Discusses issues related to the status of basic research in our society. Considers views of individuals questioning the value of engaging in more research, including those convinced that major problems result from too much industry/technology, those fostering applied research, and those suggesting that further research will yield no new knowledge…

A National Academy of Science report ("Physics Through the 1990's") says that American physics has been a highly diversified and productive enterprise, but continued excellence cannot be taken for granted. Progress in six subfields (elementary particle, nuclear, condensed-matter, atomic/molecular, plasma/fluid, and gravitation/cosmology physics)…

Discusses the graphite to diamond transformation and a phase diagram for carbon. Describes high temperature-higher pressure experimental apparatus and growth of diamonds from seed crystals. Reviews properties of the diamond which suggest uses for the synthetic product. Illustrations with text. (GH)

Although the cost of basic science to the taxpayer is only about five percent of the cost of applied research and development, it contributes deeply to technology, the education of scientists, and the general enrichment of the culture. Examples of such research are provided to illustrate these contributions. (JN)

Discusses the renewed interest in superconductivity research and describes the differences between the two basic types of superconductivity. (MLH)

Describes the design of ion selective electrodes coupled with immobilized enzymes which operate either continuously or on drop-sized samples. Cites techniques for urea, L-phenylalanine and amygdalin. Micro size electrodes for use in single cells are discussed. (GH)

Describes liquid surface holograms including their application to medicine. Discusses interference and diffraction phenomena using sound wave scanning techniques. Compares focussing by zone plate to holographic image development. (GH)

Many proposals have been made for new universities in U.S. research and development (R&D) systems. However, current foundations and strengths should be examined before attempting untried approaches. Areas addressed include the supporting environment, university research system, industrial R&D capability, defense-related R&D, and…

Compares and contrasts French universities which emphasize research in their science and engineering programs to the prestigious "grandes ecoles" (highly specialized engineering schools) which emphasize theory. Discusses the need for reforming the dual higher education system and issues related to alternative reform proposals. (DC)

Provides a comprehensive assessment of present scientific technology in China, and the means being used to advance China to equal scientific sophistication with the rest of the world. (CP)

Reviews the benefits and hazards of genetic engineering, or "recombinant-DNA" research. Recent federal safety rules issued by NIH which ease the strict prohibitions on recombinant-DNA research are explained. (CS)

Summarizes viewpoints on the science policy, including those (1) of Harvey Brooks in "Science and Technology Policy for the 1980's"; (2) in the National Science Foundations'"Five Year Outlook"; and (3) of Christopher Wright, Director of Science Policy Program at Carnegie Institute of Washington. (SK)

Characteristics of science are explained through a historical and a functional approach. Indicates that science works successfully toward traditional goals because individual and group goals tend to coincide, and that competition between individual scientists contributes to the functional organization of science. (DH)

The belief that "knowledge is most effectively pursued when disseminated without hindrance" began when science first took shape in early Greece. Its development during the Middle Ages and Renaissance is discussed (examining patenting innovation), ownership rights became more important as science became a means to power. (DH)