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This report is reprinted by permission from The New York Times of 4 November 1985. © The New York Times Company. Applied Optics featured NMRI in the 1 Dec. 1985 issue

The article discusses U.S. government research which showed large and growing disparities in life expectancy for richer and poorer Americans. According to demographer Gopal K. Singh of the Health & Human Services Department, federal officials had found widening socioeconomic inequalities in life expectancy at birth and at every age level. Some health economists contend that the disparities between rich and poor inevitably widen as doctors make gains in treating the major causes of death.

The article reports on the executive order signed by U.S. President George W. Bush regarding rules and policy statements focused on protecting public health, safety, environment, civil rights and privacy. According to the directive, agency must have a regulatory policy office run by a political appointee, to supervise the development of rules and documents providing guidance to regulated industries. The directive gives the White House more control over the rules and policies.