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.
What We Don’t Know Can Hurt Us: Toxic Chemicals, Science, and Policy
June 21st, 2017
Environmental protection is the subject of heated debate these days. In February of this year, President Trump signed an executive order to roll back the clean water rule, which limits corporations’ ability to pollute about 60% of U.S. waterways. The irony is that we know more than ever before about how toxic chemicals adversely affect people, and we can be certain that what we don’t yet know can hurt us. Scientific research on potential chemical contaminants is both
read moreFABBS Honors Brian MacWhinney
June 21st, 2017
Brian MacWhinney obtained his PhD in psycholinguistics at the University of California, Berkeley in 1974, working under the direction of Susan Ervin-Tripp and Dan Slobin. In his dissertation, titled How Hungarian Children Learn to Speak, MacWhinney focused on children’s acquisition of complex morphological rules for plural formation. This represented the first in a long line of studies that aimed to provide a comprehensive account of grammatical development applicable to
read morePaying Attention to Pediatric Anxiety
June 21st, 2017
Many children have fears and worries, but some have a diagnosable anxiety disorder that can impair their social and academic functioning and even physical health. Anxiety is a painful experience; although it is often treatable, most young people and their parents would prefer to prevent it. Bethany Reeb-Sutherland, an assistant professor at Florida International University, is identifying some promising avenues for doing just that. Through her work with both animals and
read moreNational Academies Releases Report on NSF SBE Research
June 21st, 2017
The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) recently released a report, “The Value of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences to National Priorities: A Report for the National Science Foundation.” According to a Committee member, the report grew out of a conversation with Rep. John Culberson (R-TX), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees NSF funding.
“The social, behavioral, and economic sciences make significant
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