The Sounds of Science from the National Academies

Science, Medicine, and Animals

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:10:33 -0400

This podcast provides an overview to the 2004 report Science, Medicine, and Animals. This report explains the role that animals play in biomedical research and the ways in which scientists, governments, and citizens have tried to balance the experimental use of animals with a concern for all living creatures. Read this report and the accompaning Teacher's Guide online for free

Lost Fruits of Africa

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 11:18:58 -0400

This podcast is based on the third book in a series evaluating underexploited African plant resources that could help broaden and secure Africa's food supply. Read this report online free

Engineering the Tools for Exploration

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:14:12 -0400

In the popular mind, scientists and engineers have distinct job descriptions but in truth, the distinction is blurry. In the century ahead, engineers will continue to be partners with scientists in the great quest for understanding many unanswered questions of nature and the solar system. Learn more about this Grand Challenge and other online.

Innovation in Global Industry

Fri, 23 May 2008 14:16:48 -0400

The debate over offshoring of production, transfer of technological capabilities, and potential loss of U.S. competitiveness is a long-running one. Prevailing thinking is that the world is flat that is, innovative capacity is spreading uniformly; as new centers of manufacturing emerge, research and development and new product development follow. Innovation in Global Industries challenges this thinking. This podcast is centered around an interview with Jeffrey T. Macher, one of the editors of this book. Read the report for free.

Is America Falling off the Flat Earth?

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:07:22 -0400

A couple of weeks ago, the National Academies hosted a national convocation to take stock of what has happened since the fall of 2005, when the Academies released its report on the future of American economic competitiveness. This podcast summarizes that meeting and what it means to America's future.
Read Rising Above the Gathering Storm for free
Read Is America Falling off the Flat Earth? for free

Just What the IOM Ordered

Fri, 9 May 2008 13:31:27 -0400

In each age of medicine, an increase in knowledge has led to improved public health. The decisions that guide and shape these advances are profoundly important and often politically charged. Today, health care sits at the top of the nation’s agenda and the Institute of Medicine is here to guide in. In this week's podcast learn about the IOM and its important role. Read Informing the Future for free.

Visit the IOM website.

Sweet and Salty

Fri, 2 May 2008 17:16:50 -0400

Efforts to identify new and untapped sources of water have dominated water policy for the past century. And since the mid 1960s there has been an interest in desalination as a process of ensuring fresh drinking water. In this podcast we look at the potential and issues with this process. Read the report free.

The African Science Academy Development Initiative

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:50:26 -0400

The African Science Academy Development Initiative of the U.S. National Academies directly engages African academies of science in building their capacity to provide independent, evidence-based advice to their governments and countries on health-related matters. Visit the ASADI web page.

The Reality of Virtual Reality

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:44:51 -0400

Movies and TV had depicted a highly sophisticated virtual reality. But what is its true capability and potential? Advancing virtual reality is one of the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering identified by the National Academy of Engineering with input from people from around the world. Learn more about the Grand Challenges of Engineering.

Fresher Water: Restoring Florida's Everglades

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 16:32:00 -0400

Florida's Everglades is like no other place on earth. However, the Everglades have been drastically changed by urban and agricultural development. This podcast looks at the work being done to restore the Everglades and what that means.

Starting Out Right: Promoting Children's Reading Success

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 10:02:32 -0400

A devastatingly large number of people in America cannot read as well as they need for success in life. With literacy problems plaguing as many as four in ten children in America, this podcast discusses how best to help children succeed in reading. Read the report online.

Making Solar Energy Economical: A Grand Challenge of Engineering

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:51:22 -0400

Solar energy provides less than 1% of the world's total energy but has the potential to provide much more. This podcast explores the potential of solar energy and its challenges. Making solar energy economical is one of the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering identified by the National Academy of Engineering with input from people from around the world. Learn more about the Grand Challenges of Engineering.

America's Energy Future

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:30:14 -0400

Responding to a new sense of urgency about the nation's energy future and drawing on its principal strengths and reputation, the National Academies has launched an ambitious new effort designed to provide an authoritative analysis. Last week the National Academies hosted a two-day summit to provide an overview of recent influential energy studies and initiatives. This podcasts briefly looks at the importance of that event and finding new sources of energy to secure our energy future. Learn more about the National Academies' Energy Initiative

Scientists Without Borders: The International Visitors Office

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:59:45 -0400

In this podcast we are introduced to the International Visitors Office of the National Academies - a special office designed to help foreign Scientists and Students navigate the sometimes difficult visa process to come to the United States.

What Works for Health Care?

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 14:49:43 -0500

There is currently heightened interest in optimizing health care through the generation of new knowledge on the effectiveness of health care services. This podcast looks at some of the basic findings of the IOM report. Read the Report Online. Visit the IOM report page.

Show Me The (fake) Money

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:16:42 -0500

The rapid pace at which digital printing is advancing is posing a very serious challenge to the U.S. Department of the Treasury s Bureau of Printing (BEP). The BEP needs to stay ahead of the evolving counterfeiting threats to U.S. currency. This podcast explores both the history of counterfeiting and the threat it poses today. Read the report online.

Como Se Dice... Multilingual and Loving it

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:05:01 -0500

This podcast offers a timely look at issues that are increasingly important in an interconnected world. It discusses the importance of foreign languages and cultural knowledge on national security and global competitiveness and it describes the challenges faced by the U.S. educational system and the federal government in trying to address those needs. Read the report online.

Grand Challenges For Engineering

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:45:48 -0500

In the last century alone, many great engineering achievements became so commonplace that we now take them mostly for granted. As remarkable as these engineering achievements are, certainly just as many more great challenges and opportunities remain to be realized. While some seem clear, many others are indistinct and many more surely lie beyond most of our imaginations. Visit the Grand Challenges Website

Thirsty for Energy: Biofuels and Water

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 14:19:45 -0500

Because of a strong U.S. national interest in greater energy independence, biofuels have become important liquid transportation fuels and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. This report explores the reality of biofuels, including their effect on our water supply. Read the report online.

News and Terrorism: Biological Attacks

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 10:07:03 -0500

Since September 11, 2001, the United States has been more mindful of the potential risks to the security of our nation. This podcast is the last in a series of four fact sheets produced to inform the media and public about the different types, potential impact, and how to protect themselves from these risks. Read the Fact Sheets online.

Unequal Treatment:Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:13:31 -0500

Racial and ethnic disparities in health care are known to reflect access to care and other issues that arise from differing socioeconomic conditions. The podcast provides a brief glimpse at how disparities in treatment may arise in health care systems and looks at aspects of the clinical encounter that may contribute to such disparities. Read the report online. Visit the IOM report page.

Let's Talk Transportation

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:38:54 -0500

This past week, the Transportation Research Board, a division of the National Research Council, held it's annual meeting. With more than 10,000 people expected, the TRB Annual Meeting is a multi-national, multi-modal meeting of transportation minds. In this week's podcast we learn about TRB.

Science, Evolution, and Creationism

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:03:09 -0500

Science, Evolution, and Creationism explains the fundamental methods of science, documents the overwhelming evidence in support of biological evolution, and evaluates the alternative perspectives offered by advocates of various kinds of creationism, including "intelligent design." The podcast gives a brief over the report, released January 4th. Read the report and summary report online free.

On Being a Scientist

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:23:46 -0500

On Being a Scientist is one of the most popular reports published by the National Academies. No in it's second edition and written for beginning researchers, it's subtitled "Responsible Conduct in Research" and seeks to describe the ethical foundations of the scientific practices. As the final podcast of 2007, this topic seemed to touch everyone involved in or concerned with the scientific enterprise. Read the report free.

News and Terrorism: Radiological Attacks

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:49:54 -0500

Since September 11, 2001, the United States has been more mindful of the potential risks to the security of our nation. This podcast is third in a series of four fact sheets produced to inform the media and public about the different types, potential impact, and how to protect themselves from these risks. Read the Fact Sheets online.

Beyond Einstein: The Intersection of Physics and Astrophysics

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 16:01:01 -0500

Observations of the cosmos have the potential to extend our basic physical laws beyond where 20th century research left them. NASA's Beyond Einstein program pushes our understanding to its limits and perhaps beyond.Read the report free.

Science and Security in a Post 9-11 World

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:56:55 -0500

The tragedy of September 11, 2001, the subsequent anthrax attacks, and ongoing terror threats internationally have markedly changed national and international security and information sharing. While, the success of U.S. science and engineering has been built on a system of information sharing and open communication, not only among U.S. institutions, but also with the international science and technology communities. This podcast explores how these two important endeavors must be balanced for the future of our country. Read the report free

Loud and Clear: The 2007 National Academies Communications Awards

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:48:26 -0500

Beginning in 2003, the National Academies has recognized outstanding examples of science communication. The awards were given to individuals in three categories: book author, newspaper, magazine, or online journalist, and TV/radio correspondent or producer. In today's podcast, we're going to introduce you to three individuals who were awarded the 2007 National Academies Communication Awards. Learn more about the National Academies Communication Awards.

Ready...Set...Science!

Thu, 8 Nov 2007 15:51:21 -0500

What types of instructional experiences help K-8 students learn science with understanding? What do science educators, teachers, teacher leaders, science specialists, professional development staff, curriculum designers, school administrators need to know to create and support such experiences? This podcast takes a brief look into this increasingly important topic. Read the report free

News and Terrorism: Chemical Attacks

Fri, 2 Nov 2007 15:24:32 -0400

Since September 11, 2001, the United States has been more mindful of the potential risks to the security of our nation. This podcast is second in a series of four fact sheets produced to inform the media and public about the different types, potential impact, and how to protect themselves from these risks. Read the Fact Sheets online.

The Future of Emergency Care

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:58:42 -0400

Emergency Care is a critical component of our nation's health care system, providing response and medical care to millions of sick and injured Americans each year. However, it is being pushed beyond its breaking point. This podcast looks at the status of the system and the recommendation made by the IOM to improve it to meet our future needs. Read the report free. Visit the IOM report page.

Breast Cancer Treatment: Meeting Psychosocial Needs of Women

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:46:26 -0400

In this podcast the National Cancer Policy Board of the Institute of Medicine examines the psychosocial consequences of the cancer experience, specifically on breast cancer in women because this group has the largest survivor population (over 2 million) and this disease is the most extensively studied cancer from the standpoint of psychosocial effects. Read the report free. Visit the IOM report page.

Better Living Through Chemistry: The Future of Chemistry Research in the US

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:17:18 -0400

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. Read the report online.

When I'm 64

Mon, 8 Oct 2007 16:54:19 -0400

By 2030 there will be about 70 million people in the United States older than 64, nearly 22 percent of the population. In anticipation to the societal changes that are sure to follow, this podcast covers some of the findings from the NRC report by the same name. Read the report online.

News and Terrorism: Nuclear Attacks

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:32:51 -0400

Since September 11, 2001, the United States has been more mindful of the potential risks to the security of our nation. This podcast is part of a series of four fact sheets produced to inform the media and public about the different types, potential impact, and how to protect themselves from these risks. Read the Fact Sheets online.

None of Your Business: Privacy in the Information Age

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:04:58 -0400

Privacy is a growing concern in the United States and around the world. This podcast takes a closer look at the three major drivers of the vast changes affection notions, perceptions, and expectations of privacy today. Read the report online.

Baby, it's Cold in Here

Fri, 7 Sep 2007 13:01:13 -0400

Named by the National Academy of Engineering as one of the Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century, refrigeration has changed our life in many ways. This podcast recounts the development of refrigeration and air conditioning and how it has affected our lives. Read the report online.

Critical Issues in Transportation

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:52:43 -0400

The recent I-35 West bridge collapse in Minnesota has brought new attention to the U.S.'s vital and aging transportation system. This podcast highlights several critical issues in transportation as identified by the Executive Committee of TRB. Read online.

Bio2010: Transforming Undergraduate Education for Future Research Biologists

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 13:22:07 -0400

Research in biology has undergone a major transformation in the last 10 to 15 years. Undergraduate biology education has not changed to address the evolving field. The report, Bio2010, delves into the needed changes in undergraduate biology education to properly prepare future researchers to excel in their field. Read the report online.

IOM's Twelve Tips to Take Charge of your Health

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:05:11 -0400

In a special episode of the Sounds of Science, Dr. Harvey Fineberg, President of the Institute of Medicine, shares his top 12 Tips for Taking Charge of Your Health. Read these tips here.

Getting Rid of Polio... for Good

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:26:30 -0400

When the global polio eradication campaign was launched in 1988, polio virus caused more than 350,000 cases of paralytic disease annually in more than 125 countries. By 2003, only 784 cases of poliomyelitis were reported in a total of six countries (Aylward et al. 2005). The final steps in the eradication of polio, however, pose a challenge. The week's podcast looks at the challenges being faced in the final steps to eradicate this disease. Read the report online.

Multiple Origins, Uncertain Destinies: Hispanics and the American Future

Fri, 3 Aug 2007 13:23:34 -0400

Given current demographic trends, nearly one in five U.S. residents will be of Hispanic origin by 2025. This major demographic shift and its implications for both the United States and the growing Hispanic population make Multiple Origins, Uncertain Destinies a most timely podcast. This report from the National Research Council describes how Hispanics are transforming the country as they disperse geographically. Read the report online.

Is Fido Too Fat?: Your Dog's Nutritional Needs

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:32:34 -0400

According to the latest information from the National Research Council, one out of every four dogs in the western world is now obese. Like humans, dogs that are obese run a higher risk of developing health problems. This podcast provides pet owners with sound information to base their feeding decisions on.Read the report online.

Born to Learn: The Importance of Early Childhood Care

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:22:49 -0400

Child care in the United States is changing - because society in general is changing. This podcast reviews the findings of four flagship reports from the National Research Council on early childhood development and the important of role child care providers. .

Are We Alone? The Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:22:08 -0400

The idea that life may exist elsewhere in the cosmos is exciting and exhilarating. However, the search for life in the cosmos begins with our understanding of life on Earth. This week's podcast looks at how we define life and what we need to do in order to better recognize, conserve, and study alien life that is encountered. Read the report online.

Uninsured in America

Fri, 6 Jul 2007 11:07:13 -0400

More that 43 million U.S. residents under the age of 65 lacked health insurance for all of 2002 and millions more went uncovered for at least part of the year. This Podcast reviews the findings of 6 Institute of Medicine reports on uninsurance and the key principles for closing the coverage gap. Read the report online.

A Salmon A Day: Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Seafood

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:26:07 -0400

The fragmented information that consumers receive about the nutritional value and health risks associated with fish and shellfish can result in confusion or misperceptions about these food sources. This week's episode looks at the available research and provides listeners with tips and guidelines when choosing seafood. Read the report online. Visit the IOM report page.

BeeGone: Pollinators in Crisis

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:39:43 -0400

Pollinators- insects, birds, bats, and other animals that carry pollen from the male to the female parts of flowers for plant reproduction- are an essential part of natural and agricultural ecosystems throughout North America. For example, most fruit, vegetable, and seed crops and some crops that provide fiber, drugs, and fuel depend on animals for pollination. This Podcast looks at the role they play in our economy and the steps we need to take to protect them. Read the report online.

Ending the Tobacco Problem

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:11:50 -0400

The nation has made tremendous progress in reducing tobacco use during the past 40 years. Despite extensive knowledge about successful interventions, however, approximately one-quarter of American adults still smoke. Tobacco-related illnesses and death place a huge burden on our society. Read the report online. Visit the IOM report page.

Progress in Preventing Childhood Obesity: How Do We Measure Up?

Wed, 6 Jun 2007 13:52:37 -0400

The remarkable increase in the prevalence of obesity among children and youth in the United States over a relatively short timespan represents one of the defining public health challenges of the 21st century. The country is beginning to recognize childhood obesity as a major public health epidemic that will incur substantial costs to the nation. This report brief summarizes the recommendations and next steps made in the report. Read the report online. Visit the IOM report page.

Lost Crops of Africa Volume II: Vegetables

Fri, 1 Jun 2007 13:54:57 -0400

This report is the second in a series of three evaluating underexploited African plant resources that could help broaden and secure Africa's food supply. The podcast describes the characteristics of several little-known indigenous African vegetables (including tubers and legumes) that have potential as food- and cash-crops but are typically overlooked by scientists and policymakers and in the world at large. Read the report online.

The New Science of Metagenomics: Revealing the Secrets of Our Microbial Planet

Fri, 25 May 2007 14:08:29 -0400

Although we can't see them, microbes are essential for every part of human life - indeed all life on Earth. The emerging field of metagenomics provides a new way of viewing the microbial world that will not only transform modern microbiology, but also may revolutionize understanding of the entire living world. This report briefs looks at the recommendations the National Research Council gave on how to shape this emerging field of study and manage the immense findings that it is sure to provide. Read the report online.

Abrupt Climate Change: Inevitable Surprises

Fri, 18 May 2007 11:37:42 -0400

The climate record for the past 100,000 years clearly indicates that the climate system has undergone periodic and often extreme shifts, sometimes in as little as a decade or less. The causes of abrupt climate changes have not been clearly established, but the triggering of events is likely to be the result of multiple natural processes. Read the report free.

Treating Infectious Diseases in a Microbial World

Tue, 8 May 2007 16:18:15 -0400

Humans coexist with millions of harmless microorganisms, but emerging diseases, resistance to antibiotics, and the threat of bioterrorism are forcing scientists to look for new ways to confront the microbes that do pose a danger. This report identifies innovative approaches to the development of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines based on a greater understanding of how the human immune system interacts with both good and bad microbes. The report concludes that the development of a single superdrug to fight all infectious agents is unrealistic. Read the report online.

Managing Coal Combustion Residues in Mines

Fri, 4 May 2007 10:25:41 -0400

Burning coal in electric utility plants produces, in addition to power, residues that contain constituents which may be harmful to the environment. The management of large volumes of coal combustion residues (CCRs) is a challenge for utilities, because they must either place the CCRs in landfills, surface impoundments, or mines, or find alternative uses for the material. This study focuses on the placement of CCRs in active and abandoned coal mines. Read the report online.

Organ Donation: Opportunities for Action

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:01:05 -0400

Rates of organ donation lag far behind the increasing need. At the start of 2006, more than 90,000 people were waiting to receive a solid organ (kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, heart, or intestine). Organ Donation examines a wide range of proposals to increase organ donation, including policies that presume consent for donation as well as the use of financial incentives such as direct payments, coverage of funeral expenses, and charitable contributions. Read the report online. Visit the IOM report page.

Children's Health, The Nation's Wealth: Assessing and Improving Child Health

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:02:29 -0400

Children's health has clearly improved over the past several decades. Significant and positive gains have been made in lowering rates of infant mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases and accidental causes, improved access to health care, and reduction in the effects of environmental contaminants such as lead. Yet major questions still remain about how to assess the status of children's health, what factors should be monitored, and the appropriate measurement tools that should be used. Read the report online.

Beyond Bias and Barriers

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:36:08 -0400

Beyond Bias and Barriers explains that eliminating gender bias in academia requires immediate overarching reform, including decisive action by university administrators, professional societies, federal funding agencies and foundations, government agencies, and Congress. If implemented and coordinated across public, private, and government sectors, the recommended actions will help to improve workplace environments for all employees while strengthening the foundations of America's competitiveness. Read the report online

Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility

Fri, 6 Apr 2007 13:01:32 -0400

Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility drinking, the greater the danger. This Podcast presents strategies for state-level leadership, community mobilization, and restricting youth access to alcohol as well as the proposed 10 component national strategy from this important report, Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility. Read the report online.

From Neurons to Neighborhoods: Applying the Science of Early Childhood Development

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:42:37 -0400

There has been an explosion of knowledge in understanding the infant brain and in pinpointing the factors that influence whether young children get off to a promising or a worrisome start. This Podcast explores the conclusions and findings related to providing our Nation's youth with a positive future. Read the report online.

Tech Tally: Approaches to Assessing Technological Literacy

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 13:09:46 -0400

Technology is pervasive; an informed citizenship needs to know what technology is, how it works, how it is created, how it shapes our society, and how society influences technological development. This podcast provides insights into the importance of technology in our society and how and why we need to measure our understanding of it. Read the report online.

Engaging Schools

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 15:34:24 -0400

When it comes to motivating people to learn, disadvantaged urban adolescents are usually perceived as a hard sell. Yet, in a recent MetLife survey, 89 percent of the low-income students claimed I really want to learn applied to them. This report brief summarizes the major findings and recommendations in this National Academies report. Read the report online.

Commuting in America III

Fri, 9 Mar 2007 14:53:08 -0500

The average daily commute to work is taking longer now than it has in the past. This synopsis of the Commuting in America III report provides an overview of some of the major trends and factors being seen in commuting to work today. Read the report online.

Genes, Behavior, and the Social Environment

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 13:54:53 -0500

We have made great strides over the past century in reducing rates of disease and enhancing people's general health. This report brief discusses the findings and recommendations from the Institute of Medicine on how to move these efforts forward in the next century. Read the report online. Visit the IOM report page.

Understanding the Ocean's Role in Human Health

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 14:00:07 -0500

The ocean has greater affects on human health than the average person realizes. This report brief discusses the health and medical hazards, benefits, and potential found in the ocean's depths. Read the report online.

Learning to Think Spatially

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 11:30:04 -0500

Spatial thinking is a skill used in everyday life, the workplace, and science to solve problems using concepts of space, visualization, and reasoning. This report brief looks into the importance and teaching spatial thinking skills as part of the K - 12 curriculum, specifically through the use of GIS technology. Read the report online.

Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 11:16:15 -0500

Stem cells are the primitive cells that give rise to the different tissue types in the body. This podcast provides a summary of the issues surrounding stem cell research, including the debate, the types of research they are used for, and report recommendations. Read the report online.

Preventing Medication Errors

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 10:31:14 -0500

Most of the time medications are beneficial, or at least they cause no harm, but on occasion they do injure the person taking them. This report brief highlights the findings and recommendation from the Institute of Medicine report, Preventing Medication Errors, to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Read the report online.