Science
Science shapes nearly every aspect of our lives—from the medicines we take to the food on our tables. When scientific evidence informs policy decisions, communities thrive. This section breaks down the science behind critical policy debates, giving you the facts you need to make informed choices at the ballot box.
Science Topics
1. Medical Research & Drug Development
📊 FDA - Drug Development Process
- Official explanation of how drugs are tested and approved in the US
- Database of all registered clinical trials - see what research is happening and how trials work
🎓 NIH - Clinical Research Trials and You
- Clear guide to understanding clinical research and participation
📈 PhRMA - Drug Discovery and Development
- Industry perspective on research pipeline (note: this is industry-funded but factual on process)
🏥 Johns Hopkins Medicine - How Drugs Are Developed
- Academic medical center's explanation of drug development
2. Medical Autonomy & Reproductive Health
📊 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- Medical authority on reproductive health - patient education resources
🔬 Guttmacher Institute - Reproductive Health Data
- Research organization providing data and policy analysis on reproductive health
- Government data on maternal mortality, pregnancy, contraception
🏥 National Institutes of Health - Reproductive Health
- Research findings on fertility, pregnancy, and reproductive science
⚖️ American Medical Association - Code of Medical Ethics
- Professional standards on patient autonomy and informed consent
3. Scientific Research Funding & Innovation
📊 National Institutes of Health (NIH) - About NIH Research
- How federal health research funding works and what it supports
🔬 National Science Foundation (NSF) - Discoveries
- Federal funding for basic research across all science fields
📈 AAAS - R&D Budget and Policy Program
- Analysis of federal research funding trends and policy
🎓 Research!America - Health Research Advocacy
- Data on research funding impact and public support for science
🏆 National Academy of Sciences - Research Reports
- Independent, expert reports on science policy issues
4. Healthcare Access & Systems. Healthcare Access & Systems
📊 Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Non-partisan health policy research and data - excellent explainers
🔬 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Official information on Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare programs
📈 Healthcare.gov - Understanding Health Insurance
- Consumer guide to health insurance and coverage options
🏥 Commonwealth Fund - Health System Performance
- International health system comparisons and US healthcare analysis
💊 GoodRx - Drug Pricing Research
- Prescription drug price transparency and access information
🎓 CDC - Vaccines & Immunizations
- Vaccine safety, efficacy data, and immunization schedules
5. Food Safety, Agriculture & Nutrition
- Official food safety regulations, recalls, and guidance
- Dietary guidelines, nutrition programs, agricultural standards
🌾 National Academies - GMO Reports
- Independent scientific assessment of genetically engineered crops
- Federal nutrition information and dietary guidance
🎓 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Nutrition Source
- Evidence-based nutrition information from leading research institution
- Comprehensive nutrition database for foods
6. Mental Health & Brain Science
📊 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Federal research on mental health conditions and treatments
🔬 SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
- Treatment resources, data, and evidence-based practices
🧠 National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Science of addiction and substance use disorders
📈 Mental Health America - Policy & Advocacy
- Mental health data, screening tools, and policy information
🏥 American Psychological Association - Mental Health Topics
- Evidence-based information on mental health and treatment
🎓 Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
- Mental health research breakthroughs and brain science