Why AAAS is reconsidering a research award

The American Association for the Advancement of Science says it’s reconsidering the recent decision to grant a scientific freedom award to researchers in Sri Lanka who "battled powerful corporate interests to uncover the deadly effects of industrial herbicides." AAAS says the researchers faced death threats while working to determine the cause of a kidney disease epidemic, but ultimately pinpointed the culprit: the “deadly herbicide” glyphosate. But scientists pushed back on that characterization, noting that several studies have found inconclusive evidence on the link between pesticide exposure and kidney disease.

Meanwhile, Rush Holt, the CEO of AAAS, just announced he'll retire soon — and the search for his replacement is on. Holt — who has been at the helm of since 2015 — also spent 16 years in Congress.