Education Environmental Issues Health and Medicine International Issues National Security Space Transportation New at the National Academies Events and Open Meetings
- An Evening of Pizza & Prose with Robert Hazen
- There's a Storm Brewing: Hurricane Forecasting
- MEETING: Committee for the Evaluation of PEPFAR Implementation
- MEETING: Evaluation of Teacher Certification by NBPTS
- MEETING: Assessing Interactions among Social, Behavioral, and Genetic Factors in Health
Education
Report Offers Framework for Improving High School Science Labs
The quality of science laboratory experiences is poor for most US high school students, but four principles of instructional design can guide improvements in laboratory teaching and learning, says a new report from the National Research Council.
Environmental Issues
Emerging Technologies Could Enhance Cleanup at DOE Site in South Carolina
Tanks containing radioactive waste at a US Department of Energy nuclear weapons facility in South Carolina do not necessarily need to be sealed shut as soon as the bulk of the waste has been removed, says a new National Research Council report. Postponing permanent closure buys more time for the development and application of emerging technologies to remove and better immobilize residual waste, without increasing risks to the environment or delaying final closure of the "tank farms."
Health and Medicine
IOM President Discusses Thimerosal and Autism
On the August 7 broadcast of NBC's "Meet the Press," Institute of Medicine President Harvey V. Fineberg discussed the evidence that led an expert committee of the Institute to conclude in a 2004 report that thimerosal, a preservative once used in vaccines, is not associated with autism.
International Issues
Global Partnerships Can Boost Russia's Ability to Combat Disease
The US and Russian governments should establish a joint commission on infectious diseases to identify promising research areas of global significance and to promote and evaluate collaborative activities, says a new report from the National Research Council. The United States can support Russia's efforts to revitalize its public health infrastructure by encouraging balanced scientific partnerships that are mutually beneficial.
National Security
Future US Leadership in Materials R&D Questioned
While the United States remains a world leader in materials research and development, competition from new materials R&D centers worldwide could weaken the nation's position in this field, says a new report from the National Research Council. The federal government should define a national strategy to foster international collaboration and to ensure that future national security needs in materials R&D can be addressed, the report says.
Space
Feasibility of Future Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft Not Yet Known
NASA should commission detailed mission studies to examine the feasibility, performance, cost, and complexity of using nuclear-powered spacecraft for future robotic and human missions, says a new report from the National Research Council. Although nuclear power appears to have significant advantages for a variety of exploration missions, NASA should determine first if the required technologies are fast, efficient, safe, and affordable, the report says.
Transportation
Clean Vehicle Research Program on Track, But Many Challenges Ahead
A public-private effort to develop more fuel-efficient automobiles and eventually introduce hydrogen as a transportation fuel is well planned and identifies all major hurdles the program will face, says a new report from the National Research Council. Many technical barriers must be overcome and new inventions will be needed, but the program has already made an excellent start, the report says.
New at the National Academies
"National Academies In Focus" Magazine Online
The newest issue of the institution's magazine -- "The National Academies In Focus" -- is now online. Articles feature several recent reports, including a critical set of guidelines for stem cell research, and studies on the speeding progress toward cures for spinal cord injuries, securing commercial spent nuclear fuel storage, and fostering the independence of new biomedical investigators. The issue also spotlights other news about the Academies, and bids farewell to Bruce Alberts after his completion of 12 years as NAS president. Back issues and PDF files of all issues of In Focus are also available.
Events and Open Meetings
An Evening of Pizza & Prose with Robert Hazen
Come listen on September 13th as Carnegie Institution scientist Robert Hazen discusses his book "Genesis: The Scientific Quest for Life's Origins," which explores how life began billions of years ago. Dr. Hazen will talk about life's chemical origins, the theory of emergence, the integration of the full spectrum of scientific ideas in the pursuit of one of the world's most fundamental questions, and evidence of life's beginnings in a sequence of natural events.
There's a Storm Brewing: Hurricane ForecastingIt seems that hurricanes have become increasingly intense. Is this an aberration, or indicative of a greater climatic cycle? Dr. Gerry Bell of NOAA's Hurricane Prediction Center will share his experience in hurricane modeling and forecasting, and discuss the relation between hurricane activity and climate change. The event will take place Wednesday, September 14, 2005, 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the National Academies' Koshland Science Museum in Washington DC.
MEETING: Committee for the Evaluation of PEPFAR ImplementationThe Committee on PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) Implementation Evaluation will meet September 13-16 at the Academies' Keck Center in Washington DC (500 Fifth Street). Sessions will be open to the public on Thursday the 15th. 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 Angela Mensah, by email at <amensah@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 3594.
MEETING: Evaluation of Teacher Certification by NBPTSThe Committee on Evaluation of the Impact of Teacher Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) will meet September 18-19 at the Academies' Keck Center in Washington DC (500 Fifth Street). Discussions will be open to the public on Monday the 19th 9:45am - 1:45pm. 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 Teresia Wilmore, by email at <twilmore@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 2160.
MEETING: Assessing Interactions among Social, Behavioral, and Genetic Factors in HealthThe Committee on Assessing Interactions Among Social, Behavioral, and Genetic Factors in Health will hold a meeting and workshop September 29-30 at the Academies' Keck Center in Washington DC (500 Fifth Street). The workshop, which is open to the public, will take place Thursday the 29th 9:00am - 12:00pm. 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 Andrea Schultz, by email at <aschultz@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 2796.
