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Comments on the collective origins of physical law. Basis of the opacity of modern science; Relation between physical law and control of nature; Views on science as a great frontier.

The article cites several theories to explain why ice is slippery, including that of professor Robert M. Rosenberg who published and article on the topic in the December issue of "Physics Today" magazine. Several theories are considered and several experiments by scientists are described that attempt to explain why ice is slippery.

Focuses on the proposed budget of U.S. President George W. Bush for science in the 2006 fiscal year that would include decreasing the funds for several agencies that finance research in the physical sciences and engineering. Information on the research grants of the U.S. National Institutes of Health from 1999 to 2006; Budget growth of the U.S. National Science Foundation from 1999 to 2006; Proposed budget for the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Reports that a team of astronomers led by Doctor Robert Jedicke of the University of Hawaii has offered evidence for what some scientists had long suspected that asteroids change color with age.

Focuses on the efforts of John Brockman, founder of the online salon "Edge," to name certain scientific principles and laws after the scientists performing the research. Kosslyn's First Law commemorating Steven Kosslyn's research at the border of the body and mind; Pepperberg's Law of Comparative Cognition, commemorating Irene Pepperberg's research into cognitive-science; Dyson's Law of Obsolescence regarding physics research; Paulos' Law of Coincidence regarding mathematical probabilities; Web site where one can view these proposed laws of nature.