Jan. 10, 2014 - This Week's Consolidation of Advocacy News
News
Spending Bill Negotiators Face Heavy Lift
Jan. 6, 2014 | The Hill
Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) worked throughout the holiday to produce the 12 part omnibus needed to keep the government funded. So far only four parts have been completed, including one that covers provisions for science funding, with the most controversial issues still ahead.
- Learn about the appropriations process by watching “From Congress to Your Lab: How Federal Funding Affects Your Science.”
Notice of Informational Conference Calls for Prospective Applicants to NIH BRAIN Initiative Funding Opportunity Announcements
Jan. 6, 2014 | NIH
The National Institute of Health will be hosting a series of informational conference calls to address technical questions regarding applications to each of The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative Funding Opportunity Announcements for prospective applicants.
- Watch "Understanding New Brain Initiatives in the United States and Europe," a presentation from Neuroscience 2013 featuring representatives from the U.S. federal agencies that support the BRAIN Initiative and a program officer from the Human Brain Project in Europe.
Multimillion-Pound Brain Fund Set Up To Stop Teachers Buying Into Neuroscience Myths
Jan. 7, 2014 | Forbes
A £6m fund has been launched to make better use of neuroscience in classrooms in England as a push to improve evidence-based research in the classroom.
- Get more information about SfN’s alliance with the DANA Foundation to bring together scientists, families, schools, and communities.
Articles of Interest
'Jumping Genes' Linked to Schizophrenia
Jan. 2, 2014 | Science NOW
Roaming bits of DNA called "jumping genes" have been linked to schizophrenia in a new study published by SfN member Tadafumi Kato. These rogue genetic elements can relocate and proliferation and were found throughout the brain tissue of people with schizophrenia. Jumping genes potentially disrupt gene activity, in particular activity of genes important in neural development. Additionally, the scientists determined that a specific jumping gene multiplies in response to environmental influences, such as infection during pregnancy. This may help explain how genes and environment work together to produce a complex disorder, such as schizophrenia.
- Find more information for the public with an interest in brain development at BrainFacts.org.
How UW-Madison Lab Cats Became the Symbols for PETA's Campaign Against Animal Research
Jan. 9, 2014 | Isthmus The Daily Page
This article covers the history of how a neuroscience lab at University of Wisconsin-Madison which studies audition became a target of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
- Find more information about Animals in Research at SfN.org.
The Brain, in Exquisite Detail
Jan. 6, 2014 | New York Times
The article covers the Human Connectome Project and the contribution of SfN member, Deanna Barch. The goal is to build an interactive model of the human brain by compiling cognitive, psychological, physical and genetic information gathered from 1,200 volunteers.
- Visit BrainFacts.org for stunning neuroscience images every week.
Opinion
Animal Research Key to Advancing Science -- Michael E. Goldberg
Jan. 5, 2014 | Wisconsin State Journal
Goldberg, past president of the Society for Neuroscience and chairman of the Society's Committee on Animals in Research, spoke out in support for animal research in Wisconsin in response to increased awareness of animal research near the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
- Find support for members and institutions that support the use of animals in research at SfN.org/advocacy.
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