Weekly Advocacy News Roundup
News
In a Turnabout, Key Congressional Critic Backs NSF Peer Review
March 12, 2015 | Science Insider
A new statement from Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) suggests that his criticism of NSF’s peer review process may be softening, stating that he has found “nothing to suggest it is not the best available means for making very difficult, complex decisions.”
- Read more about neuroscience funding through NSF.
AU Leaders Approve New Funding Platform for Africa’s Science
March 9, 2015 | Africa Science News
A recent Summit of the African Union Heads of State and Government endorsed the establishment of the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa. The alliance seeks to strengthen health research and innovation in Africa.
- Read about global advocacy programs.
Human Brain Project Reviewed
March 10, 2015 | The Scientist
A review panel released a report stating that the European Human Brain Project needs reforms to its governance, the way it collaborates, and its communication.
- Find information about worldwide neuroscience initiatives.
Articles of Interest
A Simple Flashcard Test to Detect Concussions
March 11, 2015 | The New York Times Well Blog
A two-minute vision test administered on the sidelines after a young athlete has hit his or her head can help to reliably determine whether the athlete has sustained a concussion, according to a new study.
- Read about the science of concussions at BrainFacts.org.
How Molly Works in the Brain
March 10, 2015 | Scientific American
Amphetamine MDMA, known as Molly, is a hallucinogenic street drug that may also have research value. Psychiatrists are interested in the “prosocial” effects of Molly and its potential to enhance psychotherapy.
- Learn more about the effects of drugs on the brain at BrainFacts.org.
Opinion
Invest in American Science
March 11, 2015 | The Hill
Signed by sixteen international scientists working in the U.S., this op-ed discusses the importance of long-term funding for NIH and American science.
- Find science funding advocacy materials that can be used in grassroots efforts.
