Science Canada: 04/29/11

Friday, April 29, 2011

'We would remove the gag order,' Liberals say
Apr 26, 2011
Emily Chung
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/26/science-federal-cswa-letter.html

In a first for the U.S., women outnumber men in earning advanced degrees

Apr 26, 2011
Hope Yen
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/in-a-first-for-the-us-women-outnumber-men-in-earning-advanced-degrees/article1999128/

Is the PhD broken?

Apr 28, 2011
Leo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/is-the-phd-broken/

To postdoc or not to postdoc?

Apr 25, 2011
The Black Hole: Science in Canada - Issues Affecting Trainees
http://scienceadvocacy.org/Blog/2011/04/25/to-postdoc-or-not-to-postdoc/

Health problems slow oilsands push

Impact on aboriginal life cited among U.S. concerns
Apr 28, 2011
Mike De Souza
Postmedia News
http://www.theprovince.com/news/decision-canada/Health+problems+slow+oilsands+push/4688482/story.html

Massive Greenland iceberg drifts towards N.L.

Apr 28, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/28/nl-greenland-iceberg-428.html

Science needs to be in social media: report

'Liberation' row highlights need for greater engagement, science journal suggests
Apr 28, 2011
Margaret Munro
Postmedia News
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/technology/Science+needs+social+media+report/4690061/story.html

Coca-Cola not ready to drop bisphenol A in can linings

Apr 28, 2011
Sarah Schmidt
Postmedia News
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Coca+Cola+ready+drop+bisphenol+linings/4685531/story.html

CMAJ 2011 election survey: transparency

Health datasets were unplugged from the very limited transparency initiative unveiled earlier this year by Prime Minister Stephen Harper's federal government
Apr 28, 2011
Lauren Vogel
Canadian Medical Association Journal
http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/28april11_election-survey-transparency.dtl

Health Canada approves expanded market for Gardasil

Apr 28, 2011
Paul Taylor
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/conditions/sexual-health/health-canada-approves-expanded-market-for-gardasil/article2002354/

U of A studies mercury levels in Arctic food chain

Apr 28, 2011
Hanneke Brooymans
Edmonton Journal
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/canada/studies+mercury+levels+Arctic+food+chain/4693346/story.html

Down syndrome screening falls short, experts say

Using only blood tests, Quebec's method has lower detection, higher error rate
Apr 28, 2011
AARON DERFEL
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Down+syndrome+screening+falls+short+experts/4687044/story.html

Rising gas prices fuel consideration of alternative vehicles - but the net benefit is still not evident

Apr 28, 2011
Conference Board of Canada
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/28/c7410.html

Harper Creek Mine Project - Public Comments Invited and Federal Funding Available

Apr 28, 2011
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/28/c7637.html

Leading-Edge Technology Company Creating 50 Good Jobs

Ontario is helping Christie, a Kitchener-based visual technologies company, to develop advanced laser technologies and modernize its manufacturing facility. This will create a minimum of 50 new jobs and retain 53 existing jobs in Waterloo Region, and will employ a total of more than 570 people.
Apr 28, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
http://news.ontario.ca/medt/en/2011/04/leading-edge-technology-company-creating-50-good-jobs.html

Wind power: Japan's winds of change

Redesigning turbines can wring more power out of mountain winds
Apr 27, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2011/04/technology_monitor_2

Climate Change, Ghost Issue of 2011 Election

Apr 27, 2011
Geoff Dembicki
The Tyee.ca
http://thetyee.ca/News/2011/04/27/ClimateChangeElection/

PM’s callous pitch for votes

Apr 27, 2011
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/980765--pm-s-callous-pitch-for-votes

Detour Lake Gold Mine Project - Public Comments Invited and Public Meetings Announced

Apr 27, 2011
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/27/c7282.html

Canadian Cancer Society boosts research funding in Ottawa

New investment among 52 new grants announced today
Apr 27, 2011
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/27/c7297.html

Smart Grid Technology Coming To Ontario

The Ontario government is investing in a fund to give families and businesses more control over how and when they use electricity.
Apr 27, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Energy
http://news.ontario.ca/mei/en/2011/04/smart-grid-technology-coming-to-ontario.html

Canada labelled ‘immoral asbestos pusher’ as Harper visits Quebec mining town

Apr 26, 2011
STEVEN CHASE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/canada-labeled-immoral-asbestos-pusher-as-harper-visits-quebec-mining-town/article1999035/

Alien life search ends due to money woes

Apr 26, 2011
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/26/alien-center-shutdown.html

On health reform, creating political will where there is none

Apr 26, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/on-health-reform-creating-political-will-where-there-is-none/article1999960/

There's a dirty secret in Tory greenhouse gas plan

Apr 26, 2011
ANDREW LEACH
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/theres-a-dirty-secret-in-tory-greenhouse-gas-plan/article1999296/

Sask. going ahead with $1.2B carbon capture project

Apr 26, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/26/sk-saskpower-carbon-storage-1104.html

Manitoba puts up cash for all-electric bus

Apr 26, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/26/mb-electric-bus-manitoba.html

Fire ants arrive in N.B.

Apr 26, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/26/nb-fire-ants-0426.html

Can you handle the truth?

Forget the narrative of catastrophe. The Gulf of Mexico is nearly back to normal
Apr 26, 2011
MARGARET WENTE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/can-you-handle-the-truth/article1998171/

Building A Reliable, Clean Energy Future

Ontario is making crucial investments to build a clean, modern and reliable electricity system using renewable sources of power, while keeping costs down for families.
Apr 26, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Energy
http://news.ontario.ca/mei/en/2011/04/building-a-clean-reliable-energy-future.html

Health policy experts pushing for change in feds' funding for research and development

Federal and provincial governments currently give pharmaceutical companies tax breaks and subsidies to encourage them to devote more of their budgets to developing new drugs.
Apr 25, 2011
MARK BROWNLEE
The Hill Times
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/rnd-04-25-2011

Environmental benefits of biofuel technology 'not as clear cut' as originally thought, says Manitoba energy minister

Conservatives have long-touted the GHG reductions that would result from investing government money in developing ethanol as a supplementary fuel to gasoline.
Apr 25, 2011
MARK BROWNLEE
The Hill Times
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/biofuel-04-25-2011

Ottawa emerging as a centre for biotech innovation

Skilled workforce and collaboration play key roles in Ottawa's expanding life sciences sector, but industry says attracting outside experts remains an obstacle.
Apr 25, 2011
CHRIS PLECASH
The Hill Times
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/innovation-04-25-2011

Federal biotech regulation challenged by rapid innovation in life sciences

Industry stresses need for a streamlined regulatory framework and harmonization at the international level.
Apr 25, 2011
CHRIS PLECASH
The Hill Times
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/regulation-04-25-2011

Chemical law fails to protect kids' health: MDs

Apr 25, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/25/hazardous-chemicals-risk-children.html

Canada’s 6-per-cent health-care fetish

Apr 25, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/canadas-6-per-cent-health-care-fetish/article1998242/

Changes To Drive Clean Testing Proposed

Ontario is proposing changes to Drive Clean testing that would save drivers time and money, while continuing to protect the environment.
Apr 25, 2011
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
http://news.ontario.ca/ene/en/2011/04/changes-to-drive-clean-testing-proposed.html

Oil rises to the surface as an election issue in B.C.

Apr 24, 2011
MARK HUME
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/mark-hume/oil-rises-to-the-surface-as-an-election-issue-in-bc/article1997189/

Canadian political climate strangely cool on environment: Author and scientist

Apr 24, 2011
Mike De Souza
Postmedia News
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/Canadian+political+climate+strangely+cool+environment+Author+scientist/4667842/story.html

Federal party platforms all offer surprises on digital policy

Apr 24, 2011
Michael Geist
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/article/978811--geist-federal-party-platforms-all-offer-surprises-on-digital-policy

The National Pharmaceutical Strategy: a 'prescription unfilled'

Apr 24, 2011
David McKie
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/realitycheck/2011/04/the-national-pharmaceutical-strategy-a-prescription-unfilled.html

Future looks bright for green careers

Shortfall of environmental workers predicted in the next five years
Apr 23, 2011
Jacqueline Louie
The Calgary Herald
http://www.calgaryherald.com/Future+looks+bright+green+careers/4664400/story.html

On Earth Day, forget gimmicks – think energy

Instead of focusing on feel-good half-measures, Earth Day should target the BIG problems we’re facing
Apr 22, 2011
ANDREW MIALL
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/on-earth-day-forget-gimmicks-think-energy/article1994921/

Fracking protest marks Halifax Earth Day

Apr 22, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/22/ns-fracking-protest-in-halifax.html

Examining green technologies of the future

Apr 22, 2011
RICHARD BLACKWELL
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/examining-green-technologies-of-the-future/article1995125/

Transocean contributed to Gulf oil spill: Coast Guard

Apr 22, 2011
MICHAEL KUNZELMAN
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/transocean-contributed-to-gulf-oil-spill-coast-guard/article1995809/

Gulf oil spill worsened by poor training: report

Apr 22, 2011
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/22/gulf-oil-spill-safety-culture.html

Canada needs more geriatricians

Apr 22, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/canada-needs-more-geriatricians/article1995780/

Ontario transportation minister ready to talk solar

Solar cars were banned following a fatal crash in 2004.
Apr 21, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/21/tech-solar-car-queens-park.html

Our Surprisingly Expensive Pharmaceuticals

We like to think prescription drugs are cheap in Canada. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Apr 21, 2011
Marc-André Gagnon
The Mark News
http://www.themarknews.com/articles/4789-our-surprisingly-expensive-pharmaceuticals

BP sues partners over oil spill

Apr 21, 2011
CAIN BURDEAU and HARRY R. WEBER
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/bp-sues-partners-over-oil-spill/article1994247/

BP to fund environmental rehab projects

Apr 21, 2011
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/21/bp-funds-recovery-projects.html

Retiring the space shuttle: Houston, we have a problem...

As the space shuttles retire, New York gets one but not Houston
Apr 21, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2011/04/space_shuttle

Renewable Energy Coming To Ontario Schools

This fall, 126 schools will be turning on more cleaner and renewable sources of power, like solar, wind and geothermal, creating cleaner and more sustainable places to learn for Ontario students.
Apr 21, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Education
http://news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2011/04/renewable-energy-coming-to-ontario-schools.html

Canadian nuclear plant safety to be reviewed

Apr 20, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/20/cnsc-nuclear-plant-task-force.html

BP spill, a year later: dying dolphins, deformed fish, and still some oil

Apr 20, 2011
NATHAN VANDERKLIPPE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/bp-spill-a-year-later-dying-dolphins-deformed-fish-and-still-some-oil/article1993597/

Flyover, vigils mark Gulf oil disaster anniversary

Apr 20, 2011
CAIN BURDEAU AND HARRY R. WEBER
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/flyover-vigils-mark-gulf-oil-disaster-anniversary/article1993421/

Gulf disaster: One year later

Apr 20, 2011
CAIN BURDEAU and HARRY R. WEBER
The Associated Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/gulf-disaster-one-year-later/article1992414/

‘King Carbon’ label a ‘baseless attack:’ Enbridge

Apr 20, 2011
NATHAN VANDERKLIPPE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/king-carbon-label-a-baseless-attack-enbridge/article1993479/

Iqaluit to host polar bear conservation meeting

Apr 20, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/20/cda-iqaluit-polar-bear-conference.html

Waste disposal: Bottom feeders

Using mushrooms to dispose of disposable nappies
Apr 20, 2011
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/node/18584104

Alleged leak of CO2 at Sask. farm to be probed

Apr 19, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/19/tech-carbon-capture-weyburn-saskatchewa.html

Canadians like to help the planet - if it saves us money

Apr 19, 2011
Erin Anderssen
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-button/canadians-like-to-help-the-planet---if-it-saves-us-money/article1991546/

Malahat fuel spill kills off thousands of salmon

Apr 19, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/19/bc-malahat-fuel-spill.html

Canadarm2 turns 10

Apr 19, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/19/tech-canadarm2.html

Mediterranean fish in peril: study

Apr 19, 2011
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/19/tech-fish-mediterranean.html

Helping Families, Keeping Electricity Costs Down

Ontario families can expect stable electricity bills this summer and fall due to the new Ontario Clean Energy Benefit, which is taking 10 per cent off monthly bills for families, farms and small businesses.
Apr 19, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Energy
http://news.ontario.ca/mei/en/2011/04/helping-families-keeping-electricity-costs-down.html

The Science of Why We Don't Believe Science

How our brains fool us on climate, creationism, and the vaccine-autism link.
Apr 18, 2011
Chris Mooney
Mother Jones
http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/03/denial-science-chris-mooney?page=1

As gas prices rise, businesses explore opportunities of electric vehicles

Apr 18, 2011
David Wright
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/as-gas-prices-rise-businesses-explore-opportunities-of-electric-vehicles/article1989380/

Forum to keep forestry industry accountable

Apr 18, 2011
BERTRAND MAROTTE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/forum-to-keep-forestry-industry-accountable/article1990162/

Tax hit from emissions’ plans could be in the billions

Apr 18, 2011
ANDREW LEACH
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/tax-hit-from-emissions-plans-could-be-in-the-billions/article1989174/

Arctic coast eroding up to 8 metres a year: study

Apr 18, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/18/tech-arctic-coast-retreat-erosion.html

Goldstream fuel spill investigation continues

Apr 18, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/18/bc-goldstream-fuel-spill.html

Dry Banff hot springs baffles scientists

Apr 18, 2011
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/18/calgary-banff-hot-springs-water.html

Bat disease spreads to N.S.

Apr 18, 2011
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/04/18/ns-bat-fungus.html

CIDA: a broken agency that needs to be overhauled

Transparency, accountability and rigour are needed so that Canada’s precious foreign aid dollars can be spent well
Apr 18, 2011
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/cida-a-broken-agency-that-needs-to-be-overhauled/article1990159/

Solar Energy Company Turning The Corner Into Ontario

Ontario is investing in a new solar manufacturing plant that is creating 71 new jobs in Mississauga. The plant will employ up to 200 people at full capacity and distribute solar panels across North America.
Apr 18, 2011
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
http://news.ontario.ca/medt/en/2011/04/solar-energy-company-turning-the-corner-into-ontario.html

Far North residents weigh offshore drilling’s risk-reward equation

Apr 17, 2011
NATHAN VANDERKLIPPE
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/far-north-residents-weigh-offshore-drillings-risk-reward-equation/article1988764/

McGill to establish graduate program in food safety

Apr 17, 2011
JESSICA LEEDER
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/mcgill-to-establish-graduate-program-in-food-safety/article1988056/

Dying for a change on safe-injection site

Canadians must tell the federal Conservatives to support evidence-based health and drug policies and to drop their court challenge to Insite
Apr 17, 2011
JULIO MONTANER
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/dying-for-a-change-on-safe-injection-site/article1987566/

Vancouver's safe injection site cuts overdose deaths

Apr 17, 2011
ANDRÉ PICARD
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/health-news/vancouvers-safe-injection-site-cuts-overdose-deaths/article1988758/

Different methods, tough choices in parties’ GHG plans

Apr 8, 2011
ANDREW LEACH
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/different-methods-tough-choices-in-parties-ghg-plans/article1975786/

Oil giants contest Arctic relief well requirement

Apr 5, 2011
SHAWN McCARTHY
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/oil-giants-contest-arctic-relief-well-requirement/article1972323/

Liberals' significant climate plan cloaked in silence

Apr 3, 2011
ANDREW LEACH
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/liberals-significant-climate-plan-cloaked-in-silence/article1968885/