Space research: at a crossroads

The current state and future directions of the U.S. space-science program are assessed in the wake of the Challenger accident, the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings budget reduction act, and the report of the National Commission on Space. A renewed emphasis on moderate-scale, quickresponse missions will be of special importance for scientific progress and will compensate in part for the postponement of most major space missions. Satellites and manned space stations in Earth orbit, along with unmanned planetary missions, will continue to be the dominant elements in the space program. Future progress and the continuation of U.S. leadership depend on the vitality of U.S. space research.     

Assessing agricultural education: Agricultural economics at a crossroads

Colleges of agriculture are being forced to adapt to a changing world. The forces behind these changes affect all departments within the college. In this paper, the place of agricultural economics within the college and within the university is identified, the current situation facing the discipline is outlined, and strategies for responding to the forces of change are discussed. Three alternatives are available: continuation, termination, and metamorphosis. Different departments are likely to pursue different strategies. Some may disappear altogether or may be absorbed into the parent discipline, economics, or into the business school. Other departments may transform themselves into specialized sub-disciplines, such as natural resources or agribusiness departments. Still others may continue with little or no change. Whatever course is followed, strategic planning will surely be necessary.     

U.s.-Japanese space relations at a crossroads

The relations between Japan and the United States in space form a microcosm of the complex, multidimensional interactions between these two powerful societies. Cooperation and competition exist side by side, and the future balance between them is uncertain. The United States needs to develop a strategy with respect to future U.S.-Japanese space relations that balances national security, political, scientific, and economic interests. Crafting such a strategy is particularly difficult while both the United States and Japan debate the goals and content of their future space programs and while the two nations try to assess their broader interests and roles in the rapidly changing geopolitical environment. Essential to a productive approach to U.S.-Japanese space relations is an accurate understanding of the character and content of the Japanese space effort.     

RNA structure. Ribozyme evolution at the crossroads

Molecules that have similar sequences usually adopt the same structures and have the same functions. In his Perspective, Joyce explains that this is not always the case. In a remarkable study (Schultes and Bartel), an RNA sequence has been designed that can adopt two different structures, each with a different catalytic function. Joyce details how this study sheds light on the evolution of enzymes.     

Superheavy elements: a crossroads

The failure to synthesize superheavy elements by using complete fusion reactions is most likely understandable in terms of the low survival probabilities of the superheavy precursors formed in these reactions or (in some cases) the failure to achieve complete fusion. Further attempts to synthesize these elements by using complete fusion or deep inelastic transfer reactions, or both, are discussed in light of these results.