Electroweak interference

Recent experimental results on electro-weak interference are reviewed. New data come mostly from e+- experiments at PETRA and PEP. The precise measurements of leptonic reactions are used to determine the weak neutral current parameters and to test the pointlike nature of leptons. Attempts are also made to extend these studies to the reaction e+- -> qanti q -> hadrons with the aim of measuring the weak neutral current couplings of heavy quarks. The review includes a brief discussion of the search for new particles and limits on alternative models to the standard electroweak theory. (orig.)