Re: [ECOLOG-L] Intellectual and anti-intellectual society
Good analysis, Martin. Some relevant quotes from today's newspaper: Modern Americans behave as if intelligence were [sic] some form of hideous deformity. Stupidity is the basic building block of the universe. Let's not be too rough on our own ignorance, it's what makes America great. (From The Edge - a humor and nonsense column) I was surprised to also read claims that college graduates are now America's most faithful churchgoers, at least partly due to religious conservatives becoming better educated and becoming one of America's best-educated demographics (Ross Douthat, New York Times, The changing face of our long-running culture war) I, and some of my scientific colleagues and friends, fit into the first category of being faithful churchgoers. But we don't fit into the category of religious conservatism -- we find no conflict between our faith and our scientific understanding. We just see them as two perspectives that broaden and enrich our appreciation of reality. Warren W. Aney Tigard, Oregon -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ecolo...@listserv.umd.edu] On Behalf Of Martin Meiss Sent: Tuesday, 07 December, 2010 14:13 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Intellectual and anti-intellectual society I would define an intellectual as one who loves the life of the mind. This person need not be particularly intelligent, but merely derive pleasure from pondering issues in theology, art, history, philosophy, science, etc. If this same person also loves, say, team sports, his/her appreciation is likely to include not just common athletic participation and boosterism, but also theoretical topics like competitive strategies, exercise physiology, the sociological role of athletics, etc. An intellectual society, I posit, is one that respects such individuals and their values, and elevates them to leadership roles. Why is intellectualism under attack in our society? I can suggest many possible contributory factors: 1. The tendency of some intellectuals and institutions to discredit themselves A. Arrogance. Some professors, academics, professionals, etc. speak and act like they think they are better than other people. Not just intellectually superior, but also superior in morals and taste. B. Whoring. Some scientists and academics will take money from anyone to support their research, without regard to who will benefit from the research or what its consequences will be. Does gene modified corn increase the power of agri-business companies over small farmers? Hey, that's not a SCIENTIFIC issue. Will the government use my technology to sow cluster bombs in playgrounds? Hey, I can't control how people USE my stuff! C. Failures. Many of the fruits of science (as one representative of intellectual pursuits) have caused harm, or are perceived to have caused harm. For instance, nuclear energy, nuclear weapons, thalidomide babies. D. Esoterica. While specialized disciplines do require specialized vocabulary, too often this is used to excess and creates unnecessary barriers to non-specialists. 2. Fundamentalist religions. A. To fundamentalists, Christian and otherwise, science and learning are direct threats to their orthodoxy and the power of their priesthood. If you believe that the Bible or the Koran is to be understood literally, science (and almost any form of learning) is your enemy. The priesthood sees its power threatened, and it fights back with its tools of fear, ridicule, money, public relations, and the ballot. B. I believe it is fairly well established that the more educated a person is (in the modern era), the less likely he/she is to be religious, especially religious in a fundamental way. Again, science is the enemy. 3. Material Greed. A. Although the technology that derives from science can make people wealthy, it also threatens people's wealth. Science says that CO2 emissions are causing climate change, but addressing this problem threatens those with vested interests in burning fossil fuels. B. The vested interests, in trying to attack the specific science that threatens them, raise the obfuscation levels above even what scientists themselves are able to do. C. When attacking the specific science fails, they attack science in general. Even if this is not intended, it is a consequence of B, above, giving science a bad name for those who don't understand the process. 4. Laziness A. I think our society has truly embraced instant gratification. We flip a switch and light comes on, we turn a faucet and water squirts out. Compare that to lighting a whale oil lamp or breaking ice to haul water from a well. People complain if their flight from New York to California takes an extra hour, and never think about doing it an ox-drawn wagon over many months with perhaps a 5 or 10% mortality rate. B. Relating to A, above, science is HARD
[ECOLOG-L] Wetland Ecologist-Assistant Professor
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, Wetland Ecologist. The Department of Biological Sciences and Watershed Studies Institute (WSI), Murray State University invite applications for a tenure-track position to begin August 2011. The Department of Biological Sciences offers both undergraduate and graduate (M.S.) degrees in a broad range of disciplines. WSI is an interdisciplinary research and education unit studying watershed ecosystems and offering Masters degrees in Watershed Science. Both the department and WSI are enhanced by the research capabilities of the Hancock Biological Station, the Mid-America Remote Sensing Center, and the Chemical Analysis Laboratory. Qualifications: Ph.D. in aquatic ecology, wetland ecology, or related discipline and postdoctoral research or teaching experience required. Candidates must demonstrate research potential in an area compatible with both the Department of Biological Sciences and WSI as evidenced by publications, grants, or other scholarly activity. Experience with invasive species, wildlife, conservation, and/or mathematical modeling preferred, but we encourage all qualified wetland ecologists to apply. Preference will be given to candidates with excellent teaching skills including use of modern classroom technologies. Responsibilities: Teach introductory courses in biology and upper-level courses in the candidates area of expertise. Conduct research, pursue external funding, and supervise student research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This position is research-intensive and includes a reduced teaching load. Application Deadline: January 15, 2011. To Apply: Please visit www.murraystatejobs.com, and upload a letter of interest, curriculum vita, statements of teaching and research interests, and email addresses and phone numbers for three references. For further information, contact Dr. Howard Whiteman (howard.white...@murraystate.edu). Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Murray State University is an equal education and employment opportunity, M/F/D, AA employer.
[ECOLOG-L] M.Sc. in 2011
My name is Iulian Gherghel, and currently I'm B.Sc. stude Dear All, My name is Iulian Gherghel, and currently I'm B.Sc. student at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University from Romania. I'm interested for M.Sc. scholarships from 2011 in ecological niche modelling or something in this subject. Can anyone send me some opportunities? Iulian
[ECOLOG-L] Applications Open: NIMBioS Investigative Workshop on Synchrony in Biological Systems
The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) is now accepting applications for its Investigative Workshop: Synchrony in Biological Systems Across Scales to be held April 11-13, 2011, at NIMBioS. *Objectives: *Synchronous oscillatory activity and phase-locking in general are universal phenomena that occur in biological systems ranging from the level of intracellular dynamics to population dynamics across thousands of kilometers. The study of synchrony from a mathematical standpoint has had a very long history going back at least as far as Huygens in the 1600's. However, there are still many unanswered questions involving synchronization that are of central biological importance. The importance of synchrony in many different fields of biological and physical sciences has led to large bodies of literature on synchrony that have little cross-referencing. This workshop will bring together a diverse group of researchers from mathematics and statistics and the biological sciences including ecology and neuroscience. We will explore how ideas about the study of synchrony in one field can provide novel insights into questions of synchrony in another field. We will also identify what are real gaps in the theory of synchrony from a biological perspective and identify where progress will be possible. *Co-organizers: *Alan Hastings (Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, CA); Tim Lewis (Department of Mathematics, University of California, Davis, CA); Michael Bosnall (Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK) *Location:* NIMBioS at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville For more information about the tutorial and a link to the online application form, go to http://nimbios.org/workshops/WS_synchrony http://www.nimbios.org/workshops/WS_tumor_modeling.html *Application deadline:* January 15, 2011 The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) brings together researchers from around the world to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to investigate solutions to basic and applied problems in the life sciences. NIMBioS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture with additional support from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. -- Catherine Crawley, Ph.D. Communications Coordinator National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) University of Tennessee 1534 White Avenue Knoxville, TN 37996-1527 Phone: (865) 974-9350 Fax: (865) 974-9461 Email: ccraw...@nimbios.org http://www.nimbios.org http://twitter.com/nimbios
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Frog tadpoles and nematodes dessinfection
I would first check the fish literature and try some of their products. However, some products that might work for you but I am 100% certain have not been tested on amphibians include: Ivermectin Cydectin Moxidexin These are readily available at feed stores and farm stores for use in livestock. You might want to run a few trials and dose responses to figure out the amounts needed. As a kid I used to feed the tadpoles chicken feed which had a coccidiastat in it (Corrid) without any ill effects, so you might try getting the pellets that are spiked with wormer for use in horses. This is usually Pyrantel although safe guard (moxidexin) is also available. This way, you could drop the pellets in as food and after a single feeding I suspect they would wipe out any nematodes present. Also, using the pellets would probably reduce the amount of the nematacide necessary. I recommend you try a regime like this to maximize intake and minimize waste: 1) starve tads for 24 hrs (place them in sterile FETAX solution). 2) make pellets available in the water for about 1 hour, make sure tads are actively feeding on them. 3) remove tads and place in FETAX solution for another 24 hrs. 4) repeat after 3-4 days 5) DO NOT return the tads to their original homes!!! They will very likely get reinfested. The reason for starving the tads apriori is two-fold. First, it will cause them to be really hungry resulting in better consumption. Second, the empty guts will reduce artifactual effects from food currently in the GI tract. I suspect that the wormer will kill the worms if used in this way, and I suspect that the tads will be ok, but I strongly recommend that you do trial runs and collect good data. I would set it up as you would an acute toxicity test just in case there is a problem. If it works, PUBLISH IT!! PLEASE! Malcolm On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 5:13 AM, Eric Flores sail...@gmail.com wrote: Hi all Does any one got information on chemicals that can be used to prevent tadpoles of being infected by gastro intestinal nematodes (e.g. helminths)? I am looking for some medication to be used in the water to newly hatched tadpoles in a proper dosis without causing intoxication or stress. Comments and feedback highly appreciated. Eric Flores -- Malcolm L. McCallum Managing Editor, Herpetological Conservation and Biology Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive - Allan Nation 1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea W.S. Gilbert 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction MAY help restore populations. 2022: Soylent Green is People! Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship- wildlife genetics and disease
PhD Assistantship- wildlife genetics and disease A PhD assistantship is available in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University. The objective of this project is to identify factors influencing the occurrence, transmission, and spatial spread of wildlife diseases. Results will aid in the design of effective disease surveillance programs and appropriate management strategies. Using white-tailed deer as the study organism, the student will 1) characterize patterns of deer population genetic structure and gene flow to forecast the spatial spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease, and 2) estimate prevalence and spatial distribution patterns of deer-associated diseases of zoonotic and domestic animal concern (e.g., Coxiella burnetii, bovine viral diarrhea) to assess risks of interspecific transmission. The student is also expected to pursue additional research question(s) suitable to his/her interests. Qualifications: A M.S. in wildlife ecology, genetics, or a related field is desirable. This is a lab-based project in which the student will be responsible for generating and analyzing all genetic data as well as conducting disease assays. Preference will be given to applicants with prior research experience using genetic techniques. Experience with GIS is also desirable but not necessary. Contact: Dr. Julie Blanchong, jul...@iastate.edu, with a letter of interest, unofficial copies of college transcripts and GRE scores, description of any previous research experience, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. The project can begin as early as May, 2011. The candidate selected will be provided with an assistantship that includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health care benefits.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: The Center for Population Biology at UC Davis
EFFECTIVE: December 8, 2010 DEADLINE: January 20, 2011 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW IN POPULATION BIOLOGY--The Center for Population Biology at UC Davis invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Population Biology, broadly defined to include ecology, phylogenetics, comparative biology, population genetics, and evolution. We particularly encourage applications from candidates that have recently completed, or will soon complete, their PhD. The position is for TWO YEARS, subject to review after one year, and can begin as early as 1 July 2011. This position is covered by a collective bargaining unit. It has an annual starting salary of $38,000 plus benefits, and $6,000 per annum in research support. The Fellow will be a fully participating member in the Center for Population Biology and will be expected to have an independent research program that bridges the interests of two or more CPB research groups. We strongly encourage candidates to contact appropriate faculty sponsors before applying. We also ask that each Fellow teach a multi-day workshop, discussion or lecture series that is of broad interest to the community of population biologists at UC Davis; faculty sponsors or the Director of CPB, Jay Stachowicz, can provide additional input on this aspect of the fellowship. For samples of past workshop abstracts and more information about UC Davis programs in population biology, http://cpb.ucdavis.edu/CPB%20Postdoc%20Fellowship.htmlhttp://cpb.ucdavis.edu/CPB%20Postdoc%20Fellowship.html. ONLINE APPLICATION: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, a short (1-2 page) description of research accomplishments, a short (1-2 page) description of proposed research including potential faculty mentors, a brief description of their proposed workshop/minicourse, and copies of two publications at http://www2.eve.ucdavis.edu/jobs/http://www2.eve.ucdavis.edu/jobs/ all as PDFs. We require 3 letters of recommendation. The referees you list in the online application will receive an automatic notification from our system instructing them how to directly upload letters to our website. Refer to the on-line instructions for further information. For full consideration, applications should be received by January 20. 2011. The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the development of a climate that supports equality of opportunity and respect for differences. E-mail questions to mailto:gradcoordina...@ucdavis.edugradcoordina...@ucdavis.edu. DEADLINE: January 20, 2011
