July 8, 1997

Growing array of artificial body parts are available to correct medical problems body cannot fix; scientists and engineers have devised parts to enhance vision and hearing, strengthen weakened bones, bolster or replace faltering organs, replace damaged joints, substitute for disabled nerves or improve appearance; use of artificial parts has become commonplace, and many more are in various stages of development around world; use of transplanted organs and tissues has been hampered by chronic shortages of donor organs, problems of compatibility and rejection, concerns about transmitting infections and other problems; detailed list of some of implants available or in trials for different areas of body; drawing (L)

At least four bidders come forward to meet deadline for bids for Barney's Inc, luxury retailer in bankruptcy; Saks Holdings Inc says it will decline to improve upon $290 million it offered in April that had been leading offer; Dickson Concepts (International) Inc of Hong Kong has previously offered $240 million; others presenting plans to Blackstone Group, investment bank advising Barney's, are Ong Beng Seng, a retail executive from Singapore, Texas Pacific Group and at least one other nonretail suitor (L)

Clyde Haberman column contends that most Staten Islanders are delighted that they can ride Staten Island Ferry free, but surprising number are skeptical about change (M)

Federal officials say electrical transformer that was shipped from Mexico to Ridgefield Park warehouse contained over ton of cocaine valued at as much as $80 million; police arrest Raul Elizondo, Mario Gonzalez, Yovanny Romero and Belkis Rosario (New Jersey Daily Briefing) (S)

US Labor Dept announces $2.8 million grant to help hundreds of unemployed health care workers in Newark find jobs in new fields (New Jersey Daily Briefing) (S)