Chromatographic instrumentation has been really influential in shaping the modern chemical practice, and yet it has been largely overlooked by history of science.Gas chromatography in the 1960s was considered the analytical technique closer to becoming dominant, and being the first automated chromatography set the standards that all the subsequent…

Indicates that although the costs of sophisticated state-of-the-art instruments are needed for chemical research, federal agency funding assumptions lag far behind. Issues related to these costs, including an estimate of what the National Science Foundation departmental budget should be, are discussed. (JN)

Presents a description of the world's largest radio/radar antenna, the Areciba Observatory in Puerto Rico. Activities at the observatory are discussed as well as the scientific research in the field of radio astronomy. (SA)

Discusses the role of the Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory of the Massachusetts of Technology, and its significance in the world of research. Applications of research on magnetism to medicine are emphasized. (SA)

Presents a description of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a center where scientists pursue research interests, where research facilities, too large and expensive for any one institution to maintain, are housed, and where unified planning for research is made in response to national and international concerns. (SA)

Presents highlights of a December 1985 report on Soviet scientific capabilities. One finding is that a new emphasis on computing advances and instrumentation may weaken basic research in this country. (JN)

Presents data for instructors on the current state of ultraviolet-visible detector technology and gives sources of further information. Described are the mechanisms and characteristics of photomultiplier tubes and array detectors. Lists 15 references. (YP)

Discusses the role and use of microcomputers in scientific research, from monitoring instruments to controlling experimental processes. Included are descriptions of a computer-controlled protein sequencer and gene synthesizer, and microcomputer uses in medicine, physiology, biochemistry, and geology. (JN)

Described are efforts to organize the research efforts concerning global change. Objectives include the development of long-term monitoring programs, global process research campaigns, and predictive computer models. (CW)

Focuses on the activities of regional instrumentation centers that utilize the state-of-the-art instruments and methodology in basic scientific research. The emphasis is on the centers involved in mass spectroscopy, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, lasers, and accelerators. (SA)

This report provides basic information on patterns and trends of research and development (R&D) performance in the United States itself and in relation to other countries, as well as data on public attitudes toward science and technology. Major areas addressed in the report's eight chapters include (1) the international science and technology…