.html

Our turbine problem is aesthetic

If we can’t stop them, we should humanize them. Dutch windmills are a better model
Jun 13, 2011
NEIL REYNOLDS
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/our-turbine-problem-is-aesthetic/article2056253/

A Space Legacy

How Canadian researchers are continuing the nation’s 60-year record of excellence in aerospace.
Jun 13, 2011
Tim Johnson
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/a-space-legacy.aspx

Researcher taps into dandelions’ potential

University of Guelph prof. finds a use for the little yellow flowers.
Jun 13, 2011
Léo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/researcher-taps-into-dandelions-potential.aspx

Surgery podcasts go viral

Learn the basics of a medical condition through an audio recording.
Jun 13, 2011
Tara Siebarth
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/surgery-podcasts-go-viral.aspx

Driving the Future Of Automotive Research

Ontario's industry leaders, top researchers and some of the best and brightest students now have a state-of-the-art facility to create and test the newest automotive innovations.
Jun 13, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
http://news.ontario.ca/medt/en/2011/06/driving-the-future-of-automotive-research.html

Agricultural Research Celebrating its Roots

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Commemorates 125 Years of Scientific Advances
June 13, 2011
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/agricultural-research-celebrating-its-roots-1525983.htm

Manufacturing Investment Creating 80 New Jobs In West Nipissing

Ontario is helping Jennmar - North America's largest manufacturer of mining construction products - establish its first Canadian facility and create up to 80 new jobs in Sturgeon Falls.
Jun 10, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
http://news.ontario.ca/medt/en/2011/06/manufacturing-investment-creating-80-new-jobs-in-west-nipissing.html

New Training For Jobs In Dryden

In Dryden, 240 northerners will begin training this year that will prepare them for good jobs in the forestry sector.
Jun 10, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
http://news.ontario.ca/tcu/en/2011/06/new-training-for-jobs-in-dryden.html

Ontario Strengthening Patient Safety

Ontario is taking action to improve Ontarians' safety by proposing to set quality and safety standards for non-emergency medical transfer services.
Jun 10, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2011/06/ontario-strengthening-patient-safety.html

Monday, June 13, 2011

Professor challenges ban on pesticides in Nanaimo

VIU instructor says no science supports city's list of banned substances
Jun 10, 2011
Darrell Bellaart
The Daily News
http://www.canada.com/Professor+challenges+pesticides+Nanaimo/4925049/story.html

Ontario Supports Film Industry Innovation, Creates 18 Jobs

McGuinty Government Helps Kitchener Company Bring New Technology To Market
Jun 10, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/news/IAF061011.asp

Announcement of Collaborative Health Research Projects Program

Speaking Points for The Honourable Gary Goodyear, PC, MP, Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Jun 9, 2011
Industry Canada
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/06524.html

Disparate prescriptions in desperate times

Canadians attending the CMA's town hall meetings on health care transformation offered at vast range of diagnoses about the ailments of the health care system, and as vast a range of prescriptions.
Jun 9, 2011
Wayne Kondro
CMAJ
http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/9june11_disparate-prescriptions-in-desperate-times.dtl

Cancer therapy: Taking aim sooner

If personalised medicine is to achieve its full potential, it should be used earlier on in clinical trials
Jun 9, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18802942

Supporting Innovation At University Of Windsor

Students will soon have a new state-of-the-art facility to help them study aerospace manufacturing and engineering in Windsor.
Jun 9, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
http://news.ontario.ca/tcu/en/2011/06/post-4.html

How a child’s breakfast can improve health in old age

A new study of 17,000 Canadians over 16 years shows that children from families with lower educational and income levels are less healthy over time than their more affluent counterparts
Jun 8, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/how-a-childs-breakfast-can-improve-health-in-old-age/article2052411/

Springer and Canada's International Development Research Centre launch new book series

Multi-disciplinary series to showcase emerging topics in economic, political, social, environmental, and technological development around the world
Jun 8, 2011
International Development Research Centre
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2011/08/c3860.html

New Clean Energy Jobs For Chatham-Kent

Ontario's shift toward clean, renewable energy is strengthening the province's economy by attracting good jobs and investment opportunities for families in the Chatham-Kent area.
Jun 8, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Energy
http://news.ontario.ca/mei/en/2011/06/new-clean-energy-jobs-for-chatham-kent.html

New Research Boat Supports Ontario Fisheries

A new research boat launched today on Lake Ontario will help manage the lake's fish population and support commercial and recreational fishing. The construction of the new boat also created 15 jobs.
Jun 8, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
http://news.ontario.ca/mnr/en/2011/06/new-research-boat-supports-ontario-fisheries.html

Proposed Marathon Platinum Group Metals and Copper Mine Project in Ontario

Availability of $150,000 to Support Participation in the Environmental Assessment-Phase II
Jun 8, 2011
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2011/08/c3578.html

More than 45 Canadians hospitalized every day due to self-injury

Report provides new measures of health system performance for mental health services
Jun 8, 2011
Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2011/08/c3936.html

Afraid of a needle? Hospital staff must get flu shots

Too many health-care workers are failing to get flu protection, and that’s putting their patients at risk.
Jun 7, 2011
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/1003680--hospital-staff-must-get-flu-shots

Ontario’s overlooked health crisis

Province spends just 3 cents out of every health-care dollar on mental illness — and Toronto is below the provincial average.
Jun 7, 2011
Carol Goar
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1004318--goar-ontario-s-overlooked-health-crisis

Historic Drug Reforms Delivering Better Health Care For Ontarians

Ontarians now have access to more cancer drugs, receive new services from their local pharmacists, and get better value for their health care dollars thanks to drug system reforms.
Jun 7, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2011/06/historic-drug-reforms-delivering-better-health-care-for-ontarians.html

More Spaces For Graduate Students

Ontario is creating 6,000 new spaces for students to enrol in masters and PhD programs at universities across the province by 2015-16.
Jun 7, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
http://news.ontario.ca/tcu/en/2011/06/more-spaces-for-graduate-students.html

Ontario Invests In Innovation, Creates More Than 20 New Jobs

McGuinty Government Helps Clean-Tech Company Turn the Corner
Jun 7, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/news/IDF060711.asp

CFIA: Statement by Dr. Brian Evans

Chief Food Safety Officer (CFSO) /Chief Veterinary Officer of Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
June 7, 2011
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/cfia-statement-by-dr-brian-evans-1524002.htm

Que. measles outbreak worsens

Health authorities call for vaccinations as number of reported cases grows
Jun 6, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2011/06/06/quebec-measles-outbreak.html

Obesity: The next health challenge

Effective public policy dramatically reduced smoking. It's time to take the same approach with obesity.
Jun 6, 2011
Dr. Ben Chan
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1002695--obesity-the-next-health-challenge

Ontario Invests in Innovation, Creates 90 New Jobs

Ontario is helping Entropex -- an innovative recycling company in Sarnia -- pilot new technology, generate local and global business opportunities and create 90 jobs for families.
Jun 6, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://news.ontario.ca/mri/en/2011/06/ontario-invests-in-innovation-creates-90-new-jobs.html

Limited offer for free blood glucose monitoring kits

Association provides kits to Canadians living with diabetes as part of Compassionate Use Program
Jun 6, 2011
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2011/06/c2689.html

Three decades of AIDS

Disease that first hit gay men in North America now is a plague among Africa’s poor
Jun 4, 2011
Dr. Philip Berger
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1002703--three-decades-of-aids

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Key to productivity is innovation, not invention

Creative management and product development can be more important than scientific breakthroughs
May 31, 2011
Roger Martin and James Milway
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1000453--key-to-productivity-is-innovation-not-invention

Canada’s innovation imperative

Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity - Report on Canada 2011
Jun 1, 2011
Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity
http://www.competeprosper.ca/images/uploads/Report_on_Canada_2011_FINAL.pdf

Towards Green Growth

The Green Growth Strategy provides concrete recommendations and measurement tools to support countries’ efforts to achieve economic growth and development, while at the same time ensure that natural assets continue to provide the ecosystem services on which our well being relies.
May 25, 2011
OECD
http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-Asset-Management/oecd/environment/towards-green-growth_9789264111318-en

4 E. coli cases in U.S. linked to Germany

Germany may push for Spain to get aid following wrongful blame controversy
Jun 3, 2011
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2011/06/03/contaminated-veggies-europe.html

Canadian Cancer Society Funded Research Among Best of Best

Canadian Cancer Society funded research recognized among "Best of ASCO" to be released Saturday and Monday
Jun 3, 2011
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2011/03/c2611.html

Building A Clean Economy And Communities

McGuinty Government Partnering To Promote Sustainable Cities
Jun 3, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/news/OIA060311.asp

For $41-billion, Canadians deserve a straight answer

The next federal-provincial health care agreement needs to contain clearer measures to hold the provinces accountable for how they spend the money
Jun 2, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/for-41-billion-canadians-deserve-a-straight-answer/article2045014/

AIDS: The 30 years war

Hard pounding is gradually bringing AIDS under control
Jun 2, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18772276

International Research Initiative on Adaptation to Climate Change Announces Research Awards

Five Canadian and Developing Country Teams to Study Climate Change Adaptation
Jun 2, 2011
International Development Research Centre
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2011/02/c2084.html

Wrestling with Big Pharma

New Zealand leverages taxpayers’ bargaining power to get the best prices on drugs
Jun 1, 2011
Colleen M. Flood
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1001101--wrestling-with-big-pharma

Institute releases Report on Canada 2011, Canada’s innovation imperative

Canada faces an innovation imperative. Our lackluster innovation record stands in the way of all Canadians realizing their full prosperity potential
Jun 1, 2011
Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity
http://www.competeprosper.ca/index.php/media/press_releases/institute_releases_report_on_canada_2011_canadas_innovation_imperative/

Canada's health-care promises not yet met

Some progress but long way to go on accord signed by all health ministers
May 31, 2011
Meagan Fitzpatrick
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2011/05/31/pol-health-accord-report.html

Education research helps under-achieving students

Deans of Education promise the best in education research for Canada's families
May 31, 2011
Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2011/31/c9043.html

Ontario Science Centre puts its Eyes on the Skies

Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen recruited to launch Eyes on the Skies, a new planetarium program for toddlers
May 31, 2011
Ontario Science Centre
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2011/31/c9052.html

Forest conservation: Lidartector

How to tell if countries are cheating on their conservation commitments
May 26, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18741402

The Anthropocene: A man-made world

Science is recognising humans as a geological force to be reckoned with
May 26, 2011 |
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18741749

Medicine: There is no alternative

Virtually all alternative medicine is bunk; but the placebo effect is rather interesting
May 19, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18712290