Articles tagged with Technology Policy
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.
A new European project, MatHero, aims to develop high-efficiency and reliable organic solar cells using novel materials and eco-friendly processes. The goal is to make organic photovoltaics competitive with inorganic counterparts by enhancing efficiency, reducing production costs, and increasing lifespan.
Researchers at Princeton University and PPPL are developing a unique process to verify that nuclear weapons contain true warheads. The goal is to confirm the authenticity of inspected items without revealing sensitive information.
The Gerontological Society of America's Public Policy & Aging Report highlights the need for policy changes to optimize technology use by older adults. The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration between business, government, and non-profits to develop a next-generation technology-enabled aging services workforce.
Branscomb was recognized for his prolific career in academia, business, government, and philanthropy, with a focus on advancing sound science in public policy. He has authored over 500 papers and books, and served in various public service roles, including the National Science Board.
A new RAND Corporation study suggests that autonomous vehicles will outweigh the likely disadvantages, providing significant social benefits such as decreased crashes, increased mobility, and fuel economy. However, policymakers must address regulatory challenges, liability issues, and privacy concerns.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that a segmental approach to emissions policies, focusing on separate targeting of energy choices and consumption through regulations or incentives, can play an important role in achieving emission reductions. This approach allows for targeted policy-making, addressing specific areas of concern w...
The article highlights the need for integrated perspectives on institutions, organizations, and technology to implement successful urban water innovations. Engineers must understand the complex mechanisms underlying the human-technology interface to address the growing demands for water and other resources sustainably.
A new $3.75 million project aims to teach computers to read and evaluate lengthy privacy policies using crowdsourcing, machine learning and natural language processing. The project will create user-friendly digests that highlight policy elements most relevant to users.
The Ghana National Drugs Programme followed international recommendations on pediatric medicines, but faced challenges due to limited data on African settings. The programme ultimately included four out of five medicines in the national essential medicines list.
A team led by UNC Charlotte researcher Deborah Strumsky is forecasting optimal energy investments using novel methods from network theory, performance curve analysis, and ecological systems. The project aims to provide a detailed picture of the solar technology ecosystem, influencing technological progress and informing policy decisions.
Researchers at MIT and the Santa Fe Institute found that some widely used formulas, such as Moore's Law and Wright's Law, offer superior approximations of technological progress. The study analyzed data from 62 industries and found that these two laws best match actual technological advancements over past decades.
The US Department of Homeland Security has developed two new technologies, Pit-BUL and NightHawk, which use remote-controlled spike strips to stop vehicles. These devices can be deployed from a safe distance and provide added safety for law enforcement officers, allowing them to halt speeding vehicles without putting their lives at ris...
ASU professor Daniel Sarewitz argues that US science policy should prioritize outcomes over efficiencies to better address societal needs. He believes this shift in approach can lead to more effective decision-making and improved scientific research.
A new model called Step and Wait (SAW) predicts technological innovation in six markets, offering a more accurate alternative to outdated models like Moore's Law. The SAW model tracks performance improvements in steps and waits, helping companies invest in the right technologies.
A recent study by Craig Cameron highlights the need for robust policies on workplace pornography to protect employees from sexual harassment and discrimination. The study identifies five primary methods of employee participation with pornography, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe work environment.
A new web-based data network aims to make existing knowledge available to policymakers and scientists worldwide, improving science and innovation policy. Researchers propose a unified set of standards between databases and platforms to overcome data sharing challenges.
Female leaders in clean energy were honored at the Women in Clean Energy Symposium, including C3E award winners who made significant contributions to policy, innovation, education, and corporate implementation. The event highlighted the importance of local initiatives in advancing national energy plans.
A Rutgers law professor is researching user-generated content in video games, which raises questions about copyright law and creative freedom. The study aims to understand how games enable or constrain player creativity and whether user-generated content complies with copyright law.
The Rimbunan Kaseh 'smart village' in Malaysia provides a potential global template for addressing rural poverty, featuring high-tech agricultural systems and energy-efficient homes. The project aims to stimulate rural growth, improve living standards, and create jobs through sustainable agriculture activities.
A new study found that information technology is a fundamental component of 176 health programs in low- and middle-income countries. Technology is being used to extend geographical access, facilitate communications between health workers and patients, and improve data management.
Researchers at Westchester Medical Center overhauled their processes to tackle challenges of interpreting outside studies. This resulted in a significant reduction in unnecessary repeat studies by approximately 85%, leading to lower radiation doses for patients.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers highlights Vancouver's distinct advantages in knowledge-based high-tech industries. The city's globalized innovation landscape, driven by factors like intellectual property and a stable talented labour force, sets it apart from other regions.
This special issue of Ergonomics in Design highlights the challenges of balancing economic pressures with human attention limits. The articles explore techniques to prevent or mitigate driver distraction through design, education, and legislation, as well as strategies for outreach and policy development.
The study identified key success factors for achieving good health at low cost, including leadership, capacity, continuity, and taking context into account. Key findings include improved maternal mortality rates, increased life expectancy, and universal healthcare coverage in several study countries.
The new policy aims to prevent conflicts of interest among companies competing for business with the Office of Naval Research. It covers three categories: impaired objectivity, biased ground rules, and unequal access to non-public information, requiring companies to identify and resolve potential conflicts.
The ARGOS proceedings examine global health policy challenges and the socioeconomic impact of eHealth, promoting shared methods and collaborative solutions for EU-US cooperation. The project highlights the importance of a global approach to addressing health ICT challenges, with benefits for patients, health systems, and economies.
A recent study by Sam Houston State University found that GPS monitoring of Arizona sex offenders triggered a significant number of false alarms, consuming an inordinate amount of probation officers' resources. The study recommends improving the system to reduce non-violation alerts and increasing officer training to address these issues.
The Tiramisu app uses crowdsourced data to provide real-time bus arrival information, benefiting riders with disabilities and enhancing the overall transit experience. The app's success in a field test demonstrates its potential to improve public transportation in Pittsburgh and beyond.
The NIST researchers developed an evaluative framework called SCORE to assess the performance of systems and their components, providing a unified set of criteria and software tools for emerging technologies evaluation. The framework helps maximize contributions without biasing test results and provides flexibility over time.
An integrated approach combining agriculture and forestry is more effective than sparing land for forests through agricultural intensification. Agroforestry enriches soil conditions and acts as a carbon stock, helping mitigate climate change.
A nationwide team of agriculturists recommends a 'whole-system redesign' of US agriculture to achieve long-term sustainability. The approach would balance production goals with environmental, social, and economic concerns by incorporating innovative agricultural systems such as organic farming and mixed crop and livestock systems.
The book highlights the crucial role of policy mechanisms, such as the feed-in tariff, in promoting widespread solar energy deployment. In California, a new law aims to make solar affordable at the municipal level.
Cost-effectiveness research is crucial in developing new medical technology to control healthcare costs while maximizing health outcomes. The effects of science and technology on healthcare costs depend on policy context, with current policies resisting the use of cost-effectiveness methods, leading to rising healthcare expenses.
Dr. Glenn E. Schweitzer is honored for his efforts in engaging Russia and Iran in science diplomacy, dating back to the Cold War era. He has maintained relationships with scientists from these countries despite challenges and improvements in US-Iran relations.
A new policy paper by NSF and NIH experts proposes a system to assess the impact of science and technology investments. The system would gather inputs, outputs, and outcomes from various sources in an open fashion.
A special issue of Technology & Innovation explores the history, process, and practice of scientific peer review. Key findings include a need for qualified, independent reviewers, transparent processes, and avoiding conflicts of interest to ensure integrity in federal policy formation.
The federal peer review system is under scrutiny for being overwhelmed by an increasing number of funding proposals, leaving room for errors. Experts recommend a calibration system to mitigate these errors, which can occur due to biased reviewers or overconfident assessments.
A special edition of the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology is now online, focusing on environmental policy past, present, and future. The issue includes articles on topics such as energy sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon's Christopher Weber found that carbon footprint calculations are often inaccurate due to variables from production and shipping. The use phase of an IBM computer server accounted for 94% of total greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency in data centers.
The SciFlies Network provides a new funding source for research and innovation, enabling citizens to directly accelerate science and technology. By promoting STEM disciplines to students and creating a cyber 'alliance model', the network fosters public involvement and encourages translation of inventions to benefit society.
NTU has received a S$3 million gift from the Bakrie Center Foundation to establish an endowment for a new Professorship in Southeast Asia Policy at RSIS. The Bakrie Graduate Fellowship Scholarship Fund will provide four scholarships worth S$30,000 each year to deserving young scholars from the ASEAN region.
A new University of California, Davis study suggests that the global oil supply will run dry within 90 years, far before replacement technologies are ready. The forecast is based on market capitalizations and dividend payments from publicly owned oil and alternative energy companies.
The Ohio State University and Ohio Supercomputer Center have received a four-year, $1.675 million federal grant to develop a computer tool called the Integrated Computational System for Energy Pricing and Policy (ICS-EPP). This model will enable analysis of various scenarios, including the cost of adding electric vehicles to the grid a...
A new study by Lifeloc Technologies reveals popular consumer breathalyzers to be inaccurate and inconsistent in measuring breath alcohol content. The company's independent report confirms these devices' notorious inaccuracy, warning consumers against relying on them for accurate BAC measurement.
A study reveals the European Common Fisheries Policy has promoted unsustainable fishing practices, including the expansion of fleets into vulnerable ecosystems. To reverse this trend, experts propose new regulations, such as creating marine reserves and adopting more sustainable fishing methods to protect marine biodiversity.
The SKA is a $1 billion+ international project to create a 1 million sqm radio telescope, addressing fundamental questions in physics and astronomy. Experts expect significant economic and societal benefits from this massive scientific research infrastructure investment.
Researchers are developing a standard policy language to achieve flexible and dynamic Web security when sharing information with different agencies, countries, and organizations. This technology aims to facilitate the exchange of information between entities using different languages to express their security constraints.
The Transport and Environment – Science Technology (TEST) Network aims to strengthen scientific and technological support for sustainable transport policies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The three-year project will enhance research capacity, share knowledge, and improve road safety, air pollution, and traffic congestion.
Researchers Steven Skerlos and James Winebrake argue that government subsidies for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) should be tailored to specific locations and consumer characteristics. They found that PHEVs are most effective in areas with low-carbon fuel production, high driving volumes, and poor air quality.
Social media pioneer Anil Dash is leading Expert Labs, an independent effort to enhance policy-making by tapping into the wisdom of crowds. The initiative will leverage social networking platforms and technology startups to provide innovative solutions for sharing expertise.
A new report argues that current governance activities on nanotechnology are limiting public debate and may repeat mistakes made in managing GMOs. The report recommends innovative ways to involve the public in decision-making, such as treating their views with respect and using them to inform science policy.