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)

Summarizes comments made on S.2495, the Science and Technology Resources Survey and Applications Act of 1974, at Congressional hearings. Concludes that there is agreement on the policy provisions of the bill, but not on the establishment of new agencies and the assignment of their roles. (CC)

This outline of the power centers in the White House superstructure for science is the third article in a three-part series that examines the total federal involvement in science. Greater stress on domestic problems and closer coordination of federal and private R and D are part of the overall effort. (Author/TS)

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)

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)

In order to provide public access to scientific expertise, the Dutch have instituted a science shops program. Science advisory groups, located at five universities, promote socially relevant research in the universities and provide technical information to client groups. (BB)

Presents a bibliometric methodology that provides a general overview of scientific disciplines with special attention to their interrelation. This work aims to establish a tentative typology of disciplines and research areas according to their degree of interdisciplinarity, measured through a series of indicators based on Institute for Scientific…

A brief history of science and technology in Latin America that begins with the Mayan civilization and progresses through the colonial period to the present. Compares increased scientific productivity in the Latin American and Caribbean regions to productivity in the United States and European Union. (LZ)

Suggests that modern science adopts materialist strategies toward relationships between empirical data and theory because of an elective affinity between such strategies and a certain outlook on the control of nature. Claims that, when the roles of social values and cognitive values are kept distinct, sound theory acceptance can still be…

Criticizes Hugh Lacey's use of the term "materialist" when describing materialist strategies used during structuralist explanation in scientific practice. Examines the grounds for supposing an affinity between these strategies and the growing subordination of human values to the attractions of technological transformations of nature.…

Suggests that Hugh Lacey's example of a clear-cut distinction between material and social constraints or possibilities in the Green Revolution is misleading. Proposes a material analysis of the control situation placed within the material framework of the social structure within which the control system is employed. (Author/WRM)

Lends further depth to arguments put forth by Hugh Lacey. Addresses the allegation made by the indigenous science movement that violence is evident in the control of nature because science is inherently violent--a charge which, if not refuted, undermines the claim that science is neutral. Considers the shortcomings of a school science curriculum…

Responds to criticisms of the previous article, "Scientific Understanding and the Control of Nature." Clarifies themes in the first article and reaffirms the significance of distinguishing between cognitive and social values to gain a better grasp of scientific understanding. (Author/WRM)