Table of Contents
Environmental Issues Health and Medicine Computer Science and Telecommunications Engineering Mathematics and Physics Policy and Research Issues Transportation Events and Open Meetings

Environmental Issues


Broader Assessment of Air Pollution Rules Proposed

A new report from the National Research Council illustrates a more comprehensive approach that EPA should use to assess revisions to New Source Review, a part of the Clean Air Act that governs emissions from factories and power plants. The report assesses the likely effects of EPA's recent changes to the rules.

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Health and Medicine


IOM Names New Health Policy Fellows

The Institute of Medicine has named seven new Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows for 2006-07. The fellows will spend a year in Washington DC enriching their understanding of public policy practices so that they can apply their experiences to improving health policy and management in their states and communities.

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Premature Births Cost US $26 Billion Each Year

The high rate of premature births in the United States constitutes a public health concern that costs society at least $26 billion a year, according to a new report from the Institute of Medicine. "Preterm Birth: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention" also notes troubling disparities in preterm birth rates among different racial and ethnic groups. The report recommends a multidisciplinary research agenda to improve the prediction and prevention of preterm labor and better understand the health and developmental problems to which preterm infants are more vulnerable. In addition, the report recommends that guidelines be issued to reduce the number of multiple births -- a significant risk factor for preterm birth -- resulting from infertility treatments.

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Comprehensive Strategy Needed to Prevent Medication Errors

Medication errors harm at least 1.5 million people every year and result in billions of dollars in extra medical costs, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. The report recommends improved communication between health care providers and patients, nationwide use of electronic prescribing systems, and efforts to address problems associated with drug naming and labeling, among other steps to reduce drug-related mistakes.

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Biomonitoring Advances Pose Scientific, Communication Challenges

New technologies make biomonitoring -- the measurement of toxic chemicals in the body -- a valuable tool in studying environmental contaminants, but more research is needed on the implications for human health, says a new National Research Council report. The report provides a framework for developing and using biomarkers, including research to improve the interpretation of data, ways to communicate findings to the public, and a review of ethical issues.

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Evidence Growing on TCE's Health Risks

A new National Research Council report recommends research to advance understanding of how trichloroethylene, an environmental contaminant often referred to as TCE, causes cancer and other adverse health effects, but adds that enough information exists for EPA to complete a credible human health risk assessment now.

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Computer Science and Telecommunications


Electronic Voting Will Present Challenges for November

Many jurisdictions will face unprecedented challenges as they prepare to use new electronic voting equipment for the November elections, says a new report from the National Research Council. Because it will be the first time electronic voting is used on a large scale, jurisdictions must ensure backup procedures are available if the equipment fails.

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Engineering


NAE Names Participants for US Frontiers of Engineering Symposium

The National Academy of Engineering has chosen 81 of the nation's brightest young engineers to participate in the 12th annual US Frontiers of Engineering symposium. The participants -- between the ages of 30 and 45 -- were nominated by fellow engineers or organizations and selected from nearly 200 applicants.

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Mathematics and Physics


Better Support Needed for AMO Research and Education

The National Research Council has released a report highlighting the importance of research and education in atomic, molecular, and optical science -- the study of atoms, molecules, and light, and related technologies such as lasers and fiber optics communications. The report identifies six "challenges" in physics where AMO science could have a direct impact on the technology and economy of the future.

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Policy and Research Issues


More Oversight Needed for Research Involving Prisoners

More comprehensive safeguards and oversight measures are needed to ensure that the participation of prisoners in scientific research meets the highest ethical standards and aims to improve the well-being of prisoners, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine.

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Transportation


Improving Vehicle Fuel Economy with Better Tires

The National Academies' Transportation Research Board and Board on Energy and Environmental Systems have released a report on "Tires and Passenger Vehicle Fuel Economy: Informing Consumers, Improving Performance." The report examines the role of tires in vehicle fuel consumption and the prospects for improving tire energy performance without adversely affecting tire life, traction capability, and retail prices. National fuel savings from improving the energy efficiency of passenger tires by 10 percent are quantified, and the implications for consumer spending on tires, motor vehicle safety, and scrap tire generation are considered.

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Events and Open Meetings


MEETING: International Capacity Building for the Protection and Sustainable Use of Oceans and Coasts

The Committee on International Capacity Building for the Protection and Sustainable Use of Oceans and Coasts will hold its second meeting August 20-22 at the National Academies' Keck Center in Washington DC. A draft agenda will be posted at the accompanying link. If you would like to attend the sessions of this meeting that are open to the public or need more information please contact Jodi Bostrom, by email at <jbostrom@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 2628.

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GALLERY TALK: Toroids and Plaids -- Paintings by Robert Straight

Artist Robert Straight uses prime numbers to construct forms and establish color placement on his canvas. Come meet the artist and learn more about his mathematically precise process. The National Academies' Exhibitions and Cultural Programs office will host a gallery talk and reception on Sunday, September 9, in the upstairs gallery at the National Academies building at 2100 C Street NW. Admission is free. More information about the event and about the Academies' cultural programs is available at the accompanying links.

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INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM: Crossing Safety and Trespass Prevention

The National Academies' Transportation Research Board is cosponsoring the 9th International Level Crossing Safety and Trespass Prevention Symposium on September 10-14, 2006, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The symposium is designed to provide a forum to discuss advances in at-level grade crossings technology and operations in order to explore best practices and share international dialogue on level crossing issues. Related project information is posted at the accompanying link. For additional information contact Richard Cunard by e-mail at <rcunard@nas.edu>.

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CONFERENCE: National Seismic Conference on Bridges and Highways

The National Academies' Transportation Research Board is cosponsoring the 5th National Seismic Conference on Bridges and Highways on September 18-20, 2006, in San Francisco CA. The purpose of the conference is to increase awareness of seismic and geological hazards and to enhance the level of technical expertise of engineering professionals so they can mitigate the risk of failure or damage to the nation's bridges and highways. A press release and additional information about the conference are posted at the accompanying links.

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WORKSHOP: Ethical and Legal Considerations in Mitigating Pandemic Disease

While infectious diseases remain the leading causes of human death, the general public does not appear to share this perception, especially in the shadow of equally scary but less likely risks such as a bioterrorist attack with smallpox. The Institute of Medicine's Forum on Microbial Threats will host a public workshop on "Ethical and Legal Considerations in Mitigating Pandemic Disease" September 19-20 at the National Academies' Keck Center in Washington DC. A draft agenda and registration form are posted at the accompanying links. For more information, contact Kate Skoczdopole, by email at <kskoczdopole@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 2462.

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CONFERENCE: Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled People

The Transportation Research Board is cosponsoring the 11th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled People on June 18-21, 2007, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The conference will consist of three days of conference sessions, providing a mixture of keynote addresses, plenary and parallel sessions, and poster presentations. An extensive exhibition of equipment, infrastructure, and services for people with disabilities will be held during and before the conference. Project information is posted at the accompanying link. For additional information contact Martine Micozzi by e-mail at <mmicozzi@nas.edu>.

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