String Theory in the Era of the Large Hadron Collider
Michael Dine, Physics Today, Dec 2007.
The relationship between string theory and particle experiment is more complex than the caricature presented in the popular press and weblogs.
More than half the world’s 6,000 languages will be gone by the end of the century
AT A LOSS FOR WORDS
Sarah Grey Thomason, Natural History Magazine, Dec 2007
The Native-American language Salish–Pend d'Oreille is on the brink of disappearing. More than half the world’s 6,000 languages will be gone by the end of the century.
Sarah Grey Thomason, Natural History Magazine, Dec 2007
The Native-American language Salish–Pend d'Oreille is on the brink of disappearing. More than half the world’s 6,000 languages will be gone by the end of the century.
Genetics and the Shape of Dogs
Genetics and the Shape of Dogs
Elaine A. Ostrander, American Scientist Set-Oct 2007.
Studying the new sequence of the canine genome shows how tiny genetic changes can create enormous variation within a single species.
How can dogs that vary in size from a few pounds to almost 200 pounds all be the same species? The large size variation in dogs has long been a question for breeders and everyday dog-lovers alike. Elaine Ostrander, head of the Dog Genome Project at the National Institutes of Health, and her group have recently completed the sequencing of a dog genome and can point to some groups of genes for size and other traits.
Elaine A. Ostrander, American Scientist Set-Oct 2007.
Studying the new sequence of the canine genome shows how tiny genetic changes can create enormous variation within a single species.
How can dogs that vary in size from a few pounds to almost 200 pounds all be the same species? The large size variation in dogs has long been a question for breeders and everyday dog-lovers alike. Elaine Ostrander, head of the Dog Genome Project at the National Institutes of Health, and her group have recently completed the sequencing of a dog genome and can point to some groups of genes for size and other traits.
The Cosmic Web
Special Issue: The Cosmic Web
A special section in Science Magazine considers the latest research into the origins and evolution of the filamentary structures of dark and visible matter that fill the universe.
A special section in Science Magazine considers the latest research into the origins and evolution of the filamentary structures of dark and visible matter that fill the universe.
Revolutionizing China's Environmental Protection
Revolutionizing China's Environmental Protection
Jianguo Liu and Jared Diamond, Science 2008; 319(5859)
China's growth has created severe environmental problems that will require fundamental changes in China's administrative system and its model of economic development.
Jianguo Liu and Jared Diamond, Science 2008; 319(5859)
China's growth has created severe environmental problems that will require fundamental changes in China's administrative system and its model of economic development.
Engineer Girl is now accepting applications for its 2008 essay contest
Engineering Energy for the Future - Essay Contest
Energy! It fuels our cars, heats our homes, runs our computers and keeps the lights on. We use energy in almost everything we do, but if we aren’t careful there won’t be enough. Engineers have their work cut out for them. The world is counting on them to chart a course to a safe and clean energy future. They will need to come up with useful ways to save energy as well as ways to produce more of it. How can engineers work together to make the world work for the changing needs of people everywhere without damaging the environment? What should they be focusing on, and how will energy shape the future for engineering? Think about how much energy influences your life every day as you prepare your essay to answer the questions above.
Who Can Enter?
The contest is open to individual girls and boys. This year there are three age categories:
Ages 8-11 - 3rd grade to 5th grade
Ages 12-14 - 6th grade to 8th grade
Ages 15-18 - 9th grade to 12th grade
Energy! It fuels our cars, heats our homes, runs our computers and keeps the lights on. We use energy in almost everything we do, but if we aren’t careful there won’t be enough. Engineers have their work cut out for them. The world is counting on them to chart a course to a safe and clean energy future. They will need to come up with useful ways to save energy as well as ways to produce more of it. How can engineers work together to make the world work for the changing needs of people everywhere without damaging the environment? What should they be focusing on, and how will energy shape the future for engineering? Think about how much energy influences your life every day as you prepare your essay to answer the questions above.
Who Can Enter?
The contest is open to individual girls and boys. This year there are three age categories:
Ages 8-11 - 3rd grade to 5th grade
Ages 12-14 - 6th grade to 8th grade
Ages 15-18 - 9th grade to 12th grade
Science, Evolution, and Creationism
The National Academy of Sciences and Institute of Medicine have released Science, Evolution, and Creationism, a book designed to give the public a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the current scientific understanding of evolution and its importance in the science classroom.
In the book Science, Evolution, and Creationism, a group of experts assembled by the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine explain the fundamental methods of science, document the overwhelming evidence in support of biological evolution, and evaluate the alternative perspectives offered by advocates of various kinds of creationism, including "intelligent design." The book explores the many fascinating inquiries being pursued that put the science of evolution to work in preventing and treating human disease, developing new agricultural products, and fostering industrial innovations. The book also presents the scientific and legal reasons for not teaching creationist ideas in public school science classes.
In the book Science, Evolution, and Creationism, a group of experts assembled by the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine explain the fundamental methods of science, document the overwhelming evidence in support of biological evolution, and evaluate the alternative perspectives offered by advocates of various kinds of creationism, including "intelligent design." The book explores the many fascinating inquiries being pursued that put the science of evolution to work in preventing and treating human disease, developing new agricultural products, and fostering industrial innovations. The book also presents the scientific and legal reasons for not teaching creationist ideas in public school science classes.
Statistical modeling in clinical trials
Statistical modeling in clinical trials
Improved statistical methods for post-study treatment adjustments are needed.
Deadline: May 30, 2008
Reward: $25,000
To learn more visit the InnoCentive Web
Improved statistical methods for post-study treatment adjustments are needed.
Deadline: May 30, 2008
Reward: $25,000
To learn more visit the InnoCentive Web
The Life and Times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Educators and others interested in the amazing life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. now have a resource in ResearchChannel:
“Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture in Social Justice”
“America in the King years, 1965-1968”
Globalization and the Flow of Knowledge
The mobility of skilled labor is transforming the flow of knowledge around the world. As U.S.-educated engineers and professionals return to their home countries, they are turning what once was a brain drain into a two-way process of brain circulation. These professionals are transferring to developing regions the technology and managerial know-how that once resided exclusively in advanced economies like the U.S. This process is fueling the emergence of new centers of technology entrepreneurship and creating new competitors for Silicon Valley and foreshadows persistent global skill shortages in coming decades. Discover Cal Lecture, University of California, Berkeley.
Speakers: AnnaLee Saxenian, Dean, School of Information and Professor, City and Regional Planning, University of California, Berkeley. Steven Weber, Director, Institute of International Studies and Professor, Political Science.
Speakers: AnnaLee Saxenian, Dean, School of Information and Professor, City and Regional Planning, University of California, Berkeley. Steven Weber, Director, Institute of International Studies and Professor, Political Science.
The Brain Drain of doctors and nurses from the Philippines leaving for work in the U.S.
Frontline/World reports on the "brain drain" of doctors and nurses from the Philippines leaving for work in the U.S.
Some health experts predict that the U.S. will have a shortfall of 800,000 to 1 million nurses by the year 2020. American nursing schools are not producing enough nurses to be able to meet the demand of an aging population; so hospitals, with the support of the American government, are now turning to foreign nursing graduates. Over the last few years, there's been a tremendous increase in the number of trained medical staff leaving the Philippines; last year alone approximately 12,000 left the country.
Some health experts predict that the U.S. will have a shortfall of 800,000 to 1 million nurses by the year 2020. American nursing schools are not producing enough nurses to be able to meet the demand of an aging population; so hospitals, with the support of the American government, are now turning to foreign nursing graduates. Over the last few years, there's been a tremendous increase in the number of trained medical staff leaving the Philippines; last year alone approximately 12,000 left the country.
Growing Up Online - Teenage Self-expression on the Web
MySpace. YouTube. Facebook. Nearly every teen in America is on the Internet every day, socializing with friends and strangers alike, "trying on" identities, and building a virtual profile of themselves--one that many kids insist is a more honest depiction of who they really are than the person they portray at home or in school.
In "Growing Up Online," FRONTLINE peers inside the world of this cyber-savvy generation through the eyes of teens and their parents, who often find themselves on opposite sides of a new digital divide. From cyber bullying to instant "Internet fame," to the specter of online sexual predators, FRONTLINE producer Rachel Dretzin investigates the risks, realities and misconceptions of teenage self-expression on the World Wide Web.
"Growing Up Online" coming January 22, 2008 http://www.pbs.org/frontline/kidsonline/
In "Growing Up Online," FRONTLINE peers inside the world of this cyber-savvy generation through the eyes of teens and their parents, who often find themselves on opposite sides of a new digital divide. From cyber bullying to instant "Internet fame," to the specter of online sexual predators, FRONTLINE producer Rachel Dretzin investigates the risks, realities and misconceptions of teenage self-expression on the World Wide Web.
"Growing Up Online" coming January 22, 2008 http://www.pbs.org/frontline/kidsonline/
Omidyar Network
Omidyar Network is a mission-based organization established by eBay founder, Pierre Omidyar. Since 2004, they support institutions and structures that foster conditions for individuals to improve the quality of their lives. These conditions include equal access to information, resources and tools, the ability to connect to others with shared interests, and a sense of ownership over outcomes. They are currently expanding beyond investments and grants to include public policy and other areas.
To date, Omidyar Network has created a diverse portfolio that fosters empowerment across the economic, political and social realms, with investments in areas such as microfinance, participatory media, philanthropic markets, and transparency in government.
To date, Omidyar Network has created a diverse portfolio that fosters empowerment across the economic, political and social realms, with investments in areas such as microfinance, participatory media, philanthropic markets, and transparency in government.
Survey of 13 nations looks at attitudes towards food and weight
According to a new poll of 9,000 people from 13 countries, few people are blaming government for rising levels of obesity and would rather point the finger at the food available to them. Lack of exercise and genetics were also to blame.
The poll, which aimed to determine variations in attitudes towards food and weight, found that many French get on the scales every day, while those from Singapore are the least likely to weight themselves. Additionally, people from the US and UK were most likely to claim “no self-discipline” as the main reason for obesity. People from those two countries also stated they would find it too hard to give up fast food.
The poll, which aimed to determine variations in attitudes towards food and weight, found that many French get on the scales every day, while those from Singapore are the least likely to weight themselves. Additionally, people from the US and UK were most likely to claim “no self-discipline” as the main reason for obesity. People from those two countries also stated they would find it too hard to give up fast food.
Great thinkers and scientists answer: What have you changed your mind about ? Why?
The Edge Foundation asked a number of leading scientists and thinkers why they had changed their minds on some of the pivotal issues in their fields.
The Edge Annual Question 2008: What have you changed your mind about? Why?.
The Edge Annual Question 2008: What have you changed your mind about? Why?.
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