All science & democracy resources
Podcast
![Got Science? The Podcast - Jo Anne Welsch](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-03/gs-thumbnail-jo-anne-welsch.jpg?itok=Os9o6f4X)
Understanding Vaccines
Dr. Jo Anne Welsch discusses how vaccines are developed and tested, and explores the implications of the process for the coronavirus.
Feature
![Cover illustration from UCS book Breathe In the Smog, Drink In the Lead](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-02/breathe-in-the-smog-thumb.jpg?itok=ZbG6SgT8)
Breathe In the Smog, Drink In the Lead
Clean air, clean water, good food, safe toys: that's the way it should be for kids. But thanks to some not-so-nice-men in Washington, DC, that's not the way it is.
Report
![The White House](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-01/1500-900-whitehouse.jpg?itok=NPAO1j1y)
Presidential Recommendations for 2020
The next president must take concrete actions to restore and strengthen scientific integrity within the government.
Activist Resource
![Blackboard with checklist](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-01/board-box-check-checklist-531826.jpg?itok=ZXbhKbON)
Checklist: Presidential Recommendations for 2020
We make the case for bold presidential action to advance science-based policy. Here's a checklist of key asks from the report.
Feature
![2019 Science Defenders](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2019-12/GotScience-Yellow.png?itok=IfUVYTOV)
2019 UCS Science Defenders
UCS is proud to announce the 2019 Science Defenders—five individuals and groups who have taken a stand for science.
Podcast
![Got Science? The Podcast - Jacob Carter](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2019-12/gs-thumbnail-jacob-carter.jpg?itok=svP2ZqUn)
How “Evidence-Based” Became a Dirty Word
Dr. Jacob Carter explores the consequences of the Trump administration’s attacks on science.
Explainer
![Woman holding 'Stop Voter Suppression' sign at voting rights march](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2019-10/stop-voter-suppression.jpg?itok=dKDWdT6U)
Voting Rights and Environmental Justice
Disenfranchisement through voter suppression and gerrymandering prevents overburdened communities from fighting back against threats to their well-being.
Podcast
![Got Science? The Podcast - Arlene Blum](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2019-11/gs-thumbnail-arlene-blum.jpg?itok=UKLpjEDF)
Scaling Mountains to Ban Toxic Chemicals in Pajamas
Arlene Blum discusses her research on cancer-causing chemicals in kid’s pajamas in the 70s and chemical safety today.
Explainer
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/csd-safeguards-esa-sea-turtle.jpg?itok=ekRCi1ce)
The Endangered Endangered Species Act
Our planet's rich variety of plant and animal life provides many important products and services—from foods and medicines to clean water and pest control—as well as a multitude of less tangible benefits.
Activist Resource
![Airman pouring water into bottle for testing](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2019-09/soldier-pouring-water-into-test-bottle.jpg?itok=nWaWWMlB)
The PFAS Threat
The EPA must act now to protect communities from a highly toxic class of chemicals known as PFAS that contaminate drinking water and groundwater.
Explainer
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/blog/2015/11/Pollution-from-coal-fired-power-plant_0.jpg?itok=epT6U7-q)
EPA Decision Increases Air Pollution Risk
The Clean Air Act has a long record of keeping Americans safe from air pollution and its damaging health effects. A recent decision by Environmental Protection Agency threatens to walk back these vital protections.
Explainer
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/csd-blog-advisory-board-full-size.jpg?itok=J6LHyDAe)
Scientific Advisory Committees
A crucial resource helping policymakers use science to serve the public good, federal science advisory committees are facing unprecedented neglect under the Trump administration.