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 An
extraordinary plan to beam electricity generated on Earth into space to power orbiting communications
satellites is under exploration. A free-electron laser that has been developed
here would be used to beam power to these satellites. The system would allow
communication satellites powered by photovoltaics to meet mounting electrical demands. 
 Cystic
fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease in the United States today, occurring in
approximately one of every 3,300 live births. Now, scientists have obtained the first three-dimensional
look at a member of a large family of proteins that plays a central role in the
development of cystic fibrosis. These proteins are involved in a wide range of vital
biological processes and have the abililty to block the therapeutic effects of
medications.
 In 1964, Gordon Moore, one of the founders of Intel, predicted that the
number of elements in advanced integrated circuits would double every 18 months.
Amazingly, "Moore's Law" has held true for 25 years, but it's up against
limits. Soon, a new material will be required to replace inlaid aluminum wires in
the semiconductor wafers used to create integrated circuits. Researchers here have devised
a new way to inlay
copper wires to replace the aluminum.
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