As the crusade to outlaw the teaching of evolution changed to a battle for equal time for creationism, the ideological defenses of that doctrine also shifted, from biblical to scientific grounds. The development of "scientific creationism" is described, focusing on the intellectual leaders of creationism, particularly those claiming scientific…

By using intense pulsed coherent x-ray sources it will be possible to obtain magnified three-dimensional images of living elementary biological structures at precisely defined instants. Discussed are sources/geometrics for x-ray holography, x-radiation interactions, factors affecting resolution, recording the hologram, high-intensity holography,…

Thermal features of and beneath the surface of a sample can be detected and imaged with a thermal-wave microscope. Various methodologies for the excitation and detection of thermal waves are discussed, and several applications, primarily in microelectronics, are presented. (Author)

Desorption ionization (DI) is used to obtain mass spectra of molecules whose vaporization by heating may lead to thermal degradation. Discusses DI techniques, characteristics of DI mass spectra, ion production, current applications of DI in mass spectroscopy, developments in DI, and prospects for future evolution of new DI techniques. (Author/JN)

Proposes that an undergraduate core curriculum minimizes science and does not provide students with an adequate background for understanding contemporary science and technology. Critiques Harvard's science requirements in that it does not reflect the vertical or intensive nature of learning that is essential in science education. (ML)

Reports on the pending phasing out of Yale's department of History of Science and Medicine. (SL)

Computer applications in scientific instrumentation are traced from early data processing to modern computer-based instruments. Probable pathways toward instruments with increased "intelligence" include, among others, implementation of hierarchical computer networks and microprocessor controllers and the simplification of programing. The…

The premedical and preclinical phases of the present scheme of medical education are described as wasteful of time and money, intellectually deficient, and in need of change. Suggestions are presented relating to establishing a national commission to reform the scheme. (Author/SA)

Discusses the current status and future direction of science at liberal arts colleges. Summarizes findings of a conference attended by leaders of 50 private colleges and small universities on college science. States that students from small colleges fare well in later science endeavors. (ML)

Discusses the issue of who will do science in the future. Reports on several graduate student surveys that concluded that women were indistinguishable from men in objective measures of preparation, career aspirations, and performance in graduate school. They differed significantly in their perceptions of preparation, pressures and coping…

A new instrument called the tunneling microscope has recently been developed that is capable of generating real-space images of surfaces showing atomic structure. Discusses current capabilities, limitations, and the physics involved in the technique. Includes results from a study of silicon crystal surfaces. (JN)

Discusses ultrafast phenomena that may influence device performance and describes new experimental methods utilizing short optical pulses to investigate materials and device structures. (JN)

Reviews historical background surrounding the origins of the Competitive Research Grants Office, established in 1978 to support basic research related to agriculture. Describes current controversy within the legislature which threatens its existence. (CS)

Describes Chile's restructuring of higher education which emphasizes professional preparation in the universities and conforms to market-oriented economic theories of the government. Many of the social sciences and some natural science degree programs will be banished under this restructuring. (DS)

Describes the history of, and research activities and current problems at Tsukuba Science City, Japan's new municipal complex of research laboratories and educational facilities. About 30 percent of Japan's government research laboratories, as well as Tsukuba University, are located in the complex. (JN)