The Sounds of Science from the National Academies show

The Sounds of Science from the National Academies

Summary: This informative and entertaining bi-weekly series of audio podcasts puts the spotlight on the high-impact work of the National Academies. Focusing on a wide range of critical issues in science, engineering, and medicine, these short 10-minute episodes are a quick and easy way to tune in to the all the key findings and important recommendations made by the Academies. The National Academies consists of four organizations: the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council. The National Academies perform an unparalleled public service by bringing together committees of experts in all areas of scientific and technological endeavors. Our nation’s preeminent experts volunteer their time on committees addressing critical national issues and offering unbiased advice to the public and federal government.

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  • Artist: The National Academies
  • Copyright: Copyright National Academy of Sciences

Podcasts:

 The Path Not Studied | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:58

Education is no doubt important to the future of the United States, but can everyone benefit from the same type? This week's podcast looks at need for more studies for the less traveled paths of higher education.

 Changing the Conversation: Improving Public Understanding of Engineering | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 11:36

Every year, hundreds of millions of dollars are spent in the United States to improve the public understanding of engineering (NAE, 2002). Despite these efforts, educational research shows that K–12 teachers and students generally have a poor understanding of what engineers do. This podcast looks at the new NAE report addressing the need for better public understanding of engineering.

 Science, Stated | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:33

The federal government plays the predominant role in supporting research and development (R&D) and in establishing public policies that affect science and technology (S&T) in the United States. However, the federal government is no longer the sole focus of R&D funding and S&T policy making. State and local policy makers are unquestionably making more and more decisions that affect all of us on a daily basis. This podcast looks at the recent Convocation addressing these issues.

 Science, Medicine, and Animals | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:03

This podcast provides an overview to the 2004 report Science, Medicine, and Animals. This report explains the role that animals play in biomedical research and the ways in which scientists, governments, and citizens have tried to balance the experimental use of animals with a concern for all living creatures.

 Lost Fruits of Africa | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:30

This podcast is based on the third book in a series evaluating underexploited African plant resources that could help broaden and secure Africa's food supply.

 Engineering the Tools for Exploration | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 6:31

In the popular mind, scientists and engineers have distinct job descriptions but in truth, the distinction is blurry. In the century ahead, engineers will continue to be partners with scientists in the great quest for understanding many unanswered questions of nature and the solar system.

 Innovation in Global Industry | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:49

The debate over offshoring of production, transfer of technological capabilities, and potential loss of U.S. competitiveness is a long-running one. Prevailing thinking is that the world is flat that is, innovative capacity is spreading uniformly; as new centers of manufacturing emerge, research and development and new product development follow. Innovation in Global Industries challenges this thinking. This podcast is centered around an interview with Jeffrey T. Macher, one of the editors of this book.

 Is America Falling off the Flat Earth? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:56

A couple of weeks ago, the National Academies hosted a national convocation to take stock of what has happened since the fall of 2005, when the Academies released its report on the future of American economic competitiveness. This podcast summarizes that meeting and what it means to America's future.

 Just What the IOM Ordered | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:26

In each age of medicine, an increase in knowledge has led to improved public health. The decisions that guide and shape these advances are profoundly important and often politically charged. Today, health care sits at the top of the nation’s agenda and the Institute of Medicine is here to guide in. In this week's podcast learn about the IOM and its important role.

 Sweet and Salty | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:33

Efforts to identify new and untapped sources of water have dominated water policy for the past century. And since the mid 1960s there has been an interest in desalination as a process of ensuring fresh drinking water. In this podcast we look at the potential and issues with this process

 The African Science Academy Development Initiative | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:56

The African Science Academy Development Initiative of the U.S. National Academies directly engages African academies of science in building their capacity to provide independent, evidence-based advice to their governments and countries on health-related matters.

 The Reality of Virtual Reality | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 9:17

Movies and TV had depicted a highly sophisticated virtual reality. But what is its true capability and potential? Advancing virtual reality is one of the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering identified by the National Academy of Engineering with input from people from around the world.

 Fresher Water: Restoring Florida's Everglades | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:23

Florida's Everglades is like no other place on earth. However, the Everglades have been drastically changed by urban and agricultural development. This podcast looks at the work being done to restore the Everglades and what that means.

 Starting Out Right: Promoting Children's Reading Success | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:20

A devastatingly large number of people in America cannot read as well as they need for success in life. With literacy problems plaguing as many as four in ten children in America, this podcast discusses how best to help children succeed in reading.

 Making Solar Energy Economical: A Grand Challenge of Engineering | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 9:04

Solar energy provides less than 1% of the world's total energy but has the potential to provide much more. This podcast explores the potential of solar energy and its challenges. Making solar energy economical is one of the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering identified by the National Academy of Engineering with input from people from around the world.

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