Reported is one researcher's efforts to solve a classic mathematical problem called the "sphere packing problem." The historical barriers to solving this geometry problem are discussed. (CW)

Discusses the problems posed for scientifically untrained judges and lawyers in ensuring the scientific validity of scientific evidence. Cites recent cases which indicate the results when courts do not hold expert witnesses to the standards and criteria of their own disciplines. (CW)

Looks at the impact of budgetary problems on the University of Michigan, indicating potential cuts in natural resources (33 percent), art (25 percent), and education (40 percent). Science/engineering departments, however, will benefit from reallocation of funds, since improvements in research equipment has been given a high priority. (JN)

Reports on a comparison of the poverty rates of families with children in six industrial countries. Discusses income and poverty, poverty among children, family poverty rates before and after taxes and income transfers, and conclusions. States that the poverty of children may affect long-term competitiveness with other countries. (RT)

Small organizations have been forming in many European countries which provide direct links between university researchers and the general public. These organizations, which focus on research on social problems, have gained political and financial support. The development, operation, and activities of these organizations are discussed. (JN)

Reports on a movement conducted by social workers to decrease the infection of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome by changing human behavior through public education. Stresses that the focus is to draw attention to behavior modification. (RT)

Raises questions and presents different views on the potential ethical dilemmas and legal issues resulting from the increasing amount of industrial investment in academic science. Gives examples of how different industries and universities have formed their relationships. (DC)

Examines issues associated with the design of and statistical inferences from embedded experiments which vary the questionnaire content into sample surveys of broad populations. Provides an example of context effects in attitude surveys, a summary, and conclusions. (RT)

Presents evidence that the psychological principles that govern the perception of decision problems and evaluation of probabilities and outcomes produce predictable shifts of preference when the same problem is framed in different ways. (Author/SK)

Describes an artificial intelligence system known as SOAR that approximates a theory of human cognition. Discusses cognition as problem solving, working memory, long term memory, autonomy and adaptability, and learning from experience as they relate to artificial intelligence generally and to SOAR specifically. Highlights the status of the…

The American Association for the Advancement of Science is involved in projects to capitalize on resources the scientific community can share with schools. Projects and sponsors include "The National Forum for School Science" (Carnegie Corporation), "Challenge of the Unknown" (Phillips Petroleum), and "Science Resources…

This article discusses the reasons for poverty among children in both two-parent working poor families and single-parent families. (Author/YP)

Discusses many of the scientific questions surrounding the greenhouse effect debate and the issue of plausible responses. Discussion includes topics concerning projecting emissions and greenhouse gas concentrations, estimating global climatic response, economic, social, and political impacts, and policy responses. (RT)

Highlights findings from cognitive science which suggest new approaches for science and mathematics instruction, addressing role of naive theories and qualitative understanding of situations in problem-solving. Also considers nature of the learner based on the findings. (JN)

This article focuses on content of the United States' Department of State Study called the Global 2000 Report issued by the Carter Administration on July 24, 1980. The report discusses the present trends which will lead to a more crowded, more polluted world, vulnerable to disruption. (Author/SA)