Science Canada: 04/09/11

Saturday, April 9, 2011

The value of pure science

Apr 5, 2011
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/value+pure+science/4558925/story.html

A forced merger between Quebec’s three research funding agencies

Quebec’s scientific community regrets the lack of consultation and has concerns about negative effects on the province’s research system.
Apr 4, 2011
Jean-François Venne
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/a-forced-merger-between-quebecs-three-research-funding-agencies.aspx

Canadian businesses need our social science PhDs

Few academic supervisors ever advise their social science PhD students to seek employment in the private sector. It is time that changed.
Apr 4, 2011
Sam Ladner
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/canadian-businesses-need-our-social-science-phds.aspx

MSE Research Symposium: Bridging the gap between science and policy

Apr 6, 2011
Jim Hynes
McGill Reporter
http://publications.mcgill.ca/reporter/2011/04/mse-research-symposium-bridging-the-gap-between-science-and-policy/

The Race for Global Leadership in Innovation: An Analysis of National R&D Strategies

Mar 31, 2011
Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA)
http://issuu.com/torontoresearch/docs/trra_the_race_for_global_leadership_in_innovation-#download

Knowledge, networks and nations: Global scientific collaboration in the 21st century

Mar 28, 2011
The Royal Society (UK)
http://royalsociety.org/uploadedFiles/Royal_Society_Content/Influencing_Policy/Reports/2011-03-28-Knowledge-networks-nations.pdf

Malaysia: The Atlas of Islamic-World Science and Innovation Case Study No. 1

Mar 28, 2011
The Royal Society (UK)
http://royalsociety.org/uploadedFiles/Royal_Society/Policy_and_Influence/2011-03-28-Malaysia-CountryCaseStudyNo%201.pdf

International Alliance Created to Further Commercialization of Research

Mar 31, 2011
Ontario Centres Of Excellence Inc.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/International-Alliance-Created-to-Further-Commercialization-of-Research-1421066.htm

Who will pay the bills for the education dream?

Unless governments act, colleges and universities could be priced out of reach for many
Mar 31, 2011
Don Drummond and Daniel R. Woolf
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/967089--who-will-pay-the-bills-for-the-education-dream

University for the masses may be oversold

Are students somehow getting smarter? I doubt it.
Apr 4, 2011
Christine Overall
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/university-for-the-masses-may-be-oversold.aspx

Why higher education matters

Apr 2, 2011
Eddy Campbell
Telegraph-Journal
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/1394695

Humanities and social science scholars need more visibility: CFHSS

Federation’s goal is to make highly relevant research better known.
Apr 4, 2011
Rosanna Tamburri
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/humanities-and-social-science-scholars-need-more-visibility-cfhss.aspx

The humanities: more relevant and less visible than ever?

Mar 29, 2011
Peggy Berkowitz
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/the-humanities-more-relevant-and-less-visible-than-ever/

U of C launches centre to study aging

Apr 4, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2011/04/04/calgary-aging-university-research.html

Help us choose Canada's next Rising Stars in Global Health!

Watch Canadian innovators explain their Bold Ideas for solving the world's most persistent health challenges and let us know which ones you think are the best by rating them
Mar 28, 2011
Grand Challenges Canada
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/288228/4859ed9989/1315026949/5f28c264d9/

Impact: Genomics an Society: "Emerging Issues in GE3LS"

GE3LS Newsletter - Issue No. 04, Winter 2011
Genome Canada
http://www.genomecanada.ca/en/ge3ls/newsletters/winter-2011/

Life-changing scholarships

Most privately funded scholarships are awarded to students attending a particular university or to children of a company’s employees. But a few pan-Canadian programs have a bigger objective in mind.
Apr 4, 2011
Rosanna Tamburri
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/life-changing-scholarships.aspx

Announcing new Minister's Award for Environmental Excellence

The new Minister's Award for Environmental Excellence recognizes outstanding achievement, leadership and innovation in environmental protection
Apr 2011
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/about/MAFEE/index.htm

POSTnote: Water Adaptation in Africa

Apr 4, 2011
U.K. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
http://www.parliament.uk/documents/post/postpn_373-Water-Adapatation-in-Africa.pdf

Undermining the oil patch

Apr 8, 2011
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/Undermining+patch/4579559/story.html

Offshore board failed to disclose spill quickly: chair

Apr 8, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/08/nl-spill-letters-408.html

Risks of GM products must be kept in perspective

Apr 8, 2011
Kevin Hursh
Postmedia News
http://www.canada.com/Risks+products+must+kept+perspective/4583776/story.html

Japanese tsunami debris to reach West Coast in 2014

Apr 8, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/08/bc-japan-tsunami-debris-drift.html

Army Corps activates new Asian carp barrier

Apr 8, 2011
John Flesher
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/08/wdr-asian-carp-barrier-erected.html

Mekong dam plan sparks environmental battle

Opponents fear Xayaburi dam in Laos will disrupt farming, fish migrations
Apr 8, 2011
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/08/environment-mekong-dam-plan.html

Experts question role of walnuts in E. coli outbreak

Apr 8, 2011
Sarah Schmidt and Aaron Derfel
Postmedia News
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/Experts+question+role+walnuts+coli+outbreak/4585322/story.html

The seafood sustainability tide is starting to turn for the better

Salmon farming leading the way through co-operative efforts
Apr 8, 2011
Jay Ritchlin
Vancouver Sun
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/seafood+sustainability+tide+starting+turn+better/4580815/story.html

Innovative model pays off for cancer-fighting firm

Apr 8, 2011
NAUMAN FAROOQI
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/your-business/grow/new-product-development/innovative-model-pays-off-for-cancer-fighting-firm/article1975163/

Turning The Corner By Transforming Good Ideas Into Great Jobs In Cobourg

McGuinty Government Helping Horizon Plastics Create Up To 350 Jobs
Apr 8, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://news.ontario.ca/mri/en/2011/04/turning-the-corner-by-transforming-good-ideas-into-great-jobs-in-cobourg.html

Transforming Good Ideas Into Great Jobs In Burlington

McGuinty Government Helping EcoSynthetix Create Up To 40 Jobs
Apr 8, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://news.ontario.ca/mri/en/2011/04/transforming-good-ideas-into-great-jobs-in-burlington.html

Climate change? Not in this campaign

The Harper government’s 17-per-cent reduction target can’t be met with policies now in place, and every expert knows it. Canadians just don’t care. So the issue is barely mentioned
Apr 7, 2011
JEFFREY SIMPSON
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/climate-change-not-in-this-campaign/article1975493/

Harper slammed for climate change inaction

Environment Canada study says change needed now to stay below the 2 C warming threshold
Apr 7, 2011
Margaret Munro
Postmedia News
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Harper+slammed+climate+change+inaction/4573252/story.html

Alberta’s Liepert urges U.S. to ‘sign the bloody order’ on oilsands pipeline

Apr 7, 2011
Dan Healing
Calgary Herald
http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+Liepert+urges+sign+bloody+order+oilsands+pipeline/4576923/story.html?cid=megadrop_story

Science museum scores coup

Electron microscope from 1938 going on display
Apr 7, 2011
Tom Spears
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Science+museum+scores+coup/4572607/story.html

Nanoparticles kill friendly soil bacteria

Apr 7, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/07/science-silver-nanoparticles-bacteria-arctic.html

Nuclear fears may boost climate change

As nations scale back nuclear plans, renewables and fossil fuels vie to fill gap
Apr 7, 2011
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/07/nuclear-power-climate-change.html

Canada's power grid needs $293B infusion: report

Apr 7, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/06/canada-power-grid-investment.html

Investment of More Than $15 Billion Annually Would Meet Future Electricity Needs

Apr 7, 2011
Conference Board of Canada
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/07/c2183.html

Canada's Electricity Infrastructure: Building a Case for Investment

Apr 7, 2011
Conference Board of Canada
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/07/c2184.html

Voyageurs' TB thrives among First Nations

Apr 7, 2011
Emily Chung
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/04/science-tb-aboriginal-french-canadian.html

On why shaming won’t stop obesity, why vouchers might, and losing 80 pounds

Apr 7, 2011
Kate Fillion
Macleans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/04/07/on-why-shaming-won%E2%80%99t-stop-obesity-why-vouchers-might-and-losing-80-pounds/

Astrophysics and alien intelligence: Talking to the neighbours

A modest proposal for an interstellar communications network
Apr 7, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18526871

One-third of physicians 65 and older still working full time

Older family physicians more likely to narrow scope of practice than retire
Apr 7, 2011
Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/07/c9967.html

Oilsands questions need answers, Obama says

Apr 6, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/06/edmonton-obama-keystone-oilsands.html

We are running out of time to address climate change

Apr 6, 2011
Dennis Gruending
Canada.com
http://www.canada.com/running+time+address+climate+change/4570150/story.html

Estrogen's effects on aging brain explored

Apr 6, 2011
Amina Zafar
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/06/aging-women-brain-estrogen.html

Avastin debate highlights challenges of a catastrophic drug program

Apr 6, 2011
CARLY WEEKS
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/avastin-debate-highlights-challenges-of-a-catastrophic-drug-program/article1974103/

A warning from nature for Canadians

Climate change is already having an impact on our economy
Apr 6, 2011
Roy J. Romanow
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/970481--a-warning-from-nature-for-canadians

U.S. must study potentially ‘destructive’ oil sands before pipeline approval: Obama

Apr 6, 2011
Sheldon Alberts
Postmedia News
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Obama+hints+withholding+approval+Keystone+oilsands+pipeline/4571527/story.html

Arctic fresh water could affect Europe's climate

Apr 5, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/05/arctic-ocean-fresh-water.html

Lack of catastrophic drug program a black eye for Canada

Apr 5, 2011
CARLY WEEKS AND LISA PRIEST
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/lack-of-catastrophic-drug-program-a-black-eye-for-canada/article1972570/

Nortel experts see real value in patents

Apr 5, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/05/business-nortel-patents.html

Call for more investigation of N.L. offshore spills

Apr 5, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2011/04/05/nl-jones-mudspill-405.html

Ozone hole over Arctic hits record

Apr 5, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/05/ozone-layer-arctic.html

Water injection tabbed to boost oil patch production

Apr 5, 2011
NATHAN VANDERKLIPPE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/water-injection-tabbed-to-boost-oil-patch-production/article1972164/

Alberta conservation plan stuns oil patch

Apr 5, 2011
Carrie Tait, Nathan VanderKlippe and Josh Wingrove
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/alberta-conservation-plan-stuns-oil-patch/article1971930/

Human-like milk made by GM cows

Future as infant formula replacement uncertain due to fears over transgenic foods
Apr 5, 2011
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/05/technology-human-breast-milk-cows.html

How to reduce ruinous drug costs

Ottawa could fund the R&D portion of the price of expensive new drugs
Apr 5, 2011
Paul Grootendorst
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/how-to-reduce-ruinous-drug-costs/article1970566/

Alzheimer’s disease: New clues for scientists

Anything that brings researchers closer to understanding Alzheimer's, such as the discovery of five new genes, is welcome
Apr 5, 2011
Toronto Star
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/mindmood/brainhealth/article/968993--alzheimer-s-disease-new-clues-for-scientists

Ozone layer depleted by record 40 per cent over Arctic

Apr 5, 2011
ADRIAN MORROW
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/ozone-layer-depleted-by-record-40-per-cent-over-arctic/article1971038/

The environmental paradox

Why, if the world’s ecosystems are under siege, do people seem to be prospering? When a group of Canadian researchers posed the question, they touched a nerve.
Apr 4, 2011
Daniel McCabe
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/the-environmental-paradox.aspx

Genetically modified wheat top research goal for Canada

Apr 4, 2011
Tom Spears
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Genetically+modified+wheat+research+goal+Canada/4550040/story.html

Canadian scientist slams maple syrup study touting health benefits

Apr 4, 2011
Randy Boswell
Postmedia News
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Canadian+scientist+slams+maple+syrup+study+touting+health+benefits/4545863/story.html

Canada warns EU over oil sands

Apr 4, 2011
Pete Harrison
Reuters
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/canada-warns-eu-over-oil-sands/article1969643/

National drug policy for rare diseases has fallen between the cracks

Apr 4, 2011
LISA PRIEST
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/national-drug-policy-for-rare-diseases-has-fallen-between-the-cracks/article1970960/

Tories opt out of campaign tour carbon offsets

Liberals, Tories, NDP each over 120 tonnes of carbon emissions
Apr 4, 2011
Max Paris
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/04/cv-election-carbon-footprint.html

Pine beetle finds new home: Alta. researchers

Destructive bugs now threaten boreal forest
Apr 4, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/04/edmonton-pine-beetle-advances.html

Google bids $900M US for Nortel patents

June auction to sell the last major assets of former technology giant
Apr 4, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/04/google-stalking-horse-bidder-nortel-patents.html

The right call on Lower Churchill

Apr 4, 2011
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/right+call+Lower+Churchill/4553104/story.html

Toronto votes to continue fluoridating water

Apr 4, 2011
Omair Quadri
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/toronto-votes-to-continue-fluoridating-water/article1970703/

Fluoride, or how I learned to stop worrying and drink the water

Apr 4, 2011
MARCUS GEE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/marcus-gee/fluoride-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-drink-the-water/article1970745/

Diabetes info just a text message away

A third-year health-sciences student at McMaster University is helping diabetes sufferers in First Nations communities better manage their disease, and he’s doing it through text messaging.
Apr 4, 2011
Jordon Fallis
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/diabetes-information-just-a-text-message-away.aspx

Health of Canadians at a Tipping Point

Canadian Diabetes Association Releases Opinion Poll Results and Report
Apr 4, 2011
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/04/c8890.html

The cost of drugs: breaking the bank to stay alive

Apr 3, 2011
ANDRÉ PICARD
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/the-cost-of-drugs-breaking-the-bank-to-stay-alive/article1969308/

Gateway pipeline a crossroads for Canada

Apr 2, 2011
Patrick Daniel
Financial Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/Gateway+pipeline+crossroads+Canada/4548023/story.html

Experts see risks of artery devices

Apr 2, 2011
Tom Blackwell
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Experts+risks+artery+devices/4547925/story.html

The trials of Nunavut: Lament for an Arctic nation

Apr 1, 2011
Patrick White
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/nunavut/the-trials-of-nunavut-lament-for-an-arctic-nation/article1963420/

Ottawa should underwrite the Lower Churchill project

Stephen Harper’s willingness to provide a federal loan guarantee for the building of an electricity transmission line from the Lower Churchill in Labrador to mainland Nova Scotia is entirely legitimate
Apr 1, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/ottawa-should-underwrite-the-lower-churchill-project/article1967641/

America's oil thirst, Europe's petro-posturing

Apr 1, 2011
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/America+thirst+Europe+petro+posturing/4539794/story.html

The 5 Worst Promoters of Nonsense

JREF's 'Pigasus Awards' are a Dubious Honor for Dubious Claims
Apr 1, 2011
Sadie Crabtree
James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF)
http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/jref-news/1260-pigasus-2011.html

U of T's forestry school faces the axe

Apr 1, 2011
JAMES BRADSHAW
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/u-of-ts-forestry-school-faces-the-axe/article1968010/

Quebec hunters kill 12 times more polar bears

Apr 1, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/01/hudson-bay-polar-bear-hunt.html

Consumer radiation fears concern dairy farmers

Apr 1, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/03/31/bc-radiation-milk-concerns.html

Sparks fly in Quebec after Harper backs Newfoundland hydro project

Mar 31, 2011
LES PERREAUX AND STEVEN CHASE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/sparks-fly-in-quebec-after-harper-backs-newfoundland-hydro-project/article1964803/

Visiting Quebec, Layton rips into oil sands

Mar 31, 2011
GLORIA GALLOWAY
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/visiting-quebec-layton-rips-into-oil-sands/article1964853/

Strong salmon hearts may hedge against climate change

Mar 31, 2011
Sharon Oosthoek
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/03/31/tech-salmon-hearts-fraser-river.html

Sockeye salmon at risk of overheating due to climate change: study

Mar 31, 2011
MARK HUME
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/sockeye-salmon-at-risk-of-overheating-due-to-climate-change-study/article1965320/

Tories lay clean-energy plank with support for Lower Churchill mega-project

Mar 31, 2011
STEVEN CHASE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/tories-lay-clean-energy-plank-with-support-for-lower-churchill-mega-project/article1965607/

Obama’s oil independence speech no gift to Canada

Mar 31, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/obamas-oil-independence-speech-no-gift-to-canada/article1965814/

U.S. energy security requires partners

Mar 31, 2011
KEVIN LYNCH
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/us-energy-security-requires-partners/article1964812/

Resistance to antibiotics: The spread of superbugs

What can be done about the rising risk of antibiotic resistance?
Mar 31, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18483671

More Clean Energy Jobs In Vaughan

Ontario's clean energy economy continues to grow, creating 50 new jobs in Vaughan.
Mar 31, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Energy
http://news.ontario.ca/mei/en/2011/03/more-clean-energy-jobs-in-vaughan.html

Peace River project a wind-power success story

Mar 30, 2011
Peter Fairley
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/03/11/f-power-2020-wind-profile.html

Is the grid ready for electric cars?

Mar 30, 2011
Emily Chung
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/03/12/f-power-2020-electric-cars.html

Obama signals new reliance on oil sands

Mar 30, 2011
SHAWN McCARTHY
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/obama-signals-new-reliance-on-oil-sands/article1963575/

Obama says Canada a partner in U.S. plans to make itself less dependent on oil

Mar 30, 2011
LEE-ANNE GOODMAN
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/obama-says-canada-a-partner-in-us-plans-to-make-itself-less-dependent-on-oil/article1963671/

B.C. funds study of fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue

Mar 30, 2011
Rebekah Funk
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/bc-funds-study-of-fibromyalgia-lyme-disease-chronic-fatigue/article1964319/

Make producers pay

The moment the province decided to blunt criticism last summer by getting rid of unpopular “eco fees” on an expanded recycling program, taxpayers were put on the hook
Mar 29, 2011
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/962992--make-producers-pay