Industrial Transformation (IT) presents an innovative way of organizing research, which aims at understanding the societal mechanisms and human driving forces that could facilitate sustainable industry. IT seeks to integrate and stimulate co-operation among scientists by establishing both a research framework and a network, which can be useful for exchanging information and identifying research questions. ... Full description.

The mission of the United States Geological Survey's Biological Resources Discipline involves working with others to provide the scientific understanding and technologies needed to support the sound management and conservation of our Nation's biological resources. This website contains a comprehensive listing of biological research taking place within the USGS biology branch. This portal provides ... Full description.

This fact sheet provides general information about elemental chromium, including types of chromium, uses, and the effects of short-term and long-term exposure. Full description.

This EPA site provides information about health and safety issues concerning Superfund sites. It features links to information about the hazards related to contaminant exposure, emergency response programs, guidelines for pollution prevention, safety tips for environmental cleanup, risk assessment, reporting hazardous substance releases, and other environmental and human health related sites. Full description.

The Inquiry Page is a dynamic virtual community where inquiry-based education can be discussed, resources and experiences shared, and innovative approaches explored in a collaborative environment. The site features a growing database of inquiry units, and you can also build your own inquiry units. The database of exisiting units covers a range of topics from the sciences as well as the humanities. ... Full description.

This report explains how many chemicals used in pesticides, cosmetics, drugs, food, and commerce have not been sufficiently tested to allow a complete determination of their potential hazards. The report uses a model to show how research priorities for toxicity testing can be set. It may be read online, printed, or ordered in hard copy from the site. Full description.

This site provides a comprehensive source of information about thorium. Topics include occurrence, chemical properties, current applications and economics, radiation, government regulations, and control and remediation practices. The site also features links to additional resources with more detailed information about each topic. Full description.

This USGS fact sheet summarizes the occurrence of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, a serious kidney disease that occurs only in tributary valleys of the Danube River in Romania, Bulgaria, and the former Yugoslavia. There is a close correspondence between the location of affected villages and the occurrence of local coal deposits. Full description.

This resource is a journal article about the impacts of minerals on human health. The article presents three recent examples of medical geology studies that illustrate the impacts of minerals and trace elements on human health. Topics covered include exposure to asbestos and soil fungus, hydroxylapatite (the mineral in bones), and exposure to toxic levels of trace elements. Full description.

This site features a presentation about the development of a public health standard for chromium in drinking water in California. The presentation includes useful information about chromium availability, toxicity, and carcinogenic effects. Full description.