February 22, 2002 -- Volume 1, Number 3
Table of Contents | Printable version
General

Phylogeny of Turtles [Flash]
http://research.amnh.org/users/esg/
Dr. Eugene Gaffney of the American Museum of Natural History has created this Web site that offers a unique look at how turtles have evolved throughout history. Visitors can navigate through the guided exhibits to learn about turtles and their morphology. A bibliography of Dr. Gaffney's research is provided for those who want to explore the subject further.
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Women in Science and Medicine
http://www2.worldbook.com/features/features.asp?feature=wscimed&page=html/intro.htm&direct=no
Many of us have heard of Jane Goodall and Marie Curie, but what about Elizabeth Blackwell, Rosalind Elsie Franklin, or Gertrude Belle Elion? Women throughout history have made major scientific contributions. This World Book Web site highlights some of the most influential female scientists and how their contributions have advanced their respective fields. Along with a brief explanation of these branches of science, short biographies of female biologists, chemists, physicists, and others make this an interesting site for anyone interested in the history of science, careers in science, or women's accomplishments. [AL]
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The Global 200: Blueprint for a Living Planet
http://panda.org/resources/programmes/global200/pages/home.htm
The Global 200 is the World Wildlife Fund International's comprehensive ranking of the most biologically diverse habitats around the world. Search by name or country, click the desired location on a global map, or browse the entire list of more than 200 ecoregions to learn about each ecoregion and its diversity. A global map also shows which ecoregions are endangered or vulnerable. The detailed Global 200 report or a summary document can be downloaded for further information on the science behind the analysis. [AL]
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International Year of Mountains
http://www.mountains2002.org
The United Nations has declared 2002 the International Year of Mountains in order to raise awareness of the importance of mountain ecosystems and the threats many are facing. Although some parts of the site are still under construction, there is useful information about some of the complex issues surrounding sustainable development. Also included are a searchable calendar of events, a listing of major global events, featured news stories, and more. This Web site is a unique attempt to direct awareness to a global problem and increase action to improve the sustainability of many mountainous regions around the world. [AL]
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Common Cold
http://www.commoncold.org/index.htm
This Web site provides comprehensive information, selected by medical doctors, about the common cold. "The goal is to provide a framework for critical thinking which will allow informed decisions about medical care for the common cold." The section entitled Understanding Colds gives a detailed overview of how the cold virus invades the human body and how cold symptoms are caused. Information about preventing colds, and some of the complications that can occur are also included. The Special Features section includes one of the most interesting parts of the site -- Myths of the Common Cold. This site should be interesting to almost anyone, but perhaps more so for those of us who have recently had a cold. [AL]
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Commitment to Origins: On Good Grounds: Chiapas Mexico [Flash]
http://www.peelinteractive.com/ongoodgrounds/
Conservation International and Starbucks Coffee have partnered with farmers in Chiapas Mexico to preserve biodiversity by growing coffee beneath the forest canopy. Although this site serves partly as an advertisement for Starbucks, it is a neat introduction to some of the ecological issues surrounding coffee growing. Visitors will see stunning images of the tropical forest and some of the life found within it, a coffee farmer's calendar that includes audio quotes, and questions and answers about coffee and the partnership. One thing that is not clear, however, is the availability of the Shade Grown Mexico coffee that is advertised. [AL]
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Science Generation
http://en.science-generation.com/
Launched by Institut de France and the Aventis Foundation, Science Generation is an initiative to create a forum where citizens, experts, and decision makers can "scrutinize the choices facing society in the area of the biosciences," particularly the medical sciences. The Web site includes news, a bio magazine, and information about meetings and symposia held in France. Results of the first opinion barometer, developed through an annual survey and interviews, are available online in summary form, or users can download the full .pdf report. Although some aspects of this site is geared toward people who live in France, the Bio Mag, in particular, is useful to anyone interested in biomedical science. [AL]
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International Center for Gibbon Studies
http://www.gibboncenter.org/
The International Center for Gibbon Studies Web site has a variety of information to advocate the study, preservation, and propagation of this highly endangered primate. General information is included about the Center and about gibbons, along with a bibliography of scientific literature authored or co-authored by the Center's director. Several photo galleries include photos of the Center's gibbons and text about the various species. [AL]
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