Linking Birds and Dinosaurs

New Sickle-Clawed Fossil from
Madagascar Links Birds and Dinosaurs
A new raven-sized fossil bird, showing clear evidence of the close relationship between theropod dinosaurs and birds, has been discovered on the island of Madagascar by scientists working under a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. This discovery was announced by a team of researchers -- led by paleontologist/anatomist Catherine Forster of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook -- in this week's issue of the journal Science. "This discovery is a wonderful example of how the fossil record provides the basic data for formulating, testing, and revising ideas about life through time," says Chris Maples, director of NSF's geology and paleontology program, which funded the research.    More...

NSF and NSI End Internet Intellectual Infrastructure
Fund Portion of Domain Name Registration Fees
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI) recently announced the end of the Internet Intellectual Infrastructure Fund portion of domain name registration charges. As a result, the annual fee for domain name registration, which has been $50 since fees were imposed in 1995, will decline to $35, reducing the cost of domain name registration by 30 percent. The change will be effective April 1, 1998.    More...

Helping Kids
Become Young Scientists
Students at Kettering Middle School in Prince Georges County, Maryland, are gearing up to participate in a unique science conference by preparing their own research papers and getting ready to deliver their findings. Hosted by the NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) in College Park and the American Institute of Physics, the Student Materials Science Conference is an educational outreach component of the center. NSF funds MRSEC to conduct fundamental research on thin films and surfaces of materials with potential electronic or optical device applications. This pilot learning experience will help prepare the students for high school.    More...

Jane Goodall, PBS' Nova Program,
to Receive Public Service Award
National Science Board to
Present New Annual Award in May
Citing the "inspirational and dignified" primate studies of Jane Goodall and the "renowned and standard-setting" Public Broadcasting Service's NOVA television series, the National Science Board (NSB) today announced the winners of its first annual Public Service Award for contributions to public understanding of science and engineering. "There are many awards in the scientific community, but this will be special because the people and institutions to receive this award reach the hearts and minds of everyday Americans by imparting knowledge, understanding and a sense of humanity in their work," Richard Zare, NSB chairman said.    More...