Articles tagged with Technology Policy
A new study warns that global CO2 emission reductions may be more challenging than thought due to underestimated technological challenges. The study suggests the IPCC is overly optimistic in assuming spontaneous technological innovations will drive emissions reductions.
Rep. Bart Gordon to receive George E. Brown Jr. Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Award for his leadership in ensuring US global leadership in science and innovation. The award coincides with the 50th anniversary of the House Science and Technology Committee.
A recent study by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies found that people tend to agree with experts whose values align with their own, regardless of the expert's position. This suggests that nanotechnology's future will be shaped by public trust in experts, rather than just their expertise.
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 Global Health Group, led by Sir Richard Feachem, will focus on malaria eradication and private sector strengthening in developing countries. The team aims to overcome current bottlenecks and test new approaches on a large scale.
A study reveals that marine vessel pollution causes approximately 60,000 premature cardiopulmonary and lung cancer deaths worldwide each year. The report estimates that the number of annual deaths from ship emissions could increase by 40 percent by 2012, with coastal regions in Asia and Europe being the most affected.
The grant will support the creation of a national Weapons and Protective Systems Technologies Center of Excellence, focusing on less-lethal munitions and devices, school safety, and pursuit management. The center will be managed by Col. Andrew F. Mazzara and supported by various academic departments and faculty.
The report highlights key elements of a healthy STEM workforce system, including rewards and risks that impact the attractiveness of STEM professions. Policymakers are advised to consider policy levers such as federal research funding, scholarships, and improving labor market signals.
Researchers discovered that ancient Greek craftsmen were able to build precise devices like the balance and catapult without understanding mathematical theory. This finding highlights the importance of practical know-how in scientific development and challenges the assumption that theoretical knowledge is essential for innovation.
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.
William B. Bonvillian and David J. Goldston, two former Congressional staff members, will share the 2006 IEEE-USA Distinguished Public Service Award for their outstanding support of science and technology-related legislation and policy in the U.S. Congress. They are recognized for their work on various initiatives, including federal R&...
Communicators and researchers are working together to develop effective science communication strategies, exploring ways to identify common goals and potential funding sources. This collaboration aims to create rich, complete stories about what scientists do and why, benefiting taxpayers and advancing policy.
Researchers at NIST found that optimal work surface heights of 26 inches for image quality and 36 inches for speed can improve fingerprint capture. Participants preferred using their right hands, which reduced processing time.
The US healthcare system's increasing reliance on medical technology has driven cost growth, according to Rita Redberg. She proposes an evidence-based review process to balance innovation with value and improve patient care outcomes.
Climate experts warn of the devastating impact of regional nuclear conflicts, which could lead to widespread famine due to enhanced greenhouse effect. Detonation of nuclear weapons in tropical regions may have harsher effects than those in northern latitudes, exacerbating global food shortages.
Researchers will examine the scientific, social, cultural and organizational contexts that have shaped embryology as a science. The project aims to provide a rich description of embryo research over key periods of its history and analyze agents of change.
A new national strategy could utilize small, lightweight jets to reduce congestion at major airports. The simulation predicts that policy changes are necessary to streamline the system, including better coordination among airlines and infrastructure providers.
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.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has awarded the 2006 Leonard M. Rieser Fellowship to four students: Christopher Affolter, Kafui Gbewonyo, Andrew Leifer, and Lee Pearson. These recipients will work on various projects addressing global challenges such as biological weapons proliferation, wastewater irrigation for agriculture, scie...
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed pressable photonic crystals that capture data-rich fingerprints in multiple colours, offering improved security. The technology can also be used for sensors in various industries, such as air-bag release mechanisms and strain torque sensors.
A team of researchers from RIT and UD has developed a computer-based model to analyze the energy, environmental, and economic impacts of freight transportation along I-95. The tool will help decision-makers identify routes with the lowest environmental impacts and explore tradeoffs among shipping cost, time, and environmental effects.
The new system enables rapid communication among law enforcement agencies and first responders, facilitating responses to crises such as manhunts and natural disasters. With the implementation of this system, authorized officers can communicate with each other across jurisdictions, enhancing public safety and response times.
A modification to the patent application process could provide comprehensive legal protection for genetic resources and prevent biopiracy. Creating a new system is deemed too challenging, whereas modifying current patents to require disclosure of origin and prior consent is considered feasible.
Norman R. Augustine has been honored with the 2005 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his exceptional contributions to advancing science, education, and innovation. His distinguished career spans over four decades, encompassing public service and industry leadership.
A team of researchers, including Virginia Tech experts, has developed a concept for technology to obtain verifiable parental consent for children's online transactions. The system offers flexibility, accountability, and user-friendliness, making it a promising solution to protect children's online privacy.
Penn researchers have identified vulnerabilities in loop extender taps and CALEA tapping technologies, which can be exploited to counterwiretap signals. They recommend that law enforcement agencies and telecommunications companies take measures to secure their equipment and prevent signaling countermeasures.
The workshop explored the government's use of commercial data for homeland security, raising important privacy concerns. Stevens' Wright discussed her work on PORTIA project, which addresses handling of sensitive information in a networked world and provides cryptographically strong methods for maintaining data privately.
Smart Border policies in the US are criticized for their limited innovation, economic ramifications, and disruption to local communities. The study highlights the flaws in counterterrorism technologies and the need for a more comprehensive approach to border control.
The US Constitution offers a set of shared values that can help frame the debate on genetic engineering of humans, including promotion of welfare, science, and equal protection. Policymakers will likely debate the benefits and potential harm to future children and the public.
The AAAS expert panel emphasizes the need for new scientific research to improve voting performance, focusing on technologies, voters' knowledge and behavior, election administration, and accountability mechanisms. This research will help ensure maximum voter participation, trust, and integrity while guaranteeing privacy.
A recent study reveals that desertification is driven by a limited number of recurrent pathways, including regionally distinct combinations of factors and feedbacks. The analysis challenges traditional single-factor explanations and highlights the impact of public and individual decisions on desertification.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has adopted a new NIST standard for across-the-road radar systems, which can detect vehicles traveling above a predetermined speed without requiring an operator. These systems are more reliable and less prone to being detected by speeders, providing enhanced safety for motorists.
Two new books by the United Nations University provide a guide for developing countries to promote technology-based enterprises. The studies analyze factors that enabled select countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea to expand their high-tech exports. Key findings highlight the importance of science, technology, and industr...
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.
The National Academies are accepting nominations for the 2004 Communication Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in science communication. The winners will be honored at the Keck FUTURES Conference in November 2004.
The report highlights inconsistent data-access policies among nations and agencies, emphasizing the need for international efforts to promote open access. The authors call for an international framework to achieve this goal, making data sharing a rule rather than an exception.
A panel discussion at Stanford Medicine explores thorny issues posed by technology, including non-traditional families and reproductive cloning. The discussion aims to address concerns over the responsible use of new reproductive and genetic technologies.
The National Science Board has approved a $70 million award for the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN), which will create the world's largest and most comprehensive nanotechnology laboratory. The NNIN, led by Cornell University, will provide access to leading-edge tools and instruments, and contribute to developing a...
A recent study by Georgia Tech shows China has doubled its score on technological standing since 1999, moving from 20.7 to 49.3, and is now above Singapore and the Netherlands. The country's progress stems from its manufacturing facilities, economic institution reforms, and human capital development.
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.
The Johns Hopkins APL has developed a system that can accurately detect tampering in digital videos. The Digital Video Authenticator uses public-key cryptography to generate unique signatures for each frame, allowing it to recognize changes made to the original tape.
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...
David Anderson receives Rumelhart Prize for 30 years of research on human thought processes and learning, leading to effective computer-based tutoring systems. His work explores the neural basis of cognition, contributing to our understanding of the human mind.
The UK has launched a new 'global partnerships' program aimed at fostering science and technology partnerships with the US. The program, which combines expertise from three British Government divisions, has already yielded over 20 partnership projects in its US pilot program.
The Dartmouth Institute for Security Technology Studies has released a report detailing the technology hurdles faced by cyber crime investigators. The report identifies seven areas of concern, including log analysis, internet protocol tracing, and emerging technologies, to aid in combating cyber attacks.
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...
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.
A new study by Georgia Tech finds that industrializing countries in Asia are catching up with the US in technology exports, thanks to an information-based economy. The US remains the leader but faces tougher competition, particularly from China and India.
The 112th Geological Society of America Annual Meeting featured keynote speakers and symposia on planetary exploration, gas hydrates, and tectonics. The meeting included presentations from renowned scientists on topics such as sample returns from asteroidal material and the structure of planets and satellites.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a technology called Conversion that dramatically improves the accuracy of genetic tests for cancer risk. The technology separates alleles, allowing for individual analysis and detection of previously missed genetic alterations.
The NIH conference aims to develop a framework for independent research on medical implants retrieved after surgery or at autopsy. The conference seeks to address the challenges and opportunities in collecting and analyzing data on implant performance, with a focus on improving public understanding and policy-making.
The NIH conference aims to develop a framework for independent research on medical implants retrieved after surgery or at autopsy. It will address patient, healthcare provider, and societal expectations, as well as legal, ethical, and economic barriers to implant retrieval and reporting.
Amputation rates among elderly Americans have risen due to limited capacity for bypass surgery and angioplasty procedures. Diabetes remains a major risk factor, with 40-60% of amputations involving diabetic patients.
The report focuses on crucial problems such as science and technology in society, development, and the environment. It examines how social sciences are organized, financed, and practiced worldwide. The World Social Science Report provides overviews of broad regions, including Latin America, Southern Asia, and Africa.
The study highlights the benefits of anonymity, including its value in protecting users who engage in socially unacceptable activities. It recommends balancing regulation with education and public awareness to foster legitimate uses while deterring illegal ones.
International documents from the Antarctic Treaty System are now available in an easily-searchable database on the World Wide Web. The technology provides a visual display for collapsing large amounts of information into an expandable hierarchical structure.
This public health report features articles on drug prohibition and its impact, World Health Organization reform, and transportation safety. The report also discusses injuries associated with snowmobiles and farm tractors, as well as prenatal smoking data.
Patients are willing to disclose behavior that puts them at risk for conditions ranging from HIV to domestic violence, regardless of the method used. The study's findings suggest that doctors can initiate discussions about sensitive subjects without worrying about patient willingness.
Klaus Toepfer warns of a growing global conflict over natural resources, particularly water, as the world's population is projected to increase dramatically. He advocates for monitoring drinking water reserves, cooperative agreements, and economic incentives for new technologies to promote water conservation.
The AAAS Annual Meeting brings together over 800 scientists and engineers to discuss groundbreaking research in various fields, including medicine, astronomy, and physics. Notable sessions cover topics like the influence of diet on breast cancer and the latest discoveries in astronomy.