Articles tagged with Science Policy
Public confidence in US health agencies has declined, with sharp decreases among Democrats, according to a new survey. Most Americans lack confidence in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ability to provide trustworthy public health information, but have more trust in Dr. Anthony Fauci.
A new Canadian guideline sets out 75 core elements for participant consent forms to ensure transparency and understanding. The guidance aims to simplify the approval process for all involved in clinical research across Canada.
Research with human fetal tissue has been instrumental in advancing biomedicine and saving millions of lives. The ISSCR asserts that this work is essential for understanding human development, infertility, and diseases like diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
A recent sale of genetic data by 23andMe highlights critical gaps in legal protection for genetic information in the US. The authors argue that stronger safeguards are needed to protect consumers from potential misuse and exploitation of their genetic data.
The US funding withdrawal could lead to a significant increase in tuberculosis-related deaths worldwide. According to the modelling study, this could result in approximately 2.2 million more deaths between 2025 and 2030, across high-burden TB countries.
The 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from February 22-27, 2025. The event will bring together 6,000 scientists, students, and educators to discuss breaking research on the ocean sciences and critical issues affecting a sustainable future for our oceans.
The Nationwide Herp Adoption Program provides a health-verified solution for surrendered reptiles and amphibians, offering invaluable training opportunities for future veterinarians. The program protects wild amphibians and reptiles by reducing the release of unwanted pets into the wild.
Drones are enhancing farming sustainability by boosting yields, reducing waste and lowering chemical exposure, while also creating new opportunities for rural livelihoods. However, risks of labor displacement, gender inequality and chemical drift remain, highlighting the need for inclusive adoption and smart regulation.
The World Conference of Science Journalists 2025 will explore the intersection of science journalism and social justice, featuring sessions on ocean science reporting, environmental injustice, AI's impact on journalism, and more. The event aims to promote scientific accuracy and amplify marginalized voices.
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has released a statement highlighting five foundational flaws in the Department of Energy's 2025 Climate Synthesis report. These flaws are inconsistent with scientific principles and practices, and require rectification before the report can accurately characterize scientific understanding.
Researchers warn of declining access to safe and reliable water in the US, urging better tracking tools and policy reforms. A new tool, Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE), measures water insecurity in over 1,000 households across the country.
A recent review of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care emphasizes the need for expert bodies to produce evidence-based guidance. Dr. Vivek Goel calls for a modernized task force with adequate funding and support, incorporating updated methodologies and protection from political interference.
Current US policies on bioenergy do not distinguish between carbon intensities of farming practices used to produce biofuels. New policies should account for farming practices that reduce direct emissions and increase soil carbon sequestration.
The ISSCR has released an updated set of guidelines for stem cell research and clinical translation, incorporating advances in human stem cell-based embryo models. The new guidelines aim to provide clear guidance on the development and application of these innovative models.
Researchers propose a quality management system for quantum technologies to ensure security, interoperability, transparency and accountability. International standards can facilitate cooperation among countries like China, the US, and Europe, creating trust in new technologies.
The article suggests a standards-based approach to governing emerging quantum technologies, drawing on existing frameworks like ISO 27001. This framework would oversee the design, implementation, and lifecycle of quantum technologies, addressing challenges like post-quantum cryptography.
The two universities are sharing high-end research equipment, including microscopes and atom probes, to foster deeper collaboration and joint research projects. This will lead to higher-quality research, faster innovation, and more effective industry engagement.
The DFG presents a statistical analysis showing the involvement of subject areas in Clusters of Excellence, mirroring that of ongoing research. The results reveal a broad disciplinary range among researchers, with notable connections between artificial intelligence and other fields.
Researchers argue that successful AI policy requires scientific understanding and systematic analysis to inform decision-making. The authors propose mechanisms to incentivize rigorous model evaluations, increase transparency, and monitor post-deployment harms to achieve evidence-based governance.
A coalition of independent scientists is supporting a global plastics treaty to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution. The scientists' coalition emphasizes the need for essential use, transparency, safety and sustainability criteria for plastics.
Elaine R. Mardis, Alexis B. Carter, and Dara L. Aisner receive AMP's top honors for groundbreaking work in cancer genomics and molecular diagnostics. Drs. Mardis and Carter will deliver keynote lectures at the AMP Annual Meeting & Expo.
A special issue examines how AI can support human flourishing in various contexts, including healthcare, education, and digital interactions. The issue highlights the need for humane AI that balances technological advancement with human-centric values and psychological insight.
An international team of coral scientists calls for urgent regulatory reform to support assisted gene flow, a powerful tool to boost coral resilience. The researchers outline reforms needed to enable cross-border coral exchanges to introduce new genetic diversity and preserve coral diversity.
Two studies found that industrial fishing is rare in fully and highly protected marine areas, averaging just one vessel per 20,000 square kilometers. However, nearly half of the world's coastal MPAs showed evidence of industrial fishing, with factors like MPA size and remoteness more predictive of fishing presence than official protect...
ShadeLA aims to reduce heat risk by expanding tree canopy and shade infrastructure in key public spaces, targeting major sporting events and heat waves. The initiative builds on USC's Urban Trees Initiative and engages community-based organizations to create locally driven solutions for a more comfortable L.A.
Coral reefs face severe threats from climate change and heat stress. Researchers are turning to assisted gene flow (AGF) to restore genetic diversity and boost resilience. International collaboration and revisions to conservation laws are necessary to proactively expand AGF efforts, safeguarding and restoring coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers developed an AI tool to automatically generate HIV prevention and testing campaign messages for counties in the US, leveraging real-time social media data. The method was tested in three studies, showing that AI-selected messages were perceived as more actionable and effective by target audiences than control messages.
Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.
A new study by Tel Aviv University's Moshe Dayan Center finds that 73.2% of Israel's Arab citizens support the inclusion of an Arab party in the government after elections, leading to a potential increase in voter turnout. This optimism is seen amidst low mood in Arab communities due to recent conflicts and violence.
Between 2022 and 2024, CGIAR delivered innovations to over 20 million farmers across 62 countries, including climate-resilient crop varieties and tools for women's empowerment. The report highlights a cumulative impact of $1.34 trillion in economic benefits from crop technologies developed by CGIAR.
Allowing avian flu to run rampant in US poultry would lead to unnecessary suffering and put other animals at risk. The authors suggest a more collaborative approach to reduce spillover risks and protect public and ecological health.
A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that nearly half of Americans believe women should begin regular mammograms at age 40, while younger women are less certain. Women aged 18-29 were most likely to choose an incorrect age, with 27% selecting 30 years old as the start age.
A decline in global population data collection threatens crucial evidence-based government planning. Accurate demographic information is fundamental to effective governance, yet many countries are undercounting marginalized populations and failing to publish census findings.
The ISSCR Embryo Models Working Group has released updated recommendations for the oversight and regulation of SCBEMs. The proposed guidelines aim to balance scientific progress with ethical, legal, and social considerations.
Through the Archer Fellowship Program, UTA students spend time in Washington, D.C., completing internships and taking courses taught by UT System faculty and policy experts. The program offers unique opportunities for students to network with professionals, learn from peers, and gain insight into federal policy-making.
Researchers argue that space exploration mirrors historical patterns of land appropriation and ecological harm, sidelining Indigenous knowledge systems and rights. They call for a fundamental shift towards collaboration, consultation, and mutual benefit.
The SELINA 5th project Workshop on the Azores unified partners to enhance cross-sector collaboration, advance key tools, and foster synergies. Interactive sessions focused on Communities of Practice and Compendium of Guidance, promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The ELSI University Summit in Japan brought together experts to discuss challenges and prospects of responsible AI development. Key findings include the need for ethics-driven approaches, collaboration between academia and industry, and the importance of setting evaluation indicators for Responsible AI.
Researchers uncover valuable insights into past climate scenarios and marine ecosystems through ancient sediment cores. The study highlights the need for more data to improve future climate models and transform our understanding of Earth's complex life systems.
High blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms, according to the CDC. Few U.S. adults can correctly identify what blood pressure reading is considered high (130/80 mmHg). Despite prevalence, many people mistakenly believe high blood pressure always has noticeable symptoms or can be identified by feeling calm and relaxed.
The Japan Science and Technology Agency has selected three young female researchers as winners of the fourth 'Marie Sklodowska Curie Award'. The award recognizes their outstanding research achievements, leadership skills, and dedication to promoting diversity in STEM fields. Dr. Fujishiro Yukako and two others have been awarded prizes ...
A global research project has identified the most critical locations in the world's oceans for better marine conservation efforts. The study found that current Marine Protected Areas only cover 8% of the ocean, highlighting the need for additional protection and mitigation strategies to conserve threatened marine megafauna.
Damien Bérubé and Swati Narasimhan, two Ph.D. students, will serve as special legislative assistants to support U.S. Congress with their technical backgrounds. Their research focuses on exotic materials, quantum computers, lithium-ion batteries, and energy efficiency.
The G7 science academies have published the Ottawa Declaration, stressing the importance of academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The declaration also highlights the need for research security and responsible conduct of research to support the public good.
Researchers warn that reducing ERC autonomy will shift focus from transformative impacts to incremental ones, hindering Europe's competitiveness. The European Research Council plays a critical role in providing intellectual freedom and resources for breakthroughs.
A growing number of adolescents are experiencing anxiety disorders, which may be linked to early life stress and environmental factors. The authors suggest that these factors can shape a child's developing brain and lead to anxiety disorders if the anticipated threats never materialize.
A new study finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could save twice as much glacier ice as current policies, which project an average of +2.7°C. This would mitigate 10cm of sea-level rise and preserve up to 39% of global glacier mass.
A new study published in Science finds that strong climate policy can preserve twice as much ice as current warming trajectories, even if temperatures stabilized today. At a 1.5°C temperature increase, 53% of global glacier mass could be preserved, alleviating hazards like flooding and freshwater deficiency.
The ISSCR has assembled an international consortium to support the adoption of human stem cell-derived disease models for drug discovery and development. This initiative aims to reduce R&D costs and accelerate therapy development, aligning with efforts by regulatory bodies such as the FDA, NIH, and European Commission.
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
Subsidies to agriculture, fossil fuels, and other sectors cause significant environmental degradation, threatening biodiversity and public health. The study highlights the urgent need for a transformation of the current economic model to protect nature and ensure well-being.
The University of Cologne has been awarded funding for five Clusters of Excellence in aging research, plant sciences, astrophysics, economics, and quantum research. The clusters will focus on fundamental understanding and innovative research to address major challenges like age-related diseases, climate change, and global food security.
The University of Texas at Arlington's McNair Scholars Program has selected 23 students to pursue academic research careers. The program provides opportunities for students to work with internationally recognized researchers and gain essential skills for graduate studies.
A new study found that state-led climate action can reduce carbon emissions by up to 46% by 2050, with different technologies adopted in each state. State-led efforts would focus on industrial decarbonization, while federally coordinated efforts rely more on clean energy production.
A new book calls for a transition to a nature-positive world, valuing the living natural world in economic decision-making. The authors propose shifting from GDP to Gross Ecosystem Product, and encourage businesses to contribute to a nature-positive economy now.
New research challenges conventional views on the link between environment and conflict, highlighting global inequalities that disproportionately harm countries in the Global South. The study finds that ecological sustainability and peace are not positively correlated, but comprehensively sustainable peace is possible.
The US needs a stable scientific ecosystem to develop an effective national science diplomacy strategy, writes Kimberly Montgomery. The Trump administration should outline how policies can advance diplomatic objectives and work with the private sector.
The EndoCompass project aims to guide future studies and funding programs with a research roadmap for better hormone health in Europe. Manuel Heitor will share his perspective on the future of research in Europe, emphasizing the need for greater investment and coordination.
Leopoldina President Bettina Rockenbach participated in the G7 summit's Science 7 process, focusing on advanced technologies and data security. She presented joint statements on topics linked to the agenda, including climate change and health, alongside experts from other science academies.
The ASU-Science Prize for Transformational Research aims to empower next-generation scientists to create tangible benefits for society. The prize recognizes early-career researchers whose work uses new methods to identify problems and produce findings with impacts on policy.