Issue # 74 _ April 2002
S&T Policy
intellectual property
The power of the transnationals
An INPI study analyses sixty years of the history of patents in the chemical sector
Science
astrophysics
The cosmic rays are arriving
Dozens of detectors come into operation at the Pierre Auger Observatory and collect the first pieces of information about the particles that travel 150 million light years before reaching the Earth
By Carlos FioravantiTechnology
Optics

A laser gun against cancer
Researchers develop equipment and carry out a clinical study for the dissemination of Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT)
By Marcos de Oliveiramaterials engineering

More competitive plastics
Partnership between OPP and IPEN produces high resistance polypropylene and easy to recycle
Computing
Challenges for the future
IBM develops a chip that gives new life to the silicon chip and studies techniques that will allow computers to make decisions
By Tania MarquesBiomedical engineering
Proven efficiency
Equipment uses birds retina to test medicines with neurological action
Electronic engineering

Innovative technical assistance
Equipment speedily detects problems and repairs modules in switching centers