December 22, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

SPACE STATION

NASA works to continue science research in space while shuttles are grounded.

December 15, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

CLIMATE CHANGE

Current data on global warming paint a not-so-pretty picture, as witnessed by the Arctic's melting ice.

MERCURY CONTROLS

EPA will propose to roll back previous decision to regulate metal as a hazardous air pollutant.

December 8, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

DOE BLUEPRINT

Chemists stand to profit from the Department of Energy's new 20-year R&D facilities construction plan.

December 1, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

DISMANTLING WEAPONS

Russia must eliminate its stockpiles, but costs and political hurdles are daunting.

SIZING UP BIOTECH

Department of Commerce survey reports on the field's influence on industry.

November 24, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

HUMAN RIGHTS

Scientific societies come to the aid of imperiled colleagues.

November 17, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

BURNING ISSUE

Some polybrominated diphenyl ethers' use as flame retardant is snuffed out.

PATENT DONATIONS

Tax benefits of technology donations draw attention from IRS and Congress.

INSIGHTS

Congressional leaders are sparring over appropriations, but science and technology funding stands to gain slightly.

November 10, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

DRUG FRAUD

FDA investigates growing numbers of counterfeit drug cases, as secondary wholesalers provide a ready outlet for fake, diverted, and adulterated drugs.

DOE'S SCIENCE

A panel report, reorganization, and 20-year spending plan could reshape Energy Department's science mission.

HINDSIGHTS

Professionally gathered and objectively evaluated intelligence is an essential component of national security.

November 3, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

GLOBAL WORKFORCE

National Academies workshop focuses on how to prepare students for an international workplace.

October 27, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

CHEMIST AT STATE

George H. Atkinson, Colin Powell's science adviser, is passionate about scientists' roles in policy-making.

NAFTA DISPUTES

Trade officials will allow environmental organizations and others to submit friend-of-the-court briefs and will make hearings public.

October 20, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

NATURAL GAS

Prices will remain high next year, even though gas inventory is now at normal levels.

INSIGHTS

Bush Administration's latest plan for climate-change research offers little hope of addressing a growing problem.

October 13, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY

EPA strives to integrate genomics data and computer models for determining effects of chemical exposure.

DISCOVERY CORPS FELLOWSHIPS

New NSF grants combine chemical research and professional service.

October 6, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

ELECTRICITY INDEPENDENCE

Combined heat and power systems may offer alternative to power grid problems.

RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS

NSF's Biocomplexity in the Environment initiative emphasizes holistic science.

September 29, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

September 22, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

PLANS FOR POLLUTANTS

Chemical manufacturers oppose public access to plans for minimizing air toxics release.

POLLUTION VIOLATORS

EPA aims for financial penalties that offset gains a company may accrue from its violations.

September 15, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

INSIGHTS

Pharmaceutical industry has an obligation to help fight drug addiction.

September 8, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

September 1, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

NEW SOURCE REVIEW

Federal judge rules that coal-fired plant must abide by Clean Air Act, regardless of Bush Administration's stance.

CHEMICAL WEAPONS

Army's program to destroy the nation's chemical arsenal is plagued by expensive problems.

August 25, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

FLUORIDE RISKS?

National Research Council begins another review of the potential health dangers of drinking water fluoridation.

ACADEMIC DIVERSITY

Improving faculty diversity was the focus of a workshop at the National Science Foundation.

August 18, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

ROCKET-FUELED RIVER

Perchlorate pollution has tainted the lower Colorado River, contaminating drinking water for millions of people and water used to irrigate crops in California.

RAILROAD REFORM

Chemical industry tries to push legislation to increase rail competition.

INSIGHTS

Congress abruptly terminates Pentagon's futures market without looking closely at possible merits.

August 11, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

NIH TIGHTENS ITS BELT

Agency's days of double-digit budget growth are over; large part of increase is seen in biodefense.

August 4, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

MAD COW DISEASE

Isolated case in Canada leads to renewed calls for tighter U.S. regulations.

July 28, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

PORT SECURITY

Chemical companies face regulations intended to make U.S. ports safe from terrorist attacks.

July 21, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

TRADE ADVICE

Chemical industry group resumes meetings with U.S. officials after environmentalist joins panel.

INSIGHTS

Governments should protect citizens against dangerous pathogens that spread through the transport of animals.

July 14, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

NASA'S PROBLEMS

To get the space program back on track, the agency may need to change its culture in fundamental ways.

July 7, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

SCIENTIFIC TESTIMONY

A critical look at the 1993 court decision that laid out guidelines for admitting scientific evidence.

June 30, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

REACTIVE DEBATE

Search for a solution to the problem of reactive chemical accidents is tough going.

SMILE MAKERS

Scientists from dental association and NIST work together to create materials for stronger, healthier teeth.

BIOSECURITY

Global standards are needed to prevent terrorists' access to threatening infectious agents.

June 23, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME

Green Customs Project will combat illegal trade in chemicals, hazardous wastes, and endangered species.

GOLDEN NUGGETS

NSF-funded scientists bring substance of their research to foundation and public.

June 16, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH

Meeting assesses strengths and weaknesses of federal program that funds early-stage projects.

PFOA SOURCES

EPA investigates sources of perfluorooctanoic acid in the environment.

June 9, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

AGBIOTECH

Rift between U.S. and Europe over genetically engineered foods is exacerbated by pending EU labeling and traceability regulations.

TOXICITY DATA

Effort to gather basic information on high-production-volume chemicals faces challenges.

June 2, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

ENERGY POLICY

In closely divided Senate, energy bill faces uncertain future.

PATENTING A VIRUS

Obtaining a patent for the SARS coronavirus genome may slow the development of diagnostic tests and drugs.

May 26, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

PATENT LAW

Pending patent infringement court case could affect university research.

TREATY REVIEW

International delegates assess the effectiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

May 19, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISER

As chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality, James Connaughton helps guide policy.

PEER REVIEW AT NIH

Overhaul creates new set of study sections.

INSIGHTS

Legislative measures to fix the asbestos legal morass are long overdue.

May 12, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

NUCLEAR POWER

Emerging safety problems prompt calls for tighter regulation.

May 5, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

UNDERSTANDING RISK

Conference takes a historical look at the evolution of risk assessment.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY POLICY

Effects of war in Iraq and terrorism are themes of 28th annual AAAS colloquium.

April 28, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

WEAPONS CACHE?

The 10th annual global chemical regulations conference explores an array of policies.

SCIENCE POLICY DILEMMA

Academic leaders confront issues affecting science and technology research capabilities.

April 21, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

CHEMICALS LEGISLATION

The 10th annual global chemical regulations conference explores an array of policies.

CHARLES E. MCQUEARY

C&EN talks with DHS undersecretary of science and technology, whose task is to develop cutting-edge technology to counter terrorism.

April 14, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

ENVIRONMENT

NAFTA's investment protection section triggers consequences that challenge environmental regulations.

INFLUENCING POLICY

Symposium addresses how scientists can improve communication with policymakers.

CHEMICAL HINDSIGHTS

Chemical manufacturers should welcome, if not encourage, public and governmental participation in plant security.

April 7, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

CHILDREN'S HEALTH

NIH conference focuses on environmental factors that may cause a wide range of problems in children.

March 31, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

NOT SO SECURE

Voluntary efforts at U.S. chemical plants are a good start, says Department of Homeland Security, which looks to extend its involvement.

NANOTECH FOR SALE

Nano products and nano companies are a growing reality, partly due to government backing.

BURNING ISSUE

Communities downwind of Army facilities destroying chemical weapons sue the federal government.

March 24, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

RESEARCH IN SPACE

Columbia tragedy and grounding of the shuttle fleet threaten NASA's research program.

NATURAL GAS

Prices have almost tripled, and many in industry want legislation to support a supply-based energy policy.

March 17, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

TRADE LAW

Bush Administration is accused of making politically motivated appointments to science advisory panels.

INSIGHTS

BASF's fledgling business shows promising initial results.

March 10, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

BALANCING ACT

Bush Administration is accused of making politically motivated appointments to science advisory panels.

March 3, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

CHEMICAL EXPOSURE

Most extensive survey yet of human exposure to environmental chemicals.

TOXICOGENOMICS

National Research Council helps regulators compare data from microarray testing of chemicals.

February 24, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

WIND ENERGY

Alternative energy source strives to become a viable player in the energy marketplace.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Former Sen. Gary Hart discusses his long-term interest in homeland security with C&EN.

USDA RETALIATION CASE

Researcher Mary Jo Schmerr is awarded $1.3 million.

February 17, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

FEDERAL R&D

Proposed fiscal 2004 budget gives top billing to defense and security.

INSIGHTS

EPA has never come to a clear conclusion about toxicity of agent orange.

February 10, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

DETERMINING DATA QUALITY

Workshop discusses EPA's draft criteria for using data from scientific literature.

HINDSIGHTS

Nuclear weapons breed instability and insecurity; eliminating them would solve many problems.

February 3, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

ENGINEERING FOR SAFETY

"Inherently safer design" helps engineers build plants that start out safer and need fewer controls.

January 27, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

SCIENCE & SECURITY

Scientists and security experts discuss the possibility of terrorists abusing the scientific literature -- and what, if anything, should be done about it.

TOXICITY TESTING

Opinions are divided on validity and ethics of using humans to assess safety of pesticides and industrial chemicals.

January 20, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

CONGRESSIONAL OUTLOOK

Weighty domestic and foreign issues likely will have Congress giving short shrift to science and technology matters.

January 13, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

TRADE DISPUTE

World Trade Organization rejects two U.S. laws that offer tax breaks and "subsidies" to U.S. exporters.

January 6, 2003

GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES

NUCLEAR WASTE TRANSPORT

Proposed scenarios for moving the nation's spent fuel to Yucca Mountain differ vastly in the percentage that travels by train or by truck.