Date: April 30, 2009
Editor: Sharon Yep
"Reports & Events" is a monthly list of selected events open to the public and a listing of National Academies reports tentatively scheduled for release next month. A complete listing of events can be accessed at http://search.nap.edu/nap-cgi/events.cgi.
EVENTS
Improving statistics in government
May 8
(Washington, D.C.)
The statistics that the government collects and analyzes shape important decisions, such as how congressional representation is allocated and whether government programs are deemed effective enough to continue. The National Research Council will co-sponsor a symposium to look at the state of the nation's statistical system and how it can be improved. Among the speakers will be Peter Orszag, director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget; John Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; and the three Academies’ presidents, Ralph Cicerone, Charles Vest, and Harvey Fineberg. The symposium will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the auditorium of the National Academy of Sciences building, 2100 C St., N.W. Reporters who wish to attend should register in advance.
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Information, 202-334-2138
Risk-taking behavior in adolescents
May 28
(Washington, D.C.)
The National Research Council and Institute of Medicine will hold a workshop to explore how adolescents' risk-taking behavior is influenced by families, peers, communities, and the media. Participants will also discuss interventions that might help reduce this behavior. The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Capitol Room of Terrell Place, 575 Seventh St., N.W. Reporters who wish to attend should register in advance. A preliminary agenda is available online.
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Information, 202-334-2138
REPORTS
The following reports from the National Academies are tentatively scheduled for release during May. However, release dates depend on successful completion of the review process and publishing schedules. Reporters who would like to be notified when a report is due for release should contact the Office of News and Public Information -- tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail <news@nas.edu> -- and ask to be placed on the contact list.
ENERGY ISSUES
America's Energy Future: Opportunities, Risks, and Tradeoffs
[National Research Council]
This report, which marks the culmination of the first phase of the National Academy of Sciences’ America's Energy Future project, expands upon the findings of three previous project reports and evaluates the current and projected state of energy supply, storage, and use in the United States. The report will assess both existing and future energy technologies based upon readiness, cost, performance, environmental effects, and possible impediments to development or deployment.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of Sustainability Partnerships -- Summary of a Workshop
[National Research Council]
Summarizes a June 2008 workshop that explored how government, nonprofits, and private companies can work together to manage resources in ways that protect the environment and conserve energy.
Radioisotope Power Systems
[National Research Council]
Discusses issues surrounding NASA's development and use of radioisotope power systems -- radioactive materials used as fuel to power equipment during space missions. The report examines technical readiness, production and procurement of radioactive material, and the role of radioisotope power systems in meeting national goals for space exploration.
HEALTH and SAFETY
Contaminated Water Supplies at Camp Lejeune: Assessing Potential Health Risks
[National Research Council]
Examines the potential adverse health effects caused by two chemicals -- trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene -- found to have contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Ensuring Quality Cancer Care Through the Oncology Workforce: Sustaining Care in the 21st Century -- Workshop Summary
[Institute of Medicine]
Trends indicate that there is a growing dearth of cancer care specialists to meet patients' needs as well as shortages of primary care doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers whose services help cancer patients. This report summarizes a workshop that discussed how to overcome the shortage in the oncology work force and the health care work force as a whole, and how to ensure that those workers are prepared to meet the growing number of patients in need of cancer care.
Evaluation of Safety and Environmental Metrics for Potential Application at Chemical Agent Disposal Facilities
[National Research Council]
Reviews safety and environmental monitoring at chemical agent disposal facilities, which are responsible for destroying the nation's chemical agent and munitions stockpile. The report evaluates existing procedures and looks at those used in other facilities -- commercial, industrial, and other national organizations, such as the National Safety Council -- to identify possible alternatives.
Health Literacy, eHealth, and Communication: Putting the Consumer First -- Workshop Summary
[Institute of Medicine]
Summarizes presentations and discussions at a workshop that explored the status of communication technology, challenges for its use in populations with low health literacy, and strategies for increasing the benefit of these technologies for those populations.
Re-examination of Pregnancy Weight Guidelines
[Institute of Medicine]
Since the Institute of Medicine last set guidelines in 1990 for maternal weight gain during pregnancy, changes in the U.S. population – particularly a greater prevalence of obesity – and data from new studies have created a need to re-examine pregnancy weight guidelines. This report will provide updated recommendations on optimal weight gain during pregnancy based on the evidence about the relationship between weight gain patterns and maternal and child health outcomes.
The U.S. Commitment to Global Health
[Institute of Medicine]
As the current influenza outbreak highlights, the control of disease and promotion of health is a globally shared enterprise. This report outlines not only the commitments the U.S. should make to improve health in overseas nations, but also concrete steps that philanthropic groups, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, private industry, and the public health and research communities should take to achieve global health goals.
SCIENTIFIC ENTERPRISE
Oceanography in 2025 -- A Workshop
[National Research Council]
Summarizes a workshop held in January that explored what the field of oceanography, especially in research and technology, will look like in 2025.
Scientific and Humane Issues in the Use of Random Source Dogs and Cats
[National Research Council]
Looks at whether dogs and cats from USDA-licensed Class B animal dealers are desirable or necessary for research funded by the National Institutes of Health, the types of research for which these animals are potentially used, and the specific characteristics they may possess for this research.
Spectrum Management for Science in the 21st Century
[National Research Council]
Describes scientific research being done using radio frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum. The report identifies emerging or compelling scientific opportunities in these fields and discusses potential usage of the radio spectrum by scientists, but does not make recommendations for frequency allocations.
ALSO OF INTEREST
Marian Koshland Science Museum
(Washington, D.C.)
The Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences holds public programs on a variety of science-related topics. Upcoming event:
-- Free Family Day: Healthy Pet, Healthy You (May 9)
For more information, visit http://www.koshland-science-museum.org. Reporters must register in advance.
CONTACT: Annie Drinkard, 202-334-1612 or e-mail <adrinkard@nas.edu>
Distinctive Voices @ The Beckman Center
(Irvine, Calif.)
These public events at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center explore the far-reaching role of science, technology, and medicine in our lives. Upcoming programs include:
-- Saving Venice (May 5, 7 p.m.)
-- Science of Masters & Johnson (May 20, 7 p.m.)
More information on these and other events is available online at http://www.nasonline.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Beckman_main
CONTACT: Susan Marty, 949-721-2213 or e-mail <voicesatbeckman@nas.edu>
Trains That Passed in the Night: Photographs of O. Winston Link
(Washington, D.C.)
Author and historian Thomas H. Garver will speak about Winston Link's photographs, which capture life along the rail line and show how the railroad is an essential part our lives. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture. The event will take place at 7 p.m. May 20 at the National Academies’ Keck Center, 500 Fifth St., N.W.
CONTACT: Alana Quinn, 202-334-2415 or e-mail <aquinn@nas.edu>
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