Bioscience Briefing

For info about biomedical funding, animal research and other bioscience issues, click here.

Science Policy Announcements

For the latest news from the APS Science Policy click here.

Legislation Watch

So-called "Pet Safety Bills" don't protect pets but they do pose a threat to medical research. More information

Resource Book Now Available

Click here for more info on The APS Resource Book for the Design of Animal Exercise Protocols.

Science Policy

Current Highlights

SBIR Reauthorization Passed by the House of Representatives 4/28/08

Thanks to an amendment sponsored by Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and the strong support of Representative David Obey (D-WI), the House reauthorization of two small business innovation programs did not include a proposal to increase the set-asides from research agencies including the NIH.

APS responds to NIH Peer Review Report 3/17/08

This February, the NIH released a Final Draft Report with recommendations for improving the peer review process for awarding grants. The APS issued the following response to the report, and will continue to work with the NIH as the agency implements the recommendations. To view the report in its entirety and offer your own comments, visit the NIH website at http://enhancing-peer-review.nih.gov.

NIH Director Elias Zerhouni Condemns Extremists 2/25/08

Elias Zerhouni declared “terrorism against researchers using animals is real and intolerable” in response to an attack on the home of a UCLA researcher.

SfN releases Best Practices for Protecting Researchers and Research 2/06/08

SfN has released a new document that recommends specific and proactive steps that research institutions can take to protect scientists who face intimidation, harassment, and physical attack by fringe anti-animal research extremists.

FASEB Launches Voter Education Initiative ScienceCures.org 1/15/08

FASEB has launched a new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.org, aimed at raising the profile of federal funding for biomedical research among the candidates and the general public. ScienceCures.org offers a variety of tools and resources to encourage scientists to become engaged in calling on our leaders to reinvigorate national investment in scientific research.

A Role for Scientists in Evolution Education 1/08/08

Recognizing that challenges to the teaching of evolution also represent a threat to science and science education, 17 scientific societies including the APS came together in an unprecedented effort to understand how the scientific community might best address this threat. The Coalition of Scientific Societies engaged a professional research firm to conduct a national survey examining voters' attitudes on evolutionary science in the context of education.

Congress Finalizes FY 08 Funding for Research 12/31/07

Nearly three months after the start of the 2008 fiscal year, Congress approved the appropriations for most federal agencies, including the NIH, the NSF, NASA and the VA.

Institutions Speak Out Against Extremists 12/31/07

A number of institutions are speaking out against violence, following a rash of vandalism and harassment from animal rights extremists.

FASEB Launches YouTube Videos In Support Of Medical Research 11/20/07

In an effort to ensure that medical research is included in upcoming Presidential debates, FASEB is encouraging its members and member societies to view the videos and post comments of support.

APS Comments on USDA APHIS Animal Care Policy Manual 11/13/07

The APS has responded to a request for comments by the USDA.

Peer Review at NIH 8/29/07

As NIH considers changes to peer review policies, APS provides input.

The America COMPETES Act 8/29/07

Congress passes a package of legislation to increase American scientific competitiveness.