Articles tagged with Science Policy
University of Missouri researchers are helping farmers prevent disease outbreaks by teaching biosecurity practices, such as hand sanitizing and wearing farm-dedicated shoes. They also provide guidance on safe composting methods to dispose of dead livestock, reducing the risk of disease spread.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
The US needs a new strategy for insurance coverage and access to cell and gene therapies due to high up-front costs. In contrast, Europe has approved 19 CGTs with most being reimbursed within two years of approval based on demonstrated added therapeutic value.
The Japan Science and Technology Agency hosts an international symposium on weather controllability technologies as part of Moonshot Goal 8. The goal aims to mitigate the effects of extreme weather disasters by 2050 through innovative research and development of weather-control technologies.
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.
A new framework proposes an 'aviation sustainability index' to guide investment decisions and distinguish genuine progress from greenwashing. The authors aim to tackle the lack of breakthrough clean technologies and weak incentives for investors in the competitive aviation sector.
The World Health Organization's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence is reassessing the status of the coca leaf, a plant long cultivated in South America. Research confirms its safety and cultural significance, differing from cocaine, which has a well-documented history of addiction and harm.
The DFG is funding five new Research Impulses to address pressing societal challenges, including e-participation, automated driving, cultural memory, speech recognition, and sustainable material systems. The projects will receive €31 million over five years and aim to improve research conditions at universities of applied sciences.
The Golden Goose Award recognizes federally funded research that unexpectedly benefits society, such as the development of cisplatin for testicular cancer treatment. The award also honors scientists who have made significant contributions to disease diagnostics.
A report by Digital Science assesses Australia's National Persistent Identifier (PID) Strategy, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. The study recommends improving data citation and ORCID adoption for non-traditional research outputs.
China's emerging AI regulation aims to balance oversight with openness, fostering collaboration and long-term innovation. The country's Model AI Law and Scholar's Proposal are key references for ongoing policy discussions, with a focus on exemptive laws, efficient adjudication, and experimentalist requirements.
eLTER has successfully submitted its Step-1 Application to the European Commission, a crucial milestone towards becoming an ERIC. The application is currently under review and may require modifications before the final request can be submitted.
The DFG is establishing four new Research Units to address pressing issues in linguistics, security, precision medicine and environmental history. The Research Units will focus on topics like bilingual flexibility, security in catastrophic times, genome-based precision medicine and medieval coastal landscape development.
A study found that UK MPs and the public overestimated the time needed for global greenhouse emissions to peak. Labour MPs were more likely to know the correct answer than Conservative MPs. The researchers suggest that institutions like the IPCC need to improve communication about climate change to policymakers and the public.
The journal has appointed 13 distinguished researchers from around the world to expand its representation across stem cell science disciplines. The new Editorial Board members include experts in basic biology, translational research, clinical application, and ethical considerations.
A recent survey found that only 38% of US adults recommend taking a Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy, while only 42% believe it is safe. Women aged 18-49 are even less likely to support vaccination, with 36% and 28% respectively, suggesting a decline in vaccination rates among childbearing women.
The IPBES report highlights five strategies to achieve transformative change: incorporating culture and ecology into conservation efforts, integrating biodiversity concerns into economic sectors, reforming governments, shifting societal values, and promoting incremental changes. The authors emphasize the urgent need for concerted effor...
The US Climate Collection aims to publish U.S.-focused climate assessment science and research synthesis papers to inform future national and sub-national assessments. The collection welcomes studies that advance the evidence-based design of future U.S. assessments of climate risks and solutions.
A 'what-if' scenario analysis suggests that a 40% reduction in NIH funding could limit the development of several promising pharmaceuticals. The study found that 14 out of 557 approved drugs between 2000 and 2023 were supported by at-risk grants, which would have been cut under a hypothetical budget reduction.
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 recent study challenges conventional wisdom about US science funding and partisan control, revealing a complex relationship between political power and federal appropriations. Grants constitute only a small fraction of total spending, with most funds going to private firms through contracts or in-house agency research.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.