Last month, Science launched its first blog dedicated to science policy, ScienceInsider. Since then, our crack team of policy reporters has been frequently posting on science policy decisions that affect researchers and the public around the world. Updated several times a day, the blog has covered everything from President-elect Barack Obama's transition to the White House and what his Cabinet choices portend for the future of scientific research, to climate change legislation and the steps governments are taking to protect us from bioterrorism. Here are some of the highlights from the past week.
Obama's Cabinet picks are causing quite a stir in the scientific community. The latest pick, Steven Chu for energy secretary, could signal big changes in the U.S.'s approach to energy research. Scientists are also excited to have a Nobel laureate in the White House. Check out the full analysis here. Speaking of bringing science to the White House, Obama wants more researchers coming to his new home to talk about their work and inspire the public. See the video here.
In environmental news, the current Administration is still making its voice heard. President George W. Bush continues to battle Congress and academia over the best way to ensure the safety of nanotechnology. Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has dropped plans to halt the use of certain long-term antibiotics in animals that end up on our dinner plates. And what was in that e-mail that the Environmental Protection Agency sent to the White House about regulating carbon dioxide emissions--the one that the president refused to open? Find out here.
In non-U.S. news, the Vatican addresses the morality of biotechnology, the United Kingdom bans a ban on animal-human hybrids, and British biotech wants a bailout.
Finally, in our odd-and-ends bin, new fallout from the anthrax investigation. And just how important is diversity to U.S. academics?
To keep up on these and other topics in the world of science policy--or to submit a tip of your own--visit ScienceInsider. Your inner wonk will thank you.
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