A survey of 39 recent college textbooks in mental retardation, special education, and abnormal psychology indicates that dated and oversimplified models of the etiology of Down's syndrome are being presented.

The value of genetic counseling for prospective parents with visual impairments is discussed. Work in genetic counseling is reviewed and the types of monitoring services available are explored. The development of genetics, and the kinds of genetic disorders, as well as the importance of genetic counseling, are described. (PHR)

Obtained objective measures of activity, fidgeting, vigilance, selective attention, and aggression for a sample of 87 twin pairs in late childhood. Little evidence for genetic influence on behavior was found. Between-family environmental sources of variance were far more important than within-family factors. (Author/RH)

Examines the status of human genetics education. Provides an updated report of the work being done at the BSCS Center for Education in Human and Medical Genetics. Includes reports of regional conferences and of West German educational programs. (MA)

Discusses a report of 12 of the nation's leading environmental groups which identifies nine environmental problem areas and proposes 75 specific actions for approaching present and foreseeable problems. (MLH)

The author reviews research on the origins of life, beginning with Thales (636 B.C.), synthesized by C. Darwin in "The Origin of Species," continued by H. DeVries' mutation theory, and enhanced by the discovery in 1944 of DNA. For journal availability, see SO 505 260. (AV)

New developments in the prediction and treatment of genetic diseases are presented. Genetic counseling and the role of the counselor, and rights of individuals to reproduce versus societal impact of genetic disorders, are discussed. (RW)

The Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (which only affects males) is a heritable disorder of the metabolism of uric acid in which behavioral manifestations are prominent and among the most provocative. (Author/SBH)

Presented are accounts of how two local jurisdictions in the United States have dealt with the question of regulating recombinant DNA research. Arguments used to devise guidelines for consideration by the New York State Legislature and the recommendations made by a citizens group in Cambridge, Massachusetts are detailed. (CS)

Reproduced is the report made by a citizens' group in Cambridge, Massachusetts and presented to the city council that outlines safety regulations for the conduct of recombinant DNA research at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (CS)

Describes an activity used at the Washington Park Arboretum that helps students understand cloning through plant propagation. Students also learn how to make a pot from recycled newspapers and how to make soil that is appropriate for the plants. (DDR)

Discusses R. Herrnstein's and C. Murray's attempt to persuade an educated white readership that they, the readers, are genetically, socially, and intellectually superior. The most effective criticisms are those that rely on scientific evidence about the manipulation of data and flawed analyses rather than the display of moral outrage. (SLD)

It is argued that behavior genetics should be part of social policy deliberations because behavior genetics studies can reveal which traits are more influenced by shared environments and thus are most malleable through environmental change. This is of particular interest in the case of IQ. (SLD)

Agricultural communications students (n=330) from 11 universities were most aware of biotechnology effects on food, less aware of effects on health and the environment. They were somewhat accepting of genetic modifications for plants, not humans. Sources of biotechnology knowledge were science classes, labs, and university professors' beliefs.…

Presents modeling ideas for teaching about DNA using a climbing rope, rope ladder, paper, and CD cases. (YDS)