In Optimizing The University - Why We Need a New Educational Model for a New Century I discussed some of the issues facing post-secondary science education.

In particular, that piece focused on how changing student demographics, modern faculty responsibilities and the new knowledge gained from advanced assessment techniques showed us that we need to fix fundamental aspects of science education if students are to receive the high quality education that is becoming increasingly important to individual and societal success.

BEND, Oregon and BOSTON, July 28 /PRNewswire/ --

Vulcan Power Company ("Vulcan") and Denham Capital ("Denham") announced today that Denham will invest US$145 million in newly issued preferred equity securities of Vulcan. In addition, Merrill Lynch Commodity Partners ("MLCP"), a principal investment fund of Merrill Lynch, will convert its outstanding notes into Vulcan preferred equity.

Regular readers know that I have long predicted the current price of oil and that we are now moving through Peak Oil These subjects were included in my “Forecast for 2008”

To quote from that January 9, 2008 column:

“In 2008, gas will, for a period of time reach $4 on the national level. A year ago I predicted that oil would rise above $80. Three months ago I predicted that the price would rise to $100 and that the trading range for oil will be $80 – 125 a barrel for the next year…but there could be several situations that could drive the price above $125.”

SAN DIEGO, July 28 /PRNewswire/ --

- Company Provides Update to Phase 2 Development Plan -

GLASGOW, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Cogentium Corporation Ltd, leading provider of contact centre strategic planning solutions, has released the White Paper: 'Transforming Contact Centre Planning using Simulation'.

Now more than ever, organisations need to streamline their processes and deliver a high standard of customer service. Contact centres are recognising the power and accuracy of simulation solutions to support them in meeting these objectives, particularly over more traditional call centre planning techniques.

BELLEVUE, Washington, July 28 /PRNewswire/ --

- Xeround Intelligent Data Grid(TM) enhances access to subscriber data and helps bring personalized services to market faster

Xeround, Inc., the developers of the industry's first distributed data grid with virtualization capabilities, announced today that Pelephone, one of Israel's leading mobile operators, selected the Xeround Intelligent Data Grid(TM). Pelephone is leveraging Xeround DIG(TM) to consolidate its subscriber data, dramatically improving the profitability and time to market for existing and new value-added services.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, July 28 /PRNewswire/ --

Concentric Medical, Inc., the global leader in devices for clot removal in ischemic stroke patients, today announced the U.S. launch of its "V" series of Merci Retrievers. These new Retrievers, available in multiple configurations and sizes to match patient anatomy, join Concentric Medical's existing Merci Retrievers already on the market, and provide physicians with additional options for restoring blood flow in patients who have suffered ischemic strokes.

HONG KONG, July 28 /PRNewswire/ --

- Company Receives CE Mark Approval for Non-Compliant Balloon That Provides Controlled Strength and Superb Deliverability

OrbusNeich today announced the addition of the Sapphire NC coronary dilatation catheter to its product line-up with the receipt of CE Mark approval.

A non-compliant balloon, Sapphire NC has controlled growth of only 0.6% per atmosphere of pressure over the working pressure range for controlled dilatations. Furthermore, it has a high 22 atmospheres rated burst pressure for confident treatment of tough, calcified lesions and for post-stent dilatation.

HATBORO, Pennsylvania, July 28 /PRNewswire/ --

BEIJING, July 28 /PRNewswire/ --

Aigo, a leading Chinese digital consumer electronics company, cordially invites overseas media to visit the Company's Beijing office during the upcoming Olympics.