Chemical reaction rates can be controlled by varying composition of miniscule clusters of metal atoms. These bimetallic catalysts have had major impact on petroleum refining, where work has involved heterogeneous catalysis (reacting molecules in a phase separate from catalyst.) Experimentation involving hydrocarbon reactions, catalytic…

Data on industrial research and development (R&D) are presented in chart and graph form, including total funds, federal funds, company funds, company spending (budgets), R&D by U.S. companies abroad, and R&D scientists/engineers in industry. Indicates spending on R&D last year by the chemical industry was up about 18 percent. (JN)

This report analyzes recent trends in company-funded basic research support and incorporates findings from a special mail survey and personal interviews with research and development (R&D) officials of 54 firms. The report also provides insight into industry/university cooperative basic research efforts. Following an introduction, the report…

Discusses data on chemical research and development (R&D). Areas addressed include sources of R&D funds, R&D spending by the federal government and by industry, and sources of academic R&D funds. provides charts and tables and data on scientists/engineers, budgets, comparisons between applied/basic R&D, abstracts in chemical…

Four scientists, trained as astronomers, describe their astronomical training and present careers in non-astronomy, industrial jobs. They recount some of the differences, positive and negative, between industrial and academic employment, and comment on some of the attitudes they perceive academic and industrial scientists hold toward each other.…

Reports on research and development (R&D) spending and manpower, emphasizing R&D in chemistry and chemical engineering. Data are presented in tables and graphs related to the federal government, industry, universities and colleges, and a total look at United States R&D efforts. (SK)

The 17 rare earth elements account for one-fifth of the 83 naturally occurring elements and collectively rank as the 22nd most abundant "element." Properties of these elements (including their chemical similarity), their extraction from the earth, and their uses are discussed. (JN)

Examines issues and trends related to biotechnology patents, providing data that show that foreign concerns have gained a large share of United States patents. Also lists the number of patents assigned to companies, foreign countries, and universities during 1983 and 1984. (JN)

Principle work of 23 state geological surveys is summarized. Work includes mapping/estimating coal resources, centralizing data in National Coal Resources Data System through cooperative programs, exploration drilling, and others. Comments on U.S. Geological Survey activities, coal-related conferences/meetings, and industry research activities are…

Engineering geology activities in government and the private sector are highlighted. Also highlighted are conferences in this field, awards presented at conferences (including an award to an undergraduate geology student), and a new publication "Geotechnology in Massachusetts." (JN)

Many proposals have been made for new universities in U.S. research and development (R&D) systems. However, current foundations and strengths should be examined before attempting untried approaches. Areas addressed include the supporting environment, university research system, industrial R&D capability, defense-related R&D, and…

Guidelines for successful university ties with industry are discussed. Topics covered include publication rights, patents, copyrights, confidentiality, research units, faculty consultants, faculty entrepreneurs, international agreements, sharing personnel/equipment, and model research agreements. Advocates that success lies in anticipating…

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)

Describes the nature of gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses, focusing on refraction in these materials, focal length of a thin Wood lens, and on manufacturing of such lenses. Indicates that GRIN lenses of small cross section are in limited production with applications suggested for optical communication and photocopying fields. (JN)

Highlights a survey which examined the extent/variety of current university/industry research interactions, characterized principal cooperative efforts, identified factors appearing important in their formation, and which provided perspectives on the current state of university/industry relationships. Concludes that interactive efforts to support…