Analyzing over 2,800 articles from the top journals that include stem cell research in their publications, this study demonstrates the globalization of stem cell science.

In a recent commentary, Baker Institute science and technology policy experts described two international court cases that aimed to define “research” — and that ultimately arrived at two different answers. “What makes this interesting is that the courts’ definition of ‘research’ was based on politics — what the court wanted the end result to be,” said Kirstin Matthews, the institute’s fellow in science and technology policy. To reach a decision prohibiting human embryonic stem cell (hESC) patents, the EU court ruled that “research” occurs in a continuum. To reach a decision supporting federal funding of stem cell research, the U.S. court ruled that “research” involves a specific project.

The Science and Technology Policy Program provides an update on recent publications covering international stem cell policy, civic scientists, and recommendations for the Obama administration on science and technology policy.

With Comptroller Susan Combs’ announcement that she will not run for re-election in 2014, the Texas Republican Party faces the undesirable prospect of an all male slate candidates for statewide executive offices. Political science fellow Mark P. Jones discusses prospective female candidates and what an all male slate could mean for the Texas GOP.

Rice students explore public policy in a new Baker Institute course featuring lectures from 19 fellows and scholars; and NBC health correspondent Robert Bazell joins the institute as the new nonresident fellow in science and technology policy.

The election of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as pope underscores the growing importance of Latin America for the Roman Catholic Church. Mark P. Jones, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies, discusses the significance of Pope Francis' election for the church's future.

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Abstract

This paper discusses the Latino…

The United States should assign a particularly high priority on science and technology over the next four years, especially for federal support of research.

By Bruce Y. Lee, Kristina M. Bacon, Maria Elena Bottazzi and Peter J. Hotez

Abstract

Background: As Chagas disease…

The Science and Technology Policy Program provides an update on the Civic Scientist Lecture Series, as well as recent publications on the current state of stem cell research in the U.S. and NASA's relationship with nanotechnology.