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Speculates on the what is ahead for science in the 21st century. The possible discoveries that may take place; The future of cosmology; Particle physics; Gravity; Neuroscience; Chemistry. INSETS: A case of rumpled genes.;GeneChips, Ahoy! Reading your DNA..

Discusses the future of politics in the 21st century in light of advances in communication technology. Past presidents who were aided by communications technology; Bob Dole's 1996 presidential campaign being an example of digital grass-roots activism; The reason digit democracy will be mean, messy, and dangerous.

Presents readers' letters in response to articles in `Newsweek.' Responses to the May 31, 1999 cover story on technological advances; Obsessive interest in Year 2000 computer problems; National Rifle Association financial contributions to United States Senators' political campaigns; Kobe Bryant as a role model for young black men; Other topics.

Examines the changing workplace in the United States. The difficulty of predicting future changes, according to author David Bills, which will be affected by technology not existing in 1997; The Bureau of Labor Statistics' appraisal of hot growth areas and those jobs threatened by automation; Knowledge workers and technicians, the future middle class; A trend toward talent-for-hire, reminiscent of the Medieval guild system; Forecasts by Robert Reich, Mike Useem, Watts Wacker, and others.

Describes some of the new technology in place for the coming decade, the directions it's likely to take, and how it will change everyday life. Included are new breeds of fruits and vegetables, gene-spliced farm animals, and human gene transplants, robotics developments and high-definition television.

The article discusses the rise of urbanization in the 21st century and the relationship between cities and technology. The article lists ways that technology can improve city life. Integrated technology can help manage and reduce traffic. An integrated system could improve education and automation could speed up health research.

Focuses on the airline industry. Problems faced by the industry in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; Comment that Americans have come to regard air travel as an entitlement; History of air travel in the United States; View that the advent of jet travel altered U.S. society even more than the Internet; Impact on business; Outlook for the industry.

Comments on United States society. Perceived impact of a drive for economic and social superiority on economic stability; Mention of the book 'The Business of America,' by John Steele Gordon; History of business and the impact of technological developments on U.S. society.

Comments on anti-globalization protests at an economic summit in Genoa, Italy. Impact of technology and international trade on civilization; Thoughts on globalization; Belief that poor countries should adopt technological advances.

Focuses on the year 2000 computer date conversion dilemma, and the problems it might or might not cause. Waning concern in the United States versus raised fears overseas; Preparations in major cities around the US; What electronic equipment is expected to work in the US, and what may experience problems.

Predicts that many of the problems predicted for computer date conversion to the year 2000 (Y2K) will fail to materialize. Serious problems predicted as of spring 1999; Speculation about why the potential for disaster has captured the public imagination; Role of microprocessors in industrial equipment; Technology and civilization.

Mentions the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California. Features of the tribute to Silicon Valley inventiveness; Executive Peter Giles' hope that the museum will integrate the Valley with the broader community.

Opinion. Argues that though technology may change during the 21st century, people will not. The continued presence of illness, ignorance, and want; The conflicts in the United States over the use of technology.

Opinion. Comments on the children's book `Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel,' by Virginia Lee Burton. The book's enduring themes of man's emotional bonds with machines and the transforming effects of new technology; How steam engines were forced out by diesels in the 1920s and 1930s; Why today's upheavals are less daunting than in the past.

Opinion. We're fooling ourselves if we think learning to use technology is all there is to it. Each advance comes with a cultural price tag, and we'd do well to keep in mind that it may be a price we're unwilling to pay.

Discusses retarded technology, arguing that we are finding costly, complex ways to do what was once simple and inexpensive. Details of the recent boom in electronic books; Video press releases; Why the survival of stupid technology is ordained by ego and money.