m Driverless Motor Vehicles - Not Yet Ready for Prime Time By Published On :: Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT Read a new NAE Perspective by Christopher A. Hart, former chair of the National Transportation Safety Board and the founder of Hart Solutions LLC, on whether the time is right for driverless motor vehicles. Full Article
m Climate Change and ‘A New Normal of Extremes’ By Published On :: Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT A recent discussion hosted by the National Academies examined the extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent as the climate changes, and how the nation can better prepare for them. Full Article
m Guidance for Measuring Sexual Harassment Prevalence Using Campus Climate Surveys By Published On :: Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT This Guidance Document is a product of the National Academies’ Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education, which presents information and identifies guidance based on existing research literature. Full Article
m Gulf Research Program Launches Gulf Scholars — Its First Initiative Focused on Undergraduate Education By Published On :: Tue, 05 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT The Gulf Research Program has launched its first undergraduate education initiative, the Gulf Scholars Program. The five-year, $12.7 million pilot program will prepare undergraduates to address the Gulf of Mexico’s most pressing environmental, health, resilience, and infrastructure challenges. Full Article
m Report Identifies New Approach for Some NASA Missions to Prevent Contaminating Mars with Earth-Based Microbes By Published On :: Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT 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. Full Article
m Confronting a ‘Triple Existential Threat’ — NAM President Victor Dzau Discusses How Health and Medicine Can Respond to Current Crises By Published On :: Wed, 13 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT In advance of the National Academy of Medicine’s annual meeting on Oct. 17-18, NAM President Victor Dzau sat down to talk about the compounding crises of COVID-19, climate change, and systemic racism — and how health and medicine can help respond to these threats. Full Article
m When Talking to Parents About COVID-19 Vaccines for Children, Emphasize Safety, Encourage Speaking with Family Doctor, and Leverage Social Connections, Says New Expert Consultation By Published On :: Wed, 13 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT When communicating with parents about getting their children vaccinated against COVID-19, emphasize the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, encourage them to talk with their family doctor, and leverage parents’ social networks. Full Article
m Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Globally Requires Maintaining Safety of Available Antibiotics and a Robust Pipeline - Animal and Environmental Health Strategies Also Needed By Published On :: Wed, 20 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT Safe, effective antimicrobial medicines are essential to modern medical procedures and pandemic preparedness. A new National Academies report recommends a range of policy, regulatory, and financial actions to tackle antimicrobial resistance, spanning human, animal, and environmental health. Full Article
m Planning Committee Named for the Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing By Published On :: Thu, 21 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT A multidisciplinary committee representing 11 nations will plan the Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing, to be held in London March 7-9, 2022. The NAS and NAM join other international partners in organizing the summit, which will build upon previous events held in Washington, D.C. and Hong Kong. Full Article
m Evolutionary Medicine Needs Engineering Expertise By Published On :: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT Projects that bring engineering expertise to bear on the questions addressed by evolutionary medicine promise major advances. In a new NAE Perspective, Randolph M. Nesse discusses how applications of evolutionary biology to medicine are giving rise to new opportunities for engineering to enhance understanding of disease. Full Article
m ‘We Can’t Wait Any Longer’ — As COP26 Approaches, NAS President Marcia McNutt Discusses Science and Solutions to Climate Change By Published On :: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt discusses science and solutions to climate change ahead of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), which begins Oct. 31, 2021. Full Article
m Transformative Opportunities in Transportation By Published On :: Fri, 29 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT In a new NAE Perspective, Chris Hendrickson says there are opportunities in the next few decades to reshape the landscape of familiar transportation systems, with transformations emerging in vehicle propulsion, automation, and telecommunications. Full Article
m Reports & Events Monthly Calendar - November 2021 By Published On :: Fri, 29 Oct 2021 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
m COP26 Presents Historic Opportunity for a More Sustainable Future, Say Presidents of U.S. National Academies By Published On :: Fri, 29 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT The presidents of the U.S. National Academies said in a statement that the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) presents a historic global opportunity to agree on emissions reduction targets to avoid the most intolerable impacts of climate change. Full Article
m Rebalancing Power to Combat Sexual Harassment By Published On :: Wed, 03 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT In many university departments, graduate students may be wholly dependent on their advisers for funding and academic support — a difference in power that raises the risk of sexual harassment. At a recent summit of the Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education, speakers explored how to diffuse those power differences. Full Article
m HHS’s Medical Countermeasures Enterprise Should Be Re-envisioned Post-COVID-19 By Published On :: Wed, 03 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT Using lessons learned from COVID-19, a new report outlines recommendations to strengthen the U.S. Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) to better protect the nation from future threats, and ensure it can deliver the vaccines, medicines, and personal protective equipment needed during a public health emergency. Full Article
m New Report Charts Path for Next Decade of Astronomy and Astrophysics - Recommends Future Ground and Space Telescopes, Scientific Priorities, Investments in Scientific Community By Published On :: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT A new decadal survey presents a visionary plan for the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, identifying scientific priorities and opportunities, and recommending an ambitious program of investment to strengthen the profession and achieve new capabilities. Full Article
m National Academies Statement in Support of Findings and Conclusions of 2019 Report on Child Poverty By Published On :: Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT In 2019 the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty, a landmark consensus study report that analyzes various policy solutions to help address child poverty in the United States. Full Article
m Preventing Another Oil Spill Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico - Offshore Situation Room Convenes Experts to Share Lessons, Future Actions By Published On :: Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT Eleven years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the Gulf Research Program’s Offshore Situation Room event examined how to make sure another offshore oil spill doesn’t happen — and how we can be better prepared if it does. Full Article
m Preparing for the Next Influenza Pandemic by Leveraging Lessons from COVID-19 Is Focus of Four New Reports from the National Academy of Medicine By Published On :: Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT Seasonal influenza and the next influenza pandemic could emerge at any time. Four new reports examine lessons learned from COVID-19 that can improve preparedness for an influenza pandemic, including vaccine R&D, supply chain resilience, and non-vaccine public health measures. Full Article
m New Report Recommends Changes to Handbook for EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System Assessments By Published On :: Tue, 30 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should make changes to its integrated risk information system (IRIS) assessments handbook to ensure it provides clear operational instructions for those conducting assessments, and transparency regarding the assessment process, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
m Reports & Events Monthly Calendar - December 2021 By Published On :: Tue, 30 Nov 2021 05:00:00 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
m Ceremonial Presentations of Nobel Prizes to be Held at U.S. National Academy of Sciences Locations in Washington and Irvine – Dec. 6 and 8 By Published On :: Tue, 30 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT During Nobel Week 2021, ceremonial presentations of Nobel Prize medals and diplomas to 2021 laureates who are based in the United States will take place at the National Academy of Sciences. Full Article
m Lessons from COVID-19 on Executing Communications and Engagement at the Community Level During a Health Crisis By Published On :: Tue, 07 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT On May 20, 2021, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine held a virtual convening of public health and communications practitioners to examine the challenges, opportunities, and lessons they saw while executing effective communications and community engagement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Article
m New Report Assesses the Feasibility, Cost, and Potential Impacts of Ocean-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal Approaches - Recommends U.S. Research Program By Published On :: Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT The U.S. should undertake a new research program to better understand the potential risks and benefits of ocean-based interventions to remove or sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and learn how these methods could be used to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Full Article
m Actions Needed by Higher Education Institutions, Technology Companies, Federal Agencies to Increase Representation of Women of Color in Tech By Published On :: Thu, 09 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT A range of organizations across the tech ecosystem — tech companies, colleges and universities, professional societies, and government agencies — should take steps to improve the representation of women of color in tech fields and careers. Full Article
m U.S. Nobel Prize Laureates Receive Medals at NAS Ceremonies By Published On :: Thu, 09 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT The National Academy of Sciences is hosting celebrations for the winners of 2021 Nobel Prizes who are based in the United States, joining in ceremonies and events being held around the world this week to celebrate laureates unable to travel to Stockholm this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Article
m U.S. Coast Guard Should Issue Guidance for Improving Safety of ‘Duck Boats’ Used for Commercial Passenger Service, Says New Report By Published On :: Thu, 16 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT 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. Full Article
m Reports & Events Monthly Calendar - January 2022 By Published On :: Mon, 03 Jan 2022 05:00:00 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
m Transportation Research Board Convenes Annual Gathering of Government, Industry, and Research Professionals By Published On :: Wed, 05 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT Industry leaders, policymakers, administrators, and researchers will gather in person from Jan. 9 to 13 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., for the 101st annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB). Full Article
m Pandemic Isolation and the Elderly - A Doctor Reflects on the Impacts By Published On :: Fri, 07 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many older Americans experienced social isolation or loneliness, which can impact both mental and physical health. Carla Perissinotto, a geriatrician who served on a National Academies study committee that examined the topic, reflected on her patients’ experiences during the pandemic and what we’ve learned. Full Article
m Mitigating the Effects of Pandemic on Early Child Care and Education Providers — New Consultation By Published On :: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT A new National Academies consultation outlines strategies that decision-makers could use to address long-standing challenges and mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the early child care and education sector. Full Article
m Transportation Secretary Buttigieg Underscores Importance of Equity in Transportation, Addresses Supply Chain Issues During TRB Annual Meeting 2022 By Published On :: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT 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. Full Article
m Technoscientific Research - A Missing Term in R&D Discourse By Published On :: Tue, 18 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT 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. Full Article
m Promoting Health Equity in Cancer Care — ‘It’s Time to Declare Disparities Intolerable’ By Published On :: Tue, 18 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT Equitable cancer care starts with prevention and reaching people well before they become patients. Panelists at a recent workshop discussed how cancer centers can weave health equity into everything they do, from creating jobs to helping survivors manage treatment side effects. Full Article
m Dr. Carlotta Arthur Named New Executive Director of Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education at National Academies By Published On :: Wed, 19 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT Following a national search, Carlotta M. Arthur will join the National Academies as the new executive director of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education on Feb. 14. Full Article
m National Academies’ Gulf Research Program Announces Six Early-Career Research Fellows Focused on Offshore Energy Safety By Published On :: Thu, 20 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT Six scientists have been selected for the Offshore Energy Safety track of the Early-Career Research Fellowship (ECRF), announced the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Full Article
m Reports & Events Monthly Calendar - February 2022 By Published On :: Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:00:00 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
m Safe Passage for Scientists - Evacuating Scientists and Engineers from Afghanistan By Published On :: Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT When the Taliban captured Kabul last year, a group of scientists and engineers with ties to the National Academies were desperately seeking a way out of Afghanistan. During a recent webinar, Vaughan Turekian recounted the effort to get these scientists and their families to safety. Full Article
m National Academies Partner with Chan Zuckerberg Initiative on New Grant Program to Recognize and Further Leadership by Biomedical Researchers Who Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion By Published On :: Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT The National Academies are partnering with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to administer a new funding opportunity that aims to recognize and further the leadership and scientific accomplishments of excellent biomedical researchers who — through outreach, mentoring, and teaching — have a record of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their fields. Full Article
m New Report Reviews VA Monograph on Economic Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Service and Emotional Support Dogs for Veterans with PTSD By Published On :: Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a final report today reviewing the second draft of a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) monograph, The Economic Impact and Cost Effectiveness of Service Dogs for Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which assesses the economic impact and cost-effectiveness of programs involving trained service dogs or emotional support dogs and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Full Article
m Traumatic Brain Injury Categories Should Be Updated and Personalized to Better Guide Patient Care, Says New Report By Published On :: Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT Every year, nearly 5 million Americans are evaluated for traumatic brain injury (TBI). But many individuals and their caregivers don’t get needed follow-up support after initial injury. A new report recommends structural changes to improve TBI research and care over the next decade. Full Article
m Patients as ‘First Responders’ — What COVID-19 Teaches Us About Timely Diagnosis By Published On :: Thu, 03 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT COVID-19 has offered several lessons about improving diagnosis — from expanding testing availability, to making at-home testing easier, to empowering people with data. At a recent workshop, experts discussed how to apply these lessons to the diagnosis of other health conditions. Full Article
m As New Variants of the Coronavirus Emerge, Reaching the Vaccine-Hesitant Takes on New Urgency By Published On :: Fri, 04 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT As the omicron variant of the coronavirus sweeps through the U.S. and other parts of the world — and with the possibility of emerging new variants looming — building confidence in vaccines has become even more important. How can knowledge from the social sciences inform effective communication around vaccines? Full Article
m New Report Recommends Renewed Us-federal Investment in Chemical Engineering Directed to the Energy Transition Medical Advances and Other Challenges By Published On :: Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT To maintain U.S. global leadership and meet societal challenges — including generating medical advances, furthering the energy transition, and making food and water safer and more sustainable — new investments, collaborations, and educational practices in the chemical engineering field are needed. Full Article
m Systems for Providing Protection from Inhalation Hazards Should Extend to the Public and Broader Groups of Workers, Says New Report By Published On :: Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT The COVID-19 pandemic and more frequent wildfires have highlighted the need for respiratory protection for the public and all types of workers, including essential and gig economy workers. A new report recommends frameworks to ensure both groups receive timely access to appropriate respiratory protective devices and guidance on their effective use. Full Article
m ‘You Need a Yes on All of Those Levels’ — Experts Discuss the Future of Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Research By Published On :: Fri, 11 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT Experts discuss the future of ocean-based approaches to carbon dioxide removal — including the ethics of investigating proposed strategies, how research can respond to public concerns, and what we need to know to make informed climate decisions. Full Article
m Augmenting Our Thinking through the Nexus of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Art By Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT The world faces enormous challenges of unprecedented complexity—problems that intertwine in a dizzyingly interconnected, interdependent, and changing landscape. Few of them—especially those dealing with energy, environment, and social structures—admit clean solutions with clear endpoints. Full Article
m Offshore Wind Farms Can Interfere with Ship Radar and Navigation, Says New Report By Published On :: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT A new report says wind turbine generators used in offshore wind farms can interfere with navigational radar used by ships to avoid collisions, posing challenges for safe maritime navigation. Full Article
m A Decade of Success - ‘Creative Mind’ Traveling Exhibit Spotlights Prominent Black Scientists and Researchers By Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT “The Creative Mind” has spent the last decade bringing heightened visibility to the contributions and stories of trailblazing African Americans in science, engineering, and medicine — such as mathematical engineer Christine Darden, astronaut Mae Jemison, zoologist Shirley Malcom, and many others. Full Article