The Dual Use Dilemma: Biological Research and Security in an Age of Terrorism
The great achievements of molecular biology and genetics over the last 50 years have produced advances in agriculture and industrial processes and have revolutionized the practice of medicine. The very technologies that fueled these benefits to society, however, pose a potential risk as well—the possibility that these technologies could also be used to create the [...]
Take 5: Top Books on Life Sciences
Got scientists and engineers on your holiday shopping list? Take five and check out our top gift ideas. NAP books and merchandise make thoughtful gifts for thinking people. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition A respected resource for decades, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals has [...]
Beyond the Space Shuttle: Future Directions for Space Exploration and Research
Atlantis blasted off for its final mission last week, marking the end of the space shuttle program. As we look back on what we have learned from the space shuttle and other space research programs, it is amazing to consider how far we can advance knowledge of our own solar system and planets beyond in [...]
The Nation’s Science Report Card: Perspectives from the Board on Science Education
On the National Assessment of Educational Progress 2009 Science Report Card released last Tuesday, the United States received an overall grade of “needs improvement.” The test, which measures science proficiency, was administered to 4th, 8th, and 12th graders and underscores one of the major focal points of President Obama’s State of the Union address: the [...]
DNA Testing: From the Doctor’s Office to the Drugstore
The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, identified the genes that make up human DNA. Major advances in genomic technologies in the early 21st century have helped to increase dramatically the number of genes identified as playing a role in a variety of common disorders. Genetic or genomic testing can be used to guide medical [...]
Free PDF Downloads, Audio, Video and More for January 2011
As we begin a new year, the National Academies Press offers you the following selection of books, videos, and podcasts free of charge. Start collecting free resources for your personal STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) library today. Implementing the New Biology: Decadal Challenges Linking Food, Energy, and the Environment: Summary of a Workshop, June [...]
Biosafety and Research: Controversy in Kansas
Monday, the National Research Council released a report that finds “several major shortcomings” in a U.S. Department of Homeland Security assessment of risks associated with operating the proposed National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kan. The National Research Council review of the DHS risk assessment finds that there is nearly a 70 percent [...]
New This Week: Physical & Life Sciences, NASA, and Hypertension
The end of another week brings us the roundup of all of the new publications that hit our site. If you like any of these pubs, you can use the share buttons to share the article on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media site that you can think of, as well as email it [...]
New Books This Week: Data Integrity, Counterterrorism, The Biology Revolution and More
Friday brings us to the close of the week and the usual recap of what’s fresh and new here at nap.edu. Next week’s post may be a little delayed by the Thanksgiving holiday, but if there’s new stuff, we’ll be sure you know. Featured New Book Experimentation and Rapid Prototyping in Support of Counterterrorism (final) [...]
