Thousands of films go to universities
SFU and UBC are recipients of a large collection of Canadian and international documentaries being donated by Videomatica, a popular video rental store that began operations in 1983 and specialized in rare and esoteric titles. SFU’s library receives nearly 2,800 documentary films while UBC’s library is acquiring the bulk of the collection, including some 28,000 DVDs with a huge array of genres and topics. Chuck Eckman, dean of Library Services at SFU and SFU film professor Colin Browne can both provide comment on what the collection brings to the university.

Charles Eckman, 778.782.3265; ceckman@sfu.ca
Colin Browne, Cont. Arts, 778.782.4136; colinbrowne@mac.com
Joint news release: http://at.sfu.ca/IgOyvI

Fixes for falls – next Café Scientifique
Two Simon Fraser University researchers investigating how preventive measures can help reduce falls and fall-related injuries are the next to be featured at Surrey’s Café Scientifique.

• Steve Robinovitch oversees SFU’s Injury Prevention and Mobility Lab and is leading several projects, including one involving the video-capture of real-life falls and near falls, utilizing a network of 208 digital video cameras in a pair of long-term care facilities. Tests of wearable fall monitoring sensors and the production of advanced protective gear, such as wearable hip protectors are also underway.

• Assistant professor Dan Marigold’s research focuses on how and when visual information is integrated by the nervous system and used to guide walking. He aims to understand how the loss of vision relates to impairments in mobility, and how different ambient lighting levels influence these impairments, with the goal of developing safer environments.

Their research and expertise will shape the next Café Scientifique discussion on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Central City Brew Pub. The talk will be moderated by Marcia Carr, a clinical nurse specialist with Fraser Health’s Program in Chronic Disease Management.

Dan Marigold, 778.782.3499; daniel_marigold@sfu.ca

Steve Robinovitch, 778.782.3566; stever@sfu.ca