Environmental Issues Health and Medicine National Security
- Better Use of Geospatial Tools Needed in Disaster Management
- US and Russia Should Combat Radiological Terrorism
- WORKSHOP: Adolescent Health Care Services and Models of Care for Treatment, Prevention, and Healthy Development
- WORKSHOP: Enhancing Professional Development for Teachers
- Koshland Science Museum Announces Winter Program of Events
Environmental Issues
Report Recommends Strategic Approach to Atmospheric Research
The National Science Foundation's support of atmospheric research has led to outstanding scientific accomplishments, but a more strategic approach that actively engages the atmospheric sciences community is needed, given the cross-disciplinary, interagency, and international nature of current atmospheric studies, says a new National Research Council report. The foundation also needs to be more proactive in attracting talented students to the atmospheric sciences.
Health and Medicine
Dearth of Evidence on Pandemic Flu Interventions
Computer models and analyses of past flu outbreaks indicate that there is a role for community-wide intervention -- such as isolating infected people or voluntary quarantine -- to control illnesses and deaths during the next pandemic flu, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. It adds, however, that government and community leaders should not overstate the certainty about their effectiveness.
National Security
Better Use of Geospatial Tools Needed in Disaster Management
When dealing with major disasters, geospatial data and tools can help save lives, limit damage, and reduce certain costs, but only if they are used effectively. A new National Research Council report recommends ways to increase and improve the use of these resources in disaster management and urges greater investment in the training of personnel, coordination of agencies, sharing of data, planning and preparedness, and the tools themselves.
US and Russia Should Combat Radiological TerrorismShortcomings in the security of potent ionizing radiation sources in Russia could present serious problems for US interests if terrorist groups acquired and used such sources in dirty bombs, says a new National Research Council report. The US Department of Energy should develop a comprehensive plan to strengthen its work with Russian counterparts to reduce the risks and consequences of radiological terrorism.
Policy and Research Issues
US Should Support Study of Rare Isotopes
To remain globally competitive in nuclear physics, the United States should be involved in international research efforts to study atomic nuclei called rare isotopes, says a new National Research Council report. The US could build a dedicated facility that could lead not only to advances in physics and astrophysics but also to applications in medicine, national security, energy production, and industrial processes.
- Full report: "Scientific Opportunities with a Rare-Isotope Facility in the United States"
- Report brief (2 pages, pdf)
New at the National Academies
National Academies to Host Winter Program of Speakers in California
This winter Distinctive Voices@The Beckman Center has assembled a new series of speakers who will discuss the far-reaching role of science, technology, and medicine in our lives. Speakers include an Emmy winner as well as members of the NAS, NAE, and IOM. The first such event will take place January 17th, on "Growing Old or Living Long." Other topics include medical advances to address blindness, health care affordability, evolution and creationism, and transforming the US energy system. Detailed program information is posted at the accompanying link.
Events and Open Meetings
WORKSHOP: Adolescent Health Care Services and Models of Care for Treatment, Prevention, and Healthy Development
The Committee on Adolescent Health Care Services and Models of Care for Treatment, Prevention, and Healthy Development will host a workshop on January 22nd at the National Academies' Keck Center in Washington. Sessions will address a broad range of related topics, including issues affecting incarcerated, homeless, LGBT, and mentally ill youth. A draft agenda is posted at the accompanying link. If you are interested in attending, please contact April Higgins, by e-mail at <ahiggins@nas.edu>.
WORKSHOP: Enhancing Professional Development for TeachersThe National Academies' Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) will host a workshop on Enhancing Professional Development for Teachers: Potential Uses of Information Technology, February 8-9 at the Academies' Beckman Center in Irvine, CA. As space will be limited the session will also be webcast. A draft agenda and the TAC homepage are posted at the accompanying links. For more information please contact Terry Holmer, by e-mail at <tholmer@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 1462.
Koshland Science Museum Announces Winter Program of EventsThe Marian Koshland Science Museum's 2007 winter program features events on Internet art and culture, DNA evidence and the past, the physical impact of stress and relaxation with yoga, and a regional "brain bee" for high school students. The exhibit "Putting DNA to Work" will close on February 25.
