National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

"The number of measles cases has reached the highest level in the United States since the virus was declared eliminated in 2000. This is truly a cause for serious alarm."

Citing the unnecessary suffering caused by a record number of measles cases in the U.S., the National Academies presidents call for widespread sharing of evidence-based information on vaccine safety and effectiveness to stop the spread of measles, a preventable
disease.

Read the statement: https://ow.ly/HOVA50WoE2G

Despite there being no evidence to support a genetic or biological basis for race, racial and ethnic categories are often incorrectly used in biomedicine as proxies for biology — or as poor substitutes for factors such as genetics or environmental exposures.

Our recent report aims to establish a scientific understanding of race and ethnicity to inform if, when, and how they should be used in biomedical research.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/GUAx50WnjVA

In a new interview for Issues in Science and Technology, Senator Todd Young — a key player in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act and current chair of the bipartisan National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology — shares his vision for how emerging biotechnologies can revolutionize agriculture, industry, and warfighting.

Read: https://ow.ly/OGi350WlSSi

Environmental restoration efforts after harmful events such as wildfires requires massive volumes of native seeds, but U.S. native seed suppliers have struggled to meet demand.

Learn more from our Based on Science page: https://ow.ly/mylQ50WkHhI

Wild animals are just as uniquely individual as our pets, with their own quirks, likes, and dislikes.

Author Brandon Keim discusses animal personhood, animal representation, and the story of a cormorant named Cosmos in a new Issues in Science and Technology interview: https://ow.ly/OAyL50WkG4B

Happy Independence Day from the National Academies!

The main work of the National Academies is conducted through our rigorous study process, but we are also committed to engaging the public through programs like our SciComm Excellence awards and LabX.

Learn about our engagement activities: https://ow.ly/ooAP50WjU2j

Roughly 53 million people in the U.S. provide care to a family member such as a child with complex medical needs, an aging parent, or a spouse who is seriously ill.

Our recent workshop explored how to better support caregivers by offering respite, integrating their needs and knowledge into health care systems, and lightening financial burdens.

Learn more from our new feature story: https://ow.ly/6aZi50WjSTE

With a remarkable career spanning academia, industry, and research, Dr. Tsu-Jae Liu is recognized for pioneering research that has helped shape the future of electronics and information technology.

As the new president of the National Academy of Engineering, Liu will foster and build relationships to advance NAE’s mission and commitment to promoting a vibrant engineering profession.

Watch her welcome video and read her thoughts as she begins her term: https://ow.ly/SX6H50WjaCO

Photo credits: Chris Michel

Asteroid Day is observed on June 30 to mark the date of the Earth's largest asteroid impact in recorded history: the Siberia Tunguska event. The holiday seeks to build awareness of the risks associated with asteroid impacts.

Our recent planetary decadal recognizes the importance of protecting life on Earth from asteroids and other near-Earth objects, providing specific recommendations for improving U.S. planetary defense capabilities.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/Ptyw50WimtU

Of the millions of different microorganisms that live in and around our bodies, only a few make us sick and many are helpful or have no effect at all on our health.

Our Based on Science page delves into the importance of microbes for our health and our planet, as well as the symptoms of infection by pathogenic microorganisms.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/5ClP50WhMQg

Quantum information science unlocks new ways to encode, sense, process, and transmit data using quantum behavior.

Explore our latest publications on the field’s progress and the research and development needed for groundbreaking discoveries: https://ow.ly/WpRK50WhMJX