What will be lost if US-China science pact lapses

+ the science behind wrinkly toes US Edition - Today's top story: The US and China may be ending an agreement on science and technology cooperation − a policy expert explains what this means for research [View in browser]( US Edition | 28 August 2023 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Top headlines - [Should top political jobs come with an age limit?]( - [The health benefits of the humble daytime nap]( - [Mahalia Jackson’s role in the March on Washington]( Lead story In the late 1970s, China opened up after years of isolation, a shift that coincided with a normalizing of relations with the United States. While still wary of international cooperation, Chinese and U.S. leaders signed an agreement to work together in science and technology as a first step — paving the way for what was hoped to be more involved collaborations later. That agreement, which started as little more than a vague statement agreeing on cooperation, has been renewed about every five years since its initial signing in 1979. Over the decades, China has vastly improved its scientific output, quality of research and number of international collaborations – enough to make it a global leader rivaling the U.S. But rising tensions and recent concerns from Washington about national security violations have made leaders on both sides wary of renewal. The agreement was set to expire yesterday, though the State Department proposed a six-month extension before it could. Caroline Wagner from The Ohio State University is a public affairs expert who specializes in science and technology cooperation. She describes what the agreement is, and how its expiration could [lead the U.S. to miss out]( on some of the most cutting-edge science. [ [Understand what’s going on in Washington and around the world. Get our Politics Weekly newsletter.]( ] Mary Magnuson Assistant Science Editor Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping (left) and President Jimmy Carter sign papers, including a science and technology agreement, in 1979. Consolidated News Pictures/Archive Photos via Getty Images [The US and China may be ending an agreement on science and technology cooperation − a policy expert explains what this means for research]( Caroline Wagner, The Ohio State University China’s success in science and technology propelled it to the forefront of many fields. Now, the US wants to pull back from years of intense cooperation. Environment + Energy - [Shutting off power to reduce wildfire risk on windy days isn’t a simple decision – an energy expert explains the trade-offs electric utilities face]( Tim C. Lieuwen, Georgia Institute of Technology Losing power also has real consequences for people’s businesses, livelihoods and potentially their health and safety. Economy + Business - [US autoworkers may wage a historic strike against Detroit’s 3 biggest automakers − with wages at EV battery plants a key roadblock to agreement]( Marick Masters, Wayne State University A strike would shake up the auto industry, even though both the union’s ranks and the share of the US automotive market controlled by GM, Ford and Stellantis have been shrinking for decades. - [The Conversation Book Club launch event on September 14.]( Join the conversation with Manil Suri and The Conversation’s Senior Science + Technology Editor, Maggie Villiger, on September 14 at 2 p.m. Eastern/11 a.m. Pacific. Please [register in advance]( to save your spot. Politics + Society - [There’s no age limit for politicians − as people live longer, should that change?]( Nancy S. Jecker, University of Washington While there are minimum age requirements for people who want to hold political office in the US, there are no limits on when someone must retire. - [Judicial orders restricting Trump’s speech seek to balance his own constitutional rights]( Lynn Greenky, Syracuse University Trump has not been silenced. The limits on his speech protect fundamental rights − including his right to a fair trial by an unbiased jury and the public’s right to a working justice system. - [Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson made a suggestion during the 1963 March on Washington − and it changed a good speech to a majestic sermon on an American dream]( Bev-Freda Jackson, American University School of Public Affairs As the 'Queen' of gospel music, Mahalia Jackson sang two songs during the historic March on Washington, which took place 60 years ago. But her most famous line may have been a suggestion to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Health + Medicine - [Short naps can improve memory, increase productivity, reduce stress and promote a healthier heart]( Steven Bender, Texas A&M University Naps can be rejuvenating and beneficial to attentiveness and overall health, but the length of naps and the time of day are key. - [FDA’s greenlighting of maternal RSV vaccine represents a major step forward in protecting young babies against the virus]( Annette Regan, University of San Francisco; Flor M. Munoz, Baylor College of Medicine Nearly 100,000 US children under age 5 are hospitalized each year for an RSV infection. Science + Technology - [Medication can help you make the most of therapy − a psychologist and neuroscientist explains how]( Rebecca Price, University of Pittsburgh Combining psychotherapy with medication can lead to more immediate and enduring results by boosting the brain’s neuroplasticity. - [Why do fingers get wrinkly after a long bath or swim? A biomedical engineer explains]( Guy German, Binghamton University, State University of New York Recent research suggests blood vessels are the key to why fingers and toes turn pruny and pale after being submerged for a while. Trending on site - [Georgia indictment and post-Civil War history make it clear: Trump’s actions have already disqualified him from the presidency]( - [Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? A nutritionist explains the science behind ‘functional’ foods]( - [Tropical Storm Hilary pounds Southern California with heavy rain, flash flooding]( Today's graphic 📈 [The number of U.S. workers who take part in strikes in a year varies greatly while generally following broader trends. The totals for strikers starting in the early 1980s were sharply lower than any time since the Great Depression.]( From the story, [Waves of strikes rippling across the US seem big, but the total number of Americans walking off the job remains historically low]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly and biweekly emails: • [Weekly Highlights]( • [Science Editors' Picks]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Politics Weekly]( • [Global Perspectives]( • [Global Economy & Business]( Trying out new social media? Follow us: • [Threads]( • [Bluesky]( • [Spoutible]( • [Mastodon]( • [Post.news]( • [LinkedIn]( - - About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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