Articles by Margaret Heinrich

Stamp of Approval Thirty-two researchers at institutions located in 15 states plus Australia and Israel have received grants that were funded through the sale of postage stamps. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently awarded the grants under the Insight Awards to Stamp Out Breast Cancer program. A 1997 law set up the program, which allows for contributions to breast cancer research funding to come from the sale of a first-class stamp for 40 cents. The funding is divided between the Nation

Science at State Conceding that "the State Department's science capabilities have not always been as substantial as they should be," U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright promised a number of improvements last month. Speaking at a plenary session at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Albright said she will issue a policy statement this month "setting forth my commitment to enhance the department's ability to handle [science and technology] issu

Researchers in Georgia began field-testing in November a device they say can greatly improve the efficiency of testing for foodborne pathogens and lower processors' costs for such tests. The biosensor, as the device is called, can cut testing time from up to 72 hours down to about two hours while reducing lab-equipment costs from $12,000-$20,000 to $1,000-$5,000, the researchers say. But first the biosensor must prove itself with the chickens in a Carrollton, Ga., processing plant. ©1999 Ge

Photo: Keith Merrill/Ogden Entertainment LIFE IN THE BALANCE: In the emerald realm of the Amazon rain forest, a baby lies on a giant lily pad. This scene is from the film Amazon, which is being shown at science centers and museums as an added attraction for other exhibits on rain forests. Museums featuring life science exhibits--from hands-on displays showing how the human body works at the California Science Center in Los Angeles to a comprehensive look at the subject of biodiversity at the A