The United States possesses the most capable research enterprise, the largest economy, and the most sophisticated societal infrastructure in the world, yet it remains notably vulnerable to catastrophic damage and loss of life from natural hazards. Among weather hazards, hurricanes account for over half of the total damage inflicted. Despite their…

This document provides an overview of the state of scientific study of Alzheimer's disease, a disease of catastrophic proportions whose symptoms include serious forgetfulness; changes in personality; confused, restless, and irritable behavior; and problems with judgment, concentration, writing, reading, speech, and naming of objects. It discusses…

The regulations prescribed by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare regarding human subjects research are examined including their effects on research procedures. (MM)

This report summarizes advances in the understanding of Alzheimer's disease, the major cause of mental disability among older Americans. The demography of the disease is discussed, noting that approximately 2.5 million American adults are afflicted with the disease and that the large increase in the number of Alzheimer's disease patients is due to…

The quality of institutional research, particularly at New Jersey's research universities, is critical to the competitiveness of both the institutions and the state. Strategic efforts to enhance the quality of research, expand the boundaries of knowledge, and increase the amount of research funding for colleges and universities in the state are…

For one optical scientist, Harrison Barrett, the decision not to accept funding for research related to the Strategic Defense Initiative has meant giving up a major part of his work in optical computing. (MSE)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded several grants to study effects of and possible solutions to the problem of "acid rain"; pollution from atmospheric nitric and sulfuric acids. The research program is administered through North Carolina State University at Raleigh and will focus on biological effects of acid rain. (JMF)

Behavior in a psychology laboratory?constrained by the need to efficiently replicate tasks, record individual responses, and avoid contamination from external factors?is different in systematic ways from behavior within an everyday environment where similar tasks are undertaken and problems solved. This article describes a program of research that…

The purpose of scientifically-based research within No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is to identify and disseminate conclusive information on ?what works? in education, with an emphasis on determining what instructional input (curricula, instructional techniques) works to increase student outcomes such as academic achievement and language proficiency.…

There is a tendency to use case-study research methodology for research issues aiming at simply describing a complex situation, and to draw conclusions with insufficient rigour. Sound case-study research, however, follows discriminate rules which can be described in all the dimensions of a full case-study research process. This paper examines…

Soviet and American scientists met at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, discussed recent research developments in a variety of disciplines and some controversial issues in science, and showed new willingness to exchange scientific information with the United States and other countries. (MSE)

New research suggests that personalities prone to extreme violence can be predicted by analysis of chemical elements found in human hair. Methodology employed and results obtained are highlighted and discussed. Relationships between diet and human behavior are also discussed. (JN)

The federal government's budgeting process for allocating resources to research and development (R&D) is described. The report includes: The FY 1980 Budget and R&D; R&D Policies in the FY 1980 Budget; The Budget Statistics for R&D; Agency R&D Trends; R&D in Industry; and International Aspects of R&D. (MK)

Examines ways in which behavioral and social science can contribute to the stability of the modern partnership between government, academia, and science. Stresses the role researchers can play in the legislative process. Summarizes related articles in the same journal issue. (KH)

Presented is a collection of abstracts of selected technical reports, journal articles, and other documents resulting from research supported by the directorates of the National Science Foundation. Reports are grouped by sponsoring directorate: Biological, Behavioral and Social Sciences; Engineering; and Scientific, Technological and Industrial…