Articles tagged with Technology Policy
The CRISPR Journal announces publication of its February 2019 issue, featuring studies on strain tracking, single-step genome editing, and chromatin modulating motifs. Researchers discuss advancements in CRISPR technology and its applications.
Funding for neglected diseases reached a record high of $3.5 billion in 2017, driven mainly by increased investments from the UK, European Commission, Germany, and India. Despite progress, overall funding falls short of global targets, with many countries struggling to meet even 50% of the recommended 0.01% of GDP allocation.
Retailers have unique advantages in accessing consumer data, while current policies struggle to guide the industry on telehealth and AI capabilities. Experts warn of potential convergence of personal and non-personal health information.
Researchers analyzed the cost drop of solar photovoltaic modules over four decades, attributing it to improved conversion efficiency and government policies. The study suggests that having multiple 'knobs' to turn can lead to steady cost declines in technology.
A new study emphasizes the need for distinct research methods when studying e-cigarettes due to their varying nicotine levels, vaping method, and ability to be started and stopped. This distinction is crucial in understanding the unique risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly among teens.
A new study assesses tax and regulatory options to incentivize the development of 'green' blockchain technologies and discourage polluting applications. The research recommends imposing levies to reduce energy consumption and offering financial rewards for innovators developing carbon-neutral blockchain designs.
Aalto University researchers study deregulation of Finnish and Swedish markets, finding asymmetric regulation creates unfair advantages. Companies must adapt to new technologies or risk losing market position in a highly competitive environment.
The CRISPR Journal publishes new research on cell-free CRISPR systems, which enable the study of gene editing mechanisms in a defined manner. Additionally, a universal CRISPR activity model called TUSCAN has been developed to predict CRISPR-Cas9 activity and genome-wide screening tasks.
A new report from The Hastings Center proposes a policy analysis framework that aligns governance of emerging technologies with the public's values. The framework incorporates a refined understanding of precaution and emphasizes transparency in value judgments. It also explores new institutions for coordination and public engagement.
The report examines how financial constraints, clinical expectations, and societal pressures impact reproductive autonomy. It also delves into the 'criminalization of pregnancy' causing racial disparities in reproductive autonomy.
Researchers developed models to predict oil droplet size and gas bubble movement, finding dispersant use reduced toxic compounds and protected emergency workers. The study provides first answers to controversial policy questions about deep-sea petroleum releases.
When natural early adopters (NEAs) are prevented from accessing a new technology, it can lead to a cascading negative effect on adoption across the population. The experiment found that among self-proclaimed NEAs, cash-out rates increased significantly when access was delayed, indicating they were more likely to abandon the technology.
A University of Minnesota study suggests American jurors can accurately integrate brain-based memory recognition evidence in evaluating criminal defendants. The research found that while the technology has potential, its effectiveness depends on more collaboration across disciplines.
The study emphasizes the need for new labor data to assess and predict how computer and robotic technologies affect workplaces. Researchers recommend focusing on uniquely human characteristics in education and training to prepare students for a constantly changing workforce.
The MIT Energy Initiative's 'Mobility of the Future' study aims to understand how technology, fuel, infrastructure, policy, and consumer preference will shape future transportation. The research team will examine various government policies, vehicle automation, and emerging mobility business models.
Researchers found that introducing dynamic tax/sanctions and work subsidies can help people commit to long-run goals, leading to increased employment and welfare participation rates. In contrast, focusing on short-term payoffs results in reduced earnings and government expenditure.
The use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology is restricted due to competing claims over foundational patent rights. Exclusive licenses granted to spinoff companies formed by institutions and researchers could bottleneck the development of human therapeutics.
The AAAS report emphasizes the need for immersive science-policy connection mechanisms and recommends establishing core competencies for boundary-spanning experts. The report suggests fostering civic engagement, broadening diversity, and strengthening science diplomacy to address global challenges.
Experts review successful and unsuccessful policies for low-carbon technology innovation, highlighting the impact of policy instruments on technological progress. They also discuss the importance of stakeholder collaboration in implementing smart city innovations.
Researchers have developed a hydrometallurgical method to recycle lithium batteries, recovering cobalt and lithium with reasonable efficiency. The process involves calcination, acid treatment, and leaching, resulting in useful extraction rates for the metals.
A QUT study reveals that solar PV systems are being acquired by families with lower incomes, contradicting the long-held notion that it is a luxury reserved for high-income individuals. The research found that financial capacity, education status, and home ownership were not the primary factors driving solar uptake.
The use of personal technology in criminal investigations raises concerns about individuals' rights, including self-incrimination. The legal system is not yet prepared to address these emerging issues, and courts and law enforcement agencies need to educate themselves on how to properly use and address these technologies.
A review of NHS electronic record implementation found limited progress made in the past 25 years, with challenges including confusion over policy funding and complex IT system integration. The study calls for more guidance on IT implementation to help hospitals make informed decisions about digitizing patient records.
A new analysis system developed by Carnegie Mellon University found that nearly half of popular free apps lack a privacy policy, despite processing personally identifiable information. The system also identified inconsistencies in the policies of those that do exist.
The roadmap advocates for research efforts in human-robot interaction to develop intelligent machines that empower people to stay in their homes as they age. It also highlights the need for flexible robotics systems to accommodate customization in manufacturing and other areas.
A recent study published in Social Science Research found that women with STEM degrees who delayed marriage and family were not more likely to secure STEM employment than those who anticipated having children. The research, led by Cornell University demographer Sharon Sassler, analyzed data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Surveys o...
SayVU, a Ben-Gurion University startup, has been deployed at the Rio Olympics to provide a distress signal feature, enabling users to quickly alert emergency services. The technology also provides real-time event and emergency reporting to authorities.
The 1815 UK geologic map, created by William Smith, is still remarkably accurate two centuries later due to its innovative features. The map's accuracy can be attributed to a combination of creative individuality, technological advancements, and favorable taxation laws.
Researchers found that veils and headscarves can actually improve observers' ability to detect truthfulness in witnesses, contrary to common court assumptions. The study's results suggest that the presence of a veil may compel observers to pay attention to more 'diagnostic' cues, leading to higher accuracy rates in lie detection.
Experts warn that crop yields will decline within a decade unless new and improved varieties are developed and adopted by farmers immediately. The research highlights the impact of temperature increases on crop duration, which can lead to reduced biomass and yield.
The FBI must develop 21st-century investigative skills to access encrypted data without compromising security. The organization should invest in a technical investigation center with agents familiar with modern telecommunications and computer science.
The field of landscape ecology offers a powerful tool for policymakers due to its ability to operate at multiple scales and across human and natural systems. This unique perspective can help address environmental transformation by informing policy and management decisions.
The Government of Canada has pledged CA$85 million to support innovations in TB detection and care through the Stop TB Partnership's TB REACH initiative over the next five years. This funding will help reach, treat and cure millions of people affected by TB who lack proper care.
A new study by Johan Schot and colleagues emphasizes the crucial role of ordinary people in driving a transition to a low-carbon energy system. The research identifies five key types of users who interplay to create and change technology and society's application of it, including User-Producers, User-Legitimators, and User-Citizens.
A study of 68 teen internet users found that many were able to resolve risky situations on their own. The researchers argue that focusing on positive interactions with online risk can help teach teens how to stay safe, rather than avoiding exposure altogether.
A study of Android diabetes apps found that 81% lacked privacy policies and 76% shared sensitive health information without consent. The apps' transmission of data to third parties poses significant privacy risks, as there are no federal legal protections against the sale or disclosure of medical app data.
A University of Leeds study reveals EU policies have reduced air pollution across Europe, preventing an estimated 80,000 premature deaths per year. The findings demonstrate a 35% decrease in fine particles since 1970, significantly improving public health.
A new decision pathway survey has shed light on public concerns about climate engineering technologies. Most people find the risks of these technologies more likely than their benefits, with those concerned about climate change supporting geoengineering policies and investments in renewable resources. However, those least concerned are...
McGill University researchers suggest a model for guiding policy on germline gene editing, based on pre-implantation genetic diagnosis after in vitro fertilization. The PGD model provides a robust approach to regulation, outlining medically determined requirements and substantial risk of occurrence for genetic testing.
A survey of nearly 4,000 people found that 60% of Americans would buy a smart or childproof gun, debunking the argument that there is no market for such guns. The technology uses fingerprint or RFID verification to prevent unauthorized use.
Walter J. Arabasz received the Frank Press Public Service Award for his public service in modernizing seismic monitoring in the US. He led the development of Utah's regional seismic network and played a key role in informing state seismic safety policies.
The University of Houston is developing technology to help protect emergency response systems, such as current and next-generation 911 systems, against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The team aims to develop low-cost mitigation strategies to strengthen the resilience of emergency response systems.
Researchers investigated the impact of augmented reality on various end-users, highlighting issues such as surveillance, privacy, and potential discrimination. They developed recommendations for policymakers to inform the development of adaptable, secure systems.
A study by Professor Pascale Lehoux found that venture capitalists evaluate technologies based on their commercial potential rather than intrinsic value for healthcare systems. As a result, health technologies are often developed to meet investors' short-term financial return, rather than addressing pressing healthcare needs.
A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that frequent discounting is the most optimal strategy for retailers to maximize revenues. This approach balances the trade-off between dynamic and static pricing, allowing retailers to charge high prices when demand is high while maintaining flexibility. By doing so, retailers can...
A new RAND Corporation study suggests that internet-based technologies can improve the criminal justice system by developing a common criminal history record and improving language translation tools. However, issues related to civil rights, privacy rights, and cybersecurity must be addressed before these improvements can be fully reali...
ArroGen Group's Fingerprint Molecular Identification (FMID) technology analyzes chemical residues on fingerprints to reveal a suspect's gender, nicotine status, and exposure to explosives or drugs. This non-invasive process will empower law enforcement investigations with indisputable scientific evidence.
A new report on hydraulic fracturing in California offers a road map for scientists to produce energy while minimizing environmental impacts. The study provides recommendations for regulating oil well stimulation treatments, ensuring protective measures for human health and the environment.
A QUT study found that Indigenous drivers in regional and remote communities often drink drive to meet cultural obligations, rather than disregard for criminal law. The study's findings highlight the need for community-focused approach to address this serious public health issue.
A new article recommends laws to criminalise face recognition technology use on online images without consent, aiming to protect individual identity and autonomy. The current lack of regulations poses significant threats to privacy in the digital environment.
Engineers at MIT have devised a formula for estimating how fast a technology is advancing, based on information gleaned from relevant patents. The researchers found that certain metrics across patents, such as forward citations and publication date, are more likely to predict a technology's improvement rate than others.
A study using agent-based modeling found that providing systems to low-income households at little or no cost would have done more to stimulate rooftop solar system adoption than the current incentive-based approach. Increasing economic benefits and peer influence also showed modest effects on adoption rates.
Research suggests that focusing monitoring on companies using the most environmentally damaging technologies can encourage investment in cleaner technology, leading to increased emissions reductions. This approach maximizes net benefits to society while reducing monitoring costs.
A new study suggests that China should conduct national conservation horizon scanning to identify potential environmental problems that have not yet been noticed by society. This could help prevent large-scale environmental disasters, such as the serious haze caused by heavy air pollution in northern China and across the Yangtze River ...
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers proposes a two-pronged strategy of vigilant parental intervention and monitoring technology to reduce risks involved in adolescent driving. The research found that the combined technological monitoring plus intervention was most effective for drivers who exhibited the riskiest behavior.
A new Duke University study finds that people evaluate scientific evidence based on its policy implications, leading to denial of problems even when faced with strong evidence. The study sheds light on why conservatives and liberals disagree so vehemently over issues like climate change.
NASA's Asteroid Initiative aims to protect Earth from potentially hazardous impacts. Citizens participate in forums to discuss detection strategies, planetary defense, and asteroid exploration. The initiative seeks to balance costs, risks, and benefits of human exploration in space.
Researchers argue that 'transport taboos' such as frequent travel and lobby influence are driving contradictory policies. Politicians ignore evidence on effective solutions to cut emissions, instead relying on optimistic headlines about technological innovation.
A new RAND Corporation report highlights the importance of license plate readers in aiding police investigations, while also addressing concerns about staff, compatibility, and privacy. The technology has the potential to save investigative time and increase safety, but law enforcement agencies must address these issues before it can r...
A study by Dr. Yvonne Bombard explores the public's perception on newborn testing, revealing concerns about freedom of choice and the danger of over-diagnosis with whole-genome sequencing. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach to screening programs that prioritize both benefits and potential harms.