Division of Environmental and Life Sciences

News From the Dean
The weekly update from the Dean of Division, A/Prof Kevin McCracken

Sustainability@MU Transport Survey
Just trying to find out how you travel to and from work - complete the survey and win a bike!

Opportunities
- Position Available: The Children’s Medical Research Institute in Westmead

Events
- Biological Sciences Seminar: "Bumblebees & climate change: an integrated approach"
- Aust. Health Policy Institute talk: "Translating Election Promises in Health"
- Australian & New Zealand Solar Energy Society talk: "Geothermal Energy"
- ELS Seminar Series

News from the Dean

Dear Colleagues

I hope you all had an enjoyable extra long weekend and partook in lots of extra calories in the form of chocolate and buns! Don't feel guilty. We'll all need the energy in the weeks ahead.

In case you missed the MQ Announcements Message, The Macquarie University Research Development Grants Scheme is now open for applications.

Further details available at:-
http://www.announcements.mq.edu.au/others/macquarie_university_research_development_grants_scheme_150_now_open

Greening Australia are offering free books and brochures. The books titled:-
•  Native Vegetation & Property Management; and
•  Native Vegetation & Regional Management and Riverways: Shortcuts to River Management Information in Australia ;
and the brochures:-
•  Florabank; and
•  Exchange: National Vegetation Knowledge Services;
are available from:- http://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/resources/index.html

The Australian Earthquake Engineering Society (AEES) is offering a scholarship of up to $3000 to suitably qualified persons to assist research activities related to earthquake engineering or seismology. Applications are invited from postgraduate or honours student's research in the area, enrolled at the time of application at an Australian university and a current member of AEES. Further details from Ms Sharon Anderson, Australian Earthquake Engineering Society, PO Box 4014 , McKinnon PO VIC 3204.

And finally, from the NSW Office for Science and Medical Research Newsletter, an announcement of the prestigious NSW Scientist of the Year Awards. These Awards will recognise and reward cutting-edge research and provide role models for future generations taking up careers in science-related fields. Nominations forms will be available from the following website from late March:-

http://osmr.enewsletter.com.au/link/id/12b9aed93d7b49904a59P4d720fa0eb7785faed48/page.html

Till next time

Kevin

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Transport Survey - Win a bike!

We invite you to complete our short survey on your travel patterns to and from Macquarie. The information you give us will be used to inform our Sustainable Transport Strategy. By completing the survey, you will go into the draw to win a new bike! Thank you for supporting Sustainability@MQ initiatives.

Click here to take the survey

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Opportunities

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Position Available: The Children’s Medical Research Institute in Westmead

The Children’s Medical Research Institute in Westmead is a dedicated team of people working toward a common goal – the improved health of our children. The Institute is currently seeking to appoint a Science Communications Officer.

The position will co-ordinate many of the communication and education activities of CMRI. The successful applicant will be degree qualified in biology/medical science with advanced communication abilities. Flexibility in work hours with occasional overnight travel is involved.

For the position description and further information please contact the Community Relations Manager, Jennifer Philps on 8865 2800.

Applications should include a cover letter (citing PV 08/02), a curriculum vitae and the contact details of two (2) professional referees and should be sent to recruitment@cmri.com.au

Closing date for applications is Friday 4 April 2008.

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Events

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Translating election promises and programs in health.
Wednesday 26th March

Dr Lesley Russell, Menzies Centre for Health Policy sets the political scene for health care reform in 2008 and examines how election commitments are translated into health policies and programs. Q & A to follow panel discussion.

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm Mar 26 Cost: Free
Venue: Bosch Lecture Theatre 2, Western Avenue, University of Sydney
Bookings: Australian Health Policy Institute (02) 93512818

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Geothermal Energy
Wednesday 26th March

Come and learn about the existing possibilities of energy from the ground. Hear Yale Carden from Geoexchange Australia Pty Ltd discuss Geothermal for Energy Efficiency and Building Comfort: Geoexchange Heating and Cooling Systems, and also Jaan Boersma, retired physicist explores Geothermal Energy: Salvation for Climate?

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm Mar 26 Cost: Free
Venue: Main Hall, Redfern Town Hall, 73 Pitt Street Redfern, Between Wells & Redfern Street, Redfern
Enquiries: Australian & New Zealand Solar Energy Society www.anzses.org (02) 9918 9613

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Biological Sciences Seminar: "Bumblebees & climate change: an integrated approach"
Dr. Graham Pyke, Macquarie University   

Summary: During June through August 2007 my colleagues and I revisited surveys of bumblebees and flowers that I had carried out in the vicinity of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado in 1974. We also examined data from several weather-recording stations in the area. This allowed us to consider whether the local climate had changed during the intervening period, whether such changes might be related to factors operating at a global scale, and whether plants and bumblebees have shown corresponding distributional changes expected of them. In my talk I shall provide answers to these questions and consider the consequences of our results in terms of further research and the local community.

Wednesday 26 March at 1 pm, Block E8A room 290 (Biology tearoom)

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ELS Seminar Series

Departments in ELS host seminars covering a wide range of topics associated with ongoing research projects and other areas of interest. The seminars are delivered by academics, research staff, and students from within the Division, as well as guest speakers from other institutions and industry. Details of times, dates, locations and topics of seminars to be held over the next few weeks are listed here.

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Snippets

Corals adapting to climate change
A coral in the Great Barrier Reef has showed signs of adapting to climate change by switching its algae to better cope with the heat, research has revealed.

Parents pack unhealthy lunchboxes
Parents aren't sure what foods to include in their children's lunchboxes in order to provide a healthy and nutritious meal, research has shown.

Fishing nets threaten dolphins
Commercial fishing boats and trawling nets are endangering Common Dolphins in New Zealand, according to findings that have prompted a call for safer fishing laws.

Researchers confuse malaria cells
Scientists have discovered the 'post code' that helps malaria cells move proteins and survive in humans, allowing them to confuse and kill the parasite.

Male suicide rates in decline
The number of Australian men taking their own lives has dropped in the past decade, possibly as a result of suicide prevention strategies, according to new research.

Older drivers vulnerable in crashes
Although older drivers are less likely to crash than youths, when they do they are more vulnerable to injury and death, research has found.

Warming will overheat air cons
The pressure of global warming will cause office air conditioning systems to collapse, unless buildings are adapted to stay cool, research has revealed.

Giant eddy cools Sydney's waters
Sydney's waters have been cooled by a giant eddy that stretches 300 km in diameter and has been growing off shore since August, according to latest findings.

Beathe Easy When You're In the Swim
Most swimmers are familiar with the odour of their pool. That strong smell of "chlorine" is not, however, due to chlorine gas at all. Instead, it is the smell of volatile byproducts formed when chlorinated disinfectants react with sweat and urine in the water.

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