the body politek

It’s time for a new federal embryonic stem cell research agenda, says Rick Weiss. Rick Weiss

Report from Ken Berlin outlines a five-step framework for achieving energy security and arresting global warming. Ken Berlin

Congress should create a federal bridge loan for automakers to begin building the super-efficient cars of the future, writes Daniel J. Weiss. Daniel J. Weiss

Green roofs beat the heat, beautify cities, and reduce pollution.

The federal government should promote the development and deployment of large-scale chronic disease registries that would, with major safeguards for confidentiality, allow health care providers to better manage patients across time and among institutions, as well as assess progress in clinical outcomes and total costs.

John D. Podesta unveils a new program to create good jobs and build a low-carbon economy. John Podesta

The federal government should support the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ participation with the private sector in multipayer coalitions and cooperatives to agree upon and together specify, enforce, and support care improvements.

Report from Raegen Miller and Robin Chait explores ways to give low-income students more access to effective teachers. Raegen Miller, Robin Chait

Brian Levine outlines the United States' economic imperative to develop reliable, affordable, clean sources of energy and use them more efficiently. Brian Levine

Brian Katulis and Nancy Soderberg called for Obama to keep Gates months ago in this Washington Post op-ed. Brian Katulis

Christian E. Weller and Amanda Logan examine the links between investment, productivity, income, and economic growth and some worrying trends in all four. Christian E. Weller, Amanda Logan

David Balto weighs in on why Pennsylvania insurance commissioner Joel Ario should reject the proposed merger of Highmark Inc. of Pittsburgh and Independence Blue Cross of Philadelphia. David Balto

A by the numbers look at HIV/AIDS in the United States and around the world and guidelines for addressing the U.S. epidemic.

The International Labour Office’s most recent report on wages shows why there is a global social, political, and economic imperative to combat wage inequality, writes Sabina Dewan. Sabina Dewan

Eric Alterman and George Zornick examine how the Bush administration has used the Espionage Act to dismantle press freedoms. Eric Alterman, George Zornick

Water treatment facilities can use alternate disinfectants to chlorine gas, including liquid bleach, ozone without storage, or ultraviolet light.

A special Thanksgiving edition of the series offers tips on reducing your environmental impact for the holidays.

Bill Schulz offers five steps the new administration can take to signal a new era in human rights policy for the United States. Bill Schulz

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is pressured to help homeowners, then heads off in another direction, but Fed chief Ben Bernanke gets it right, says Ed Paisley. Ed Paisley