Weekly Advocacy News Roundup
News
Greek Bailout Set to Free Up Research Funds
August 15, 2015 | Nature News
After recent approval of a third bailout measure, Greece’s research minister says that two sets of research money from the European Union can now be released and used. One pot of money will go towards a call for research proposals, which is the first major call for proposals in several years.
- Interested in international advocacy? Register now for a webinar launching September 1 on Neuronline.
Report: Impact of Biomedical Research Slipping
August 18, 2015 | The Scientist
A study published in PNAS concludes that despite previous increases in funding and more new papers being published, science is not being translated into public-health benefits. The authors state that it is a complicated issue, and many factors are likely contributing to this finding.
- Find science funding resources at SfN.org
Has U.S. Biomedical Research on Chimpanzees Come to an End?
August 18, 2015 | Science Insider
Since all chimpanzees, including those used for research, were recently listed as endangered, no laboratories have applied for permits to use chimpanzees in “invasive research.”
- Find information about the use of animals in research at SfN.org.
Articles of Interest
Smelling Alzheimer’s Disease with Peanut Butter
August 19, 2015 | Inside Science
The olfactory cortex is one of the first areas of the brain to deteriorate in Alzheimer’s disease, and scientists are now working to validate a peanut butter smell test as an easy early detection tool.
- Read more about Alzheimer’s disease at BrainFacts.org.
The Cloth Cap That Could Help Treat Depression
August 16, 2015 | The Guardian
A company has developed a soft helmet that can monitor brainwaves, and may be able to help diagnose and treat conditions ranging from depression to strokes.
- Find information about depression and treatments at BrainFacts.org.
Opinion
Leaving the EU Would Drive Away Talented Foreign Scientists
August 18, 2015 | The Guardian
Amidst concerns about the UK leaving the European Union, scientists voice concern that an exit would be harmful to European scientists currently working in Britain, and that the effect on science would also be harmful to the UK economy.
- Learn more about science funding in the UK at SfN.org.
