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US Geological Survey Coalition Honors Senators at Congressional Reception

Senators Diane Feinstein (D–CA) and Lisa Murkowski (R–AK) were presented with the annual US Geological Survey (USGS) Coalition Leadership Award at a congressional reception on 14 September. They were honored for their continuing support for the USGS. Senator Feinstein chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment; Senator Murkowski is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Additionally, the USGS Coalition reception highlighted the research, information sharing, and services provided by the USGS.

"Senators Murkowski and Feinstein are keenly aware of recent volcanic eruptions in Alaska and ongoing wildfires in California," said Craig Schiffries, cochair of the USGS Coalition and director for geoscience policy at the Geological Society of America. "The USGS provided advance warning of explosive volcanism at Alaska's Mt. Redoubt, and it is working with other agencies to provide maps of California wildfire locations and the potential spread of fires. The USGS helps prevent natural hazards from becoming natural disasters. It plays a pivotal role in reducing risks from volcanic eruptions, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, and other natural hazards that jeopardize human lives and cost billions of dollars in damages every year."

Robert Gropp, cochair of the USGS Coalition and director of public policy at AIBS, added: "Data and products derived from USGS research benefit everyone. The work conducted and supported by the USGS informs drinking-water studies, biological and geological resource assessments, natural hazards monitoring, and other activities. The USGS is more essential than ever before to our national efforts as we try to conserve a growing list of threatened species, develop sustainable and cleaner energy sources, ensure that all Americans have access to clean water, and understand how our rapidly changing environment will impact our way of life."

USGS scientists and their collaborative partners were at the reception to discuss the vital work the USGS conducts in the biological, geographical, geological, and hydrological sciences.

Ecosystem Scientists Brief Policymakers on Climate Impacts

The Association of Ecosystem Research Centers (AERC), an AIBS member organization, briefed policymakers on Capitol Hill about the impacts of climate change on urban ecosystems. The briefing, held 24 September, provided information about how climate change may affect urban infrastructure and water resources. Leading ecosystem researchers presented congressional staff, federal agency employees, and representatives of scientific societies with information about sea-level rise, water scarcity, urban infrastructure, and watershed planning. The briefing was held in conjunction with the annual AERC science meeting in Washington, DC. Presentations were made by Donald Boesch and Allen Davis, of the University of Maryland; Douglas Farr, architect at Farr Associates; Nancy Grimm, of Arizona State University; and Peter Groffman, of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

For more information about AERC, please visit www.ecosystemresearch.org.

AIBS Public Policy Office Conducts Workshop at LTER Science Meeting

AIBS public policy associate Jenna Jadin traveled to Estes Park, Colorado, in early September to participate in the 2009 Long Term Ecological Research program's All Scientists Meeting.

Jadin presented a plenary talk that addressed science in the federal government, the federal investment in scientific research, and the efforts of AIBS to help scientists engage with policymakers. Jadin's presentation also demonstrated how individual scientists can become advocates for science through the AIBS Legislative Action Center (capwiz.com/aibs/home). Following the plenary presentation, Jadin conducted a two-hour workshop that, through hands-on exercises, showed participants how to develop skills that will help them become effective advocates for science.

To learn more about AIBS policy initiatives and to find out how you can secure a training workshop for your meeting or academic department, please visit www.aibs.org/public-policy or send an e-mail to publicpolicy@aibs.org.

Live, Free Webcast of "Evolution in Extreme Environments" Symposium

Those who cannot attend this year's National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) conference in Denver will nonetheless be able to participate in the fifth annual evolution symposium, cosponsored by AIBS and the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center. Educators and students are encouraged to tune in to the live Webcast on Friday, 13 November, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mountain Standard Time, and to take advantage of this opportunity to hear internationally renowned researchers discuss their fascinating, cutting-edge work in "extreme" evolutionary biology. Speakers will talk about how life evolves, adapts, and flourishes in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, such as high-altitude areas, the deep-sea, Arctic ice, and caves. Classrooms around the world will be able to submit questions online and speakers will respond in real time. For full program information, including speaker names, talk titles and times, and the link to view the live Webcast, please visit www.nescent.org/NABT09Webcast.php or send an e-mail to eog@nescent.org.

Recent Executive Director's Blog Entries Online at http://blogs.aibs.org/richardogrady

National Research Council report A New Biology for the 21st Century looks good; focus on food, environment, energy, and health

National Research Council releasing report, A New Biology for the 21st Century, on 17 September at public session

Recent Articles Online at www.actionbioscience.org

Original article in English

"Birds: What Can They Tell Us about Our Planet?" Paul R. Schmidt, from the Migratory Birds for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, explains why wild birds are good indicators of environmental health. The article also summarizes the 2009 "State of the Birds" report, which provides some sobering facts and statistics that should be a wake-up call that motivates conservation action. Click here to read the article.

Technology: An Educational Issue? Blog Post
This blog about issues in educational technology discusses ways to learn and teach the biological sciences using technology at www.teachissues.blogspot.com. Recent posts and discussions cover evolution symposia media and educator Web pages.

Spanish translations of previously posted articles

"Cierre de Playas: Ciencia Versus Percepción Pública" [Beach Closings: Science versus Public Perception], by Erika T. Jensen and Sandra L. McLellan, of the University of Wisconsin. In this article the authors suggest that the public is not being given accurate information about beach closings. Read the article in Spanish or in English.

"El Valor de los Estuarios Saludables" [The Value of Healthy Estuaries], by Robert R. Christian, of East Carolina University. Christian examines why healthy estuaries are critical to humans and wildlife. Read the article in Spanish or in English.

AIBS Board Elections Under Way; Polls Close 26 October

Ballots for the AIBS Board elections have been mailed; members can also vote online at www.aibs.org/vote.

At the end of 2009, the following positions become vacant on the 13-person AIBS Board of Directors: (a) president-elect, (b) treasurer, and (c) one board seat from the AIBS membership-at-large (board elections from the Council of AIBS Member Societies and Organizations are also under way at this time through a separate ballot). The president-elect serves a one-year term and automatically succeeds to a one-year term as president, then a one-year term as immediate past-president. Treasurer and board members serve three-year terms. All terms start on 1 January 2010.

AIBS thanks all of the candidates for their dedication and willingness to run for these voluntary positions. Biographical sketches and election statements are included with the online and paper ballots.

To vote, please go to the online ballot at www.aibs.org/vote and sign in with your last name and six-digit AIBS membership number (as it appears on your AIBS membership card and BioScience mailing label; for assistance, contact AIBS at admin@aibs.org, 703-790-1745, or 800-992-2427). A paper ballot has also been mailed to all members; if you prefer to use that ballot, please complete it and mail it to AIBS. The polls close on Monday, 26 October, at 5 p.m.

President-elect

James P. Collins, of Arizona State University

Michael A. Mares, of the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum for Natural History, University of Oklahoma

Treasurer

Robert R. Christian (current AIBS Board member), of East Carolina University, North Carolina

Louis J. Gross (current AIBS Board member), of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis

Board member elected by the membership-at-large

Steward T. A. Pickett (current AIBS Board member running for reelection), of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, New York

Muriel E. Poston, of Skidmore College, New York Board member elected by the Council

Carol Litchfield, of George Mason University, Virginia

Alan Savitzky (current AIBS Board member running for reelection), of Old Dominion University, Virginia

Science Collections Seek Presidential Executive Order

Advocates for the nation's natural science collections are asking President Obama for help. Scientists and others concerned by negative trends affecting research, curation, and education at the nation's natural science collections have asked President Obama to sign an executive order that would create a federal framework for the development of a coordinated national policy for the preservation and use of the nation's science collections. The effort, launched by the Natural Science Collections Alliance (NSC Alliance), an AIBS member organization, is a response to recent government and nongovernment surveys and reports that demonstrate a need for a national commitment to science collections.

The need for a formalized, federal effort is something that NSC Alliance members have discussed for years. Growing financial pressures on natural science collections when these research centers are so centrally important to the future of science and to the resolution of pressing environmental, health, and security challenges prompted NSC Alliance leaders to propose an executive order that would create a government-wide entity composed of senior government officials with the goal of preserving and promoting the use of science collections.

Writing to John Holdren, science adviser to the president and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, NSC Alliance President William Y. Brown stated: "Issuance of an executive order as framed in the [proposed order] would raise the executive branch priority of this issue to the level warranted by its importance, and would also broaden the scope of planning to include all science collections. The order is similar in form to executive order 13112 on invasive species and executive order 13089 on coral reef protection issued by President Clinton. Both of these orders remain in effect, and we recommend reference to the experience of each in consideration of the order."

Brown continued: "The science collections gathered and held by many institutions over the past half-millennium are fundamental reference points for measuring and monitoring the health of our planet. They also underpin contemporary research and education in many fields, from anthropology to zoology. Their importance has been noted by the federal government, but they have not yet received the attention and priority that is their due."

Support for the executive order from scientific organizations is strong. Shortly after the NSC Alliance asked Holdren to pursue the order, organizations ranging from the American Association of State Geologists to the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists to the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections joined several leading natural history museums to endorse the need for a presidential executive order. The letter of support provided by AIBS is available online at www.aibs.org/position-statements/20090825_aibs_letter_req.html. Additional information about the collections campaign is available on the NSC Alliance Web site at http://www.nscalliance.org/?p=139.

AIBS PPO Hosts Webinar on Communicating Science

The AIBS Public Policy Office (PPO) hosted its first Webinar in July. The program, "The HBRF Science Links Program," featured a presentation by Charles Driscoll, of Syracuse University. Driscoll, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation (HBRF), described how the HBRF developed a comprehensive program to translate research findings from the Hubbard Brook research site to key decisionmakers ranging from the local community to the halls of Congress.

"The Science Links program will not fit all research initiatives, but it is a model that showcases the elements of a successful communications and outreach initiative," said Robert Gropp, AIBS director of public policy. "At a time when so much of what we learn from scientific research is needed to inform decisions, it is helpful to recognize the complexities and challenges associated with translating the information. The HBRF Science Links program illustrates the value in partnerships, planning, and allocating resources to these endeavors."

To learn about future Webinars related to public policy or media relations and communications, visit www.aibs.org, and subscribe to receive free AIBS Public Policy Reports by e-mail at www.aibs.org/public-policy-signup.

ActionBioscience.org Launches Mirror Site in Spanish

In response to a survey of visitors in 2004 and on additional visitor feedback, ActionBioscience.org launched a mirror site in Spanish in August 2009: www.actionbioscience.org/esp. The site reaches visitors from 175 countries in a typical year–42 percent of site visitors are from the United States, and 72 percent are from North and South America combined. The Web site's tracking service shows that the number of Hispanic visitors has increased every year, and in 2008, the greatest number of page views outside the United States came from Mexico.

The mirror site is particularly useful for US residents whose first language is not English. Educators in the United States are encouraged to assign ActionBioscience.org Spanish articles to their students of Hispanic origin. Those students may improve their scientific literacy skills, especially if they have difficulty reading scientific information in English. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, "One of the challenges currently facing schools is providing equal educational opportunities to students from various cultural backgrounds, some of whom are not proficient in English."

A new visitor survey is available on the Spanish ActionBioscience.org site to determine visitors' reaction to the new features. Users can access the survey on the new site's home page or directly at www.actionbioscience.org/esp/encuesta.html. ActionBioscience.org is supported by a subaward of a National Science Foundation grant given to expand BEN (BiosciEdNet), the bioscience education digital library, and it is endorsed by the National Association of Biology Teachers.

Recent Executive Director's Blog Entries Online at www.blogs.aibs.org/richardogrady

National Biological Information Infrastructure launches new search engine for online biological data
Nice to see: Report recommends pre-med students learn about evolution

Recent Articles Online at www.actionbioscience.org

Original article in English

"Penguins and Climate Change: Are Penguin Populations Changing?" by Shaye Wolf, a biologist for the Climate Law Institute of the Center for Biological Diversity in Arizona. Wolf examines how climate change is affecting penguins in the ocean habitats of the Southern Hemisphere. Read the article at www.actionbioscience.org/environment/wolf.html.

Technology: An Educational Issue? Blog Post

Interactive Tree of Life

Wish List? Tweet It

Spanish translation of a previously posted article

"Especies Anillo: Demonstraciones Inusuales de Especiación" [Ring Species: Unusual Demonstrations of Speciation], by Darren E. Irwin, of the University of California, San Diego. Irwin illustrates how ring species provide a unique glimpse into how some species came to be. Read the article in English at actionbioscience.org/evolution/irwin.html or in Spanish at www.actionbioscience.org/esp/evolution/irwin.html.

AIBS Recognizes Four New Members

AIBS is pleased to announce that four new organizations have become member societies of AIBS.

Grambling State University, Department of Biological Sciences. The Department of Biological Sciences at Grambling State University (GSU) has recently joined AIBS. The Biological Sciences Department, which is headed by Felix I. Ifeanyi, aims to (a) provide an intellectual climate for the development of critical thinking; (b) provide training in preprofessional areas of study; (c) provide training for in-service secondary school biology teachers; (d) offer service courses for nonmajors; and (e) share knowledge through community service, seminars, and workshops. The department offers concentrations in general biology and wildlife biology. Additionally, an active biology club at GSU encourages cooperation and friendship among biology majors to assist students in preparing for the future, to promote an interest in biology and other sciences among college and grade-school students, and to encourage collaboration with other science clubs. For more information about GSU, please visit www.gram.edu.

George Mason University, Undergraduate Biology Program. AIBS is excited to have the undergraduate biology program at George Mason University (GMU) become a part of its membership. The biology program at GMU offers the undergraduate student a comprehensive yet liberal education in the biological sciences. With diverse interests in biology and environmental science, the faculty offer a broad range of courses. Student internships in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area are encouraged to supplement the student's university education. The programs offer field studies in plants, animals, and ecology, and provide the background necessary for careers in many areas of biological science, such as environmental management, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, secondary education, and medical technology. Students are also prepared for advanced studies in the life sciences, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and allied disciplines. For more information about GMU, please visit www.gmu.edu.

Genetics Society of America. AIBS is glad to welcome the Genetics Society of America (GSA) to its membership. The GSA aims to serve researchers, scientists, teachers, engineers, breeders, and geneticists-in-training by (a) facilitating communication between geneticists, (b) promoting research that will bring new discoveries in genetics, (c) fostering the training of the next generation of geneticists so they can effectively respond to the opportunities provided by our discoveries and the challenges posed by them, and (d) educating the public and their government representatives about advances in genetics and the consequences to individuals and to society. The GSA endeavors to be the collective voice of its members on subjects for which a deep knowledge of genetics and biological science is critically important.

Founded in 1931, the GSA is the professional membership organization for geneticists and science educators. Its nearly 4000 members work to advance knowledge in the basic mechanisms of inheritance, from the molecular to the population level. The GSA is dedicated to promoting research in genetics and to facilitating communication among geneticists worldwide through GSA conferences, including the biennial conference "Model Organisms to Human Biology," an interdisciplinary meeting on current and cutting edge topics in genetics research, as well as annual and biennial meetings that focus on the genetics of particular organisms. The GSA publishes Genetics, the leading journal in the field. For more information about GSA, please visit www.genetics-gsa.org.

Association for Biology Laboratory Education. We are pleased to have the Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE) join AIBS. The ABLE was founded in 1979 to promote information exchange among university and college educators actively concerned with teaching biology in a laboratory setting. The focus of ABLE is to improve the undergraduate biology laboratory experience by promoting the development and dissemination of interesting, innovative, and reliable laboratory exercises. Developing interesting and proven laboratory activities, identifying reliable suppliers of biological materials, maintaining and managing living laboratory organisms, training assistants for laboratory teaching, addressing animal-use issues, and implementing safe laboratory practices are some of the challenges that the organization addresses through its annual conference, its Web site, and its newsletter, Labstracts. For more information about ABLE, please visit www.ableweb.org.

"Evolution in Extreme Environments" Cosponsored by AIBS and NESCent

AIBS and the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) are cosponsoring the sixth annual evolution symposium on Friday, 13 November, at the National Association of Biology Teachers' 2009 Professional Development Conference in Denver, Colorado.

The four speakers who will discuss the symposium's theme, "Evolution in Extreme Environments," are Cynthia M. Beall, of Case Western Reserve University; Jody W. Deming, of the University of Washington; Steven Haddock, of Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and William R. Jeffery, of the University of Maryland. A workshop will take place in the afternoon for educators seeking resources to incorporate evolution in extreme environments into their classrooms. Conference registration is required to attend the symposium and workshop. Visit www.nabt2009.org for information about conference registration. To learn more details about the symposium and workshop, visit www.aibs.org/special-symposia.

AIBS Public Policy Office at Evolution 2009

AIBS public policy associate Jenna Jadin traveled to Moscow, Idaho, in mid-June to participate in Evolution 2009, the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Evolution, the Society of Systematic Biologists, and the American Society of Naturalists.

Jadin shared with conference participants the various science and education policy initiatives that AIBS conducts on behalf of the science community. She also highlighted the new AIBS Legislative Action Center.

The Public Policy Office (PPO) was represented at a booth in the vendor area where meeting participants could learn about AIBS and the PPO, purchase AIBS publications, and sign up for the Legislative Action Center. During the closing banquet, Jadin gave a brief presentation about AIBS policy initiatives and the Legislative Action Center to an audience of about 400.

If you are interested in learning more about AIBS policy initiatives or securing an AIBS policy or media training program for your society's conference, please visit www.aibs.org/public-policy or send an e-mail to publicpolicy@aibs.org.

Presentations from the 2009 Annual Meeting Online at the AIBS Media Library

The AIBS Media Library holds recordings of plenary lectures delivered by eminent biologists at AIBS annual meetings from 2000 onward. Recordings of other AIBS events are also included. You can view synchronized audio and video presentations, and slides and transcripts of most presentations are available as well.

Presentations from the 2009 AIBS annual meeting, "Sustainable Agriculture: Greening the Global Food Supply," are now online. To view the presentations, go to www.aibs.org/media-library.

AIBS Recognizes Diversity in the Biological Sciences

AIBS is committed to advancing participation in the biological sciences for individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Each year AIBS recognizes either exemplary students from these groups or a program dedicated to broadening participation in the biological sciences. The AIBS Board of Directors and the awards committee are pleased to announce the 2009 Diversity Scholar: Danielle N. Lee.

Lee is a candidate for a PhD in biological sciences at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Lee's current research is an examination of individual differences and behavioral syndromes; her dissertation title is "Individual differences in exploratory behavior of prairie voles, Microtus ochogaster." Lee is an active member of the Animal Behavior Society, and serves on its Education and Diversity Committees. Her interest in outreach to underserved groups, particularly African-Americans, includes mentoring undergraduate and high-school students and participating in after-school science programs. Lee also writes a science blog geared to young people from the inner city about urban ecology and environmental science. You can visit her blog, Urban Science Adventures! at http://urban-science.blogspot.com. Lee's research awards include grants and fellowships from the National Science Foundation, the American Society of Mammalogists, and Sigma Xi. Lee will complete her degree program in 2009 and plans to pursue an academic career that emphasizes science outreach to and the participation of underserved audiences.

AIBS Honors Outstanding Contributions to the Biological Sciences

Each year AIBS recognizes eminent individuals or groups for outstanding contributions to the biological sciences. The AIBS Board of Directors and Awards Committee are pleased to announce the following award winners for 2009:

Distinguished Scientist Award: Joseph Felsenstein, University of Washington
Outstanding Service Award: Robert T. Pennock, Michigan State University
Education Award: Bruce Alberts, Science magazine, University of California, San Francisco
President's Citation Award: Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, University of California, Berkeley
Past-President's Award: Rita Colwell, University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University
Media Award: Chip Rowe, Playboy magazine

These awards were presented at the AIBS annual meeting, "Sustainable Agriculture: Greening the Global Food Supply," on 18 May.

AIBS President May Berenbaum and Executive Director Richard O'Grady said in a joint statement: "AIBS is pleased to honor such exceptional and dedicated individuals. Though they are from diverse backgrounds, they have all made significant positive contributions to the field of biology."

For more information about AIBS award programs, please visit www.aibs.org/about-aibs/awards.html.

AIBS Sponsors Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits Week

Each August, representatives and senators spend time in their congressional districts and home states. This time presents an outstanding opportunity for individuals to meet with members of Congress and to share the value of their research with those who cast the votes that shape the nation's science policy. In August, AIBS, with the support of event sponsors (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Sevilleta Field Station, Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry-North America, and Natural Science Collections Alliance), launched the first Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits Week.

This nationwide event allowed scientists to meet with their elected officials in their own district rather than in Washington, DC, and enabled elected officials to learn firsthand about the science and research facilities in their district.

This year's Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits Week was 17–21 August, during which participating scientists and representatives of research facilities (e.g., field stations, natural science collections) met with their members of Congress to discuss the importance of sustained federal investments in biological science research and education. Participants and their elected officials met at the congressional district office or at a research facility, laboratory, or classroom.

Participants were prepared for congressional meetings by an interactive online training session that helped them create and refine their message. The AIBS Public Policy Office also gave participating scientists tips and guidance for scheduling meetings.

Organizations that wish to support the 2010 Congressional District Visits Week should contact Robert Gropp, AIBS director of public policy, at 202-628-1500, extension 250, for additional information.