A look at today’s science and health policy news:
Pump primed for fall fight on energy
Politico–There’s a little something for everyone to hate in the energy proposals Speaker Nancy Pelosi articulated over the weekend.
Endangered Process
Washington Post–In May, the Bush administration reluctantly listed the polar bear as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. The facts left it with little choice: the bear’s Arctic Sea ice habitat is melting because of global warming. But the administration wasn’t happy, because the Endangered Species Act was never intended to be an instrument for coping with climate change.
Anti-Regulation Aide to Cheney Is Up for Energy Post
Washington Post–A senior aide to Vice President Cheney is the leading contender to become a top official at the Energy Department according to several current and former administration officials, a promotion that would put one of the administration’s most ardent opponents of environmental regulation in charge of forming department policies on climate change.
We must do more to encourage girls to pursue science careers
Mercury News–A recent study in the journal Science showcased some very promising results: Girls are measuring up to boys in math from grades two through 11. Yet there is clearly room for growth in the number of young women exploring technology and science as career paths.
AIDS Researchers Shift Focus to Long Haul
NY Times–Two years have passed since the 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto, and the contrast between that meeting and the 17th, which ended here this month, was humbling. No major breakthroughs were announced, and cutting-edge research findings were rare.
Boehner: Madam Speaker…Please stand up for energy
Washington Times (Opinion)–Rep. Boehner on House Republican’s energy push.
Coal’s toxic legacy to the Arctic
BBC News–Coal burning in western Europe and North America has been a prime source of heavy metal pollution in the Arctic.
Stuck down here: NASA needs its own launch capability during the next 10 years
Houston Chronicle (Opinion)–Among the many entities and activities placed in jeopardy by the incursion of Russian troops into Georgia is U.S.-Russian space exploration.
Tougher Laws Needed to Protect Your Genetic Privacy
Scientific American–Genetic testing will expand quickly and soon, adding highly targeted data to people’s medical records. As those records go electronic, outsiders will find it increasingly easy to peruse an individual’s health information.
Space policy heats up this summer
Space Review–In the relatively tiny niche of space policy, on the other hand, the last couple of weeks have been as active as any time in recent memory. There has been a flurry of activity from both Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain since the beginning of August.
FCC plans public awareness blitz about digital TV transition
Government Computing News–The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today announced a six-month digital TV public awareness marathon that will take commissioners to 80 communities across the country before the Feb. 17, 2009, deadline for ending analog TV broadcasts.
Advocate for Science Diplomacy
NY Times–An interview with Dr. Nina V. Fedoroff, a member of the National Academy of Sciences and science adviser to the secretary of state and administrator of the Agency for International Development.
Don’t know much about math
Washington Times (Opinion)–Editorial on the need for increased math literacy for teachers.
Debate rages over free wireless spectrum
CNET News–The debate over new unlicensed spectrum the Federal Communications Commission is considering opening up is heating.
Annual Creationism Conference Takes “Scientific” Approach
Discover Magazine (Opinion)–Earlier this month, the Sixth International Conference on Creationism took place in Pittsburgh.
Google Plans Big Presence at Summer Political Conventions
Wired Blog–As Google showcases how politicos use its tools, they also prepare for a large presence at both presidential nominating conventions.
