Articles tagged with Technology Policy
A new online tool tracks e-bike purchase incentive programs in the US and Canada, providing a point of reference for future policy development. The tracker reveals that most programs set incentive levels fairly arbitrarily, with little thought given to their potential impact on specific groups or income brackets.
A team of NTU Singapore scientists has developed a predictive computer programme using wearable technology data to detect depression risk. The programme, Ycogni model, achieves an accuracy of 80% in detecting individuals at high or low risk of depression.
A new framework, the 'impact universe,' helps policymakers think holistically about the potential impacts of IoT systems and devices. This approach considers environmental, social, economic, and other factors to develop effective policy and societal controls.
A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo found that public trust in AI varies greatly depending on the application and demographic factors. They developed an octagonal visual metric to quantify these attitudes and hope it can lead to a universal scale for measuring ethical issues around AI.
Researchers at Lancaster University examine the use of AI in the food sector, highlighting the need for trusted data collaboration to reduce waste and increase sustainability. They also warn about potential ethical issues and unexpected consequences of new technology.
The green transition is already underway, with countries facing unique risks and opportunities based on their degree of competitiveness in fossil fuel markets. Diversifying economies towards low-carbon exports can mitigate negative impacts, while supporting innovation and job creation are key to maintaining long-term competitiveness.
A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers found that automation and AI may have a uniformly positive impact on worker well-being, but only partially. The results show that workers facing automation risk experience less stress but worse health and minimal job satisfaction. Notably, high-risk occupations like receptionis...
A new study funded by FDA and HHS suggests that continuous manufacturing (CM) processes could make pharmaceutical production in the US more attractive than investing in China or India. The findings show that CM processes were more economical than current batch processing, particularly under current US corporate tax rates.
A new study by Dr Mathilde Pavis from the University of Exeter Law School proposes reforming performers' rights to include copyright over their performances. This would provide better protection against unauthorized deepfakes and simplify the structure of intellectual property law.
The conference, INGSA2021, aims to strengthen global coordination in science advice and promote open science. Key findings include the importance of digital technologies and AI in reshaping the profession and the need for partnerships to drive economic and social development.
A new policy brief from University of Helsinki and Aalto University focuses on efficient demo areas for urban carbon sequestration using biochars. The research highlights the importance of safe, visible, and scientifically sound demonstration sites for reliable verification of carbon sequestration.
A new survey by University of Colorado Denver researchers found large disparities in virtual care models across US health systems. Smaller and low-burdened health systems adopted analytics and customer-oriented digital technologies, while larger and higher-revenue systems used futuristic and growth-oriented digital technologies.
A recent study suggests that personal carbon allowances (PCAs) may be a feasible solution to reduce emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles. The researchers propose a market-based approach to provide individuals with incentives and options to link their actions with global carbon reduction goals.
The article outlines five complementary actions to increase electrification rates and secure long-term access to affordable energy in Africa. Key findings include the need for an independent champion to transform the sector, international partnerships, and investment in clean energy.
A study of online surveys from five countries reveals that genome editing is generally viewed as beneficial for crops but raises concerns about animal welfare. The research found four distinct groups: strong supporters, supporters, neutrals, and opponents, with 21% strongly supporting the technology.
West Virginia University has launched a new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between science and policy, with a focus on addressing the state's most pressing water issues. The Bridge Initiative brings together over two dozen faculty researchers to translate their work into actionable policies for policymakers.
Researchers found that physical stores can increase average spending per trip by 40% and long-term sales by 20%, as customers need more inspection depth for deep products. Retailers can enhance customer value through promotions, merchandising, and training staff to create a tangible experience.
The Times Higher Education Young Universities Summit is taking place virtually this year, marking the first time it's been hosted by a Russian university. The event explores the impact of changes on universities' lives, including education, research, and civic roles.
This article provides an overview of sulfur-containing natural products from marine microorganisms, highlighting their molecular diversity and bioactivities. A total of 484 compounds were recorded, with 59.9% being thioethers, 29.8% being thiazole/thiazoline-containing compounds, and 10.3% being sulfoxides, sulfones, and thioesters.
A new study co-authored by UMass researcher Andy Danylchuk warns that advances in recreational fishing technology can have significant impacts on fish ecosystems. The study emphasizes the need for resource management agencies to share their experiences and for scientists to intensively study the effects of technological innovations.
The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA) releases a report calling for enhanced European exchange and coordination to tackle science disinformation. Key strategies include inoculation, debunking, fact-checking, and media literacy, as well as innovations in science communication.
Researchers evaluated thousands of policy proposals to assess feasibility and potential impact on reducing EU's contribution to tropical deforestation. Two promising policy options are implementing due diligence for importers and supporting multi-stakeholder forums.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology identified two promising policy options: requiring importers to carry out due diligence and supporting multi-stakeholder forums. These measures can help reduce deforestation while being politically feasible, with careful design and combination with targeted aid necessary for success.
A new model explains how social climate surrounding gender roles contributes to the masculine image of physics and mathematics in Japan and England. The study found that negative views of intellectual women are correlated with a masculine image of mathematics only in Japan, while a focus on avoiding sexism affects STEM choice in England.
UNIST professors Yoon-Kyoung Cho and Young Rok Choi have been elected as members of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea, recognizing their distinguished achievements in biomedical engineering and technology management. The election is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer.
The CHEST conference explores current issues in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, including healthcare disparities and coding updates. Interactive presentations will be delivered through expert panel discussions, roundtable discussions, and didactic lectures.
Researchers will analyze federal clean energy policy and sectoral systems to enhance their impact. The study aims to provide new technologies, institutions, and business models to avert climate change's worst consequences.
A study by National Korea Maritime and Ocean University simulates the impact of automated ships on maritime employment over the next 15 years. The research predicts a decrease in seafarer jobs, but an increase in new shore-based positions, resulting from the growth of MASS technology.
Current H-1B visa usage by foreign Ph.D.'s as a first step to permanent residency has revealed inefficiencies and delays in alternatives. The authors suggest reforms tailored to foreign-born Ph.D.'s to streamline the doctorate-to-residency path.
The study examines the spatial distribution of planktonic ciliates in the western Pacific Ocean, focusing on a transect from Shenzhen to Pohnpei. Ciliate abundance is positively correlated with phosphate and pico-sized pigmented eukaryotes, while biomass is related to heterotrophic nanoflagellates and chlorophytes.
The CRISPR Journal has published a special issue on expanding the CRISPR toolbox, featuring new research tools and discoveries. The collection includes articles on novel Type V-A Cas12 enzymes, in silico tools for CRISPR-Cas system identification, and advances in guide design and selection.
A multidisciplinary coalition proposes a framework for field trials of gene drive organisms to ensure safe, transparent, and publicly accountable implementation. The core commitments address fair partnership and transparency, product efficacy and safety, regulatory evaluation and risk/benefit assessment, and monitoring and mitigation.
Researchers identify 'digital thought clones' that collect personal data in real-time and predict user decisions. Experts advocate for a human-centered framework to protect data ownership and control, citing EU regulations as a foundation for legislation.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that potentially harmful use within the Tor system clusters disproportionately in liberal democratic regimes. Only 6.7% of users globally employ Tor for malicious purposes on an average day, with most users using it for benign web content.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that government policies played a crucial role in Denmark's widespread adoption of wind energy. The study analyzed the impact of policies on small producers' decisions to shut down or upgrade aging equipment and found that well-designed policies were essential for the industry's growth.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. will publish Journal of Correctional Health Care, a national, peer-reviewed journal focusing on correctional health care. The journal provides education for healthcare providers serving the incarcerated population, covering topics such as clinical care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
A global citizens' assembly consisting of at least 100 lay citizens from around the world would explore and deliberate on genome editing technologies and regulatory principles. This assembly aims to address the lack of consistent governance and bridge gaps between community values, improving overall governance of genome editing technology
Researchers warn that climate engineering modelling often produces overly optimistic 'best-case' scenarios, which can influence research, policy, and industry planning. The authors recommend increasing stakeholder input and clearer communication to forestall this trend.
A new study warns that unregulated AI can be detrimental to sustainable development, particularly in developing nations. AI's misuse by big tech can lead to biases, corruption, and job displacement, highlighting the need for proactive regulatory measures.
Researchers used eye-tracking technology to investigate how older adults process information and make decisions about their care. The study found that eye-tracking can inform the design of assessments and improve the inclusivity of older people with cognitive impairment.
The Journal of ABSA International has been awarded to Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., effective 2021. The publication aims to promote global biosafety awareness and best practices in preventing occupational exposures and adverse environmental impacts related to biohazardous releases.
A systematic review identified nine barriers and facilitators to primary care team collaboration in case management. Factors such as family context, policy support, and physician buy-in play a significant role in determining success.
A new study found that looking at your phone during a meeting is akin to snubbing your interlocutor, with viewers rating distracted members lower in competence. Manager policies on technology use also impact perceptions, with clear policies leading to higher ratings.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a blockchain prototype system for digital rights management and royalty distribution, creating new revenue streams for small publishers. The project enabled micro-payments via smart contracts to creative professionals involved in the writing and publishing process.
Researchers propose a blockchain-based system called ORBI to streamline pathogen information exchange between public and private institutions. This decentralized system would preserve individual researcher stakes while ensuring tamper-proof data documentation.
The article highlights the need for a new approach to biosecurity governance, grounded in experimentation. Key findings include the importance of framing governance experiments with hypotheses, developing capacity to quickly identify difficult cases, and fostering cross-biology communities for iterative improvement.
Granular energy technologies offer lower-cost and modular solutions for rapid low-carbon energy transition. Policy support can help accelerate this shift while larger technologies continue to develop.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers finds that it is possible to bring industrial greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2070 through the use of promising technologies such as electrification, hydrogen, and energy efficiency. Governments can accelerate research and development and incentivize new technology deployment through pol...
A new study reveals that China's water use has been decelerating since the 1970s, thanks to the adoption of water-conserving technologies. The study found that irrigation and industrial water recycling drove this reduction, offsetting the increase in water use driven by economic growth.
A new study found that China's water use has decelerated since the 1980s due to the adoption of efficient irrigation techniques and industrial water recycling technologies. However, uncertainties remain due to land institution transitions, urbanization, and potential increased water use in intensive farming and industrial sectors.
Health tech companies handling sensitive user data may make unilateral changes to their policies without notifying users. This lack of transparency can lead to unwanted use or distribution of personal data, highlighting the need for stronger consumer protections.
Edmund Prater, a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been appointed as the first UTA professor to be selected as a Jefferson Science Fellow. He will spend a year working with the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, Office of American Spaces.
Joyce Tait discusses re-engineering biological components through computational modelling and bio-systems design technologies. She emphasizes the need for an equitable balance between promoting innovation and ensuring safety in synthetic biology.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has acquired JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery and selected Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. as the new publisher, launching the new title Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine in January 2020.
The University of Virginia has earned a national grant to establish a graduate course that explores the complex ethical, legal, and policy implications of new technologies. The course, called Innovation in the Public Interest, will be offered through UVA's schools of engineering, law, and politics.
Researchers from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture join a global call for responsible synthetic biology development. The authors highlight four major areas where improvements are needed to advance the field, including genome design, DNA synthesis, genome editing, and chromosome construction.
New Army research applies trends from historical weapon systems, including crossbows and tanks, to explore potential future systems. A single regularity describes the growth of diverse families of technology over multiple centuries.
A study by Roach and Skrentny found that foreign-born STEM PhDs are 56% less likely to accept startup job offers than their US-born counterparts, despite equal likelihood of applying and receiving offers. The researchers suggest that visa reforms could strengthen the startup workforce.
A Cornell University study found that foreign-born PhDs are less likely to work at startups, citing visa policies as a key obstacle. Despite applying at the same rate as US citizens, they often choose large companies with resources to sponsor visas.
Researchers have developed a rapid CRISPR-Cas13 detection system for agricultural applications, enabling trait screening and pest surveillance. A new library-based assay predicts Cas9 specificity, addressing off-target effects in gene editing therapies.