America.gov-Science & Technology

Atlantis Launch Begins Final Repair Mission for Space Telescope

Cheryl Pellerin — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:51:23 -0400

Atlantis and its seven-member crew began the fifth and final repair mission for the 19-year-old Hubble Space Telescope May 11 with a midafternoon launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 11-day servicing mission will extend Hubble operations through 2014.

New Research Reveals Droughts Common in West Africa

Daniel Gorelick — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:40:25 -0400

The decades-long drought that began in West Africa in the 1960s is not an anomaly compared with what the region has faced during the last three millennia. Scientists are researching ways to predict the frequency and severity of future droughts.

Online Maps Enable Citizens to Report, Track Events

Michelle Austein Brooks — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:09:46 -0400

Online mapping tools like MapQuest and Google Maps are known for helping people get from Point A to B. With the help of some technical experts, these maps can also be used to track and monitor critical events in real time.

Obama Proposes Massive Global Health Initiative

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:36:26 -0400

The United States is launching a six-year global health initiative that will help some of the poorest regions of the world fight health challenges that kill people who could otherwise be saved with improved health care, says President Obama.

Scientists Learn More About H1N1 Flu; Critical Questions Remain

Cheryl Pellerin — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:16:08 -0400

Scientists from around the world meet in a virtual conference about the novel H1N1 outbreak. The call, hosted by the World Health Organization, is the second international technical meeting held since disease surveillance efforts in Mexico began detecting cases of influenza-like illness March 18.

Preparation for Avian Flu Helps Nations Fight H1N1 Pandemic

Cheryl Pellerin — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:36:58 -0400

Outbreaks of the novel strain of H1N1 influenza continue worldwide, closing schools, theaters, restaurants and other nonessential services in Mexico for five days beginning May 1 and infecting at least 331 people in 11 countries, with suspected cases in the thousands.

Climate Change “Clear and Present Danger,” Secretary Clinton Says

Cheryl Pellerin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:00:30 -0400

Representatives of 17 of the most important contributors to rising concentrations of planet-warming carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases meet to begin discussions they hope will lead to success at the United Nations climate change meeting in Copenhagen in December.

Half of Population at Risk for Curable, Preventable Malaria

Cheryl Pellerin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:46:05 -0400

Malaria infects more than 500 million people a year and kills more than 1 million — mostly infants, young children and pregnant women in Africa. Fighting the disease takes the determined work of many around the world, all of whom were recognized on April 25, World Malaria Day.

Swine Flu Outbreaks Mobilize International Public Health Effort

Cheryl Pellerin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:46:22 -0400

Outbreaks of a new strain of influenza virus that began in north-central Mexico March 22 and spread to the United States, Canada and Spain so far have prompted the World Health Organization to declare the event a public health emergency of international concern.

Obama to Seek Record Levels of Research Investment

Daniel Gorelick — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:51:30 -0400

President Obama announces new measures to bolster scientific research and a new initiative to encourage the development of clean energy technology. “Science is more essential for our prosperity, our security, our health, our environment and our quality of life than it has ever been,” Obama says.

One Dose at a Time

Charlene Porter — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:16:22 -0400

Universal, routine childhood immunization is achieved and sustained only with extensive logistical activities, supplies, equipment, and personnel, year after year. Three international health professionals discuss their decades in pursuit of that goal and the progress they have seen.

A Quick Strike Against Disease

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:36:44 -0400

A short article about a drug combination used against tropical diseases.

Success in Measles Control

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:35:17 -0400

This brief article is about the success of a measles vaccination initiative announced in 2007.

Vaccine Milestones: Salk, Sabin, and Polio

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:31:16 -0400

This is a brief article describing the dual breakthroughs in vaccine delivery systems which eventually lead to the eradication of polio.

Vaccine Milestones: Edward Jenner

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:09:13 -0400

Different cultures around the world have made efforts to protect people from infectious diseases for hundreds of years with varying degrees of success. Records show that the Chinese practiced inoculation against smallpox as early as 1000 B.C.

Vaccine Milestones: Louis Pasteur

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:04:54 -0400

A brief article describes the breakthroughs in vaccine science made by Louis Pasteur.

Vaccine Milestones: Smallpox Is Dead

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:00:44 -0400

The most dramatic vaccine success story in the more than 200-year history of vaccines is the eradication of smallpox in 1980.

The Promise of Vaccines

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:58:55 -0400

Some 1.4 million children under age 5 die of vaccine-preventable diseases each year, according to UNICEF. That number represents young lives, the human assets of a nation, lost to disease when vaccine might have saved these young citizens to build thriving futures for their nations.

How the World Fights the Flu

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:56:13 -0400

The World Health Organization coordinates a global effort to monitor seasonal and avian influenza emergencies for the production of vaccines that can help prevent and ease illness affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide each year.

Stopping Polio Forever

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:48:26 -0400

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, considered the largest public health initiative ever, has been under way for 20 years, using vaccines to purge a virus that has caused enormous human misery. A vast network of resources and volunteers wages a campaign against a lethal virus.

Eradication in Sight

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:48:21 -0400

The battle to eradicate polio.

Reaching Every Child

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0400

Since the 1970s, the U.S. Agency for International Development has worked with other governments and agencies across the globe to help immunize children in remote and underdeveloped parts of the world. Tens of millions of infants and children have gained protection from disease.

Vaccines in the 21st Century

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:45:12 -0400

Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, the executive adviser to the chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur, the largest company in the world devoted solely to human vaccines, discusses the future of vaccines.

Ending Disease, Ending Poverty

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:37:28 -0400

Neglected tropical diseases disproportionately affect those in the poorest nations. There is growing recognition that preventing these diseases and their resulting disability could have an enormous impact on improving the quality of life and alleviating poverty.

Ensuring the Quality and Safety of Vaccines

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:23:15 -0400

Vaccines must be held to a very high standard of safety. Stringent measures are taken to ensure quality and safety in the research and development, manufacturing, licensing, transport, storage and use of vaccines, and in the disposal of needles and other equipment after vaccinations are carried out.

What Are Neglected Tropical Diseases?

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:17:05 -0400

Neglected tropical diseases almost exclusively affect impoverished people living in rural areas or poor urban slums of low-income countries. They can be fatal, but they primarily cause lifelong disabilities, leading to disfigurement, impaired child development and poor pregnancy outcomes.

The Way to Wellness

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:13:03 -0400

Since vaccines were first developed hundreds of years ago, they have saved millions of lives. Vaccines made diseases like measles and polio uncommon in the countries where they are widely used. The United States is committed to developing new vaccines and spreading their benefits to those in need.

Peaceful Days, Better Lives

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:13:13 -0400

This brief article describes the cessation of hostilities that has occurred in many warring nations when vaccination campaigns are undertaken.

Concerns About Vaccine Safety

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:12:12 -0400

Many governmental, international and professional organizations are responding to the concerns about vaccines. The National Network for Immunization Information, for example, offers parents this advice about vaccines.

The World Knows How

PorterMC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:53:24 -0400

The GAVI Alliance strives to provide the leadership and resources to make sure that vaccines are delivered to all the world’s children, no matter how remote their homes or how poor their families.

Additional Resources

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:57:14 -0400

This is a listing of resources about vaccines, research, and immunization programs.

About This Issue

Richard Huckaby — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:48:39 -0400

Introduction to March 2007 eJournal USA, “Lifesaving Vaccines.”

Antarctic Treaty Nations Tackle Tourism, Protect Native Species

Cheryl Pellerin — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:09:38 -0400

Native Antarctic animal and plant species will be better protected and the number of tourists to Earth’s southernmost continent will be limited after a two-week meeting of representatives from 28 nations that have ratified the 50-year-old Antarctic Treaty.

United States, Mexico to Strive for Clean Energy Economies

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:19:15 -0400

The United States and Mexico form a partnership to create clean energy economies and reduce the effects of global warming. “This is a priority for the United States. I know it’s a priority for President Calderón,” President Obama says.

Greenhouse Gas Cuts Now Could Lessen Climate Change Effects

Cheryl Pellerin — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:26:30 -0400

Cutting emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide by 70 percent during the 21st century could help nations worldwide avoid the most dangerous potential consequences of climate change, according to a new study by scientists at the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research.

U.S. Smart Grid Effort Requires New Technologies, Partnerships

Cheryl Pellerin — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:05:21 -0400

In the smart grid future, an intelligent system will help consumers save energy, produce electricity from renewables, anticipate its own failures and see to its own repairs. Here in the less-efficient present, new partnerships are working to make sure the grid transformation happens on schedule.

Technology Demonstration Projects Pave Way for U.S. Smart Grid

Cheryl Pellerin — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:56:56 -0400

Around the United States, teams of utility companies, universities, national laboratories, state regulators and private companies are demonstrating some of the key technologies that will eventually make up the 21st-century version of the nation’s aging electric power infrastructure.

U.S. Electric System Begins Long Transformation to a Smart Grid

Cheryl Pellerin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:10:34 -0400

Following the lead of some European and Pacific Rim nations, U.S. government technical and regulatory agencies, electric utilities, energy service providers and private companies are working to turn the nation’s century-old electric power grid into a 21st-century “smart grid.”

Scientists Find Humans Grow New Heart Muscle

Daniel Gorelick — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:03:06 -0400

Measurements of the radioactive carbon produced by Cold War-era nuclear bomb tests show adult humans replace heart muscle. This suggests that stimulating heart muscle regeneration is a viable strategy for combating heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.

U.S. University Developing Renewable Energy from Bacteria

Nancy L. Pontius — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:04:40 -0400

Bacteria are generating electricity in a project now under way at the University of California, Berkeley. Researchers tell America.gov that microbial fuel cells, which look like aquariums but are filled with water and microscopic bacteria, could one day be used as household power generators.

New Medical Protocol Aims to Prevent Bloodstream Infections

Erika Gebel — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:47:27 -0400

A program developed at Johns Hopkins University is preventing bloodstream infections by starting with a simple checklist that ensures proper safety protocols are followed by hospital personnel. The World Health Organization is helping bring the safety program to the world.

United States Hosts 32nd Meeting of Antarctic Treaty Nations

Cheryl Pellerin — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:44:33 -0400

At a critical time for the Antarctic Peninsula, which scientists say is one of the Earth’s fastest-warming places, and the increasing loss of summer ice in the Arctic Ocean, the first joint session of officials from the Antarctic Treaty and the Arctic Council convenes in Baltimore.

Program Encourages Disadvantaged Students to Excel in Chemistry

Jeffrey Thomas — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:33:31 -0400

Project SEED has helped more than 9,000 high school students from low-income families get paid for doing challenging laboratory research. The project has been selected for a 2009 award for fostering interest in science as a career in high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Acidification Threatens Future of Ocean Protein Sources

Cheryl Pellerin — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:41:54 -0400

Over the past 200 years, industrial activities have pushed carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere higher than they have been for 800,000 years. As atmospheric CO₂ diffuses into the sea, it’s beginning to alter the ocean’s fragile chemistry and interfere with its animals and organisms.

Rising Carbon Dioxide Concentrations Make Oceans More Acidic

Cheryl Pellerin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:29:47 -0400

The rising concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide from human activities is doing more than warming the planet’s climate system. It is being absorbed into the oceans, where changing sea water chemistry could gradually transform the biology of ocean ecosystems.

After Discovery Mission, Space Station Ready for Six-Person Crew

Cheryl Pellerin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:24:39 -0400

Space shuttle Discovery touches down on runway one-five at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida March 28, the same day that a Soyuz spacecraft docks at the International Space Station, carrying members of the 19th crew to live and work in orbit.

“Planetary Skin” Tool Aims to Improve Response to Climate Change

Cheryl Pellerin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:10:53 -0400

Every day, millions of sensors collect data about the planet’s systems of land, air, water and life. A new tool called Planetary Skin is being developed to integrate and interpret this information to address the complexities of climate change and help nations and communities meet its challenges.

Shuttle to Deliver First Japanese Crew Member to Space Station

Cheryl Pellerin — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:27:37 -0400

Ten minutes after the sun set in Florida March 15, space shuttle Discovery roared off the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center on a 13-day mission to deliver the International Space Station’s final set of solar array wings, completing the station’s backbone.

Obama Lifts Ban on Government-Funded Stem Cell Research

Daniel Gorelick — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:23:52 -0400

President Obama overturns a ban on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research and directs his advisers to restore scientific integrity to government policies. America.gov looks at how Obama’s new approach could change the way government affects science.

International Team Sequences Genome of Brown-Rot Fungus

Daniel Gorelick — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:54:37 -0400

Scientists from North and South America and Europe collaborate to sequence the genome of the wood decay fungus Postia placenta. America.gov examines how these results could help make biofuel production more cost effective and energy efficient.

International Meeting Highlights Earth’s Origins and Futures

Daniel Gorelick — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:42:55 -0400

Thousands of scientists and policy makers from around the world descended on Chicago for five days of debate and discussion on the hottest scientific issues. America.gov explores the highlights from the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

U.S., International Tsunami Efforts Continue in Indian Ocean

Cheryl Pellerin — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:24:29 -0400

Four years after the deadliest tsunami in recorded history took the lives of 227,898 people and displaced 1.7 million, the coastal nations of the Indian Ocean, with help from the United States and other countries, have created a small margin of safety for themselves against a future onslaught.

Biologists Honored on Darwin’s Birthday

Daniel Gorelick — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:02:13 -0400

In a ceremony commemorating Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday on February 12, 13 scientists receive Darwin-Wallace medals for “major advances in evolutionary biology.” The medals have been awarded every 50 years, beginning in 1908, by the Linnaean Society of London.

U.S. Scientists, Academics Send Delegations to Iran

Daniel Gorelick — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:12:29 -0400

The United States and Iran maintain no formal diplomatic relations, but that has not stopped American scientists from engaging with their Iranian counterparts. America.gov examines how scientists from both countries are working together despite the chilly bilateral relationship between their governments.

U.S. Scientists Reach Out to North Korean Counterparts

Daniel Gorelick — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:31:34 -0400

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the United States and North Korea, computer scientists from both nations have collaborated on a digital library. America.gov explores how American scientists are reaching out to their North Korean counterparts.

Foreign Policy’s “Smart Power” Gives Science Diplomacy a New Role

Cheryl Pellerin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:38:13 -0400

With Barack Obama as president and Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state, U.S. foreign policy is turning to “smart power” and science diplomacy — the practice of promoting scientific exchanges, cooperation and research between the United States and other nations ― to advance policy objectives.

New NASA Spacecraft Dedicated to Studying Carbon Dioxide

Cheryl Pellerin — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:55:02 -0400

NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory will launch from California on February 23. It is the first U.S. spacecraft dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases that is warming the planet and contributing to changes in the Earth’s climate.

U.S.-African Partnership Developing Drought-Tolerant Maize

Nancy Pontius — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:00:31 -0400

More than 300 million Africans depend on maize as their main food source, but frequent droughts reduce crop yields, leading to hunger and poverty. Find out how the public-private partnership Water Efficient Maize for Africa is using biotechnology to bring drought-tolerant maize to Africa.

Dogsleds Take Scientists to Arctic to Measure Earth Snow Levels

Cheryl Pellerin — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 16:56:48 -0400