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"Measuring graduation rates is indeed a charade. Yes, some programs have a “respectable” rate of graduating athletes, but these grads often take gut courses, major in fields that have little academic rigor (coaching, general studies), and are placed in courses taught by profs who wouldn’t recognize an academic standard if it slept in their bed. The whole enterprise ought to be called academic gerrymandering."
—Gary
NCAA Imposes Stiffer Penalties for Academic Performance of Midlevel Division I Teams
U. of Evansville President Arrested on Drunken-Driving Charges
In a statement released today by the university, Stephen G. Jennings acknowledged making “a very serious mistake” and apologized.
Petitions Are Filed for Arizona and Nebraska Referenda on Affirmative Action
The backers of a similar measure in Colorado filed petitions months ago, but legal challenges may complicate such campaigns.
Oklahoma's Matching-Gift Backlog Booms Despite Moratorium
Instead of helping to clear a $225-million backlog of matching-gift obligations, a July 1 moratorium on the program has set back the state even more.
Italian-American Groups Rally to Save Advanced Placement Test in Italian
The Italian ambassador to the United States is leading efforts to raise money to continue the examination.
U. of Chicago Students Scramble After Lender Pulls Out
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is ending its “school as lender” arrangement with the university.
Darwin Defeated in the Bayou: Louisiana Encourages 'Critical Thinking' About Evolution | 88
ACLU Complains About Noon-Meal Prayers at Naval Academy | 77
Columbia U. Fires Teachers College Professor Accused of Rampant Plagiarism | 61
U. of Phoenix's Report on Students' Progress Is 'Disingenuous,' Critic Says | 49
Student Who Died at Professor's Home Suffered a Drug Overdose | 47
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November 15, 2006
Scientists Warn of Nanotech Risks and Urge Action by Government and Researchers
A group of top nanotechnology scientists says that governments must take immediate steps to minimize the potential risks posed by the burgeoning nanotechnology field, which could grow into a $100-billion market within 10 years.
In a commentary to be published on Thursday by the journal Nature, the researchers say “the scientific community needs to act now if strategic research is to support sustainable nanotechnologies, in which risks are minimized and benefits maximized.” The commentary offers five challenges for researchers over the next 15 years. For example, researchers must start, within the next 12 months, strategic programs to study risks. And within the next five to 15 years, researchers must develop ways to measure the toxicity of nanomaterials.
The commentary drew bipartisan support from leaders of the House Science Committee. Its chairman, Sherwood L. Boehlert, a Republican from New York, and Bart Gordon of Tennessee, its top Democrat, issued a news release today saying the Bush administration had moved too slowly in preparing and financing research into the risks posed by nanotechnology. “There is too much at stake to dally,” said the statement. “Nanotechnology is an area of research that could add billions of dollars to our economy, but that won’t happen if it is shrouded in uncertainty about its consequences.”
Several authors of the Nature commentary will discuss the issue on a live Webcast on Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m., Eastern time, at the Web site of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
Posted on Wednesday November 15, 2006 | Permalink |
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