Discussed is the record of the National Science Foundation during the period when Erich Bloch was director, from 1984 through 1990. Funding growth and trends during this period are highlighted. (CW)

Discussed is the recent decision by the White House to tighten up the accounting rules that are used to monitor research contracts and grants. (MP)

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) wants universities to convert to low-grade fuel in their research reactions. Researchers claim the conversion, which will bring U.S. reactors in line with a policy the NRC is trying to impress on foreigners, could be financially and scientifically costly. Impact of the policy is considered. (JN)

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)