Examines research that suggests there are physiological differences between male and female brains. Considers the implications for adult education. (SK)

Presents data from a patient with a progressive fluent aphasia, who exhibited a severe verbal impairment but a relatively preserved access to knowledge from pictures. Argues for a distributed, multi-modality system for semantic memory in which information is stored in different brain regions and in different representational formats. (Author/VWL)

Proposes teaching science through the power of story, pulling together scientific evidence that explains why people enjoy stories so much and describing how the brain functions by constructing narratives. Looks at how this innate human pleasure can be tapped to bring greater scientific understanding to children. (SM)

Two studies examined the ability to assign thematic roles and to coindex referentially dependent noun phrases in closed head injured adults (N=20), adult stroke patients (N=20), and normal adults (N=20). Results suggested that syntactic comprehension disturbances are similar following left cerebral hemisphere infarction and closed head injury.…

The mechanisms of both language-based and non-language-based learning disabilities are presented within the framework of central nervous system development and the compromises to that development that arise from genetic, hormonal, antibody, medication, and postnatal compromises. Also reviewed is the need for a taxonomy of learning disabilities.…

To test for interhemispheric difficulties associated with dyslexia, this study assessed bimanual coordination in dyslexic and nondisabled boys using an Etch-a-Sketch-like task. Dyslexics showed significant impairments on mirror movements, and often unknowingly reverted to parallel movements when visual feedback was removed. (RH)

This study explored whether the "right thinking style" relates to creativity as measured by 2 types of creativity tests, which were given to 109 undergraduates. Results correlated the How Do You Think scores positively with right thinking scores on the Your Style of Learning and Thinking test and negatively with left thinking scores.…

A neuroimaging study examined brain activity of normal subjects performing story comprehension tasks necessitating the attribution of mental states. Brain activity was compared with that from two control tasks. Comparison of the "theory of mind" stories with "physical" stories revealed a specific pattern of activation…

A resurgence of interest in the relationship between cerebral lateralization (the functional asymmetry of the cerebral cortex) and aggression has occurred. Most recent studies have found that individuals with abnormal patterns of lateralization are overrepresented among violent individuals. Intervening variables (such as drug and alcohol abuse)…

Brain imaging research allows direct assessment of structural and functional brain abnormalities, and thereby provides an improved methodology for studying neurobiological factors predisposing to violent and aggressive behavior. This paper reviews 20 brain imaging studies using four different types of neuroimaging techniques that were conducted in…

Discusses development of the Sonnier Model of Hemispheric Preference. Notes frequent references to the senses "visual" and "auditory" rather than the two hemispheric functions "visual" and "analytical." (RS)

It is proposed that there is a modular but interconnected system underlying the perceived hierarchical organization of objects. The discussion centers on neural and cognitive mechanisms of organizing objects within objects in at least four separate subsystems. (SLD)

Examines the role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear, colorless liquid that constantly bathes the brain and spinal cord. Scientists argue that cerebrospinal fluid carries important signals for sleep, appetite, and sex. Evaluates past and current research documenting the purpose of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. (CCM)

Nutrition and learning are inextricably connected. Protein, fat, B vitamins, iron, choline, and antioxidants promote brain functions. The USDA's "Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children" (and adaptations for school-age kids) offers guidelines for formulating a child's diet. Breakfast, family meal-sharing, and exercise are essential.…

Explores the nature of knowledge, particularly the difference between genetic knowledge and cultural knowledge, and its significance for understanding evolution. This exploration is the foundation of a discussion on medical information inherited in genes and accumulated in society. The problems of cultural medical knowledge for evolution are…