This Week in Science Policy and Advocacy
Policy and Advocacy News
NFL Announces Grants Toward Advancement of Neuroscience
January 5, 2018 | NFL
The NFL recently announced plans to grant $16.3 million to three research projects focused on neurodegenerative diseases, a portion of the $30 million originally allocated to the Foundation for NIH as part of a five-year agreement that ended in August. Through these investments, the NFL hopes to increase understanding of concussion and brain injuries impacting athletes and veterans.
- Find information about Neuroscience Funding at SfN.org
Pfizer Ends Research for New Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Drugs
January 7, 2018 | Reuters
Pfizer Inc. recently announced that it is abandoning current investments in new Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s drugs. Approximately 300 jobs will be eliminated and funding will be reallocated to other research initiatives.
- Join the Advocacy Network to stay informed about issues related to neuroscience research at SfN.org
Indonesian Scientists Embrace Preprint Server
January 5, 2018 | Nature
INA-Rxiv, a preprint server focused on Indonesian research, recently achieved a milestone after 1,500 papers had been posted, surpassing expectations of individuals involved. The goal of INA-RXiv was to bring international attention to Indonesian research, but in order to gain additionally credibility for Indonesians scientists, individuals have suggested an increase in government support for researchers to improve their skills.
- Find information about global advocacy programs at SfN.org
Opinion
Enough is Enough. We Need to Elect More Scientists to Congress
January 8, 2018 | Futurism
In this interview, geologist Jess Phoenix shares why she feels science is being overlooked in current discourse and offers ways to enhance the role of science in society. Phoenix also explains her decision to run for California’s 25th Congressional District and why scientists like herself are qualified for public office.
- Learn about US Advocacy Programs at SfN.org
Articles of Interest
Grant Reviewers 'Biased' Against Female Scientists, Study Finds
January 9, 2018 | Times Higher Education
Canadian scientists examined applications submitted to two funding streams within the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CHIR) and found that when applications are assessed based on background of the principal investigator rather than on merits of the science, females are less likely to be evaluated less fairly. Researchers did note that after the study period, CHIR introduced training and gender quotas that resulted in equivalent success rates for male and female principal investigators.
- Explore SfN’s resources for women in science at Neuronline.org
Breathalyzers and Brain Caps: Researchers Race to Devise a Roadside Test for Driving While High
January 9, 2018 | STAT
As more states legalize marijuana, researchers and public safety proponents are searching for a breathalyzer to identify drivers under the influence of marijuana. A new near infrared spectroscopy device would objectively assess marijuana impairment roadside using a portable brain cap.
- Read about the effects of marijuana in the brain at BrainFacts.org
Brain Surgery in 3-D: Coming Soon to the Operating Theater
January 8, 2018 | New York Times
Utilizing a tool called a videomicroscope, doctors are able to perform neurosurgery in an immersive experience due to the devices ability to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional images of surgical sites. Those who have used it predict it will become a useful surgical and teaching tool.
- Interact with a 3D brain at BrainFacts.org
Alzheimer's Protein May Spread Like an Infection, Human Brain Scans Suggest
January 5, 2018 | Science
A recent study paired PET and fMRI imaging to map tau protein build up relative to functional connectivity in 17 Alzheimer’s patients’ brains. High concentration of tau were found in densely connected areas, suggesting that degeneration involves the protein spreading from neuron to neuron. Future studies will be required to confirm the transneuronal spread of tau and functional connectivity changes over time.
- Learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease at BrainFacts.org
