PrimateLit: A Bibliographic Database for Primatology
http://primatelit.library.wisc.edu/
Covering scientific literature on nonhuman primates, this database is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Regional Primate Center, the Washington Regional Primate Research Center, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries. Users can search the full 200,000 citation collection or only those citations added within the last six months. It is also possible to browse literature categorized by discipline or body region/system, and some of the citations include links to online abstracts. This database is user-friendly and contains an abundance of information for anyone interested in primate research. [AL]
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Applications of Gap Analysis
http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/applications/applications.htm
The US Geological Survey's Gap Analysis Program (GAP) is a cooperative project that attempts to map land cover and vertebrate species distribution in order to enhance conservation land management activities. Recently added to the GAP Web site are several links to regional applications of GAP, including Colorado, Utah, European forests, Washington State, and the Circumpolar Protected Area Network (CPAN). Each link contains a different presentation of how GAP is being used in that geographic area. [AL]
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Angiosperm Phylogeny Web site
http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Research/APweb/welcome.html
From the Missouri Botanical Gardens, this Web site provides a classification of angiosperms that can be navigated either by phylogenic tree, Order, or Family. A detailed description of the classification system is provided by the author, along with literature references and links to other related Web sites. Descriptions of each Family and Order include synonyms and the geographic range in which each is found. Users with a background in botany will find this a useful resource. [AL]
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Checklist of Amphibian Species and Identification Guide
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/idguide/
The US Geological Survey's Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center has provided this online guide for identification of amphibians in North America north of Mexico. Checklists of all known amphibian species in North America north of Mexico are arranged both by family and species name, and by scientific name only. Many of the listed species are accompanied by photos, descriptions, and range maps. Since most of the information is accessible by scientific name, the site is best used by those users with some background knowledge of amphibians. [AL]
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Database: Scientists & Non-Profits' Ties to Industry
http://www.cspinet.org/integrity/database.html
The Integrity in Science project of the Center for Science in the Public Interest has developed a database of scientists and nonprofit organizations with ties to industry. Data is provided "mostly in the fields of nutrition, environment, toxicology and medicine." Searches can be performed by categories, such as name, topic, or university. A brief description of the type of corporate support, along with reference, is given for each listed researcher and organization. This list is intended only as public awareness. It is not a comprehensive list, and inclusion does not imply improper or unethical behavior. [AL]
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Anchialine Caves and Cave Fauna of the World
http://www.tamug.tamu.edu/cavebiology/Intro.html
Marine Biologist Dr. Thomas Iliffe at Texas A&M University has constructed this appealing Web site focusing on anchialine caves and their fauna. Current cave research project descriptions and an online message board are provided to enhance collaboration among cave researchers worldwide. The image gallery includes great images of cave fauna, research trips, and space photos of the caves. Specific information about the caves and species lists are included for the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Yucatan Peninsula. [AL]
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The Mosquito Genomics WWW Server
http://mosquito.colostate.edu/
Maintained by Colorado State University, these databases include genetic and physical chromosome mapping data as well as literature citations. The six databases include a general mosquito database and five databases specific to each of these species: the yellow fever mosquito, the Asian tiger mosquito, the Eastern tree hole mosquito, the malaria mosquito, and the Northern house mosquito. Several search and browse categories are provided, and although the databases are mainly useful for those users with background in the field, some links like Mosquito Fun Facts may be interesting to beginners and experts alike. [AL]
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Reports of the Surgeon General [.pdf]
http://sgreports.nlm.nih.gov/NN/
The National Library of Medicine has provided this digital collection of Surgeon General Reports. Reports are listed both alphabetically and chronologically, and users can perform a search. Particularly useful is the Exhibit section, which includes various reports with brief background narratives, arranged by subject. This section also links directly to reports published after 2000. [AL]
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Bucket Buddies
http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/bucketproj/
The Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) has developed this online project to allow students around the world to compare the organisms found in water samples they collect from local ponds. This year's project will run from March 15 - June 1. Classes will develop a hypothesis, collect data to be shared with other participants, analyze the shared data, and complete a final report to be posted online. The Teacher Area includes instructions for submitting reports and lesson plans about topics like macroinvertebrate identification. Check out the Student Area to see the reports completed last year. This is a neat project to get students actively involved in questioning the world around them and to introduce them to collaborative scientific experiments. The main CIESE Web page has other projects that are worth investigating as well. [AL]
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Artificial Anatomy: Papier-Mache Anatomical Models
http://americanhistory.si.edu/anatomy/index.html
This Web site from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History highlights the use of papier-mache anatomical models as a learning tool. Major sections of the site include the history of anatomy teaching; preservation of the Smithsonian collection; and photos of various human, veterinary, and botanical models. A fun addition to the site is the Body Parts game, where users test their anatomical knowledge. With plenty of photos and historical information, this site offers a unique perspective for anatomy teachers. [AL]
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DNA from the Beginning [Flash, Real Player]
http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/
Maintained by the Cold Spring Harbor Research Laboratory and the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation, this animated DNA primer (last mentioned in the February 19, 1999 Scout Report) now has three major sections -- Classical Genetics, Molecular Genetics, and Genetic Organization and Control. Each section covers several concepts by description and in animation, along with interviews and biographies of scientists, a quiz to test your understanding, and related Web links. This is a well-organized site with a lot of valuable information for high school and beyond. [AL]
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Planet Ocean
http://school.discovery.com/schooladventures/planetocean/
From DiscoverySchool.com, Planet Ocean is a Web site developed for students in grade 5-8 to learn about the abundant life found in the world's vast marine environments. Students are introduced to oceanography, marine biology, food chains, and ecosystems. Teachers will appreciate the tips for using this site in the classroom and related resources, and almost anyone will appreciate the Amazing Facts found under each topic. [AL]
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Life Science Safari
http://www.vilenski.org/science/safari/index.html
Life Science Safari is developed by Jennifer Vilenski, a 7th Grade Life Science teacher at Roger Ludlowe Middle School. Arranged into the five categories of bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals, the Web site allows students to learn about the cellular structure and classification of many living organisms. In particular, the animal kingdom section has a lot of information. Students can then test what they've learned by taking their own expedition. By answering a series of questions, students can make their way to the gumbolino tree in South America or a particular herd of African zebras. This award winning site is a fun presentation of a broad base of biological knowledge. [AL]
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Ask the Experts
http://www.sciam.com/askexpert/
Scientific American's Ask The Experts Web site (last mentioned in the October 15, 1997 Scout Report for Science & Engineering) is worth mentioning again as a great resource for mid and upper-level science classes. Divided into categories like Astronomy, Biology, Environment, and Medicine, students can submit their own questions or read answers to questions posed by other inquisitive minds. Some of the more recent questions include "If T. rex fell, how did it get up, given its tiny arms and low center of gravity", "How do seedless fruit arise and how are they propagated?", and "How do you get laryngitis?" The site is continually adding answers to a variety of interesting questions. [AL]
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Microbe Zoo
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/dlc-me/zoo/
The Microbe Zoo is a product of the Digital Learning Center for Microbial Ecology (DLC-ME), a collaboration between Comm Tech Lab and Michigan State University to make tools for learning about microscopic organisms more readily available to students and teachers. This Web site is a fun way to learn about these communities of microbes, where they live, and how they help support life on earth. Students can learn about the microbes that inhabit diverse places like farm fields, toxic waste dumps, cow rumen, our homes, and even our food by clicking on words or pictures. This site is an entertaining way to learn about a subject that is often overlooked. [AL]
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Plants and Animals: Partners in Pollination [.pdf]
http://educate.si.edu/resources/lessons/siyc/pollen/start.html
This Web site is just one of the many lesson plan categories available through the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies. Designed for grades 3-8, three pollination lesson plans are available for online viewing or .pdf download, along with a page of further teaching resources. Objectives include identifying the parts of a flower, describing the complimentary relationships between pollinators and plants, and identifying adaptations that allow pollination to occur. Teachers will find this and the larger Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies site helpful with these complete and detailed lesson plans. [AL]
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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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Overfishing
1. Scientific American: Conservationists Identify Marine Biodiversity Hotspots
http://www.sciam.com/news/021502/1.html
2. csmonitor.com: For underwater national parks
http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0201/p11s05-coop.html
3. Pew Oceans Commission: Fishing and Aquaculture
http://www.pewoceans.org/inquiry/fishing/
4. Pew Oceans Commission: Marine Aquaculture in the United States
http://www.pewoceans.org/oceanfacts/2002/01/11/fact_22988.asp
5. NOAA Fisheries
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/index.html
6. Marine Protected Areas: Economic and Social Implications [.pdf]
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/pdf.cfm?ContentID=1535&FileName=MPAs%5Feco%5Fsocio%5Fimplic%2Epdf
7. National Fisheries Institute: Key Issues
http://www.nfi.org/issues/index.php
8. Seafood Lover's Guide [.pdf]
http://www.audubon.org/campaign/lo/seafood/cards.html
The marine fishing industry provides an important source of food and employment for many people. However, overfishing is continually becoming a problem, threatening some of the world's marine species and habitats.
The first (1) is a short article from Scientific American about some recent research that identifies ten biodiversity hotspots where conservation is becoming extremely important. An opinion piece from Christian Science Monitor (2) claims there is a need for no-take marine reserves to protect fish populations and fisheries. A page from the Pew Oceans Commission (3) gives some information about overfishing and other ecosystem impacts of fish harvesting. The Pew Oceans Commission also has this more in-depth report (4) on Environmental Impacts and Policy Options of US Aquaculture. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's fisheries Web site (5) offers a great deal of information on many aspects of fishing. A downloadable report (6) on the economic and social implications of marine protected areas offers a unique perspective on both the costs and benefits associated with them. The Fish & Seafood Trade Association of the National Fisheries Institute shares their perspective on key environmental issues through this (7) Web page. Lastly, the Audubon Society has provided various downloadable wallet cards (8) to help seafood lovers choose their purchases wisely. [AL]
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Below are the copyright statements to be included when reproducing annotations from The NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences.
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From The NSDL Scout Report for Life Sciences, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
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Copyright Susan Calcari and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1994-2002. The Internet Scout Project (http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/), located in the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides information about the Internet to the U.S. research and education community under a grant from the National Science Foundation, number NCR-9712163. The Government has certain rights in this material. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire Scout Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, are preserved on all copies.
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