Monthly Archive for December, 2008

Vilification of Bovine Growth Hormone is Udderly Unwarranted

Henry I. Miller | Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News | December 1, 2008

This column discusses the beneficial role of recombinant bovine somatotropin, or bovine growth hormone, in the U. S. dairy industy.  The use of the hormone stimulates milk production resulting in more efficient milk production.  He points to the many studies which show that  the milk or meat of treated cows is not affectd by this hormone.  These conclusions have been affirmed by many reviews including one by the Office of Technology Assessment in its May 1991 report, U. S. Dairy Industry at a Crossroad: Biotechnology and Policy Choice.

Venture Fund Member Profile – Arata Prabhakar

Funding Post

According to this website, “Arati Prabhakar joined U.S. Venture Partners in 2001 after 15 years of working with world-class engineers and scientists across many fields to brew new technologies.”  The article outlines her career, which she began as Congressional Fellow at the Office of Technology Assessment.

Alert! Call on your Reps and Senators to Restore the Office of Technology Assessment

Nella Selim | DailyKos | December 2, 2008

A blog entry about restoring OTA says that, “…now is the crucial time for Congress to restore this agency and give Congress an independent view of science and technology rather than depending on industry scientists for science advice.”  It also conducts a poll, “Do you think the Office of Technology Assessment should be restored?”  To see the results click here.

Relics of Government Reforms Past

John Wonderlich | Sunlight Foundation Blog | November 11, 2008

A blog post says that “with so many options for coordinating or institutionalizing advice, recommendations, and reform, the incoming Obama administration has a long history to consider, and a plethora of options at hand.”  It mentions attempts to revive the  Office Of Technology Assessment, which is “sorely needed,” and the new FAS database of OTA reports.