Highlights major science news stories of 1982 reported in "Science News." Categories include space/astronomy, biology, chemistry, medicine, energy, physics, anthropology/paleontology, earth sciences, technology, behavior, science/society, and the environment. (JN)

Produced in response to the Science and Technology Policy Organization and Priorities Act of 1976, this two-volume publication was written to provide a look into the future in terms of relating the agenda of science and technology to the visible near-term problems of American society and its external responsibilities for stable peace and the…

This is the second volume of a two-volume series produced in response to the Science and Technology Policy Organization and Priorities Act of 1976. This volume consists of source materials in three sections: (1) a report prepared by the National Academy of Sciences which focuses on current and emerging opportunities and problems in selected areas…

Discusses the use of microbes over the centuries in the quest for new/improved foodstuffs; microbial benefits to public health, medicine, and for farmers in developing countries; and microbial applications to energy, industry, and mining. (JN)

Examines energy interconversions in photosynthesis, limiting the discussion to areas pertinent to chemistry (particularly the energetics of the light reactions). Topic areas considered include bioenergetics, photochemistry, conversion of light energy into electrical potential energy, the chemiosmotic hypothesis, and others. (JN)

Presents (for a broad chemistry relationship) information on solvation energies and their role in determining the course of reactions in solution. Also provides some simple "ground rules" for understanding and predicting solvation effects. (JN)

Examines what constraints govern the physical process of computation, considering such areas as whether a minimum amount of energy is required per logic step. Indicates that although there seems to be no minimum, answers to other questions are unresolved. Examples used include DNA/RNA, a Brownian clockwork turning machine, and others. (JN)

Stresses the importance of energy education and discusses various aspects of and trends related to energy in the United States. These include energy costs, recession and energy conservation, the nuclear debate, environmental concerns (including acid rain), solar energy, technological developments, energy policy/politics, and projection of energy…

Presents a brief discussion and table on the current legislation related to science and energy, under consideration by the United States Congress. The status of each piece of legislation is given. (SA)

The aims of the 1970 Environmental Education Act are examined and the resultant developments of this legislation are reviewed. Detailed are various methods for fulfilling the aims of environmental education. (SB)

This report analyzes data on research and development (R&D) performed by industry during 1979, examines historical trends for key R&D funding variables, and presents information on industry-employed R&D scientists and engineers. Areas addressed in the first section on R&D funds include: major R&D industries (aircraft/missiles,…

During the 1920s and 1930s, millions of wind energy systems were used on farms and other locations far from utility lines. However, with passage of the Rural Electrification Act in 1939, cheap electricity was brought to rural areas. After that, the use of wind machines dramatically declined. Recently, the rapid rise in fuel prices has led to a…

Describes a chemistry course titled Energy and the Planet Earth especially created for art and communication students. The course is built around student projects and reports and media analysis and creation. Lists commercial videotapes used and topics of student-produced videotapes. (JM)

Reviews the theories and fundamental principles of physics as they relate to the comprehensibility of the cosmos. (DKM)

Intended for nonspecialists, discusses various aspects of energy in historical terms. Areas addressed include brevity of the cheap energy era, exponential growth, and ideology/controversey (suggesting relationships between power plants and economic power). Examines general literature providing a framework for qualitative thinking about energy and…