Japanese science ministry takes partial blame for tsunami and meltdown

Japan’s ministry of science and education was supposed to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first annual White Paper on Science and Technology with the 2011 edition. Instead of a long spread of great achievements by Japanese scientists over the past five decades, however, the document, which was approved by the government yesterday, became the latest mea culpa for the poor handling of last March’s earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident. The document puts the spotlight on the responsibility of the countries’ scientists and engineers.  Read more

Human variome taking shape with Chinese node

An ambitious project to log all genetic variations that cause human disease lunged forward this week with the launch of the Chinese “node” of the Human Variome Project (HVP) . Scientists and clinicians in China meanwhile are hoping participation will spread genetic counseling and genetic medicine at home.

Stem cell spread: Four jocks and a cheerleader

Stem cell spread: Four jocks and a cheerleader

Retired football star Terrell Owens has been in the papers recently for what appears to have been a drug overdose. It was the culmination of a desperate year that included an attempt to revive his career with a stem cells. He received the treatment on his knee in Korea in September.

Japan freezes fast breeder plans

Monju, Japan’s prototype fast breeder reactor, has had its research budget slashed. This might not come as a big surprise, given the anti-nuke sentiment in Japan and the tattered state of its nuclear energy policy. Still, with this latest blow, the woeful state of the ill-fated reactor is all the more striking. It could be maintained — with the help of a one-off Y20 billion yen (US$262 million) allocation — but the annual research budget will be cut 70%~80% from its previous Y10 billion.

Attention! New study points to power of controlling neurons

Humans and monkeys can learn to fire neurons in particular regions of the brain at will using a feedback mechanism. They can, for example, control the movement of motor neurons even without making any physical movements. But what effect does that firing have on the cognition or behavior of the monkey (or person) whose brain it is?

Helping hand for scientist-refugees

Research facilities have been destroyed by the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, and fear over radiation has brought work to halt at a far greater number of laboratories throughout the Tokyo area. The setback for science will be great, and many in Japan are wondering whether they will ever get their careers back on track. For scientists who are forced to close their labs or who chose to evacuate, there might be hope. Researchers living outside of Japan are trying to think of ways to help scientist-refugees.  Read more