Describes (in separate articles) 25 developments in science, technology, and medicine that have potential impact on the near future. They include discoveries related to space butterflies, drugs, twenty-first century software, experimental mathematics, brain drugs, egg development, ultrasmall microchips, the biology of birth, cancer-causing genes,…

Discusses the evolution of the nationwide telecommunications network, including key technologies (transistors, communications satellites, and lasers), putting these technologies together, current and future services, and challenges for the future. (JN)

Distinguishes between computer hardware and software and discusses status of software, application development productivity, software production, and research directions. (JN)

Describes important information-handling products, predicting future devices in light of convergence and greater flexibility offered through use of microchip technology. Contends that information technology and its impact of privacy depends on how information systems are used, arguing that the privacy issue deals more with moral/physiological…

Describes tele-immersion, a new medium for human interaction enabled by digital technologies. It combines the display and interaction techniques of virtual reality with new vision technologies that transcend the traditional limitations of a camera. Tele-immersion stations observe people as moving sculptures without favoring a single point of view.…

This report is the 30th in a series that covers research and development (R&D) as shown in successive Presidential budgets. The Federal budget for 1982 was unusual in the extent to which it was subjected to change, reflecting the new administration's philosophy to reduce Federal spending. R&D funding data reflect the first series of 1981…