Daily News

Posted on Oct. 14: Emerging emergencies

The last SARS patients have been discharged from our hospitals and the the West Nile virus seems less menacing as the cooler weather approaches. While these infectious diseases might seem less of a threat to the general public, there are serious ongoing challenges that confront our public health system. These challenges will be highlighted in the latest Science in the City public lecture by infectious diseases specialist Mark Loeb. Loeb's lecture, SARS and the West Nile Virus: Roadmaps for Emerging Infectious Diseases, will explore the importance of rapid and accurate diagosis, risk assessment, disease containment and vaccine development. As the Scientific Director of the Canadian SARS Research Network and one of the lead researchers in the first study in Canada to track the prevalence of West Nile virus, Loeb has been on the frontlines and will offer some insight into the important recommendations coming from the recent SARS commissions and the West Nile virus study . The lecture will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the Hamilton Spectator Auditorium, 44 Frid Street in Hamilton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This is a free lecture and all are welcome.

Posted on Oct. 15: Future engineers compete in McMaster’s engineering, science Olympics

More than 500 students from southern Ontario high schools are at McMaster today (Wednesday) for the annual McMaster Engineering and Science Olympics and Open House. Students are participating in a friendly competition of events based on engineering and science principles. This year, a new remote event concept has been introduced along with the traditional on-campus competition. This remote activity involves students working on a chemistry problem in a lab at their home school with results submitted online. Through the open house program, students will have a chance to meet with university students, faculty and professional engineers as well as seeing the on-going daily activities at the university. A variety of displays, special presentations and tours will be featured. "McMaster Faculties of Engineering and Science, known for innovation and education, excellence in research and quality of student life, offer the Olympics as an innovative opportunity for students to actively participate in applying engineering and science principles through friendly competition and activities," said Bob Loree, director of Engineering 1. Awards will go to the top teams in each event. More than $20,000 in McMaster entrance awards are available to be won.

Posted on Oct. 10: Symposium to explore nutrition of elite cyclists

Do elite cyclists receive sufficient carbohydrates, protein, fluid and electrolyte requirements for them to perform at their peak? A panel of internationally respected scientists are hoping to translate the scientific knowledge of training and nutrition for endurance athletes, acquired through controlled scientific experiments, into practical information at a symposium today hosted by McMaster's Department of Kinesiology. "The symposium is a unique opportunity to listen to a panel of internationally respected scientists give a series of practical overviews on training, nutrition, and ergogenic aids/supplementation for high-level endurance athletics," says PhD student Douglas Mahoney, a member of the organizing committee. This free symposium is being held in conjunction with the Road World Cycling Championships this week. It takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Information Technology Building, Room 137.