Plugging America's Forgotten Wells: National Academies Study Addresses Decades Long Problem

Program News

Millions of oil and gas wells have been drilled across the U.S. since 1859, but poor early regulation left many abandoned, creating a large number of orphaned wells with no responsible operator. These wells can leak methane and contaminate groundwater, posing environmental and public health risks. A National Academies study is now reviewing how best to plug and remediate these wells to address the issue long-term.

Jul 28, 2025

Wildfire Recovery: Protecting health and safety during and after wildfires

Program News

Several National Academies reports offer information and insights on ways to operate safely in burned environments for those who have been affected by wildfires.

Feb 28, 2025

Exploring the New Nuclear Energy Landscape

Feature Story

The energy industry in the U.S. is undergoing rapid change, and the needs of “hyperscalers” and others have led to a resurgence of interest in nuclear energy. A recent workshop brought together experts in tech, policymaking, finance, and community engagement to discuss what comes next.

Feb 14, 2025

Ocean Studies Board to Establish Standing Committee on Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal

Program News

The National Academies Ocean Studies Board is establishing a new standing committee in March 2025 to provide updated information on marine carbon dioxide removal (CDR), building upon their 2022 report that outlined six key CDR strategies. The initiative, funded by the Carbon to Sea Initiative, aims to keep the marine CDR community informed of rapid developments in the field through regular updates and scientific advancements.

Feb 10, 2025

New International Bioeconomy Forum Strengthens Engagement Between U.S. and India on Promoting and Protecting the Bioeconomy

Update

Dec 3, 2024

Understanding Microplastics: Insights from Experts on Environmental and Human Health

Program News

Experts from across sectors gathered at the National Academies to discuss the environmental and health impacts of microplastics.

Sep 24, 2024

National Wastewater Surveillance Strengthens U.S. Public Health Efforts and Future Pandemic Prevention, Says New Report

News Release

Wastewater surveillance for both prevalent and emerging pathogens can strengthen the nation’s infectious disease surveillance system. A new National Academies report offers recommendations to transition the National Wastewater Surveillance System from its COVID pandemic-era use to a forward-looking system for public health.

Sep 12, 2024

With the COVID-19 Emergency Over, It's Time to Prepare for the Next Respiratory Pathogens

Program News

A new commentary published in Environmental Health Perspectives, urges the scientific community to continue research on the airborne transmission of pathogens.

Aug 14, 2024

New Report Lays Out Role for Carbon Dioxide Utilization in U.S. Economy, Identifies Research Gaps and Opportunities

News Release

Carbon utilization can play an important role in the future net-zero emissions economy by providing a sustainable foundation for essential products like aviation fuels and pharmaceuticals. A new report lays out a comprehensive research agenda and identifies potential market opportunities to help guide technology development.

Aug 7, 2024

What is a digital twin?

Update

Jul 24, 2024

New Reports Evaluate U.S. Readiness to Prevent, Counter, and Respond to Threats of Nuclear and Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction

News Release

Two new National Academies reports provide recommendations for government leadership and interagency partners to better coordinate and communicate across counterterrorism efforts and to support prevention, countermeasure, response, and recovery programs.

Jun 18, 2024

The Challenge of Predicting Climate Migration

Feature Story

Climate change and its impacts are influencing where people live and whether they move. A recent National Academies workshop explored some of what research has revealed so far, as well as the complexities involved in trying to model and project future climate-related migration.

Apr 23, 2024

National Academies Share the Excitement of the Environment with Earth Day Heroes Event

Feature Story

Who can be an Earth Day Hero? Everyone! Guests of all ages expanded their appreciation for Earth and nature with hands-on science exhibits and activities throughout the National Academy of Sciences building in celebration of Earth Day.

Apr 23, 2024