AAAS Advances

The advancement of science and the benefits to society are marked by significant milestones throughout the ages. The last half century has brought us from the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA to the mapping of the entire human genome sequence. This year, as we honor the 50th birthday of one of molecular biologyâ€™s major accomplishments, we marvel at the flood of discoveries that followed, ranging from new perspectives on medicine and evolution to a bold new look at organisms from microbe to human. AAAS celebrates this milestone with a special DNA issue of Science published 11 April: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/vol300/issue5617/index.shtml.

In keeping with our mission to advance science and serve society, we will continue to keep you at the forefront of breakthroughs in all fields of discovery.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the double helix, we'd like your opinion on which discovery has had greater effects on human life: the discovery of the structure of DNA or the discovery of atomic energy? Submit your vote.

The Future of Science and Technology Policy
What effect is the war on terrorism and the internationalization of science and technology having on the U.S. scientific enterprise? The 28th Annual AAAS Colloquium on Science and Technology Policy, attended by 500 of the nationâ€™s top S&T experts on 10-11 April, focused on the U.S. Administrationâ€™s priorities and policies for science in 2003-2004. Read a report from the meeting covering policy objectives, federal budget proposals, and the impact on nondefense R&D funding: http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/rd04main.htm.

Protection from Genetic Discrimination
While the completion of the human genome sequence raises hopes for major medical advances, it also raises the possibility of misuse of the genetic knowledge gained about individuals and groups. AAAS has voiced the concern of the scientific community, strongly urging Congress to legislate tough genetic discrimination protection to ensure public confidence. Read the complete statement: http://www.aaas.org/spp/dser/bioethics/resources/gdiscrim.shtml.

Career Advice in Spanish and Portuguese
Next Wave (www.nextwave.org), the career advice website of AAAS and Science, and Universia (www.universia.net), a website for students in the Iberian Peninsula and in Latin America, are featuring career development news in Spanish and Portuguese. Postgraduate and undergraduate students can access valuable information on career pathways, grant-writing tips, lifestyle issues, and legislative news. Read more: http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2003/0318nextwave.shtml.

Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry
Since 1994, the Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program has funded summer research projects that bridge the biological and chemical sciences. The primarily undergraduate institutions that receive these grants are feeder schools for graduate education. The three-year grants support about five student projects per school at as many as 45 institutions. For more information: http://www.merckaaasusrp.org/.

Reforming Science Education
Project 2061, an AAAS initiative to reform science and mathematics education, recently received the 2003 Distinguished Paper Award from the National Association for Research in Science Teaching. The winning article described the findings of a landmark curriculum review of middle school science text books to evaluate support of key science ideas. Read more: http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2003/0327proj.shtml. Access the results of the evaluation: http://www.Project2061.org.

Debate the Core Issues of Behavioral Genetics
Why is this topic so controversial? Is it because it touches on mental disease, memory lapses, risk-taking behavior, and intelligence? Scientists, ethicists, legal scholars, patient advocates, and journalists will discuss the link between genes and behavior during a seminar, 2-3 May, hosted by AAAS and The Hastings Center. Come voice your opinions during â€œMoving the Discussion: Behavior and Genetics.â€ Registration is free: http://www.aaas.org/spp/bgenes/cwt.

Share Research with Developing Countries
AAAS and Science are among the publishers contributing to a large library of prestigious international journals available for online access by nonprofit academic and research institutions, governments and policy makers in low income countries. Phase II of the Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), a United Nations program coordinated by the World Health Organization, adds a second tier to total 113 countries benefiting from access—provided at no cost or low cost, reflecting the level of the country's economy. Visit the HINARI Portal: http://www.healthinternetwork.net.

Win a National Parks Research Grant
Elk migration, grizzly bears, stream flow, invasive plantsâ€”Ph.D. research projects in the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences and technology innovation are eligible for the Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program. The program, a collaboration among Canon U.S.A., AAAS, and the U.S. National Park Service, awards eight scholarships annually to Ph.D. students throughout the Americas. For information: http://www.aaas.org/news/newsandnotes/inside90.shtml. To apply: http://www.nature.nps.gov/canonscholarships.

Check Out Life Scientists' Salary Levels
How do you compare with other scientists in salary level and total professional income? What bonuses are available to scientists? AAAS and Science invite you to fill out the Second Life-Sciences Salary Survey at the AAAS member website and access the results in June 2003. Complete the survey: http://aaasmember.org. Questions or comments: surveyscience@aaas.org or 1-866-SURVEY-AAAS (1-866-787-8392). For free access to job alerts, employer profiles, career advice, and more, visit Science's career websites: http://www.sciencecareers.org and http://www.nextwave.org.

Attend the 2003 World Technology Summit & Awards
With Science/AAAS as a lead partner, this global meeting of many of the most innovative people and companies in the science and technology world convenes in San Francisco 24-25 June. Join those in biotech, medicine, materials, energy, space, and ICT who are truly creating the future and changing the world, including previous World Technology Award laureates and the current nominees. AAAS members receive a substantial discount—more than 30% savings. For more information or to register at the AAAS members-only site: http://www.wtn.net/new/registration/2003/science/index3145.html.

Meet with Colleagues in San Francisco
The AAAS Pacific Division invites you to the 84th Annual Meeting, 15-19 June, in San Francisco. The joint event includes San Francisco State University and the California Academy of Sciences which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. A sampling of symposia: biodiversity, taxonomy, natural history museums. Information: http://pacific.aaas.org.