Genetics Home Reference: Your Guide to Understanding Genetic Conditions
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/ghr/page/Home
The Genetic Home Reference, offered through the National Library of Medicine, offers easy-to-understand "consumer information about genetic conditions and the genes responsible for those conditions." The site consists of four main sections: 1) summaries of genetic conditions including symptoms, treatment options, patterns of inheritance, and other important information; 2) summary information for the genes responsible for genetic disorders; 3) an introduction to genetics and genetic research; and 4) a searchable glossary. Users may easily search or browse the site for specific information, and numerous links to related resources are provided. [RS]
[Back to Contents]

Galapagos: Way Beyond Darwin [RealOne Player, Windows Media Player]
http://smithsonianassociates.org/OnlinePrograms/baldwin/Baldwin-vod.htm
Visitors to this Web site will find an interesting presentation given by marine biologist, Carole Baldwin, as part of the Pfizer Foundation Distinguished Lecture Series at the Smithsonian Institution. Baldwin, Curator of the Smithsonian's Division of Fishes, provides a "behind-the-scenes glimpse of the making of the popular 3-D IMAX film about the Galapagos Islands." The site provides both audio and video of the entire presentation as well as a number of related links. [RS]
[Back to Contents]

World Environment Day 5 June [pdf]
http://www.unep.org/wed/2003/
This Web site introduces the United Nations Environment Programme's World Environment Day (WED), hosted this year in Beirut. World Environment Day is "one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action." This year's theme is "Water -- Two Billion People are Dying for It." Features available on the Web site include downloadable informational material, descriptions of WED events planned around the world, a fantastic collection of water-related photos from UNEP's International Photographic Competition, and much more. The site also includes a quiz where users can test their understanding of water resources and responsible water usage. Also available in Arabic, French, and Spanish. [RS]
[Back to Contents]

The Museum of Bacteria
http://www.bacteriamuseum.org/
The Museum of Bacteria serves as a clearinghouse of Web links on bacteria and bacteriology and also provides "crystal-clear information about many aspects of bacteria." The Museum of Bacteria is provided by the Foundation of Bacteria, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the field of bacteriology. Links are selected for a general audience, although one section is geared toward professionals in the field. Some of the latest features of the Museum are an "exhibit" on the good bacteria found in food and a Student Hall where students can present their own bacteria-related projects. [RS]
[Back to Contents]

Killer Caterpillars [Macromedia Flash Player, RealOne Player, Windows Media Player]
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0306/feature6/index.html
The online companion to the June 2003 issue of National Geographic magazine includes a fascinating (if somewhat grisly) look at carnivorous caterpillars, which represent less than one percent of known butterfly and moth species. The Web site offers a number of multimedia features, including the amplified "drumming and grunts" of Maculinea alcon caterpillars inside a nest of ants, and a movie of a carnivorous caterpillar devouring a fly. The site also contains an excerpt from the magazine article, an extra essay about acid-squirting ants, a Web-exclusive photo gallery, and other interesting features. [RS]
[Back to Contents]

Devonian Ocean Simulator [Macromedia Shockwave Player]
http://www.geocities.com/christiandarki/fish.htm
Navigate along a prehistoric ocean floor in this Devonian ocean simulator created by multimedia designer Christian Darkin. With excellent graphics and a convincing underwater feel, the simulator presents a fun way to learn about marine life from the Devonian period. Pointing the mouse at a creature as it swims by brings up a short description. Low-end and high-end versions of the Devonian ocean simulator are available, with the only difference between them being the number of animals in the simulation. The site also presents two work-in-progress dinosaur demos that are worth checking out. [RS]
[Back to Contents]

Botanique: Portal to Garden, Arboreta, and Nature Sites
http://www.botanique.com/
Botanique is a portal to over 2300 garden, arboreta, and natural areas in Canada and the U.S. A number of easy-to-use search options (including an interactive map) allow users to find the gardens, etc. in any area -- a great tool for planning garden tour trips. Many listings include outside links for further information. Botanique offers a variety of other useful features, such as an events calendar and a selection of annotated "Favorites" Web sites. The Resources section contains loads of links to great Web sites of interest to gardeners. [RS]
[Back to Contents]

Spring Forward
http://www.ec.gc.ca/seasons/spring_e.htm
"From gardening to spring cleaning, there are many ways you can help the environment." Visitors can learn more about eco-friendly spring projects from this Environment Canada Web site. Although content is geared toward Canadian residents, the site should be of interest to anyone. Visitors will find information on environmentally sensitive cleaning products and pesticide alternatives, composting and vermiculture tips, a guide to North American migratory birds, and more. This Web site may be focused on springtime, but much of the content and advice holds true for any season. [RS]
[Back to Contents]