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Summer 2004

infocusmagazine.org

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Controversy and Care at the National Zoo

Ensuring Safe Dietary Supplements

The Truth About Indoor Mold

Portable Power for Tomorrow’s Soldier

DIGITAL PEOPLE From Bionic Humans to Androidsby Emory University professor Sidney Perkowitz examines the ways in which technology is inexorably

driving us to a new level of humanity.As scientists draw on nanotechnology, molecular biology, artificial

intelligence, and materials science, they are learning how to create machines that move, think, and look like

people. Others are routinely using sophisticated surgical

techniques to implant computer chips and drug-dispens-

ing devices into our bodies, designing fully functional

man-made body parts, and linking human brains with

computers to make people healthier, smarter, and

stronger.

Although we are rightfully concerned about manipulat-

ing the boundaries between animate and inanimate, the

potential benefits may be too great to ignore.This

thoughtful and provocative book shows us just where

technology is taking us, in directions both wonderful

and terrible, and contemplates what this means for

our vision of ourselves.

ISBN 0-309-08987-5 $24.95 248 pages

“Digital People is a comprehensive yet

compact survey of robotics and bionics.

[Perkowitz] offers an entertaining potted

history of bionics beginning with the Hindu

queen Vishpla (circa 2000 BC), who replaced

a leg lost in battle with an iron one.”

— New York Times Book Review

www.jhpress.orgJOSEPH HENRY PRESSJH

The nation turns to the National Academies —National Academy of Sciences, National Academyof Engineering, Institute of Medicine, andNational Research Council — for independent,objective advice on issues that affect people’s livesworldwide. Additional information about the institution and its work can be found online at<national-academies.org>.

The National Academies In Focus features broadcoverage of the National Academies’ activities. We welcome your comments on the magazine; e-mail us at <[email protected]>.

In Focus (ISSN 1534-8334) is published three timesa year by the National Academies, 500 Fifth St.,N.W., Washington, DC 20001. Subscription (oneyear): $10; Canada and foreign, $12 (U.S. curren-cy only). Subscription address: In Focus, P.O. Box665, Holmes, PA 19043. Bulk-rate U.S. postage ispaid at Washington, D.C. Back issues and backvolumes can be ordered in microform fromProQuest Information and Learning, 300 NorthZeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

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Box 665, Holmes, PA 19043.

Credits:Cover: (clockwise from upper left) A female caracal at the

National Zoo in Washington, D.C., photo by JessieCohen, ©Smithsonian Institution; ©GettyImages/Stone; 2004 infantry mission in Afghanistan,photo by Spc. Gul A. Alisan, courtesy U.S. Army;Stachybotrys chartarum, a fungus that flourishes onwet materials, enlarged by scanning electronmicroscopy, ©SciMAT/Photo Researchers Inc.

Page 1: (col. 1, from top) Enumerator following up with non-responder to the 2000 census, photo courtesy U.S.Census Bureau; infantry operations in Iraq during2003, photo courtesy U.S. Army; (col. 2) golden liontamarins at the National Zoo, photo by Jessie Cohen,©Smithsonian Institution

Page 2: (from top) Grand opening of the Marian KoshlandScience Museum of the National Academy of Sciences,April 23, 2004, photo courtesy Koshland ScienceMuseum; Lapdap antimalarial drug trial in Kenya,photo by Andy Crump, courtesy World HealthOrganization Special Programme for Research andTraining in Tropical Diseases

Page 3: Photo by BachrachPage 4: ©Comstock ImagesPage 6: ©Chris McAllister/CorbisPage 7: Infantry mission in Afghanistan during 2004, photo by

Sgt. Jeremy A. Clawson, courtesy U.S. ArmyPage 8: Soldier outfitted with Land Warrior System technolo-

gies and weaponry, photo courtesy Federation ofAmerican Scientists

Page 9: ©Jude Maceren/Images.comPage 10: Stachybotrys chartarum, enlarged by scanning electron

microscopy, ©SciMAT/Photo Researchers Inc.Page 11: Mold growing on a piece of ceiling tile, photo courtesy

U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyPage 12: ©Getty Images/StonePage 14: Rokan, a male Sumatran tiger at the National Zoo,

Washington, D.C., photo by Jessie Cohen,©Smithsonian Institution

Page 15: The National Zoo’s giant pandas, Mei Xiang and TianTian, photo by Jessie Cohen, ©Smithsonian Institution

Page 16: ©CorbisPage 17: Opening day at the Marian Koshland Science Museum,

photos courtesy Koshland Science MuseumPage 19: (left to right) Arthur Kellermann, photo courtesy

Emory University; Mary Sue Coleman, photo courtesyUniversity of Michigan

Page 20: Ralph J. Cicerone, photo courtesy University ofCalifornia, Irvine

Page 21: Vaccination team visiting a Congo village to immunizeagainst polio, photo by Sven Torfinn, courtesy WorldHealth Organization

TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB) REPORTS — Approximately 100 titles issued annually. Freecatalog available on request from TRB, 500 Fifth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 (tel. 202-334-

3213), or visit TRB’s bookstore on the Internet at <national-academies.org/trb/bookstore>.

NIH Extramural Center Programs:Criteria for Initiation andEvaluationBoard on Health Sciences Policy,Institute of Medicine (2004, 230 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09152-7; available fromNAP, $43.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

On Evaluating CurricularEffectiveness: Judging the Quality ofK-12 Mathematics EvaluationsMathematical Sciences EducationBoard, Center for Education,Division of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education (2004,approx. 281 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09242-6; available from NAP,$49.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Opportunities to Improve AirportPassenger Screening With MassSpectrometryNational Materials Advisory Board,Division on Engineering and PhysicalSciences (2004, 56 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09240-X; available from NAP,$18.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

A Patent System for the 21stCenturyBoard on Science, Technology, andEconomic Policy, Division on Policyand Global Affairs (2004, approx.152 pp.; ISBN 0-309-08910-7;available from NAP, $37.00 plus$4.50 shipping).

Plasma Physics of the Local CosmosSpace Studies Board, Division onEngineering and Physical Sciences(2004, 96 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09215-9; copies available free from theboard, tel. 202-334-3477 or e-mail<[email protected]>).

Public Financing and Delivery ofHIV/AIDS Care: Securing theLegacy of Ryan WhiteBoard on Health Promotion andDisease Prevention, Institute ofMedicine (2004, approx. 298 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09228-0; available fromNAP, $44.95 plus $4.50 shipping).

Reengineering the 2010 Census:Risks and ChallengesCommittee on National Statistics,Division of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education (2004, 292pp.; ISBN 0-309-09189-6; availablefrom NAP, $44.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Review of the Army’s TechnicalGuides on Assessing and ManagingChemical Hazards to DeployedPersonnelCommittee on Toxicology, Board onEnvironmental Studies andToxicology, Division on Earth andLife Studies (2004, approx. 162 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09221-3; available fromNAP, $35.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

A Review of the FBI’s TrilogyInformation TechnologyModernization ProgramComputer Science andTelecommunications Board, Divisionon Engineering and Physical Sciences(2004, 78 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09224-8;available from NAP, $18.00 plus$4.50 shipping).

River Basins and Coastal SystemsPlanning Within the U.S. ArmyCorps of EngineersOcean Studies Board and WaterScience and Technology Board,Division on Earth and Life Studies(2004, approx. 148 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09220-5; available from NAP,$32.50 plus $4.50 shipping).

Scientists, Engineers, and Track-Two Diplomacy: A Half-Century ofU.S.-Russian InteracademyCooperationDevelopment, Security, andCooperation, Division on Policy andGlobal Affairs (2004, 166 pp.; ISBN0-309-09093-8; available fromNAP, $35.75 plus $4.50 shipping).

Spacecraft Water ExposureGuidelines for SelectedContaminants, Vol. 1Committee on Toxicology, Board onEnvironmental Studies andToxicology, Division on Earth andLife Studies (2004, 372 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09166-7; available from NAP,$70.75 plus $4.50 shipping).

U.S. Army Corps of EngineersWater Resources Planning: A NewOpportunity for ServiceWater Science and TechnologyBoard and Ocean Studies Board,Division on Earth and Life Studies(2004, approx. 88 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09222-1; available from NAP,$18.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Veterans and Agent Orange: Lengthof Presumptive Period forAssociation Between Exposure andRespiratory CancerBoard on Health Promotion andDisease Prevention, Institute ofMedicine (2004, 74 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09188-8; available from NAP,$18.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

A Vision for the International PolarYear 2007-2008Polar Research Board, Division onEarth and Life Studies (2004, 124pp.; ISBN 0-309-09212-4; availablefrom NAP, $28.50 plus $4.50 shipping).

SUMMER 2004 1

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RESEARCH & SOCIAL ISSUES

4 Putting Research to the TestImprovements needed in clinical studiesinvolving children

6 Making the Census CountLessons from 2000

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

7 Powering Up the High-Tech Soldierof the FutureA look at portable energy needs for dismounted soldiers

9 The Engineer of TomorrowAdapting to a changing world

HEALTH & SAFETY

10 Attack of the Indoor MoldA scientific look at mold in damp buildings

12 Supplements and SafetyA new process to enhance the safety of dietary supplements

ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCES

14 Zooming In on the ZooStudying the National Zoo under themedia’s microscope

16 A Foundation of EvidenceHow science is supporting air pollutionregulation

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIESVolume 4 Number 2

INFOCUSinfocusmagazine.org

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THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES INFOCUS2

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES

National Academy of SciencesBruce M.Alberts, PresidentJames Langer,Vice PresidentE.William Colglazier, Executive OfficerKenneth R. Fulton, Executive Director

National Academy of EngineeringGeorge M.C. Fisher, ChairWm.A.Wulf, PresidentSheila E.Widnall,Vice PresidentLance Davis, Executive Officer

Institute of MedicineHarvey V. Fineberg, PresidentSusanne Stoiber, Executive Officer

National Research CouncilBruce M.Alberts, ChairWm.A.Wulf,Vice ChairE.William Colglazier, Executive Officer

17 SpotlightScience Museum Opens With a Celebration

18 20/20Uninsurance Is Bad for Your HealthBy Mary Sue Coleman and Arthur KellermannTwo study co-chairs reflect on an important report series that examinedthe consequences of having a large uninsured population in the United States

20 Brief Takes• Cicerone

Nominated forNAS President

• Free Informationfor DevelopingNations

• Building the Powerof Science in Africa

22 New Projects & Publications

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In Focus is prepared by the Office of News and PublicInformation.

Executive Director:William Skane

In Focus Editor:Valerie Chase

Assistant Editor: Sara Frueh

Staff Writers: Bill Kearney, Maureen O’Leary,Patrice Pages, Christine Stencel,Vanee Vines

Design: Francesca Moghari

17

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Looking at Diseases in New Ways

How do we mobilize science to protect us from future biologicaland medical disasters — including those caused by terrorists? In thiscritical endeavor, our nation must make a special effort to use thefull range of pertinent resources. Prominent among these are manytop biological researchers who do not ordinarily study pathogens yetwho could significantly augment the expertise that virologists andmicrobiologists bring to combating microbial threats.

As a test case, National Academy of Sciences President Bruce Alberts and I recentlyconvened a diverse group of scientists to focus on strategies to discover new antiviralsagainst smallpox. We chose smallpox because the variola virus that causes this diseaseranks at the top of CDC’s list of high-threat agents, due to its extreme lethality to humansand ease of transmission. While naturally occurring smallpox has been eradicated, theworld needs effective, new countermeasures in case of a terrorist-directed outbreak.

Our exercise began with a handful of experts on poxviruses and antiviral drugs educat-ing 25 invited specialists from other fields of research, including cellular, structural, com-putational, and biochemical biology. The group was limited to about 30 to give everyonea chance to engage actively in focused discussion groups during a two-day workshop.

The results — published in the July 12th issue of the Proceedings of the NationalAcademy of Sciences — were remarkable. Specialists who previously knew very little aboutvariola or other poxviruses found the exercise invigorating and productive. The virologistsrevealed a set of scientific puzzles that seem ripe for new discoveries. In particular, the intri-cate, highly specialized process of variola replication provides numerous openings for newdrugs that can stop viral infection without damaging healthy human tissue.

We believe that leading investigators from diverse fields should be more routinely invitedand inspired to seek new means of counteracting infectious diseases. Progress that is madeon controlling pathogens like those a terrorist might use can also have a spillover benefitto research on other important, naturally occurring diseases — including HIV, influenza,the SARS-associated coronavirus, monkeypox, West Nile virus, and avian flu. By creatingopportunities for collaboration among scientists who normally do not interact or know of each others’ work, the National Academies can help promote innovative strategies tosolve critical problems in infectious disease, and thereby improve health and enhance ournational security.

HARVEY V. FINEBERGPresident, Institute of Medicine

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Society wants kids to benefit frommany of the dramatic medicaladvances that stem from scientific

research. But herein lies the dilemma: Noone wants to put children at risk fromresearch participation — even when theirinvolvement may help improve children’shealth and health care overall.

It is possible to strike an appropriatebalance, protecting those kids who takepart in clinical research today while help-ing tomorrow’s children reap more bene-fits from biomedical science, says a newreport from the Institute of Medicine. Forstarters, an effective and adequately fund-ed system for protecting all human

research participants is a must. However,safeguarding child participants requiresextra attention and resources because kidslack the intellectual and emotional maturity,and usually the legal right, to consent toexperiments on their own behalf.

The federal government should play amajor role in this balancing act. Existingfederal rules to protect children from riskyor unethical clinical research should beextended to cover all pediatric research inboth the public and private sectors, thereport says. Currently, the rules apply pri-marily to studies that are supported by theU.S. Department of Health and HumanServices or regulated by the Food and Drug


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Putting Researchto the TEST

Improvements Needed in Clinical Studies Involving Children

Administration, although many researchinstitutions voluntarily apply them to all oftheir studies.

The government also should offer betterguidance — and in more accessible formats— to clinical researchers and institutionalreview boards (IRBs) to help them interpretfederal rules, which are more stringent forchildren than adults. IRBs — the bodiesresponsible for approving human research— should be more thorough and explicit injudging whether research involving childrenmeets the highest ethical and scientific stan-dards, the report adds.

In recent years, Congress, the NationalInstitutes of Health, and FDA have expand-ed pediatric research, especially studies thattest the safety and efficacy of drugs forinfants, young children, and adolescents. Inmedical circles, these groups have beencalled “therapeutic orphans” because drugcompanies have been reluctant to conducttests involving them after medications havebeen approved for adults. Physicians oftenhave to choose not to prescribe particularmedications for children, or must extrapo-late drug doses based on data from studieswith adults, the report notes.

But such practices may come with a highprice. Physiologically, children are not just“little adults.” Extrapolation may lead tochildren getting too much or too little of adrug, or suffering adverse effects not seenwith adults. Plus, this type of calculationcannot generate a reliable knowledge basefor future clinical care, said the committeethat wrote the report.

In weighing possible harm from pediatricresearch protocols, reviewers of clinicalstudies involving children should comparepotential risks with those commonly

encountered by healthy, average children,the report says. Research should not exposeparticipants to higher levels of risk simplybecause they are already imperiled by ill-ness, unsafe neighborhoods, or otheraspects of their daily lives.

Parents must be in the loop, too.Discussions with them and, when appro-priate, children should allow sufficienttime for questions and explanations of theresearch, the report emphasizes. In addi-tion, IRBs should adopt explicit writtenpolicies that define ethical paymentarrangements for children’s participationin research.

The report points out numerous holes inthe knowledge base regarding pediatricresearch and protection programs forresearch involving children. HHS shoulddevelop and carry out a plan for collectingand reporting data on pediatric researchand its oversight, the report says. Also,IRBs that review protocols for pediatricclinical studies should include at least threemembers with expertise in pediatricresearch, research ethics, children’s healthcare, and child development — or theboards should consult with people whohave this knowledge. — Vanee Vines

-The Ethical Conduct of Clinical Research InvolvingChildren. Committee on Clinical Research InvolvingChildren, Board on Health Sciences Policy, Institute ofMedicine (2004, 448 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09181-0, availablefrom the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242;$47.95 plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on theInternet at <books.nap.edu/catalog/10958.html>).

The committee was chaired by Richard E. Behrman,executive chair, Education Steering Committee, Federationof Pediatric Organizations, Palo Alto, Calif.; and clinicalprofessor of pediatrics at both the University ofCalifornia, San Francisco, and George WashingtonUniversity,Washington, D.C.The study was sponsored bythe National Institute of Child Health and Development.

SUMMER 2004 5

Uncertainty set the scene for2000 census. Questionslingered about per-

ceived failures of the 1990census, which saw a sub-stantial decline in publiccooperation and — despitehigher costs per household toconduct it — resulted in poorercoverage of minorities, renters, andchildren than of other population groups.

To address these problems in 2000, theCensus Bureau designed a plan to relymore on statistical techniques than onmailings and house-to-house visits for theenumeration. That approach sparkedopposition, however; some members ofCongress questioned it, raising concernsabout the accuracy of such techniques andtheir possible effects on the composition ofvoting districts. As a result of this opposi-tion and further debate, the Census Bureaufaced last-minute changes in the design ofthe census, delayed budget decisions, andmore revisions in the plan, leaving insuffi-cient time for test runs. In turn, these prob-lems increased both the costs of the 2000census and the risks of serious errors.

Despite the challenges, the last censuswas generally well-executed, says a newreport from the National ResearchCouncil. There were some significant prob-lems, such as duplicate addresses and miss-ing data on the “long form” version ofcompleted questionnaires, but the effortachieved a higher mail-response rate thanthe 1990 census and better coverage ofminorities. The bureau’s measures toenhance advertising and outreach programsand information-processing procedures alsowere successful.

Based on its evaluation of the2000 count, the panel that wrote

the report recommended someways to improve the next cen-sus. Foremost, Congress, theadministration, and theCensus Bureau should reach

final agreement on the basicdesign of the 2010 census no

later than 2006, to leave sufficienttime for careful planning and testing. Anddevelopment of a more accurate address file,which is the basic starting point of thenational headcount, must begin early. Inaddition, a large survey to evaluate coverageitself should be a part of the next census, thereport says. The Research Council’s relatedstudy, Reengineering the 2010 Census: Risksand Challenges, offers policy-makers furtherguidance on that topic.

The decennial census is the federal gov-ernment’s largest and most complex peace-time operation. Census data are used for arange of purposes, from redrawing con-gressional and state legislative districtboundaries and allocating funds for publicprograms to informing everyday peopleabout the characteristics of their localities.Having objective and accurate census infor-mation is an important component of goodgovernment, the panel said. — Vanee Vines

-The 2000 Census: Counting Under Adversity. Panelto Review the 2000 Census, Committee on NationalStatistics, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences andEducation (2004, 621 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09141-1, availablefrom the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242;$59.00 plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on theInternet at <books.nap.edu/catalog/10907.html>).

The committee was chaired by Janet L. Norwood, acounselor and senior fellow at the New York City-basedConference Board, and a former U.S. Commissioner ofLabor Statistics.The study was sponsored by the U.S.Bureau of the Census.


Making the Census Count Lessons From 2000

T hrough a program called “LandWarrior,” the Army is acquiringhigh-tech gear that will greatly

increase the soldiers’ awareness of thecombat environment, such as helmetswith visual sensors, chemical and biolog-ical sensors, digital radios, and hand-heldcomputer displays. A new report fromthe National Research Council examines various portable energy sources and tech-nologies that could ensure enough powerfor well-equipped missions lasting up tothree days, and for other future soldierapplications that would require higherlevels of energy. These power sources willbe key in enabling what the Army callsthe Future Force Warrior, successor to theLand Warrior program.

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Powering Up the

HIGH-TECH SOLDIERof the Future

Taking advantage of today’s advances

in communications and computer

technologies, the U.S. Army has started

outfitting its troops with the latest

devices to give soldiers a real-time

picture of the battlefield and enhance

their tactical effectiveness. But these

capabilities come at a cost. Besides

adding to the dismounted soldier’s

current physical load — sometimes in

excess of 100 pounds — the new

equipment will need to be powered

long enough for soldiers to accom-

plish their missions independently

without being resupplied.

“Ensuring adequate powerfor dismounted soldiers isby no means a simpleproblem,” said PatrickFlynn, chair of the com-mittee that wrote thereport and retired vicepresident for research atCummins Engine CompanyInc. “The Army needs to consid-er not only energy sources, but alsodifferent types of equipment and efficientmanagement tools and techniques. Buthere’s the good news: Solutions are currentlyavailable on the market, and no majorbreakthroughs will be necessary to developthese energy sources.”

The computers, sensors, and communica-tion devices that will equip soldiers’ futuregear have different energy requirements, sothe committee examined a variety of tech-nologies that would meet the Army’s needs.For example, standard military batteriescan provide enough power for computerdisplays, radios, sensors, and electronics fora 12-hour mission, but for missions lastingup to 72 hours, other technologies — suchas rechargeable batteries, sophisticated soft-ware to manage power, and hybrid energysystems — will be needed, the report notes.

Some of the applications requiring higherpower — an average of 100 watts — areportable battery rechargers, laser devicesused to guide a rocket, missile, or bomb toits target, and individual cooling systems forprotective garments. The cooling gear, whichprovides ventilation near the skin to allowsweat to evaporate, would be a blessing tosoldiers deployed in hot regions but it is par-ticularly power-intensive. For such applica-tions, the committee concluded that fuel cells

would perform better thanrechargeable batteries.

Performance-enhancingdevices, such as the“exoskeleton,” which lit-erally takes the load off

of one’s back to supportlarge or heavy packs with-

out reducing agility, use evenmore power and require 1 to 5

kilowatts. To power such energy-intensive equipment, the Army should con-sider use of fuel cells and small engine gen-erators, the report says.

Among all possible energy sources, hybridsystems provide the most versatile solutionsfor meeting the diverse needs of the FutureForce Warrior, the committee said. The keyadvantage of hybrid systems is their abilityto provide power over varying extremes ofusage by combining advantages of twopower sources — such as a battery and afuel cell or an engine and a battery.

“Products historically have evolved tobecome more portable, mobile, and wear-able,” Flynn said. “By integrating compo-nents and minimizing the energy they con-sume, tomorrow’s military equipment willhelp soldiers operate in various conditions,extend the range and duration of their oper-ations, and minimize their vulnerability.”— Patrice Pages

-Meeting the Energy Needs of Future Warriors.Committee on Soldier Power/Energy Sources, Board onArmy Science and Technology, Division on Engineeringand Physical Sciences (2004, 136 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09262-0;available from the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; $26.25 plus $4.50 shipping for single copies;also on the Internet at <www.nap.edu>).

Patrick Flynn, retired vice president for research atCummins Engine Company Inc., Columbus, Ind., chairedthe committee.The study was funded by the U.S.Department of Defense.


Technologies developed byengineers have helpedlengthen the human life

span, enabled people to com-municate nearly instantaneouslyfrom anywhere on Earth, andcreated tremendous wealth andeconomic growth. But otherengineering applications, suchas transgenic food or technolo-gies that affect personal privacy,raise complex social and ethical challenges.

The next several decades will be full ofopportunities as well as challenges for engi-neers, and they must be prepared for both ifthe United States is to retain its vibrancy andstrength in engineering, says a recent reportfrom the National Academy of Engineering.

The engineering profession needs to adopta new vision for its future to ensure thatengineers are broadly educated, becomeleaders in the public and private sectors, andrepresent all segments of society, the reportsays. These individuals will have to beadaptable, engage emerging problems, andalso be capable of informing public policy.

To consider which skills future engi-neers will likely need, the committee thatwrote the report envisioned several scenar-ios that could conceivably affect the worldin 2020 in dramatic ways — such as newbreakthroughs in biotechnology, naturaldisasters triggered by climate change, andglobal conflicts driven by an imbalance inresources among nations. By that time,engineers must be prepared to accommo-date new social, economic, legal, andpolitical constraints when planning proj-ects, the committee concluded.

With the appropriate educa-tion and training, the engineerof the future will be calledupon to become a leader notonly in business but also innonprofit and government sec-tors, the report says. Peoplewho choose this career pathmust recognize the importanceof public service and help setthe nation’s policy agenda.

Also, engineers should raise awareness ofhow an education in engineering provides asolid foundation for careers in other fields,such as law, medicine, and business.

“For too long, engineering has been con-trolled by external events, changing onlyafter circumstances dictated it,” said WayneClough, committee chair and president ofthe Georgia Institute of Technology inAtlanta. “Our project recognized that thepace of change today puts us at risk if wepassively wait for what is to come. We needto prepare for the future now so that engi-neers who graduate in 2020 will not only becapable of implementing the most advancedtechnology, but also be ready to serve asleaders in our society.” — Patrice Pages

-The Engineer of 2020:Visions of Engineering in theNew Century. Committee on the Engineer of 2020,National Academy of Engineering (2004, 118 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09162-4; available from the National Academies Press,tel. 1-800-624-6242; $32.00 plus $4.50 shipping for singlecopies; also on the Internet at <books.nap.edu/catalog/10999.html>).

G.Wayne Clough, president of the GeorgiaInstitute of Technology,Atlanta, chaired the committee.The study was funded by the National ScienceFoundation, NEC Foundation of America, SBCFoundation, Honeywell International, and the NationalAcademy of Engineering Fund.

SUMMER 2004 9

The Engineer of TomorrowADAPTING TO A CHANGING WORLD

In an effort to determine the scientificfacts about building dampness andmold, a committee of the Institute of

Medicine carefully pored over all the stud-ies that have been conducted to date onthe health effects of exposure to visiblemold in buildings or, more broadly, to themany factors that are associated withbuilding moisture problems. The commit-tee’s findings, detailed in a recent report,cast damp, moldy buildings as bad guys,

though not necessarily villains of the sameilk as horror-movie monsters.

The committee found enough telling evi-dence to conclude that the presence of visi-ble mold on damp building materials isassociated with the flare up of asthmasymptoms in some asthmatics, as well ascoughing, wheezing, and upper respiratorytract symptoms in otherwise healthy peo-ple. The amalgamation of all the factorsrelated to dampness — mold, bacteria, dust


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Attack of the Indoor MoldA SCIENTIFIC LOOK AT MOLD IN DAMP BUILDINGS

It sounds like the plot of a science

fiction movie. A dark, slimy mold infests

a home and releases toxic substances

that infiltrate the tissues and nervous

systems of unsuspecting occupants,

causing them to develop severe

illnesses. Yet this is what some

homeowners say actually happened

to them when mold flourished in

damp spaces in their houses.

mites, chemical emissionsfrom wet materials, etc.— may be associated withthe onset of asthma andshortness of breath, butthe evidence is less certainin these circumstances.Likewise, the presence ofeither visible mold or damp conditions ingeneral may be linked to lower respiratorytract illnesses in children, but the evidenceis not as strong in this case.

The committee found very few studiesthat have examined whether mold or otheraspects of indoor dampness are linked tofatigue, neuropsychiatric symptoms, orother health problems that some peoplehave attributed to fungal infestations ofbuildings. The little evidence that is avail-able does not support an association, butbecause of the dearth of well-conductedstudies and reliable data, the committeecould not rule out the possibility.

Still, the connections between wet ormoldy conditions and respiratory problems,plus the widespread prevalence of moistureproblems in buildings, make indoor damp-ness a public health concern that warrantsaction. “Indoor dampness is not yourfriend,” said committee chair NoreenClark, dean, School of Public Health,University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

The committee urged changes in howbuildings are designed, constructed, andmaintained. Architects, engineers, buildingcontractors, facility managers, and mainte-nance staff do not always apply existingtechnical information on how to controldampness, the report notes. Training cur-ricula and national guidelines on how toprevent moisture problems should be

produced and widely dis-seminated. Guidelinesfor these professionalsshould be developed atthe national level toensure consistency.

While there is univer-sal agreement that

promptly fixing leaks and cleaning upspills or standing water reduces the poten-tial for mold growth, there is little evi-dence that shows which forms of moisturecontrol or prevention work best at miti-gating health problems associated withdampness. The report calls for moreresearch into cleanup methods.

In the meantime, homeowners shouldquickly fix the source of any dampnessproblems that they discover and clean upthe wetness as thoroughly as they can. Ifmold is discovered, it should be removedusing equipment and methods that limitbuilding occupants’ and the remediationcrew’s exposure to the mold as well as otherchemical or biological agents that may bepresent. Even though it remains to be seenwhether moldy, damp environments areassociated with stomach problems, memorylapses, arthritis, or other disorders, the linksto respiratory problems clearly show a needfor appropriate caution. — Christine Stencel

-Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. Committee onDamp Indoor Spaces and Health, Board on HealthPromotion and Disease Prevention, Institute of Medicine(2004, approx. 380 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09193-4; available fromthe National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; $42.95plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on the Internetat <books.nap.edu/catalog/11011.html>).

The committee was chaired by Noreen Clark, deanand Marshall H. Becker Professor of Public Health, Schoolof Public Health; and professor of pediatrics, University ofMichigan,Ann Arbor.The study was funded by Centers forDisease Control and Prevention.

SUMMER 2004 11

Gingko biloba to enhance memory.Zinc to boost the immune system.Vitamins to make up for not eat-

ing our vegetables. Over the past decade,the dietary supplement industry has bal-looned to huge proportions in the UnitedStates, with over 29,000 products on themarket ringing up more than $16 billion inannual sales. About 1,000 new productsare introduced each year.

Consumers generally assume that alldietary supplements are safe, surveysshow. But are they? The U.S. Food andDrug Administration’s removal of theherbal supplement ephedra — which was linked to several deaths — from the

marketplace last December highlightedconcerns about the current law that gov-erns how supplements are regulated. Doesit give the agency sufficient means to dealwith problem products?

Although consumers frequently usedietary supplements to enhance theirhealth, these products by law cannot beconsidered therapeutic. Unlike prescriptiondrugs, which must be proved safe beforebeing allowed on the market, dietary sup-plements are assumed to be safe for humanconsumption from the start. Regulated thesame way foods are, supplements can beremoved from the market only if FDA candetermine that they are unsafe.


A New Process to Enhance the Safety of Dietary Supplements

SUPPLEMENTS and SAFETY

FDA faces a number of hurdles when itcomes to determining the safety of theseproducts, not the least of which is the lackof data on effects in humans. This is usual-ly the case, because manufacturers are notrequired to conduct clinical studies thatestablish safety of supplement ingredientsand provide the results to FDA. However, it is possible to use other types of data todetermine when regulatory action is need-ed, says a recent report from the Instituteof Medicine.

The report provides FDA with a science-based process to gather and weigh the dif-ferent kinds of available evidence that canshed light on an ingredient’s potential tocause harm to consumers. Data from studies on animals, information about theadverse health effects of similar or relatedsubstances, and evidence of toxic effects oncell cultures all can be used to assess aningredient’s safety for people.

One of the chief concerns raised by theephedra case is whether the agency has theauthority to take action on a supplementbefore serious illnesses or deaths occur. Thelaw says that the agency must show that asupplement ingredient poses “an unreason-able or significant risk.” The report under-scores the agency’s ability to act even with-out direct evidence of injury to consumers.The other sources of data described in thereport can be used to determine if an ingre-dient could cause harm.

While the proposed new process isdesigned to help FDA carry out safety eval-uations even when data are limited, itwould be easier for the agency to do its jobif it had greater access to data. The reportcalls on Congress to require supplementmanufacturers and distributors to disclose

in a timely fashion to FDA any adverseevents related to consumption of theirproducts. Currently, supplement makers arenot required to collect or report healthproblems they discover once their productsare on the market, which significantly ham-pers the agency’s ability to actively monitorsupplement safety. It has been estimatedthat FDA receives information on less thanhalf of 1 percent of all adverse events asso-ciated with supplements. To further boostreporting, supplement labels should includea toll-free number for consumers andhealth professionals to call if health prob-lems or concerns related to the productoccur, as well include the names and loca-tions of both the distributor and the manu-facturer so that any problems can be tracedmore easily to their source.

Using the framework offered in thereport, FDA can meet its responsibility toprotect the health of the public within theparameters of the current law on supple-ment regulation. But changes in the lawwould allow the agency to do the job morereadily, while not subjecting dietary supple-ment manufacturers to lengthier, more bur-densome requirements. — Christine Stencel

-Dietary Supplements:A Framework for EvaluatingSafety. Committee on the Framework for Evaluating theSafety of Dietary Supplements; Food and Nutrition Board,Institute of Medicine, and Board on Life Sciences, Divisionon Earth and Life Studies (2004, 370 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09110-1; available from the National Academies Press, tel.1-800-624-6242; $59.95 plus $4.50 shipping for singlecopies; also on the Internet at <books.nap.edu/catalog/10882.html>).

The committee was chaired by Barbara O.Schneeman, professor of nutrition, food science, andinternal medicine, University of California, Davis.The studywas funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

SUMMER 2004 13

In Washington, it is usually politicians,not veterinarians, who are the subject ofcongressional inquiries and stories by

investigative journalists. But after a seriesof untimely animal deaths at the NationalZoo, Congress and the local media beganquestioning whether zoo operations wereendangering the animal collection.

The first deaths to draw outside scrutinywere a pair of red pandas that died afterconsuming rat poison that had been buriedin their enclosure — a violation of thezoo’s own protocol. Soon it was reportedthat other large animals had perishedunder unusual circumstances, including azebra that died from hypothermia broughton by malnutrition. This prompted theCommittee on House Administration,

which oversees the Smithsonian Institution— of which the zoo is part — to hold hear-ings. Declaring that “the growing cloudover this important institution [the zoo]must be lifted,” the committee’s chairman,Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio), asked theNational Research Council to investigate.

Meanwhile, given that the zoo attractsmore than 3 million visitors annually, itwas no surprise that the controversial ani-mal deaths continued to captivate the pub-lic and media. Story after story appearedon front pages and on television, filled withthe type of intrigue usually accompanyinga political scandal — missing and alteredrecords, accusations of a cover-up, whoknew what and when, and calls for resig-nation. In addition, the American Zoo and


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Studying the National Zoo Under the Media’s Microscope

Aquarium Association (AZA) delayedrenewing the zoo’s accreditation. Wordthat a fox from the surrounding RockCreek Park had burrowed its way under acage and killed a bald eagle also helped tokeep the zoo’s problems in the news.When the Research Council committeecharged with studying zoo operations metfor the first time, a dozen television cam-eras were in the room, including two fromC-SPAN, which broadcast the daylongproceedings live.

A February news conference attractedjust as many cameras when the committeereleased the findings of an interimreport that described severalshortcomings in animalcare and management atthe zoo. Preventive care,such as regular vaccina-tions, annual exams,and tests for infectiousdisease, was lacking,according to the commit-tee. Oversight of animalnutrition also was inadequate.Not only had miscommunicationamong keepers, nutritionists, and veteri-narians contributed to the death of thezebra, diets fed to many primate specieswere inconsistent with established guide-lines. Record keeping, pest control, andprocedures for ensuring the welfare of ani-mals used in research all required immedi-ate attention as well, the committee said.Incomplete records, in fact, along with dif-fering accounts from zoo personnel, pre-vented the committee from drawing moreconclusions about whether certain ani-mals’ deaths were linked to inadequatecare or management.

“Some of the problems we found areunique to the National Zoo, but many arecommon to other zoos as well,” commit-tee chair R. Michael Roberts from theUniversity of Missouri told the packednews conference. The media attention onlygrew, however, particularly after the zoo’sdirector announced her resignation lessthan two hours after the committeereleased its report. Roberts said his com-mittee was not asked to comment on thedirector’s position, but that he hoped thefinal report would help the zoo “look for-ward” during this period of transition.

The interim report did note somepositive steps already being

made at the zoo. A strate-gic plan was being devel-oped, for example, anda new pest-managementcommittee had beenestablished. And less

than a month after thecommittee’s interim

report was issued, the AZA,citing improvements in areas

such as facility maintenance andthe hiring of new curators and veterinari-ans, granted the zoo a full five-yearaccreditation. — Bill Kearney

-Animal Care and Management at the National Zoo:Interim Report. Committee on a Review of theSmithsonian Institution’s National Zoological Park, Boardon Agriculture and Natural Resources and Institute forLaboratory Animal Research, Division on Earth and LifeStudies (2004, 128 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09178-0; available fromthe National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; $29.25plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; also on the Internetat <books.nap.edu/catalog/10932.html>).

The committee was chaired by R. Michael Roberts,Curator’s Professor of Animal Sciences, Biochemistry, andVeterinary Pathology, University of Missouri, Columbia.The study was funded by the Smithsonian Institution.

SUMMER 2004 15

W hen the U.S.EnvironmentalProtection Agency

proposed tougher regulationsseven years ago for tiny sootand smog particles known asairborne particulate matter, itknew solid research would beneeded to back up the newrules. Not only did the CleanAir Act require EPA to review the currentknowledge on air pollution every fiveyears, the agency was also sure to face —as is often the case with new regulations— opposition from groups crying foul.Already, EPA had estimated from epidemi-ological studies that more than 15,000premature deaths a year would be pre-vented by targeting smaller-sized particles.Still, much uncertainty remained aboutthe relationship between particles andhuman health.

Agreeing that more research was needed,Congress directed the agency to seek guid-ance from the National Research Councilon the matter, which convened a committeeto issue a series of reports that EPA hasrelied upon to help set its particulate mat-ter research priorities.

Recently issuing the fourth and finalreport of the series, the committee said thatresearch confirms asthmatics and otherswith pre-existing respiratory ailments aremore susceptible to complications causedby exposure to particulate matter — infact, studies have shown more particlesdeposit in their lungs than in those ofhealthy individuals. And new findings sug-gest that other groups may be at increasedrisk as well, including diabetics, seniors,and people with heart conditions.

“It’s time to shift the focus fromstudying whether particulate mat-ter causes adverse health effects tostudying how the particles triggerinjury, how people are exposed,and how much particulate matteris inhaled before adverse effectsoccur,” said committee chairJonathan Samet from theBloomberg School of Public

Health at Johns Hopkins University inBaltimore. Doing so will require EPA andothers to develop better ways of tracking andcharacterizing the particles being emitted bydifferent sources — electric power plants,cars and trucks, industrial manufacturing,forest fires, and soil erosion are all culprits.Computer models that link pollution sourcesto atmospheric particulate matter levels inspecific regions are needed too. EPA alsoshould sponsor research aimed at under-standing which chemical components of par-ticulate matter are most hazardous, especiallywhen mixed with other airborne pollutants.

“A lot has been learned in recent years,”said Samet. “We can build upon that toreduce uncertainties further, keep decision-makers informed, and complete the foun-dation of evidence needed to protect publichealth.” — Bill Kearney

-Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter:IV. Continuing Research Progress. Committee onResearch Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter, Boardon Environmental Studies and Toxicology, Division on Earthand Life Studies (2004, approx. 256 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09199-3; available from the National Academies Press, tel. 1-800-624-6242; $42.00 plus $4.50 shipping for single copies; alsoon the Internet at <books.nap.edu/catalog/10957.html>).

The committee was chaired by Jonathan Samet,professor and chair, department of epidemiology,Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns HopkinsUniversity, Baltimore.The study was funded by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency.


A Foundation of EvidenceHOW SCIENCE IS SUPPORTING AIR POLLUTION REGULATION

T he new Marian Koshland ScienceMuseum opened to a crowd, acrobats,and big-band music in April. The cen-

terpiece of the celebration was a 30-foot-long backdrop and stage, a humorous RubeGoldberg-inspired device with 10 consecu-tive actions from a symbolic warming of theEarth to flooding the Statue of Liberty, cul-minating with a grandfinale of rocket-fireworksthat signaled the officialopening of the museum.

“It was wonderful towitness how eager peoplewere to see the museum —there were admission linesthroughout the day,” saidPatrice Legro, the museum’s director. “Ourfirst visitors’ reactions to the exhibits werevery positive and encouraging.”

The museum’s mission is to increase pub-lic understanding of the nature and value ofscience, and to make National Academiesreports more accessible to the public.Through interactive displays, the exhibitsbring to life scientific advancements thatimpact daily life.

The first gallery explores the Wonders ofScience with a short video that looks at thefrontiers of scientific research, reviewingtopics such as dark matter and dark energy.

The Global Warming Facts & OurFuture gallery reveals the science behindglobal warming and examines the possibleimplications of this phenomenon for thequality of life around the world. By sliding

large plasma screens along timelines, visi-tors can to see how temperatures aroundthe world shifted during the 20th century.Another screen shows temperature projec-tions for the next century. The exhibit alsofeatures various interactive displays thatencourage visitors to consider what rolethey play in the planet’s warming.

The Putting DNA to Work exhibit detailsvarious applications of DNA sequencingand their benefits. Here one can “catch” acriminal and discover the genetic origin ofthe SARS virus, as well as learn about otheruses for genetic sequencing.

After making their debut at the MarianKoshland Science Museum, these and futureexhibits will travel to other science muse-ums across the country. Topics for themuseum’s next exhibits are already underconsideration.

Each weekend, visitors can join local stu-dent interns from Banneker High School forfree hands-on science experiments on DNAand nanotechnology. For more information,visit <www.koshland-science-museum.org>.— Maureen O’Leary

SUMMER 2004 17

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Science Museum Opens With a Celebration

Uninsurance

Is Bad for Your Health

Medicine today has the ability to prevent many diseases, alleviate symptoms,and extend life, especially when conditions are detected early. People withouthealth insurance often miss these benefits because they cannot afford regular

visits to a doctor. This situation is clearly bad for the more than 43 million uninsuredpeople in this country, but what may not be so readily apparent are all of the associatedeffects of being uninsured.

Between September 2000 and February 2004, a 16-member committee of the Instituteof Medicine attempted to uncover these problems and issued six reports on the health,social, and economic consequences of the lack of health care coverage for individuals,their families, entire communities, and the nation as a whole. In commissioning the seriesof reports, our sponsor, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, emphasized the impor-tance of not only consolidating what is known about uninsurance and its consequences,but also communicating this knowledge in an unbiased, nonpartisan way to mobilizedebate. Generous funding of the project furthered our communications objective by allow-ing IOM to print thousands of copies of each report and its executive summary, andshorter products in both English and Spanish for dissemination to audiences across thecountry, from congressional and state legislative staff to health care advocates at the grass-roots level and hospital and clinic administrators.

Each of the reports built on the one before it. Our first — Coverage Matters: Insuranceand Health Care — was an overview of the issues, followed by two reports thataddressed the health consequences of uninsured status and its psychosocial and economicimpacts on families — Care Without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late and HealthInsurance Is a Family Matter. The next two reports — A Shared Destiny: CommunityEffects of Uninsurance and Hidden Costs, Value Lost: Uninsurance in America — lookedat uninsurance as a type of population risk factor affecting the health care system at thecommunity level and the national economy. Our final report — Insuring America’s


BY MARY SUE COLEMAN AND

ARTHUR KELLERMANN

20/2

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Health: Principles and Recommendations — calledon the president and Congress to implement univer-sal health insurance coverage by the year 2010 andrecommended five principles to guide reform efforts.

The culmination of our years of work took placeon Jan. 14, 2004, when we released our final find-ings to a standing-room-only crowd at theNational Press Club. This release was intended togalvanize public discussion at the beginning of apresidential election year by bringing new andtrustworthy information to bear on the issue ofhealth insurance reform. Our guests of honor,retired Senator Bob Dole and retiredRepresentative Paul Rogers, spoke enthusiasticallyabout the need for bipartisan cooperation to iden-tify practical solutions. A video news release dis-seminated information about the report series toan estimated 6.6 million viewers across the coun-try. Dozens of editorials and op-eds in the national and regional press further high-lighted the importance of addressing uninsurance without delay.

In the weeks and months since the release of Insuring America’s Health, print, radio,and television journalists have reported on many of the committee’s conclusions and

recommendations. This has brought our work intothe mainstream and increased public awarenessabout the difficulties that the uninsured faceobtaining health care and the threat that uninsur-ance poses to individuals. For example, an estimat-ed 18,000 working-age adults who are uninsureddie prematurely each year because they lack accessto effective health services. The word has alsospread about the impact that uninsurance has onhealth care institutions and providers at the com-munity level, and the costs to society of poor healthfor tens of millions adults without coverage — anestimated $65 billion to $130 billion a year.

After analyzing the extensive evidence about theadverse health, economic, and societal effects of unin-surance, it is clear that our nation can no longer affordto ignore the problem. We must insure everyone, andachieve this goal by 2010. Nothing less will do.

SUMMER 2004 19

“I have become

convinced that the

persistence of a

large proportion of

our population

under 65 without

health insurance is

undermining the

very fabric of

health care in this

country. As medical interventions

become ever more effective in deter-

mining health status and quality of life,

the consequences of uninsurance will

only pose greater risk to our nation.”

— Mary Sue Coleman, Ph.D.Co-Chair, Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance

“As an emergency

physician, I rou-

tinely deal with

the human costs

of uninsurance.

Nonetheless, I was

surprised by both

the magnitude and

pervasiveness of

the ill effects we

observed. Lack of health insurance not

only harms the uninsured and their

families — it is threatening the integri-

ty of the health care system on which

everyone depends.”

— Arthur Kellermann, M.D., M.P.H.Co-Chair, Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance

Cicerone Nominated forNAS President

The Council of the National Academy of Sciences has unanimously approved thenomination of Ralph J. Cicerone, chancel-lor of the University of California, Irvine,for election as the next president of theAcademy.

“I am very pleased that Ralph Ciceronehas accepted our Council’s nomination,”said Bruce Alberts, whose second six-yearterm as NAS president ends June 30, 2005.

“I have known and workedwith Ralph for many years.He has been an energetic andthoughtful leader for many ofour academy’s efforts, as well as for the larger sci-ence community.”

An atmospheric chemist,Cicerone was elected to theAcademy in 1990 and has

served on more than 40 committees at theNational Academies. In 2001, he chaired thelandmark Research Council study ClimateChange Science: An Analysis of Some KeyQuestions, conducted at the request of theWhite House.

A nominating committee of 28 NASmembers, chaired by Peter H. Raven, direc-tor of the Missouri Botanical Garden, select-ed Cicerone after a six-month search. Underthe institution’s bylaws, the committee putsforward a single candidate for the approvalof the NAS governing council. Although thebylaws permit additional nominations fromthe membership, this mechanism has neverbeen used. In the absence of another nomi-nation, Cicerone’s name will be presented tothe full membership on Dec. 15 for formalratification. — William Skane

Free Information forDeveloping Nations

Current, reliable scientific informationcould help make headway against hunger,disease, and other problems besettingdeveloping countries. Recognizing theneed for wider access to this knowledge,the National Academies now offer thewealth of information found in theirreports to more than 140 developingnations, free of charge.

“Elevating global science and technolo-gy capacity is critical,” said Bruce Alberts,noting the growing gap between rich andpoor countries. “As industrialized nationswith financial resources and a trained sci-entific work force exploit new knowledgeand technologies more intensively, devel-oping countries that lag in science andtechnology capacity fall further and further behind.”

Internet users in most developing coun-tries can obtain Academies reports inportable document format (PDF) at<www.nap.edu>. In January through May2004, National Academies Press gave awaynearly 40,000 books and 20,000 individualchapters to people in eligible nations. Andsoon the NAP site will feature “subjectportals” to information on drought,water sciences, and other topics relevantto the needs of developing countries.

Articles from the Proceedings of theNational Academy of Sciences (PNAS), oneof the world’s most-cited scientific journals,are available as well. PNAS has offered itscontent free to scientists and others inmore than 140 nations since January 2002.Both NAP and PNAS have designed theirsystems so that these users can downloadmaterials immediately and seamlessly.


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Ensuring equitable access to scientificinformation is one of the priorities outlinedby the InterAcademy Panel on InternationalIssues, a worldwide network of 90 scienceacademies of which the U.S. NationalAcademy of Sciences is a part. GoverdhanMehta, former president of the IndianNational Science Academy and co-chair ofthe InterAcademy Council, considers theNational Academies’ outreach efforts to beinvaluable. “Developing nations in particu-lar cannot afford to be without access tocredible, independent scientific and technological information,” he said. — Sara Frueh & Vanee Vines

Building the Power ofScience in Africa

The African continent faces many serioushealth challenges that are expected tobecome even more intractable over the nextdecade. Health problems such as malnutri-tion and HIV/AIDS aggravate one another,creating a vicious cycle of illness, say inter-national relief organizations. For example,AIDS reduces peoples’ ability to work andfeed their families, and in turn bodiesweakened by hunger become more vulnera-ble to disease.

Science could help African governmentsfind ways to reverse these trends and savelives, but few nations have effective systemsto harness the knowledge of their scientificcommunities. A new National Academiesinitiative, funded by a $20 million grantfrom the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,aims to change that. The 10-year effort willhelp African academies of science boost theirability to provide credible, useful advice totheir governments — with the ultimate goalof improving human health. “Every country

needs an organized way to call upon its ownscientific and medical communities for guid-ance,” said Bruce Alberts.

Over the course of the decade, theNational Academies will work closely withthree African science academies, trainingstaff members to conduct advisory activities

and helping the organizations build effectiverelationships with their governments. Aseries of regional symposia will engage all ofthe continent’s science academies in discus-sions about the best ways to provide adviceto policy-makers.

While the National Academies will drawon their own experience to mentor theAfrican academies, the objective is to helpeach nation develop an advisory frameworksuited to its particular needs and conditions.Also a priority will be ensuring each newadvisory system’s staying power; the U.S.and African academies will collaborate tofind ways to financially sustain these activi-ties — and build awareness of the benefits ofevidence-based guidance — long after theproject ends.

“We hope that this important initiativewill help achieve the goal of better healthfor all by engaging the African scientificcommunity in critical African policy deci-sions,” said Richard Klausner, executivedirector of the Gates Foundation’s GlobalHealth program. — Sara Frueh

SUMMER 2004 21


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ProjectsThe following projects have beenrecently undertaken by units of theNational Academies. The latestinformation about all current com-mittee activities — including projectdescriptions, committee rosters, andmeeting information — is availablein “Current Projects” on theNational Academies’ Web site.

Assessment of Options forExtending the Life of the HubbleSpace Telescope. Space Studies Board andAeronautics and Space EngineeringBoard, Division on Engineering andPhysical Sciences. Project director:Sandra Graham. Chair: Louis J.Lanzerotti, Distinguished ResearchProfessor, Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research, New JerseyInstitute of Technology, Newark;and consultant, Bell Labs, LucentTechnologies, Murray Hill, N.J.Sponsor: NASA.

Genomics and Public Health in the21st Century. Board on Health Promotion andDisease Prevention, Institute ofMedicine. Project director: LylaHernandez. Chair: Larry O. Gostin,John Carrol Research Professor ofLaw, Georgetown University,Washington, D.C.; professor of lawand public health, Johns HopkinsUniversity, Baltimore; and director,Center for Law and the Public’sHealth at Georgetown and JohnsHopkins universities. Sponsor:Centers for Disease Control andPrevention.

News and Terrorism:Communicating in a Crisis. National Academy of Engineering,with the cooperation of other divi-sions of the National Academies.Project director: Randy Atkins.Chair: Lewis Branscomb, professoremeritus, public policy and corpo-rate management, John F. KennedySchool of Government, Harvard

University, Cambridge, Mass.Sponsors: U.S. Department ofHomeland Security and the GannettFoundation.

Review and Assessment of theNational Institutes of Health’sStrategic Research Plan to EliminateHealth Disparities. Board on Health Sciences Policy,Institute of Medicine. Project director:Brian Smedley. Chair: To be selected.Sponsor: National Institutes ofHealth’s National Center on MinorityHealth and Health Disparities.

Science and Technology in theNational Interest: Ensuring the BestPresidential and Federal AdvisoryCommittee Appointments — 3rdEdition. Committee on Science, Engineering,and Public Policy, Division onPolicy and Global Affairs. Projectdirector: Debbie Stine. Chair: JohnEdward Porter, partner, Hogan &Hartson LLP, Washington, D.C.Sponsors: William and FloraHewlett Foundation, Andrew W.Mellon Foundation, and theNational Academies.

Standards of Evidence and theQuality of Behavioral and SocialScience Research. Division of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education. Projectdirector: Mary Ellen O’Connell.Chair: To be selected. Sponsors:William and Flora HewlettFoundation, Spencer Foundation,and National Science Foundation.

State Practices in Setting MobileSource Emissions Standards. Board on Environmental Studiesand Toxicology, Division on Earthand Life Studies. Project director: K.John Holmes. Chair: David T. Allen,Melvin H. Gertz Regents Chair inChemical Engineering, and director,Center for Energy andEnvironmental Resources,University of Texas, Austin.Sponsor: U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency.

PublicationsFor documents shown as availablefrom the National Academies Press(NAP), write to 500 Fifth St., N.W.,Lockbox 285, Washington, D.C.20055; tel. 202-334-3313 or 1-800-624-6242; or order on the Internetat <www.nap.edu>. Documentsfrom a specific unit of the NationalAcademies are available from thesource as noted. Prices and avail-ability of all documents are subjectto change. Charges listed are forsingle copies; discounts are avail-able for bulk orders.

Achieving XXcellence in Science:Role of Professional Societies inAdvancing Women in Science —Proceedings of a Workshop, AXXS2002Committee on Women in Scienceand Engineering, Division on Policyand Global Affairs (2004, 112 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09174-8; available fromNAP, $26.50 plus $4.50 shipping).

Adaptive Management for WaterResources Project PlanningWater Science and TechnologyBoard and Ocean Studies Board,Division on Earth and Life Studies(2004, approx. 102 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09191-8; available from NAP,$25.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Advanced Energetic MaterialsBoard on Manufacturing andEngineering Design, Division onEngineering and Physical Sciences(2004, 64 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09160-8; available from NAP, $18.00 plus$4.50 shipping).

Air Quality Management in theUnited States Board on Environmental Studiesand Toxicology and Board onAtmospheric Sciences and Climate,Division on Earth and Life Studies(2004, 414 pp.; ISBN 0-309-08932-8; available from NAP, $49.95 plus$4.50 shipping).

Analytical Methods and Approachesfor Water Resources ProjectPlanningWater Science and Technology Boardand Ocean Studies Board, Divisionon Earth and Life Studies (2004,approx. 124 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09182-9; available from NAP,$28.50 plus $4.50 shipping).

Assessment of the Army Plan for thePine Bluff Non-Stockpile FacilityBoard on Army Science andTechnology, Division on Engineeringand Physical Sciences (2004, 98 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09138-1; available fromNAP, $18.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Bridging the Bed-Bench Gap:Contributions of the Markey TrustBoard on Higher Education andWorkforce, Division on Policy andGlobal Affairs (2004, 134 pp.; ISBN0-309-09112-8; available from NAP,$30.25 plus $4.50 shipping).

Dietary Reference Intakes for Water,Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, andSulfateStanding Committee on the ScientificEvaluation of Dietary ReferenceIntakes, Food and Nutrition Board,Institute of Medicine (2004, approx.450 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09169-1; avail-able from NAP, $37.95 plus $4.50shipping).

Effects of Degraded Agent andMunitions Anomalies on ChemicalStockpile Disposal OperationsBoard on Army Science andTechnology, Division on Engineeringand Physical Sciences (2004, 82 pp.;ISBN 0-309-08918-2; available fromNAP, $18.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Eliminating Health Disparities:Measurement and Data NeedsCommittee on National Statistics,Division of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education (2004,approx. 320 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09231-0; available from NAP,$44.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Endangered and Threatened Speciesof the Platte RiverBoard on Environmental Studies andToxicology and Water Science andTechnology Board, Division onEarth and Life Studies (2004,approx. 336 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09230-2; available from NAP,$49.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Evaluation of the NationalAerospace InitiativeAir Force Science and TechnologyBoard, Division on Engineering andPhysical Sciences (2004, 148 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09175-6; available fromNAP, $38.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Existing and Potential StandoffExplosives Detection TechniquesBoard on Chemical Sciences andTechnology, Division on Earth andLife Studies (2004, 148 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09130-6; available from NAP,$32.75 plus $4.50 shipping).

Forensic Analysis: Weighing BulletLead EvidenceBoard on Chemical Sciences andTechnology, Division on Earth andLife Studies (2004, 228 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09079-2; available from NAP,$47.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Forging a Poison Prevention andControl SystemBoard on Health Promotion andDisease Prevention, Institute ofMedicine (2004, 316 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09194-2; available from NAP,$44.95 plus $4.50 shipping).

Frontiers of Engineering: Reports onLeading-Edge Engineering from the2003 NAE Symposium on Frontiersof Engineering National Academy of Engineering(2004, 184 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09139-X; available from NAP, $40.00 plus$4.50 shipping).

Fulfilling the Potential of CancerPrevention and Early Detection: AnAmerican Cancer Society andInstitute of Medicine SymposiumNational Cancer Policy Board,

Institute of Medicine and NationalResearch Council (2004, 136 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09171-3; available fromNAP, $30.50 plus $4.50 shipping).

A Geospatial Framework for theCoastal Zone: National Needs forCoastal Mapping and ChartingMapping Science Committee, Boardon Earth Sciences and Resources,and Ocean Studies Board, Divisionon Earth and Life Studies (2004,168 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09176-4; avail-able from NAP, $30.00 plus $4.50shipping).

Giving Full Measure toCountermeasures: AddressingProblems in the DoD Program toDevelop Medical CountermeasuresAgainst Biological Warfare AgentsMedical Follow-up Agency, Instituteof Medicine, and Board on LifeSciences, Division on Earth and LifeStudies (2004, 160 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09153-5; available from NAP,$32.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Health and Medicine: Challenges forthe Chemical Sciences in the 21stCenturyBoard on Chemical Sciences andTechnology, Division on Earth andLife Studies (2004, 76 pp.; ISBN 0-309-08720-1; available from NAP,$18.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Health and Safety Needs of OlderWorkersBoard on Behavioral, Cognitive, andSensory Sciences, Division ofBehavioral and Social Sciences andEducation; and Institute of Medicine(2004, 320 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09111-X; available from NAP, $47.95 plus$4.50 shipping).

Health Literacy: A Prescription toEnd ConfusionBoard on Neuroscience andBehavioral Health, Institute ofMedicine (2004, 368 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09117-9; available from NAP,$47.95 plus $4.50 shipping).

SUMMER 2004 23

The Hydrogen Economy:Opportunities, Costs, Barriers, andR&D NeedsBoard on Energy andEnvironmental Systems, Division onEngineering and Physical Sciences(2004, approx. 394 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09163-2; available from NAP,$55.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Immunization Safety Review:Vaccines and AutismBoard on Health Promotion andDisease Prevention, Institute ofMedicine (2004, approx. 175 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09237-X; available fromNAP, $43.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Implementing Climate and GlobalChange Research: A Review of theFinal U.S. Climate Change ScienceProgram Strategic PlanDivision on Earth and Life Studies,Division of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education, andDivision on Engineering andPhysical Sciences (2004, approx.152 pp.; ISBN 0-309-08865-8;available from NAP, $30.00 plus$4.50 shipping).

Improving Medical Education:Enhancing the Behavioral andSocial Science Content of MedicalSchool CurriculaBoard on Neuroscience andBehavioral Health, Institute ofMedicine (2004, 168 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09142-X; available from NAP,$34.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

In the Nation’s Compelling Interest:Ensuring Diversity in the HealthCare WorkforceBoard on Health Sciences Policy,Institute of Medicine (2004, 432 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09125-X; available fromNAP, $49.95 plus $4.50 shipping).

Indicators for Waterborne PathogensBoard on Life Sciences and WaterScience and Technology Board,Division on Earth and Life Studies (2004, 332 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09122-5;

available from NAP, $54.00 plus$4.50 shipping).

Infant Formula: Evaluating theSafety of New IngredientsFood and Nutrition Board, Instituteof Medicine (2004, 224 pp.; ISBN0-309-09150-0; available fromNAP, $36.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Intentional Human Dosing Studiesfor EPA Regulatory Purposes:Scientific and Ethical IssuesScience, Technology, and LawProgram, Division on Policy andGlobal Affairs (2004, 226 pp.; ISBN0-309-09172-1; available fromNAP, $46.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Investments in Federal Facilities:Asset Management Strategies for the21st CenturyBoard on Infrastructure and theConstructed Environment, Divisionon Engineering and PhysicalSciences (2004, 160 pp.; ISBN 0-309-08919-0; available from NAP,$34.75 plus $4.50 shipping).

Learning From SARS: Preparing forthe Next Disease Outbreak —Workshop SummaryForum on Microbial Threats, Boardon Global Health, Institute ofMedicine (2004, 376 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09154-3; available from NAP,$42.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Maintaining High Scientific Qualityat Los Alamos and LawrenceLivermore National Laboratories Division on Engineering andPhysical Sciences (2004, 58 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09244-2; available fromNAP, $12.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Managing the Columbia River:Instream Flows, Water Withdrawals,and Salmon SurvivalWater Science and Technology Boardand Board on Environmental Studiesand Toxicology, Division on Earthand Life Studies (2004, 256 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09155-1; available fromNAP, $35.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Measuring Racial DiscriminationCommittee on National Statistics,Division of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education (2004, 336 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09126-8; available fromNAP, $44.95 plus $4.50 shipping).

Meeting Psychosocial Needs ofWomen With Breast CancerNational Cancer Policy Board,Institute of Medicine and NationalResearch Council (2004, 288 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09129-2; available fromNAP, $45.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Monitoring International LaborStandards: InternationalPerspectives — Summary ofRegional ForumsDivision of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education andDivision on Policy and GlobalAffairs (2004, 122 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09137-3; available from NAP,$28.25 plus $4.50 shipping).

Monitoring International LaborStandards: Techniques and Sourcesof InformationDivision of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education andDivision on Policy and GlobalAffairs (2004, 306 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09134-9; available from NAP,$43.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Monitoring Metabolic Status:Predicting Decrements inPhysiological and CognitivePerformanceStanding Committee on MilitaryNutrition Research, Food andNutrition Board, Institute ofMedicine (2004, approx. 476 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09159-4; available fromNAP, $47.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

New Frontiers in ContraceptiveResearch: A Blueprint for ActionBoard on Health Sciences Policy,Institute of Medicine (2004, 248 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09107-1; available fromNAP, $39.00 plus $4.50 shipping).


The nation turns to the National Academies —National Academy of Sciences, National Academyof Engineering, Institute of Medicine, andNational Research Council — for independent,objective advice on issues that affect people’s livesworldwide. Additional information about the institution and its work can be found online at<national-academies.org>.

The National Academies In Focus features broadcoverage of the National Academies’ activities. We welcome your comments on the magazine; e-mail us at <[email protected]>.

In Focus (ISSN 1534-8334) is published three timesa year by the National Academies, 500 Fifth St.,N.W., Washington, DC 20001. Subscription (oneyear): $10; Canada and foreign, $12 (U.S. curren-cy only). Subscription address: In Focus, P.O. Box665, Holmes, PA 19043. Bulk-rate U.S. postage ispaid at Washington, D.C. Back issues and backvolumes can be ordered in microform fromProQuest Information and Learning, 300 NorthZeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

Postmaster: Send address changes to In Focus, P.O.

Box 665, Holmes, PA 19043.

Credits:Cover: (clockwise from upper left) A female caracal at the

National Zoo in Washington, D.C., photo by JessieCohen, ©Smithsonian Institution; ©GettyImages/Stone; 2004 infantry mission in Afghanistan,photo by Spc. Gul A. Alisan, courtesy U.S. Army;Stachybotrys chartarum, a fungus that flourishes onwet materials, enlarged by scanning electronmicroscopy, ©SciMAT/Photo Researchers Inc.

Page 1: (col. 1, from top) Enumerator following up with non-responder to the 2000 census, photo courtesy U.S.Census Bureau; infantry operations in Iraq during2003, photo courtesy U.S. Army; (col. 2) golden liontamarins at the National Zoo, photo by Jessie Cohen,©Smithsonian Institution

Page 2: (from top) Grand opening of the Marian KoshlandScience Museum of the National Academy of Sciences,April 23, 2004, photo courtesy Koshland ScienceMuseum; Lapdap antimalarial drug trial in Kenya,photo by Andy Crump, courtesy World HealthOrganization Special Programme for Research andTraining in Tropical Diseases

Page 3: Photo by BachrachPage 4: ©Comstock ImagesPage 6: ©Chris McAllister/CorbisPage 7: Infantry mission in Afghanistan during 2004, photo by

Sgt. Jeremy A. Clawson, courtesy U.S. ArmyPage 8: Soldier outfitted with Land Warrior System technolo-

gies and weaponry, photo courtesy Federation ofAmerican Scientists

Page 9: ©Jude Maceren/Images.comPage 10: Stachybotrys chartarum, enlarged by scanning electron

microscopy, ©SciMAT/Photo Researchers Inc.Page 11: Mold growing on a piece of ceiling tile, photo courtesy

U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyPage 12: ©Getty Images/StonePage 14: Rokan, a male Sumatran tiger at the National Zoo,

Washington, D.C., photo by Jessie Cohen,©Smithsonian Institution

Page 15: The National Zoo’s giant pandas, Mei Xiang and TianTian, photo by Jessie Cohen, ©Smithsonian Institution

Page 16: ©CorbisPage 17: Opening day at the Marian Koshland Science Museum,

photos courtesy Koshland Science MuseumPage 19: (left to right) Arthur Kellermann, photo courtesy

Emory University; Mary Sue Coleman, photo courtesyUniversity of Michigan

Page 20: Ralph J. Cicerone, photo courtesy University ofCalifornia, Irvine

Page 21: Vaccination team visiting a Congo village to immunizeagainst polio, photo by Sven Torfinn, courtesy WorldHealth Organization

TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB) REPORTS — Approximately 100 titles issued annually. Freecatalog available on request from TRB, 500 Fifth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 (tel. 202-334-

3213), or visit TRB’s bookstore on the Internet at <national-academies.org/trb/bookstore>.

NIH Extramural Center Programs:Criteria for Initiation andEvaluationBoard on Health Sciences Policy,Institute of Medicine (2004, 230 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09152-7; available fromNAP, $43.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

On Evaluating CurricularEffectiveness: Judging the Quality ofK-12 Mathematics EvaluationsMathematical Sciences EducationBoard, Center for Education,Division of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education (2004,approx. 281 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09242-6; available from NAP,$49.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Opportunities to Improve AirportPassenger Screening With MassSpectrometryNational Materials Advisory Board,Division on Engineering and PhysicalSciences (2004, 56 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09240-X; available from NAP,$18.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

A Patent System for the 21stCenturyBoard on Science, Technology, andEconomic Policy, Division on Policyand Global Affairs (2004, approx.152 pp.; ISBN 0-309-08910-7;available from NAP, $37.00 plus$4.50 shipping).

Plasma Physics of the Local CosmosSpace Studies Board, Division onEngineering and Physical Sciences(2004, 96 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09215-9; copies available free from theboard, tel. 202-334-3477 or e-mail<[email protected]>).

Public Financing and Delivery ofHIV/AIDS Care: Securing theLegacy of Ryan WhiteBoard on Health Promotion andDisease Prevention, Institute ofMedicine (2004, approx. 298 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09228-0; available fromNAP, $44.95 plus $4.50 shipping).

Reengineering the 2010 Census:Risks and ChallengesCommittee on National Statistics,Division of Behavioral and SocialSciences and Education (2004, 292pp.; ISBN 0-309-09189-6; availablefrom NAP, $44.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Review of the Army’s TechnicalGuides on Assessing and ManagingChemical Hazards to DeployedPersonnelCommittee on Toxicology, Board onEnvironmental Studies andToxicology, Division on Earth andLife Studies (2004, approx. 162 pp.;ISBN 0-309-09221-3; available fromNAP, $35.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

A Review of the FBI’s TrilogyInformation TechnologyModernization ProgramComputer Science andTelecommunications Board, Divisionon Engineering and Physical Sciences(2004, 78 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09224-8;available from NAP, $18.00 plus$4.50 shipping).

River Basins and Coastal SystemsPlanning Within the U.S. ArmyCorps of EngineersOcean Studies Board and WaterScience and Technology Board,Division on Earth and Life Studies(2004, approx. 148 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09220-5; available from NAP,$32.50 plus $4.50 shipping).

Scientists, Engineers, and Track-Two Diplomacy: A Half-Century ofU.S.-Russian InteracademyCooperationDevelopment, Security, andCooperation, Division on Policy andGlobal Affairs (2004, 166 pp.; ISBN0-309-09093-8; available fromNAP, $35.75 plus $4.50 shipping).

Spacecraft Water ExposureGuidelines for SelectedContaminants, Vol. 1Committee on Toxicology, Board onEnvironmental Studies andToxicology, Division on Earth andLife Studies (2004, 372 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09166-7; available from NAP,$70.75 plus $4.50 shipping).

U.S. Army Corps of EngineersWater Resources Planning: A NewOpportunity for ServiceWater Science and TechnologyBoard and Ocean Studies Board,Division on Earth and Life Studies(2004, approx. 88 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09222-1; available from NAP,$18.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

Veterans and Agent Orange: Lengthof Presumptive Period forAssociation Between Exposure andRespiratory CancerBoard on Health Promotion andDisease Prevention, Institute ofMedicine (2004, 74 pp.; ISBN 0-309-09188-8; available from NAP,$18.00 plus $4.50 shipping).

A Vision for the International PolarYear 2007-2008Polar Research Board, Division onEarth and Life Studies (2004, 124pp.; ISBN 0-309-09212-4; availablefrom NAP, $28.50 plus $4.50 shipping).

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Summer 2004

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Controversy and Care at the National Zoo

Ensuring Safe Dietary Supplements

The Truth About Indoor Mold

Portable Power for Tomorrow’s Soldier

DIGITAL PEOPLE From Bionic Humans to Androidsby Emory University professor Sidney Perkowitz examines the ways in which technology is inexorably

driving us to a new level of humanity.As scientists draw on nanotechnology, molecular biology, artificial

intelligence, and materials science, they are learning how to create machines that move, think, and look like

people. Others are routinely using sophisticated surgical

techniques to implant computer chips and drug-dispens-

ing devices into our bodies, designing fully functional

man-made body parts, and linking human brains with

computers to make people healthier, smarter, and

stronger.

Although we are rightfully concerned about manipulat-

ing the boundaries between animate and inanimate, the

potential benefits may be too great to ignore.This

thoughtful and provocative book shows us just where

technology is taking us, in directions both wonderful

and terrible, and contemplates what this means for

our vision of ourselves.

ISBN 0-309-08987-5 $24.95 248 pages

“Digital People is a comprehensive yet

compact survey of robotics and bionics.

[Perkowitz] offers an entertaining potted

history of bionics beginning with the Hindu

queen Vishpla (circa 2000 BC), who replaced

a leg lost in battle with an iron one.”

— New York Times Book Review

www.jhpress.orgJOSEPH HENRY PRESSJH