Articles tagged with Science Policy
A centralized and accessible database aims to integrate molecular simulation data, ensuring findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. This will amplify the impact of these data and avoid duplication.
The American Meteorological Society warns that catastrophic cuts to federal science agencies like NOAA threaten the US weather enterprise, which supports public safety, private sector operations, and national security. A strong weather enterprise is essential for America's economic leadership.
The American Physical Society has received the leading score among publishers participating in SCOAP3 for its investment in open science practices. The Society earned high marks in elements like data availability, article metadata, and persistent identifiers.
The first BioAgora Cascade Funding Call concluded with the selection of two winning proposals: BRIDGING MINDS and CESPSIP Central-European SPSI Platform. The former aims to enhance engagement through gamification and science communication, while the latter seeks to strengthen science-society collaboration on BDS2030 policies.
The World Health Organization recommends universal introduction of rubella-containing vaccines into childhood vaccination programs globally. This effort will significantly boost global immunity against both diseases, bringing the world closer to eradicating them.
Approximately 1,900 US scientists warn that the Trump administration's actions are slowing scientific advances and harming Americans. The experts argue that gutting funding for research, firing scientists, and removing public access to data will damage the economy and national security.
A recent Policy Forum discusses how China's increasing focus on strategic goals threatens basic research, which underpinned groundbreaking discoveries such as mRNA vaccines and quantum computers. The author argues that balancing targeted investments with sustained support for fundamental research is essential to mitigate these risks.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in wastewater poses a significant threat to human health due to the spread of drug-resistant pathogens. The Microbiology Society's new policy briefing outlines key interventions to tackle AMR in wastewater, including monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and treatment technologies.
A study by Prof. Dr. Heinz Welsch found that countries with higher per-capita income and emissions levels pursue more ambitious climate targets, but their populations are less willing to contribute to climate change mitigation. The study also found a correlation between the discrepancy and lower satisfaction with democracy.
The Ecological Society of America named ten outstanding graduate students with the 2025 Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award for their dedication to science policy and advocacy. The awardees will participate in policy, communication, and career training in Washington, D.C., and engage with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
The Institut Pasteur is committed to defending scientific facts and integrity, joining the global Stand Up for Science initiative. Professor Yasmine Belkaid emphasizes the universality of science, its foundation for humanity's understanding and response.
Dr. Melissa Perreault's research combines cutting-edge science with Indigenous knowledge, pioneering sex-specific biomarkers, neuroethics, and psychedelics research in neuropsychiatry. Her work aims to promote inclusive methodologies that consider diverse worldviews and cultural understandings of health.
The US weather enterprise faces significant risks due to federal science funding cuts, which could lead to reduced weather forecasting accuracy and increased vulnerability to hazardous weather. The value of weather information to the US economy exceeds $100 billion annually.
A new study estimates that overuse of Bt maize has led to significant economic losses for US farmers, with a total cost of $1.6 billion. The findings highlight the need for improved seed diversity, transparency, and farmer decision-making to sustain transgenic crop benefits.
The Center for Achieving Resilience in Climate and Health (C-ARCH) will identify ways to build resilience, design evidence-based solutions, and train scientists to lead the response. C-ARCH aims to address the devastating health impacts of climate change worldwide.
Bettina Rockenbach takes over as President of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, promising to continue the academy's science-based advisory work. She aims to provide anticipative advice on looming crises and reinforce her focus on interdisciplinary scientific endeavours.
The global high-performance computing landscape is shifting due to the use of lower-precision chips and increasing power consumption, posing a threat to its future. To address these challenges, a multiagency effort is needed to reenergize R&D and promote international collaboration.
Researchers used seismic noise data to track groundwater storage changes in the Greater Los Angeles region. The study found that only 25% of groundwater lost over two decades was replenished by 2023 storms, highlighting substantial long-term depletion and slow recovery of deep aquifers.
The 'equity by design' framework proposed by Daryl Lim aims to maximize AI benefits while minimizing harm, particularly for underrepresented individuals. The approach embeds equity principles throughout the AI lifecycle, addressing biases and increasing inequality.
A global survey of 71,922 people in 68 countries found that public trust in scientists is at a moderately high level worldwide. Most respondents believe scientists should communicate with the public about science and be more involved in policy-making, highlighting areas where science priorities may not align with public views.
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) has launched its first annual research agenda for 2025, focusing on key issues where social science and historical research can advance the physical sciences. The agenda invites collaboration across disciplines to promote thought leadership and foster positive change in how science is done and by...
Experts propose an 18th SDG to protect Earth's orbit from accumulating debris, citing the need for global consensus and mechanisms for enforcement. The proposal builds on earlier calls for a legally-binding treaty to safeguard the planet's orbital environment.
Researchers estimate that replacing conventional building materials with CO2-sequestering alternatives could store up to 16.6 gigatons of CO2 annually, equivalent to about 50% of 2021's anthropogenic emissions. This shift in construction materials could provide a substantial carbon reservoir and help slow global climate warming.
The 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will address key issues in weather, water, and climate. The meeting features a Presidential Forum on physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts of climate change, with experts from the region of the Mississippi River Delta.
A new study by Dr. Ohad Raveh and Dr. Nathan Goldstein finds that UAP sightings are positively correlated with economic conditions across regions but display counter-cyclical patterns within those regions over time. The research suggests that shifts in attention to extraordinary phenomena may reflect broader fluctuations in public focus.
Researchers from the University of Granada and the Public Health Agency of Canada identified the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents, with a degree of scientific agreement exceeding 85%. The top tests include the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index.
Researchers discuss lifeforms composed of mirror-image biological molecules, also known as 'mirror life', which could evade immune mechanisms and predators, posing significant risks. The authors call for careful consideration and preemption of risks before creation, noting that such organisms would likely cause lethal infection in huma...
A new paper reveals widespread transnational human rights violations (THRVs) due to repressive states' intensifying tactics. The authors urge the establishment of 'Transnational Rights Protection Offices' to provide support and guidance for individuals affected by these actions.
A new study from MSU finds that AI-generated summaries can enhance public understanding of scientific studies and increase trust in scientists. The research uses a large language model to create simple summaries, which are more accessible and accurate than human-written ones.
Christian Wolfrum will serve as NTU's chief academic officer, overseeing educational and research excellence, while strengthening talent development. He brings experience in translating research into real-world applications, having co-founded biotechnology firm Glycemicon AG.
The Making Sense of Science series aims to develop dialogue on the role of science in informing policies, bridging gaps between scientific knowledge and societal needs. Experts discuss the importance of public trust in scientific knowledge and the need for co-design that reflects multiple stakeholders' aspirations.
The FDA is advancing alternative methods, such as in vitro ocular irritation tests and computational models, to reduce animal use in product safety assessments. These new approaches have been validated and adopted by the agency, leading to more effective regulatory decisions.
A machine learning study predicts that global plastic waste could double by 2050 without intervention, but a combined policy approach could cut mismanaged plastic waste by up to 91% and decrease emissions by a third. The UN treaty negotiations provide a crucial blueprint for tackling the plastic crisis.
An independent review highlights complexities in using UK health data to improve people's health and lives, with delays of months or years in accessing data. The Sudlow Review recommends treating health data as critical national infrastructure with leadership and investment to match, enabling safe and secure data use across the UK.
A new framework for responsible decision-making and inclusive dialogue has been launched by the American Geophysical Union to address the risks of geoengineering research. The framework proposes five key principles to guide research, funding and policy proposals, including consideration of physical, environmental and social consequences.
A recent Supreme Court ruling could strip federal protections from nearly all US nontidal wetlands, including 17.3-90 million acres, due to narrow interpretations of WOTUS. The ruling's impact on the environment and economy is uncertain, with potential hotspots in the Southeast and Great Plains.
A new study analyzing 44 years of FBI data reveals that family members are the most common perpetrators of infant and child homicides in the US. The research found a sustained increase in firearm-related homicides among children and adolescents, with Black pediatric victims experiencing disproportionate burdens.
New open access (OA) mandates are changing the way scientists share their work, with transformative agreements (TAs) influencing publishing industry structures. Research funders and publishers should gather more data to inform policy updates, as OA is likely to coexist with traditional reader-pay journals in the future.
Advances in biological AI models hold great promise but also pose serious risks, including the creation of novel pathogens. The authors propose policies focused on reducing biosecurity risks while preserving scientific freedom.
A recent study by an international team has established a link between academic freedom and innovative output for the first time. The researchers found that countries with higher levels of academic freedom tend to have more patent applications and citations, indicating a positive correlation between academic freedom and innovation. Con...
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
This study found that research globalization has led to a decline in the efficiency of producing Nobel Prize-level topics since 2000. The standardization of research topics has reduced this efficiency, suggesting that globalization drives homogenization. Japan can inform its research policy based on these findings.
A new study by Annenberg Public Policy Center researchers finds that science-consistent beliefs about climate change's public health effects predict support for climate policies. The study controlled for belief in climate change's existence and cause, highlighting the importance of grounded knowledge in promoting climate action.
The widespread adoption of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) threatens the international system of controls preventing nuclear weapons proliferation for over 30 years. HALEU's high enrichment levels pose significant security risks, making it possible for a single reactor to contain enough material for a nuclear weapon.
A new study in JCOM monitored changes in university communication within the German landscape six months after the launch of ChatGPT 3. Practically all responding universities use generative AIs mainly to increase process efficiency, with some caution towards ethical aspects such as data protection.
Experts from 39 countries and over 300 delegates gathered to discuss the importance of robust knowledge in policy-making, particularly in times of crisis. The conference highlighted the need for inclusive approaches to science advice and diplomacy to address local-to-global challenges.
A group of 350 scientists from over 60 countries call for a legally binding global treaty to prohibit the production of hazardous plastics chemicals and adopt science-based approaches. They advocate for an independent scientific body with robust conflict of interest policy and regional representation.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science presents a roadmap for tribal renewable energy development and implementation. The plan aims to address historical injustices by providing technical assistance and workforce development opportunities, while ensuring justice integration throughout agency programs.
A study from Colorado State University explores how human activity is altering the atmospheric water cycle, leading to changes in precipitation distribution and cloud formation. The research uses science fiction narratives to imagine possible futures and spark conversations around water management policies.
A new approach to K-12 mathematics education in the U.S. proposes a modular curriculum that preserves mathematical pathways and possibilities for all students, regardless of STEM orientation. This approach aims to resolve the 'equity versus excellence' conflict and provide richer learning opportunities for children.
Direct-to-consumer microbiome testing lacks analytical and clinical validity, according to a Policy Forum article by Diane Hoffman et al. The industry's claims are not substantiated by research, putting consumers at risk of financial exploitation or harm from misinterpreted test results.
Global biodiversity change indicators show deepwater sharks and rays are highly sensitive to overexploitation, with one-third targeted for fishing and half threatened with extinction. Implementing worldwide depth limits and no-fishing areas could enhance protection if paired with international regulations.
A recent survey found that less than half of the U.S. public trusts scientists to overcome human and political biases. Despite high confidence in science overall, many question whether scientists live up to their values. The study highlights the need for trust to be earned through the scientific enterprise's efforts.
The EU-funded BiCIKL project has developed a flagship outcome - the Biodiversity Knowledge Hub - a one-stop portal for understanding biodiversity research infrastructures. The consortium has also created 12 services dedicated to FAIR and linked ready-to-use biodiversity data.
A new paper argues that LLMs can interpret and analyze neuroscientific data, unlocking new insights and potential treatments. Lead author Danilo Bzdok suggests that scientists may not always fully understand the mechanism behind biological processes discovered by LLMs.
A new study published in JAMA highlights the need for federal regulations that prioritize patient outcomes when it comes to AI-powered tools in healthcare. The researchers argue that AI products in healthcare do not universally undergo evaluation for potential harm or benefit to patients, and propose a revision to the White House Execu...
The American College of Radiology has issued a joint statement with four other radiology societies to address the development and use of AI tools in radiology. The statement emphasizes the need for increased monitoring of AI utility and safety, advocating for collaboration among developers, clinicians, purchasers, and regulators.
A study found that the No Surprises Act's independent dispute resolution (IDR) process would be financially unfeasible for a large portion of out-of-network claims for hospital-based specialties, particularly radiologists. This could undermine patient access to in-network care due to limited bargaining power.
The American Meteorological Society's Presidential Forum will discuss how to overcome barriers limiting the use of climate science. The event aims to advance society's acceptance and use of climate science, amidst misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
Global biodiversity data reflects social and political inequities, influencing conservation policies. Human histories and processes are embedded in the data, highlighting the need for corrected policies to mitigate inequities.