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April 25, 2007
Two Viewpoints on CDC and Disappearing Bee Syndrome
Beekeepers and the entomological community are concerned by the recent large-scale die out of honey bees. The phenomenon has been reported in 27 states, Europe, Central and South America. The suspected causes for Colony Collapse Disorder range from cellular phone towers to genetic modified organisms to pesticides.
The New York Times reports on the work of Pennsylvania State entomologist Diana Cox-Foster, one of many scientists studying the sudden decline in adult bees in the U.S. While the Independent (London) presents another investigation into the cause
Posted by hinsdalereference at 5:19 PM
April 20, 2007
37th Earth Day April 22, 2007
Among the many events celebrating the 37th Earth Day is the Green Festival. The Green Festival will be held at McCormick Place Lakeside Center Saturday and Sunday April 21ST and 22nd. The festival will feature over 300 eco-friendly and fair trade vendors, and presentations on environmentally friendly consumer and industrial products. Local organic farmers will hawk their wares and organic cooking demonstrations will be held. Alternative, sustainable, and renewable energy, as well as energy conservation will be the major focus of the fest. But expect green construction and buildings to have a high profile, as Chicago is the home for the award winning Center for Green Technology.
Regular admission (for both days) is $19 or $10 for a one day pass, but discounts for taking public transportation or biking to the festival are available. Remember simple changes, like using canvas bags at the grocery store or bicycling around town, can reap big rewards. For example, a single day pass is $5 for anyone biking or taking the bus to the festival
Posted by hinsdalereference at 4:14 PM
April 16, 2007
Chicago Beats LA, Long World-Wide Race Ahead
This afternoon at Daley Plaza, Chicago celebrates its first taste of victory in its Olympic bid. There’s still a long road ahead. Chicago is the U.S. “applicant city” and now the US Olympic Committee must file Chicago’s application with the International Olympic Committee.
The process of wooing the sporting world now begins. In brief, the United States Olympic Committee files Chicago’s application and Chicago becomes the candidate city. Then the International Olympic Committee members quiz all the candidates and after making some cuts announce the finalists by early 2009. Member Judges then visit the finalist cities and scrutinize their plans. The finalist present their best last shot directly before International Olympic Committee members take the final vote. A more complete breakdown of the process can be found in the April 16, 2007 issue of the Chicago Tribune.
Meanwhile we wait for the International Olympic Committee to announce the host of the Winter 2014 games, but Chicago 2016 will not be idle. Next week in the first of many “charm tours” Patrick Ryan, Chicago 2016 chairman, will attend the Sport Accord conference in Beijing. This will be Chicago’s first promotional effort to the international sports community as something more than a “hopeful” host and less than “official” candidate.
Posted by hinsdalereference at 12:11 PM
April 12, 2007
Sprint Nextel Targets Chicago for One of the First WiMax Networks
Chicago will be one of the first cities using mobile-wireless internet on a new Sprint network. The network constructed by Motorola is expected to be in place locally by the end of the year. The nation-wide roll out is predicted to follow, starting in 2008. The network will not replace the existing cellular network, but work along side it on another radio spectrum and utilize the new WiMax chip. For more information on WiMax and the Sprint Nextel network see Jon Van’s Chicago Tribune story.
Posted by hinsdalereference at 6:41 PM
April 2, 2007
Aging U.S. Population Facing Alzheimer’s Boom
The Alzheimer’s Association recently released its annual report which predicts an epidemic-level boom in Americans suffering Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 5 million people in this country are living with the disease, but only 19% have received an official diagnosis. A leading factor to the wave of Alzheimer’s disease cases is the healthier lifestyle of the boomer generation and the resulting longer lifespan.
On the bright side, Japanese researchers are optimistic about their work towards an Alzheimer’s disease vaccine. The National Institute for Longevity Sciences has succeeded in reversing early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in lab mice treated with and amyloid plaque anti-virus. Their report will be published in July and small-scale human testing may begin later in the year.
American and Irish drug manufacturers, Wyeth and Elan, are already testing their vaccine on humans.
Posted by hinsdalereference at 3:43 PM