A discussion of two classes of natural opiate peptides (endorphins and enkephalins) recently found in the brain, and the role they may play in linking emotion and memory. (BB)

The functional architecture of the primary visual cortex has been explored by monitoring the responses of individual brain cells to visual stimuli. A combination of anatomical and physiological techniques reveals groups of functionally related cells, juxtaposed and superimposed, in a sometimes complex, but presumably efficient, structure. (BB)

The biological research, of Gottfried Schatz at the University of Basel and Gunter Blobel at Rockefeller University, which explains a mechanism by which mitochondrial proteins are transported across membranes is described. Results indicate that the construction and heredity of mitochondria have surprising differences from other cell processes. (BT)

Researchers who study the fossil record are seeking to determine whether the impact made by a comet or meteor really did decimate up to half of the life on this planet at the end of the Cretaceous period. Questions whether the extinction of plant and animal life was abrupt, started before the impact, or was a gradual change. (KR)

This is the first article of a two-part series on how research can help reduce the hazards of earthquakes. It deals with attempts to predict quakes so that people can get out of the way. (Author/HM)

Scientist William J. Dreyer has hypothesized that the cell surface proteins in the nose that detect odors also help assemble embryos. These olfactory receptors and related proteins act as identifiers, much like the last few digits of a telephone number, that help cells to find their intended neighbors in a developing embryo. Discusses the research…

Describes the physical aspects of Mars, including old and new theories. Discusses the proposed landing sites of Viking. (MLH)

A history of what anatomists thought about the brain from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks up to the turn of the present century. (BB)

A brief discussion of neurophysiology, neurotransmitters, and the effect of psychoactive drugs on brain diseases such as schizophrenia. (BB)

Some newly reported research results indicate that slightly abnormal biological rhythms, both long- and short-term, may be key factors in the development of depression and manic-depression. The results may also hold clues about why certain drugs work or fail to work with different individuals. (Author/BB)

This article discusses the science and politics of IQ. It discusses the research that has been completed on both the environmental and heredital aspects of intelligence and the effect the answers to this question can have on educational policy. (BB)

Highlights activities and scientific accomplishments at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. Includes comments by staff scientists about their current research endeavors. (JN)

Discusses various theories about life on Mars and biochemical experiments pertaining to the origin of life. (MLH)

Reviews 1978 and 1979 estimates for federal funding for Research and Development obligations and outlays. Funding for the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are discussed in detail. (SL)

Reviews current ideas and research findings related to the flow patterns of mantle rocks. Highlights the components of the two-layer convection and whole-mantle models of mantle flow. Proposes that mantle flow is the key to understanding how the earth has cooled and chemically evolved. (ML)