Research in the field of developmental disabilities has found direct links between severity of a personality trait or psychopathology and particular pathology of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). From studies of behavior phenotypes, new psychiatric disorders are being recognized, such as Williams syndrome. The formulation of valid behavior…

Fifty-eight people (ages 2 to 66) receiving residential or other services for idiopathic mental retardation were evaluated for evidence of metabolic disease. Five (8%) demonstrated symptoms pointing to specific genetic metabolic defects, suggesting the need for evaluation of other similar populations with idiopathic mental retardation. (Author/DB)

A procedure for purifying DNA using either bacteria or rat liver is presented. Directions for doing a qualitative DNA assay using diphenylamine and a quantitative DNA assay using spectroscopy are included. (KR)

The question as to whether males and females have different kinds of intellectual abilities is addressed. The evidence that there are some differences in cognition and perception between men and women is reviewed. (KR)

Describes the use of core journal network analysis and cocited journal mapping for studying the intellectual structure of scholarly fields and for evaluating journal collections to identify the most important titles in a discipline. Journals in the field of genetics are examined, and the use of spreadsheet software is explained. (31 references)…

A laboratory experiment designed to provide rapid, inexpensive student exposure to pharmacogenetics in drug elimination and patient therapy is described. The test, performed on students, determines expression of a drug metabolism enzyme following ingestion of a probe drug. (Author/MSE)

This review of the male preponderance in the prevalence of learning disabilities examines such factors as gender-related etiology differences and learning style differences; complications of pregnancy and infancy; effects of male hormones on the nervous system; and sex differences in maturity rates. (JDD)

Fits spelling data from identical and fraternal twins to a basic multiple regression model. Finds that about 60% of the deficit of probands was due to heritable influences. Finds a nonsignificant sex difference. Suggests collaborative analyses of data from additional twin studies of reading disability to facilitate more rigorous tests. (RS)

Follows 46 unselected children with various sex chromosome abnormalities using intellectual, language, and achievement testing. Notes that, although most children were not mentally retarded, most received special education help. Finds support for the inference that learning disorders were genetically mediated in this group. (RS)

Establishes a rationale for teaching population genetics to students and inservice biology teachers. Suggests strategies for introducing students to the Hardy-Weinberg principle. (MDH)

Describes amber and its hardened form called copal. Explains how amber is formed and where it comes from. Discusses possibilities of obtaining DNA from insects caught in amber. (PR)

Discusses practical work which can be completed in a few hours that enables students to explore the genetics of the dandelion plant, which reproduces asexually. Dandelions, measuring instruments, and student imagination are needed for this activity. (DDR)

Details a simulation that employs a paper-and-pencil model to demonstrate the principles behind automated DNA sequencing. Discusses the advantages of automated sequencing as well as the chemistry of automated DNA sequencing. (DDR)

Explores the prevalence of ideas among 16 to 19 year-old students about the application of the rapidly expanding technology of genetic engineering to food production. Findings suggest that more females were cautious about these foodstuffs than were males. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Problem behaviors of 38 individuals with Cri-du-Chat syndrome, 55 individuals with Prader Willi syndrome, and 21 individuals with Smith-Magenis syndrome were investigated. All three disorders were Associated with greater ratings of problem behaviors (besides eating abnormalities and sleep abnormalities) than comparison groups. (Author/CR)