Highlights: Satellite to detect methane emissions, Elsevier's profits, and efforts to safeguard Kinsey's work.
In a whirlwind of recent scientific developments and political actions, various key events have unfolded across different fields of study. President Joe Biden's administration has put forth new guidelines for U.S. federal agencies to consider the benefits provided by natural ecosystems when making decisions that could impact them, aiming to broaden cost-benefit analyses to include factors such as clean water, air, and spiritual connections to nature. These guidelines are part of a broader effort to modernize approaches and combat issues like climate change and poverty.
In the realm of climate science, the Environmental Defense Fund has launched MethaneSAT, a satellite aimed at tracking methane emissions with high resolution above oil-and-gas facilities. This innovative approach will aid in regulating and reducing methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. The data collected by MethaneSAT will be provided for free in nearly real-time, marking a significant step forward in environmental monitoring efforts.
Amidst political turmoil, the Kinsey Institute, a renowned research center on human sexuality, faces challenges as conservative lawmakers seek to limit its funding based on unfounded allegations. Indiana University's board of trustees has voted to ensure the institute's funding comes solely from nonstate sources, safeguarding its future within the university. These actions reflect ongoing battles over the funding and autonomy of research institutions in the face of political pressures.
In the world of scientific publishing, data reveals a staggering 650% increase in the share price of Elsevier's parent company RELX since 2009, making it the top performer on the U.K.'s FTSE 100 index. The company's scientific division achieved a profit margin of 38% in 2023, highlighting the financial success of scientific publishing amidst a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
On the clinical research front, a nonprofit organization focused on repurposing approved drugs for new indications has received significant funding to leverage artificial intelligence in identifying potential treatments for rare diseases. This initiative aims to utilize existing drugs in novel ways to address conditions that lack effective therapies, showcasing the potential of drug repurposing in advancing healthcare.
In the field of stratigraphy, a proposal to classify the Anthropocene as a formal epoch marking humanity's impact on the planet has been rejected by a group of geologists. Despite this setback, recognition of humanity's transformative effects on Earth remains evident, with some suggesting the term Anthropocene be considered a geologic "event" rather than a formal epoch.
Security concerns arise as Chinese graduate students studying in the U.S. face deportation due to visa revocations by immigration authorities. The actions, suspected to be influenced by regulations targeting individuals with ties to entities suspected of stealing U.S. technology, highlight ongoing tensions in international student exchanges and immigration policies.
In the U.K., a national funding agency has reinstated its advisory panel on diversity, equity, and inclusion following a suspension prompted by accusations of extremist views. The panel's work has been deemed necessary, emphasizing the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity within the scientific community.
In the realm of natural history, biologists have created a vast digital repository containing x-ray scans of vertebrate specimens from museum collections across the U.S. The openVertebrate collection, comprising over 13,000 specimens, has already led to new research discoveries and educational initiatives, showcasing the power of digital technologies in advancing scientific knowledge.
In agriculture, the U.S. Geological Survey has restored a pesticide database following appeals from scientists. The database, documenting agricultural pesticides and application rates, had faced reductions and delays in data releases, but will now return to its previous scope to support ongoing research and monitoring efforts.
These diverse and dynamic developments underscore the continuous evolution and challenges within the scientific community, highlighting the importance of innovation, collaboration, and advocacy in addressing complex scientific and societal issues.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/news-glance-methane-hunting-satellite-elsevier-s-earnings-and-protecting-kinsey
In the realm of climate science, the Environmental Defense Fund has launched MethaneSAT, a satellite aimed at tracking methane emissions with high resolution above oil-and-gas facilities. This innovative approach will aid in regulating and reducing methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. The data collected by MethaneSAT will be provided for free in nearly real-time, marking a significant step forward in environmental monitoring efforts.
Amidst political turmoil, the Kinsey Institute, a renowned research center on human sexuality, faces challenges as conservative lawmakers seek to limit its funding based on unfounded allegations. Indiana University's board of trustees has voted to ensure the institute's funding comes solely from nonstate sources, safeguarding its future within the university. These actions reflect ongoing battles over the funding and autonomy of research institutions in the face of political pressures.
In the world of scientific publishing, data reveals a staggering 650% increase in the share price of Elsevier's parent company RELX since 2009, making it the top performer on the U.K.'s FTSE 100 index. The company's scientific division achieved a profit margin of 38% in 2023, highlighting the financial success of scientific publishing amidst a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
On the clinical research front, a nonprofit organization focused on repurposing approved drugs for new indications has received significant funding to leverage artificial intelligence in identifying potential treatments for rare diseases. This initiative aims to utilize existing drugs in novel ways to address conditions that lack effective therapies, showcasing the potential of drug repurposing in advancing healthcare.
In the field of stratigraphy, a proposal to classify the Anthropocene as a formal epoch marking humanity's impact on the planet has been rejected by a group of geologists. Despite this setback, recognition of humanity's transformative effects on Earth remains evident, with some suggesting the term Anthropocene be considered a geologic "event" rather than a formal epoch.
Security concerns arise as Chinese graduate students studying in the U.S. face deportation due to visa revocations by immigration authorities. The actions, suspected to be influenced by regulations targeting individuals with ties to entities suspected of stealing U.S. technology, highlight ongoing tensions in international student exchanges and immigration policies.
In the U.K., a national funding agency has reinstated its advisory panel on diversity, equity, and inclusion following a suspension prompted by accusations of extremist views. The panel's work has been deemed necessary, emphasizing the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity within the scientific community.
In the realm of natural history, biologists have created a vast digital repository containing x-ray scans of vertebrate specimens from museum collections across the U.S. The openVertebrate collection, comprising over 13,000 specimens, has already led to new research discoveries and educational initiatives, showcasing the power of digital technologies in advancing scientific knowledge.
In agriculture, the U.S. Geological Survey has restored a pesticide database following appeals from scientists. The database, documenting agricultural pesticides and application rates, had faced reductions and delays in data releases, but will now return to its previous scope to support ongoing research and monitoring efforts.
These diverse and dynamic developments underscore the continuous evolution and challenges within the scientific community, highlighting the importance of innovation, collaboration, and advocacy in addressing complex scientific and societal issues.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/news-glance-methane-hunting-satellite-elsevier-s-earnings-and-protecting-kinsey
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