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Balancing Protection & Personal Privacy | What’s Next in Neuroscience? The Costs of Scientific Space Missions | Updated Stem Cell Research Guidelines
Winter 2009 vol. 8 number 3 Science and Technology for Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Test and Evaluation of Biological America’s Progress: Ensuring the Concentrations for Selected Standoff Detection Systems Best Presidential Appointments in Airborne Contaminants, Vol. 5 — Abbreviated Version the New Administration Committee on Toxicology, Board Board on Chemical Sciences and Committee on Science, on Environmental Studies and Technology and Board on Life Engineering, and Public Policy; Toxicology, Division on Earth and Sciences, Division on Earth and National Academy of Sciences, Life Studies (2008, 386 pp.; ISBN Life Studies (2008, 42 pp.; ISBN National Academy of Engineering, 0-309-12844-7; available from 0-309-11443-8; available from and Institute of Medicine (2008, NAP). NAP). 76 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12680-0; available from NAP). Spacecraft Water Exposure Transitions to Alternative Guidelines for Selected Transportation Technologies: A Science and Technology and the Contaminants, Vol. 3 Focus on Hydrogen Future Development of Societies Committee on Toxicology, Board Board on Energy and — International Workshop on Environmental Studies and Environmental Systems, Division Proceedings Toxicology, Division on Earth and on Engineering and Physical Office for Central Europe and Life Studies (2008, 206 pp.; ISBN Sciences (2008, 142 pp.; ISBN Eurasia, Division on Policy and 0-309-12838-2; available from 0-309-12100-0; available from Global Affairs (2008, 142 pp.; NAP). NAP). The nation turns to the National Academy of ISBN 0-309-11927-8; available Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute from NAP). Systems Engineering to Improve Understanding Crime Trends of Medicine, and National Research Council for Traumatic Brain Injury Care — Workshop Report Science Professionals: Master’s in the Military Health System Committee on Law and Justice, independent, objective advice on issues that affect Credits: Education for a Competitive — Workshop Summary Division of Behavioral and Social Cover: (clockwise from upper right) ©Brand X Pictures; people’s lives worldwide. Additional information ©MedicalRF.com/Getty Images; ©Pixtal/age fotostock; World National Academy of Engineering Sciences and Education (2008, about the National Academies and their work can artist’s concept of Constellation System crew and cargo Board on Higher Education and and Institute of Medicine (2008, 254 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12586-3; launch vehicles, courtesy NASA/Marshall Space Flight be found online at
FEATURES CONTENTS
NATIONAL SECURITY HEALTH & SAFETY
4 Preventing Terrorism, Protecting 10 A Prescription to Improve Privacy Patient Safety Report examines the pros and More sleep, better supervision, cons of data mining and reasonable workloads for medical residents
12 Phthalates A window to better risk assessment at EPA 10 4 ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY 6 Fueling the ‘Nuclear 13 The Search for Truth Renaissance’ Can brain imaging be the perfect lie Stable nuclear detector? fuel supplies could curtail 15 Into Deep Space or In Too Deep? security risks NASA’s plans for scientific exploration come at a price 15 6
ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCES
7 From Sidewalks to Streams Improving stormwater management
9 Part of the Process Public input makes for better environ- mental decisions
WINTER 2009 1 16 Spotlight THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES An African Parliamentarian Speaks on the Unique Value of Academies National Academy of Sciences Patrick Amuriat Oboi, a member of the Ralph J. Cicerone, President Parliament of Uganda and its Committee Barbara A. Schaal, Vice President on Science and Technology, delivered the E. William Colglazier, Executive Officer
CONTENTS opening address at the fourth annual con- ference of the African Science Academy Kenneth R. Fulton, Executive Director Development Initiative, held recently in London National Academy of Engineering Craig R. Barrett, Chair Charles M. Vest, President Maxine L. Savits, Vice President Lance Davis, Executive Officer
Institute of Medicine Harvey V. Fineberg, President Judith Salerno, Executive Officer 16 National Research Council 17 Brief Takes Ralph J. Cicerone, Chair • New Stem Cell Charles M. Vest, Vice Chair Guidelines E. William Colglazier, Executive Officer • Science Comes to Hollywood
17 18 New Publications
In Focus is prepared by the Office of News and Public Information.
Executive Director: William Skane In Focus Editor: Valerie Chase Staff Writers: Rebecca Alvania, Sara Frueh, Bill Kearney, Maureen O’Leary, Christine Stencel, Jennifer Walsh Original Design: Francesca Moghari
2 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS A Fresh Start for Science and Our Continuing Mission
With a new president in the White House, we anticipate that the National Research Council, and the three academies, the NAS, NAE, and IOM, will be asked the questions of the times. We are gratified that President Barack Obama has declared that “…it is time we once again put science at the top of our agenda and work to restore America’s place as the world leader in science and tech- nology.” Scientific methods will be called upon in many contexts, and I believe that this newly expanded role for science, engineering,
and medicine will help break our nation out of this period of seri- FROM THE PRESIDENT ous economic trouble. President Obama has selected a group of outstanding scientific leaders to help him to lead. Six are members of the NAS, and two are also members of the IOM. Nobel laureate Steven Chu is now secretary of energy. John Holdren directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and is the president’s science adviser. Along with Holdren, Nobel laureate Harold Varmus and Eric Lander are co-chairs of the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology. Jane Lubchenco administers the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And Lawrence Summers directs the White House National Economic Council. These talented individuals have served on many of our study commit- tees, and they deserve our special thanks for accepting the president’s call. Our Research Council and Institute of Medicine reports continue to have great national impact, and a number of other nations are creating structures and processes similar to ours that will enable them to rationally guide public policy. Several ongoing studies here exem- plify such efforts to inform policy. Launched last year at a National Summit on America’s Energy Future, we will soon release a series of objective reports on U.S. energy options and their costs. Following a request from Congress, we are also undertaking a set of paral- lel studies aimed at better understanding and defining America’s climate choices. A sum- mit and four study panels will examine the sweeping issues associated with global climate change and provide advice on new strategies and actions that the nation can pursue now and in the future. A deep examination of the future of biological science is also under way. In closing, I’m delighted to note that the 2009 Public Welfare Medal of the NAS will be presented to Neal Lane in April, recognizing his numerous and profound contributions as director of the National Science Foundation, White House science adviser, and outstanding public citizen.
RALPH J. CICERONE President, National Academy of Sciences
WINTER 2009 3 NATIONAL SECURITY NATIONAL PREVENTING TERRORISM, PROTECTING PRIVACY
Report Examines Are these and other methods being used really successful at detecting terrorists? the Pros and Cons And how might they affect the privacy of innocent citizens who are wrongly flagged as suspicious? A recent report from the of Data Mining National Research Council considers these questions, and offers guidance to policy- makers on balancing legitimate security ending an e-mail, making a credit needs with protection for citizens’ civil card purchase, phoning a friend — liberties. S Some data-mining techniques can be many Americans do these things dozens of times a day without giving it effective, speeding and expanding the much thought. Though these activities feel work of investigators who already have a ephemeral, they are recorded in vast corpo- lead, the report says. Agents can use them rate databases, becoming part of each to quickly find out who has communicat- person’s digital history. Many of these ed with or transferred money to a known databases are available to federal counter- terror suspect, for example. And if there terrorism agencies, who know that terror- is a historical basis for concluding that a ists use many of the same communications certain pattern of activity is linked to ter- and financial channels as law-abiding citi- rorism, then searching for similar patterns zens. These agencies have sought to use could yield helpful investigative leads. sophisticated computer programs to “mine” The problem is that little is known this data, trying to spot patterns that may about which patterns are linked to ter- indicate terrorist activities among the mil- rorism. So programs that scan databases lions of transactions that happen every day. looking for any unusual patterns are apt
4 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS to turn up far too many false leads to be these evaluations, which should include useful, the report concludes. It adds that both new and existing programs. no one should be arrested, searched, or Currently there are limits on what data have their rights denied simply because an may be collected, but few restrictions on automated data-mining program has iden- how already-collected information can be tified them as suspicious. used, the report notes. So an agency could Another counterterrorism technique that gain access to a corporate database, mine agencies are researching and starting to use it for counterterrorism purposes, and then raises even thornier privacy concerns. give it to another agency to find tax evaders Behavioral surveillance methods monitor or deadbeat dads who are behind on child people’s actions and physiological signs — support payments. Policymakers should heart activity or voice tone, for example — consider new restrictions to help prevent to try to determine if someone is about to this “mission creep,” the report says. commit a terrorist attack. Right now there Innocent people who are harmed by vio- is no consensus on whether these techniques lations of privacy should have some form are ready for use at all, the report says; at of redress, the report adds. At the very most they should be used to screen people least, this should include an acknowledg- for further investigation. Even then, these ment of the violation and some action to techniques raise serious privacy concerns, lower the likelihood that it would happen since those who are detained will inevitably again. — Sara Frueh be forced to explain and justify their emo- Protecting Individual Privacy in the Struggle Against tional states. For instance, a man who -Terrorists: A Framework for Program Assessment. appears nervous before boarding an air- Committee on Technical and Privacy Dimensions of Information for Terrorism Prevention and Other National plane may be a terrorist, or he may just be Goals, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and afraid to fly — something he would likely Education and Division on Engineering and Physical be pressured to explain if he’s pulled aside. Sciences (2008, 376 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12488-3; available from the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; All programs that collect or mine data $49.00 plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on the or that conduct behavioral surveillance Internet at
WINTER 2009 5 FUELING THE ‘NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE’
riven by a feel more sure of a stable fuel supply if they Dgrowing are part-owners of these centers, which need for would also let many more nations share in energy and the high the profits of uranium enrichment. prices of fossil fuels, The chief disadvantage of these centers is more than two that sensitive technology and knowledge dozen nations around the world — from could leak and contribute to a nation’s Belarus to Vietnam to Egypt — are consid- attempt to build nuclear weapons, the ering nuclear energy or have announced report cautions. The U.S. and Russia should plans to build their first nuclear power work diligently with other countries to cre- plants. While nuclear energy could provide ate specific, stringent plans to keep this more countries with reliable, low-carbon- from happening. emissions power, its wider use could also Agreeing to take back spent fuel for dis- have a dangerous downside. Nations that posal or reprocessing could be an even stron- build facilities to enrich uranium themselves ger inducement for nations not to build their for nuclear fuel would then have a facility own enrichment facilities because it would that could also be used to enrich uranium let them avoid the security and environmen- for bombs. How can the international com- tal hazards of storing spent fuel, the report munity accommodate the growth of nuclear says. But it notes that taking another power while discouraging the spread of nation’s nuclear waste is politically unpalat- nuclear weapons? able for many countries. The U.S. and Assuring a reliable supply of nuclear fuel Russia should cooperate to lease fuel to new- would give nations less incentive to build comer nations for the lifetime of their reac- their own uranium-enrichment plants, says tors. For now, the spent fuel should be sent a new joint report from the U.S. National back to Russia — which is further along in Academy of Sciences and the Russian offering these services — and to the U.S. as Academy of Sciences. Despite an ample sup- well, if it eventually becomes possible. ply of nuclear fuel available on the interna- — Sara Frueh tional market, “newcomer” nations may Internationalization of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: fear that relying on other countries could -Goals, Strategies, and Challenges. U.S. Committee on leave them vulnerable to being cut off if the Internationalization of the Civilian Nuclear Fuel Cycle, U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Research political tensions flare. Council; and Russian Committee on the Internationalization The international community should con- of the Civilian Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Russian Academy of tinue to explore a broad menu of ways to Sciences (2008, 206 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12660-6; available from the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; $45.75 provide assurances against political disrup- plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on the Internet at tions of supply, the report says. And over
6 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS FROM RESOURCES SIDEWALKS ENVIRONMENT & TO Improving Stormwater STREAMS Management
Large cities are often described fter rain or snow in urban areas, as concrete jungles — dense A large quantities of water flow over impervious surfaces — such as areas of manmade materials with streets, parking lots, and rooftops — pick- ing up various pollutants like garbage, little green space. The majority of asphalt sealants, motor fuels, and other the U.S. population now lives in chemicals. This polluted stormwater is then collected by natural channels and artificial cities, with the numbers expected drainage systems and ultimately routed to to rise and the areas anticipated nearby streams and other bodies of water — impacting the quality of those waters. to grow. With urban expansion, Although urban stormwater’s role in however, come significant degrading water quality has been recognized for decades, reducing the role has been diffi- environmental impacts, especially cult. As a step toward improvement, in 1987 Congress brought stormwater control under on the nation’s waterways. the supervision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees stormwa- ter discharged by cities, industries, and con- struction sites. However, the current regula- tory framework was originally designed to address sewage and industrial wastes, and has suffered from poor accountability and uncertainty about its effectiveness. In light of these challenges, EPA asked the National Research Council to examine its
WINTER 2009 7 stormwater permitting other municipalities within program. The resulting the watershed. report finds that radical The report also says that changes are needed. EPA’s stormwater management will current approach is not likely be ineffective without integrating to produce an accurate picture of stormwater management and land the extent of the problem, nor is it likely to management practices, as the area being control stormwater’s contribution to impair- appropriated for urban land use is grow- ing water quality. Moreover, increased water ing faster than the population. Future land volume and pollutants from stormwater development and its potential to increase have degraded water quality and habitats in stormwater problems must be considered virtually every urban stream system. and addressed in EPA’s program. “EPA’s stormwater program needs a Additionally, it should focus less on the significant overhaul,” said Claire Welty, chemical pollutants in the stormwater and chair of the committee that wrote the more on the increased flow of water, as the report and director of the Center for Urban volume of discharges is generally not regu- Environmental Research and Education at lated by EPA. In urban areas, stormwater University of Maryland, Baltimore County. flows rapidly across surfaces and arrives at “The changes we recommend in the report streams in short, concentrated bursts, which are aimed to help reverse degradation of in turn increase streambank erosion and fresh water resources and ensure progress sediment pollution of surface water. Many toward the Clean Water Act’s goal of ‘fish- urban streams are degraded as a result of able and swimmable’ waters.” this increased volume of water, but show no The committee recommended that all measurable changes on water quality. stormwater and other wastewater discharge Lastly, EPA could implement additional permits be based on watershed boundaries stormwater controls in urban areas, includ- instead of political boundaries in order to ing conserving natural areas, reducing hard provide meaningful regulation. Currently, surface cover such as roads and parking lots stormwater and wastewater regulations that channel stormwater into waterways, and require separate permits; within stormwater retrofitting urban areas with features that regulations, different types of permits exist hold and treat stormwater. — Jennifer Walsh for municipalities, industries, and construc- Urban Stormwater Management in the United tion sites. The committee suggested that -States. Committee on Reducing Stormwater Discharge EPA adopt a watershed-based permitting Contributions to Water Pollution, Water Science and Technology Board, Division on Earth and Life Studies system that would encompass all discharges (2008, approx. 624 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12539-1; available from that could impact waterways in a particular the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; $53.00 drainage basin, rather than requiring indi- plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on the Internet at
8 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS Part of the Process
ment. And involving citizens gives the result- ing decisions more legitimacy in the eyes of those who are affected by them — which in turn raises the chances that the decisions will be implemented effectively, the report says. In some cases, efforts to involve the public have made matters worse, the report notes. Public Input Makes For Better For example, some participatory processes Environmental Decisions have been used to divert the public’s energy away from criticism and into activities con- or over three decades U.S. citizens have sidered safe by an agency — a dodge that Forganized themselves to help shape tends to be counterproductive in the long government decisions on environmen- run because it ignores important conflicts. tal issues, from how EPA should clean up While there’s no magic method for Superfund sites to how the U.S. Forest Service involving the public that works in all situa- should manage the nation’s woodlands. tions, some actions can help build trust and Federal legislation on such matters often encourage good-quality decisions across a requires some form of public involvement, variety of contexts. An agency should make and agencies sometimes go beyond what the clear at the outset how it intends to use law demands, actively seeking citizens’ input the public’s input, for example, and should and expertise. But enthusiasm for public commit enough staff and resources to the participation has not been universal. Critics effort. To make sure that the science is of contend that beyond being slow and costly, high quality, official analyses should be inde- public involvement actually leads to poorer pendently reviewed by outside experts who decisions by including people who may not are credible to the parties involved. And the know much about the science. decision-making process should be flexible, Provided it’s done well, public participa- allowing citizens, scientists, and officials to tion leads to better environmental decisions, reconsider past conclusions as new informa- and agencies should view it as valuable to tion comes in. — Sara Frueh their mission — not just a formality required Public Participation in Environmental Assessment by law, concludes a new report from the -and Decision Making. Panel on Public Participation National Research Council. Public involve- in Environmental Assessment and Decision Making, Committee on the Human Dimensions of Global Change, ment is far more likely to improve the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education quality of environmental decisions than to (2008, 322 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12398-4; available from the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; $59.00 undermine it, because citizens often have plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on the Internet knowledge about local environmental condi- at
WINTER 2009 9 HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH
A Prescription to Improve Patient Safety
More Sleep, Better as many as 80 hours a week or up to 30 hours straight is too much or too little. But the focus on duty hours overshad- Supervision, and owed two other key points of the report. First, the report’s package of recommenda- Reasonable Workloads tions is not about shorter or longer sched- uling; it’s about smarter scheduling. And for Medical Residents second, reasonable limits on duty hours by themselves are no guarantee of patient safety; other changes to residents’ work environments are necessary as well to improve patient and resident safety and hen the Institute of Medicine enhance the ability of residents to learn. W released a report on medical Residency is the three- to seven-year peri- residents’ duty hours and work- od of on-the-job training that gives recent loads in early December, a flurry of debate medical school graduates the experience ensued in online forums, many of the com- they need to begin practicing medicine inde- ments casting the topic as a tug of war pendently. These new doctors often work between patients’ safety and the education- long days with limited time to catch up on al needs of doctors in training. Much of their sleep. A cap of 80 hours maximum the discussion focused on a single element per week averaged over four weeks was of the report, specifically whether working instituted for medical residents in 2003.
10 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS The committee of medical and scientific urges hospitals to overlap staff schedules experts that wrote the report recognized during shift changes and to strengthen pro- the need to balance providing residents cedures for the handover of patients from adequate opportunities for sleep to reduce one doctor’s care to the next, because there the chances of fatigue-related errors with will be more handovers with the schedule ensuring sufficient time for the rigorous changes proposed by the report. and rich learning experiences residents need Implementing the report’s recommenda- to become competent — and safe — inde- tions inherently will require many teaching pendent care providers. hospitals to shift work from residents to Rather than recommending an overall other health professionals. The committee reduction of work hours from the 80-hour estimated the cost for additional personnel cap, the report focused on extended shifts to handle reduced resident work at roughly and the need to ensure $1.7 billion annually. residents get regular This is not an insignifi- opportunities to sleep. cant sum. However, it is An extensive body less than half of 1 per- of science shows that cent of what Medicare people’s performance spends on care for older begins flagging after 16 Americans annually. hours of wakefulness. Although carrying out The report recommends these recommendations that residents could may be costly and logis- work either a maxi- tically challenging for mum shift of 16 con- health care facilities, the tinuous hours or up to committee believes the 30 hours provided they get an uninterrupted effort will create safer conditions for resi- five-hour break for sleep after 16 hours. dents and patients, a higher quality of care Spotty supervision also can decrease the for patients, and improved education during chances of intercepting errors that could residency. — Christine Stencel harm patients. Closer supervision leads to Resident Duty Hours: Enhancing Sleep, Supervision, fewer errors, lower patient mortality, and -and Safety. Committee on Optimizing Graduate Medical improved quality of care. First-year resi- Trainee (Resident) Hours and Work Schedules to Improve Patient Safety, Board on Health Care Services, Institute of dents, in particular, should not be on duty Medicine (2008, approx. 480 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12776-9; avail- without immediate access to a supervisor able from the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624- on the premises. 6242; $48.95 plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on the Internet at
WINTER 2009 11 PHTHALATES Currently when conduct- ing cumulative risk assess- group of chemicals ments, EPA often considers A known as phthalates only chemicals that are has been raising health similar in makeup, on the concerns over the last several assumption that they have years. Found in a variety of the same chain of reactions consumer products, some that lead to a final health phthalates have already been outcome. However, that restricted from cosmetics in practice ignores how expo- the European Union, as well sures to different chemicals as from children’s toys in the may result in the same health United States and European A Window to Better effect. The committee called Union. Risk Assessment on EPA to change its strategy Although few human studies and apply the recommended have been conducted to investi- at EPA approach for phthalates to gate whether phthalates pose a any cumulative risk assess- threat to health, animal studies — particu- ment. For instance, when looking at what larly with rats — show that phthalates dis- could lead to cognitive deficits consistent rupt male reproductive development, leading with IQ reduction in children, EPA could to outcomes such as infertility and reproduc- evaluate the risk of combined exposures to tive tract malformations. The lab research lead, methylmercury, and polychlorinated has also shown that the age of the animals biphenyls and not just examine each chemi- at the time of exposure is critical to the cal individually. severity of the effects; animals exposed in The committee emphasized that it may be utero suffered the most complications. challenging for EPA to evaluate the multiplic- Given that humans encounter mul- ity of human exposures resulting in common tiple exposures to phthalates and that health outcomes, but it is feasible. Such a shift exposure to different phthalates leads to in approach would entail substantial efforts similar outcomes in lab animals, the U.S. by EPA to define and set priorities among Environmental Protection Agency should the most prominent adverse health effects of pursue a cumulative risk assessment, says toxins, but it directly reflects EPA’s mission to a new report from the National Research protect human health. — Jennifer Walsh Council. Furthermore, the assessment should Phthalates and Cumulative Risk Assessment: not only include phthalates but also other -The Tasks Ahead. Committee on the Health Risks chemicals that could produce similar effects of Phthalates, Board on Environmental Studies and on male reproductive development. Toxicology, Division on Earth and Life Studies (2008, “If a cumulative risk assessment focuses 208 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12841-2; available from the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; $46.00 plus $4.50 solely on phthalates and excludes other shipping for single copies; also on the Internet at chemicals, it would be artificial and could
12 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS The Search for Truth TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING &
Can Brain Imaging Be the Perfect Lie Detector?
In June 2008, a judge in India hese types of tests have not yet made accepted a brain scan as evidence T their way into U.S. courts, but the idea of using brain scans in lie detection in a murder trial. The scan was is becoming increasingly common. Private not performed on the victim to companies, like No Lie MRI in California, show or prove injury; instead, offer functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) tests for corporations the scan was of the defendant, screening new employees, lawyers hoping to a woman accused of killing her validate statements made in court, and indi- fiancé. Although the woman denied viduals looking to reduce their risk in dat- ing. But according to a recent report from involvement in the murder, according the National Research Council, the rush to to the prosecution her brain activity use brain scans in lie detection, particularly during interrogation indicated a in legal cases with significant consequences, could be premature. level of knowledge about the crime The report identified current and emerg- that only the killer could possess, ing fields of cognitive neuroscience research and she was sentenced with practical applications, including the use of neuropharmacology in regulating cogni- to life in prison. tion, prostheses in enhancing performance,
WINTER 2009 13 in the controlled environment of the lab, and researchers don’t know how these find- ings relate to the complex and emotional lies that people tell in real life. For example, a spouse who was tempted to cheat but never acted could have enough guilt over and computer modeling of the human brain. the temptation that their brain activity pat- Neuroimaging, a technology regularly used terns would be the same as someone who by doctors to scan the brain and monitor had cheated. function in real-time, was discussed in the Despite the technical hurdles, some report primarily in terms of its non-health- experts feel that tests such as fMRI and related applications, such as determining functional near-infrared spectroscopy hold what an individual is thinking or intending. promise in the field of lie detection. “The Although brain scans have been a boon to committee was split,” said Kit Green, chair physicians in detecting and treating neural of the committee. “Those focusing on the abnormalities, their utility in measuring psy- physiological aspects [of lie detection] tend chological states is still a matter of debate. to believe that lie detectors will eventually According to the committee that wrote work. Those focusing on the psychological the report, brain scans can only measure factors were less likely to believe this.” correlates of mental states like anger, fear, or Because truth can be subjective, influ- deception. They can not identify the men- enced by experiences like religion and cul- tal state itself. The fMRI measures blood ture, the most fMRI could reliably show is flow for instance, which is an indicator of that someone believes what they are saying increased neural activity. Based upon the is true or false. How that belief relates to parts of the brain that show increased activ- the facts of a court case, or the suspicions ity, researchers assume the mental state of of a spouse, is harder to determine. “If we the individual. can’t yet define a lie,” explained Green, But brain scans encounter the same “then we can’t define a lie detector.” problem as polygraphs: no physiological — Rebecca Alvania indicator, or neural activity pattern, exists Emerging Cognitive Neuroscience and Related that has a one-to-one correspondence with -Technologies. Committee on Military and Intelligence mental state. A true lie detector requires an Methodology for Emergent Neurophysiological and indicator that appears every time a person Cognitive/Neural Science Research in the Next Two Decades, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences is being deceptive, and which appears only and Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and during deception. Researchers find that Education (2008, 214 pp.; ISBN 0-309-11894-8; available from the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; although there is some consistency in neural $49.00 plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on the activity during deception, the same neurons Internet at
14 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS Into Deep Space or In Too Deep? NASA’s Plans for Scientific Exploration Come at a Price
up much higher. The report points out that in the past NASA has begun ambitious space science missions that ended up too expensive to pursue, such as the Voyager-Mars mission and the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter mission xploration of deep space, including of the Prometheus program. NASA’s proposed return to the moon E According to the report, the Constellation and visits to Mars, could provide System alone might be insufficient for many clues to a host of scientific questions, from of the proposed science missions and addi- the origins of Earth to the history of life in tional technological developments may be our solar system. NASA is in the midst of required. NASA currently lacks a technology developing the Constellation System — a development strategy for science missions, system of spacecraft and launch vehicles however. to take humans beyond low-Earth orbit — NASA could reduce costs for Constellation and is considering which scientific missions space science by embarking on joint science would be best suited to Constellation. missions with other countries, thereby taking A recent report from the National advantage of international scientific and Research Council reviews potential science technological expertise and saving money missions, evaluating the possibility of sci- using foreign instruments and infrastructure. entific advances and whether inclusion in Ultimately, however, the Constellation Constellation, as opposed to using current System is being developed to further human spacecraft, would enhance the mission. The exploration of space, not to perform science report recommends the 8-meter monolithic missions, the report points out. Constellation space telescope, Solar Probe 2, Interstellar offers many opportunities for advancing Probe, solar polar imager, and Neptune knowledge, but unless NASA’s funding situa- Orbiter with probes for further study for tion changes significantly in coming years, the Constellation System. Several other mis- the cost of science in deep space could be too sions were considered promising, but they high. — Rebecca Alvania would require greater effort to develop. The report stresses that any decisions in favor of Launching Science: Science Opportunities Provided -by NASA’s Constellation System. Committee on such large space science missions need to be Science Opportunities Enabled by NASA’s Constellation properly reviewed and recommended by the System, Space Studies Board and Aeronautics and Space relevant space science decadal surveys. Engineering Board, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences (2008, approx. 160 pp.; ISBN 0-309-11644-9; avail- For many of the proposed missions, able from the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624- costs could be an insurmountable hurdle. 6242; $37.25 plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on the Internet at
WINTER 2009 15 An African Parliamentarian Speaks on the Unique Value of Academies
At the fourth annual confer- that reinforce effective decision formulation ence of the African Science and implementation, such as evidence-based Academy Development advice, will help [nations] gain access to lim- SPOTLIGHT Initiative (ASADI), recently ited development assistance resources. held in London, Patrick “The government of Uganda is adopting Amuriat Oboi, a mem- this approach [of using evidence-based advice ber of the Parliament of as a policy planning tool] and has been Uganda and its Committee particularly vocal on the subject. It can be on Science and Technology, projected that the practice of evidence-based delivered the opening address. The follow- policymaking will gain increasing attention ing are excerpts of his speech “Why Would a in the foreseeable future, both in Uganda and Government Want Independent Advice?” other developing countries. “There are challenges, however. Scientific research that would generate evidence-based “The current disparity between developed information can be costly, and it may take a and developing nations is due to the level and very long time for its benefits to be realized. In extent of application of scientific and techno- developing countries like Uganda, where logical capacities and innovation. Owing to floods, food and water shortages, outbreaks of this disparity, there is a need for governments, disease, the effects of HIV/AIDS, and internal especially in the developing world, to engage in conflicts occur, the funding of scientific research policies that are guided by independent advice. [will not be the first priority]. Getting govern- “While many elements within a nation can ments to act is another challenge. Independent produce credible scientific advice, a science advice, however convincing, may not impact academy can do so with a unique level of cred- policy if the policymakers do not embrace it. ibility due to its independence from nonscien- “My conclusion is that African science acad- tific influences, the degree of access to leading emies and other organizations offering inde- experts and scientific literature, and the use of pendent advice have an evident role to play in advancing national socio-economic aspirations. To fully apply their potential, the academies should be effectively linked into government policy implementation frameworks. “At the broadest level, ASADI can contrib- ute to improving the effectiveness and effi- ciency of key policy decisions, which can in turn contribute to development goals, such as rigorous consensus and external review meth- improved human health. It can promote the ods. An academy that releases its advice to not development process of Africa by strengthen- only sponsors but also to the general public ing the physical and intellectual infrastructure fosters democratic processes by providing of science academies and their staff and by information important to public debate. increasing the academies capacity to interact “Evidence-based advice is helpful in clarify- with their governments.” ing, buttressing, or even challenging a particu- lar policy position. It can also help to entrench ASADI is a multiyear collaborative effort led by policy decisions, both enriching the process the U.S. National Academies and funded by the and probably legitimizing the decisions. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to strengthen [Because] many major donor and international the capacity of African science academies to lending institutions are increasingly basing aid inform public policy and discourse through and loans on the condition that reforms ensur- independent, evidence-based advice. For Oboi’s full presentation, visit the ASADI homepage at ing good governance are undertaken, tools
16 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS New Stem Cell Guidelines toward using stem cells in clinical applica- tions, including their use in the treatment The National Research Council and Institute of Parkinson’s and heart disease. For more of Medicine released amended guidelines for information, visit
WINTER 2009 17 Assessing the Research and Department of Homeland Security Publications Development Plan for the Next Bioterrorism Risk Assessment: A Generation Air Transportation Call for Change For documents shown as available System — Summary of a Workshop Board on Mathematical Sciences from the National Academies Press Aeronautics and Space and Their Applications, Division (NAP), write to 500 Fifth St., N.W., Engineering Board, Division on on Engineering and Physical Lockbox 285, Washington, D.C. Engineering and Physical Sciences Sciences; and Board on Life 20055; tel. 202-334-3313 or 1-800- (2008, 38 pp.; ISBN 0-309- Sciences, Division on Earth and 624-6242; or order on the Internet 12470-0; available from NAP). Life Studies (2008; 172 pp.; ISBN at
NEW PUBLICATIONS Academies are available from the Intermittent Preventive source as noted. Treatment for Malaria in Design Considerations for Infants — Letter Report Evaluating the Impact of PEPFAR Board on Global Health, Institute — Workshop Summary The 2nd International Forum on of Medicine (2008, 80 pp.; Board on Global Health, Institute Biosecurity: Summary of an available only online from NAP). of Medicine (2008, 142 pp.; ISBN International Meeting, Budapest, 0-309-11672-4; available from Hungary, March 30 to April 2, 2008 Community Perspectives on NAP). Development, Security, and Obesity Prevention in Children Cooperation and Board — Summary of a Workshop Disrupting Improvised Explosive on International Scientific Food and Nutrition Board, Device Terror Campaigns: Basic Organizations, Division on Policy Institute of Medicine (2008, 30 pp.; Research Opportunities — and Global Affairs (2008, approx. available only online from NAP). A Workshop Report 134 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12829-3; Board on Chemical Sciences and available from NAP). A Constrained Space Exploration Technology, Division on Earth Technology Program: A Review and Life Studies (2008, 80 pp.; Acute Exposure Guidelines for of NASA’s Exploration ISBN 0-309-12420-4; available Selected Airborne Chemicals, Vol. 7 Technology Development Program from NAP). Board on Environmental Studies Aeronautics and Space Engineering and Toxicology, Division on Earth Board, Division on Engineering Ecological Impacts of Climate and Life Studies (2008, approx. and Physical Sciences (2008, 154 Change 236 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12755-6; pp.; ISBN 0-309-12583-9; Board on Life Sciences, Division available from NAP). available from NAP). on Earth and Life Studies (2008, 70 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12710-6; Addressing the Barriers to Construction Research at NIOSH: available from NAP). Pediatric Drug Development Reviews of Research Programs — Workshop Summary of the National Institute for Ensuring the Climate Record Board on Health Sciences Policy, Occupational Safety and Health from the NPOESS and Institute of Medicine (2008, 64 Board on Infrastructure and GOES-R Spacecraft: Elements of a pp.; ISBN 0-309-10742-3; the Constructed Environment, Strategy to Recover Measurement available from NAP). Division on Engineering and Capabilities Lost in Program Physical Sciences (2008, approx. Restructuring Adolescent Health Services: 200 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12850-1; Space Studies Board, Division on Missing Opportunities available from NAP). Engineering and Physical Sciences Board on Children, Youth, and (2008, 190 pp.; ISBN 0-309- Families, National Research Coverage Measurement in the 12184-1; available from NAP). Council and Institute of Medicine 2010 Census (2008, 368 pp.; ISBN 0-309- Committee on National Statistics, Evaluation of the Multifunction 11467-5; available from NAP). Division of Behavioral and Social Phased Array Radar Planning Sciences and Education (2008, Process 180 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12826-9; Board on Atmospheric Sciences available from NAP). and Climate, Division on Earth
18 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS and Life Studies (2008, 92 pp.; From Molecules to Minds: HHS in the 21st Century: Charting ISBN 0-309-12432-8; available Challenges for the 21st Century a New Course for a Healthier from NAP). — Workshop Summary America Board on Health Sciences Policy, Institute of Medicine (2008, Evaluation of Quantification Institute of Medicine (2008, approx. 312 pp.; ISBN 0-309- of Margins and Uncertainties 90 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12092-6; 12123-X; available from NAP). Methodology for Assessing and available from NAP). Certifying the Reliability of the Implementing Colorectal Cancer Nuclear Stockpile Global Challenges and Directions Screening — Workshop Summary Division on Engineering and for Agricultural Biotechnology National Cancer Policy Forum, Physical Sciences (2008, approx. — Workshop Report Institute of Medicine (2008, 100 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12853-6; Board on Agriculture and Natural 115 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12139-6; available from NAP). Resources and Board on Life available from NAP). Sciences, Division on Earth and Life Evidence-Based Medicine and the Studies (2008, 74 pp.; ISBN 0-309- Information and Communication Changing Nature of Healthcare 12077-2; available from NAP). Technology and Peacebuilding — Workshop Summary — Summary of a Workshop Institute of Medicine (2008, Global Climate Change and National Academy of Engineering 202 pp.; ISBN 0-309-11369-5; Extreme Weather Events: (2008, 58 pp.; ISBN 0-309- available from NAP). Understanding the Contributions 12188-4; available from NAP). to Infectious Disease Emergence The Federal Investment in — Workshop Summary Managing Health Effects of Highway Research, 2006-2009: Board on Global Health, Institute Beryllium Exposure Strengths and Weaknesses — of Medicine (2008, 304 pp.; Committee on Toxicology, Board Special Report 295 ISBN 0-309-12402-6; available on Environmental Studies and Research and Technology from NAP). Toxicology, Division on Earth and Coordinating Committee, Life Studies (2008, 186 pp.; ISBN Transportation Research Board Great Lakes Shipping, Trade, 0-309-12532-4; available from (2008, 146 pp.; ISBN 0-309- and Aquatic Invasive Species NAP). 12605-3; available from NAP). — Special Report 291 Transportation Research Board; Maritime Security Partnerships Fifteenth Interim Report of the and Water Science and Technology Naval Studies Board, Division Committee on Acute Exposure Board, Division on Earth and on Engineering and Physical Guideline Levels Life Studies (2008, 148 pp.; ISBN Sciences (2008, 242 pp.; ISBN Committee on Toxicology, Board 0-309-11313-X; available from 0-309-11261-3; available from on Environmental Studies and NAP). NAP). Toxicology, Division on Earth and Life Studies (2008, 50 pp.; Gulf War and Health, Vol. 7: Military Medical Ethics: Issues available only online from NAP). Long-Term Consequences of Regarding Dual Loyalties — Traumatic Brain Injury Workshop Summary A Framework for Assessing Board on Population Health and Board on Health Sciences Policy, the Health Hazard Posed by Public Health Practice, Institute Institute of Medicine (2008, 74 Bioaerosols of Medicine (2008, 396 pp.; ISBN pp.; ISBN 0-309-12663-0; Board on Chemical Sciences and 0-309-12408-53; available from available from NAP). Technology and Board on Life NAP). Sciences, Division on Earth and New Directions in Climate Life Studies (2008, 100 pp.; The Health Hazard Evaluation Change Vulnerability, Impacts, ISBN 0-309-11150-1; available Program at NIOSH and Adaptation Assessment from NAP). Division on Earth and Life Studies — Summary of a Workshop (2008, approx. 250 pp.; ISBN Committee on Human Dimensions 0-309-12647-9; available from of Global Change, Division of NAP). Behavioral and Social Sciences and
WINTER 2009 19 Education (2008, approx. 40 pp.; Review of the 21st Century Truck Review of NASA’s Human ISBN 0-309-13006-9; available Partnership Research Program Evidence from NAP). Board on Energy and Books — A Letter Report Environmental Systems, Division Board on Health Sciences Policy, Nutrient Control Actions for on Engineering and Physical Institute of Medicine (2008, 100 Improving Water Quality in Sciences (2008, 130 pp.; ISBN pp.; available only online from the Mississippi River Basin and 0-309-12208-2; available from NAP). Northern Gulf of Mexico NAP). Water Science and Technology Review of Secondary Waste Board, Division on Earth and Life Review of ATSDR’s Great Lakes Disposal Planning for the Blue Studies (2008, approx. 76 pp.; Report Drafts — Letter Report Grass and Pueblo Chemical Agent ISBN 0-309-13000-X; available Board on Population Health and Destruction Pilot Plants from NAP). Public Health Practice, Institute of Board on Army Science and Medicine (2008, 50 pp.; available Technology, Division on Observing Weather and Climate only online from NAP). Engineering and Physical Sciences From the Ground Up: A (2008, 84 pp.; ISBN 0-309- Nationwide Network of Networks Review of Directed Energy 12050-0; available from NAP). Board on Atmospheric Sciences Technology for Countering and Climate, Division on Earth Rockets, Artillery, and Mortars Safety of Dietary Supplements for and Life Studies (2008, 250 pp.; (RAM): Abbreviated Version Horses, Dogs, and Cats ISBN 0-309-12986-9; available Board on Army Science and Board on Agriculture and Natural from NAP). Technology, Division on Resources, Division on Earth and Engineering and Physical Sciences Life Studies (2008, 216 pp.; ISBN The Personal Protective (2008, 42 pp.; ISBN 0-309- 0-309-12570-7; available from Technology Program at NIOSH: 11171-4; available from NAP). NAP). Reviews of Research Programs of the National Institute for Review of Federal Strategy Satellite Observations to Occupational Safety and Health for Nanotechnology-Related Benefit Science and Society: Board on Health Sciences Policy, Environmental, Health, and Recommended Missions for the Institute of Medicine (2008, 214 Safety Research Next Decade pp.; ISBN 0-309-12018-7; avail- Committee on Toxicology, Board Space Studies Board, Division on able from NAP). on Environmental Studies and Engineering and Physical Sciences Toxicology, Division on Earth (2008, 40 pp.; ISBN 0-309- Progress Toward Restoring the and Life Studies; and National 10903-5; available from NAP). Everglades: The Second Biennial Materials Advisory Board, Review, 2008 Division on Engineering and Science and Decisions: Advancing Water Science and Technology Physical Sciences (2008, approx. Risk Assessment Board and Board on Environmental 130 pp.; ISBN 0-309-11699-6; Board on Environmental Studies Studies and Toxicology, Division available from NAP). and Toxicology, Division on Earth on Earth and Life Studies (2008, and Life Studies (2008, approx. 340 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12574-X; Review of NASA’s Exploration 478 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12046-2; available from NAP). Technology Development available from NAP). Program — An Interim Report Rebuilding the Research Capacity Aeronautics and Space Science as a Gateway to at HUD Engineering Board, Division on Understanding: International Center for Economic, Engineering and Physical Sciences Workshop Proceedings, Governance, and International (2008, 74 pp.; ISBN 0-309- Tehran, Iran Studies, Division of Behavioral 11943-X; available from NAP). Office for Central Europe and and Social Sciences and Education Eurasia; Development, Security, (2008, 236 pp.; ISBN 0-309- and Cooperation; Division on 12567-7; available from NAP). Policy and Global Affairs (2008, 184 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12879-X; available from NAP).
20 THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS Science and Technology for Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Test and Evaluation of Biological America’s Progress: Ensuring the Concentrations for Selected Standoff Detection Systems Best Presidential Appointments in Airborne Contaminants, Vol. 5 — Abbreviated Version the New Administration Committee on Toxicology, Board Board on Chemical Sciences and Committee on Science, on Environmental Studies and Technology and Board on Life Engineering, and Public Policy; Toxicology, Division on Earth and Sciences, Division on Earth and National Academy of Sciences, Life Studies (2008, 386 pp.; ISBN Life Studies (2008, 42 pp.; ISBN National Academy of Engineering, 0-309-12844-7; available from 0-309-11443-8; available from and Institute of Medicine (2008, NAP). NAP). 76 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12680-0; available from NAP). Spacecraft Water Exposure Transitions to Alternative Guidelines for Selected Transportation Technologies: A Science and Technology and the Contaminants, Vol. 3 Focus on Hydrogen Future Development of Societies Committee on Toxicology, Board Board on Energy and — International Workshop on Environmental Studies and Environmental Systems, Division Proceedings Toxicology, Division on Earth and on Engineering and Physical Office for Central Europe and Life Studies (2008, 206 pp.; ISBN Sciences (2008, 142 pp.; ISBN Eurasia, Division on Policy and 0-309-12838-2; available from 0-309-12100-0; available from Global Affairs (2008, 142 pp.; NAP). NAP). The nation turns to the National Academy of ISBN 0-309-11927-8; available Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute from NAP). Systems Engineering to Improve Understanding Crime Trends of Medicine, and National Research Council for Traumatic Brain Injury Care — Workshop Report Science Professionals: Master’s in the Military Health System Committee on Law and Justice, independent, objective advice on issues that affect Credits: Education for a Competitive — Workshop Summary Division of Behavioral and Social Cover: (clockwise from upper right) ©Brand X Pictures; people’s lives worldwide. Additional information ©MedicalRF.com/Getty Images; ©Pixtal/age fotostock; World National Academy of Engineering Sciences and Education (2008, about the National Academies and their work can artist’s concept of Constellation System crew and cargo Board on Higher Education and and Institute of Medicine (2008, 254 pp.; ISBN 0-309-12586-3; launch vehicles, courtesy NASA/Marshall Space Flight be found online at
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Balancing Protection & Personal Privacy | What’s Next in Neuroscience? The Costs of Scientific Space Missions | Updated Stem Cell Research Guidelines
Winter 2009 vol. 8 number 3