FABBS reports on items of interest to many communities – scientists, policymakers, and the public. In our news, you will see updates on science funding and policy, articles that translate research for policy, and descriptions of the research contributions of scientists at all stages of their research careers.
Budget Deals, Side Deals, and An Addendum: The Confusing State of Federal Science Funding
February 20, 2018
As Congressional leaders geared up to pass a fifth Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government funded in a fiscal year that began almost 6 months ago, there was increased enthusiasm that a budget deal to lift the sequestration level spending caps was possible. A deal was finally reached, and science advocates celebrated. Raising the caps meant more wiggle room in the federal budget to fund science agencies and now appropriators could begin the process of completing
read moreIndividualized Medicine with No Side Effects? It’s Already Here
February 16, 2018
We live in an age of personalization, and medicine is increasingly part of that trend. Recent advances in genetic research have allowed medications to be tailored to a person’s DNA profile, for example. But another form of ‘individualized medicine’ has been around far longer: biofeedback, a therapeutic intervention in which patients are trained to recognize and modify their biorhythms. Using electronic monitoring, biofeedback practitioners help patients become aware
read moreEconomic Inequality Is Affecting More Than Our Wallets
February 16, 2018
Economic inequality is a growing concern to Americans. Disparities in wealth and education have a real impact on American lives, especially during childhood. Poverty has deleterious effects on early brain development and even genetics, studies show, in part because toxic stress and adversity increase stress hormones.
Prolonged stress response can negatively impact cognitive functioning and mental health. But there is more to the intertwined story of economics and
read moreCoalition Meets to Discuss “Human Rights in STEM Education”
February 16, 2018
The AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition hosted on January, 25-26, 2018, a meeting focused on “Human Rights in STEM Education.” The coalition, founded in 2009, aims to connect scientists and human rights practitioners, so that scientific evidence and methods can be used to inform human rights issues around the world.
Rush Holt, AAAS CEO, kicked off the meeting with a reminder of Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “everyone
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