The science and technology advisor to the President of the United States presents the challenges facing Americans today in the fields of science and technology. The major topics focused on are people and development, agriculture, biomass and bioconversion, and regulation. (SA)

Discusses potential impact of budget cuts on these agencies: Department of Defense; Department of Energy; National Institutes of Health; National Science Foundation; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Department of Agriculture; Department of the Interior; Environmental Protection Agency; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric…

Discusses the importance of forages in agriculture, and expresses the need for the same high level of technology that is used in the production of corn, wheat, and rice to be applied to forage production. Describes promising forage species, breeding objectives, and breeding procedures used in research. (JR)

Argues against the banning of DDT and other insecticides on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence of harmful side-effects and that the suggested alternative of biological control" is based upon a misplaced reliance on the balance of nature." An integrated approach to insect control is necessary if man's food supply is to be maintained…

Discusses evidence of water pollution by nitrogen and phosphorous from fertilizers. Concludes that restrictions should be on watershed, not state or national basis. 35 references. (AL)

A discussion of food safety including the problem of unsafe substances in natural foods, and benefit risk determination in relation to food additives. (BB)

Examines proposals for energy production from organic substances such as wastes, trees, and grain and foilage crops. Describes techniques of energy extraction from these substances. (CP)

Discusses the need for concurrent attention to methods of pest management when ecological changes consequent upon the introduction of new grains occur in large areas of the tropics. (AL)

The conflict between increasing population and decreasing agricultural land results in the destruction of tropical forest ecosystems. Research on the utilization and natural conditions of such ecosystems is needed now. (AL)

Describes gene infusion, the continual replacement of genes for insecticide susceptibility into insect populations, to control the level of resistant genes in pest populations. (AL)

The nature of the United States diet has changed markedly in this century. We are using more meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products; sugars and other sweeteners; fats and oils; and processed fruits and vegetables. We are using fewer grain products, potatoes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and eggs. (BB)