Science Education & Policy

Plant-eating animals in highly seasonal environments, such as the Arctic, are struggling to locate nutritious food as a result of climate change, according to research in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The research, which focused on caribou, suggests that not only are these animals arriving at their breeding grounds too late in the season to enjoy the peak availability of food - the focus of previous research by Post - but they also are suffering from a reduced ability to locate the few high-quality plants that remain before these plants, too, become unavailable. The team focused their…

In the perpetual fight over evolution in public schools, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that supporters of science education have largely been successful in shutting down creationist attempts to undermine evolution through state legislatures and state school boards. While there is still mischief going on in many state legislatures, these efforts rarely go anywhere, thanks to vigilance by supporters of good science education. An essay in PLoS Biology today argues that, at the state level, things are going well: At this time, not a single state uses its content standards to…

NEW YORK, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- - New Mapping Tool Plots Geographical Search Results on a Digital Map, Providing Further Insight Into the Geographic Context of Results Engineering Village, an Elsevier online search platform that provides database content and analysis for engineering researchers, announced today the addition of the American Geological Institute's GeoRef database to its content offerings. In addition, the new GeoRef database and Engineering Village's existing GeoBase database have both been 'mashed-up' with Google Maps to create a unique results mapping tool. The additions…

Lawrence Krauss, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist whose research is so broad that it covers science from the beginning of the universe to the end of the universe, will join Arizona State University in August to assume a leadership role in an emerging research and educational initiative on “origins.” “Lawrence Krauss has been at the forefront of trying to unify particle physics and cosmology; of trying to use the universe itself as a laboratory to understand fundamental interactions, fundamental science and fundamental physics,” says ASU President Michael Crow. “His ability to address…

NICE, France, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- - Participation in TM Forum Catalyst Projects reinforces Microsoft's commitment to accelerating deployment of services based on industry standards. This week at TM Forum Management World 2008, Microsoft Corp will demonstrate continued innovation and the strength of its partner model in delivering exciting new services to consumers and businesses. In its exhibit presence and through participation in the Management World conference programme, Microsoft will underscore its vision for Telco 2.0, highlighting its portfolio of screens, services and service…

AMELIA ISLAND, Florida, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants announced the introduction of IFRS.com, a new Web site developed in partnership with its marketing and technology subsidiary CPA2Biz to help members and financial professionals learn about and stay informed on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). "It is increasingly clear that as international standards gain wider acceptance and use in the United States, the accounting profession must keep pace," said Barry C. Melancon, president and chief executive officer of the AICPA. "Our…

LONDON, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- - Third and Seventh Largest UK Pension Funds Come Out in Favor of Separation of Chairman and CEO Roles at ExxonMobil; In 24 Hours, Six Major Institutional Investors Signal Support for Independent Chairman Two more of Europe's largest institutional investors are announcing publicly today that they support Proxy Item 5 at the Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) calling for an independent chairman of the board at one of the world's largest companies. The shareowner vote to separate the Chief Executive and Board Chairman positions at ExxonMobil will take place at…

LONDON, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The MS Society welcomes the decision by MPs to allow scientists to use 'hybrid' human - animal embryos in research into conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Jayne Spink, Director of Policy and Research at the MS Society, said: "This really is a victory for common sense. "Allowing scientists to further explore this avenue of research may prove to be hugely beneficial not just to the 85,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but to the hundreds of thousands of people living with debilitating, degenerative and life limiting conditions. "The MS Society…

ESA has today opened applications for talented individuals wishing to become an astronaut in the European Astronaut Corps. There has not been a selection campaign since 1992, so this is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of ESA’s human spaceflight programmes including future missions to the ISS, the Moon and beyond. Applicants will be asked to enter some personal information and contact details, and to upload a private-pilot medical examination certificate, from an Aviation Medical Examiner who has been certified by their national Aviation Medical Authority; or alternatively the ESA…

GENEVA, Switzerland, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- - Shocking Lack of Global Statistics Prompts Creation of First Global Resource on Hepatitis: The Hepatitis Atlas GENEVA, Switzerland, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Hepatitis Alliance, a newly formed Non-Governmental Organisation, today called on governments around the world to do more to drive improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment for people living with chronic viral hepatitis B and C. Although it is estimated that 500 million, approximately one in 12 people, are infected with either chronic viral hepatitis B or C globally(1,2),…