News
PNAS Announces Prize-Winning Papers
March 6, 2014
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has selected six papers from the more than 3,800 research articles published by the journal in 2013 to receive the Cozzarelli Prize, an award that recognizes scientific excellence and originality and outstanding contributions to the scientific disciplines represented by the National Academy of Sciences. The award was established in 2005 and named in 2007 to honor late PNAS Editor-in-Chief Nicholas R. Cozzarelli. Read More
Connecting Individual K-12 STEM Subjects Has Potential Advantages, Poses Challenges
March 6, 2014
A new report from the National Academy of Engineering and National Research Council examines current efforts to connect the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines in K-12 education, both in formal classroom settings and informal learning environments. A short video illustrating today's STEM education landscape and the potential benefits and challenges of integrated approaches accompanies the report. Read More
NAS, Royal Society Release Publication on Climate Change
Feb. 27, 2014
The U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society, the national science academy of the U.K., have released a new joint publication that explains the clear evidence that humans are causing the climate to change, and that addresses a variety of other key questions commonly asked about climate change science. Climate Change: Evidence and Causes, written and reviewed by leading experts in both countries, lays out which aspects of climate change are well-understood and where there is still uncertainty and a need for more research. Read More
National Academy of Sciences Elects Foreign Secretary and Councilors
Feb. 27, 2014
The National Academy of Sciences has elected John G. Hildebrand, Regents Professor of Neuroscience in the College of Science at the University of Arizona, Tucson, to serve as the Academy's foreign secretary, succeeding Michael T. Clegg. Hildebrand will be responsible for the international activities of the Academy during his four-year term beginning July 1, 2014.Councilors elected to three-year terms beginning July 1, 2014, are: Karen S. Cook, Ray Lyman Wilbur Professor of Sociology, Stanford University; Nancy A. Moran, professor, department of integrative biology, University of Texas, Austin; Margaret M. Murnane, fellow, JILA, and professor of physics, University Colorado, Boulder; and Randy Schekman, investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and professor, department of molecular and cell biology, University of California, Berkeley. The new councilors succeed Carol A. Gross, Joyce Marcus, Douglas S. Massey, and Irving L. Weissman. Read more
Former NAS Official Philip M. Smith Dies at Age 81
Feb. 23, 2014
Philip M. Smith, who spent more than five decades working in science, technology, and public policy, including 13 years (1981-1994) as the executive officer of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council, passed away on Feb. 16. As executive officer, Smith worked closely with NAS presidents Frank Press (whom Smith also worked for when Press served as White House science adviser) and Bruce Alberts as well as the presidents of the National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine to strengthen the ability of these institutions to deliver objective, evidence-based advice to the nation. Prior to joining NAS and the Research Council, Smith worked for three U.S. presidents -- Nixon, Ford, and Carter -- as associate director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Read More
DOD Programs to Prevent Psychological Disorders in Military Members, Families Need to Be Based on Scientific Evidence to Ensure Effectiveness
Feb. 20, 2014
As the U.S. Department of Defense advances its efforts to evaluate and improve psychological health services for military members and their families, it should develop, track, and evaluate programs based on scientific evidence to ensure their effectiveness, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. DOD has implemented numerous resilience and prevention programs -- mostly focused on individual-level interventions -- that address various aspects of psychological health. While some of these programs have demonstrated effectiveness, many are not evidence-based and are evaluated infrequently. Read More
Dzau Named Next President of the Institute of Medicine
Feb. 19, 2014
Victor J. Dzau, M.D., has been named to be the next president of the Institute of Medicine, the National Academy of Sciences announced today. Currently chancellor for health affairs at Duke University, president and CEO for Duke University Health System, and James B. Duke Professor of Medicine, Dzau will succeed Harvey V. Fineberg, who has served as IOM's president for 12 years. Dzau's six-year term as president will begin July 1, 2014.In announcing Dzau's appointment, NAS President Ralph J. Cicerone said, "Victor Dzau is an internationally acclaimed leader and scientist whose work has improved health care in the United States and globally. Under his direction, the Institute of Medicine will continue to advance research and improve health by providing objective, evidence-based guidance on critical issues." Read More
Long-Term Health Effects of Blasts
Feb. 13, 2014
U.S. soldiers exposed to blasts from improvised explosive devices and other types of weapons while deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have an increased risk of developing adverse health outcomes over the long term, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and, in certain cases of traumatic brain injury, growth hormone deficiency, and persistent post-concussive symptoms including headaches, says a new report by the Institute of Medicine. The committee that wrote the report focused on health consequences experienced at least six months after a blast. Read More
The Science of Science Communication II
Feb. 12, 2014
Not only the scientific complexity of topics such as climate change but also the public and political debates that surround many areas of science pose challenges for researchers trying to explain their findings clearly and effectively to the public. Read the summary of a three-day National Academy of Sciences colloquium held in September 2013 that brought together experts in social and cognitive psychology, political science, mass communication, cultural anthropology, business, and social networking to explore and share current research that can improve the communication of science to lay audiences.
AAAS Annual Meeting
Feb. 11, 2014
C.D. (Dan) Mote Jr., the president of the National Academy of Engineering, as well as other Academies staff will participate in a variety of sessions at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting, being held Feb. 13-17 in Chicago. Read more
