l U.S. Bioeconomy Is Strong, But Faces Challenges - Expanded Efforts in Coordination, Talent, Security, and Fundamental Research Are Needed By Published On :: Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT The U.S. is a clear leader in the global bioeconomy landscape, but faces challenges from decentralized leadership, inadequate talent development, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, stagnant investment in fundamental research, and international competition, according to Safeguarding the Bioeconomy, a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l To Improve Food and Drug Safety, Regulatory Agencies Should Adopt Risk-Based Decision-Making, Says New Report By Published On :: Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT The goal of achieving universal health coverage by 2030 — one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals — necessitates that countries strengthen their food and drug regulatory systems as a whole, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l Transportation Secretary Chao Highlights Autonomous Vehicles, Innovative Technologies at TRB Annual Meeting 2020 By Published On :: Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT Autonomous vehicles (AV) took center stage at the Chair’s Luncheon of the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting today. Full Article
l Gulf Research Program Awards $7.25 Million to Eight Projects Working to Advance Safety Culture in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry By Published On :: Thu, 16 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine today announced $7.25 million in grant awards for eight projects focused on strengthening safety culture in the offshore oil and gas industry. Full Article
l Gulf Research Program Awards $2 Million to Seven Projects to Improve Understanding and Prediction of the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current System By Published On :: Tue, 21 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine today announced $2 million in grant awards for seven new projects through its Understanding Gulf Ocean Systems (UGOS) Grants 2 competition. Full Article
l Healthy People 2030’s Leading Health Indicators Should Track Health Effects of Climate Change, Residential Segregation, Civic Engagement By Published On :: Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT Healthy People 2030 (HP2030) – which will set national objectives for improving the health of all Americans from 2020 to 2030 – should include in its Leading Health Indicators (LHIs) voting as a measure of civic engagement, the health effects of climate change, and indicators of racial and ethnic residential segregation, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l Policy, Financing, Stigma, and Workforce Barriers Stand in the Way of Addressing Co-Occurring Opioid and Infectious Disease Epidemics By Published On :: Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT The opioid epidemic in the U.S. is driving a simultaneous epidemic of infectious diseases — including HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and bacterial infections, and sexually transmitted infections — but workforce shortages, stigma, and financial and policy barriers are preventing the integration of opioid use disorder (OUD) and infectious disease services, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l A Message from the Presidents of the NAS, NAE, and NAM - A Look Ahead in 2020 By Published On :: Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT As we welcome a new year and a new decade, we can make one prediction with certainty -- profound change lies ahead. Full Article
l Geodetic Infrastructure Needs Enhancements, Continued Maintenance to Answer High-Priority Scientific Questions About Climate Change, Earthquakes, Ecosystems Over Next Decade By Published On :: Mon, 27 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says that enhancements to the geodetic infrastructure are needed to answer important questions about sea level rise, water resources, geological hazards, and more over the next decade. Full Article
l Frank Press, Former President of the National Academy of Sciences, Dies at Age 95 By Published On :: Thu, 30 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT National Academy of Sciences President Emeritus Frank Press — distinguished geophysicist, science adviser to President Jimmy Carter, and National Medal of Science recipient — died on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at his home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was 95. Full Article
l Progress Made Toward Priorities Defined in 2013-2022 Solar and Space Physics Decadal Survey By Published On :: Mon, 03 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT NASA, NSF, and NOAA have made substantial progress in implementing the programs recommended in the 2013 decadal survey on solar and space physics (heliophysics) despite a challenging budgetary landscape, says a new midterm assessment from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l Leading Voices Discuss the Future of U.S. Science Policy at Feb. 26 Symposium - Event Marks 75th Anniversary of Vannevar Bushs 1945 Report Science - The Endless Frontier By Published On :: Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT The National Academy of Sciences, in partnership with The Kavli Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, will host a symposium to consider the future of science in the U.S. and how it can best serve society in the 21st century. Full Article
l No Hospital, Birth Center, or Home Birth Is Risk-Free — But Better Access to Care, Quality of Care, and Care System Integration Can Improve Safety for Women and Infants During Birth, Says Report By Published On :: Thu, 06 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine finds that there is no risk-free setting for giving birth, whether at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital. Full Article
l National Academies Provide Rapid Response to White House on Coronavirus Data Needs By Published On :: Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) this week requested that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine rapidly examine the information and data needed to help determine the origins of the novel coronavirus that is causing a global outbreak of respiratory illness. Full Article
l New Report Finds K-12 Teachers Face New Expectations and More Demands - Training and Workforce Changes Could Help By Published On :: Wed, 12 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine finds K-12 teachers face new expectations and more demands from policymakers, parents, students, and schools, including addressing changes in curriculum standards, the emergence of more explicit teaching goals, and shifts in what it means to support all students in their development. Full Article
l PEPFAR’s Investments in Rwanda Helped Boost Health Workforce, But Future Programs Should More Comprehensively Support Long-Term Capacity By Published On :: Thu, 13 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT Rwanda’s Human Resources for Health (HRH) Program – funded in part by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) from 2012 to 2017 – more than tripled the country’s physician specialist workforce and produced major increases in the numbers and qualifications of nurses and midwives, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l K-12 Teachers of Engineering in U.S. Lack Needed Preparation and Support from Education System By Published On :: Thu, 13 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT Engineering is emerging as an important topic in K-12 education in the U.S., and is being incorporated into education standards, instructional materials, and assessments. Full Article
l NASA, Teamed with FAA, Industry, and Academia, Should Research Effects of Increased Drone Traffic on Privacy, the Environment, and Cybersecurity By Published On :: Wed, 19 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT NASA should collaborate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), industry, academia to research the full effects that increased unpiloted air vehicle traffic would have on society, including ramifications to sound, privacy, environmental matters, and cybersecurity, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l At Hanford, Experts and Community Members Weigh In on Nuclear Waste Disposal By Published On :: Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT In 1943, the town of Hanford in Washington State was selected by the Manhattan Project to be home to the first full-scale plutonium production reactor in the world. Full Article
l Determining Whether There Is a Link Between Antimalarial Drugs and Persistent Health Effects Requires More Rigorous Studies By Published On :: Tue, 25 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT Although the immediate side effects of antimalarial drugs are widely recognized, few studies were designed specifically to examine health problems that might occur or persist months or years after people stopped taking them. Full Article
l New, Innovative Approaches to Dust Control Needed at Owens Lake, Report Says By Published On :: Wed, 26 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine finds new and innovative approaches to dust control are needed at Owens Lake, California, to improve air quality, reduce water use, and preserve habitats. Full Article
l Health Care System Underused in Addressing Social Isolation, Loneliness Among Seniors, Says New Report By Published On :: Thu, 27 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT Seniors who are experiencing social isolation or loneliness may face a higher risk of mortality, heart disease, and depression, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Despite the profound health consequences — and the associated costs — the health care system remains an underused partner in preventing, identifying, and intervening for social isolation and loneliness among adults over age 50. Full Article
l Increasing Women’s Representation in STEMM Fields Will Require Culture Change Driven by Systemic Actions by Higher Education Institutions, Funding Agencies, Congress By Published On :: Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine urges systemic action to change the culture in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) to address the underrepresentation of women in these fields. Full Article
l White House Requests National Academies Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats in Response to Spread of Coronavirus By Published On :: Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT WASHINGTON — In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has asked the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to establish a Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats. Full Article
l GRP’s Science Policy Fellowship - Experiences from RESTORE By Published On :: Mon, 01 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT Two Gulf Research Program fellows reflect on their time in Mississippi after being placed with NOAA’s RESTORE Science Program. The Science Policy Fellowship helped them bridge research and action. With ideas, passion, and depth of knowledge in science and research, the fellows worked to share their backgrounds to better inform policy. Full Article
l National Academies Completes Review of National Toxicology Program’s Draft Monograph on Fluoride and Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Effects By Published On :: Thu, 05 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT Today the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released its review of the National Toxicology Program’s (NTP) draft monograph Systematic Review of Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Health Effects. Full Article
l Reducing Plastic Pollution in the Oceans and Beyond By Published On :: Fri, 13 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT Revelle Lecture Explores the Problem and Proposes Solutions Full Article
l Letter from the NAS, NAE, and NAM Presidents Regarding COVID-19 Crisis to House and Senate Leadership By Published On :: Sat, 21 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT The National Academies stand ready to convene America’s best minds in research, government, medicine, and private industry to marshal evidence-based insights and advice for confronting today’s pandemic and future crises. Full Article
l Statement From the Presidents of the NAS, NAE, and NAM Supporting Steps Necessary to Assess the Potential for Human Convalescent Plasma to Help Control COVID-19 By Published On :: Mon, 23 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT In light of the present situation in the U.S., we believe that it is essential to explore a wide range of options for treating the increasing numbers of very ill patients with COVID-19 respiratory illness. Full Article
l Reports & Events Monthly Calendar - April 2020 By Published On :: Wed, 01 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT “Reports & Events” is a monthly tip sheet for the news media that highlights selected meetings of interest and reports from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l One Year After Release, National Academies Report Guides Lawmakers and Communities Looking to Cut Child Poverty By Published On :: Wed, 01 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT More than 9.6 million children — or 13 percent of all children in the U.S. — live in families with annual incomes below the poverty line, according to data from 2015. As closures and restrictions related to COVID-19 begin to impact the U.S. economy, it’s clear many more families will be receiving fewer paychecks and less income in the coming months, putting more children at risk of falling below the poverty line. Full Article
l Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases Provides Rapid Response to Government on Whether COVID-19 Could Also Be Spread by Conversation By Published On :: Thu, 02 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT The recently formed National Academies Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats, assembled at the request of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, has been providing rapid expert consultations on several topics, such as social distancing and severe illness in young adults. Full Article
l Exploring the Science of Social Distancing and What it Means for Everyday Life By Published On :: Fri, 03 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT As the coronavirus outbreak has spread throughout the United States, social distancing measures have taken many forms — such as business and school closures, cancelled events, and everyone being urged to keep six feet apart. Full Article
l Potential Effects of Seasonal and Temperature Changes on Spread of COVID-19 Examined in New Rapid Response to Government from Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases By Published On :: Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT A new rapid expert consultation from a standing committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine responds to questions from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) regarding survival of the COVID-19 virus in relation to temperature and humidity and potential for seasonal reduction and resurgence of cases. Full Article
l The Critical Need for International Cooperation During Covid-19 Pandemic By Published On :: Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT As a novel coronavirus spreads throughout the world and the number of cases and deaths continues to rise, almost no country or community remains untouched by this rapidly evolving threat. Full Article
l Spread of COVID 19 Virus from Infected Patients Antibody Response, and Interpretation of Laboratory Testing Examined in New Rapid Responses to Government from Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases By Published On :: Thu, 09 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT A new rapid expert consultation from a standing committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l DOD Biological Threat Reduction Program Should Be Part of a New Interagency Mechanism to Coordinate Efforts to Prevent Biological Threats, Including Natural Disease Outbreaks - Report Offers Five-Year Strategy for BTRP By Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT Over the next five years, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) should encourage and be among co-leaders in the federal government’s development of an enduring interagency mechanism to address an array of biological threats – including natural disease outbreaks, accidental releases, and intentional attacks -- to deployed U.S. forces and to the nation itself, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Full Article
l U.S. Funding for World Health Organization Should Not Be Interrupted During COVID-19 Pandemic, Say Presidents of the NAS, NAE, and NAM By Published On :: Wed, 15 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT It is critical for the U.S. to continue its funding for the World Health Organization in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic given the WHO’s lead role in coordinating an international response, especially in developing countries. Full Article
l Mobilizing the Academic Research Community in the Fight Against COVID-19 By Published On :: Wed, 15 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT At colleges and universities around the nation, scientists and graduate students are seeking out ways to bring their knowledge, skills, and resources to bear in the struggle against COVID-19. Full Article
l Experts Explore Challenges of Testing Treatments for COVID-19 By Published On :: Wed, 15 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT Researchers are scrambling to find effective treatments for COVID-19, which has infected more than 1 million people around the word. Full Article
l Doing the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People By Published On :: Mon, 20 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT Latest COVID-19 Conversations webinar discusses implementing crisis standards of care. Full Article
l Lessons From A Crisis By Published On :: Mon, 20 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT On the 10th Anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon Explosion, Marcia McNutt Reflects on How Science Helped Solve the Crisis, and Its Lessons for the COVID-19 Pandemic Full Article
l Exploring the Importance of Pharmacies to Public Health By Published On :: Wed, 22 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT Research by NAM Pharmacy Fellow Dima M. Qato has shed light on “pharmacy deserts” and closures that reduce people’s access to medications. Full Article
l NAS Annual Meeting - Experts Discuss COVID-19 Pandemic and Science’s Response By Published On :: Mon, 27 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT Anthony Fauci and other panelists explored the status of the pandemic, research underway, and the key role of vaccines in bringing the pandemic to an end. Full Article
l National Academies, National Science Foundation Create Network to Connect Decision-Makers with Social Scientists on Pressing COVID-19 Questions By Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the National Science Foundation announced today the formation of a Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN) to connect social and behavioral science researchers with decision-makers who are leading the response to COVID-19. SEAN will respond to the most pressing social, behavioral, and economic questions that are being asked by federal, state, and local officials by working with appropriate experts to quickly provide actionable answers. Full Article
l How Nursing Homes Are Handling COVID-19 - Best Practices from Maryland and Massachusetts By Published On :: Wed, 29 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT The 1.3 million nursing home residents in the U.S. make up less than 0.5 percent of the nation’s population, but represent approximately 15 percent of COVID-19 related deaths to date. Full Article
l Reports & Events Monthly Calendar - May 2020 By Published On :: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT “Reports & Events” is a monthly tip sheet for the news media that highlights selected meetings of interest and reports from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
l DOE Plan to Dilute and Dispose of Surplus Plutonium at New Mexico Site Technically Viable if Security, Execution, Other Challenges Are Addressed, Says New Report By Published On :: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT The U.S. Department of Energy’s plan to dilute and dispose of 34 metric tons of surplus plutonium in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico is technically viable, provided that the plan’s implementation challenges and system vulnerabilities are resolved. Full Article
l NAM President Victor Dzau Joins World Leaders at May 4 Event on Coronavirus Response Funding By Published On :: Fri, 01 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT National Academy of Medicine President Victor J. Dzau will provide remarks on behalf of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board during a virtual event on May 4 to launch an online pledging effort, the Coronavirus Global Response. Full Article
l Basic Research, Interdisciplinary Teams Are Driving Innovation to Solve the Plastics Dilemma By Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT From N-95 masks that are protecting health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic to food packaging found in every aisle of the grocery store, plastics play an essential role in our lives. Full Article