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Career diplomat Thomas Pickering wins 2008 AAAS International Scientific Cooperation Award

Ambassador Thomas Pickering received the award for his efforts to extend traditional responsibilities of environment, science, and technology officers in US missions abroad. He supported bilateral science agreements to strengthen diplomatic relations and bring global attention to issues like nuclear affairs and environmental stewardship.

FEMA awards grant to study New Madrid seismic zone

Researchers Theresa Jefferson and John Harrald will study social vulnerability in response to an earthquake involving the New Madrid fault. The grant from FEMA enables them to focus on displaced persons, shelter needs, commodity requirements, and special needs in Phase III of the Mid America Earthquake Center research agenda.

Carnegie Mellon receives $1.85 million

Carnegie Mellon will lead a team to develop and promote a regulatory structure for the safe and economical capture, transport and deep geological sequestration of CO2. The grant is part of a $100 million Climate Change Initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a cleaner economy.

The 'driving' force behind electric vehicles

A comparative study of US and French policies on electric vehicles reveals the impact of cultural differences on technological innovation. The study shows that despite similar goals, different approaches led to varying outcomes, with the US adopting hybrid cars as an alternative solution.

SourceSpringer·JournalPolicy Sciences·DateMay 14, 2007

Why we need better estimates of global demand for an HIV vaccine

The article highlights the importance of reliable estimates of global demand for an HIV vaccine in achieving various policy objectives. These objectives include convincing governments and industry to invest more in research and product development, guiding government planning of HIV vaccination programs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 4, 2006

Investigating digital images

Farid's algorithm uses statistical clues to detect tampering in digital images, making it harder for people to manipulate photos. The technology has the potential to prevent fake photos from influencing public opinion and trust, especially in news reports.

Kyoto and beyond

Global per capita greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced to a small fraction of present levels within the next hundred years. A gradual transition to an emission-free economy is possible at an acceptable price, with significant reductions in emissions necessary beyond the Kyoto horizon.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 2003

Sex selection for social reasons: religious and moral perspectives

According to a survey, allowing sex selection in Germany and the UK would be unlikely to skew biological sex balance. However, experts argue that selecting the sex of offspring raises ethical concerns about parental desires vs. unconditional acceptance of children. Most respondents have no intention of using sex selection techniques, r...

SourceScience and Religion Information Service·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateSep 24, 2003

Science reviewer calls anti-environmental book 'dangerous' and 'misguided'

A science reviewer strongly criticizes Bjørn Lomborg's book, arguing that it gives little recognition to modern environmental professionals and fails to make the connection between new policies and environmental advances. The reviewer highlights the importance of economic incentives, such as those contained within the Kyoto Protocol, i...

Jurors' comprehension of scientific evidence

Recent research shows that jurors' comprehension of scientific evidence is a significant challenge, particularly when dealing with complex and nuanced facts. Dr. Solan identifies several problems, including diminished juror comprehension, inappropriate influence by expert credentials, and varying understandings of causation concepts.