Surveys progress made in understanding the nervous system's ability to direct its attention to one among several objects, move the eye to focus on one of the objects, and generate limb movements in order to grasp and manipulate the object. (Author/RT)

Reports on a study in which the symbolic relation between a scale model and the larger space that it represents was displayed by two groups of young children. Three-year-old children outperformed 2.5-year-olds in finding an object in a room after seeing an analogous object hidden in a model. (TW)

Discusses the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) which is used to investigate the neural basis for motor learning in monkeys. Suggests organizing principles that may apply in forms of motor learning as a result of similarities among VOR and other motor systems. (Author/RT)

Discusses recent efforts of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy to spark a regional economic resurgence through advanced technology in the Hudson River area. (CS)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has allocated at least $200 million over the next five years to support four new supercomputer centers. Issues and trends related to this NSF initiative are examined. (JN)

Examines issues related to educational computing. Indicates that although teachers and software makers say that home computers will transform schools, problems of equity and quality of courseware remain unresolved. Points out that 80 percent of educational programs have gone on the market with little or no research or testing. (JN)

The federal role in improving research and development productivity is discussed. A six-point national science and technology data policy is proposed, suggesting that progress ultimately will depend on an overall science and technology policy, the first priority of which is to make available existing knowledge. (Author/JN)

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)

Discussed are the efforts of the Pentagon to help U.S. companies remain competitive in high-tech civilian markets. The tug-of-war for these companies between Congress, which has come to view them as a vehicle for pork-barrel funding, and the administration, which is trying to rein them in, is described. (KR)

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)

Offers perspectives on the role of extrinsic factors in the aging process, the long-term consequences of extrinsically initiated changes, and implications for gerontological research. Explains the distinction between usual and successful aging in light of physiologic and psychosocial characteristics. (ML)

Discusses research related to identifying early predictors of school success or intelligence. Reports on a study that suggested correlations exist between how babies process information (visual attentiveness) in the first six months of life and the child's performance on intelligence tests in school. (ML)

Encouraging a science park at Cambridge University has resulted in a geographically compact community with a broad range of high-technology industries. Factors leading to this university/business success (also called "The Cambridge Phenomenon") include: more relaxed attitudes about faculty's outside activities; positive attitudes toward…

Describes a Venezualan effort to develop intelligence, lead by Luis Alberto Machado, Minister of State for the Development of Intelligence. Explains intelligence-enhancing programs emphasizing good prenatal care and infant nutrition and fostering intellectual development in elementary and secondary school classes. (DS)

Defines incremental product development and discusses how this style of innovation effects technology industries. Cites examples of Japanese competition which emphasizes quality and speed in product development. Makes recommendations for the improvement of product development in the United States. (CW)