The rapid progress in the biological sciences has resulted in many social, ethical, and legal issues. In medical practice, public health programs, research laboratories, law enforcement, insurance, the patenting process, agriculture, genetic counseling, and other fields, legal controversies and public policy debates have developed. Some of these…

Departing markedly from previous reports to Congress by the National Science Board, this document presents in an informal, narrative style six stories depicting scientific discoveries and their effects on society. Drawn from the physical, biological, medical, and social sciences, topics discussed include: (1) computers and semiconductors; (2)…

The 29th in a series that covers Federal research and development (R&D) funding as it evolves from one budget cycle to the next, this report discusses agency R&D funding levels for fiscal year 1981. This analysis reports relative changes in broad R&D and basic research categories, 1981 compared with 1980, and also some agency changes…

This report describes the Space Shuttle vehicles and is prepared by the Scientific and Technical Information Branch and Division of Public Affairs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The book is divided into nine chapters including information about the launching, flight, and orbit of the ships; the satellites and previous space…

The first in a series on the relationship between the federal government and research universities, this report asserts that basic research is conducted in the public interest. Viewpoints of the government and the universities on accountability problems and issues are presented. Two types of accountability are considered: scientific, and financial…

Compares the amount of research being published by personnel from 37 undergraduate institutions of higher learning during the 1970's with the amount published from 1980-1985. Lists the number of student co-authored publications in chemistry from the leading 11 institutions for 1980-1985. (TW)

Discusses the growth, development, and unusual parasitic nature of the retrovirus community. Reviews these infectious cancer-causing agents as models for the study of fundamental biological problems, tools for genetic manipulations, and problems posed by their pathogenic potential in humans and animal hosts where they cause diseases such as…

This paper discusses the growing resource imbalance that is emerging between public and private institutions of higher education and the growing inequality of resources that is occurring within the public and private sectors. It illustrates implications of some of these changes for patterns of faculty compensation and faculty turnover observed…

In recent years, the debate about the utilization of research studies that have been used to inform educational practice has been steadily growing. This debate is primarily the result of frustration; despite the investment of billions of dollars, learner outcomes have not significantly improved. One possible explanation is that most education…

The Center for Education of the National Research Council (NRC) has undertaken a series of activities to address issues related to the quality of scientific education research. In 2002, the NRC released "Scientific Research in Education" (National Research Council, 2002), a report designed to articulate the nature of scientific education research…

The limitations of microcomputers, their potential uses on college campuses, and what should be considered when purchasing them are discussed. Specific uses of microcomputer networks, including one at Kansas City Kansas Community College, are outlined. (Author/MLW)

The excitement and high commercial value placed on basic/applied genetics research appear to be re-energizing the once-fruitful relationship between academic/industrial sectors which declined over the last 20 to 30 years. University/industry relationships and cooperation between departments/faculty within universities are noted, discussing several…

An overview is presented of major research studies, scientific events, and issues of concern during 1981 in the field of geology. Thirty-four areas are reviewed ranging from archeological geology to volcanology. (DC)

By interfacing a Biotran II counting device with an Apple II computer, biologists in a biomedical laboratory increased accuracy and speed over manual logging of Biotran readings. Suggests that others interface small computers to computer readable devices as a cost-effective approach. Outlines necessary steps. (DC)

Discusses Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in simple terms. Presents scientific examples leading to the development of the principle and describes popular misconceptions associated with it. (SK)