Table of Contents
Education Health and Medicine Computer Science and Telecommunications National Security Events and Open Meetings

Education


Academies Confront Challenges to Teaching Evolution

NAS President Bruce Alberts has called on NAS members to "stand ready" to help fight attempts to limit the teaching of evolution in public schools. Alberts says there is a "growing threat to the teaching of science through the inclusion of non-scientifically based 'alternatives' in science courses throughout the country."


Back to top

Health and Medicine


New Approaches Needed to Expand Spinal Cord Injury Research

Recent discoveries about the central nervous system could lead to progress for spinal cord injury patients, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Research that combines therapies and ways to treat injuries at different stages could speed progress toward a cure. The report also calls for the National Institutes of Health to establish a Spinal Cord Injury Research Network.

Back to top

Perinatal HIV Prevention Study Data Valid

A Ugandan drug trial's findings that the AIDS medication nevirapine is effective and safe in preventing HIV transmission from mother to unborn child during birth were well supported, according to a new report from the National Academies' Institute of Medicine. This report is the subject of a one-hour public briefing on April 8 at 11:00a.m. EDT.

Back to top

Computer Science and Telecommunications


Internet Domain Name System Must Face Challenges

The domain name system that helps users find their way across the Internet -- by substituting user-friendly names for computer-friendly addresses -- has performed well, says a report from the National Academies’ Computer Science and Telecommunications Board. However, the report emphasizes that the system should be managed by a non-governmental organization, and not be used for broader purposes like controlling spam, protecting intellectual property rights, or regulating e-commerce.

Back to top

National Security


Prompt Measures Needed to Reduce Potential Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Risks

Spent nuclear fuel stored in pools at some of the nation's 103 operating commercial nuclear reactors may be at risk from terrorist attacks, says a new report from the National Academies' Board on Radioactive Waste Management. The report calls on the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct plant-by-plant analyses to obtain a better understanding of potential risks and to ensure that power-plant operators take prompt and effective measures to reduce the possible consequences of terrorist attacks.

Back to top

Events and Open Meetings


Committee Meeting: Progress in Preventing Childhood Obesity

The Committee on Progress in Preventing Childhood Obesity will meet April 12-13 at the Academies' Keck Center in Washington DC. A draft agenda is posted at the accompanying link. If you would like to attend the sessions of this meeting that are open to the public or need more information please contact Shannon Wisham, by email at swisham@nas.edu or by telephone at 202-334-1947.

Back to top

Committee Meeting: Improving the Disability Decision Process

The Committee on Improving the Disability Decision Process: SSA's Listing of Impairments and Agency Access to Medical Expertise will hold its second meeting on April 18-19, 2005, at the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation's Barbara Jordan Conference Center, 1330 G Street NW, Washington DC, on Monday the 18th and at the National Academies Keck Building, 500 5th Street NW, Washington DC. The meeting will be open to the public all day on Monday the 18th and until noon on Tuesday the 19th. Specifics regarding the open sessions will become available as the meeting's agenda is finalized. Registration details are posted at www.iom.edu/ssa.

Back to top

Committee Meeting: Public Water Supply Distribution Systems: Assessing and Reducing Risks

The Committee on Public Water Supply Systems will meet April 18-19 at the Academies' Keck Center in Washington DC. A draft agenda will be posted at the accompanying link. If you would like to attend the sessions of this meeting that are open to the public or need more information please contact Ellen de Guzman, by email at edguzman@nas.edu or by telephone at 202-334-3422.

Back to top

Koshland Science Museum Celebrates First Anniversary With a Day of Free Events

The Marian Koshland Science Museum will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Saturday, April 23, 2005. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy sidewalk science demonstrations, free admission to the museum, and free popcorn. Featuring state-of-the-art interactive exhibits targeted to both students and adults, the museum translates the studies conducted by the National Academies into accessible, engaging exhibits. The museum also offers students and adults a wide range of educational programs inspired by the museum's exhibits, including hands-on activities, educational field trips, and other special events throughout the year.

Back to top