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E-CANOPY                                                                                                                                                               MAY 2009

IN THIS ISSUE
Duke Student Blogs about OTS experience
OTS/PASI Workshop
OTS Data on Google Earth
Luis Diego G�mez Herbarium Opens
H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) Update for Costa Rica
Annual OTS Meeting
Cuisinart Supports OTS
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Pura Vida OTS!

Tiff Shao Tropical Biology student Tiff Shao (Duke '12) will be heading to Costa Rica in one month as a member of the Tropical Biology program. She has agreed to keep an online blog of her OTS experience in Costa Rica.

To follow her journey, click here:
http://puravidaots.blogspot.com/


OTS/PASI Workhop Analyzes
Impact of Climate Change on the Tropics


Scientific studies reveal more dramatic changes in tropical biodiversity than originally expected
Photo by Merris Mosdale
Professionals from a dozen countries in Latin America and the United States discussed the effects of climate change in the tropics during a three week workshop, entitled Global Change and Tropical Ecosystems. The workshop was held from April 22 to May 14 at La Selva.

"The goal of this workshop was to analyze the challenges currently being faced by research and conservation in tropical ecosystems in the face of global change. Along with this, the long-term research results from La Selva Biological Station were compared with the results obtained at other stations such as Monteverde, Palo Verde and Las Cruces that also were visited as part of the course," explained the assistant Coordinator of the course, Delphine K. Farmer, University of Colorado.

Photo by Merris MosdaleLong-term scientific studies, accomplished at field stations throughout the tropics, show that relatively small climate changes (even less than 1�C increase in average annual temperature) and slight changes in precipitation patterns can have profound effects on the biodiversity of tropical ecosystems.
 
American researchers David and Deborah Clark, two of many presenters for the course, demonstrated that the growth of large trees in the forest at La Selva is reduced during warmer years.  Other researchers in Costa Rica and on Barro Colorado, Panama, have documented that the number of individuals and species of animals, such as frogs, lizards, and birds, have also declined over the past 4-5 decades.
 
These changes surprised the scientific community, because it was expected that the increase in the average temperature of the world would affect mainly cold regions of the world, countries in temperate zones and polar caps, but it was not anticipated that relatively small changes in temperature and precipitation could have these effects on the tropics. While most of these changes appear to be related to climate change, it is possible that other factors, such as deforestation and environmental pollution, may also contribute.

As part of this international workshop, OTS hosted a symposium, sponsored by the National Science Foundation - Research Coordination Network, on April 26th and 27th, 2009 at La Selva.  Invited guests presented talks on the importance of climate change and the challenges of presenting complex information to students at all levels, educators, policymakers, people from different cultures and the general public.

 
"Presentations in the symposium were exceptional and occasionally controversial.  Based on these presentations, and additional research, the participants are preparing detailed analyses to be published at the end of the course on the web site of the course", said Deedra McClearn, Director of the La Selva Biological Station and coordinator of the event. 

An additional, and perhaps most valuable, benefit of this course is the creation of long-lasting networks of young researchers throughout the Americas who will carry on the work of researching and educating the public about our changing world.

OTS/PASI Website

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OTS Weather Data Now on Google Earth

Google EarthThanks to the hard work of several members of the OTS Information Management Team, a summary of the current weather data for our stations can be seen via Google Earth. 

1. If you have not done so already, install Google Earth on your computer.

2.Click on the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/meteoro-kmz
(a screen will appear asking you if you want to open it with Google Earth, click OK)

3. Google Earth will open.

4. Look on the left side of the screen and check the boxes next to Meteorlogical Data and the three stations. To see updated data for each station, click on the station name.

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The Luis Diego G�mez Herbarium Opens

During the fire of November 1994, the facilities at the main academic building in Las Cruces were completely lost.  Reconstruction efforts were successful, but some needs could not be met--namely, it proved difficult to build a new herbarium (a collection of catalogued samples of plants from the surrounding forest, which require special environmental conditions for preservation).  No existing structures proved suitable for such a purpose, but the dream of such a place stayed in our minds for several years.  Finally, this dream is coming true.
 
We are proud to introduce the LUIS DIEGO GOMEZ HERBARIUM (HLDG) at the Las Cruces Biological Station.  A room in the Library has been modified with air conditioning, double glass windows, and rubber lining in the door frame.  It is equipped with five old cabinets - survivors of the 1994 fire that were repaired and repainted-, working tables and shelves, dissecting scopes and magnifying glasses, mounting materials, appropriate literature and a computer.  The name of the herbarium honors Luis Diego, our former director for more than 18 years, and a man dedicated to research and understanding of tropical forest diversity.
 
The herbarium aims to build a reference collection of the native plant species of the forest protected by Las Cruces and surrounding areas of interest.  During this past year we began our own collecting phase with forays into the environments around Las Cruces.  Currently, the herbarium collection has more than 1100 samples catalogued and several thousand more that need processing.

We also have a database containing digital information about each sample, including scanned images. CLICK HERE to view the digital herbarium online now.
 
Collecting Spec Federico pressing a plant in the field.  Photo Rodolfo Quir�s.

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H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) Update for Costa Rica
 
According to the latest information from the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica, from May 9th there are 8 confirmed cases of AH1N1 virus. Costa Rica has also reported the death of one chronically ill 53-year-old man, with Diabetes and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. The official WHO statement is that individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.

Costa Rica�s Ministry of Health launched a full epidemiological control campaign since the early stages of the outbreak, taking advantage of the nationwide distribution of health services. CDC officials have praised the quality of this campaign and urged Costa Rica to help neighboring countries with its expertise.

Jorge Benavides, MD is the lead coordinator for the newly established OTS Global Health Program said, "We are continuing to monitor the situation daily along with Duke University.  Everyone should wash their hands frequently and avoid contact with individuals who have flu-like symptoms.  We have placed antibacterial hand sanitizer throughout our stations and will monitor all visitors in conjunction with local health authorities."
 



Dr. Benavides is an M.D. from the University of Costa Rica, and is currently finishing an M.S. in Project Management (UCI). His background includes clerkships in Clinical Genetics at the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), in Infectious Diseases at the MA General Hospital/ Harvard University, and in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University Hospital. He has been an attending physician, a professor for national and international programs, and a clinical researcher for several different institutions.
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Two Alumni Surveys Launched

Survey #1: ALUMNI UPDATES

OTS is currently in the process of updating our alumni database and we want to hear from you! We'd love to hear about your whereabouts and where you are currently working.

Thank you for your cooperation and we hope to hear from you soon. Know we look forward to providing you with the latest happenings at OTS.

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Survey #2: FACTORS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED THE CAREERS OF OTS STUDENTS

OTS alumni are also invited to participate in a new survey, which will help us track various factors that have influenced their careers. The survey will help OTS gain a better idea of the current issues facing our graduates. Your completed questionnaire is important even if you are no longer involved in science.
 
The questionnaire has 44 multiple-choice questions and should take between 10 and 20 minutes. The Survey Monkey software we use will fully protect the confidentiality of your responses. If you do not feel comfortable answering a question or feel the question does not apply to your situation, just leave the response blank. There is a space at the end of the survey for your name and e-mail address, if you are willing to talk further with one of the researchers about the issues addressed in the survey or if you would like us to send you a copy of the final report or the previous reports.
 
We hope to receive all completed questionnaires by June 1. To participate in the survey, please click on the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx
 
This study was approved by the UCI's Office of Research Administration. If you have any concerns, please contact their office by phone, (949) 824-6662, by e-mail at [email protected] or at University Tower - 4199 Campus Drive, Suite 300, Irvine, CA  92697-7600.

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Cuisinart Supports OTS
 
Multiformas, the company that represents the Cuisinart brand in Costa Rica, has shown their support of OTS in a very public manner. In conjunction with the launch of their new line of eco-friendly cookware, GreenGourmet, Multiformas, Hogar Cemaco and Sabores donated 5,000 dollars to OTS.

Not only did this campaign generate much needed funds, but it gave OTS the opportunity to provide educational materials to consumers through informational stands at the Cemaco stores, with public lectures, and with printed materials inside Cuisinart products. The funds will support general operations of Las Cruces and the Environmental Education Program.

OTS also provided consulting services to these companies on how to reduce their ecologic footprint. Congratulations Las Cruces!

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