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.
UK entries made up over half of finalists in the biennial European Academic Software Awards, demonstrating a growing commitment to quality educational software. The full list of EASA finalists can be viewed online.
Researchers have developed a new coating technique called Surface Induced Mineralization (SIM) that facilitates bone growth around implants, potentially extending their lifespan. The water-based process incorporates growth factors to promote new bone cells, addressing a common issue with implants becoming loose after 10 years.
A prestigious panel will discuss the future of federal funding for research and development, with implications for chemistry research and the nation's status as a world technological leader. The panelists from government, academia, and industry will examine current efforts to double federal funding for research over the next decade.
The US Congress's Office of Technology Policy and the Japan Documentation Center co-hosted a conference on access to Japanese scientific, technical, and business information. The event explored the impact of the Internet on access issues and featured presentations from leading experts in the field.
New RFF issues brief examines interactions between climate change policies and the tax system. Research suggests that reducing carbon emissions may produce economic benefits when revenues from pollution control are used to reduce other taxes, potentially offsetting added costs. However, policy approaches can significantly impact costs.
A new study suggests that an adaptive-decision strategy can reduce costs and damages associated with climate change. By observing the climate system and making mid-course corrections, policymakers can make more reasonable and defensible choices about climate-change policy.
The RFF briefing papers provide topical, timely, and non-technical information and analysis on climate change policies. Key policy lessons and economic implications are outlined, including the role of economics in addressing climate change risks and costs.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science reports that New England universities rely heavily on federal R&D funding, which could be cut by up to 33% by 2002. The region's economy and workforce will suffer if these programs are reduced.
The President's R&D budget for FY 1998 will cut federal R&D spending by an additional 14 percent (in inflation-adjusted dollars) by 2002. Funding for basic research would barely stay ahead of inflation at $15.3 billion, representing a 3.0 percent increase over FY 1997.
The world's major cereal crops have increased variability in quantity from year to year, posing a risk to the poorest people who spend much of their income on food. Long-term climate change, technology adoption stages, and other factors contribute to these fluctuations.
The partnership aims to support state and local law enforcement in their efforts to fight crime in communities. Sandia will analyze available explosive detection technology and equipment in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Regional Center.
The UNESCO Director-General urges scientists to take a more active role in shaping public policy, citing their ability to influence decision-makers. Scientists will have diverse opinions on the possible agenda for a World Science Conference.
A national survey found that HMOs cover a range of laser technologies from 25% to 90%, with independent practice associations covering more advanced procedures. The study suggests that cost is becoming a factor in HMO decision-making, potentially limiting access to new medical technologies.
Despite advancements in technology, reliable short-term earthquake predictions remain nearly impossible. Experts recommend redirecting funds to disaster management plans and building codes instead.
Marsden proposes using pilot plants to validate new technologies and reduce the approval process for pathogen-controlling technologies. The controlled environment allows for efficient testing of technologies in a realistic setting.
A new AAAS report cautions that Georgia's economy is threatened by proposed cuts in R&D programs, which could impact industries and research universities. The report highlights the need for informed discussions among government, industry, and academia to address future trends in federal R&D spending.