Daily News

Posted on Oct. 15: Nobel laureate Bertram Brockhouse: A modest hero’s figure

McMaster professor emeritus Bertram Neville Brockhouse, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1994, died Monday. He was 85. Brockhouse shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with American physicist Clifford G. Shull for their separate but concurrent development of neutron-scattering techniques. Bertram was a pioneer who made an incredible impact on the world of science, said McMaster President Peter George. He also had a passion for science that was an inspiration for many. One researcher he made an impact on was Bruce Gaulin, Brockhouse Chair in the Physics of Materials. I am literally where I am today because of the work he did, said Gaulin, who also wrote an article with Brockhouse for the Encyclopedia of Physics. Gaulin was impressed by Brockhouse's modesty for his work. To me, the most amazing thing about him was how modest he was and how he always was such a fine gentleman.

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.