AcademyScope
Discover the best collections of books that the National Academies Press has to offer in selected subject areas. Handpicked by NAP staff, these are the most current and relevant resources. Search inside each book or search across all the titles in each collection to learn more about key issues in science, engineering and medicine.
Extremely hazardous substances can be released accidentally as a result of chemical spills, industrial explosions, fires, or accidents involving railroad cars and trucks transporting EHSs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified approximately 400 extremely hazardous substances that pose a risk to those who might come into contact with the materials. The reports in this collection review and interpret toxicologic and other scientific data in order to develop acute exposure guideline levels (AEGLs) for these high-priority, acutely toxic chemicals. [more]
With nearly 24,000 attendees, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting is the largest earth and space science meeting in the world. This collection showcases recent studies from the National Research Council in earth sciences, ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, polar research, and space studies. [more]
Although remote to most of Earth’s inhabitants, the Arctic is tied to every point on the globe through land, sea, or air. Our daily weather, what we eat, and coastal flooding are all tied to the future of the Arctic. This collection explores the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and makes recommendations for research to expand our knowledge. [more]
Climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and poses significant risks for a broad range of human and natural systems. Human activities largely determine the evolution of the Earth's climate, which not only impact the next few decades, but the coming centuries and millennia. This collection emphasizes the importance of 21st century choices regarding long-term climate stabilization through improving understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change and expanding the options available to limit the magnitude of climate change. [more]
In a world where advanced knowledge is widespread and low-cost labor is readily available, U.S. advantages in the marketplace and in science and technology have begun to erode. A comprehensive and coordinated federal effort is urgently needed to bolster U.S. competitiveness and pre-eminence in these areas. This collection focuses on recommendations and implementation actions that federal policy-makers should take to create high-quality jobs and focus new science and technology efforts on meeting the nation’s needs. This collection is beneficial for federal and state government agencies and representatives, educators and schools, public decision makers, business leaders, economists, research sponsors, regulatory analysts and scholars. [more]
Spanning many decades, this collection of books on space exploration and astrophysics celebrates the premiere of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. [more]
In a world of increasing dependence on information technology, the prevention of cyberattacks on a nation's important computer and communications system and networks is a problem that looms large. In order to best prevent such attacks, this collection explains the importance of increasing the usability of security technologies, recommends strategies for future research aimed at countering cyberattacks, and considers how information technology systems can be used to not only maximize protection against attacks, but also respond to threats. [more]
Responding to the expansion of scientific knowledge about the roles of nutrients in human health, the Institute of Medicine developed a new approach to establish Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and other nutrient reference values. This series of books presents dietary reference values for the intakes of nutrients. [more]
Recent events have proven that even prepared communities can be overwhelmed in a state of state of emergency. This collection of reports provides guidelines and targeted resources for all stakeholders in a disaster response, including state and local governments, emergency medical services and health care centers. These reports also examine the improvement of emergency services in rural communities and recommends post-disaster public engagement practices. [more]
Energy touches our lives in countless ways and its costs are felt when we fill up at the gas pump, pay our home heating bills, and keep our businesses running. Our country faces the challenge of developing an energy portfolio that addresses these concerns while still providing sufficient, affordable energy reserves for the nation. This collection analyzes the potential of a wide range of technologies for generation, distribution, and conservation of energy. These reports are necessary in assessing associated impacts and projected costs of increased energy efficiency, coal-fired power generation, nuclear power, renewable energy, oil and natural gas, and alternative transportation fuels. [more]
The scientific research enterprise is built on a foundation of trust. Scientists trust that the results reported by others are valid and society trusts that the results of research reflect an honest attempt to describe the world with unbiased accuracy. This collection describes the ethical foundations of scientific practices and some of the personal and professional issues that researchers encounter in their works, as well as recommends the appropriate training in the management of research projects in the digital age. Whether in an academic, industrial, or government setting, this collection applies to all forms of research. [more]
The Everglades are unique in the world in its assemblage of geographic and ecological wonders, ranging from tree islands to exotic reptiles and wading birds. This collection contains the biennial evaluations of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program as well as other reports about the complex issues of preserving this unique and special ecosystem. [more]
How did life evolve on Earth? The answer can help us understand our past and prepare for our future. This collection documents the overwhelming evidence in support of biological evolution, stresses the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem management, and evaluates the alternative perspectives offered by various kinds of creationism. These reports also focus on how science and religion can be viewed as different ways of understanding the world, rather than as frameworks that are in conflict with each other. For educators, students, teachers, community leaders, legislators, policy makers, and parents who seek to better understand all aspects of evolutionary science, this collection is an essential resource. [more]
In the devastation that follows a flood, there is a need for multiple sectors to unite and devote new resources to support the rebuilding of infrastructure, the provision of health and social services, the restoration of care delivery systems, and other critical recovery needs. This collection examines the current state of knowledge surrounding floods and their impact on social and physical infrastructure and offers guidance for multiple sectors involved in community planning and the flood recovery process. [more]
Thousands of human genomes have been completely sequenced, and many more have been mapped at lower levels of resolution. Genomic studies hold great promise to advance the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and advance research in anthropology, forensics, and other branches of science. The reports of this collection discuss the history, advancement, and translation of genomic-based research. [more]
In order for the United States to maintain the global leadership and competitiveness in science and technology that are critical to achieving national goals, we must invest in research, encourage innovation, and grow a strong and talented science and technology workforce. This collection offers a comprehensive road map for increasing involvement of underrepresented minorities and improving the quality of their education, as well as eliminating gender bias in academia and recruiting women students and faculty in science and engineering. [more]
A quarter of deaths worldwide are caused by infectious organisms. As new infectious diseases are continuing to emerge in new locations around the globe, it is essential society understands the environmental, human health, and ecological impacts cause by infectious diseases. This collection provides an overview of infectious disease, including the biology, history, the future trends of widespread and harmful infections, and what we need to do individually, and as a society, to address this growing global challenge. [more]
Science is improving how we approach law enforcement and our justice system. Forensics is only the first part of the picture. The reports in this collection evaluate the evidence base and recommend best practices for policing, evidence collection and processing, and eyewitness identification. [more]
The mathematical sciences are part of everyday life. Modern communication, transportation, science, engineering, technology, medicine, manufacturing, security, and finance all depend on the mathematical sciences. This collection of books is geared towards general readers who would like to know more about how the mathematical sciences contribute to modern life and advance discovery, biology, code, math learning in the classroom, and more. [more]
Next Generation Science Standards identifies the science all K-12 students should know. These new standards are based on the National Research Council's A Framework for K-12 Science Education. The National Research Council, the National Science Teachers Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Achieve have partnered to create standards through a collaborative state-led process. The reports in this collection either form the foundation for the Next Generation Science Standards, or provide resources on how to implement them. [more]
The Nutrient Requirements series represents a comprehensive review of the most recent information available on animal nutrition and ingredient composition that will allow efficient, profitable, and environmentally conscious animal production. [more]
Nearly 34 Percent of U.S. adults and 17 percent of U.S. children are obese. Those living with obesity have increased risks of disability, disease, and premature death, as well as substantial health, economic, and social costs. This collection presents a fresh perspective about the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to the growing obesity epidemic by recommending obesity prevention actions, programs, and policies. [more]
After the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010, our reports provided analyses of the spill and guidance for policy making, health care monitoring, and environmental protection. The select titles here are a sampling of our reports on the Deepwater Horizon as well as the long history of the National Academies of advising the nation on oil spills and their human and environmental effects.
For more information, please visit the Gulf Research Program’s website. [more]
In 1996, The Institute of Medicine launched a concerted, ongoing effort focused on assessing and improving the nation’s quality of health care. Since then, the Quality Chasm series has grown to 11 important books- crucial reading for policy makers, licensing officials, hospital administrators, medical educators and students, caregivers, health journalists, patient advocates, and patients themselves. [more]
Successful scientists must be effective communicators within their professions and in political and social settings. The books in this collection synthesize research on communication and provide guidance to improve public engagement with science. [more]
Since a human first stepped foot on the moon four decades ago, great strides have been made in understanding what is required to support an enduring presence in space. These reports will enable the U.S. space program to deliver on new exploration initiatives, excite the public, and address the questions of space weather risk assessment and management. This collection develops a forward-looking portfolio of research that will provide the basis for recapturing the value of human spaceflight and once again place the United States at the forefront of space exploration for the global good. [more]
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are cultural achievements that reflect our humanity, power our economy, and constitute fundamental aspects of our lives that contribute to our nation's competitiveness. This collection considers difference school models of STEM education, highlights research on effective STEM education practices, and identifies conditions that promote and limit school success in STEM. These reports are essential for all educators, policy makers, decision makers in school districts, government agencies, curriculum developers, and parent and education advocacy groups. [more]
This collection explores mathematics teaching from many angles, including curricula, teacher education, and the future interdisciplinary nature of mathematics. One of the reports, Fueling Innovation and Discovery, has sparked a new video series, Math Stories. Each video in the series explores the story of a mathematical concept, from its discovery to its application in new technologies. [more]
Tobacco consumption continues to be the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Worldwide, there are still more than one billion people who regularly use tobacco. This collection compiles research and recommendations on tobacco use, policy, and health effects. [more]
Vaccines are among the safest and most effective public health interventions to prevent serious disease and death. Because of the success of vaccines, most Americans today have no firsthand experience with such devastating illnesses as polio or diphtheria. The reports in this collection examine immunization safety in depth and present the science to support vaccination’s crucial role in protecting public health. [more]
Nearly 1.9 million U.S. troops have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq since October 2001. These service members face serious challenges in readjusting to normal life after returning home, while Gulf War and Vietnam veterans are facing long term health effects from war. This collection presents findings on the most critical challenges, and explains how best to meet the needs of returning troops, veterans, and their families. [more]
What would it be like to build the first robot that could interact with people? Or to study human remains in search of criminal evidence? In Women's Adventures in Science, readers will learn about the trailblazing women who are leaders in a variety of scientific fields, from robotics to forensics. Each book focuses on the life and work of a woman active in her field today, providing readers with insights into the personal and professional paths that led to their careers in science. [more]