Table of Contents
Education Health and Medicine Economy Engineering National Security Events and Open Meetings

Education


Kansas Denied Use of National Science Education Standards

The National Academy of Sciences and the National Science Teachers Association have refused to grant copyright permission to the Kansas State Board of Education to make use of publications by the two organizations in the state's science education standards. According to a statement from the two groups, the new Kansas standards are improved, but as currently written, they overemphasize controversy in the theory of evolution and distort the definition of science. NAS and NSTA offered to work with the board to resolve these issues so the state standards could use text from the National Research Council's "National Science Education Standards" and NSTA's "Pathways to Science Standards."


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Health and Medicine


Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools

The Institute of Medicine has established a committee to review and make recommendations on appropriate nutritional standards for the availability, sale, content, and consumption of foods at school. The committee will consider whether a single set of nutritional standards is appropriate for elementary, middle, and secondary schools, or if more than one set is needed; develop nutritional standards for foods and beverages offered in schools, with particular attention to foods offered in competition with federally reimbursed meals or snacks; and develop benchmarks to guide future evaluation studies of the application of the standards. The committee's report and recommendations will be released in fall 2006.

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Promising Research in Fight Against Infectious Disease

Humans coexist with millions of harmless microorganisms, but emerging diseases, resistance to antibiotics, and the threat of bioterrorism are forcing scientists to look for new ways to confront the microbes that do pose a danger. A new National Research Council report identifies innovative approaches to the development of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines based on a greater understanding of how the human immune system interacts with both good and bad microbes. Development of a single superdrug to fight all infectious agents is unrealistic, however, the report says.

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Economy


Federal Effort Needed to Bolster US Economy in 21st Century

In a world where advanced knowledge is widespread and low-cost labor is readily available, US advantages in the marketplace and in science and technology have begun to erode. A comprehensive and coordinated federal effort is urgently needed to bolster US competitiveness and pre-eminence in these areas so that the nation will consistently gain from the opportunities offered by rapid globalization, according to a new report from the National Academies.

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Engineering


Globalization and Engineering

The fall edition of The Bridge, the National Academy of Engineering's magazine, focuses on globalization and engineering. This edition highlights materials research and development and the impacts of offshoring jobs. The issue features contributions by Lamar Alexander and Peter Bridenbaugh as well as comments from NAE President Wm. A. Wulf and NAE Foreign Secretary George Bugliarello. The Bridge publishes original essays and occasionally reprints relevant articles published elsewhere on engineering research, education, and practice; science and technology policy; and the roles of engineering and technology in all aspects of society.

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National Security


National Academies Comment on Proposed Export-Control Rule

In a letter to the US Department of Defense, the presidents of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine expressed concern about proposed rule changes to DOD contracts involving "export-controlled" information and technology. Although the presidents did not question the appropriateness of regulations intended to prevent unauthorized disclosure of such information and technology to foreigners, they said the proposed changes will have impacts well beyond the department's stated intent and will create ambiguities that impede the very compliance DOD is seeking. Their comments are based on discussions during meetings and workshops held at the Academies.

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Events and Open Meetings


WORKSHOP: The Role of Consumers and Healthcare Professionals in Adverse Drug Event Reporting

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation will hold a workshop on "The Role of Consumers and Healthcare Professionals in Adverse Drug Event Reporting: Key Challenges and Opportunities" November 3-4, 2005 in Washington DC. Topics to be addressed will include incentives and disincentives for physicians in reporting adverse drug events, how consumers should be involved in reporting such events, and tracking of adverse drug reactions and interactions. A draft agenda and registration information are posted at the accompanying link.

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WORKSHOP: Populations at Risk of Facing Disasters

A workshop on "Using Demography Data and Tools More Effectively to Assist Populations at Risk of Facing Disasters" will be held November 14-15 in Washington DC (2100 C Street NW). An open session is scheduled on the 14th from 9:30 to noon; a preliminary 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 Amanda Roberts, by email at <aroberts@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 2744.

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WORKSHOP: Decision Making by Older Adults

A workshop on Decision Making by Older Adults will be held from 9:00 to 3:30 on November 29th at the National Academies in Washington DC (2100 C Street NW). All sessions of the workshop will be open to the public, and will include presentations on neural, affective, and social impacts on decision making among the elderly. A draft agenda is posted at the accompanying link. If you would like to attend this meeting or need more information, please contact Donna Randall, by email at <drandall@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 3403.

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