The Living Museum
http://www.wettropics.gov.au/lm/livhome2.htm
Tropical North Queensland is one of Australia's treasures. This online museum allows Web users to get a taste of the amazing diversity of this World Heritage Area. The site has great photos and plenty of information about unique animals like tree kangaroos, crocodiles, Mt. Lewis Spiny Crayfish, and giant centipedes. There is also plenty of information about the diverse plant species and communities found in the wet tropics. Anyone interested in the diversity of life should be excited by this Web site. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

Toxicological Profile Information Sheet [.pdf]
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxpro2.html
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is continually assembling toxicological profiles for hazardous substances. This site contains 256 online profiles listed alphabetically by chemical name. Each profile begins with a non-technical public health statement discussing the chemical, its environmental and health effects, and risk of human exposure. A more technical version of this information can also be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

Mesothelioma Information: The Asbestos Cancer Resource
http://www.mesoinfo.com/
This Web site is a comprehensive resource on mesothelioma, usually caused by exposure to asbestos. The site addresses what mesothelioma is, the various types of mesothelioma, and the risk factors. A brief overview of asbestos and some types of workers who are often exposed to it is also included. Other information includes medical treatment options, frequently asked questions about legal issues surrounding asbestos cancer, and links to additional resources. This site does not provide in-depth information on any of the topics addressed; rather, it serves as a broad overview of asbestos cancer. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

Mariner's Journal
http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/about/communications/journal/mariners-journal-00.html
This new Web site from the Australian Institute of Marine Science currently has only one featured cruise, the Northwest Cape and Ningaloo Reef expedition. The expedition began on March 6 and focuses on water circulation patterns and food supply for marine fish and crustacean populations. Users can track the progress of the research vessel and click on each date to read daily research reports and view photos from the field. This site is also reviewed in the March 22, 2002 Scout Report. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

Alternative Medicine: All in Your Mind? [Real Player]
http://whyfiles.org/150alt_med2/index.html
The latest addition to the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate school's Why Files (first mentioned in the August 9. 1996 Scout Report) is about alternative medicine and the actual biological effects that alternative medicine has on the human body. For many years, alternative medicine was considered "quackery", but this Web site presents some of the science behind the placebo effect and hypnosis. There is also a page on some of the effects of and concerns about St. John's Wort. A bibliography and links to related Why Files provide additional resources for those users who are not satisfied by this brief glance at the topic. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

Belgo Biotech [Flash]
http://www.belgobiotech.be
Belgo Biotech is a professional group of biotechnology companies within the Federation of Belgian Chemical Industries. Part of the group's mission is to "communicate the sector's position to the authorities and the public." This Web site does that and more. Some highlights of the site are a timeline of important genetic and biotechnology events, an in-depth look at what biotechnology is and some of its important applications, and an ethical code which governs all member companies. This is an interesting look at the field of biotechnology. The wide range of applications presented may make this subject interesting to many viewers. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

Biological Impacts of the Jessica Oil Spill on the Galapagos Environment [.pdf]
http://www.darwinfoundation.org/jessicareport.html
A year after the Jessica fuel tanker ran aground near the Galapagos Islands, spilling nearly 240,000 gallons of fuel oil into the ocean, researchers from the Charles Darwin Foundation have released this report on the biological impacts of the spill. The report gives an account of activities in the days immediately following the spill, along with research methods and results from subsequent biological monitoring studies. Although at least 370 large animals and more than 10,000 fish and invertebrates were impacted, the report determines that the impact on Galapagos biodiversity "appears negligible." However, this impact is difficult to quantify, partly because it is possible that many animals died at sea and, consequently, were not counted. The report also recommends further monitoring to assess medium and long term impacts, while also highlighting the need for baseline data. Although it was written for a technical audience, the report may be of interest to a more general audience. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

Parasites and Parasitological Resources
http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~parasite/home.html
The Ohio State University College of Biological Sciences maintains this Web site, which contains images and information on over 180 species of parasites. Images and information about the life cycle and host are available for many of the species. Species can be selected from an alphabetical (by scientific and common name) or taxonomic list. An interesting part of the site answers questions about parasites affecting pets, some of which can also infect humans. The site is well organized and contains considerable information for anyone with an interest in parasites. [AL]
[Back to Contents]