Tests indicate that females have innately less ability to perceive spatial relationships than males, but that proper training can improve spatial performance and reduce this natural disparity. (JD)

There is mounting evidence for the existence of the principle: syntropy--or "negative entropy"--through the influence of which forms tend to reach higher and higher levels of organization, order, and dynamic harmony. Presented at the Symposium on the Relationship between the Biological and Physical Sciences at Columbia University.…

Reviews major developments in areas that are at the cutting edge of biological research. Areas include: human anti-cancer gene, recombinant DNA techniques for the detection of Huntington disease carriers, and marine biology. (CW)

Discusses the advantages of basing computer simulations on analogues of nature rather than mathematical models. Explains the concept of heritability and describes how a computer simulation can help undergraduate students understand this concept. (ML)

Explains the structural organization of DNA by providing information on the primary, secondary, tertiary, and higher organization levels of the molecule. Also includes illustrations and descriptions of sign-inversion and rotating models for supercoiling of DNA. (ML)

To demonstrate the value of behavioral genetic analysis for developing social theory, the origins of delinquent behavior were studied in 265 pairs of twins. Results show that causal sequences leading to delinquency are traceable to individual differences in genes. These findings, however, do not make sociological research irrelevant. (KH)

Defines the term "simulation"; discusses role of instructional simulations, particularly computer-based; describes what constitutes an effective simulation and its appropriate use; and reviews several specific examples of computer simulations, emphasizing nature and quality of student interaction with the model. (MBR)

Discusses whether biotechnology commercial application will significantly inhibit the free flow of information traditional in academic environments. Background factors, crux of the concern, assessment, and current options are given. Although little evidence that industry-university collaboration has impaired academic molecular genetics exists,…

Reviews "Basic Genetics: A Human Approach" (Basic Science Curriculum Study), "Difficult Choices about Environmental Protection" (Public Agenda Foundation), and "Raindrops" (Modular Science/Technology/Society). (DH)

Focuses on possibility that correlations between measures of environment and child devleopment can be mediated genetically as well as environmentally. Proposing an elementary model to test this hypothesis, data from classical adoption studies and new data from the Colorado Adoption Project are used to illustrate the model and provide quantitative…

Discusses techniques involved in producing recombinant DNA. Also discusses implications of the new genetic technologies and prospects for the future. (JN)

Presented is an annotated bibliography of 24 books on DNA and genetic engineering. Areas considered in these books include: basic biological concepts to help understand advances in genetic engineering; applications of genetic engineering; social, legal, and moral issues of genetic engineering; and historical aspects leading to advances in…

A series of articles examines the problem of racism from various perspectives: a historical overview, Swedish children's attitudes toward immigrants, working-class racism, redefinition of racism, Turkish nationalism, multiculturalism, anti-Semitism in France, genetic manipulation, and racist political ideology. (SK)

Usher Syndrome is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by congenital hearing loss and gradually developing retinitis pigmentosa leading to the loss of vision. Approximately 25,000 people in the United States have some form of Usher Syndrome. Most of these individuals have either Type I (10,000) or Type II (15,000). Type I Usher…

This book allows the reader to team teach with a science specialist to drive home key library and media curriculum goals. Eight detailed chapters provide background and complete lesson plans that cover both library and general science skills and benchmarks. Included are reproducible student worksheets, tools for assessment, and a suggested…