February 2000
Volume 6, Number 1

Features

Where is energy going?
As the worldwide community becomes more developed, the demand for energy shows an evolution through four major sources; coal, oil, gas, and hydrogen. The trend towards "decarbonization" is at the heart of this evolution--Jesse H. Ausubel

Biometric identification
The automated identification of people by measuring biological characteristics has become much more practical for commercial applications. But fears of Big Brother may delay implementation.--Eric J. Lerner

News

Briefs
Tiny, powerful laser for optical recording; transparent conductors; self-assembly; building the bionic ear; the need for speed; and more

Departments

Letters

Technology
Building the bionic ear--Graeme M. Clark

Data and Trends
The need for speed; lasers 2000--Patrick Young

Forum
And the winner is...--Patrick Young

Industry/Academia
The buffer zone--Nancy Forbes

New Products