The Mighty Zeta proved to be a useful research tool over the next decade and also provided the overenthusiastic fusion scientists with an important lesson.

Last fall, cold fusion scientists asked the Energy Department to take a second look at the process, and last week, the department agreed.

Some cold fusion scientists now say they can produce as much as two to three times more energy than in the electric current.

At the end of last year, several cold fusion scientists approached Dr. Decker, asking for a review.

In the review, nine scientists chosen by the Energy Department considered a paper submitted by the cold fusion scientists.

Another nine listened to oral presentations by cold fusion scientists in August.

'Historical Turning Point' Despite the discord, the secret success has generally elated fusion scientists who know of it.

Many fusion scientists are skeptical that small-scale alternatives hold any promise of breaking the break-even barrier.

Some fusion scientists argue that fundamental physics makes these alternative approaches unlikely to pay off.

By 1989 many fusion scientists in the USA were becoming increasingly nervous about their future.