ScienceTunnel [Flash, RealPlayer, QuickTime]
http://www.sciencetunnel.com/#
This Web site contains the virtual version of ScienceTunnel, a museum exhibit currently at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, England. Created by the Max-Planck-Society, ScienceTunnel invites visitors to "travel through the dimensions of this world and onward to the outskirts of our knowledge." Visitors explore twelve orders of magnitude, from the composition of subatomic particles to the unfolding of the universe. Within each of the twelve stations, visitors will find spectacular images (including the occasional movie clip) and links to related research from the Max-Planck-Society. While the flashy visuals are appealing, navigating through this Web site can feel a bit like getting lost in a disco. But after a little trial and error, visitors should have no problem making the most of ScienceTunnel. This Web site is available in German. [RS]
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Worldometers
http://www.osearth.com/resources/worldometers/
Visitors to this Web site can keep tabs on the state of the planet with Worldometers -- automatic counters tallying real-time changes in a number of global indicators. Worldometers is presented by o.s.EARTH, Inc., a nonprofit research and education organization that provides "experiential, simulation-based learning and training about world resources and issues." Visitors may view counters in the following areas: Population, Energy, Food Supply, Health, Education, Environment, and Economy and Government. The Web site is simply presented, and while visitors will have to look elsewhere for a discussion of the issues presented, the counters themselves paint a rather vivid picture of global concerns. [RS]
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Smallpox [.pdf]
http://www.smallpox.gov
On December 13, 2002, President Bush announced a strategy to better protect Americans against the threat of smallpox attack. This Web site from the Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) offers a comprehensive resource for information on smallpox, aiming at an audience of healthcare professionals, medical researchers, and the general public. Sections that would interest the general reader include Smallpox Basics; CDC's Smallpox Response Plan and Guidelines; Vaccine/ Vaccination information; and Information for Kids, Teens, and Parents. Links within each section lead to informative pages from DHHS or other Web sites. Many pages are available in Spanish. [RS]
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Oil, Out of Control
http://whyfiles.org/168oil_spill/index.html
Oil, Out of Control is an in-depth Whyfiles story that follows from news coverage of an oil spill off Spain's northwest coast in 2002. This Web site offers a straight look at the issues surrounding this and other famous oil spills, particularly that of the Exxon Valdez off Prince William Sound in 1992. The authors make clear the allegiances of people quoted in the story, while clearly explaining both the science and politics of oil spills and cleanup efforts. The Web site also features a news release from Unocal regarding a spill in Indonesia, with a humorous Whyfiles "plain-English" translation of slippery corporate jargon. [RS]
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How the Earth Fared [.pdf]
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/pdf.cfm?ContentID=2560&FileName=2002howtheearthfared.pdf
Environmental Defense, a nonprofit organization that "brings together experts in science, law and economics to tackle complex environmental issues," presents How the Earth Fared, a year-in-review of environmental news in 2002. Available as a 4-page document, How the Earth Fared highlights developments and setbacks in the following areas: climate change and global warming, natural resources, endangered species and wildlife habitat protection, antibiotic resistance and organic foods, toxic chemicals, air quality, and oceans. The document includes links to relevant articles. [RS]
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The Allergy Authority [Windows Media]
http://www.theallergyauthority.com/
The Allergy Authority, created in collaboration with Healthology.com and funded by an educational grant from Schering-Plough (the makers of Claritin), offers "information necessary to make informed decisions about the control of allergy symptoms." The Web site describes the different types of allergies, how allergies develop, the difference between chronic and seasonal allergies, the side effects of allergy medications, and more. The site's main sections -- The Basics of Allergies, Seasonal or Chronic Allergies, and Treating Your Allergies -- each contain video clips and short articles on a number of related topics. While in at least one video clip Claritin is mentioned specifically, the content of the Web site seems generally inclusive and noncommercial. [RS]
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Hot Topics: Alcohol [RealPlayer]
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopics/alcohol/
This Web site from the BBC provides a multi-faceted exploration of the science of alcohol. Visitors may browse eight detailed pages relating the science of alcohol production, how alcohol is absorbed and processed by the body, what happens when you've had too much, and much more. The clear yet detailed content of this site goes far to clear up alcohol-related misconceptions and misinformation. Other features include alcohol trivia, a quiz, movie and audio clips of alcohol-related BBC documentaries, links to other health Web sites for additional information, and a public message board. [RS]
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Search the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl
The USDA Agricultural Research Service Nutrient Data Laboratory presents the National Nutrient Database, which has an easy-to-search interface that quickly retrieves nutritional data for every food item that contains a specific keyword. For instance, searching for "soybean" calls up a long list of food items for which soybean is an ingredient: various margarines, salad dressings, and oils; raw soybeans; steamed soybeans; roasted soybeans; and so on. The complete nutrition report for each item can then be viewed after selecting a unit of measurement (e.g., per 100 grams). The database may also be search by single nutrients, such as iron or folic acid. [RS]
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