In the United States, we are experiencing a breakdown in the scientific research sector – most specifically in the biomedical sciences – that will have great impact on the future.  For a good description, see Bruce Alberts’ et al.’s paper “Rescuing US Biomedical Research from its Systemic Flaws”.  We are not effectively engaging our scientists (especially our next generation scientists-in-training) in the current structure.  This portends significant shortages in the future of the people best positioned to assist in solving major issues facing the planet today.