This Week in Science Policy and Advocacy
Policy and Advocacy News
Senate Spending Panel Would Squeeze Science Agencies but Exceed Trump Request
July 25, 2017 | Science
The Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations committee approved a bill that would fund NSF at $7.31 billion, 2.1 percent lower than FY2017 enacted levels. The full Senate Appropriations committee went on to approve this bill with no changes.
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Political Chemistry: Scientists Running for Office in Age of Trump
July 22, 2017 | CNN
Dissatisfaction amongst the scientific community regarding the Administration’s stance towards science has led to an increasing number of scientists planning to run for public office. This piece highlights some of the individuals who have announced their candidacy and the support systems, like political action committee 314 Action, encouraging more scientists to do the same.
- Join the Advocacy Network to stay informed about issues related to neuroscience research at SfN.org
President of Troubled French Funding Agency Resigns
July 24, 2017 | Nature
Michael Matlosz recently resigned as president and chief executive of France’s National Research Agency (ANR). Many French scientists believed that Matlosz’s mismanagement and administrative decisions caused tension with senior scientists and those who served on grant-evaluation panels.
- Find information about global advocacy programs at SfN.org
Opinion
Efforts by Animal Rights Groups to Defund NIH are Dangerous
July 24, 2017 | The Hill
Matt Bailey, president of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), highlights the medical breakthroughs made possible by animals in research and argues for the continued use of animals in biomedical research. Bailey states that cuts in funding for research involving animals would hinder researchers ability to uncover disease treatments and cures.
- Read more about animal research at SfN.org
When the Federal Budget Funds Scientific Research, it's the Economy That Benefits
July 26, 2017 | The Conversation
Christopher Keane, Vice President for research and physics professor at Washington State University, discusses the economic benefits associated with funding scientific research. Keane highlights that many private companies, such as Google, have ties to federal research funding and states that continued investment will lead to economic growth and resiliency.
- Find science funding resources at SfN.org
How Science Can Survive Hostile Governments
July 25, 2017 | The Atlantic
A recently published paper examining past attacks on scientific integrity in Australia, Canada, and the United States found that scientists inside and outside the government have successfully used these attacks to galvanize support for reform. Given these findings, the author calls on the scientific community to remain engaged and continue standing up to political interference.
- Learn about U.S. advocacy programs at SfN.org
Articles of Interest
The Latest Brain Study Examined 111 Former NFL Players. Only One Didn't Have CTE
July 25, 2017 | The Washington Post
A new study found a high prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, CTE, in the brains of former football players. Evidence of CTE was found across all levels of play, but the highest percentage was found in ex-NFL players, with 110 out 111 players being diagnosed with CTE. The researchers highlighted that the study has its limitations, but provides circumstantial evidence that CTE is linked to playing football.
- Find more information about CTE at BrainFacts.org
The Breakdown of this Brain Region May Accelerate Aging
July 26, 2017 | Science
Recent findings suggest that the natural loss of stem cells in the hypothalamus is involved in aging. Through manipulation of hypothalamic stems cells, the research team modulated the effects of aging. Researchers believe that these finding could lead to treatments resulting in more healthy years of life for humans.
- Learn more about the neurobiology of aging at BrainFacts.org
The World's Top Neuroscientists are Helping Shape the Future of Cities
July 27, 2017 | Forbes
Neuroscience is increasingly being used in the field of design in hopes of creating built environments that promote cognitive function, creativity, and general health. A group called Conscious Cities was created out of this movement and they hope to promote the idea that people shaping cities should understand how they impact people on a neurological level.
- Read more on creativity and the brain at BrainFacts.org
