Briefly reviews the early history of industrial microbiology and discusses industrial fermentation practices and the role of recombinant DNA in the fermentation industry. (SK)

The history of the sciences in America in 1880 is described as a time of considerable vitality in the disciplines of earth and life sciences. The natural scientific resources of the American continent are credited as contributing to the vitality. Pluralism of institutional support is discussed with a historical perspective. (SA)

This article describes the history of the molecular revolution in biology and emphasizes its dependence on the emergence of bacterial genetics, the fusion of genetics and biochemistry, and the development of new techniques for studying macromolecules. (Author/SA)

Stresses the importance of investigating bacterial mechanisms to discover clues for a greater understanding of cells. Cites examples of study areas of biological significance which may reveal information about the evolution of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and lead to a comprehensive theory of cell biology. (RT)

Discusses insights discovered from research into human biology that are raising possibilities for therapy, prevention of disease, and challenges to society in the form of ethical decisions about the appropriate application of genetic information. (Author/RT)

Offers perspectives on the status and direction of federal science policy. Assesses current efforts dealing with megaprojects, basic research, and cooperative projects. Provides suggestions for improving federal science policy so as to better promote industrial competitiveness. (ML)

Focuses on the brain processes and brain systems involved in learning and memory from a neuropsychological perspective of analysis. Reports findings related to the locus of memory storage, types of memory and knowledge, and memory consolidation. Models of animal memory are also examined. An extensive reference list is included. (ML)

Executive Order 12356 prescribes a system for classifying information based on national security concerns. The order gives unprecedented authority to government officials to intrude at will in controlling academic research that depends on federal support, posing a serious threat to academic freedom and hence to scientific advances and national…

Offers viewpoints on how science and technology fit into the Reagan Administration's goals for the country and discusses the role the scientific community must play in coming years. (JN)

Reports that a congenitally blind child, as well as sighted but blindfolded children and adults, can determine the appropriate path between two objects after traveling to each of those objects from a third object. Explores relationships of finding to geometric principles underlyinq innate spatial knowledge and inferential ability. (Author/CS)

Briefly describes functions of the Clearinghouse on Science and Human Rights, a project of the AAAS Committee on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility. (CS)

Discusses the difficulties and challenges of doing basic research in science in a research university. Emphasizes the need for revising the Office of Management and Budget's Circular A-12 which imposes regulatory demands and work-load documentation on government-sponsored research in universities. (CS)

Discusses the advantages of Xenopus laevis as an experimental animal in the study of embryogenesis in vertebrates. Summarizes the contributions of this system to the analysis of ribosomal and 5S RNA genes, and the diverse and highly productive applications of the oocyte injection technology. (RT)

Discusses advantages of nematode use for studying patterns of cell division, differentiation, and morphogenesis. Describes nematode development. Cites experimental approaches available for genetic studies. Reviews the topics of control of cell division and differentiation, the nervous system, and muscle assembly and function of the organism. (RT)