The National Academy of Sciences Elects 120 New Members For 2025
The National Academy of Sciences has announced the 2025 election of 120 new members and 30 international members.
Election to the academy is for scientists who have been judged by their peers to have made distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Membership in the Academy is widely regarded as one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a scientist.
With the new members elected this year, the total number of active members now stands at 2,662, and the number of international members is 556. The international members, who are scholars with citizenship outside the United States, are considered nonvoting members of the Academy.
Nominations to be a member of the NAS can be made only by the existing members; there is no membership application process. Following a candidate's nomination, an extensive vetting process is conducted, resulting in a final ballot at the Academy's annual meeting in April each year. Currently, a maximum of 120 members can be elected annually; the maximum number of international members who can be elected is set at 30 each year.
Members are affiliated with scientific discipline in one of six categories:
The full list of the new members can be found here. This year, the new members were elected from a broad array of more than 50 colleges, universities, national laboratories and other research institutions.
Harvard University led the way with nine new members. It was followed closely by the University of California,Berkeley with eight and Stanford University with seven, Yale University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology each had five faculty elected this year, while the California Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania had four new members each.
Several other institutions, including the University of Chicago; the University of Virginia; UCLA; Michigan State University, the University of California, San Francisco; and the University of California, San Diego; had three members each elected to the Academy.
The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution that was established under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Its mission is to recognize outstanding scientific achievements, foster a broad understanding of science and provide independent, authoritative, scientific advice to the government.
The National Research Council was formed by a presidential executive order from Woodrow Wilson in 1916 to expand the expertise available to the NAS in fulfilling the mission of its original Congressional charter.
Under the authority of that charter, the National Academy of Sciences established the National Academy of Engineering in 1964 and the Institute of Medicine in 1970 (which in 2015 became the National Academy of Medicine).
Today, the three Academies work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to 'provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions.' The Academies also encourage education and research and attempt to increase public understanding about science, engineering, and medicine.
The current president of the National Academy of Sciences is Marcia McNutt, who previously served as the 19th editor-in-chief of the Science journals (2013-2016) and director of the U.S. Geological Survey (2009-2013). McNutt is scheduled to give a State of the Science address on June 3 in Washington, D.C., where she will describe the current status of U.S. research and discuss how the scientific community can respond to a new and rapidly changing research environment.
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Should people replace fluoride toothpaste with nano-hydroxyapatite? Eversgerd states that it all depends on each person's oral health needs. "Fluoride remains the gold standard for cavity prevention, supported by decades of large-scale, randomized controlled trials," she explains. "However, for patients seeking a fluoride alternative -- whether due to sensitivity, allergies, personal preferences or a desire for a biomimetic approach -- nano-hydroxyapatite provides a scientifically supported option." According to the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, a biomimetic approach is one in which damaged teeth are restored using materials mimicking natural teeth in function, strength and appearance. For high-risk patients, Eversgerd recommends fluoride, while she may recommend n-Ha to low-risk or fluoride-averse individuals. Austin seconds this, but adds that she also recommends fluoride toothpaste to children with poor brushing habits or communities with limited dental access. 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When asked if there's a reason people should choose n-HAp over other anti-cavity toothpastes, Tolmie answers, "No, as long as patients are brushing their teeth with an anti-cavity toothpaste. There are differences in the way an n-HAp toothpaste and a fluoride toothpaste work to prevent decay, and some n-HAp toothpastes may feel smoother on the teeth. But anti-cavity toothpastes as a whole accomplish the same task. Do I wash a car with tap water or bottled water? We know that both of them get the job done." What's most important, according to Tolmie, is that patients ensure they're not swallowing toothpaste. What does the American Dental Association think? Cooper states that the ADA recommends brushing teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, as the naturally occurring mineral has been proven to remineralize weakened enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. "Additionally, the fluoride you take in from drinking water and other beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth and helping to rebuild weakened tooth enamel," Cooper further explains. "The best scientific evidence has shown that adding fluoride to community water supplies is safe and effective. This is backed by decades of research and recognized by more than 100 health organizations." GoodboyDoes nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste work? All of the dentists we consulted agree that nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste works, but in the right context and with the right product. It's also not a miracle cure and should not replace your entire oral care routine, dentist's recommendations or regular appointments. Plus, Eversgerd adds that more long-term, large-scale trials are needed to fully validate whether it's equal to fluoride in preventing cavities. When asked if it's effective, Austin says, "Yes -- particularly for enamel remineralization and sensitivity. In my practice, I've seen patients who switched to nHA toothpaste experience noticeable improvements in comfort, plaque control and surface smoothness. But like any product, it works best when paired with consistent brushing, flossing and professional cleanings." Pinto agrees and has also seen the results firsthand. "It helps remineralize enamel, soothe sensitivity and support a healthier oral microbiome, especially when paired with a good routine (good home hygiene, healthy diet, hydration and nasal breathing)," she explains, noting that it's not a miracle cure, but does offer many benefits. On behalf of the ADA, Cooper echoes Eversgerd's earlier statement: "The use of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) in over-the-counter products is growing, and some evidence shows that nHAP may contribute to remineralization, but the evidence is fairly new and often ambiguous, especially regarding clinical indications. " Do experts recommend nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste? All of the experts we consulted do recommend nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, but only for certain patients. After all, according to Austin, "Nearly half of US adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and you can't out-toothpaste a bad hygiene routine." Brushing your teeth regularly, flossing and regularly visiting your dentist are still essential, no matter what toothpaste you use. Though Lieb recommends nHA toothpaste for adult patients experiencing post-whitening sensitivity or early enamel erosion, low-caries risk individuals seeking natural alternatives and adults undergoing cosmetic dental work who want to protect their investment with gentle, remineralizing care, she doesn't recommend nano-hydroxyapatite for children with deciduous dentition. "In my professional opinion, fluoride remains the safest and most effective option for all patients under 14," says Lieb. "Its protective effect during the development of permanent dentition is unmatched, and its caries-prevention record is well established." Sachar states that she often recommends it for "patients seeking fluoride-free options, those with mild tooth sensitivity and for children at risk of swallowing fluoride toothpaste." However, she advises that patients with moderate to high cavity risk not fully abandon fluoride. Again, it's important to note that the "ADA recommends that adults brush their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time, or as directed by a licensed dentist," according to Cooper. This is because the proposed benefits of nHAP are fairly new and ambiguous. Getty Images The bottom line Though more research is needed, the dentists we consulted explained that nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be an effective alternative to fluoride -- but only in the right context. The ADA doesn't recommend it. It's also not a miracle cure or a replacement for brushing regularly, flossing and professional dental appointments. If you're considering nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, consult your dentist first before making the switch. They know your teeth best and will be able to help you find the best toothpaste for your smile.
