The Real Green Revolution: Organic and Agroecological Farming in the South [.pdf]
http://www.blauen-institut.ch/Tx/tP/tpG/525greenRevo.pdf
This recent report associated with Greenpeace and Cardiff University highlights some of the opportunities and challenges of establishing an organic farming movement that "can increase food security, reduce poverty and protect environmental resources" in the Southern hemisphere. Even though the report asserts that government policies are still needed to encourage the extension of organic farming, several positive trends are identified through a number of worldwide case studies. The 151-page report can be viewed only in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. [AL]
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Resources Related to Biological Weapons Control and Bioterrorism Preparedness [.pdf]
http://www.asmusa.org/pcsrc/bioprep.htm
The American Society for Microbiology has developed this new Web page as a compilation of resources on biological weapons. As a response to potential risks of bioterrorism, the American Society for Microbiology is promoting an increased awareness of lab safety procedures, legislation, and potential risks associated with the field of microbiology. The site is comprehensive, up-to-date, and easy to navigate, while providing a considerable source of important information. [AL]
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San Francisco Estuary: Invasive Spartina Project [.pdf]
http://www.spartina.org/index.htm
The Invasive Spartina Project was developed by the California State Coastal Conservancy to determine the extent and address the problem of invasive Spartina in the San Francisco Estuary. This Web site describes the efforts of the Invasive Spartina Project and the risk that Spartina poses. A variety of maps and photos are used to describe the results of the 2000-2001 survey of Spartina populations within the estuary. A host of other documents regarding Spartina and this project are also available in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. [AL]
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Viral Genomes
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMGifs/Genomes/viruses.html
This new Web page from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) is specific to viral genomes. The site "currently contains 1145 Reference Sequences for 873 viral genomes" that can be searched or browsed taxonomically or alphabetically. The site also includes a narrative and graphic Scheme of Influenza A virus replication. The information presented by this site is most appropriate for an advanced audience. [AL]
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Two on New Conifer Species
Botanists Discover New Conifer Species in Vietnam
http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/02/pr0251.htm
New Conifer Discovered
http://www.rhs.org.uk/publications/pubs/garden0202/newsconifer.asp
An extraordinary discovery of a previously unknown conifer genus and species has recently been made in northern Vietnam by an international team of botanists. This is the first new conifer genus discovered since 1994. The first is a press release from the National Science Foundation that describes the research and the importance of the discovery. The second site from the Royal Horticultural Society focuses more specifically on the plant. [AL]
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FoodLink [.pdf]
http://www.barc.usda.gov/bhnrc/cnrg/resech3.html
This Web site is provided by the Community Nutrition Research Group, which is associated with the US Department of Agriculture. The site includes a group of downloadable databases that contain food pyramid and intake information. Additionally, several research analyses based on these and other databases are viewable online or for download. The Features section is a nice overview of the site that allows easy navigation for those unfamiliar with the site. [AL]
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Pennsylvania Aquatic Insects [Flash]
http://paaquaticfliesrus.bd.psu.edu/index.asp
This Web site from Penn State University is a vast resource of information on aquatic insects. Users can search or browse the database for an insect species and view maps of the selected species distribution within Pennsylvania, or all of North America. The site has recently added some radar images of a Mayfly emergence, complete with a detailed description to help interpret the images. Those visitors interested in trout fishing may appreciate the two pages on tying flies that can be found by navigating through the section entitled How to Use Site. [AL]
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Earth Trends: The Environmental Portal
http://earthtrends.wri.org/index.cfm
This Web site from the World Resources Institute is a conglomeration of global data on a broad range of environmental topics that range from biodiversity to governmental institutions. The databases can be searched by subject or region, and can produce data for multiple countries at one time. A large number of specific data queries are provided. The site is easy to use, and is a fast reference source for producing distinct statistics. Search results include data sources for those users looking for further information. [AL]
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Learning and Understanding: Improving Advanced Study of Mathematics and Science in US High Schools: Report of the Content Panel for Biology
http://books.nap.edu/books/NI000404/html/
The pre-publication of this report by the Committee on Programs for Advanced Study of Mathematics and Science in American High Schools has recently been made available on the National Academy Press Web site. The 51-page report was undertaken to "compare the Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and alternative programs for advanced study in biology with regard to content, pedagogy, and outcomes." An important finding of the report is that biology education in general has deficiencies at all levels, from primary school through the undergraduate level. Particularly, the report found that "AP and IB courses tend in general to be out of date, too broad, and too inflexible." [AL]
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The Polar Bear Tracker [QuickTime]
http://www.panda.org/polarbears/
This new Web site from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International explores how polar bears are affected by global warming. Data on the movements of two radio-collared bears can be viewed, along with the ice status, through a series of online maps. This is an interesting site with valuable information and a nice balance of maps, photos, and text. The animation of the polar bear tracking data is a really neat feature, but is best viewed by advancing through the stages manually because the rapid speed of the film makes it difficult to comprehend. [AL]
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Fun With Bacteriology
http://www.cbdn.ca/english/fun_with/fun_with.html
This Web site from the Canadian Bacterial Diseases Network is an introduction to bacteriology for a general audience. Photos and text introduce the basics including microscopy and Gram staining, different cell types, and bacterial culture plates. After exploring these topics, site visitors can then work through a series of short case studies with the knowledge that they have gained. This is an informative and easy to navigate site that may serve as an interesting learning tool for high school and undergraduate students. [AL]
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Woodland Network
http://www.skolweb.vaxjo.se/biowindows/default.htm
The Woodland Network is "an interactive environmental project for both primary and secondary schools."Available in a variety of different languages, this Web site includes the main project for secondary students, Woodland Research, along with two smaller activities for younger students. The projects are designed to allow students to collect real woodland sample data and make comparisons with data collected from other students around the world. The site includes adequate instructions and reporting forms, as well as a searchable database of submitted results. [AL]
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Bridging the Watershed
http://www.bridgingthewatershed.org/
Bridging the Watershed is a partnership between Washington DC area schools and the National Park Service that uses the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds as "learning laboratories." The Students section of this site has some great interactive activities that help students learn how to identify plants and ecosystems, determine stream health based on macroinvertebrate identification, and understand the perils of migratory fish. This is a great Web site with a broad range of information suitable to a variety of different age levels and interests, yet with enough detail to make each section stand alone. This site is also reviewed in the June 14, 2002 Scout Report. [AL]
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The Great Plant Escape
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/gpe/
This entertaining and educational Web site from the University of Illinois Extension asks students to help Detective Le Plant and his assistants, Bud and Sprout, solve mysteries of the plant kingdom. As they work through the cases, students can learn facts about plant structures, functions, and life cycles; develop an understanding of plants as an important food source; and complete a variety of hands-on activities. The site is designed for 4th and 5th grade students, and each case includes a teacher's guide to help steer students through the activities. Activities and cases can be used in series as they are presented, or as stand alone activities. [AL]
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Planet Earth: A Suite of Interactive Learning Activities on Ecology
http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/mtr/planetearthmainpage.htm
This collection of educational activities is provided by the Poway California Unified School District and the Museum of Television and Radio. Students in grades 5-9 can complete these activities involving real world environmental issues by exploring the online resources and developing responses to the thought provoking questions. A large number of high quality Web links are used throughout the activities, and the activities themselves are presented in an easy-to-follow format. [AL]
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Agropolis Museum: Food and Agricultures of the World
http://museum.agropolis.fr/english/index.html
These virtual exhibitions from the Agropolis Museum in France focus on issues surrounding food acquisition throughout history and across cultures. The History of Food and Agriculture is an extensive online exhibit that visitors can navigate through, and explore in as much depth as they choose. The other two exhibits are more brief, offering comparison information on farming and food consumption practices among a select number of cultures. All exhibits are easy to navigate, attractive, and offer a fresh look at the subject of food, something many of us take for granted. [AL]
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Spring Migration [QuickTime, Real Audio, Windows Media Audio]
http://www.enature.com/birding/migration_home.asp
The new Spring Migration site from eNature.com and the National Wildlife Federation provides an online reference for bird enthusiasts that shows the dates that each species can be expected to return to its summer habitat. Site visitors can choose from a large number of species found in their range. Maps show summer and winter habitat ranges and migration patterns. The site also provides photos, field guide information, and bird call audio for each species. [AL]
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Strange Science: The Rocky Road to Modern Paleontology and Biology
http://www.strangescience.net/
Those interested in the history of science should find this page interesting. Although the site is developed by a private individual, it is full of quality information from a large bank of references. The Goof Gallery is a unique collection of some erroneous discoveries made by historic scientists, complete with sketches of monsters and dragons that were once assumed to exist. Another useful feature is the short biographies on a large number of scientists and others "who contributed to what we know today." [AL]
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Intelligent Design? A Special Report Reprinted from Natural History Magazine
http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/nhmag.html
Actionbioscience.org hosts this recent report from Natural History Magazine on the debate over a growing antievolution concept called intelligent design. This report includes "brief position statements by three leading proponents of the theory (of intelligent design), along with three responses." Each author's main points are summarized in the left margin to help the reader comprehend the arguments, and author bios are included, as well as a long list of Web links. [AL]
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Arctic Science Journeys: Salmon Boom [Real Audio]
http://www.uaf.edu/seagrant/NewsMedia/02ASJ/04.19.02salmon-boom.html
A recent Arctic Science Journeys (last mentioned in the November 24, 1999 Scout Report for Science & Engineering ) broadcast from the Alaska Sea Grant College Program and the University of Alaska Fairbanks focused on the subject of Alaskan salmon. Research indicates that salmon booms at one point lasted for hundreds of years, rather than just decades as they do now. The Web site includes an audio and a text version of the broadcast and related Web links. [AL]
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Cloud Forest Alive
http://www.cloudforestalive.org/
The Cloud Forest Alive Web site, associated with the Tropical Science Center and Forum One Communication, provides a host of information on the biologically diverse cloud forests of Central America. The site contains a large amount of information on several aspects of the forest, including many attractive photographs. A recent highlight is one of the sites online cameras, the Quetzal Cam. Highlights from this year's Quetzal Cam show the activities within the nest, including incubation, the hatchling birds, and an intruding weasel that brought an end to the chicks' short lives. The Web cam photos are a little difficult to see, but they can be enlarged by clicking on each photo individually. The site seems to continually update its content, making it a site that users can visit often to develop a broader understanding of these unique forests. [AL]
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Chicago Wilderness
http://www.chiwild.org/
The Chicago Wilderness is a network of more than 200,000 acres of protected land in the Chicago region, extending from Wisconsin to Indiana. This Web site describes the Chicago Wilderness and what makes it such a valuable resource. It also gives details on how to visit or volunteer. A relatively large section discusses threats to the biodiversity of the region and how the Chicago Wilderness is addressing those threats. This site is a great introduction to this network of natural areas, with easy to navigate drop down menus, many attractive photos, and text written for a general audience. [AL]
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Two on Genetic Counseling
Genetic Counseling: Coping with the Human Impact of Genetic Disease
http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEC/CC/counseling_background.html
National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc.: Career Information
http://www.nsgc.org/CareerInformation.asp
These two sites explore the growing field of genetic counseling. The first is an Access Excellence Classic Collection site which gives an overview of what genetic counseling is, and what typically occurs during a genetic counseling session. It also includes some classroom activities (appropriate for high school or college students) to further the understanding of some of the concepts used by a genetic counselor. The next site, from the National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc., focuses on career information including an overview of the profession, advice on becoming a genetic counselor, and an interesting section entitled Genetic counselors in "Nontraditional Roles." [AL]
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Earthwatch Radio [Real Audio]
http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/earthwatch/default.html
This home page for Earthwatch Radio, from the Sea Grant Institute and Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, includes transcripts for all of the current radio programs. Site visitors can subscribe to receive an email with the five brief stories featured each week. The featured program of the day can also be heard using Real Audio. A nice attribute of the site is the archive search where users can find topics previously featured, all of which include links to the sources of the information. [AL]
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Phytonutrients
1. Watermelon Shows Its Lycopene Stripes
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2002/020604.htm
2. Phytonutrients Take Center Stage
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/dec99/stage1299.htm
3. Phytochemicals -- Vitamins of the Future?
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5050.html
4. Frequently Asked Questions About Phytonutrients
http://www.barc.usda.gov/bhnrc/pl/pl_faq.html
5. Molecular Expressions: The Phytochemical Collection
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/phytochemicals/index.html
6. The Healing Power of Soy's Isoflavones
http://www.fwhc.org/health/soy.htm
7. Studies on Phytochemicals
http://www.nutrilite.com/usa/html/studies.html
8. Phytochemicals in Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Human Health
http://phytochemicals.tamu.edu/
The first site (1) is a recent news article from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that discusses new findings about the lycopene content found in watermelon. A second article from the USDA (2) is a general overview of the importance of phytonutrients. This fact sheet (3) from Ohio State University is a good introduction to what phytochemicals are and what foods contain them. The USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (4) also provides this brief page of frequently asked questions about phytonutrients. A more detailed page from Florida State University (5) includes microphotos of several phytochemical compounds. The Feminist Women's Health Center (6) provides this description of the health benefits of one particular phytonutrient, isoflavone. Those who are looking for detailed information on phytochemical research may appreciate this Web page (7) of abstracts and citations from a number of clinical studies. The last resource from Texas A&M University (8) is the Web page for a course on phytochemicals, but provides several news and career opportunity links that may be of interest to non-students. [AL]
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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/
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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.
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