Open Science – Sharing Research in a Wiki Environment

Scientists have always thrived in a collaborative environment in efforts to further their research. The web has made geography a minor detail, and open-source software and wikis have made it even quicker and easier to share research and findings openly.

The first wiki software was developed by Ward Cunningham, and the name comes from the Hawaiian “wiki-wiki,” meaning “quick.”

Science majors will find a wealth of new scientific research and data on the pages shared by researchers. Explore these links to learn more about these interactive resources.

Open WetWare is an effort to promote the sharing of information, know-how, and wisdom among researchers and groups who are working in biology & biological engineering.

The OpenScience Project is dedicated to writing and releasing free and Open Source scientific software.... Much of the work of science depends on having appropriate tools available to analyze experimental data and to interact with theoretical models…. The missing piece of the puzzle is software that lets the scientist choose between models and make sense of his or her observations. That is where the OpenScience project can help.

The Science Commons serves the advancement of science by removing unnecessary legal and technical barriers to scientific collaboration and innovation.

The Rio Framework for Open Science from iCommons contains information on policies, contracts and other guides to assist audiences ranging from large research institutions to individual enthusiasts.

Finals Week Stress Busters - Top 10 Stress Relieving Study Breaks

10. Declutter! You’ll feel so much better when all of your notes and study sheets are organized.

9. Listen to music – Close your eyes for a few minutes and listen to a couple of your favorite tunes.

8. Lay off the sugar – substitute water for soda -- and fruits, veggies, and salty snacks instead of sugary ones.

7. Stretch! Stand up and take a few minutes to shake out the cobwebs, and then try these stretches either standing or seated:

Finger Fan

Extend your arms straight out in front of you with palms up. Spread your fingers as far apart as possible and hold for 5 seconds.

Upper-back Stretch

Sit up straight with your fingers inter-laced behind your head. Keep your shoulders down, lift your chest and bring your elbows back as far as you can. Hold for 10 seconds.

Ear to Shoulder

Lower your right ear to your right shoulder and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on other side.

Overhead Reach

Raise your arms over your head and interlace your fingers with your palms facing up. Keep your shoulders down and stretch upwards. Hold for 20 seconds.

Knee Pull

While seated, pull one knee up to your chest as high as possible. Hold with both hands for 10 seconds then repeat the other knee.

Waist Bend

Reach arms overhead with finger interlaced. Keep shoulders down and bend to one side at the waist. Hold for 20 seconds then repeat on the other side.

6. Comfort food! Enjoy pancakes in the cafeteria on Tuesday, December 12^th at 8:30 p.m.

5. Relax and take a break with a movie in the Social Room each night at 9:00, sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Activities Team

• Monday: Charlie Brown Christmas

• Tuesday: The Grinch

• Wednesday: SGA Game-a-palooza w/DDR

• Thursday: The Elf

• Friday: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

4. Take a walk around campus with a friend.. A half-hour in the fresh air will give you a boost for the next study session.

3. Kick things off with “Stress-Free Night” in the Social Room on Sunday, December 10^th. (Tell us how much you loved the massage.)

2. Yoga or other exercise. There’s no better way to clear your head and get that “ah-ha!” solution you were looking for.

1. Take a Power Nap! – Studies show that a 20 minute nap in the afternoon will help.

World AIDS Day. - "Silence is death."

"Silence is death." ~UN Secretary General Kofi Annan

December 1, 2006 marks the 19^th World AIDS Day. An estimated 25 million people have died from the virus, and nearly 40 million more are living with HIV/AIDS.

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, known as UNAIDS, an estimated 39.5 million people around the world live with HIV and another 4.3 million will be infected this year, with nearly two out of every three new infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

Among the press reports today are these from Catholic sources:

Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise
Catholic Relief Services
December 1, 2006

"If it infects one of us… it affects all of us."
Message from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
December 1, 2006

Bishop echoes pope in calling for end to AIDS prejudice
Groups throughout state to hold World AIDS Day observances
By ROBIN BROWN, The News Journal
Posted Friday, December 1, 2006

Church to be instrument of peace for those with AIDS, Catholic priest says
By Michael Swan
12/1/2006
The Catholic Register

World AIDS Day 2006 a Good Time to Join the Fight
Shawn McEvoy
Crosswalk Faith Editor

World AIDS Day – Peru Catholic ministries impact affected youths
By Barbara J. Fraser
12/1/2006
Catholic News Service