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It was described by one participant as a ''party for engineers'': a conference of more than 500 specialists brainstorming about a grid so powerful that New York State could embrace wind power, cut electricity rates and close the Indian Point nuclear plant. Yet many participants emphasized obstacles and uncertainties at the meeting on Wednesday in Upper Manhattan. The forum was organized by a state task force on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's proposal to create a robust ''energy highway.'' The state is awash in generating capacity because the recession has stunted industrial demand. But the state's energy infrastructure is ailing, said Gil C. Quinones, president and chief executive of the New York Power Authority and co-chairman of the task force. He noted that 42 percent of the state's power plants were more than 40 years old, and 22 percent were more than 50 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reports on a gathering of structural engineers in Manchester, New Hampshire, at which World Trade Center Twin Towers designer Leslie E. Robertson discussed the failure of his signature project. Slide presentation providing detailed analysis of the construction of the skyscrapers; Discussions among engineers relating to the design of skyscrapers and the implications of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Reports on the Society of Automotive Engineers' 1996 convention in Detroit, Michigan. Automobile parts companies' emphasis on safety with their products; Focus on products displayed by parts suppliers; Industry observers' comments.

Looks at some of the technological trends demonstrated at the Society of Automotive Engineers conference that was held in Detroit, Michigan in 1997. Additional air bags; Smart air bags; Rain-sensitive windshield wipers; Navigation systems; Blind-spot detection; Chameleon paints; Fingerprint unlocking; Magical headlamps.