Food irradiation has been studied for years, but now with new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of low-dose radiation, it may become a popular method to retard food spoilage. Radiolytic products, feeding studies, and nuclear issues are among the areas addressed. (JN)

Solid ionic conductors are unusual materials that may find valuable applications in devices ranging from high-energy density batteries to lasers. The nature of these materials and their potential uses are discussed. (JN)

The House Science and Technology Committee is launching a probe of where the U.S. ought to go in making science policy. The general drift of the inquiry involves whether the government's design of research support is out of date. Comments from witnesses indicate that it is. (Author/JN)

Indicates that the National Science Foundation (NSF) will emphasize technology to spur United States competition in technological development by raising support for engineering staff, research, and equipment. Includes a list of areas on which proposed engineering research centers should focus. (JN)

Extensive study affirms that vinyl chloride is a potent animal carcinogen. Epidemiological studies show elevated rates of human cancers in association with extended contact with the compound. (Author/RE)

Highlights a National Academy of Engineering symposium ("The Long-Term Impact of Technology on Employment and Unemployment"). The symposium is the start of a study of radical effects of the computer revolution on jobs and on economic, social, and cultural systems. Includes comments from participants; several key questions discussed. (JN)

Summarizes viewpoints on the science policy, including those (1) of Harvey Brooks in "Science and Technology Policy for the 1980's"; (2) in the National Science Foundations'"Five Year Outlook"; and (3) of Christopher Wright, Director of Science Policy Program at Carnegie Institute of Washington. (SK)

Issues discussed with Thomas F. Malone (former Foreign Secretary-National Academy of Sciences) include: scientists role in dealing with such global problems as nuclear war and needs in developing countries; scientific relations with China/Soviet Union; scientific enterprise/human rights; science/technology role in foreign policy; and political…

Funds (1983) for National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research programs include $1,092,200,000 (NSF), $5.5 billion (NASA), and $119 million (EPA). NSF's science education activities were raised to $30 million in spite of the Administration's plan to phase…

Presents a brief discussion and table on the current legislation related to science and energy, under consideration by the United States Congress. The status of each piece of legislation is given. (SA)

Conceived three years ago, the Council for Chemical Research (CCR) is meeting its goal to expedite technological transfer between universities and industry. Although funding is still a problem, membership is growing (37 industries and 128 universities). CCR encourages industrial grants to chemistry/chemical engineering departments and the Chemical…

Highlights current U.S. research and development (R&D) efforts, focusing on sources of funds (chief federal supporters being Department of Health and Human Services and National Science Foundation), who spends them, and how they are divided among basic and applied R&D. Includes human resources (scientists and engineers) trends (Author/JN)

Data on U.S. research and development (R&D) efforts are presented in chart and graph form, focusing on trends, sources of funds, performance and character of R&D, employed scientists/engineers, abstracts appearing in Chemical Abstracts, and U.S. patents. Indicates that most R&D is done by private industry with funding for development.…

Data are presented in chart and graph form focusing on research and development (R&D) funding by the federal government, including federal obligations for total R&D (largest increases for defense and space); research; scientific disciplines; development; basic research; applied research; university research and applied research; and funds…

Summarizes a National Research Council report indicating that the Department of Energy (DOE) underfunds basic, exploratory scientific research. Presents a matrix to provide DOE with perspectives for assessing the potential impact of chemistry-focused, basic, long-range, and pioneering research on various energy technology areas. (Author/SK)