Waterbird Population Estimates 3rd Edition: Consultation Draft
http://www.wetlands.org/news&/NewsItems/WPE3announce.htm
The global conservation organization Wetlands International has recently made data from this draft publication available online. Expert comments are being sought until the end of June on data that estimates "numbers and population trends of 2,165 populations of 850 species recognized as waterbirds throughout the world." Data is presented in a series of Excel spreadsheets, as well as a link provided to the report's second edition that includes a description of the codes that are used. A page of specific feedback requests helps users provide more critical responses to the data provided. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Global Forest Watch
http://www.globalforestwatch.org/english/index.htm
A series of new reports released last month by World Resources Institute's Global Forest Watch (last mentioned in the March 3, 1999 Scout Report for Science and Engineering) "concludes that vast areas of remaining intact or old-growth and primary forests are being degraded as the result of unsustainable development practices." Analysis of forest cover maps and land use practices for several countries is provided in summary form, along with links to full reports that can be downloaded. The site also has a Data Warehouse where users can download maps for their own analysis. This site is also reviewed in the May 31, 2002 Scout Report. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Predator/Prey Interaction
http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/research/reef-monitoring/cots02/cots02.htm
This Web page from the Australian Institute of Marine Science focuses on the "relationship between the Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) and the coral that they prey upon," which has been experiencing widespread mortality since 1994. Brief in length, the page includes primarily the results of ongoing COTS monitoring data, but several links provide information like background on the reefs, COTS biology, and data collection methods. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Race, Class, Gender, and American Environmentalism [.pdf]
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/gtr534.pdf
This new report from the US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service focuses on environmentalism and different groups of people. "The paper posits that race, class, and gender had profound effects on people's environmental experiences, and consequently their activism and environmental discourses." The report details the history of the environmental movement, focusing on more than the dominant perspective. Four "major pathways of environmental activism" are identified and discussed in terms of race, class, and gender. All 60 pages can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Natural Resources Law: An Overview
http://www.law.cornell.edu/topics/natural_resources.html
The Legal Information Institute from Cornell Law School provides this Web collection of natural resources law information. The site identifies and links to several relevant federal and state statutes, regulations, and decisions, along with providing links to many related agencies and organizations. This site does not serve as an environmental law primer with narrative text, but it does provide a convenient collection of environmental law research tools. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Asthma and Allergy Gene Database
http://cooke.gsf.de/asthmagen/main.cfm
This database, from Matthais Wjst at Germany's Institut fr Epidemiologie, was developed to facilitate communication and collaboration among researchers focusing on prevention and cures of asthma. After the free registration, users can access the database to search for references and data on asthma-related genetic linkages and mutations. The site is specifically designed for use by genetic researchers, so there is not much information on using the database or interpreting results. The FAQ section, however, does provide some helpful general information. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
The Bio-Web: Resources for Molecular and Cell Biologists
http://cellbiol.com/
Bio-Web is a directory site of resources for molecular and cell biology. The site includes links to news articles from various journals and news sources, current books, research institutions, and research lab home pages. Possibly the most useful feature is the collection of links to protein sequencing tools and databases. Although the site does not contain original content, it may prove helpful for those who are looking for a consolidated collection of information specific to molecular and cell biology. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
AgBios
http://www.agbios.com/default.asp
The Web site of Agriculture and Biotechnology Strategies Inc. (AGBIOS) includes a significant amount of news and information on the subject of biotechnology. A particularly interesting feature is the Biotech Crop Database, which includes a large amount of information including the modification method, nutritional and toxicity information, impact on biodiversity, and genetic stability of all biotech crops approved for use in the US and Canada. An additional bibliographic database is useful for research on "environmental, livestock feed, and human food safety of genetically modified crop plants." [AL]
[Back to Contents]
ReefQuest Expeditions: Biology of the Great White Shark
http://www.reefquest.com/white_shark/why_great.htm
This new section of the ReefQuest Expeditions Web site explores the "evolution, classification, anatomy, physiology, sensory capabilities, brain and cognition, diet and predatory behavior" of the Great White Shark. Text, images, and sketches of these magnificent sharks provide an in-depth look at many aspects of their biology. The site is explanatory and easy to read; navigation is also easy with an expanding menu that is visible on every page. With this vast quantity of information, almost anyone is bound to learn something of interest. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
The Environmental Classroom [RealPlayer]
http://www.greenworks.tv/tvshow/education/environ_classroom/welcome/welcome.html
Green Works Television and the Monagacci program for 7th graders in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, present this multimedia scrapbook on environmental education. Students share their thoughts and journal entries about the environmental education adventures they experienced and how the environment is connected to their lives. Parents, students, and teachers who are looking for ways to foster similar learning experiences will find the resources page useful in setting up their own environmental education curriculum. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
jungletrekker.com
http://www.jungletrekker.com/
This home page for eco-tourism company jungletrekker.com focuses on Brazilian Amazonia. Although the site is designed to advertise their travel services, those who are just interested in learning general facts about the geography, culture, flora, and fauna of Amazonia may also find this site useful. The photo gallery contains some fabulous images that should not be missed. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Virtual Labs
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/index.htm
These virtual labs from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute allow students to experience laboratory procedures as if they were a professional scientist. Students can isolate and analyze bacterial DNA sequences, examine cardiac patients, dissect a leech, or diagnose diseases by detecting the presence of antibodies. These virtual labs include animated steps that must be performed, along with textual instructions and explanations so that students understand not only what they are doing, but also why they are doing it. This is an extensive Web site that offers a lot to learn, and a chance to have fun in the process. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Enter the Hive [Flash]
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/alienempire/multimedia/hive.html
This flash animation of a honeybee hive is part of the larger Alien Empire site (last mentioned in the August 10, 2001 Scout Report) from PBS's Nature series. Site visitors can view the bees inside their hive developing through egg, larvae, and pupa stages before emerging into either a worker, drone, or queen bee. The structure and engineering of the hive, and behavior within -- including making honey, the social structure, and communication systems -- are also explained. The section on pollination touches on many biological functions including flower adaptations, the number of food crops dependent on pollination, and biodiversity. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Sea Urchin Embryology
http://www.stanford.edu/group/Urchin/contents.html
This site, associated with the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, is designed to help high school classrooms learn about fertilization and development using sea urchin lab experiments. Teachers can choose from either the core lab, or several slightly longer labs, all of which include step-by-step instructions. Additional lesson plans to ensure students have all of the necessary skills to complete the labs are also included, along with background information to help instructors. The Path of Development animation is an especially useful feature, allowing the students to see a more detailed view of some early development stages observed in the lab. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Science Knows No Boundaries
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/globalscitech/index.html
The US Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service has created this Web site, highlighting some of the biological research conducted in far reaching parts of the world. Presented in story format, the site describes research projects that take scientists to Nepal, France, Australia, and other nations. The site includes a link to additional stories about science careers, which may be a good way to incorporate it into the classroom. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
The Firefly Files
http://iris.biosci.ohio-state.edu:80/projects/FFiles/top.html
Summer is coming, and the Fireflies will soon be out. This Web site from the Museum of Biological Diversity at Ohio State University contains a variety of information about the biology of these bioluminescent bugs. The site includes various facts in non-scientific language and answers questions ranging from where they live to what makes them glow. Firefly Fun explains steps people can take to make their yard or garden more hospitable, and to increase the chances of observing fireflies in your own yard. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Stephen Jay Gould Dies [RealPlayer]
http://www.nature.com/nsu/020520/020520-3.html
The well known evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould died last week, 20 years after being diagnosed with cancer. This brief article from Nature touches on some of the highlights of his professional life. The Web page links to an audio interview with Ann Devlin, and to Gould's critical writing on cancer prognosis statistics entitled "The Median Isn't the Message." [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Biodiversity Month [.pdf]
http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/projects/iboy/biomonth/index.html
May 2002 was the first US Biodiversity Month, coordinated by the International Biodiversity Observation Year (IBOY). Those who missed it can check out this Web site to learn the purpose of Biodiversity Month, the types of activities that were held, and how to be included in next year's events. Downloadable fact sheets and activity guides may be useful to a variety of site users during the remaining 11 months of the year. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Nature Watch
http://www.naturewatch.ca/flash.html
Nature Watch is a series of volunteer environmental monitoring programs coordinated by the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMANCO), the Canadian Nature Federation, and the University of Guelph. Nature Watch is a growing network that currently includes Frog Watch, Ice Watch, Plant Watch, and Worm Watch. Site visitors can access the home pages of each of the participating programs for details about each program, how to collect and contribute data, and to view data that has already been collected. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
State of the Environment Australia 2001 [.pdf]
http://www.erin.gov.au/soe/2001/index.html
This is the second comprehensive report on the state of Australia's environment, authored by the independent Australian State of the Environment Committee. The entire report, as well as the seven topic specific supporting reports, can be viewed online or downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. The report identifies important environmental improvements since the 1996 report, identifying new challenges that will require innovative protection and conservation strategies. For those who are interested in a brief summary of the report's findings, the site also includes press releases, a key findings brochure, and topic specific fact sheets. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Titan Arum: the Biggest 'Flower' in the World
http://www.kew.org/titan/
This spectacular and putrid smelling plant at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, burst into flower earlier this month. This Web site includes a sequence of photos as the inflorescence grows from 350 millimeters to its mature height of over 2 meters. By visiting the site, users can also learn about the plant, its giant leaf and flower, and how it is pollinated. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Genomics and Its Impact on Medicine and Society: A 2001 Primer [.pdf]
http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/publicat/primer2001/index.html
This Web site from the US Department of Energy's Human Genome Project (HGP) serves as an informative primer on the state of the science of human genomics as of 2001. The entire report can be viewed online or downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. The site is written for a general audience and includes a dictionary of genetic terms. The content includes some basic genomics, history and accomplishments of HGP, the future of genomic research, and social concerns surrounding genomic research. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/
This US Geological Survey database provides information on nonindigenous aquatic species for resource professionals and the general public. Distribution maps and species information for a variety of aquatic vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant species includes photos, description of the life cycle, native and non-native habitat range, and potential impacts the non-native species has on its habitat. The site is easy to navigate; users can find information by species name, state, or drainage basin. A number of links are provided for further information. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
BiotechFind Search Engine
http://www.biotechfind.com/
BiotechFind.com is a searchable database of information on several aspects of the biotechnology field. The database is designed for a broad audience and includes information on biotech companies, university programs, lab products, job openings, and much more. Users can browse through the various topics, or search for a certain term or geographic area. The Web site also features the latest in biotech news. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Nanobiology
1. New Bug Found on Bug
http://www.nature.com/nsu/020429/020429-8.html
2. University of Texas Department of Geological Sciences Nanobacteria Research
http://www.geo.utexas.edu/Illite/index.html
3. Nanobacteria: Not a Life-Form?
http://naturalscience.com/ns/cover/cover14.html
4. Nanobiology Research Works to Uncover Mysteries of Cellular Mechanics
http://www.emory.edu/WELCOME/journcontents/releases/Fereydoon.html
5. International Conference Nanobiology 2001
http://gandhi.physics.emory.edu/nanobio/index.html
6. Size Limits of Very Small Microorganisms
http://www.nationalacademies.org/ssb/nanomenu.htm
7. The Bacteria in the Stone
http://www.sciencenews.org/sn_arc98/8_1_98/bob2.htm
8. Evolution Into the Next Millennium
http://www.technofutures.com/charles1.html
The first site (1) is a recent article from Nature that reports a newly discovered group of tiny microbes, Nanoarchaeota, that has "one of the smallest genomes known." The next Web site (2), from the University of Texas, gives a brief overview of nanobacteria, discusses the controversy over whether the small size can support independent life, and includes an image gallery. An article from Natural Science (3) details the controversy further based on two laboratory studies attempting to isolate nanobacteria and characterize its RNA. The next article (4), offered by Emory University, discusses the new field of nanobiology, and work that the University is doing to advance the field, including hosting the first ever International Conference on Nanobiology (5). The proceedings of a National Research Council workshop on the Size Limits of Very Small Microorganisms (6) is an in-depth look at the question of how small a free-living organism can actually be. Next (7) is an article that considers the possibility that nanobacteria are partially responsible for developing kidney stones. The last resource (8) focuses on the convergence of biotechnology and nanotechnology, purporting the field to be the "next great revolution in medicine." [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Below are the copyright statements to be included when reproducing annotations from The NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences.
The single phrase below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing any portion of this report, in any format:
From The NSDL Scout Report for Life Sciences, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
The paragraph below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing the entire report, in any format:
Copyright Susan Calcari and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1994-2002. The Internet Scout Project (http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/), located in the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides information about the Internet to the U.S. research and education community under a grant from the National Science Foundation, number NCR-9712163. The Government has certain rights in this material. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire Scout Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, are preserved on all copies.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, or the National Science Foundation.
For information on additional contributors, see the Internet Scout Project staff page:
http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/about/team.html
