Articles tagged with Science Policy
Researchers recommend avoiding all per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) for nonessential uses, citing their extreme persistence and toxicity. Studied PFAS have been linked to various serious health problems, including cancer and endocrine disruption.
The authors present five criteria of quality for evaluating research during the pandemic. Researchers and stakeholders must evaluate studies based on importance, rigor, analytical integrity, transparency, and feasibility to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
A UMass Amherst climate scientist is contributing to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. The report assesses the latest scientific knowledge on sea-level rise, ocean changes, and their impacts on coastal communities.
The Apollo 11 lunar landing has left a lasting legacy in planetary science, providing insights into the Moon's formation and geology. Recent lunar exploration missions, such as China's Chang'E-4 program, continue to advance our understanding of the Moon and its potential for future human exploration.
Online discussions with community expectations posting increased newcomer participation by 70% and rule compliance by 8.4%. Ensuring visible community norms benefits group dynamics.
A recent study found that flood mapping information in Canada is inadequate, incomplete and hard to locate, leaving homeowners exposed to significant financial risk. The study highlights the need for better information availability to help homeowners determine if their homes are at risk from flooding.
A new study finds that 28% of endangered species are unprotected by CITES, with 62% needing up to 24 years for protection. Experts recommend speeding up the policymaking process to prevent extinction.
A recent study published in American Political Science Review found that people's policy positions shift when informed of their party leader's stance on a controversial issue. Researchers used President Trump's statements to test the effect of party loyalty versus policy loyalty.
A new model estimates the economic toll of fisheries closures off the West Coast, predicting losses of $5.8 million to $8.9 million and 200 to 330 job losses. The study aims to help policymakers anticipate the effects of future closures and plan management decisions accordingly.
A recent study in Oregon revealed that more than half of the public consider alcohol to be more harmful than marijuana. The study found a significant correlation between age and perceived harm, with younger people substantially more likely to view alcohol as more harmful.
A new algorithm developed by ETH Zurich and Stanford University aims to increase employment opportunities for refugees in Switzerland by up to 73%. By analyzing data on refugees' characteristics and labor market conditions, the algorithm provides a tailored recommendation for which canton each refugee is most likely to find work.
A survey found that public trust in science increased after the launch of the first human trial of a Zika vaccine, with people showing greater trust in science and paying more attention to news about the Zika virus. The study suggests that regularized communication about scientific advances could bolster confidence in science.
The Indian summer monsoons have strengthened in the last 15 years over north central India, reversing a 50-year drying period. This increase in monsoon rainfall is attributed to a shift in India's land and sea temperatures, with higher land temperatures combining with lower ocean temperatures.
The article highlights the need for science to inform policies addressing addiction, citing technological advances that have contributed to increasing rates of addictions. Science can also be used to counteract addictions through better drug regulation and programs addressing long-term brain changes.
The Wildlife Conservation Society emphasizes the importance of science in wildlife conservation, citing numerous examples including the prevention of American Bison extinction and forest elephant population recovery. Science informs their work through research papers, protected areas establishment, and policy development.
Researchers suggest using a deliberative frame in questions to promote democracy and healthy politics. The approach has shown promise in online town halls between Congress members and constituents, leading to high marks and repeated participation.
The BMJ warns that Trump's administration may damage health by suppressing research and limiting communication on scientific topics deemed politically inconvenient. This could harm public health efforts globally.
Experts recommend that laws legalizing marijuana outline restrictions on age, frequency of use, potency, and advertising to prevent abuse. They also emphasize the need for additional research to guide informed policy decisions.
AGU evaluates shifting science landscape and climate concerns, including air pollution's impact on desert southwest. Researchers also explore Mars' possible warming due to greenhouse effect.
A new study reveals that people favor policies that reward voluntary behavior and create advantages, while opposing those that punish obligatory behavior or create disadvantages. By understanding this 'matching effect,' policymakers can improve policy acceptance rates.
mSphereDirect introduces rapid decisions, transparency, and speed in the peer review process, enabling authors to provide candid feedback. The new platform aims to accelerate scientific research by reducing publication timelines.
Researchers propose a new model predicting voter choice that prioritizes identity over policy issues. This approach aims to improve election outcomes predictions by considering how voters' personal identities influence their voting decisions.
Dr. Steve Granick, a renowned expert in colloids and polymers, has been selected for membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is one of 176 new fellows and 37 foreign honorary members to be formally inducted on October 8, 2016.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends that the new Minister of Health enact a national pharmacare program, letting science guide health policy decisions. The editors also emphasize the importance of defending the Canada Health Act and focusing on social determinants of health.
The BMJ investigation reveals a sharp divide within the public health community regarding e-cigarettes and 'harm reduction'. Experts debate the products' potential to help smokers quit and the tobacco industry's true intentions. Some argue for collaboration with the industry, while others fear it may be a Trojan horse.
Scientists analyzed 1,350 congressional testimonies and found that experts generally agree on global warming and human causation. Despite Republican-controlled congresses featuring skeptical scientists, the majority still support action to combat climate change.
Polyculturalism rejects traditional models of cultural understanding, instead viewing cultures as networks. It offers new ways to select and train employees for culturally diverse roles and provides insight into how cultures change through intercultural knowledge and relationships.
The year saw major advances in solar cells and treatments for Ebola, as well as efforts to label GMO products and restrict neonicotinoid use. The American Chemical Society highlighted its impact on research, policy, and industry through various initiatives.
The American Society of Human Genetics and National Human Genome Research Institute have awarded a genetics and public policy fellowship to Katherine D. Blizinsky, PhD. The 16-month appointment aims to develop and implement genetics-related health and research policy at a national level.
The 5th Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences was opened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who stressed the importance of policy counselling by scientific experts. The meeting brings together Nobel Laureates and young economic scientists from over 80 countries to discuss future orientation of the discipline.
A recent study published in Drug Science Policy and Law finds a significant rise in PMA/PMMA contamination in ecstasy pills from 2001 to 2007, resulting in deaths in both countries. The authors advocate for harm reduction strategies and education over criminalisation of new drugs.
Strogatz has contributed widely to popularize mathematics through newspaper articles, books, radio and television appearances, documentaries, and public lectures. He has introduced the public to various mathematical concepts, including chaos theory, statistics, and group theory.
Scientists like David Shiffman and Emily Darling document how tweeting supports scientific communication and outreach. They argue that a little effort on Twitter can provide enormous value for connecting with a diverse audience and sparking interdisciplinary collaborations.
The journal Ecosystem Services presents a special issue on mapping and modelling ecosystem services, integrating geo-biophysical processes to understand supply and ecological functions. The integration of methods like thematic mapping, GIS, and dynamic models provides insights into actual service demand and consumption.
A 50-year legacy of environmental science and its impact on journalism is being reevaluated. Professor G. Pascal Zachary believes that Rachel Carson's experience as a government employee could be the model for reforming science journalism today.
The conference explores key themes including physical activity, machine learning, diet, and environmental concerns. Researchers will present on topics such as CCSVI, MS treatment, and the impact of online behavior on patient feedback.
A global study of 154,000 individuals from 17 countries found that healthy foods are consumed more often by the wealthy, while poorer people rely on carbohydrates. The study also revealed lower levels of obligatory physical activity among the poor and higher rates of smoking among richer populations.
SeaSketch, the next-generation MarineMap program, will enable worldwide stakeholders to create plans protecting marine life based on scientific values and governmental policies. The tool's launch in New Zealand and other countries aims to address ocean conservation planning, with participation from top researchers and organizations.
A University of Innsbruck study found that interventions to promote women in competition increased their participation rates, particularly among highly qualified women. The experiment showed no negative impact on teamwork or efficiency.
Research suggests that secondhand smoke in cars carrying children can cause significant health risks due to fine particulate concentrations. Legislation against smoking in cars with children may be warranted given the exposure to smoking and vulnerability of children.
A study published in Science reports that one-fifth of vertebrate species are threatened, with declines accelerating over the past few decades. Conservation measures have mitigated this trend, with certain approaches proving more effective than others, such as controlling invasive species.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has received three prestigious awards from the American Political Science Association in a single year. Faculty members Prof. Orit Kedar and Dr. Moshe Shayo, as well as graduate student Amnon Cavari, have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Seventy percent of Madagascar's species live in the forests where critically endangered rosewood trees are found. The Malagasy government lacks effective enforcement, allowing for lucrative illegal logging and tree trade with China.
The US plan prioritizes prevention, treatment, and law enforcement, focusing on reducing youth drug use and prescription abuse. In contrast, the UK is facing criticism for its drug policy, which has been influenced by media pressure and ideological opinions, leading to a lack of evidence-based decision-making.
The study examines the effects of geopolitical change on scientific production over the last 30 years. Asia's share of world scientific output grew by 155% and China has shown spectacular progress, catching up with the US in natural sciences and engineering by 2015.
A new study by University of Missouri researchers found that well-informed citizens are less swayed by White House rhetoric, while the general public is more susceptible to manipulation. Simple and compelling language used by presidents can significantly increase public support for military actions overseas.
A new MIT study forecasts an increase in extreme rainfall events, with precipitation in these events expected to rise by 6% for every one degree Celsius temperature increase. Climate models show varying results within the tropics, prompting further research to determine outcomes in tropical regions.
A new study by Rice University researchers found that California newspapers closer to the Mexican border tend to report a more negative slant on immigration in general news reporting and opinion pieces. Corporate-owned newspapers are more likely to adopt this approach, prioritizing profits over providing diverse views.
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake had a profound societal impact, transforming earthquake sciences and engineering. The event led to improved understanding of earthquake processes and triggered major changes in building codes and disaster response.
A new study explores how and when politicians can use fear to manipulate the public into supporting policies they might otherwise oppose. Politicians' use of fear is more likely with abstract topics that are difficult for citizens to observe.
Scientists will discuss new techniques to understand planetary formation, habitability, and potential for life. Experts will share insights on the probability of finding Earth-like planets within a few dozen light years of the sun.
Scientists should think locally to better understand science and communicate with the public. A metropolitan science council model is needed to create dialogue within the scientific community about science policy.
A recent study reveals that elite opinion leaders hold varying foreign policy beliefs, including Missionaries, Hegemonists, and Globalizers. The most prevalent orientations are Hegemonists, Globalizers, and Progressive Internationalists. Minority views advocate for cultural approaches to foreign policy, rejecting dominance by US power.
A Penn State bioethicist and Georgetown University law professor argue that the US Army continues to involve physicians in interrogations despite professional medical associations' adoption of restrictive policies. The Army's Behavioral Science Consultation Memo attempts to justify physician participation in interrogations.
The FDA and FTC must regulate unproven genetic tests to protect public health. The authors argue that current lack of oversight leads to misleading claims and inappropriate decisions about genetic testing.
Researchers develop phylogenomic toolkit to analyze lemur genomes, confirming a single ancestral species for the diverse array of lemurs. The study provides insights into primate evolution and highlights the importance of Madagascar as a biodiversity hotspot.
Michael Rosbash, a Brandeis University professor, has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to understanding RNA splicing and circadian rhythms. This year, 471 members have been awarded the honor by AAAS due to their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts.
Genentech, Inc has been ranked as the top biopharmaceutical employer by Science magazine for the fifth year in a row. The company was evaluated based on characteristics such as respect for employees and alignment with personal values. A total of 19 other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies were also included in the top 20 list.
Dr Jeff Hughes wins Watson Davis and Helen Miles Davis Prize for his book on the Manhattan Project, challenging widely held beliefs about the expansion of scientific projects. The book offers a broader narrative on 'Big Science' from the early 20th century to its collapse in the 1990s.
Researchers found that negative economic news can significantly boost a president's approval ratings, even if their foreign policy is stellar. The power of negative reporting about the economy was demonstrated during President George H.W. Bush's administration.