Articles tagged with Biological Science Policy
The Synthetic Biology Project at Woodrow Wilson International Center has been awarded a €4 million EU grant to foster responsible governance of synthetic biology. The project aims to initiate mutual learning among stakeholders from science, industry, and civil society.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has selected two graduate students, Jennifer Rood and Paul Tanger, to receive the 2013 Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for their interest and aptitude in science and public policy. The winners will participate in a training program on communicating with policymakers and brief...
Prominent wildlife biologists advocate for a national network to coordinate state, federal, and private initiatives. The proposed network aims to identify at-risk species, coordinate conservation efforts, and share information to address threats like climate change and novel diseases.
The Global Biodiversity Informatics Conference identified critical areas for greater investment and coordination in information technologies and social networks. The conference aimed to build global collaboration on biodiversity observation, uniting partners and initiatives to detect and respond to short-term changes and long-term trends.
University of Pittsburgh researcher Sandra Mitchell emphasizes the need for adaptive policy in GMO regulation due to local variations and diverse host plants. Her proposal includes scenario analyses and mediation to address conflicting values among stakeholders.
Wesley Brooks, a Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers University, received the AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for his commitment to fostering dialogue between policymakers and scientists. He will receive a certificate, one-year membership, and a subscription to BioScience.
A study by Lisette Cantú-Salazar and Kevin J. Gaston found that large protected areas are crucial for preserving natural species assemblages, while also being vulnerable to inadequate management and human activities such as logging and mining. The researchers suggest that these areas should be prioritized for conservation efforts
A new study reveals climate change impacts low-elevation mountain plants more significantly than expected, with increased drought stress observed in forests below 4,000 feet. The findings inform local conservation strategies by predicting biological responses to climate change.
A group of leading biodiversity scientists, including NJIT's Daniel Bunker, argue that CBD targets must consider ecosystem services for effective conservation. By valuing biodiversity through ecosystem services, nations can better justify and improve biodiversity conservation efforts.
This special issue of Environmental Science & Technology explores key topics in environmental policy, including decimating honey bee colonies, carbon capture and storage, and biodiversity. The issue also delves into the origins of environmental issues and how scientists are addressing concerns.
Mayor John Fetterman will receive the ESA's Regional Policy Award for his commitment to sustainability, revitalizing the town of Braddock through environmentally-friendly building design. The award recognizes Fetterman's innovative approach to green urban renewal and its potential economic benefits.
Researchers found that administering interleukin-6 through a nasal spray improves memory consolidation during late night REM sleep cycles, particularly for emotional and procedural memories. The study involved 17 healthy young men who received either the nasal spray or a placebo fluid after reading an emotional or neutral short story.
The Wilson Center's Synthetic Biology project has received two National Science Foundation grants to support research on the implications of synthetic biology for sustainability science and policy. The projects will explore emerging issues in synthetic biology, including its potential contribution to sustainable development.
A French team identified a 'Goldilocks dose' of DHA (200mg/day) that affects biochemical markers predicting cardiovascular problems. Regular DHA consumption is likely to improve cardiovascular health, especially in aging-related issues.
Researchers discovered how resveratrol controls inflammation by inhibiting two molecules that trigger inflammatory responses. The findings suggest resveratrol may be used to treat inflammatory diseases and lead to new resveratrol-based drugs.
Researchers found that long-lived bats have a resistance to protein folding damage, which explains their extended lifespan. This discovery may lead to therapies that slow down human aging.
Researchers found a distinct link between the ABCC11 gene and excessively smelly armpits, wet earwax, and breast cancer risk. The study discovered that a specific SNP in the ABCC11 gene determines earwax type.
A new editorial in the FASEB Journal examines the risks of dietary supplements, highlighting regulatory loopholes that enable toxic substances to enter the market. Gerald Weissmann argues that these supplements represent unregulated drugs with tangible personal and professional consequences.
Representative Hinchey recognized for his strong support of a national research portfolio that invests in all sciences. He has been a long-time champion for the agricultural and biological sciences, recognizing their key role in addressing society's challenges.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals that a gene in the blind mole rat, which allows it to thrive in low-oxygen environments, is also active in human tumors. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-cancer drugs that 'suffocate' tumors.
The Journal of Biology is introducing a new policy to reduce review time and improve the publication process. Authors will have more control over the review process, with an option to opt out of re-review after initial screening by editorial board members.
A study published in the FASEB Journal found that even a low dose of caffeine ingested during pregnancy can affect fetal heart development and lead to decreased cardiac function and increased body fat in males. Researchers exposed pregnant mice to varying levels of caffeine, resulting in adverse effects on the offspring's health.
Researchers found extensive bidirectional transfer of MHC molecules between donor and recipient cells, making transplanted organs 'invisible' to the immune system. This discovery has major medical implications for organ transplantation, potentially reducing rejection and increasing effectiveness.
Researchers discovered a compound in human saliva, histatin, that accelerates wound healing. Histatin was found to close almost completely after 16 hours in the wound model.
Researchers discovered that the body produces substances similar to THC found in marijuana, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. The findings suggest these endocannabinoids may lead to new treatments for skin disorders like acne and dry skin.
Researchers developed an artificial graft tissue by combining man-made materials with human cells, resulting in improved durability and attachment to host tissue. The study paves the way for a medical breakthrough that could save millions of lives worldwide.
Researchers have discovered a new substance called Zorro-LNA that can bind to both strands of DNA simultaneously, effectively disabling genes. This development has significant implications for treating dominant genetic disorders such as Huntington's disease and polycystic kidney disease.
Scientists from Harvard University and the University of Pittsburgh found that carbon monoxide reduces or shuts down inflammatory responses by releasing chemical signals in mitochondria. This discovery raises hopes for developing new anti-inflammatory therapies, such as low levels of inhaled carbon monoxide.
Researchers have discovered that RNA interference (RNAi) regulates local protein synthesis in axonal nerve fibers, enabling the repair of damaged nerves. This breakthrough provides new hope for treating degenerative disorders and injuries affecting the nervous system.
Dr. Lubchenco, a marine ecologist, uses her skills to create organizations that train scientists to communicate effectively with the public. Her work aims to address environmental problems by making information and expertise accessible to government leaders.
The Stanford Institute for the Environment has awarded a total of $640,000 in grants to support innovative interdisciplinary research. Five proposals have been selected for funding, including projects focused on reintroducing butterflies to campus lands and assessing agricultural-urban water markets in India.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has received $1.34 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop seven plain-language booklets on biomedical research for public libraries as part of the Healthy People 2010 initiative.
Renowned botanist Peter H. Raven is among the 12 scientists to receive the prestigious National Medal of Science. He has made significant contributions to plant systematics and evolution, introducing the concept of coevolution and preserving biodiversity worldwide.
A team of top experts from the University of California will participate in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-6) in The Hague, Netherlands. The scientists will present a special event on global climate change issues, providing objective scientific discussions and updates.
The 9th International Coral Reef Symposium in Bali, Indonesia brings together experts to discuss the state of global coral reefs and potential solutions to address mass coral bleaching and die-offs. The conference highlights new insights into mystery diseases killing coral reefs and breakthroughs in Marine Protected Areas.
The 112th Geological Society of America Annual Meeting featured keynote speakers and symposia on planetary exploration, gas hydrates, and tectonics. The meeting included presentations from renowned scientists on topics such as sample returns from asteroidal material and the structure of planets and satellites.
According to a report by Lawrence S. Lerner, 31 states handle evolution adequately, but only nine explicitly cover human evolution and another nine do so by implication. The remaining 19 states receive poor grades for teaching evolution, with some even avoiding the term altogether.
Boston University will create an international science and medical journalism center with a $1.1M Knight Foundation grant. The center aims to improve the quality of medical journalism, train journalists to report on scientific advances, and increase global coverage.
The USGS is launching a citizen science program to monitor frogs and toads across the United States. Volunteers will collect data on local amphibian populations, helping scientists understand the decline of these species worldwide.
The BioOne Board will guide policies and progress, comprising ten individuals from collaborating organizations. The aggregation will offer cross-journal searches and inter-journal linking, with a broad selection of journals from AIBS member societies.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has awarded a $10,000 prize to a web site that teaches students the science behind the weather. The 'Web Weather for Kids' site allows children in grades five through eight to predict precipitation and temperatures, with scores compared to those of local meteorologist Mike Nelson.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) honored science writers who tackled complex topics with clarity and coherence. AAAS Science Journalism Awards recognized four award-winning journalists for their outstanding work in large newspaper category winner George Johnson and magazine co-winners Robert Kunzig.
The award encourages young science writers by recognizing outstanding reporting and writing in any field of science. The winner will receive $1,000 and expenses to attend the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Daniel W. Armstrong, a renowned radio personality and chemistry professor, has been awarded the Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach by the American Chemical Society. His weekly radio show, We're Science, promotes better understanding of science and technology in daily life, reaching over 70 million people worldwide.
The World Conference on Science adopted a Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge, emphasizing investment in education and research. The framework aims to promote equitable access to science, particularly for girls and women, while addressing global issues like environmental degradation and inequality.
The gray wolf population is thriving in Yellowstone, with 10 breeding pairs established in each of the three states. The reintroduction of wolves has boosted biodiversity, reducing elk and coyote populations while increasing eagle, pronghorn, foxes, and wolverine numbers.
The USGS report synthesizes current information to document the changing nation's biological resources, identifying key factors affecting biological resources nationwide. Land use, water use, and nonindigenous species are the primary factors having broad-scale effects.
A male rattlebox moth donates a plant-derived chemical to his female, protecting her against spiders and her eggs. The female can also benefit from this nuptial gift, with the Cornell study proving that she profits from the male's alkaloidal gift.
Penn State's InterWET website enables users to calculate water quality consequences with point-and-click calculators, exploring topics like surface runoff, groundwater, and fish populations. The website aims to help beginners understand hydrological concepts without requiring complex math.
The US lacks preparedness for bioterrorism attacks, according to a recent report by Dr. D.A. Henderson. The country is particularly vulnerable to anthrax and smallpox, which are identified as top bioweapon threats. The report calls for improved training, diagnostic techniques, and vaccine development to address this growing concern.
The US National Park Service faces challenges in managing wildlife populations due to conflicting goals and limited information. Adaptive management is proposed as a solution to resolve these issues. The study of ecological systems reveals new insights into what may be ecologically appropriate decisions regarding park management.
The Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans: A Long-Term Ecological Consortium will study coastal ecosystems, interactions between fish and invertebrates, and effects of global warming. Researchers will use new biological monitoring devices to track near-shore ecological patterns along the coast.
Cuba is seeking to diversify its economy through science, particularly in chemistry and genetic engineering, due to an overdependence on sugarcane. The country has made significant advancements in research, including vaccine development and treatments for various diseases.
The AAAS Science Journalism Awards recognize the work of individuals who excel in reporting on science and its impact on society. In 1998, four teams of journalists won awards in large newspaper, small newspaper, magazine, television, and radio categories for their outstanding reporting.
The editorial emphasizes the need for improved scientific literacy, citing a 'dangerous ambiguity' in definitions of the issue. The authors argue that promoting scientific literacy requires a new way of teaching, stressing long-term process over short-term results.
The symposium brings together experts to present on recent findings in the science of emotion, including how environment impacts brain development and can affect emotional health. Researchers will also share insights into the effects of early nurturing and experiences on emotional memory and trauma.
A group of ASU undergraduates present research on scientific literacy, finding common ground among differing viewpoints but also identifying unresolved issues. They highlight five key points agreed upon by science organizations, including the importance of critical thinking skills and social issues.
Dr. Ray Herrmann, a USGS scientist, has been named an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished efforts in advancing science through his watershed research. He is being recognized for his leadership in communicating the importance of watershed investigations to various stakeholders.
The symposium examined how changing social roles, affirmative action, and technology have created opportunities for women scientists. Women have taken a more prominent role in AAAS governance, with four female presidents elected since 1990.
The AAAS awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to science, including Peter H. Raven for his service to ecology and sustainability, and Bert Richard Johannes Bolin for his leadership in international research programs on climate change. The winners of the 1997-1998 AAAS Science Journalism Awards will be an...