Humans have long pondered the question of life's origins on Earth and sought to understand their place in the vast expanse of the Universe. Are they alone, in which case the inception of life is a phenomenon unique to planet Earth, or will they find signs of life on other terrestrial bodies? Today, technology allows space probes and rovers to…

Highlights major accomplishments and developments in various disciplines during 1984. These disciplines include: genetics; medicine; the biosciences; astronomy; evolution; the geosciences; behavior; physics; chemistry; the environment; mathematics; and the space sciences. (JN)

Present knowledge about Mars is compared with past beliefs about the planet. Biological experiments that indicate life may exist on Mars are interpreted. Life patterns or biological features that might be postulated for extraterrestrial life are presented at the molecular, cellular, organism, and ecosystem levels. (DS)

The National Survey of Academic Research Instruments and Instrumentation Needs is a congressionally mandated program that collects data concerning scientific research instruments and the academic departments and facilities in which they are located. This report analyzes overall instrumentation issues and trends in all the fields covered by the…

Highlights major accomplishments, developments, and research in the sciences during 1982, focusing on the space sciences, astronomy, medicine, biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, environment, and zoology. Includes a brief statement of the 1982 Nobel Prize winners' research in medicine, chemistry, and physics. (JN)

The modern scientific enterprise often appears so complex and sophisticated that it may seem unapproachable. This view of science is questioned in this booklet, which looks at science as a human endeavor, one which is within the grasp of all people. This document highlights the personal stories of four young scientists in an effort to provide…

Highlights advances/discoveries (and scientists responsible for them) in various science areas during 1983: space science (shuttle flights, Russia); astronomy (infrared satellite, inflationary universe); physics (W/Z particles); chemistry (carbon bonding); environment (acid rain, dioxins, El Nino); bioscience (chemical signals); paleontology…