Latest National Research Council Stories
The National Research Council said on Wednesday that in order to study the potential health hazards of nanotechnology, researchers will need to drum up an additional $24 million a year. The research council said in a study that a new federal oversight agency is also required to integrate research by private business, universities and international groups. Nanotechnology is being used in a fast-growing variety of consumer products, and involves designing and manufacturing materials on a...
Cohesive Research Plan Needed to Help Avoid Potential Risks From Rapidly Evolving Technology Despite extensive investment in nanotechnology and increasing commercialization over the last decade, insufficient understanding remains about the environmental, health, and safety aspects of nanomaterials. Without a coordinated research plan to help guide efforts to manage and avoid potential risks, the future of safe and sustainable nanotechnology is uncertain, says a new report from the...
According to a report by the National Research Council (NRC), more Americans are drinking recycled wastewater, whether they are aware of it or not. The report said that treated wastewater poses no greater health risks than existing water supplies and in some instances may be even safer to drink. Jorg Drewes, an engineering professor at the Colorado School of Mines who contributed to the report, said it is a waste not to reuse the nation's wastewater since almost all of it is treated...
The draft 10-year strategic plan for the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) -- which shapes and coordinates climate and related global environmental change research efforts of numerous agencies and departments across the federal government -- is "evolving in the right direction," but several key issues could strengthen these planning efforts, says a new report from the National Research Council. The committee that wrote the report found that the proposed broadening of USGCRP's...
The effectiveness of using specific fungi as mycoherbicides to combat illicit drug crops remains questionable due to the lack of quality, in-depth research, says a new report from the National Research Council. Questions about the degree of control that could be achieved with such mycoherbicides, as well as uncertainties about their potential effects on nontarget plants, microorganisms, animals, humans, and the environment must be addressed before considering deployment. The report states...
NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Current science indicates that water fluoridation is not only ineffective at reducing tooth decay, but is also harmful to health. Despite this knowledge, The Pew Charitable Trusts continues to promote fluoridation by using inaccurate information, and by lobbying legislators to conceal vital information on fluoride's adverse effects, reports The Fluoride Action Network (FAN). Pew Using Propaganda Instead of Science Pew has alleged...
The magnitude and depth of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill will require an unprecedented effort to determine the extent and severity of ecological damage and to develop restoration plans for affected areas in the Gulf of Mexico, says an interim report by the National Research Council. A broad approach that focuses on repairing ecosystem processes -- such as fisheries production -- in addition to replacing natural resources damaged by the spill could offer more options for restoring the Gulf...
The federal government should embark on a coordinated, funded, and sustained effort to dispose of approximately 45,000 excess and underutilized facilities, says a new report from the National Research Council. Approximately $1.6 billion is spent annually to operate and maintain federal facilities that are no longer needed to support federal agencies' missions. The government should also redevelop its approaches for the maintenance and repair of facilities. Despite the magnitude of...
Leaders and educators share effective approaches in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, with 31 interactive exhibits showing the latest innovations supporting science teaching and learning According to a recently released report issued by the National Research Council (NRC), the primary drivers of future economic growth and job creation will be innovations largely derived from advances in science and engineering. An increasing number of jobs at all...
Sept. 19th event at Drexel University in Philadelphia brings together Congressman, government leaders and educators to share effective approaches in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, with more than 30 interactive exhibits showing the latest innovations supporting science teaching and learning According to a just-released report issued by the National Research Council (NRC), the primary drivers of future economic growth and job creation will be innovations largely...
