Electronic Highways
Year of science
Take time each month in 2009 to celebrate and learn more about science as this year has been designated the Year of Science by the . The has many useful resources to get you started. Start with the fascinating images and text from the , where you will find a detailed and interesting discussion of the nuances of the scientific method. Then and check out citizen science activities, such as the , and .
The (AAAS) will provide Year of Science celebrants with a steady stream of news of scientific research findings. Its news service makes available breaking stories from the , and the . Up-to-date science headlines and news summaries also can be found at , where all scientific topics are covered from “Health & Medicine” to “Fossils & Ruins.” And, be sure to check out , a blog featured on the , for the latest in scientific news.
the National Public Radio program hosted by UB alumnus , is a great choice for keeping up with a full range of scientific topics and breakthroughs. If you can’t be near your radio to hear the show on from 2-4 p.m. on Fridays, go to the Web site for of the show. Also, users are encouraged to participate in all matters “SciFri.”
The Year of Science may peak your interest in careers in science or may motivate you to inspire others to take the plunge. The is a Web site funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation that provides a variety of excellent resources on pursuing careers in more than 170 degree fields in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computing and health care. And whether you are an established or aspiring scientist, the will provide you with “frequent updates from the science-career trenches, including advice, opinion, news, funding opportunities and links to other career-related resources.”
Exposing yourself to science humor is a great way to celebrate the Year of Science. Check out , which recently was nominated as a finalist for the 2008 Weblog Award in its science category. Finally, the gallery featuring the work of Sidney Harris, a renowned cartoonist for publications such as The Chronicle of Higher Education, Discover, Natural History Magazine, and The New Yorker, offers chuckles on such diverse subjects as academe, chemistry, Einstein, global warming, medicine, psychology, risk analysis and more.
—Gemma DeVinney, University Libraries
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