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| The latest news from the Academies
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Nov. 24 -- A new report from the National Research Council finds that while many proposed science missions for NASA's new Constellation program are scientifically sound, they could prove to be prohibitively expensive. The report identifies several mission concepts deserving further study, suggests that NASA seek additional proposals, and urges that the design of spacecraft and launch vehicles for the Constellation program take into account the needs of potential future science missions.
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Nov. 20 -- A more integrated and effective nationwide meteorological and chemical weather network is needed that measures atmosphere conditions at various heights and scales, says a new report from the National Research Council. In addition to weather observations, such a system could track dispersion of biological and nuclear contaminants from industrial accidents; monitor smoke from wildfires; provide high-resolution weather information for aviation and waterways, water management, and food production; and support regional climate monitoring.
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Nov. 19 -- The National Academy of Sciences announced today the creation of "The Science and Entertainment Exchange," an initiative designed to connect professionals from the entertainment industry with top scientists and engineers to help the creators of television shows, films, video games, and other productions incorporate science into their work. The Exchange represents the Academy's first formal effort to reach out to the entertainment community and offer a direct connection to the creative minds of science.
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| Breaking stories in science
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Nov. 26 -- Scientists have reported the extensive presence of hydrated silicas on Mars after analyzing data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has been gathering information on the planet since 2006. The data, published in the November issue of the journal Geology, also show these water-bearing minerals in areas that were formed less than 2 billion years ago, well into the planet’s 4.5 billion year life.
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Nov. 19 -- According to a study of more than 32,000 postmenopausal women, vigorous exercise may cut risk of breast cancer by 30 percent in normal-weight women. According to the authors of the study, which was published recently in the journal Breast Cancer Research, “Possible mechanisms through which physical activity may protect against breast cancer that are independent of BMI [body mass index] include reduced exposure to growth factors, enhanced immune function, and decreased chronic inflammation, variables that are related both to greater physical activity and to lower breast cancer risk.”
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Nov. 14 -- Can earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and their consequences be predicted? According to the National Research Council report Origin and Evolution of Earth: Research Questions for a Changing Planet, this is one of the 10 most important questions facing earth science this century. Although it may never be possible to predict the exact time and place an earthquake will strike, scientists continue to try new approaches.
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Nov. 5 -- As President-elect Barack Obama prepares to take the helm, he should use the best available science and scientists to help manage the nation’s current and future issues, such as climate change, alternative energy, veterans' health, and the nation's infrastructure, advises a recent report from the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine.
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