Nov. 14, 2014 – This Week's Consolidation of Advocacy News
News
Science Adviser Role in the New European Commission in Limbo
Nov. 11, 2014 | ScienceInsider
Anne Golver’s role as chief scientific adviser to the president of the European Commission doesn’t exist anymore after a new president has made changes to the commission’s organization. It remains unclear how the new administration will obtain scientific advice.
House Dems Urge Leaders to Increase NIH Funding
Nov. 10, 2014 | The Hill
Over 100 House Democrats called for setting NIH’s funding at pre-sequester levels in the new government funding bill that will be released in early December.
- Send a letter to your legislators advocating for NIH increases through SfN’s Advocacy Action Center.
Why Congressional Republicans Want to Cut Social Science Research Funding
Nov. 12, 2014 | Vox
This article examines recent Congressional critiques and actions related to NSF funding. The Congressional Republican case against social science funding is discussed, along with how scientists are defending their funding.
Universities Blast Congressional Probe of NSF Grants
Nov. 10, 2014 | Inside Higher Ed
The Association of American Universities released a statement criticizing the U.S. House science committee’s inquiry in to certain NSF grants. The AAU states that while they support “constructive oversight” of science agencies by Congress, the current probe is having a negative effect.
Articles of Interest
Learning How Little We Know About the Brain
Nov. 10 | New York Times
As brain research and understanding continues to grow, this progress is also revealing great gaps in our understanding of the brain. Dr. Abbott, a physicist by training, has brought new techniques and ideas to his collaborations with neuroscientists to try to answer some of these questions.
- Read more about neuroscience research technologies at BrainFacts.org.
Brain’s Taste Secrets Uncovered
Nov. 8, 2014 | BBC News
A new study demonstrates that separate taste sensors on the tongue have a corresponding set of neurons that discretely respond to individual tastes. The researchers hope that this has helped clarify how the brain perceives taste, and may help reverse loss of taste in elderly individuals.
- This year’s Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society features chef Brian Voltaggio speaking on “Food for Thought: Tastes, Aromas, and Memories of Food.”
The Brains of Marijuana Users Are Different, Especially If They Start Young
Nov. 10, 2014 | Washington Post
A recent study used MRI scans to examine how chronic marijuana use effects brain structures and functions. The results showed that a part of the brain involved with reward is smaller in marijuana users, and that these effects may depend on the age of first use and duration of use.
- Ask an Expert on BrainFacts.org: How does marijuana affect brain function?
Opinion
Can Big Government Solve the Mysteries of Autism and Alzheimer’s Disease? Why We Need Obama’s BRAIN Initiative.
Nov. 5, 2014 | The Nation
The BRAIN Initiative seeks to understand the unique abilities of the brain, and try to further understand brain disorders and possible treatments. Cori Bargmann states that this scale of project requires a large effort, and that “only governments” can commit the money needed over the long period of time required for this project.
- Learn more about the BRAIN Initiative and other global funding initiatives at the Public Advocacy Forum at Neuroscience 2014.
Poised for Big Breakthroughs, US Scientists Find Dwindling Support
Nov. 10, 2014 | The Hill
The discussion of science funding was not addressed enough in the midterm elections. The authors “call upon policymakers to restore the lost ground of 10 years of flat funding” by investing in the long-term future of science.
- Learn how you can make the case for increased NIH and NSF funding.
How to Study the Brain
Nov. 12, 2014 | The Chronicle of Higher Education
Three neuroscientists advocate for an increased role of theory in advancing the future of neuroscience, and discuss how federal agencies could prioritize such research.
