The effect that pesticides can have on natural ecosystems is discussed. Specific examples are drawn from microbial ecosystems in estuarine regions. (DT)

Provides a review of important science news stories of 1977 as reported in the pages of SCIENCE NEWS. Volume and page numbers for each reference are given. (CP)

The effects of heavy metals on fish are being investigated by the Columbia National Fishery Research Laboratory in Missouri. This article describes the process and some techniques that are being used in the research. (SA)

Announces a survey prepared by the National Academy of Sciences on the dangers of formaldehyde in the environment. (SA)

Provides answers to questions regarding the ozone problem: (1) nature of ozone in the troposphere and stratosphere; (2) possibility of sending the excess ozone at ground level to the stratosphere; (3) possibility of producing pure ozone and carrying it to the stratosphere; and (4) banning chlorofluorocarbons. (YP)

Recent research indicates that early right brain hemisphere specialization for spatial tasks may be due to sex differences. Early specialization has been demonstrated in males asked to perform spatial tasks. An apparently longer period of female brain plasticity may explain why males have a higher incidence of developmental language problems. (MA)