http://www.nap.edu/rss?topic=290 2013-06-19T04:59:49-04:00 Science books from the publishers for the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council tag:nap.edu,2013:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18318#final 2013-05-22T00:00:00-04:00 2013-05-23T10:32:38-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Publicly available statistics from government agencies that are credible, relevant, accurate, and timely are essential for policy makers, individuals, households, businesses, academic institutions, and other organizations to make informed decisions. Even more, the effective operation of a democratic system of government depends on the unhindered flow of statistical information to its citizens.</p> <p>In the United States, federal statistical agencies in cabinet departments and independent agencies are the governmental units whose principal function is to compile, analyze, and disseminate information for such statistical purposes as describing population characteristics and trends, planning and monitoring programs, and conducting research and evaluation. The work of these agencies is coordinated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Statistical agencies may acquire information not only from surveys or censuses of people and organizations, but also from such sources as government administrative records, private-sector datasets, and Internet sources that are judged of suitable quality and relevance for statistical use. They may conduct analyses, but they do not advocate policies or take partisan positions. Statistical purposes for which they provide information relate to descriptions of groups and exclude any interest in or identification of an individual person, institution, or economic unit.</p> <p>Four principles are fundamental for a federal statistical agency: relevance to policy issues, credibility among data users, trust among data providers, and independence from political and other undue external influence. <em>Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency: Fifth Edition </em>explains these four principles in detail.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18318">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/vKr5Jo50VcU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18318 tag:nap.edu,2013:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18355#prepub 2013-05-13T10:48:33-04:00 2013-05-13T10:48:54-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Prepublication Now Available</strong></p> <p>The Committee to Assess the Current Status and Future Direction of High Magnetic Field Science in the United States was convened by the National Research Council in response to a request by the National Science Foundation. This report answers three questions: (1) What is the current state of high-field magnet science, engineering, and technology in the United States, and are there any conspicuous needs to be addressed? (2) What are the current science drivers and which scientific opportunities and challenges can be anticipated over the next ten years? (3) What are the principal existing and planned high magnetic field facilities outside of the United States, what roles have U.S. high field magnet development efforts played in developing those facilities, and what potentials exist for further international collaboration in this area?</p> <p>A magnetic field is produced by an electrical current in a metal coil. This current exerts an expansive force on the coil, and a magnetic field is "high" if it challenges the strength and current-carrying capacity of the materials that create the field. Although lower magnetic fields can be achieved using commercially available magnets, research in the highest achievable fields has been, and will continue to be, most often performed in large research centers that possess the materials and systems know-how for forefront research. Only a few high field centers exist around the world; in the United States, the principal center is the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL).</p> <p>High Magnetic Field Science and Its Application in the United States considers continued support for a centralized high-field facility such as NHFML to be the highest priority. This report contains a recommendation for the funding and siting of several new high field nuclear magnetic resonance magnets at user facilities in different regions of the United States. Continued advancement in high-magnetic field science requires substantial investments in magnets with enhanced capabilities. High Magnetic Field Science and Its Application in the United States contains recommendations for the further development of all-superconducting, hybrid, and higher field pulsed magnets that meet ambitious but achievable goals.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18355">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/xLKjzWAM6Go" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18355 tag:nap.edu,2013:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=15269#final 2013-05-13T00:00:00-04:00 2013-05-13T11:55:22-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The mathematical sciences are part of nearly all aspects of everyday life--the discipline has underpinned such beneficial modern capabilities as Internet search, medical imaging, computer animation, numerical weather predictions, and all types of digital communications. <em>The Mathematical Sciences in 2025 </em>examines the current state of the mathematical sciences and explores the changes needed for the discipline to be in a strong position and able to maximize its contribution to the nation in 2025. It finds the vitality of the discipline excellent and that it contributes in expanding ways to most areas of science and engineering, as well as to the nation as a whole, and recommends that training for future generations of mathematical scientists should be re-assessed in light of the increasingly cross-disciplinary nature of the mathematical sciences. In addition, because of the valuable interplay between ideas and people from all parts of the mathematical sciences, the report emphasizes that universities and the government need to continue to invest in the full spectrum of the mathematical sciences in order for the whole enterprise to continue to flourish long-term.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=15269">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=282'>Education</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=350'>Math and Science Education</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/oi9tcyGzuIw" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=15269 tag:nap.edu,2013:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13438#final 2013-02-25T00:00:00-05:00 2013-02-26T18:47:15-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The principal goals of the study were to articulate the scientific rationale and objectives of the field and then to take a long-term strategic view of U.S. nuclear science in the global context for setting future directions for the field. Nuclear Physics: Exploring the Heart of Matter provides a long-term assessment of an outlook for nuclear physics.</p> <p><br /> The first phase of the report articulates the scientific rationale and objectives of the field, while the second phase provides a global context for the field and its long-term priorities and proposes a framework for progress through 2020 and beyond. In the second phase of the study, also developing a framework for progress through 2020 and beyond, the committee carefully considered the balance between universities and government facilities in terms of research and workforce development and the role of international collaborations in leveraging future investments.</p> <p><br /> Nuclear physics today is a diverse field, encompassing research that spans dimensions from a tiny fraction of the volume of the individual particles (neutrons and protons) in the atomic nucleus to the enormous scales of astrophysical objects in the cosmos.<em> Nuclear Physics: Exploring the Heart of Matter </em>explains the research objectives, which include the desire not only to better understand the nature of matter interacting at the nuclear level, but also to describe the state of the universe that existed at the big bang. This report explains how the universe can now be studied in the most advanced colliding-beam accelerators, where strong forces are the dominant interactions, as well as the nature of neutrinos.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13438">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/h-p_0wdsuQs" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13438 tag:nap.edu,2013:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18289#prepub 2013-02-20T11:20:33-05:00 2013-02-20T11:20:51-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Prepublication Now Available</strong></p> <p>The potential for using fusion energy to produce commercial electric power was first explored in the 1950s. Harnessing fusion energy offers the prospect of a nearly carbon-free energy source with a virtually unlimited supply of fuel. Unlike nuclear fission plants, appropriately designed fusion power plants would not produce the large amounts of high-level nuclear waste that requires long-term disposal. Due to these prospects, many nations have initiated research and development (R&D) programs aimed at developing fusion as an energy source. Two R&D approaches are being explored: magnetic fusion energy (MFE) and inertial fusion energy (IFE).</p> <p><em>An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy </em>describes and assesses the current status of IFE research in the United States; compares the various technical approaches to IFE; and identifies the scientific and engineering challenges associated with developing inertial confinement fusion (ICF) in particular as an energy source. It also provides guidance on an R&D roadmap at the conceptual level for a national program focusing on the design and construction of an inertial fusion energy demonstration plant.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18289">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=283'>Energy and Energy Conservation</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=358'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=361'>Construction: Design, Research, Planning</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=283'>Energy and Energy Conservation</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=356'>Energy Resources</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/vWGwcGjZA4o" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18289 tag:nap.edu,2013:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18288#prepub 2013-02-20T10:45:01-05:00 2013-02-20T10:45:12-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Prepublication Now Available</strong></p> <p>In the fall of 2010, the Office of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Secretary for Science asked for a National Research Council (NRC) committee to investigate the prospects for generating power using inertial confinement fusion (ICF) concepts, acknowledging that a key test of viability for this concept—ignition —could be demonstrated at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the relatively near term. The committee was asked to provide an unclassified report. However, DOE indicated that to fully assess this topic, the committee's deliberations would have to be informed by the results of some classified experiments and information, particularly in the area of ICF targets and nonproliferation. Thus, the Panel on the Assessment of Inertial Confinement Fusion Targets ("the panel") was assembled, composed of experts able to access the needed information. The panel was charged with advising the Committee on the Prospects for Inertial Confinement Fusion Energy Systems on these issues, both by internal discussion and by this unclassified report.</p> <p><br /> A Panel on Fusion Target Physics ("the panel") will serve as a technical resource to the Committee on Inertial Confinement Energy Systems ("the Committee") and will prepare a report that describes the R&D challenges to providing suitable targets, on the basis of parameters established and provided to the Panel by the Committee. The Panel on Fusion Target Physics will prepare a report that will assess the current performance of fusion targets associated with various ICF concepts in order to understand:<br /> 1. The spectrum output; 2. The illumination geometry; 3. The high-gain geometry; and 4. The robustness of the target design. The panel addressed the potential impacts of the use and development of current concepts for Inertial Fusion Energy on the proliferation of nuclear weapons information and technology, as appropriate. The Panel examined technology options, but does not provide recommendations specific to any currently operating or proposed ICF facility.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18288">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=283'>Energy and Energy Conservation</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=358'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=361'>Construction: Design, Research, Planning</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/y179O4T_jL4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18288 tag:nap.edu,2013:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13491#final 2013-02-19T00:00:00-05:00 2013-02-19T13:40:49-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Optics and photonics technologies are ubiquitous: they are responsible for the displays on smart phones and computing devices, optical fiber that carries the information in the internet, advanced precision manufacturing, enhanced defense capabilities, and a plethora of medical diagnostics tools. The opportunities arising from optics and photonics offer the potential for even greater societal impact in the next few decades, including solar power generation and new efficient lighting that could transform the nation's energy landscape and new optical capabilities that will be essential to support the continued exponential growth of the Internet.</p> <p>As described in the National Research Council report <em>Optics and Photonics: Essential Technologies for our Nation</em>, it is critical for the United States to take advantage of these emerging optical technologies for creating new industries and generating job growth. The report assesses the current state of optical science and engineering in the United States and abroad--including market trends, workforce needs, and the impact of photonics on the national economy. It identifies the technological opportunities that have arisen from recent advances in, and applications of, optical science and engineering. The report also calls for improved management of U.S. public and private research and development resources, emphasizing the need for public policy that encourages adoption of a portfolio approach to investing in the wide and diverse opportunities now available within photonics.</p> <p><em>Optics and Photonics: Essential Technologies for our Nation</em> is a useful overview not only for policymakers, such as decision-makers at relevant Federal agencies on the current state of optics and photonics research and applications but also for individuals seeking a broad understanding of the fields of optics and photonics in many arenas.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13491">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=360'>Applications of Technology</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=364'>Materials</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/zrJ4nAnlYko" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13491 tag:nap.edu,2013:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=14683#final 2013-01-04T09:45:01-05:00 2013-01-04T09:45:11-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Based on a one-day public workshop held in Washington, DC, <em>Opportunities and Obstacles in Large-Scale Biomass Utilization: The Role of the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Communities: A Workshop Summary </em>explores the current state of biomass utilization for bulk-production of sustainable fuels and chemicals. The discussion focused on the chemistry and chemical engineering opportunities to meet the aforementioned objectives. Both formal presentations and breakout working groups were components of the workshop in an effort to stimulate engaging discussion among participants from widely varying fields.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=14683">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/c2k4M5mhN90" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=14683 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13407#final 2012-08-21T00:00:00-04:00 2012-08-22T11:09:21-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Chemistry graduate education is under considerable pressure. Pharmaceutical companies, long a major employer of synthetic organic chemists, are drastically paring back their research divisions to reduce costs. Chemical companies are opening new research and development facilities in Asia rather than in the United States to take advantage of growing markets and trained workforces there. Universities, especially public universities, are under significant fiscal constraints that threaten their ability to hire new faculty members. Future federal funding of chemical research may be limited as the federal budget tightens. All of these trends have major consequences for the education of chemistry graduate students in U.S. universities.<br /> </p> <p>To explore and respond to these intensifying pressures, the Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology held a workshop in Washington, DC, on January 23-24 2012, titled "Graduate Education in Chemistry in the Context of a Changing Environment." The workshop brought together representatives from across the chemical enterprise, representing leaders and future leaders of academia, industry, and government. The goal of the workshop was not to come to conclusions, but to have an open and frank discussion about critical issues affecting chemistry graduate education, such as the attraction and retainment of the most able students to graduate education, financial stressors on the current support model and their implications for the future model, competencies needed in the changing job market for Ph.D. chemists, and competencies needed to address societal problems such as energy and sustainability. <br /> </p> <p><em>Challenges in Chemistry Graduate Education: A Workshop Summary</em> is organized into six chapters and summarizes the workshop on "Graduate Education in Chemistry in the Context of a Changing Environment."</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13407">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=282'>Education</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=348'>Higher Education</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=282'>Education</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=350'>Math and Science Education</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/SRoII_lMezo" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13407 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13308#final 2012-08-16T00:00:00-04:00 2012-08-20T15:13:53-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The growing use of nuclear medicine, the potential expansion of nuclear power generation, and the urgent needs to protect the nation against external nuclear threats, to maintain our nuclear weapons stockpile, and to manage the nuclear wastes generated in past decades, require a substantial, highly trained, and exceptionally talented workforce. <em>Assuring a Future U.S.-Based Nuclear and Radiochemistry Expertise</em> examines supply and demand for expertise in nuclear chemistry nuclear science, and radiochemistry in the United States and presents possible approaches for ensuring adequate availability of these skills, including necessary science and technology training platforms.</p> <p><br /> Considering a range of reasonable scenarios looking to the future, none of these areas are likely to experience a decrease in demand for expertise. However, many in the current workforce are approaching retirement age and the number of students opting for careers in nuclear and radiochemistry has decreased dramatically over the past few decades. In order to avoid a gap in these critical areas, increases in student interest in these careers, in the research and educational capacity of universities and colleges, and sector specific on-the-job training will be needed. Concise recommendations are given for actions to avoid a shortage of nuclear chemistry, nuclear scientists, and radiochemists in the future. </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13308">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=288'>Health and Medicine</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=393'>Medical Technologies and Treatments</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/Lv9vyknIN5o" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13308 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13060#prepub 2012-08-15T12:45:01-04:00 2013-03-22T10:16:48-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Prepublication Now Available</strong></p> <p>From the interior of the Sun, to the upper atmosphere and near-space environment of Earth, and outward to a region far beyond Pluto where the Sun's influence wanes, advances during the past decade in space physics and solar physics--the disciplines NASA refers to as heliophysics--have yielded spectacular insights into the phenomena that affect our home in space.</p> <p><em>Solar and Space Physics</em>, from the National Research Council's (NRC's) Committee for a Decadal Strategy in Solar and Space Physics, is the second NRC decadal survey in heliophysics. Building on the research accomplishments realized during the past decade, the report presents a program of basic and applied research for the period 2013-2022 that will improve scientific understanding of the mechanisms that drive the Sun's activity and the fundamental physical processes underlying near-Earth plasma dynamics, determine the physical interactions of Earth's atmospheric layers in the context of the connected Sun-Earth system, and enhance greatly the capability to provide realistic and specific forecasts of Earth's space environment that will better serve the needs of society.</p> <p>Although the recommended program is directed primarily at NASA and the National Science Foundation for action, the report also recommends actions by other federal agencies, especially the parts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration charged with the day-to-day (operational) forecast of space weather. In addition to the recommendations included in this summary, related recommendations are presented in this report.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13060">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=418'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=419'>Space Exploration and Development</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=417'>Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/y65XFuKnBkk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13060 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13385#final 2012-07-31T00:00:00-04:00 2012-07-31T18:22:32-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The use of hazardous chemicals such as methyl isocyanate can be a significant concern to the residents of communities adjacent to chemical facilities, but is often an integral part of the chemical manufacturing process. In order to ensure that chemical manufacturing takes place in a manner that is safe for workers, members of the local community, and the environment, the philosophy of inherently safer processing can be used to identify opportunities to eliminate or reduce the hazards associated with chemical processing. However, the concepts of inherently safer process analysis have not yet been adopted in all chemical manufacturing plants. <em>The Use and Storage of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) at Bayer CropScience</em> presents a possible framework to help plant managers choose between alternative processing options-considering factors such as environmental impact and product yield as well as safety- to develop a chemical manufacturing system.</p> <p><br /> In 2008, an explosion at the Bayer CropScience chemical production plant in Institute, West Virginia, resulted in the deaths of two employees, a fire within the production unit, and extensive damage to nearby structures. The accident drew renewed attention to the fact that the Bayer facility manufactured and stores methyl isocyanate, or MIC - a volatile, highly toxic chemical used in the production of carbamate pesticides and the agent responsible for thousands of death in Bhopal, India, in 1984. In the Institute accident, debris from the blast hit the shield surrounding a MIC storage tank, and although the container was not damaged, an investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board found that the debris could have struck a relief valve vent pipe and cause the release of MIC to the atmosphere.</p> <p><br /> The Board's investigation also highlighted a number of weaknesses in the Bayer facility's emergency response systems. In light of these concerns, the Board requested the National Research Council convene a committee of independent experts to write a report that examines the use and storage of MIC at the Bayer facility. <em>The Use and Storage of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) at Bayer CropScience </em>also evaluates the analyses on alternative production methods for MIC and carbamate pesticides preformed by Bayer and the previous owners of the facility.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13385">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/CWvBcr1L6dY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13385 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13373#final 2012-07-03T10:45:01-04:00 2012-07-03T10:45:19-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The mathematical sciences are part of everyday life. Modern communication, transportation, science, engineering, technology, medicine, manufacturing, security, and finance all depend on the mathematical sciences. <em>Fueling Innovation and Discovery</em> describes recent advances in the mathematical sciences and advances enabled by mathematical sciences research. It is geared toward general readers who would like to know more about ongoing advances in the mathematical sciences and how these advances are changing our understanding of the world, creating new technologies, and transforming industries.</p> <p>Although the mathematical sciences are pervasive, they are often invoked without an explicit awareness of their presence. Prepared as part of the study on the Mathematical Sciences in 2025, a broad assessment of the current state of the mathematical sciences in the United States, <em>Fueling Innovation and Discovery</em> presents mathematical sciences advances in an engaging way. The report describes the contributions that mathematical sciences research has made to advance our understanding of the universe and the human genome. It also explores how the mathematical sciences are contributing to healthcare and national security, and the importance of mathematical knowledge and training to a range of industries, such as information technology and entertainment. </p> <p><em>Fueling Innovation and Discovery</em> will be of use to policy makers, researchers, business leaders, students, and others interested in learning more about the deep connections between the mathematical sciences and every other aspect of the modern world. To function well in a technologically advanced society, every educated person should be familiar with multiple aspects of the mathematical sciences.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13373">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/8pX7tAHKHIk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13373 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13395#final 2012-06-26T00:00:00-04:00 2012-06-26T13:26:02-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Advances in computing hardware and algorithms have dramatically improved the ability to simulate complex processes computationally. Today's simulation capabilities offer the prospect of addressing questions that in the past could be addressed only by resource-intensive experimentation, if at all. <i>Assessing the Reliability of Complex Models</i> recognizes the ubiquity of uncertainty in computational estimates of reality and the necessity for its quantification.</p> <p>As computational science and engineering have matured, the process of quantifying or bounding uncertainties in a computational estimate of a physical quality of interest has evolved into a small set of interdependent tasks: verification, validation, and uncertainty of quantification (VVUQ). In recognition of the increasing importance of computational simulation and the increasing need to assess uncertainties in computational results, the National Research Council was asked to study the mathematical foundations of VVUQ and to recommend steps that will ultimately lead to improved processes.</p> <p><i>Assessing the Reliability of Complex Models</i> discusses changes in education of professionals and dissemination of information that should enhance the ability of future VVUQ practitioners to improve and properly apply VVUQ methodologies to difficult problems, enhance the ability of VVUQ customers to understand VVUQ results and use them to make informed decisions, and enhance the ability of all VVUQ stakeholders to communicate with each other. This report is an essential resource for all decision and policy makers in the field, students, stakeholders, UQ experts, and VVUQ educators and practitioners.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13395">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/EXglpp0RAhw" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13395 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13366#final 2012-05-30T09:45:01-04:00 2012-05-30T09:47:13-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The Chemical Sciences Roundtable (CSR) was established in 1997 by the National Research Council (NRC). It provides a science oriented apolitical forum for leaders in the chemical sciences to discuss chemistry-related issues affecting government, industry, and universities. Organized by the National Research Council's Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology, the CSR aims to strengthen the chemical sciences by fostering communication among the people and organizations - spanning industry, government, universities, and professional associations - involved with the chemical enterprise. One way it does this is by organizing workshops that address issues in chemical science and technology that require national attention.</p> <p><br /> In September 2011, the CSR organized a workshop on the topic, "The Role of Chemical Sciences in Finding Alternatives to Critical Resources." The one-and-a-half-day workshop addressed key topics, including the economic and political matrix, the history of societal responses to key mineral and material shortages, the applications for and properties of existing minerals and materials, and the chemistry of possible replacements. The workshop featured several presentations highlighting the importance of critical nonfuel mineral and material resources in history, catalysis, agriculture, and electronic, magnetic, and optical applications.</p> <p><br /> The Role of the Chemical Sciences in Finding Alternatives to Critical Resources: A Workshop Summary explains the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. In accordance with the policies of the NRC, the workshop did not attempt to establish any conclusions or recommendations about needs and future directions, focusing instead on issues identified by the speakers.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13366">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=283'></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=356'>Energy Resources</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/WfG-lJ4m1A4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13366 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13317#final 2012-04-02T00:00:00-04:00 2012-05-15T10:28:29-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Small particles are ubiquitous in the natural and built worlds and have tremendous impact throughout. However, a lack of understanding about the properties and chemical composition of small particles limits our ability to predict, and control their applications and impacts. </p> <p>Challenges in Characterizing Small Particles: Exploring Particles from the Nano- to Microscales summarizes presentations and discussions at a 2010 National Academies roundtable. Speakers at this roundtable discussed the crucial types of information that need to be determined about small particles in different media. They also explored the critical importance of small particles in environmental science, materials and chemical sciences, biological science, and engineering, and the many challenges involved in characterizing materials at the nano- and microscales. The discussions on characterization included static, dynamic, experimental, computational, and theoretical characterization. The workshop also included several "research tool" presentations that highlighted new advances in characterizing small particles.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13317">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=285'></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=369'>Environmental Health and Safety</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/RsrVKoOGz30" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13317 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13371#final 2012-03-19T00:00:00-04:00 2012-03-19T12:12:19-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The scientific and technological progress in inertial confinement fusion has been substantial during the past decade. However, many of the technologies needed for an integrated inertial fusion energy system are still at an early stage of technological maturity. For all approaches to inertial fusion energy there remain critical scientific and engineering challenges.</p> <br /> <br /> <p>In this interim report of the study An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy, the Committee on the Prospects for Inertial Confinement Fusion Energy Systems outlines their preliminary conclusions and recommendations of the feasibility of inertial fusion energy. The committee also describes its anticipated next steps as it prepares its final report.</p> <br /> <br /> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13371">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=283'>Energy and Energy Conservation</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=358'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/1w-zkc6uNy4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13371 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13372#final 2012-03-07T10:45:01-05:00 2012-03-07T11:04:08-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The Blue Grass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP) is under construction and will destroy the chemical weapons stockpile currently stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot near Richmond, Kentucky. The Committee to Review the Water Recovery System at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant was assembled to review the water recovery system (WRS) that will be used to recycle the combined supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) system, cooling tower blowdown, and steam blowdown effluents for reuse as quench water in the SCWO process.</p> <br /> <br /> <p><em>The Blue Grass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant's Water Recovery System </em>discusses various aspects of the WRS design and the committee's findings and recommendations. This report specifically reviews the anticipated operability of the current WRS design and the materials of construction selected for the WRS. This report reflects the reservations and recommendations of committee experts and will assist the BGCAPP program staff in operating the plant in as trouble-free a manner as possible.</p> <br /> <br /> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13372">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=280'></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=327'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=285'></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=376'>Waste Disposal and Clean Up</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/whZw4PiM93w" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13372 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10189#final 2012-03-02T14:37:15-05:00 2012-03-02T14:42:57-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>"Vive la Revolution!" was the theme of the Twenty-Third Symposium on Naval Hydrodynamics held in Val de Reuil, France, from September 17-22, 2000 as more than 140 experts in ship design, construction, and operation came together to exchange naval research developments. The forum encouraged both formal and informal discussion of presented papers, and the occasion provides an opportunity for direct communication between international peers. </p> <p>This book includes sixty-three papers presented at the symposium which was organized jointly by the Office of Naval Research, the National Research Council (Naval Studies Board), and the Bassin d'Essais des Car&egrave;nes. This book includes the ten topical areas discussed at the symposium: wave-induced motions and loads, hydrodynamics in ship design, propulsor hydrodynamics and hydroacoustics, CFD validation, viscous ship hydrodynamics, cavitation and bubbly flow, wave hydrodynamics, wake dynamics, shallow water hydrodynamics, and fluid dynamics in the naval context.<br /> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10189">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/8ADCZxTlXq0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10189 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13282#final 2012-02-07T00:00:00-05:00 2012-02-07T15:06:09-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) communicates its science and engineering (S&E) information to data users in a very fluid environment that is undergoing modernization at a pace at which data producer dissemination practices, protocols, and technologies, on one hand, and user demands and capabilities, on the other, are changing faster than the agency has been able to accommodate. NCSES asked the Committee on National Statistics and the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board of the National Research Council to form a panel to review the NCSES communication and dissemination program that is concerned with the collection and distribution of information on science and engineering and to recommend future directions for the program.</p> <p><i>Communicating Science and Engineering Data in the Information Age</i> includes recommendations to improve NCSES's dissemination program and improve data user engagement. This report includes recommendations such as NCSES's transition to a dissemination framework that emphasizes database management rather than data presentation, and that NCSES analyze the results of its initial online consumer survey and refine it over time. The implementation of the report's recommendations should be undertaken within an overall framework that accords priority to the basic quality of the data and the fundamentals of dissemination, then to significant enhancements that are achievable in the short term, while laying the groundwork for other long-term improvements.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13282">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=279'></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=323'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/uUKVxTbcZEk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13282 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13204#final 2012-02-02T00:00:00-05:00 2012-02-03T10:52:34-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>According to the big bang theory, our Universe began in a state of unimaginably high energy and density, contained in a space of subatomic dimensions. At that time, unlike today, the fundamental forces of nature were presumably unified and the particles present were interacting at energies not attainable by present-day accelerators. Underground laboratories provide the conditions to investigate processes involving rare phenomena in matter and to detect the weak effects of highly elusive particles by replicating similar environments to those once harnessed during the earliest states of the Earth. These laboratories now appear to be the gateway to understanding the physics of the grand unification of the forces of nature.</p> <p>Built to shield extremely sensitive detectors from the noise of their surroundings and the signals associated with cosmic rays, underground facilities have been established during the last 30 years at a number of sites worldwide. To date, the United States' efforts to develop such facilities have been modest and consist primarily of small underground laboratories. However, the U.S. underground community has pushed for larger underground facilities on the scale of major laboratories in other countries. <em>An Assessment of the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory</em> (DUSEL) addresses this matter by evaluating the major physics questions and experiments that could be explored with the proposed DUSEL. Measuring the potential impact, this assessment also examines the broader effects of the DUSEL in regards to education and public outreach, and evaluates the need associated with developing U.S. programs similar to science programs in other regions of the world.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13204">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=361'>Construction: Design, Research, Planning</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=417'>Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/tuEu5iEbBhw" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13204 tag:nap.edu,2012:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10264#final 2012-01-25T15:37:57-05:00 2012-01-25T15:47:58-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>At the time of the assassination of President Kennedy the Dallas police recorded sounds from an open microphone; these sounds have been previously analyzed by two research groups at the request of the House Select Committee on Assassinations. Both groups concluded with 95% probability that the recordings contained acoustic impulses which provide evidence for the existence of a shot from the grassy knoll area of Dealey Plaza. On the basis of these results and since shots definitely were fired from the Texas School Book Depository, the House Committee concluded that "scientific acoustical evidence establishes a high probability that two gunmen fired at President John F. Kennedy.<br /> </br> <i>Report of the Committee on Ballistic Acoustics</i> studied these reports and the Dallas Police recordings on which they are based. This book reviews the methodology employed in the evaluations of the recorded acoustic data and of the conclusions about the existence of a shot from the grassy knoll. According to this report, the acoustic analyses do not demonstrate that there was a grassy knoll shot, and in particular there is no acoustic basis for the claim of 95% probability of such a shot. The acoustic impulses attributed to gunshots were recorded about one minute after the President had been shot and the motorcade had been instructed to go to the hospital. Therefore, reliable acoustic data do not support a conclusion that there was a second gunman.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10264">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/o5eFFzqQth0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10264 tag:nap.edu,2011:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13309#final 2011-12-07T10:45:01-05:00 2011-12-07T12:15:59-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>This letter report describes the 2009-2011 activities of the Board on Global Science and Technology (BGST) and provides an initial characterization of the global science and technology landscape that the Board can use as a roadmap to develop future activities. BGST met five times between November 2009 and May 2011. Board meetings were devoted to (1) identifying national security implications of the globalization of S&T, (2) building a baseline understanding of current indicators for the U.S. posture with regard to the evolving global S&T landscape, and (3) developing a BGST engagement strategy. The letter portion of the report summarizes activities of the board in its first year, and also describes some existing approaches to identifying and/or benchmarking emerging technologies globally. It is followed by 5 appendixes which include three experimental examples of a qualitative approach to benchmarking, and brief descriptions of programs that are part of the National Academies complex, with which BGST has cooperated.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13309">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/Y7K0_c8mvOM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13309 tag:nap.edu,2011:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13106#final 2011-07-08T09:45:01-04:00 2012-01-25T14:07:57-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>It is critical that we increase public knowledge and understanding of science and technology issues through formal and informal learning for the United States to maintain its competitive edge in today's global economy. Since most Americans learn about science outside of school, we must take advantage of opportunities to present chemistry content on television, the Internet, in museums, and in other informal educational settings.</p> <p>In May 2010, the National Academies' Chemical Sciences Roundtable held a workshop to examine how the public obtains scientific information informally and to discuss methods that chemists can use to improve and expand efforts to reach a general, nontechnical audience. Workshop participants included chemical practitioners (e.g., graduate students, postdocs, professors, administrators); experts on informal learning; public and private funding organizations; science writers, bloggers, publishers, and university communications officers; and television and Internet content producers. <em>Chemistry in Primetime and Online</em> is a factual summary of what occurred in that workshop.</p> <p><em>Chemistry in Primetime and Online</em> examines science content, especially chemistry, in various informal educational settings. It explores means of measuring recognition and retention of the information presented in various media formats and settings. Although the report does not provide any conclusions or recommendations about needs and future directions, it does discuss the need for chemists to connect more with professional writers, artists, or videographers, who know how to communicate with and interest general audiences. It also emphasizes the importance of formal education in setting the stage for informal interactions with chemistry and chemists.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13106">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=282'>Education</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=350'>Math and Science Education</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/vu43aV2dRO8" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13106 tag:nap.edu,2011:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12984#final 2011-06-29T00:00:00-04:00 2011-07-01T13:22:26-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>In order for the United States to maintain the global leadership and competitiveness in science and technology that are critical to achieving national goals, we must invest in research, encourage innovation, and grow a strong and talented science and technology workforce. <em>Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation </em>explores the role of diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce and its value in keeping America innovative and competitive. According to the book, the U.S. labor market is projected to grow faster in science and engineering than in any other sector in the coming years, making minority participation in STEM education at all levels a national priority.</p> <p><em>Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation </em>analyzes the rate of change and the challenges the nation currently faces in developing a strong and diverse workforce. Although minorities are the fastest growing segment of the population, they are underrepresented in the fields of science and engineering. Historically, there has been a strong connection between increasing educational attainment in the United States and the growth in and global leadership of the economy. Expanding <em>Underrepresented Minority Participation </em>suggests that the federal government, industry, and post-secondary institutions work collaboratively with K-12 schools and school systems to increase minority access to and demand for post-secondary STEM education and technical training.</p> <p>The book also identifies best practices and offers a comprehensive road map for increasing involvement of underrepresented minorities and improving the quality of their education. It offers recommendations that focus on academic and social support, institutional roles, teacher preparation, affordability and program development.</p> <p><br /> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12984">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=282'>Education</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=350'>Math and Science Education</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=362'>Engineering Education</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=289'>Industry and Labor</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=407'>Workforce and Labor Issues</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=282'>Education</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=347'>Engineering Education</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/GMcJ85FwrZg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12984 tag:nap.edu,2011:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13168#final 2011-06-27T00:00:00-04:00 2011-06-28T12:06:46-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>On May 8, 2009, the symposium, <i>The Federal Statistical System: Recognizing Its Contributions, Moving It Forward</i> was held in Washington, DC. One of the topics considered at that symposium was the health of innovation in the federal statistical system. A consequence of the symposium was an agreement by the Committee on National Statistics to hold a workshop on the future of innovation in the federal statistical system. This workshop was held on June 29, 2010.</p> <p>The original statement of task for the workshop focused on three challenges to the statistical system: (1) the obstacles to innovative, focused research and development initiatives that could make statistical programs more cost effective; (2) a gap between emerging data visualization and communications technologies and the ability of statistical agencies to understand and capitalize on these developments for their data dissemination programs; and (3) the maturation of the information technology (IT) discipline and the difficulties confronting individual agencies in keeping current with best practice in IT regarding data confidentiality.</p> <p>This report, <i>Facilitating Innovation in the Federal Statistical System,</i> is a descriptive summary of what transpired at the workshop. It is therefore limited to the views and opinions of the workshop participants. However, it does not strictly follow the agenda of the workshop, which had four sessions. Instead, it is organized around the themes of the discussions, which migrated across the four sessions.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13168">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=279'>Computers and Information Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=320'>Information Security and Privacy</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/SqxRrIIwl7o" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13168 tag:nap.edu,2011:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13098#final 2011-06-01T00:00:00-04:00 2011-10-11T16:38:41-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Less than a month after the September 11, 2001 attacks, letters containing spores of anthrax bacteria (Bacillus anthracis, or B. anthracis) were sent through the U.S. mail. Between October 4 and November 20, 2001, 22 individuals developed anthrax; 5 of the cases were fatal.</p> <p>During its investigation of the anthrax mailings, the FBI worked with other federal agencies to coordinate and conduct scientific analyses of the anthrax letter spore powders, environmental samples, clinical samples, and samples collected from laboratories that might have been the source of the letter-associated spores. The agency relied on external experts, including some who had developed tests to differentiate among strains of B. anthracis. In 2008, seven years into the investigation, the FBI asked the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct an independent review of the scientific approaches used during the investigation of the 2001 B. anthracis mailings. <br /> <br /> <em>Review of the Scientific Approaches Used During the FBI's Investigation of the Anthrax Letters </em>evaluates the scientific foundation for the techniques used by the FBI to determine whether these techniques met appropriate standards for scientific reliability and for use in forensic validation, and whether the FBI reached appropriate scientific conclusions from its use of these techniques. This report reviews and assesses scientific evidence considered in connection with the 2001 Bacillus anthracis mailings.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13098">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=280'>Conflict and Security Issues</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=327'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=278'>Biology and Life Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=317'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=280'>Conflict and Security Issues</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=328'>Prevention, Security and Response</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/bDPMKudrX34" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13098 tag:nap.edu,2011:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12654#final 2011-03-25T10:45:02-04:00 2011-03-30T13:12:07-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p><em>Prudent Practices in the Laboratory</em>--the book that has served for decades as the standard for chemical laboratory safety practice--now features updates and new topics. This revised edition has an expanded chapter on chemical management and delves into new areas, such as nanotechnology, laboratory security, and emergency planning.</p> <p>Developed by experts from academia and industry, with specialties in such areas as chemical sciences, pollution prevention, and laboratory safety, <em>Prudent Practices in the Laboratory</em> provides guidance on planning procedures for the handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals. The book offers prudent practices designed to promote safety and includes practical information on assessing hazards, managing chemicals, disposing of wastes, and more.</p> <p><em>Prudent Practices in the Laboratory</em> will continue to serve as the leading source of chemical safety guidelines for people working with laboratory chemicals: research chemists, technicians, safety officers, educators, and students.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12654">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=285'>Environment and Environmental Studies</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=376'>Waste Disposal and Clean Up</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/KH3qCn8jI3Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12654 tag:nap.edu,2010:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13024#final 2010-12-09T00:00:00-05:00 2010-12-10T10:36:43-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>This report summarizes the proceedings of a workshop convened in June 2010 to critically examine the various databases that could provide national and state-level estimates of low-income uninsured children and could be effectively used as criteria for monitoring children's health insurance coverage.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13024">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=288'>Health and Medicine</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=386'>Children's Health</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=288'>Health and Medicine</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=392'>Healthcare and Quality</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/Mtw2nbdeWkQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13024 tag:nap.edu,2010:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13008#final 2010-10-27T00:00:00-04:00 2010-10-28T11:40:25-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The mission of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Physics Laboratory is to support U.S. industry, government, and the scientific community by providing measurement services and research for electronic, optical, and radiation technology. In this respect, the laboratory provides the foundation for the metrology of optical and ionizing radiations, time and frequency, and fundamental quantum processes, historically major areas of standards and technology. <br /> The Panel on Physics visited the six divisions of the laboratory and reviewed a selected sample of their programs and projects.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13008">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/k0ixCen8UHI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13008 tag:nap.edu,2010:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12857#final 2010-09-07T00:00:00-04:00 2010-09-09T20:30:03-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>There is growing concern about the possible use of toxic industrial chemicals or other hazardous chemicals by those seeking to perpetrate acts of terrorism. The U.S. Chemical Security Engagement Program (CSP), funded by the U.S. Department of State and run by Sandia National Laboratories, seeks to develop and facilitate cooperative international activities that promote best practices in chemical security and safe management of toxic chemicals, including:</p> <ul> <li>Partnering with host governments, chemical professionals, and industry to assess and fill gaps in chemical security abroad.</li> <li>Providing technical expertise and training to improve best practices in security and safety among chemical professionals and industry.</li> <li>Increasing transparency and accountability for dangerous chemical materials, expertise, and technologies.</li> <li>Providing opportunities for collaboration with the international professional chemical community.</li> </ul> <p>The Department of State called on the National Academies to assist in the CSP's efforts to promote chemical safety and security in developing countries.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12857">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=285'>Environment and Environmental Studies</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=376'>Waste Disposal and Clean Up</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/1IRBnwknv8o" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12857 tag:nap.edu,2010:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12814#final 2010-05-11T00:00:00-04:00 2009-12-04T10:45:01-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Information about the characteristics of jobs and the individuals who fill them is valuable for career guidance, reemployment counseling, workforce development, human resource management, and other purposes. To meet these needs, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in 1998 launched the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), which consists of a content model--a framework for organizing occupational data--and an electronic database. The O*NET content model includes hundreds of descriptors of work and workers organized into domains, such as skills, knowledge, and work activities. Data are collected using a classification system that organizes job titles into 1,102 occupations.<br /> <br /> The National Center for O*NET Development (the O*NET Center) continually collects data related to these occupations. In 2008, DOL requested the National Academies to review O*NET and consider its future directions. In response, the present volume inventories and evaluates the uses of O*NET; explores the linkage of O*NET with the Standard Occupational Classification System and other data sets; and identifies ways to improve O*NET, particularly in the areas of cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and currency.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12814">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=289'>Industry and Labor</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=407'>Workforce and Labor Issues</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/Gn9JQpxDdeU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12814 tag:nap.edu,2010:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12809#final 2010-02-25T00:00:00-05:00 2009-11-18T10:46:03-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Traditionally, the natural sciences have been divided into two branches: the biological sciences and the physical sciences. Today, an increasing number of scientists are addressing problems lying at the intersection of the two. These problems are most often biological in nature, but examining them through the lens of the physical sciences can yield exciting results and opportunities. For example, one area producing effective cross-discipline research opportunities centers on the dynamics of systems. Equilibrium, multistability, and stochastic behavior--concepts familiar to physicists and chemists--are now being used to tackle issues associated with living systems such as adaptation, feedback, and emergent behavior.<br /> <br /> <i>Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences</i> discusses how some of the most important scientific and societal challenges can be addressed, at least in part, by collaborative research that lies at the intersection of traditional disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and physics. This book describes how some of the mysteries of the biological world are being addressed using tools and techniques developed in the physical sciences, and identifies five areas of potentially transformative research. Work in these areas would have significant impact in both research and society at large by expanding our understanding of the physical world and by revealing new opportunities for advancing public health, technology, and stewardship of the environment.<br /> <br /> This book recommends several ways to accelerate such cross-discipline research. Many of these recommendations are directed toward those administering the faculties and resources of our great research institutions--and the stewards of our research funders, making this book an excellent resource for academic and research institutions, scientists, universities, and federal and private funding agencies.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12809">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=278'>Biology and Life Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=314'>Biotechnology</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=278'>Biology and Life Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=317'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/rS6vHLB92tE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12809 tag:nap.edu,2010:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12772#final 2010-01-27T00:00:00-05:00 2009-09-30T10:45:01-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Two surveys of the National Science Foundation's Division of Science Resources Statistics (SRS) provide some of the most significant data available to understand research and development spending and policy in the United States. These are the Survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development and the Survey of Federal Science and Engineering Support to Universities, Colleges, and Nonprofit Institutions. These surveys help reach conclusions about fundamental policy questions, such as whether a given field of research is adequately funded, whether funding is balanced among fields, and whether deficiencies in funding may be contributing to a loss of U.S. scientific or economic competitiveness. <br /> <br /> However, the survey data are of insufficient quality and timeliness to support many of the demands put on them. In addition the surveys are increasingly difficult to conduct in times of constrained resources, and their technological, procedural, and conceptual infrastructure has not been modernized for procedure or content. <br /> <br /> <i>Data on Federal Research and Development Investments</i> reviews the uses and collection of data on federal funds and federal support for science and technology and recommends future directions for the program based on an assessment of these uses and the adequacy of the surveys. The book also considers the classification structure, or taxonomy, for the fields of science and engineering.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12772">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/lzAU5dCFiGU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12772 tag:nap.edu,2010:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12841#final 2010-01-25T00:00:00-05:00 2010-01-19T10:45:01-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The financial reform plans currently under discussion in the United States recognize the need for monitoring and regulating systemic risk in the financial sector. To inform those discussions, the National Research Council held a workshop on November 3, 2009, to identify the major technical challenges to building such a capability. The workshop, summarized in this volume, addressed the following key issues as they relate to systemic risk:</p> <ul> <li>What data and analytical tools are currently available to regulators to address this challenge?</li> <li>What further data-collection and data-analysis capabilities are needed?</li> <li>What specific resource needs are required to accomplish the task?</li> <li>What are the major technical challenges associated with systemic risk regulation?</li> <li>What are various options for building these capabilities?</li> </ul> <p>Because every systemic event is unique with respect to its specific pathology--the various triggers and the propagation of effects--the workshop focused on the issues listed above for systemic risk in general rather than for any specific scenario. Thus, by design, the workshop explicitly addressed neither the causes of the current crisis nor policy options for reducing risk, and it attempted to steer clear of some policy issues altogether (such as how to allocate new supervisory responsibilities). More than 40 experts representing diverse perspectives participated in the workshop.</p> <p> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12841">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=289'>Industry and Labor</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=304'>Economics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/9Ll6BTFKpdY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12841 tag:nap.edu,2009:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12740#final 2009-11-06T10:45:01-05:00 2009-11-06T10:45:01-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p><i>Improving the Measurement of Late-Life Disability in Population Surveys</i> summarizes a workshop organized to draw upon recent advances to improve the measurement of physical and cognitive disability in population surveys of the elderly population. The book questions whether or not the measures of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living used in many population surveys are sufficient as the primary survey-based indicators of late-life disability. If not, should they be refined or should they be supplemented by other measures of disability in surveys? If yes, in what ways should disability measures be changed or modified to produce population estimates of late-life disability and to monitor trends? The book also discusses what further research is needed to advance this effort.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12740">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=277'>Behavioral and Social Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=308'>Population and Fertility Studies</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/gTXId8_tzTk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12740 tag:nap.edu,2009:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12640#final 2009-10-27T00:00:00-04:00 2009-04-13T10:45:01-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>For much of the past 60 years, the U.S. research community dominated the discovery of new crystalline materials and the growth of large single crystals, placing the country at the forefront of fundamental advances in condensed-matter sciences and fueling the development of many of the new technologies at the core of U.S. economic growth. The opportunities offered by future developments in this field remain as promising as the achievements of the past. However, the past 20 years have seen a substantial deterioration in the United States' capability to pursue those opportunities at a time when several European and Asian countries have significantly increased investments in developing their own capacities in these areas. This book seeks both to set out the challenges and opportunities facing those who discover new crystalline materials and grow large crystals and to chart a way for the United States to reinvigorate its efforts and thereby return to a position of leadership in this field.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12640">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=364'>Materials</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/JL0DzfybeaE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12640 tag:nap.edu,2009:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12715#final 2009-10-26T00:00:00-04:00 2009-07-28T15:28:51-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Beginning in 2006, the Census Bureau embarked on a program to reengineer the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) to reduce its costs and improve data quality and timeliness. The Bureau also requested the National Academies to consider the advantages and disadvantages of strategies for linking administrative records and survey data, taking account of the accessibility of relevant administrative records, the operational feasibility of linking, the quality and usefulness of the linked data, and the ability to provide access to the linked data while protecting the confidentiality of individual respondents. <br /> In response, this volume first examines the history of SIPP and reviews the survey's purpose, value, strengths, and weaknesses. The book examines alternative uses of administrative records in a reengineered SIPP and, finally, considers innovations in SIPP design and data collection, including the proposed use of annual interviews with an event history calendar. <br /> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12715">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=289'>Industry and Labor</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=304'>Economics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/ykK7IjYDsxI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12715 tag:nap.edu,2009:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12714#final 2009-10-08T10:45:01-04:00 2009-10-08T10:45:01-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Vital statistics, the records of birth and death, are a critical national information resource for understanding public health. Over the past few decades, the specific program that gathers the data has evolved into a complex cooperative program between the federal and state governments for social measurement. The Vital Statistics Cooperative Program (VSCP) is currently maintained by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). <br /> <br /> The U.S. vital statistics system relies on the original information reported by myriad individuals, channeled through varying state and local information systems, and coordinated and processed by a federal statistical agency that has experienced relatively flat funding for many years. The challenges facing the vital statistics system and the continuing importance of the resulting data make it an important topic for examination. <br /> <br /> A workshop, held by the National Academies and summarized in this volume, considered the importance of adequate vital statistics. In particular, the workshop assessed both current and emerging uses of the data, considered the methodological and organizational features of compiling vital data, and identified possible visions for the vital statistics program.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12714">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=277'>Behavioral and Social Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=308'>Population and Fertility Studies</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/roIohYdRgX8" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12714 tag:nap.edu,2009:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12533#final 2009-05-20T09:45:01-04:00 2009-05-20T09:45:01-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>A strong chemical workforce in the United States will be essential to the ability to address many issues of societal concern in the future, including demand for renewable energy, more advanced materials, and more sophisticated pharmaceuticals. High school chemistry teachers have a critical role to play in engaging and supporting the chemical workforce of the future, but they must be sufficiently knowledgeable and skilled to produce the levels of scientific literacy that students need to succeed.<br /> To identify key leverage points for improving high school chemistry education, the National Academies' Chemical Sciences Roundtable held a public workshop, summarized in this volume, that brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, scientific societies, and foundations involved in outreach programs for high school chemistry teachers. Presentations at the workshop, which was held in August 2008, addressed the current status of high school chemistry education; provided examples of public and private outreach programs for high school chemistry teachers; and explored ways to evaluate the success of these outreach programs.<br /> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12533">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=282'>Education</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=350'>Math and Science Education</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=282'>Education</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=353'>Teacher Preparation and Professional Development</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/ndZoPCIVieA" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12533 tag:nap.edu,2009:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12564#final 2009-03-13T00:00:00-04:00 2009-03-11T10:45:01-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Since 1992, the Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) has produced a book on principles and practices for a federal statistical agency, updating the document every 4 years to provide a current edition to newly appointed cabinet secretaries at the beginning of each presidential administration. <br /> <br /> This fourth edition presents and comments on four basic principles that statistical agencies must embody in order to carry out their mission fully: <br /> (1) They must produce objective data that are relevant to policy issues, <br /> (2) they must achieve and maintain credibility among data users, <br /> (3) they must achieve and maintain trust among data providers, and <br /> (4) they must achieve and maintain a strong position of independence from the appearance and reality of political control. <br /> <br /> The book also discusses 11 important practices that are means for statistical agencies to live up to the four principles. These practices include a commitment to quality and professional practice and an active program of methodological and substantive research. This fourth edition adds the principle that statistical agencies must operate from a strong position of independence and the practice that agencies must have ongoing internal and external evaluations of their programs.<br /> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12564">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/Z6xwq2zv2qE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12564 tag:nap.edu,2009:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12532#final 2009-03-09T00:00:00-04:00 2009-02-12T09:45:01-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>This book presents an in-depth analysis of the investment in catalysis basic research by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) Catalysis Science Program. Catalysis is essential to our ability to control chemical reactions, including those involved in energy transformations. Catalysis is therefore integral to current and future energy solutions, such as the environmentally benign use of hydrocarbons and new energy sources (such as biomass and solar energy) and new efficient energy systems (such as fuel cells). <br /> <br /> <i>Catalysis for Energy</i> concludes that BES has done well with its investment in catalysis basic research. Its investment has led to a greater understanding of the fundamental catalytic processes that underlie energy applications, and it has contributed to meeting long-term national energy goals by focusing research on catalytic processes that reduce energy consumption or use alternative energy sources. In some areas the impact of the research has been dramatic, while in others, important advances in catalysis science are yet to be made.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12532">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=283'>Energy and Energy Conservation</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=356'>Energy Resources</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/WwizABQ2JrE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12532 tag:nap.edu,2009:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12449#final 2009-01-21T00:00:00-05:00 2008-07-29T09:45:01-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>ITER presents the United States and its international partners with the opportunity to explore new and exciting frontiers of plasma science while bringing the promise of fusion energy closer to reality. The ITER project has garnered the commitment and will draw on the scientific potential of seven international partners, China, the European Union, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States, countries that represent more than half of the world's population. The success of ITER will depend on each partner's ability to fully engage itself in the scientific and technological challenges posed by advancing our understanding of fusion.</p> <p>In this book, the National Research Council assesses the current U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plan for U.S. fusion community participation in ITER, evaluates the plan's elements, and recommends appropriate goals, procedures, and metrics for consideration in the future development of the plan.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12449">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=283'>Energy and Energy Conservation</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=356'>Energy Resources</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/O6yhfx3K_RY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12449 tag:nap.edu,2008:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12210#final 2008-11-14T00:00:00-05:00 2008-09-30T10:45:02-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The U.S. Army Program Manager for Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PMACWA) is charged with disposing of chemical weapons as stored at two sites: Pueblo, Colorado, and Blue Grass, Kentucky. In accordance with congressional mandates, technologies other than incineration are to be used if they are as safe and as cost effective. The weapons are to be disposed of in compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. Although an element of the U.S. Army, the PMACWA is responsible to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisitions, Technology, and Logistics for completing this mission.<br /> This book deals with the expected significant quantities of secondary wastes that will be generated during operations of the facilities and their closure. While there are only estimates for the waste quantities that will be generated, they provide a good basis for planning and developing alternatives for waste disposal while the plants are still in the design phase. Establishing efficient disposal options for the secondary wastes can enable more timely and cost-effective operation and closure of the facilities.<br /> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12210">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=280'>Conflict and Security Issues</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=327'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=285'>Environment and Environmental Studies</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=376'>Waste Disposal and Clean Up</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/g6I304JyYPM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12210 tag:nap.edu,2008:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12055#final 2008-11-14T00:00:00-05:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Mechanical engineering is critical to the design, manufacture, and operation of small and large mechanical systems throughout the U.S. economy. This book highlights the main findings of a benchmarking exercise to rate the standing of U.S. mechanical engineering basic research relative to other regions or countries. The book includes key factors that influence U.S. performance in mechanical engineering research, and near- and longer-term projections of research leadership. </p> <p>U.S. leadership in mechanical engineering basic research overall will continue to be strong. Contributions of U.S. mechanical engineers to journal articles will increase, but so will the contributions from other growing economies such as China and India. At the same time, the supply of U.S. mechanical engineers is in jeopardy, because of declines in the number of U.S. citizens obtaining advanced degrees and uncertain prospects for continuing to attract foreign students. U.S. funding of mechanical engineering basic research and infrastructure will remain level, with strong leadership in emerging areas.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12055">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=365'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/XMwv85KKICo" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12055 tag:nap.edu,2008:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12499#final 2008-10-27T00:00:00-04:00 2008-10-07T10:45:10-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The mission of the NIST Physics Laboratory is to support U.S. industry, government, and the scientific community by providing measurement services and research for electronic, optical, and radiation technology. In this respect, the laboratory provides the foundation for the metrology of optical and ionizing radiations, time and frequency, and fundamental quantum processes, historically major areas of standards and technology.<br /> <br /> The Panel on Physics visited the six divisions of the laboratory and reviewed a selected sample of their programs and projects. This book finds that the overall quality and productivity of the Physics Laboratory are comparable to or better than those of other peer institutions, an accomplishment that is being achieved with an infrastructure that is smaller in both size and funding than the size and funding of most national and agency laboratories in the United States.<br /> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12499">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/cRLC8Ereb4k" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12499 tag:nap.edu,2008:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12244#final 2008-08-11T00:00:00-04:00 2008-06-02T10:45:01-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> The National Science Foundation (NSF) has long collected information on the number and characteristics of individuals with education or employment in science and engineering and related fields in the United States. An important motivation for this effort is to fulfill a congressional mandate to monitor the status of women and minorities in the science and engineering workforce. Consequently, many statistics are calculated by race or ethnicity, gender, and disability status. For more than 25 years, NSF obtained a sample frame for identifying the target population for information it gathered from the list of respondents to the decennial census long-form who indicated that they had earned a bachelors or higher degree. The probability that an individual was sampled from this list was dependent on both demographic and employment characteristics. But, the source for the sample frame will no longer be available because the census long-form is being replaced as of the 2010 census with the continuous collection of detailed demographic and other information in the new American Community Survey (ACS). At the request of NSF's Science Resources Statistics Division, the Committee on National Statistics of the National Research Council formed a panel to conduct a workshop and study the issues involved in replacing the decennial census long-form sample with a sample from the ACS to serve as the frame for the information the NSF gathers. The workshop had the specific objective of identifying issues for the collection of field of degree information on the ACS with regard to goals, content, statistical methodology, data quality, and data products. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12244">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=289'>Industry and Labor</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=407'>Workforce and Labor Issues</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/9RRtQHhF55Q" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12244 tag:nap.edu,2008:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12442#final 2008-07-16T09:45:01-04:00 2008-07-16T09:45:01-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Extremely hazardous substances (EHSs) can be released accidentally as a result of chemical spills, industrial explosions, fires, or accidents involving railroad cars or trucks transporting EHSs or intentionally through terrorist activities. These substances can also be released by improper storage or handling. Workers and residents in communities surrounding industrial facilities where EHSs are manufactured, used, or stored and in communities along the nation's railways and highways are potentially at risk of being exposed to airborne EHSs during accidental or intentional releases. <p>In 1993, the National Advisory Committee was tasked with developing acute exposure guideline levels (AEGLs) for approximately 200 EHSs. This book is the fifteenth interim report from that committee. It summarizes the committee's conclusions and recommendations for improving documents for 16 chemicals and one chemical mixture identified as EHSs. The report also summarizes the committee's conclusions and recommendations for improving a draft white paper that proposes standard operating procedures for using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling as a tool in the AEGLs development program. </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12442">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/TbNROl8XO80" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12442 tag:nap.edu,2008:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12211#final 2008-07-16T00:00:00-04:00 2008-05-22T10:45:01-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> The National Children's Study (NCS) is planned to be the largest long-term study of environmental and genetic effects on children's health ever conducted in the United States. It proposes to examine the effects of environmental influences on the health and development of approximately 100,000 children across the United States, following them from before birth until age 21. By archiving all of the data collected, the NCS is intended to provide a valuable resource for analyses conducted many years into the future. <p>This book evaluates the research plan for the NCS, by assessing the scientific rigor of the study and the extent to which it is being carried out with methods, measures, and collection of data and specimens to maximize the scientific yield of the study.</p> <p>The book concludes that if the NCS is conducted as proposed, the database derived from the study should be valuable for investigating hypotheses described in the research plan as well as additional hypotheses that will evolve. Nevertheless, there are important weaknesses and shortcomings in the research plan that diminish the study's expected value below what it might be. <p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12211">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=277'>Behavioral and Social Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=303'>Children, Youth and Families</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=288'>Health and Medicine</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=386'>Children's Health</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/a3hyqq9at-s" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12211 tag:nap.edu,2008:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12068#final 2008-04-07T00:00:00-04:00 2008-01-11T09:45:14-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Faced with the steady rise in energy costs, dwindling fossil fuel supplies, and the need to maintain a healthy environment - exploration of alternative energy sources is essential for meeting energy needs. Biological systems employ a variety of efficient ways to collect, store, use, and produce energy. By understanding the basic processes of biological models, scientists may be able to create systems that mimic biomolecules and produce energy in an efficient and cost effective manner. On May 14-15, 2007 a group of chemists, chemical engineers, and others from academia, government, and industry participated in a workshop sponsored by the Chemical Sciences Roundtable to explore how bioinspired chemistry can help solve some of the important energy issues the world faces today. The workshop featured presentations and discussions on the current energy challenges and how to address them, with emphasis on both the fundamental aspects and the robust implementation of bioinspired chemistry for energy. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12068">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=283'>Energy and Energy Conservation</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=356'>Energy Resources</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/hrE1M816uwk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12068 tag:nap.edu,2007:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11967#final 2007-12-21T00:00:00-05:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> The development of transistors, the integrated circuit, liquid-crystal displays, and even DVD players can be traced back to fundamental research pioneered in the field of condensed-matter and materials physics (CMPP). The United States has been a leader in the field, but that status is now in jeopardy. <i>Condensed-Matter and Materials Physics,</i> part of the <i>Physics 2010</i> decadal survey project, assesses the present state of the field in the United States, examines possible directions for the 21st century, offers a set of scientific challenges for American researchers to tackle, and makes recommendations for effective spending of federal funds. This book maintains that the field of CMPP is certain to be principle to both scientific and economic advances over the next decade and the lack of an achievable plan would leave the United States behind. This book's discussion of the intellectual and technological challenges of the coming decade centers around six grand challenges concerning energy demand, the physics of life, information technology, nanotechnology, complex phenomena, and behavior far from equilibrium. Policy makers, university administrators, industry research and development executives dependent upon developments in CMPP, and scientists working in the field will find this book of interest. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11967">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=278'>Biology and Life Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=314'>Biotechnology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/6HXvnN0cg2M" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11967 tag:nap.edu,2007:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11960#final 2007-12-20T00:00:00-05:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> As part of its current physics decadal survey, Physics 2010, the NRC was asked by the DOE, NSF, and NASA to carry out an assessment of and outlook for the broad field of plasma science and engineering over the next several years. The study was to focus on progress in plasma research, identify the most compelling new scientific opportunities, evaluate prospects for broader application of plasmas, and offer guidance to realize these opportunities. The study paid particular attention to these last two points. This "demand-side" perspective provided a clear look at what plasma research can do to help achieve national goals of fusion energy, economic competitiveness, and nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship. The report provides an examination of the broad themes that frame plasma research: low-temperature plasma science and engineering; plasma physics at high energy density; plasma science of magnetic fusion; space and astrophysical science; and basic plasma science. Within those themes, the report offers a bold vision for future developments in plasma science. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11960">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=417'>Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/UPdu_SBLH_8" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11960 tag:nap.edu,2007:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11914#final 2007-12-17T00:00:00-05:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The stability of the financial system and the potential for systemic events to alter its function have long been critical issues for central bankers and researchers. Recent events suggest that older models of systemic shocks might no longer capture all of the possible paths of such disturbances or account for the increasing complexity of the financial system. To help assess these concerns, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the NRC cosponsored a conference that brought together engineers, scientists, economists, and financial market experts to promote better understanding of systemic risk in a variety of fields. The book presents an examination of tools used in ecology and engineering to study systemic collapse in those areas; a review of current trends in economic research on systemic risk, the payments system, and the market of interbank funds; and for context, descriptions of how systemic risk in the financial system affects trading activities.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11914">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=289'>Industry and Labor</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=304'>Economics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/Xd8w6HLcsz0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11914 tag:nap.edu,2007:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12000#final 2007-10-22T00:00:00-04:00 2013-03-15T15:50:28-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Since the early days of the nation, the federal government has collected information on the revenues, expenditures, and other features of state and local jurisdictions and their operations. Today, these data are collected primarily by the Governments Division of the U.S. Census Bureau, which has conducted a census of governments every 5 years since 1957. The division also manages a program of related annual and quarterly surveys, as well as a comprehensive directory of state and local governments. All of this work is now taking place in an environment of constrained resources, and there have been cutbacks in the availability and dissemination of the data. <p> In this context, <i>State and Local Government Statistics at a Crossroads</i> documents the uses of the state and local data and assesses the quality of the data for those uses. This book provides in-depth consideration of the efficiency of the surveys; the user base; and the timeliness, relevance, and quality of the data series. It also provides valuable background information and analysis and offers suggestions for program improvements. This information will be valuable to policy makers, state and local government workers, government contractors, budget analysts, economists, demographers, and others who rely on these data on government at the state and local levels and have a stake in ensuring that limited resources do not compromise the quality of the data on which they rely. <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=277'>Behavioral and Social Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=307'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/KHbe6F0UyW0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12000 tag:nap.edu,2007:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11867#final 2007-07-12T00:00:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> More than $400 billion worth of products rely on innovations in chemistry. Chemical engineering, as an academic discipline and profession, has enabled this achievement. In response to growing concerns about the future of the discipline, <i>International Benchmarking of U.S. Chemical Engineering Research Competitiveness</i> gauges the standing of the U.S. chemical engineering enterprise in the world. <p> This in-depth benchmarking analysis is based on measures including numbers of published papers, citations, trends in degrees conferred, patent productivity, and awards. The book concludes that the United States is presently, and is expected to remain, among the world s leaders in all subareas of chemical engineering research. However, U.S. leadership in some classical and emerging subareas will be strongly challenged. <p> This critical analysis will be of interest to practicing chemical engineers, professors and students in the discipline, economists, policy makers, major research university administrators, and executives in industries dependent upon innovations in chemistry. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11867">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=365'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/YkAX0ON6AgY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11867 tag:nap.edu,2007:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11866#final 2007-06-08T00:00:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Chemistry plays a key role in conquering diseases, solving energy problems, addressing environmental problems, providing the discoveries that lead to new industries, and developing new materials and technologies for national defense and homeland security. However, the field is currently facing a crucial time of change and is struggling to position itself to meet the needs of the future as it expands beyond its traditional core toward areas related to biology, materials science, and nanotechnology. <P> At the request of the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Research Council conducted an in-depth benchmarking analysis to gauge the current standing of the U.S. chemistry field in the world. <i>The Future of U.S. Chemistry Research: Benchmarks and Challenges</I> highlights the main findings of the benchmarking exercise. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11866">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/so_K0mrUHVY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11866 tag:nap.edu,2007:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11705#final 2007-05-21T00:00:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> As part of the <i>Physics 2010</i> decadal survey project, the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation requested that the National Research Council assess the opportunities, over roughly the next decade, in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science and technology. In particular, the National Research Council was asked to cover the state of AMO science, emphasizing recent accomplishments and identifying new and compelling scientific questions. <i>Controlling the Quantum World,</i> discusses both the roles and challenges for AMO science in instrumentation; scientific research near absolute zero; development of extremely intense x-ray and laser sources; exploration and control of molecular processes; photonics at the nanoscale level; and development of quantum information technology. This book also offers an assessment of and recommendations about critical issues concerning maintaining U.S. leadership in AMO science and technology. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11705">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=280'>Conflict and Security Issues</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=329'>Weapons and Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/IyJYdHAW3cY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11705 tag:nap.edu,2007:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11796#final 2007-04-09T00:00:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Over ten years ago, U.S. nuclear scientists proposed construction of a new rare isotope accelerator in the United States, which would enable experiments to elucidate the important questions in nuclear physics. To help assess this proposal, DOE and NSF asked the NRC to define the science agenda for a next-generation U.S. Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). As the study began, DOE announced a substantial reduction in the scope of this facility and put off its initial operation date by several years. The study focused on an evaluation of the science that could be accomplished on a facility reduced in scope. This report provides a discussion of the key science drivers for a FRIB, an assessment of existing domestic and international rare isotope beams, an assessment of the current U.S. position about the FRIB, and a set of findings and conclusions about the scientific and policy context for such a facility. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11796">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=417'>Astronomy and Astrophysics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/ib5xDIq8Vsc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11796 tag:nap.edu,2006:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11554#final 2006-10-12T11:10:57-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Shirley Ann Jackson sees the unseen. She s an expert in the invisible particles that make up everything in the universe, including you. Shirley Ann Jackson is a theoretical physicist, a scientist who studies the subatomic world using only paper, pencils, computers, and the most important tool of all: her imagination. Her passion for science blossomed during her childhood, with bumblebee experiments and go-cart races. But it s her talent for math and her drive to succeed that have taken her career in amazing directions. Shirley uses her knowledge of electrons, neutrinos, and other particles of matter to better the lives of others from solving important technology problems to teaching college physics to making nuclear power plants safer. A born leader, Shirley has always seized opportunities and broken down racial barriers, not only for herself but for others. <i>Strong Force</i> is the compelling story of an African American trailblazer and her science. Compelling and captivating, this true story of adventure traces the life of a an African American Trailblazer and her science. Compelling and captivating, this true story of adventure traces the life of a young bee collector who lived her dream of becoming a world-renowned physicist. <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id='></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=286'>Explore Science</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id='></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=292'>Biography and Autobiography</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=292'>Biography and Autobiography</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=414'>Biographies</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/nXX9xDA_vMw" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11554 tag:nap.edu,2006:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11641#final 2006-10-12T00:00:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> As part of the <i>Physics 2010</i> decadal survey project, the National Research Council was asked by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation to recommend priorities for the U.S. particle physics program for the next 15 years. The challenge faced in this study was to identify a compelling leadership role for the United States in elementary particle physics given the global nature of the field and the current lack of a long-term and distinguishing strategic focus. <i>Revealing the Hidden Nature of Space and Time</i> provides an assessment of the scientific challenges in particle physics, including the key questions and experimental opportunities, the current status of the U.S. program and the strategic framework in which it sits and a set of strategic principles and recommendations to sustain a competitive and globally relevant U.S. particle physics program. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11641">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/sACu64tKNpk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11641 tag:nap.edu,2006:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11730#final 2006-09-14T09:30:04-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> As part of the 2010 physics decadal survey project, DOE and NSF requested the NRC to assess opportunities, over roughly the next decade, in condensed matter and materials physics (CMMP). The study is to review recent accomplishments and new opportunities; identify potential future impact of CMMP; consider its contributions to national needs; assessing priorities for tools and facilities; analyze current research and funding; and make recommendations for realizing the full benefit of CMMP. This interim report provides a summary of the early assessment of eight important challenges facing CMMP research in the coming decade and a brief review of the international situation. The final report will present a detailed discussion of these challenges including recommendations for addressing them. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11730">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=364'>Materials</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/V-s5L5k-Wog" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11730 tag:nap.edu,2006:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11663#final 2006-06-01T08:51:36-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Scientists and engineers have long relied on the power of imaging techniques to help see objects invisible to the naked eye, and thus, to advance scientific knowledge. These experts are constantly pushing the limits of technology in pursuit of chemical imaging&#8212the ability to visualize molecular structures and chemical composition in time and space as actual events unfold&#8212from the smallest dimension of a biological system to the widest expanse of a distant galaxy. Chemical imaging has a variety of applications for almost every facet of our daily lives, ranging from medical diagnosis and treatment to the study and design of material properties in new products. In addition to highlighting advances in chemical imaging that could have the greatest impact on critical problems in science and technology, <i>Visualizing Chemistry</i> reviews the current state of chemical imaging technology, identifies promising future developments and their applications, and suggests a research and educational agenda to enable breakthrough improvements. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11663">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/kCy1j3VDJzs" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11663 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11480#final 2005-12-05T09:48:11-05:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> The remarkable growth of both computer science and biology in recent decades has drawn attention to their areas of intersection. Both fields have much in common; they are among the most rapidly changing fields of science, they both deal with very complex systems, and they both have profound implications for science and society. To examine the potential for greater interaction between the two fields, the National Research Council undertook a study looking at ways computational science can aid the development and understanding of biology and how the biological sciences might facilitate new and more powerful computational methods. This book presents an analysis of the potential synergies at the interface of the two fields and of ways to develop new collaborations between researchers in both areas to exploit those synergies. The book provides a large sample of well-documented examples of these interactions. The study concludes that the impact of computing on biology will be deep and profound and span virtually all areas of life science research. Computational biology will ultimately become part of the biological sciences. The impact of biology on computing is less certain, but could be substantial and should be pursued. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11480">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=278'>Biology and Life Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=314'>Biotechnology</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=279'>Computers and Information Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=319'>Computers</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=278'>Biology and Life Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=313'>Biology</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/2xeWW5Kkg2Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11480 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11437#final 2005-11-21T00:00:00-05:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Through innovative design, creation, processing, use, and disposal of substances, the chemical industry plays a major role in advancing applications to support sustainability in a way that will allow humanity to meet current environmental, economic, and societal needs without compromising the progress and success of future generations. Based on a workshop held in February 2005 that brought together a broad cross section of disciplines and organizations in the chemical industry, this report identifies a set of overarching Grand Challenges for Sustainability research in chemistry and chemical engineering to assist the chemical industry in defining a sustainability agenda. These Grand Challenges include life cycle analysis, renewable chemical feedstocks, and education, among others. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11437">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/jz65996Md0g" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11437 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11482#final 2005-11-15T00:00:00-05:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science illustrates powerfully the ties of fundamental physics to society. Its very name comes from three of the twentieth century's greatest advances: the establishment of the atom as the building block of matter; the development of quantum mechanics, which made it possible to understand the inner workings of atoms and molecules; and the invention of the laser. Advances made possible by the scientists in this field touch almost every sphere of societal importance in the past century. Navigation by the stars gave way to navigation by clocks, which in turn has given way to today's navigation by atomic clocks. Laser surgery has replaced the knife for the most delicate operations. Homeland security relies on a multitude of screening technologies based on AMO research to detect toxins in the air and hidden weapons in luggage or on persons, to name a few. New drugs are now designed with the aid of x-ray scattering to determine their structure at the molecular level using AMO-based precision measurement techniques. And the global economy depends critically on high-speed telecommunication by laser light sent over thin optical fibers encircling the globe. AMO scientists are proud of their central role in science and society in the twentieth century, and they have been rewarded with numerous Nobel prizes over the past decade, including the 2005 prize in physics. But in this report we look to the future.<br /> <br /> The National Research Council of the National Academies has undertaken a study of opportunities in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science and technology over roughly the next decade. The committee carrying out the AMO 2010 study, has been asked to assess the state of AMO science, emphasizing recent accomplishments and identifying new and compelling scientific questions. The six grand challenges, summarized below, will each form a chapter of the committee's final report:</p> <ul> <li>What is the nature of physical law?</li> <li>What happens at the lowest temperatures in the universe?</li> <li>What happens when we turn up the power?</li> <li>Can we control the inner workings of a molecule?</li> <li>How will we control and exploit the nanoworld?</li> <li>What lies beyond Moore's law?</li> </ul> <p><em>Controlling the Quantum World of Atoms, Molecules, and Photons: An Interim Report </em>provides a preview of the final document. It summarizes the committee's opinion on the key opportunities in forefront AMO science and in closely related critical technologies and discusses some of the broad-scale conclusions of the final report. It also identifies how AMO science supports national R&D priorities.<br /> </p> <p> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11482">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/uq0oWxHci8I" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11482 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11473#final 2005-11-14T15:48:11-05:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Because of concerns about incineration, the Department of Defense plans to use alternative means to destroy the chemical agent stockpiles at the Pueblo and Blue Grass facilities. The DOD contracted with Bechtel Parsons to design and operate pilot plants for this purpose. As part of the NRC efforts to assist the DOD with its chemical demilitarization efforts, the Department requested a review and assessment of the Bechtel designs for both plants. An earlier report presented an assessment of the Pueblo design. This report provides a review of the Blue Grass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant based on review of data and information about the initial design and some intermediate design data. Among other topics, the report presents technical risk assessment issues, an analysis of delivery and disassembly operations and of agent destruction core processes, and an examination of waste treatment. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11473">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=285'>Environment and Environmental Studies</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=376'>Waste Disposal and Clean Up</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/lHWFjSOixwU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11473 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11211#final 2005-07-26T00:00:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> High-field magnets those that operate at the limits of the mechanical and/or electromagnetic properties of their structural materials are used as research tools in a variety of scientific disciplines. The study of high magnetic fields themselves is also important in many areas such as astrophysics. Because of their importance in scientific research and the possibility of new breakthroughs, the National Science Foundation asked the National Research Council to assess the current state of and future prospects for high-field science and technology in the United States. This report presents the results of that assessment. It focuses on scientific and technological challenges and opportunities, and not on specific program activities. The report provides findings and recommendations about important research directions, the relative strength of U.S. efforts compared to other countries, and ways in which the program can operate more effectively. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11211">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/zkTAvd65bdk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11211 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10814#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> This book, also based on a workshop, assesses the current state of chemistry and chemical engineering at the interface with novel and existing forms of energy and transportation systems. The book also identifies challenges for the chemical sciences in helping to meet the increased demand for more energy, and opportunities for research in energy technologies and in the development of transportation vehicles. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10814">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=294'>Transportation</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=422'>Policy</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/pk_zYa8wANQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10814 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1783#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Spatial statistics is one of the most rapidly growing areas of statistics, rife with fascinating research opportunities. Yet many statisticians are unaware of those opportunities, and most students in the United States are never exposed to any course work in spatial statistics. Written to be accessible to the nonspecialist, this volume surveys the applications of spatial statistics to a wide range of areas, including image analysis, geosciences, physical chemistry, and ecology.<br>The book describes the contributions of the mathematical sciences, summarizes the current state of knowledge, and identifies directions for research.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1783">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/1RHOL18K2EY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1783 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2202#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> This book both describes the chemical parameters that must be measured in the ocean in order to improve our understanding of the ocean's role in the global carbon cycle and recommends technologies of analytical chemistry that could be applied to these parameters. Additionally, the volume recommends how the federal government, ocean scientists, and analytical chemists could work together more closely to speed development of new instruments and implementation of new techniques.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2202">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=281'>Earth Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=338'>Ocean Studies</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/wvaF4lXVDpA" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2202 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9813#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Over three hundred years ago, Galileo is reported to have said, "The laws of nature are written in the language of mathematics." Often mathematics and science go hand in hand, with one helping develop and improve the other. Discoveries in science, for example, open up new advances in statistics, computer science, operations research, and pure and applied mathematics which in turn enabled new practical technologies and advanced entirely new frontiers of science. Despite the interdependency that exists between these two disciplines, cooperation and collaboration between mathematical scientists and scientists have only occurred by chance.</p> <p><br /> To encourage new collaboration between the mathematical sciences and other fields and to sustain present collaboration, the National Research Council (NRC) formed a committee representing a broad cross-section of scientists from academia, federal government laboratories, and industry. The goal of the committee was to examine the mechanisms for strengthening interdisciplinary research between mathematical sciences and the sciences, with a strong focus on suggesting the most effective mechanisms of collaboration. <em>Strengthening the Linkages Between the Sciences and the Mathematical Sciences </em>provides the findings and recommendations of the committee as well as case studies of cross-discipline collaboration, the workshop agenda, and federal agencies that provide funding for such collaboration. <br /> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9813">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/EqyrUKSWM6Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9813 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=4979#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Chemical signals among organisms form "a vast communicative interplay, fundamental to the fabric of life," in the words of one expert. Chemical ecology is the the discipline that seeks to understand these interactions-to use biology in the search for new substances of potential benefit to humankind.<br>This book highlights selected research areas of medicinal and agricultural importance. Leading experts review the chemistry of<br><ul><li>Insect defense and its applications to pest control.<li>Phyletic dominance--the survival success of insects.<li>Social regulation, with ant societies as a model of multicomponent signaling systems.<li>Eavesdropping, alarm, and deceit--the array of strategies used by insects to find and lure prey.<li>Reproduction--from the gamete attraction to courtship nd sexual selection.<li>The chemistry of intracellular immunosuppression.<br></ul>Topics also include the appropriation of dietary factors for defense and communication; the use of chemical signals in the marine environment; the role of the olfactory system in chemical analysis; and the interaction of polydnaviruses, endoparasites, and the immune system of the host.<br><br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=4979">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=278'>Biology and Life Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=314'>Biotechnology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/VBUtn89nnKc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=4979 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9784#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>How can the federal government gauge the overall health of scientific research--as a whole and in its parts--and determine whether national funding adequately supports national research objectives? It is feasible to monitor US performance with field-by-field peer assessments. This might be done through the establishment of independent panels consisting of researchers who work in a field, individuals who work in closely related fields, and research "users" who follow the field closely. Some of these individuals should be outstanding foreign scientists in the field being examined. This technique of comparative international assessments is also known as international benchmarking.</p> <p><i>Experiments in International Benchmarking of U.S. Research Fields</i> evaluates the feasibility and utility of the benchmarking technique. In order to do this, the report internationally benchmarks three fields: mathematics, immunology, and materials science and engineering, then summarizes the results of these experiments.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9784">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/yrXvsZUAiuU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9784 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9775#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> The science and engineering enterprise has continued to evolve, responding over the last decade to increased economic globalization, a post-cold war military, federal budget fluctuations, and structural changes in the way science and engineering are conducted and innovations are adopted. This report suggests ways to revise the data collection activities of the Science Resources Studies Division (SRS) of the National Science Foundation to better capture the current realities of R&D funding and S&E human resources. The report s recommendations would improve the relevance of the data on graduate education, the labor market for scientists and engineers, and the funding and conduct of research and development, and thus better meet the data needs of policymakers, managers, and researchers. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9775">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=289'>Industry and Labor</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=304'>Economics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/DgKB0dfZqRQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9775 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10816#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <P>Significant advances have been made in fusion science, and a point has been reached when we need to decide if the United States is ready to begin a burning plasma experiment. A burning plasma in which at least 50 percent of the energy to drive the fusion reaction is generated internally is an essential step to reach the goal of fusion power generation. The Burning Plasma Assessment Committee was formed to provide advice on this decision. The committee concluded that there is high confidence in the readiness to proceed with the burning plasma step. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), with the United States as a significant partner, was the best choice. Once a commitment to ITER is made, fulfilling it should become the highest priority of the U.S. fusion research program. A funding trajectory is required that both captures the benefits of joining ITER and retains a strong scientific focus on the long-range goals of the program. Addition of the ITER project will require that the content, scope, and level of U.S. fusion activity be defined by program balancing through a priority-setting process initiated by the Office of Fusion Energy Science.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10816">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=417'>Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/H1rgq_RjSI4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10816 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11288#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> On October 25-26, 2005, the Chemical Sciences Roundtable held a workshop to explore issues involving those who use and contribute to chemical literature, as well as those who publish and disseminate chemical journals. As a follow-up to the workshop, a summary was written to capture the presentations and discussions that occurred during the workshop. As a forum to discuss chemistry journals within the larger context of scientific, technical and medical journal publishing, the workshop covered whether chemists and chemical engineers have unique journal needs and, if so, whether these needs are being met in the current journal publishing environment. Workshop participants also tackled how open access publishing might be applied to the chemical literature, such as to provide authors more freedom to distribute their articles after publication and allowing free access to chemical literature archives. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11288">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=282'>Education</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=350'>Math and Science Education</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/Id2Ocio4I_w" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11288 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10118#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Physics at the beginning of the twenty-first century has reached new levels of accomplishment and impact in a society and nation that are changing rapidly. Accomplishments have led us into the information age and fueled broad technological and economic development. The pace of discovery is quickening and stronger links with other fields such as the biological sciences are being developed. The intellectual reach has never been greater, and the questions being asked are more ambitious than ever before.<p> <b>Physics in a New Era</b> is the final report of the NRC s six-volume decadal physics survey. The book reviews the frontiers of physics research, examines the role of physics in our society, and makes recommendations designed to strengthen physics and its ability to serve important needs such as national security, the economy, information technology, and education. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10118">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=280'>Conflict and Security Issues</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=329'>Weapons and Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/zfKXdwKZxhY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10118 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9680#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <b>Gravitational Physics</b> assesses the achievements of the field over the past decade in both theory and experiment, identifies the most promising opportunities for research in the next decade, and describes the resources necessary to realize those opportunities. A major theme running through the opportunities is the exploration of strong gravitational fields, such as those associated with black holes. <br><br> The book, part of the ongoing decadal survey <i>Physics in a New Era</i>, examines topics such as gravitational waves and their detection, classical and quantum theory of strong gravitational fields, precision measurements, and astronomical observations relevant to the predictions of Einstein's theory of general relativity.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9680">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=417'>Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/ncoI-L0ZGfo" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9680 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2357#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> This book responds to the call for a clear description of the role of basic science in meeting societal needs. It gives examples of societal benefits of atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science in a number of key areas, including industrial technology, information technology, energy, global change, defense, health and medical technology, space technology, and transportation.<br>This volume highlights the role of lasers in trapping, cooling, and manipulating individual atoms and molecules to make possible ultraprecise atomic clocks, structural engineering at the atomic level (nanotechnology), and new approaches to the study of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). AMO science is shown to be a field that is both an intellectually important basic science and a powerful enabling science that supports many other areas of science and technology.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2357">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/I6AVzbzyqLU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2357 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5066#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> This cross-disciplinary book documents the key research challenges in the mathematical sciences and physics that could enable the economical development of novel biomedical imaging devices. It is hoped that the infusion of new insights from mathematical scientists and physicists will accelerate progress in imaging. Incorporating input from dozens of biomedical researchers who described what they perceived as key open problems of imaging that are amenable to attack by mathematical scientists and physicists, this book introduces the frontiers of biomedical imaging, especially the imaging of dynamic physiological functions, to the educated nonspecialist.<br>Ten imaging modalities are covered, from the well-established (e.g., CAT scanning, MRI) to the more speculative (e.g., electrical and magnetic source imaging). For each modality, mathematics and physics research challenges are identified and a short list of suggested reading offered. Two additional chapters offer visions of the next generation of surgical and interventional techniques and of image processing. A final chapter provides an overview of mathematical issues that cut across the various modalities.<br><br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5066">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=284'>Engineering and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=360'>Applications of Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/xVl8kZ-C8gA" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5066 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1903#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> The impact of catalysis on the nation's economy is evidenced by the fact that catalytic technologies generate U.S. sales in excess of $400 billion per year and a net positive balance of trade of $16 billion annually.<br>This book outlines recent accomplishments in the science and technology of catalysis and summarizes important likely challenges and opportunities on the near horizon.<br>It also presents recommendations for investment of financial and human resources by industry, academe, national laboratories, and relevant federal agencies if the nation is to maintain continuing leadership in this field--one that is critical to the chemical and petroleum processing industries, essential for energy-efficient means for environmental protection, and vital for the production of a broad range of pharmaceuticals.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1903">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/la__uUP4_NI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1903 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10516#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>With the publication in 1994 of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Science: An Investment in the Future (the FAMOS report), the National Research Council launched the series Physics in a New Era, its latest survey of physics. Each of the six area volumes in the survey focuses on a different subfield of physics, describing advances since the last decadal survey and suggesting future opportunities and directions. This survey culminated in 2001 with the publication of the seventh and final volume, Physics in a New Era: An Overview. Since the publication of the FAMOS report, the developments in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science have been amazing.</p> <p>Significant advances in areas such as cooling and trapping, atom and quantum optics, single-atom and single-molecule detection, and ultrafast and ultra intense phenomena, along with the emergence of new applications, made it clear that an update of the FAMOS report was needed. With support from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, the Committee for an Updated Assessment of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Science was formed. The committee's statement of task reads as follows: The committee will prepare a narrative document that portrays the advances in AMO science and its impact on society. This report highlights selected forefront areas of AMO science, emphasizing recent accomplishments and new opportunities, identifies connections between AMO science and other scientific fields, emerging technologies, and national needs, describes career opportunities for AMO scientists.</p> <p>To accomplish its task and at the same time reach a broad audience, the committee decided to present its report in the form of a brochure highlighting selected advances, connections, and impacts on national needs. An exhaustive assessment of the field, which will fall within the purview of the next decadal survey, was not the goal of the update. The committee would like to express its gratitude for the informative interactions it had with many scientists and policy makers. Many colleagues completed a questionnaire and suggested topics to be included in this report. The final selection of topics was made in accordance with the criteria set forth in the statement of task. While this report was still being written, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, occurred. AMO science and its applications have already played and will continue to play a central role in our nation's response to terrorist threats from conventional as well as chemical or biological weapons. Some of the technology discussed in this report in the chapter "AMO Science Enhancing National Defense" was used successfully for the U.S. military response in Afghanistan—the Global Positioning System (GPS) and laser-guided munitions are just two examples. AMO science will also enable the development of early detection techniques that will help to neutralize the threat from biological and chemical agents.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10516">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=280'>Conflict and Security Issues</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=329'>Weapons and Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/PmtelGRv6cU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10516 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10153#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Considerable international concerns exist about global climate change and its relationship to the growing use of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is released by chemical reactions that are employed to extract energy from fuels, and any regulatory policy limiting the amount of CO2 that could be released from sequestered sources or from energy-generating reactions will require substantial involvement of the chemical sciences and technology R&D community.</p> <p>Much of the public debate has been focused on the question of whether global climate change is occurring and, if so, whether it is anthropogenic, but these questions were outside the scope of the workshop, which instead focused on the question of how to respond to a possible national policy of carbon management. Previous discussion of the latter topic has focused on technological, economic, and ecological aspects and on earth science challenges, but the fundamental science has received little attention. This workshop was designed to gather information that could inform the Chemical Sciences Roundtable in its discussions of possible roles that the chemical sciences community might play in identifying and addressing underlying chemical questions.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10153">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=283'>Energy and Energy Conservation</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=357'>Energy Use, Supply, Demand</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/3Tmn_yoj8pI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10153 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2078#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 2011-04-13T11:04:26-04:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> The scientific basis, inference assumptions, regulatory uses, and research needs in risk assessment are considered in this two-part volume.<br>The first part, Use of Maximum Tolerated Dose in Animal Bioassays for Carcinogenicity, focuses on whether the maximum tolerated dose should continue to be used in carcinogenesis bioassays. The committee considers several options for modifying current bioassay procedures.<br>The second part, Two-Stage Models of Carcinogenesis, stems from efforts to identify improved means of cancer risk assessment that have resulted in the development of a mathematical dose-response model based on a paradigm for the biologic phenomena thought to be associated with carcinogenesis.<br><br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2078">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/1afMU7ojrgY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2078 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2110#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <B>A Positron Named Priscilla</B> is a book of wonder, offering a fascinating, readable overview of the cutting-edge investigations of many of today's leading young scientists. This volume, containing chapters authored by popular science writers, reports on some of the most exciting recent discoveries and advances. Topics include planetary science, astrophysics and the emergence of helioseismology, biology and what we have learned about DNA, physics and our newfound ability to move and manipulate individual atoms on a surface, and more.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2110">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id='></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=286'>Explore Science</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/dN0f9L6PHt4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2110 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9776#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>In 1996, the U.S. Congress enacted two laws, Public Law 104-201 (authorization legislation) and Public Law 104-208 (appropriation legislation), mandating that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) conduct an assessment of alternative technologies to the baseline incineration process for the demilitarization of assembled chemical munitions.</p> <p>The PMACWA had previously requested that the National Research Council (NRC) perform and publish an independent evaluation of the seven technologies packages that had been selected during earlier phases of the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment (ACWA) program and deliver a report by September 1, 1999. However, to meet that deadline, the NRC Committee on Review and Evaluation of Alternative Technologies for Demilitarization of Assembled Chemical Weapons (ACW Committee) had to terminate its data-gathering activities on March 15, 1999, prior to the completion of demonstration tests. In September 1999, the PMACWA requested that the ACW Committee examine the reports of the demonstration tests and determine if the results changed the committee's original findings, recommendations, and comments. <i>Evaluation of Demonstration Test Results of Alternative Technologies for Demilitarization of Assembled Chemical Weapons</i> documents the committee's reassessment of the findings and recommendations in the original report, <i>Review and Evaluation of Alternative Technologies for Demilitarization of Assembled Chemical Weapons</i>.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9776">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=285'>Environment and Environmental Studies</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=376'>Waste Disposal and Clean Up</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/17k9vq_VL6A" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9776 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2026#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Some of the hardest computational problems have been successfully attacked through the use of probabilistic algorithms, which have an element of randomness to them. Concepts from the field of probability are also increasingly useful in analyzing the performance of algorithms, broadening our understanding beyond that provided by the worst-case or average-case analyses.<br>This book surveys both of these emerging areas on the interface of the mathematical sciences and computer science. It is designed to attract new researchers to this area and provide them with enough background to begin explorations of their own.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2026">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/HHwPA437g2k" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2026 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10965#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> One major goal of post-genomic biology is to understand the function of genes. Many gene functions are comprehensible only within the context of chemical communication, and this symposium seeks to highlight emerging research on genomics and chemical communication and catalyze further development of this highly productive interface. Many of the most abundantly represented genes in the genomes characterized to date encode proteins mediating interactions among organisms, including odorant receptors and binding proteins, enzymes involved in biosynthesis of pheromones and toxins, and enzymes catalyzing the detoxification of defense compounds. Determining the molecular underpinnings of the component elements of chemical communication systems in all of their forms has the potential to explain a vast array of ecological, physiological, and evolutionary phenomena; by the same token, ecologists who elucidate the environmental challenges faced by the organisms are uniquely well-equipped to characterize natural ligands for receptors and substrates for enzymes. Thus, partnerships between genome biologists and chemical ecologists will likely be extremely synergistic. To date, these groups have rarely had opportunities to interact within a single forum. Such interactions are vital given the considerable practical benefits potentially stemming from these studies, including the development of biorational products for agricultural and forest pest management, for disease treatment, and for improving the quality of ecosystem health. <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=278'>Biology and Life Sciences</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=315'>Genetics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/TDKVAU4q2gQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10965 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10541#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>Knowledge of time is essential to precise knowledge of location, and for this reason the Navy, with its need to navigate on the high seas, has historically played an important role in the development and application of advanced time realization and dissemination technologies. Discoveries coming from basic research funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) lie at the heart of today's highest performance atomic clocks, Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) expertise played a role in developing the space-qualified atomic clocks that enable the Global Positioning System (GPS), and the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) maintains and disseminates the standard of time for all of the Department of Defense (DOD). The Navy has made major investments in most aspects of precision time and time interval (PTTI) science and technology, although specific PTTI-related research has also been funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and non-DOD agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Commerce. Navy funding, largely through ONR, has a history of being an early enabler of key new developments. Judicious funding decisions by the Navy—particularly by ONR program officers—have underpinned most of the major advances in PTTI science and technology (S&T) in the last 50 years. </p> <p>PTTI is important to modern naval needs, and indeed to all the armed Services, for use in both navigation and communications. Precise time synchronization is needed to efficiently determine the start of a code sequence in secure communications, to perform navigation, and to locate the position of signal emitters. Precise frequency control is required in communications for spectrum utilization and frequency-hopped spread-spectrum techniques. There are many examples of essential military operations that depend on PTTI and could benefit from improvements in PTTI technology. These include: </p> <p>-GPS clocks and autonomous operations,</p> <p>-Weapon system four-dimensional coordination,</p> <p>-GPS antijamming,</p> <p>-Network-centric warfare, and</p> <p>-Secure military communications.</p> <p>This report summarizes that reductions in the size, weight, and power requirements and increases in the ruggedness of PTTI devices without sacrificing performance would put more accurate and precise timekeeping in the hands of the warrior, improving capabilities in all of the above operations.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10541">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=412'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=420'>Space Systems and Hardware</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/CH19YSYtAk4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10541 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=626#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>An Overview: Physics Through the 1990's is part of an eight-volume research assessment of the major fields of physics that reviews the developments that have taken place and highlights research opportunities. An Overview summarizes the findings of the panels discussed in the other seven volumes and addresses issues that broadly concern physics.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=626">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id='></a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=286'>Explore Science</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/IzriFbkP53A" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=626 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10001#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <p>The future development of electronics, optics, and, quite probably, quantum physics is being driven by advances in epitaxial materials. Band gap engineering, wafer bonding techniques, and epitaxial regrowth technology will push transistors far beyond the present speed barriers. Oxide growth within epitaxial layer structures and new advances in tunnel structures will push the development of the next generation of high-performance laser arrays and of efficient cascade laser designs. Perfection of the growth of semiconductor nitrides will move future electronics to higher powers and to suitability for extreme environments while revolutionizing lighting and display. Growth technologies to incorporate metallic particles and magnetic elements within high-quality semiconductors promise ultrafast electro-optical components for chemical and biological applications as well as electronically controlled magnetism for future memories and electrical/magnetic hybrid devices. Quantum dot materials will lead the field of signal electronics while hopefully providing a new proving and discovery ground for quantum physics. This paper dicusses the current progress in these areas.</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10001">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=280'>Conflict and Security Issues</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=329'>Weapons and Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/JLyCgZhNe1E" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10001 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2109#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Computing and communications are becoming essential tools of science. Together, they make possible new kinds and degrees of collaboration. This book addresses technical, scientific, and social aspects of fostering scientific collaboration using information technology. It explores issues in molecular biology, oceanography, and space physics, and derives recommendations for a partnership between scientists and technologists to develop better collaboration technology to support science.<br><br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2109">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/xh93zGj-71k" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2109 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6388#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Separation processes or processes that use physical, chemical, or electrical forces to isolate or concentrate selected constituents of a mixture are essential to the chemical, petroleum refining, and materials processing industries.<br> <br> In this volume, an expert panel reviews the separation process needs of seven industries and identifies technologies that hold promise for meeting these needs, as well as key technologies that could enable separations. In addition, the book recommends criteria for the selection of separations research projects for the Department of Energy's Office of Industrial Technology. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6388">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/j8mTrdNOhGk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6388 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1506#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <B>A Challenge of Numbers</B> describes the circumstances and issues centered on people in the mathematical sciences, principally students and teachers at U.S. colleges and universities. A healthy flow of mathematical talent is crucial not only to the future of U.S. mathematics but also as a keystone supporting a technological workforce. Trends in the mathematical sciences' most valuable resource--its people--are presented narratively, graphically, and numerically as an information base for policymakers and for those interested in the people in this not very visible, but critical profession.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1506">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=423'>Policy for Science and Technology</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/RQobcjRDk9k" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1506 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10991#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is in the process of developing a modern information technology (IT) system the Trilogy program that is designed to provide a high-speed network, modern workstations and software, and an application the Virtual Case File (VCF) to enhance the ability of agents to organize, access, and analyze information. Implementation of this system has encountered substantial difficulties, however, and has been the subject of much investigation and congressional concern. To help address these problems, the FBI asked the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake a quick review of the program and the progress that has been made to date. This report presents that review. The current status of four major aspects of the program the enterprise architecture, system design, program management, and human resources are discussed, and recommendations are presented to address the problems. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10991">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=279'>Computers and Information Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=323'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/Q8ZGGC29O1Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10991 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10580#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> In 2000, the federal government distributed over $260 billion of funding to state and local governments via 180 formula programs. These programs promote a wide spectrum of economic and social objectives, such as improving educational outcomes and increasing accessibility to medical care, and many are designed to compensate for differences in fiscal capacity that affect governments abilities to address identified needs. Large amounts of state revenues are also distributed through formula allocation programs to counties, cities, and other jurisdictions. <b>Statistical Issues in Allocating Funds by Formula</b> identifies key issues concerning the design and use of these formulas and advances recommendations for improving the process. In addition to the more narrow issues relating to formula design and input data, the book discusses broader issues created by the interaction of the political process and the use of formulas to allocate funds. <br><br> <b>Statistical Issues in Allocating Funds by Formula</b> is only up-to-date guide for policymakers who design fund allocation programs. Congress members who are crafting legislation for these programs and federal employees who are in charge of distributing the funds will find this book indispensable. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10580">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=289'>Industry and Labor</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=304'>Economics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/Rf4B2VLNzxU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10580 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=606#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> <B>Opportunities in Chemistry</B> is based on the contributions of hundreds of American chemists in academia and industry and should be taken as the best available consensus of the chemical community regarding its intellectual frontiers and the economic opportunities that lie beyond them," says <I>Science</I>. This volume addresses the direction in which today's chemical research is heading, including recent developments, technological applications, and the ways advances in chemistry can be used to improve the human condition. In addition, the book examines economic and political implications of chemical research and lists resources for basic research and education in the chemical sciences.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=606">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=409'>Chemistry</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/N7rAx_nExTQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=606 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5018#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> This book identifies challenges and opportunities in the development and implementation of software that contain significant statistical content. While emphasizing the relevance of using rigorous statistical and probabilistic techniques in software engineering contexts, it presents opportunities for further research in the statistical sciences and their applications to software engineering.<br>It is intended to motivate and attract new researchers from statistics and the mathematical sciences to attack relevant and pressing problems in the software engineering setting. It describes the "big picture," as this approach provides the context in which statistical methods must be developed. The book's survey nature is directed at the mathematical sciences audience, but software engineers should also find the statistical emphasis refreshing and stimulating. It is hoped that the book will have the effect of seeding the field of statistical software engineering by its indication of opportunities where statistical thinking can help to increase understanding, productivity, and quality of software and software production.<br><br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5018">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=279'>Computers and Information Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=323'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/F9k4ObQL8pI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5018 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1910#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> This book presents guidelines for the development and evaluation of statistical software designed to ensure minimum acceptable statistical functionality as well as ease of interpretation and use. It consists of the proceedings of a forum that focused on three qualities of statistical software: richness--the availability of layers of output sophistication, guidance--how the package helps a user do an analysis and do it well, and exactness--determining if the output is "correct" and when and how to warn of potential problems.<br> <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1910">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=279'>Computers and Information Technology</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=323'>Policy, Reviews and Evaluations</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=410'>Math and Statistics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/suXC33O2JJs" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1910 tag:nap.edu,2005:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6288#final 2005-07-19T09:47:00-04:00 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu <p><strong>Final Book Now Available</strong></p> Dramatic progress has been made in all branches of physics since the National Research Council's 1986 decadal survey of the field. The <I>Physics in a New Era</I> series explores these advances and looks ahead to future goals. The series includes assessments of the major subfields and reports on several smaller subfields, and preparation has begun on an overview volume on the unity of physics, its relationships to other fields, and its contributions to national needs.<br> <br> <B>Nuclear Physics</B> is the latest volume of the series. The book describes current activity in understanding nuclear structure and symmetries, the behavior of matter at extreme densities, the role of nuclear physics in astrophysics and cosmology, and the instrumentation and facilities used by the field. It makes recommendations on the resources needed for experimental and theoretical advances in the coming decade. <p>[<a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6288">Read the full report</a>]</p> <p><strong>Topics:</strong> <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=290'>Math, Chemistry and Physics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=411'>Physics</a> | <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=293'>Space and Aeronautics</a> &raquo; <a href='http://www.nap.edu/topics.php?id=417'>Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></p><br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/nap/new/topic/290/~4/P5NBW13rvrA" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6288