Conformal Anomalies -- Recent Progress

Abstract

We present a brief review of some recent results on conformal anomalies in four and more dimensions. The discussion is intended for relativists, so some background on the quantum origin of anomalies and of their simple properties in D=2 is also provided. Topics treated include a critical review of the effective gravitational action uniqueness problem and the derivation of beta functions, independent of ultraviolet behavior, from the type B anomaly.