Daily News

Posted on Oct. 10: McMaster biologist discovers link between mice and humans

It drives advertising and launches wars, and now a Canadian population biologist says scientists have seriously underestimated a central force in the origin of new species - sex. According to McMaster's Rama Singh, new evidence is revealing that sex and reproduction-related genes are the overlooked supercharged engines for the evolution of new types of animals and plants. "Most species live in a stable environment, and therefore in my mind, the force of natural selection is smaller than sexual selection. This is because sexual selection involves two components - males and females - and they always have to adjust to changes in the other sex regardless of whether those changes are due to selection or chance," says Singh, a biology professor at McMaster University. A species is any group of animals or plants that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Posted on Oct. 9: Strategic business studies institute opens in McMaster’s new AIC wing

McMaster University announced the official grand opening of the AIC Institute of Strategic Business Studies at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business today. Michael Lee-Chin, chairman and chief executive officer of AIC Limited, was on hand for the ceremonies. "The importance of instilling within business leaders a sound intellectual framework to allocate capital prudently has become even more apparent in today's environment," explains Lee-Chin. "AIC is proud to play a role in educating the business leaders of tomorrow through the AIC Institute for Strategic Business Studies." In June 2001, Lee-Chin announced a $5-million gift to the DeGroote School of Business on behalf of his company, AIC Limited, to establish the specialized institute. Although he graduated from McMaster with an engineering degree, Lee-Chin soon discovered he possessed an inherent business savvy. A classic success story recognized in Forbes and other media, Lee-Chin has gone from enterprising student to one of Canada's wealthiest men. AIC Funds commenced operations in 1985 and has grown to become Canada's largest privately held mutual fund company, servicing more than one million investors. Assets under management total more than $11 billion. McMaster University President Peter George hails the establishment of the institute and the creation of the AIC wing as a generous investment in the future of outstanding teaching and research in the business school. "This exciting partnership with AIC allows the University to pursue a new direction in business studies," says President George. "It contributes in a significant way to McMaster's ability to deliver exceptional educational programs and research in the field of investment management and ensures our students will continue to be recipients of innovative, interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship."

Posted on Oct. 8: Great Romantics Festival offers musical treats

Romance will be in the air this week as McMaster hosts its eighth international Great Romantics Festival. The festival, founded in 1994 by Alan Walker, takes place Thursday, Oct. 10 to Saturday, Oct. 12. Walker is emeritus professor of music at McMaster and author of the standard (and international award-winning) biography of Franz Liszt, the famous 19th century composer. "The festival is an unusual and perhaps unique event," says David Palmer, academic skills counsellor with the Centre for Student Development. "It brings together renowned musicians from around the world to perform music from the Romantic period -- mostly of the 19th century. These musicians pay their own expenses, and appreciate this opportunity to meet each other and perform for each other, as well as for other music-lovers."

Posted on Oct. 9: Open forum challenges disability barriers

Many of the 300 McMaster students, faculty and staff who have a disability face barriers on campus every day. McMaster's Centre for Student Development (CSD) wants that to change. A disabilities awareness forum on Thursday, Oct. 10 will address disability issues that exist on campus. "Many people on campus, when they think of disability and disability issues, usually think of just physical disabilities and wheelchair accessibility," says Amber Rutherford, disabilities awareness co-ordinator with the CSD. She hopes the panel will educate people about disabilities issues on campus and also inform people about their rights. A panel of speakers, including students with visible and invisible disabilities and University representatives, will address questions such as, "What is your understanding of disabilities and disability issues on campus", "Who is responsible for change", and "what would a barrier-free campus look like to you?" The audience will be invited to share their own experiences, ideas, insights and concerns and ask the panel questions, says Rutherford. "We hope this will act as an avenue for students to contribute their ideas for the development of a barrier-free campus," she says. "Hopefully people will take away with them an understanding of disabilities, that they will be aware of the daily struggles of students, faculty and staff with disabilities and of the supports that are available for people with disabilities." People are invited to sign up to be involved in a working advocacy group following the panel discussion. The forum will be opened by Alan Shain, a comedian and disability activist, and concluded with a reception. The event takes place in the McMaster University Student Centre, Room 315 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Posted on Oct. 7: Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation contributes $1 million to create neonatology research chair

A pioneer in the care and treatment of critically ill newborns is being honoured today with the creation of an endowed research chair in neonatology at McMaster University. The Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation has contributed $1 million to create the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation - Jack Sinclair Chair in Neonatology. The University will match the endowment. "We are proud to make this contribution," says Liz Newman, chair of the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation Board. "It represents an investment in people and in the knowledge they bring to our hospital. "By creating this position, Hamilton Health Sciences will be better able to continue to recruit the best and the brightest in neonatology. We know it will help to ensure that babies and families in this region benefit from leading-edge care." The research chair is named in honour of Jack Sinclair, who is renowned for establishing neonatal intensive care in Hamilton and recognized internationally as an expert in evidence-based neonatology.