Problems of international economic competition, environmental degradation, and quality of life demand the very best form the United States research community. New information assembled by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) documents a deeply troubled mood among university researchers, even those who have been successful…

Discussed is the question of whether "heavy" neutrinos really do exist based on the evidence supplied by four research groups. The implications of its existence on the disciplines of particle physics, astrophsyics, and cosmology are discussed. Background information on the different types of neutrinos is provided. (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)

Describes the historical relationships between the federal government and research universities, particularly with regard to scientific research. Argues that the autonomy of the research university is being undermined by the vast increases in federal funding of applied research contracts, especially those related to national defense, including the…

Examines the effects of increased industrial funding on academic research in science. Highlights the funding arrangements at Carnegie-Mellon University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and discusses the impact of university-industry ties. (ML)

Describes programs used by European countries and companies for advancing the commercialization of biotechnology. Compares European strategies and efforts in biotechnology with those undertaken in the United States. Includes listings of the European countries and the areas of biotechnology research. (ML)

Provides a summary of some of the recent activities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from the perspective of the current director. Emphasizes making NIH better known to the American people and presenting the attractions of the many roles in health-related research to young people formulating career plans. (TW)

Discusses the findings of a study that involves the testing of the pharmaceutical Ampakines on laboratory rats. Rats administered Ampakines learn remarkably quickly to navigate new mazes. The question now is does the drug make the rats alert or memory enhanced. Implications for treatment in humans is discussed. (ZWH)

Cites the need for promoting science/technology management and policy formation in Thailand, viewing contributions of science/technology to the socioeconomic development of the country as high priorities. Criteria for selecting priority areas and key problems are noted; they include relevance to development, availability of human resources, and…

Discusses reasons for the small contribution to science and technology from Latin America which is essential for promoting the economic and social development of the region. Reviews the origin of Latin American educational and research systems, and the obstacles faced by the scientific communities in the recent past. (LZ)

Examines the effects of changes and diminishments in financial support and the future of university-based research in Britain. Assesses schemes for finding university research and discusses concerns dealing with selectivity, university collaboration, and the vertical stratification of universities for scientific research. (ML)

The Department of Defense is increasing funding for high-risk basic research, research fellowships, multidisciplinary centers, and purchase of research equipment at universities. Disputes on publishing unclassified data remain, but the Pentagon supports broad university programs and the education of scientists and engineers to meet defense and…

A brief history of science and technology in Latin America that begins with the Mayan civilization and progresses through the colonial period to the present. Compares increased scientific productivity in the Latin American and Caribbean regions to productivity in the United States and European Union. (LZ)

Traces the growth and movement of Japanese research and technology efforts and achievements. Explains policies related to science and technology and examines resultant actions. Provides perspectives on the future direction and role of creativity in Japanese research. (ML)

Argues that changes in science's political economy are natural outcomes of science itself becoming more capital-intensive and the slowing of federal support for research. Events resulting from these changes include increased seeking for private industry funding, circumventing peer review and competitive allocation, and disagreement on division of…