New research findings about how nerve cells transmit signals are forcing researchers to overhaul their simplistic ideas about the nervous system. Topics highlighted include the multiple role of peptides in the nervous system, receptor molecules, and molecules that form ion channels within membranes. (Author/JN)

Describes 16 mutagens/carcinogens found in plant food and coffee as well as several anticarcinogens also found in such food. Speculates on relevant biochemical mechanisms, particularly the role of oxygen radicals and their inhibitors in the fat/cancer relationship, promotion, anticarcinogenesis, and aging. (JN)

Aerobic training develops efficient catabolic responses in large muscles. (JD)

The paper presents findings from research on megavitamin nutritional therapy with behavior-disordered and learning-disabled children. The results suggest it is a valid biochemical alternative to other means of therapy. Some researchers are concerned about the possibility of poisoning the system and the lack of evidence of long-range effects. (PHR)

Presents a brief review of pesticide use. Included topics are: biological activity, formulation, application, uptake, metabolism, residues, and tolerance. (BB)

Presents a brief review of the chemistry of the plant cell wall. Included topics are: analytical techniques, structure, growth, and maturation. (BB)

Provides a general overview of fluoro-organic biochemistry and illuminates areas where further study is desirable. (BB)

The heritability of substance dependence (SD) liability is based on polymorphisms at the genes that are likely to be related to the function of the central nervous system. We have recently shown an association between the dopamine D5 receptor gene and SD liability. We report herein a replication of this association in an independent case-control…

Discusses what is cancer; proto-oncogenes that encode four classes of proteins including growth factors, growth factor receptors, intracellular signaling messengers, and transcription factors; tumor suppressors; and cancer therapy including metabolic inhibitors, alkylating agents and antibiotics, mitotic inhibitors, and hormone-related therapy.…

Plasma amino acid levels were measured in autistic (n=12), Asperger syndrome (n=11) patients, their parents and siblings. Patients with autism or Asperger syndrome and their siblings and parents all had raised glutamic acid, phenyalanine, asparagine, tyrosine, alanine, and lysine levels than age-matched controls. Results suggest dysregulated amino…

The study examined effects of eight weeks of treatment with Vitamin B6-Magnesium on 11 autistic children sensitive to this treatment over a shorter term. The study found significant modifications in the electrophysiological, clinical, and biochemical data gathered before, during, and after treatment. (DB)

Authors describe some clinical features of glycoprotein biochemistry, including recognition, selected blood glycoproteins, glycated proteins, histochemistry, and cancer. The material presented has largely been taught to medical laboratory students; however, it can be used to teach premedical students and pure biochemistry students. Includes two…

Suggests reasons for the lack of change in biochemistry courses and proposes mechanisms to enhance change. Advocates a problem-solving approach using nontraditional questions on examinations. Provides examples of how traditional questions can be rewritten to reflect a problem-solving approach. (PR)

Authors propose a simple and inexpensive activity to provide an exciting source of information about biological processes that occur during eutrophication of lakes and ponds. The observations and interpretations that take place during the eutrophication of the Windogradsky water column constitutes an illustrative approach for understanding…