General
London's Science Museum and its partners have recently opened the Dana Centre, a "dynamic events space [that] will bring the hottest themes in modern science to adults-only audiences through a programme of bold and innovative events." The Dana Centre website allows virtual visitors (over the age of 18) to "take part in exciting, informative and innovative debates about contemporary science, technology and culture."
Live webcasts and online discussions cover a constantly changing menu of topics, from the serious (e.g. HIV and AIDS) to the not-so (e.g. the relative merits of the new iPod).
[RS]
Stem Cells: 5-Year Progress Report
http://whyfiles.org/189stem_cell/index.html
CBS News: Stem Cell Trials on Humans Nearer
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/10/27/tech/main580317.shtml
In a recent press briefing, stem cell research pioneers James Thomson and John Gearhart announced that, despite political obstacles and limited funding, stem cell research is progressing and clinical trials on human beings should begin within the next five years. The Why Files chronicles the first five years of embryonic stem cell research, covering the science, the politics, and the ethical issues behind this contentious topic (and a closer look at the both the promise and doubt in adult stem cells). The second website -- from CBS News -- covers the press briefing held by Thomson and Gearhart, and offers two interactive features on stem cell research and human cloning, as well as links to related CBS News stories. [RS]
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Library of Medicine recently launched NIHSeniorHealth.gov, a website developed from NIA research on older adults, cognitive aging, and computer usage. This easy-to-use website "makes aging-related health information easily accessible for adults 60 and older" and serves as "a useful tool for family members and friends who are seeking online health information for their older relatives." Topics covered include Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, exercising for older adults, and more. The website offers several options for enhancing usability, including a virtual voice that reads all text aloud. Visitors may also watch video clips (captions available), take short quizzes, or follow links to MEDLINEplus websites for more detailed information. [RS]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/prescription/
In the recent PBS broadcast Dangerous Prescriptions, Frontline "investigates the integrity of America's drug safety system." The documentary (viewable in its entirety online) explores "the FDA's handling of several drugs that were approved but later were pulled from the market after causing injuries and even deaths." The companion website offers a look at how the FDA works and details of its recent record, based on interviews with current and former FDA officials. Also, readers may share their thoughts on the issue with Frontline and a selection of readers' letters may be found under the Discussion heading. [RS]
http://www.npr.org/display_pages/features/feature_1497083.html
This website, from National Public Radio's Morning Edition, offers a look at legislation proposed in Congress that would require fast food and other chain restaurants to provide nutritional information for their menu items. The website offers complete audio of the story, which aired earlier this month. Visitors will also find a short article on the topic, links to related stories from NPR, and a set of Web resources. The site also provides a downloadable report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest -- a sizeable document that provides in-depth information on the subject, and even includes menu mock-ups. [RS]
http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Myst/index.html
Interactive Investigator, available through Virtual Museum Canada, is a website "for anyone with an interest in the different scientific methods used to solve crimes." Users will find a database of forensic science, containing short but informative essays on forensic entomology, toxicology, alcohol analysis, and various other forensic science topics. A simple timeline reviews key dates in the development of forensics, starting with the creation of the Paris Institute for Forensic Science in 1868. But the main feature (and the most fun) is an interactive game, in which players collect and analyze crime scene clues to solve a murder case. Interactive Investigator is also available in French. [RS]
http://ebiomedia.com/gall/micronat/
A Micronaturalist's Notebook is a series of photo essays from BioMEDIA Associates offering a quick but fascinating look at "the teaming worlds of life in ponds, streams, tidepools, moss beds, the soil, and virtually everywhere else in the world." The website contains amazing photographs by BioMEDIA's biologist/filmmaker Bruce Russell, along with interesting and informative descriptions. The November 2003 feature, Bacteria: Ya Can't Live Without 'Um! highlights bacterial decomposition, cyanobacteria, and the bacterial origin of cellular organelles. [RS]
