Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a new technique that affords anatomic images in multiple planes and may provide information on tissue characterization. This document describes how MR images are obtained and discusses how they differ from those produced by x-rays. The major portion of this report covers a conference held in October, 1987, which…

Reviews efforts of Britain's Committee on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) and identifies specific initiatives of the program. Evaluates aspects of the Royal Society's report and examines the status and future direction of the program in enhancing the public image of science. (ML)

Since 1976 China has entered a new historical period in which the central task is to modernize agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology (S&T). The modernization of S&T is the key to the realization of the modernization in the other three fields. China has established a research and development (R&D) system of…

Presents historical accounts of patenting and past experiments in academic patent management. These cases highlight the motivations, expectations, and results for scientists, their institutions, and the public. (ML)

Addresses issues and assesses developments in research and development collaborative efforts between universities and industry. Provides an historical context and explores current industry-university alliances. (ML)

Examines the patterns of contracts between academic marine scientists and two kinds of federal funding agencies. Discusses the quality of working relationships, quality of academic marine scientific work, and dilemma of conflicting value systems. Finds that the scientists rate science-oriented agencies more favorably than society-oriented ones.…

Discussed is whether scientists should take responsibility for the social consequences of their discoveries. Reviewed is the role to which the "modern" playwright assigns scientists in modern society and what might realistically be a role that scientists and scientific societies should play in the modern world. (KR)

Discusses the increasing trend toward the pork-barrel funding of science projects, particularly for grants to academic institutions. Addresses the new strategies being employed by opponents of such funding. Describes some of the possible ramifications of the various strategies and the perceived link between science funding and economic growth. (TW)

Relates the comments offered in an interview with Erich Bloch, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Director. Discusses issues related to NSF and its funding, engineering research centers, involvement with industry, concern for science education, computer centers, and its affiliation with the social sciences. (ML)

Announces the establishment of two research centers by the National Science Foundation under its new Minority Research Centers of Excellence (MRCE) program. Describes the goals of these centers at Meharry Medical College (Nashville, TN) and at Howard University (Washington, DC). (TW)

Describes the very-long-baseline array (VLBA) system of radio telescopes that will be completed in the early 1990s. Explains how the VLBA system works and the advantages over present technology. Compares associated international telescopes and very-long-baseline interferometers (VLBI). Illustrates applications for the VLBA and VLBI. (CW)

Reports on aspects of technological change essential to economic progress in the United States. States that workers need to be more adaptable, research needs to be more focused, and managers need to be more open-minded. (RT)

Reviews the state of scientific and technological research in Great Britain and discusses efforts to insure its growth. Advocates a national plan for science that would provide a more balanced set of national research and development priorities. Addresses concerns related to the shortage of scientists and the condition of education. (ML)

Examines some of the traditional and new methods that have been devised to harness energy from the sun in the form of heat. Discusses some current research and developments underway which are lowering the costs of equipment and installation. (TW)

Described is the influence of technology on lives and the environment. The situations, dilemmas, challenges, and risks caused by technology are also discussed. Human empowerment, principles to guide the development of technology literacy, and a caring and unshackled technology are included as topics of discussions. (KR)