Diversity in Higher Education: Strengthening the Science, Technology, and Engineering Workforce
For the United States to maintain global leadership and competitiveness in science and technology we must grow a strong, talented, and innovative science and technology workforce. To achieve this goal, the National Research Council, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine have published reports that focus on ensuring that we draw on [...]
Cybersecurity: Issues in Defending Networks and Systems from Cyberattack and Cyberespionage
Last week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that it was a target of a cyber break-in, an attack designed to infiltrate the IMF in order to gain sensitive insider privileged information. Intrusions into secure networks of organizations such as the IMF focus the public’s attention on the subject of cybersecurity. We asked Herb Lin, [...]
Biometric Recognition: Status and Prospects for Security Technology
Recently biometrics has been in the news as a key to identifying the body of Osama bin Laden after the raid in Pakistan. Heightening security concerns around the world are leading to an expanded use of automated recognition technologies for individuals based on their behavioral and biological characteristics. Biometric systems are used increasingly to recognize [...]
Science and the Future of Computing: Parallel Processing to Meet Tomorrow’s Challenges
Fast, inexpensive computers are now essential for nearly all human endeavors and have been a critical factor in increasing economic productivity, enabling new defense systems, and advancing the frontiers of science. For the last half-century, computers have been doubling in performance and capacity every couple of years. For example, the raw performance of a 1970s [...]
Advancing U.S. Science & Technology: Scouting the Global Competition
In the world of sports, teams study films of their competition and scouts attend games to get as much information as possible. Knowing how the other team trains, what their goals are, and how they perform can be a key to victory against them on the field. In any area of competition, a realistic assessment [...]
Commercial Mobile Alert System: The Future of Emergency Warning Notification
In emergency situations it is critical to obtain accurate information quickly. As our technology has evolved, so have our abilities to communicate. In the 1950’s, the state of Kansas instituted a basic tornado alert system of fire station sirens to warn residents of small towns to take shelter, saving many lives. Recent emergency communication capabilities, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Take 5: Top 5 Books on Science and Technology
The scientists and engineers on your list may not always be the easiest people to shop for during the holidays. It should come as no surprise that we have recommendations. Take five and finish your holiday shopping with our most-recommended books for the scientifically-minded. Ensuring the Integrity, Accessibility, and Stewardship of Research Data in the [...]
Herb Lin Speaks About Cyberattack and Stuxnet
Stuxnet is a quickly mutating computer worm that has been infiltrating computers in Iran. Discovered in June, Stuxnet has been found in over 45,000 computers in various countries, but the vast majority of infected systems are in Iran. The 2009 title Technology, Policy, Law and Ethics Regarding U.S. Acquisition and Use of Cyberattack Capabilities provides [...]
Older Posts »
