For nearly four decades, the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology has lead the world to the ever-expanding frontiers of science. Our seven previous editions are the most consulted, most respected, and best-reviewed science and technical references in the English language. And our new Eighth Edition will build on the strength of its predecessors, and become the science and technology reference of choice for thousands of libraries around the world.The 20 volumes of the Eighth Edition have been updated and revised to provide in-depth coverage of the latest international advances and newest developments in all areas of contemporary science and technology. There are 1,500 new articles, and an additional 250 articles completely revised. We've added more than 200 new contributors, supervised by 30 new members of our prestigious Editorial Board. In addition, there are new graphics, new double-page color spreads, completely revised bibliographies throughout, and a superb new Activities Guide to help teachers and librarians lead young people into the exciting world of science.-- allometry-- archeoastronomy-- blue straggler star-- carpal tunnel syndrome-- computational fluid dynamics-- cytokine-- decision support systems-- digital filter-- drug delivery systems-- fullerene-- geographic information systems-- Godel's theorem-- indoor air pollution-- mastisis-- mathematical software-- Maxwell's demon-- multimedia technology-- pyroxenoid-- recursive function-- recycling technology-- sequence stratigraphy-- sleep disorders-- virtual reality-- waveletsUnmatched in authority, scope, accuracy,organization, the Eighth Edition of the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology is an indispensable reference tool for students, educators, librarians, technical writers, scientists, engineers, and all those seeking to improve their understanding of the technical world around them.Encompassing contributions from 3,500 scientists, including 19 Nobel Prize laureates, and with the guidance of a distinguished advisory board of 75 world-renowned experts in their fields, the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology, Eighth Edition is a magnificent scientific achievement in its own right.