July 17 -- There have been numerous accidents in the North Pacific's major shipping lane through Unimak Pass in Alaska's Aleutian Islands, including when the Selendang Ayu ran aground in 2004 during a severe storm and spilled more than 300,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil. A new National Research Council report presents a framework for conducting a comprehensive risk assessment of ship accidents and spills to better manage safe shipping operations in this region.
July 17 -- A transition to hydrogen vehicles could greatly reduce U.S. oil dependence and carbon dioxide emissions, but challenges remain, including high costs and a lack of infrastructure, says a new report from the National Research Council. These obstacles could be overcome, however, with continued support for research and development from the automotive industry and the federal government.
July 16 -- The United States should follow Canada's lead and adopt standards identical to those proposed by the International Maritime Organization to prevent invasive species from entering the Great Lakes. Both nations should ensure that only vessels adhering to these standards gain access to the lakes, and binational surveillance measures should be in place to monitor the presence of aquatic invasive species.
July 14 -- Modifications to forests’ structure and composition -- whether caused by manmade or naturally occurring phenomena, such as wildfires, insects, climate change effects, road networks, or chemicals like fertilizers and fire retardants -- can alter water quantity and quality, says a new report from the National Research Council. More research should be pursued to address critical water issues, and watershed councils and citizen groups should work with agencies to better protect and sustain water resources.
July 11 -- U.S. policymakers, universities, and employers should work together to speed the development of professionally oriented master's degree programs in the natural sciences, says a new report from the National Research Council. Graduates of these programs -- which build both scientific knowledge and practical workplace skills -- can contribute significantly to the nation's competitiveness, the report says.
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