Feb. 14, 2014 - This Week's Consolidation of Advocacy News
News
Harper Unveils New Fund for Canadian Research Excellence
Feb. 12, 2014 | Science Insider
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty unveiled a fiscal plan that included a promise of $1.36 billion over 10 years to create a Canada First Research Excellence Fund. This fund is expected to provide grants to colleges and universities to help Canada foster scientific discovery and facilitate economic growth.
- Learn more about global advocacy efforts at SfN.org/advocacy
Swiss Vote to Curb Immigration Could Hamper Research
Feb. 10, 2014 | Science Insider
Voters approved a referendum in Switzerland that will limit the influx of migrants into their country. There is concern, though, that the new restrictions will make it difficult for Swiss universities to attract foreign talent.
Bill to Keep Scientific Research from Public View to be Heard on Monday
Feb. 8, 2014 | The Wisconsin State Journal
Scientific research at University of Wisconsin campuses would be shielded from public records requests until it's published or patented under a controversial bill scheduled for a first hearing on Monday before the Wisconsin Assembly's higher education committee.
'No Target' in UK Animal Tests Plan
Feb. 7, 2014 | BBC
The U.K. government has launched its delivery plan to replace, refine, and reduce the use of animals in research. The goal of the plan is to find alternatives to animal models rather than focus on reducing the number of experiments that use animals.
- Watch SfN’s new webinar “Flies, Fish, and Other Animal Models: What they reveal about brain diseases and disorders” produced with the help of the American Brain Coalition.
Articles of Interest
Might Brain Implants Help Restore Memory Loss from Combat Injuries?
Feb. 10, 2014 | Washington Post
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DAPRA) officials hope to build on neuroengineering advances, such as one that helps people with limited motor functions communicate with a device, as part of the goals of President Obama's BRAIN Initiative.
- Read the Q&A with Cornelia Bargmann and William T. Newsome about the NIH part of the BRAIN Initiative.
Why So Munchy? Cannabis Shown to Ramp Up Sense of Smell
Feb. 9, 2014 | New Scientist
Researchers have discovered that the receptor of THC, the active chemical in marijuana, regulates the feeding behavior of mice. The French group at INSERM genetically modified neurons to turn the receptor, called CB1, off and on and found that mice with the receptor turned off ate less than control animals.
- Share this video about neurobiology of smell and a disorder called Congenital Anosmia at BrainFacts.org.
Opinion
Science at the Sharp End of Oppressive Politics
Feb. 12, 2014 | Nature
Andreas Kreiter describes the politics surrounding his drawn out ordeal with animal-rights extremists in Germany.
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