NETWORK

Natural is in

Synthetics are no longer coveted as natural fibres are being used for making everything from cars to tennis rackets

The art of writing

Wheelchair-cum-bed

Small, smaller

A wristwatch-sized mobile phone will be introduced in the market by ad 2000

Matchbox laser

A saga of lost productivity

Researchers discuss whether the use of information technology has helped enhance productivity

Voice-activated computer

Is it a plane?

Green fridge

NET WORK

Wire-free offices

On the flipper side

For music freaks

Sensitive microscope

Scared birds

His master's

Research on guns that recognise the owner's voice, touch and even fingerprints is expected to revolutionise sharpshooting by the US police

Nature's laboratory

The ice cover almost 4.8 km thick is perhaps the most valuable feature of Antarctica, with its record of past atmospheres in the trapped air bubbles

Advent of plastic electronics

Magnet sans metal

Organic magnets could soon be used for magnetic coatings and data storage systems

Woods for women

Poor rural women in India need easy access to and control over forests

Smart homes

Soon, your house could take care of simple household functions, such as controlling heating and lighting

Cool vibrations

Scientists have developed a refrigerator that uses sound energy

Speed in tennis

Economy launch for satellites

A cost-effective motor to launch satellites is being developed in the US