Publications 1996
89 - Computer Systems and the Millennium (pdf 51KB)
Four page POSTnote, December 1996
Many computer systems may fail in the transition to the Year 2000, because of the way they store and manipulate dates. This note analyses the potential scale of the 'date change problem' and the policy issues raised.
88 - Teaching Science and Maths (pdf 124KB)
12 page report, December 1996
While increasing numbers of science and maths teachers will retire over the next few years, it is impossible to fill many current training places. This report looks at the reasons why, and what is being and can be done about it.
87 - Psychological Evaluation and Gun Control (pdf 89KB)
Eight page report, November 1996
Proposals for tighter controls following Dunblane fall into two categoriestighter certification procedures and control of guns themselves. This looks at the limits of better psychological profiling for applicants for firearm certificates and other technical matters related to the issue.
86 - Making it in Miniature - Nanotechnology, UK Science and its applications (pdf 77KB)
Four page POST report summary, October 1996
Nanotechnology is one of those generic technologies underpinning many areas of technological progress, and this report looks at the various applications areas and how well equipped the UK science base is to meet current and future challenges. The report finds that while strengths exist and have been helped by previous Government support, nanotechnology has rather slipped between the cracks in the technology foresight programme and is suffering as a result. Policies to redress this are explored.
85 - BSE: The Cull Policy and the Disease (pdf 101KB)
12 page report, October 1996
Scientific understanding of the factors affecting the spread of BSE among UK cattle has advanced with recent data on the incubation period and on the extent of maternal transmission, and the application of a sophisticated epidemiological model at Oxford University. This note looks at the conclusions on the likely impact of different culling options, and implications for the assessment of human health risk.
84 - Orimulsion and Power Stations (pdf 96KB)
Four page POSTnote, October 1996
Fuels derived from bitumen (eg. orimulsion) are under consideration for expanded use in UK power stationsin particular in National Power's moth-balled station near Pembroke. Concerns have been raised in Parliament and elsewhere over the potential air pollution from such fuels, and the potential environmental effects of any orimulsion spill in transit through Milford Haven. This note looks at the environmental implications of fuels such as orimulsion, and the issues raised.
83 - The European Union and Research - EU Framework Programmes and National Priorities (pdf 61KB)
Four page POST report summary, October 1996
The European Commission spends around £2 billion (current UK contribution of £380 million) each year on RD under a series of 'Framework Programmes', the latest of which (FPIV) runs to 1998. Discussions are already underway on its successor, FPV, and to help Parliament to influence the form it takes, POST has reviewed the history and key policy issues involved. For instance, should the historical expansion in both budget and scope be reversed, should there be an increased focus on industrial applications (eg. towards a car or train of the future), and what value for money is obtained by RD via the EU rather than through national Governments?
82 - Fine Particles and their Effects on Health (pdf 121KB)
12 page POST report, June 1996
This report looks at the increasing evidence of a statistical link between the levels of particulate air pollution and mortality through respiratory and coronary disease. The report looks at the sources, the levels, and the epidemiology of the link and also what might be done to reduce mortality through this route.
81 - Safety in Numbers? - Risk Assessment in Environment Protection (pdf 69KB)
Four page POST report summary, June 1996
Risk assessment is increasingly hitting the headlines as new 'threats' to human health (ranging from BSE to risks from contraceptive pills) are reported in the media. This report looks at the science of risk assessment, the importance of public perception, and how different agencies in the UK Government are applying risk assessmentnot always consistently. The UK has also just set up the Environment Agency, bringing together different independent units with regulatory authorities for water, air, etc., and the report looks at how easy it is going to be to harmonise their respective approaches to risk assessment.
80 - Impacts on Earth from Space (pdf 52KB)
Four page POSTnote, June 1996
This report reviews the numbers of satellites in orbit and other sources of potential debris returning to Earth, and the measures for their tracking and control.
79 - Common Illegal Drugs and their Effects - Cannabis, Ecstasy, Amphetamines and LSD (pdf 50KB)
Four page POST report summary, May 1996
This detailed report reviews what is known of the proven and potential health impacts of the most common illegal drugs used in the UK. The report looks at the mechanisms by which drugs have their psychological effects, the evidence on their adverse physical side-effects, and the possible psychological after-effects (dependency, depression, etc.). The report includes much detail on the extent to which these drugs are taken in the UK, particularly amongst the young, and discusses the reasons for the limited impact of educational strategies. The report also covers the use of drugs while driving, synthetic manufacture, evidence of the effects of regulatory regimes on consumption, drug testing and the policy issues which arise, against the background of a Government initiative to control the supply and use of these illegal drugs.
78 - BSE CJD - Science, Uncertainty and Risk (pdf 222KB)
12 page report, April 1996
This reviews the progression of the BSE outbreak in cattle and describes what is known of the nature of the infective agent (BSE prion). The report then analyses the potential risk of transmission from cattle to humans, and the emergence of the new variant of Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD), and considers what would be required in order to carry out a proper quantitative risk assessment of the risks to humans of the disease.
77 - Counterfeit Banknotes (pdf 53KB)
Four page POSTnote, March 1996 Counterfeiting of bank notes and other documents is becoming an increasing problem, due to advances in reprographic technologies. This note looks at the extent of the problem and counter-measures.
76 - Patents, Research and Technology - Compatibilities and Conflicts (pdf 50KB)
Four page POST report summary, February 1996
This looks at how the patent system is coping with technologies such as biotechnology and information technology, and at the ethical and practical issues raised and whether these can be handled by the existing system.
75 - The Sea Empress Oil Spill (pdf 52KB)
Four page POSTnote, February 1996
This note looks at the initial evidence on the consequences of the Sea Empress spill at Milford Haven in February, where 70,000 tons of North Sea crude oil were spilt into the outer estuary, threatening both inshore marine life and offshore sea birds and sea mammals.
74 - Research Institutes and Prior Options (pdf 58KB)
Four page POSTnote, February 1996
Research Institutes set up by the Research Councils to pursue long-term research are being assessed for privatisation. This POSTnote looks at potential implications for the science carried out.
73 - Looking Down on Earth - the future of Earth Observation from Space (pdf 61KB)
Four page POST report summary, January 1996
This report looks at the increasing reliance on satellite-based instruments for a range of applications on Earth, such as monitoring for agricultural fraud, land use planning, weather and climatology. It also examines the potential applications which are, as yet, unrealised and the barriers which stand in the way of more effective use of satellite data.
72 - Ballistic Missile Defence (pdf 164KB)
Four page POSTnote, January 1996
This looks at current concerns as to the whether the UK should pursue a limited anti-ballistic missile defence.