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NASA Should Expand the Search for Life in the Universe and Make Astrobiology an Integral Part of its Missions, Says New Report

To advance the search for life in the universe, NASA should support research on a broader range of biosignatures and environments, and incorporate the field of astrobiology into all stages of future exploratory missions, says a new congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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‘Carbon Utilization’ Technologies Could Reduce Emissions by Turning Greenhouse Gases Into Useful Products - New Report Identifies R&D to Make Technologies More Commercially Viable

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine outlines a research agenda for improving the commercial viability of technologies that turn greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels into useful products such as fuels, construction materials, and chemicals.




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U.S. NAS and NAM Presidents Issue Statement on the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing

We thank the organizing committee of the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing, held this week in Hong Kong, for planning an important and timely conference on a rapidly advancing area of science and medicine.




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New International Commission Launched on Clinical Use of Heritable Human Genome Editing

An international commission has been convened by the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and the Royal Society of the U.K., with the participation of science and medical academies around the world, to develop a framework for scientists, clinicians, and regulatory authorities to consider when assessing potential clinical applications of human germline genome editing.




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International Commission on Heritable Genome Editing Holds First Public Meeting

Last week, the International Commission on the Clinical Use of Human Germline Genome Editing held its first public meeting at the National Academy of Sciences building in Washington, D.C.




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International Commission on Clinical Use of Heritable Human Genome Editing Issues Call for Evidence

The International Commission on the Clinical Use of Human Germline Genome Editing is tasked with identifying the scientific, medical, and ethical requirements to consider when assessing potential clinical applications of human germline genome editing — if society concludes that heritable human genome editing applications are acceptable.




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Airborne Transmission of COVID-19 - Q&A with Jonathan Samet

This summer, as COVID-19 continued its spread across the U.S., the National Academies brought together engineers, virologists, public health experts, and others for a meeting to dive into the rapidly evolving science of COVID-19 airborne transmission.




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Reflections on Commercial Crew and Cargo Missions

Reflections on Commercial Crew and Cargo Missions from Charles F. Bolden Jr., former NASA administrator (2009–17).




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Eliminating Lead Emissions From Small Aircraft Will Require Concerted Efforts Across the Aviation Sector, Says New Report

Significantly reducing lead emissions from gasoline-powered aircraft will require the leadership and strategic guidance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and a broad-based and sustained commitment by other government agencies and the nation’s pilots, airport managers, aviation fuel and service suppliers, and aircraft manufacturers, says a new congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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New Report Charts Path to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, Recommends Near-Term Policies to Ensure Fair and Equitable Economic Transition and Revitalization of Manufacturing Industry

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the U.S. by 2050 is feasible and would not only help address climate change but also build a more competitive economy, increase high-quality jobs, and help address social injustice in the energy system, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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Government and Private Sector Should Produce Net Electricity in Fusion Pilot Plant by 2035-2040 to Impact the Transition to a Low-Carbon Emission Electrical System, New Report Says

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and private industry should invest now in order to have an operational fusion pilot plant in the 2035-2040 time frame, says Bringing Fusion to the U.S. Grid, a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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Zero Emission Vehicles Represent the Future of Energy Efficiency, Petroleum and Emissions Reductions in 2025-2035, New Report Says

Increased use of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) presents the greatest opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of light-duty vehicles — i.e., passenger vehicles and light trucks — over the period of 2025-2035, says a new congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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Science Academies of G-7 Nations Call for Action to Reach Net-Zero Emissions, Reverse Declines in Biodiversity, and Improve Data-Sharing to Prepare for Future Health Emergencies

Science academies from the G-7 nations today issued three statements recommending that their governments take urgent action to build a net-zero emissions, climate-resilient future, reverse global declines in biodiversity, and improve data-sharing for future health emergencies.




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Nobel Prize Laureates and Other Experts Issue Urgent Call for Action After ‘Our Planet, Our Future’ Summit

This statement was inspired by the discussions at the 2021 Nobel Prize Summit, issued by the Steering Committee and co-signed by Nobel Laureates and experts.




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From Shellfish to Sunny Day Flooding — Why a GRP Fellow Is Dissecting Water Quality in North Carolina

When shellfish farmers are deciding where to grow clams and oysters, they’re often acting on outdated water quality data — which can interrupt harvesting and cost them income. Gulf Research Program Fellow Natalie Nelson is working to predict water quality trends, so shellfish farmers can make better informed decisions.




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Report Identifies New Approach for Some NASA Missions to Prevent Contaminating Mars with Earth-Based Microbes

Some of NASA’s robotic missions to Mars could be subject to less stringent bioburden requirements, which are designed to prevent the unintentional transport of Earth-based microbes, without interfering with searches for indigenous life on the planet.




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U.S. Coast Guard Should Issue Guidance for Improving Safety of ‘Duck Boats’ Used for Commercial Passenger Service, Says New Report

The U.S. Coast Guard should issue a range of new guidelines and requirements to ensure the safety of passengers and crew on DUKWs or “duck boats”— those familiar amphibious vehicles often used for touring the streets and waters of many cities.




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Transportation Secretary Buttigieg Underscores Importance of Equity in Transportation, Addresses Supply Chain Issues During TRB Annual Meeting 2022

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed attendees of the Transportation Research Board’s 101st Annual Meeting, where he highlighted the importance of evidence-based science, along with economic strength, clean energy, road traffic safety, and infrastructure.




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Technoscientific Research - A Missing Term in R&D Discourse

In a new NAE Perspective, Venkatesh Narayanamurti reflects on the need for more effective R&D funding, especially in technoscientific research, a key engine of innovation.




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Latest IPCC Report Says Impacts of Climate Change Are Irreversible and Widespread - Urges Efforts to Cut Emissions and Adapt

A new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns the increasingly numerous and widespread impacts of climate change may soon overcome our ability to adapt, unless action is taken to reduce emissions.




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NAS and NAM Presidents, Other Experts Urge Biden Administration to Reinstate Presidential Bioethics Commission

A presidential commission on bioethics has not been appointed since 2017. The Biden administration should reinstate a presidential bioethics advisory commission to help inform policy decisions that have bioethical implications, urge the NAS and NAM presidents and other experts.




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Report Identifies Priority Planetary Science Missions, Planetary Defense Efforts, and Strategic Investments for the Next Decade

A new decadal survey presents a comprehensive plan for the fields of planetary science and astrobiology, identifying priority missions, planetary defense efforts, strategic technology and infrastructure investments, and ways to support the profession.




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Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Competed Space Mission Leadership at NASA Will Require Extensive Efforts Along Entire Career Pathways, Says New Report

To meet its diversity and inclusion goals for competed mission leadership, NASA should invest in STEM career pathways, partner with historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions, and expand training and mentorship opportunities, among other actions.




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‘A Marathon, Not a Sprint’ — How Can Cities Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Also Improve Mobility?

Emission reduction goals, changing transportation patterns caused by COVID, an influx of infrastructure investments, and the need to support mobility for all residents together present a challenge for planners. A recent webinar explored how cities can support a transition to more equitable, lower-emissions urban transportation systems.




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Engineering the Transition to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions

In an interview, NAE President John Anderson discusses the national and global transition to net-zero carbon emissions and how engineers — and NAE in particular — can support that shift. Energy Transitions is the theme of NAE’s annual meeting this year, taking place Oct. 2-3.




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As COP27 Approaches, Report Recommends New Global Emissions Information Clearinghouse, Steps to Improve Accuracy and Usability of Information

As the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP27) approaches, a new report recommends steps to improve the accuracy and usability of greenhouse gas emissions information for decision-makers, including creating a global information clearinghouse.




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To Improve Methods for Estimating the Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Low-Carbon Transportation Fuels, More Research and Focused Verification of Emissions Needed

Life cycle assessments of low-carbon transportation fuels — such as electricity, biofuels, or hydrogen — are valuable tools for measuring environmental impacts, but uncertainties remain in the models that are currently used, and further research should be conducted to strengthen their reliability.




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Deficient Facilities Adversely Affect National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Mission, With Economic, National Security, and Safety Impacts, Says New Report

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s facilities should be modernized to ensure that the agency can continue to deliver measurement science and standards that advance U.S. innovation and competitiveness on national technology priorities. Substandard facilities brought about through lack of investment have created ongoing problems that affect research.




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Submissions for the 2023 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications Are Now Open

Submissions are now being accepted for the 2023 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, which honor top science communicators, journalists, and research scientists who have developed creative, original work to communicate issues and advances in science, engineering, and medicine for the general public.




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Delhi HC issues notice to Telecom Department on accused judge's plea

Two former high court judges - SN Shukla of the Allahabad High Court and Quddusi of the Odisha High Court - have been charged by the CBI in the case. The agency had produced intercepted phone calls between the two judges as part of its charge sheet filed last July. It had also named other people in the alleged bribery scandal.




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BSNL issues purchase order to TCS, ITI for 1 lakh 4G sites: Report

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved the third revival package for the telecom PSU worth Rs 89,047 crores which also includes the allotment of 4G/5G spectrum through equity infusion.




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Tuning the instrument: Spider webs as vibration transmission structures

Two years ago, a research team led by the University of Oxford revealed that, when plucked like a guitar string, spider silk transmits vibrations across a wide range of frequencies, carrying information about prey, mates and even the structural integrity of a web.

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  • Physics & Chemistry

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NASA sees Namtheun dissipating in the Sea of Japan

NASA's Aqua satellite passed over the Sea of Japan and saw Tropical Depression Namtheun weakening.

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  • Earth & Climate

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S Krishnan, named MeitY secy, will oversee implementation of semiconductor mission, DPDP Act

Krishnan will be overseeing the rollout of the recently enacted Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, which is the outcome of almost five years of five years of drafts and consultations. From a digital economy perspective, there are some good features in the DPDP act but it also has some gaps which have been identified by several legal experts.




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Data centre emissions are soaring - it's AI or climate

AI models consume a lot of electricity, and the World Economic Forum estimated in April that the computer power dedicated to AI is doubling every 100 days.




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Internet companies mail dissent note against IAMAI’s stand on digital competition bill

Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) had submitted its views to the CDCL opposing the prescription of ex-ante regulations for digital companies, saying that ex-ante measures “may limit growth not only of the market in question but the digital economy altogether”.




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Red's launches ciabatta, English muffin, croissant sandwiches

Over the next few months, the brand will be rolling out a range of new products, including Ciabatta Sandwiches, English Muffin Sandwiches, and Croissant Sandwiches.




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Doughnuts and permissible indulgence

Overall, indulgent products have tracked well lately, but better-for-you options will factor into the mix as we emerge from the pandemic.




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Frito-Lay issues allergy alert on undeclared soy, wheat in Doritos Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips

Frito-Lay has issued a voluntary recall of a limited number of 14.5-oz. and 1-oz. tortilla chips that may contain undeclared soy and wheat ingredients from spicy sweet chili tortilla chips.




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Tate & Lyle CLARIA Bliss tapioca-based starch

Tate & Lyle PLC, a leading global provider of speciality food ingredients and solutions, has announced the introduction of its tapioca-based CLARIA Bliss starch to the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region, responding to growing demand from consumers for cleaner label products.




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Mission Foods debuts Keto-certified Zero Net Carbs Tortillas

Mission Foods has released Zero Net Carbs tortillas in two flavors: Original and Sundried Tomato Basil.




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Mission Foods introduces Keto certified, lower-carb tortillas

The new offerings are available now at select grocers and will be rolling out across the country in the coming months.




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Permissible snacking

Part of our process in developing this month's annual "Top 50 Snack & Bakery Companies" list involves reviewing annual reports and communications with shareholders from some of the top companies working in grain-based foods today.




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Joyful and permissible

During the interview for our September issue cover story profile on fast-growing entrepreneurial brand Ka-Pop! Snacks, a company founded and led by Dustin Finkel, he talked about the need to keep the joy in better-for-you snacking.




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Raised Gluten Free Southern Peach and Blueberry Bliss pies

Raised Gluten Free is celebrating the sweet flavors of spring and summer with two seasonally inspired offerings: Southern Peach and Blueberry Bliss.




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Table Talk Pies to relaunch operations of Pâtisserie Gaudet

With this transaction, which closed on Dec. 22, Table Talk hopes to return the closed facility to its key position in the Canadian sweet goods industry.




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Dunkin' adds almond croissant to menu

Consumers can delight in Dunkin's festive favorites, like its Cookie Butter Donut, plus its new almond croissant.




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Claussen, Baked by Melissa drop Pickle Cupcake

The Baked by Melissa x Claussen Pickle Cupcake will be available beginning July 10 in packs of six or 25 while supplies last.




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SF&WB’s June 2024 issue: the pulse of the bakery industry

This month’s eMagazine explores the field’s current health and future success.




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Mission MightyMe raises $2.35 million, debuts Nutty Puffs

Mission MightyMe’s expansion to brick-and-mortar retail for the first time will lead to new brand discovery, making it even easier for families to follow pediatric recommendations to include nuts in babies’ diets early and often.