U.S. President's 2009 Biodefense Budget Proposal Calls for Overall Growth, But Some Cuts

U.S. hospitals have dramatically improved their ability to respond to biosecurity threats since the 2001 terrorist attacks. Yet, the number of hospital beds and emergency departments continues to decline, and many hospitals remain unprepared for either deliberate attacks or major disease outbreaks.

By AAAS, USA.

Technology Policy Resource.

Experts Say States, Foundations and Financiers Attempting to Fill the U.S. Innovation Policy Vacuum

In China, R&D investment is growing at a breathtaking rate. In Finland, three established universities that focused on design, business management and technology have been combined into an "innovation university." Singapore has a life sciences initiative that will one day employ thousands of researchers from throughout the world. Australia and the United Kingdom each have established innovation ministries.

By AAAS, USA.

Technology Policy Resource.

New Poll Shows Calories Hard for New Yorkers to Guess

Quick, what at McDonald’s has the most calories? A Big Mac, two Sausage McGriddles, a large chocolate shake, or four hamburgers? If you guessed a Big Mac, you’d be in good company. And you’d also be wrong. According to a new statewide poll commissioned by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the New York State Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Alliance, that was the top guess of the 900 New York state voters quizzed. But it's the large chocolate shake at McDonald’s that has more calories (1,160, as it happens) than those other menu items.

By CSPI, USA.

Health Policy Resource.

Researchers Resurrect Extinct Judean Date Palm Tree from 2,000-Year-Old Seed

In the foreboding, cliff-side fortress of Masada some 2,000 years ago, Jewish Zealots savored sweet dates from Judean palm trees, gazed at the Dead Sea, and perhaps spit seeds onto the palace floor while Roman invaders converged below. Now, researchers led by Dr. Sarah Sallon of Jerusalem's Louis L. Borick Natural Medicine Research Center, part of the Hadassah Medical Organization, have brought an extinct date palm back to life, by resurrecting the oldest seed ever.

By AAAS, USA.

Technology Policy Resource.