Atmosphere ezine: Science of Motorsport, Science Week Ireland

Science.ie · 31-10-2001 5:55pm #1

A t m o s p h e r e
Science for a Successful Ireland
http://www.science.ie

Issue 4 - October 2001

THIS MONTH:
1)...News - Ireland and the European Gamma-Ray Space Observatory
2)...Irish Scientist - Sylvester O'Halloran
3)...Events - Science Week Ireland, Primary Science Day

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1)...N E W S A N D I N F O

>>>SHELL FERRARI CAR TO LAP IRELAND DURING SCIENCE WEEK IRELAND
A Ferrari Formula 1 replica car visiting Tralee, Waterford, Carlow,
and Sligo during Science Week Ireland (11 - 18 November) will offer
kids the chance to take part in a 'pitstop challenge' competition.
Hundreds of other exciting science, technology and innovation events
scheduled nationwide will enable people of all ages to get involved.
http://www.science.ie/events/science-week/index_swi.html

>>>SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN MOTORSPORT - GARY ANDERSON PROFILED
Irishman Gary Anderson has built an outstanding career in Motorsport
and is unique in having worked on all aspects of race car design
and manufacture, with teams such as McLaren and Jordan Formula One,
and drivers such as Michael and Ralf Schumacher. Check out his Role
Model Profile on science.ie and kickstart your career in Motorsport.
http://www.science.ie/careers/index_rolemodel.html

>>>IRELAND'S MOST POWERFUL COMPUTER LAUNCHED AT NUI, GALWAY
Ireland's most powerful computer was launched in the Centre for
Biomedical Engineering Science at NUI Galway this month. It will
contribute to the understanding of the chemical behaviour of drugs,
the design of better medical instruments and blood-flow simulations.
http://www.science.ie/news_info/index_articles.html

>>>IRISH ASTRONOMERS TO USE EUROPEAN GAMMA-RAY SPACE OBSERVATORY
Irish Scientists are to play a major role in the operation of
INTEGRAL, the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory of
the European Space Agency (ESA), which is due to be launched on a
Russian Proton rocket a year from now.
http://www.science.ie/news_info/index_articles.html

>>>NEW PHARMACEUTICAL DEGREE AND SCIENCE CENTRE LAUNCH IN SLIGO
A new Pharmaceutical Science Centre in the Institute of Technology
Sligo will play a key part in the teaching of Sligo IT's revamped
Pharmaceutical Science course. Within this unique facility, students
will manufacture medicines, tablets, ointments and creams.
http://www.science.ie/news_info/index_articles.html

>>>FURTHER 100 MILLION EUROS REQUESTED BY RESEARCHERS FROM SFI
Earlier this year Science Foundation Ireland invited applications
from researchers worldwide for Biotechnology and ICT SFI Fellow
and Principal Investigator (PI) awards. 34 proposals have been
received to a total value of almost 100 million Euros. This follows
the announcement of awards of 71 million Euros to 10 PIs in July.
http://www.sfi.ie/

More Science and Technology Headlines at:
http://www.science.ie/news_info/index.html
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* Fact of the Month *
A recent survey carried out by the National Centre for
Technology in Education shows that the average primary school
in Ireland now has 8.7 computers, up from 3.8 in early 1998;
the average second level school now has 42.7 computers, up
from 31 in early 1998; more than 95% of schools state that
they are using the Internet, up from only 25% in early 1998;
and at least 34,000 teachers have attended one or more IT
training courses since early 1998.

Correction: Last month we mistakenly reported the telescope
at Birr castle as being the world's third largest optical
telescope. Thanks to David Moore, Editor of Astronomy
Ireland's magazine for pointing out that, although it was
the world's biggest telescope from 1844 until 1917, there
are now many larger telescopes in existence worldwide.
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2)...IRISH SCIENTIST - SYLVESTER O’HALLORAN

One of the original founders of The Royal College of Surgeons in
Ireland, Sylvester O'Halloran (1728 - 1807), was born in Co.Clare.

He studied surgery in Leyden, Paris and London. The influence of
Parisian style and culture during his University days in Paris was
apparent on his return to Limerick to practise. A contemporary
described him as "The tall, thin Doctor in his quaint French dress,
with his gold-headed cane, beautiful Parisian wig and cocked hat."

O'Halloran did extensive research into the eye and ophthalmology,
but in particular cataracts. He published a 'Treatise on Cataracts'
which was presented to the Royal Society in 1752.

His talent also extended to General Surgery. In 1765 he published
his book 'New Method of Amputation'. The Appendix to this book,
'Proposals for the Advancement of Surgery in Ireland' led to the
establishment of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Apart from his love of surgery, O'Halloran had a deep interest in
Irish History, Geography and Politics and published many books on
the subjects. He was also one of the chief founders of the County
Limerick Infirmary.
http://www.rcsi.ie/library/rare_books_archives/rb2.html
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* Link of the Month *
Co-sponsored by UCD and the Royal College of Surgeons the new
Studying Medicine website provides information for existing
and future students including tutorials, discussion forums,
lecture notes and information on third-level medical courses.
http://www.studyingmedicine.com/
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3)...E V E N T S

Science Week Ireland, 11 - 18 November 2001
Find out how to get involved in this week-long celebration and
demonstration of science, technology and innovation for all
the family. Events will take place throughout Ireland.
>>>http://www.science.ie/events/science-week/index_swi.html

Primary Science Day, 13 November 2001
Enabling children to take part in hands on science activities.
The theme for this year is Magnetism.
>>>http://www.science.ie/events/primary/index.html
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...W H A T T O D O T H I S M O N T H

Watch...
The Health Show. Health news topics and phone-in where viewers'
queries are dealt with on the spot by a doctor in studio.
>>>RTE 1, Thursdays 19.00

Listen to...
'The Science of Drinking - the Science of a Hangover'
A lecture by Dr. Seamus Lennon as part of Science Week Ireland.
>>>Wednesday 14 November 19.30, Sligo Institute of Technology

Surf...
Monthly updates on the Golden Eagle Re-introduction Project.
>>>http://www.goldeneagle.ie/

Visit...
'Exploding Custard' Live show by Dr Ian Russell at 13.15 - 14.15
Takes place amongst other events at Limerick Science Fair.
>>>Sunday 18 November 12.00 - 17.00, University of Limerick
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Next Issue - November 2001
http://www.science.ie/

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