A personalized account of some experiences in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Dundee during a radical revision of the course for medical students is offered. Innovations of the course are described in detail. (LBH)

The two-credit, one-semester course was initiated for fourth-year pharmacy students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. It was organized to enable the student to better understand the health problems of the patient and to better communicate information on drugs to patients and health professionals. (LBH)

Test performance and attitudes of freshman medical students exposed to various methods of instruction in a biochemistry laboratory are compared. (Editor)

Experiments conducted on wheat and barley grains to analyze activities of alpha- and beta-amylase enzymes. Gibberellins were used exogenously. Techniques are described in detail. Results on different cultivars revealed that beta-amylase was not an invariable result of imbibition. Techniques employed can be used by school students. (PS)

The Space Shuttle Program is aimed at not only providing low cost transportation to and from near earth orbit, but also to conduct important biological research. Fields of research identified include gravitational biology, biological rhythms, and radiation biology. (PS)

The continuous measurement of oxygen consumption in an enzymatic reaction is a frequent experimental fact and extremely important in the enzymatic activity of oxygenase. An electrochemical system, based on a polarographic method, has been developed to monitor the oxygen uptake. The system developed and electrode used are described. (JN)

Describes an inexpensive, easily constructed, and safe vertical slab gel kit used routinely for sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis research and student experiments. Five kits are run from a single transformer. Because toxic solutions are used, students are given plastic gloves and closely supervised during laboratory…

Describes a low-cost, high-voltage, two-terminal, constant-current source for student use in electrophoresis experiments (includes circuit diagram) and a simple device for the continuous registering of gas flows. Also lists seven cost-saving tips for chemical reagent, including use decorative stones (purchased from nursery stores) in place of…

Presents viewpoints of scientists and postdoctoral students on issues involving the commercial applications and ventures related to recombinant DNA research. Suggests that how universities deal with issues could impact future school/business relationships as well as the future conduct of basic research. (SK)

Two new packages designed to aid students in typical undergraduate biochemistry courses are described. These packages deal with alcoholic fermentation and the reversal of glycolysis and the reactions of the citric cycle. (MP)

Curricular guidelines for biochemistry are presented, developed by the Section on Biochemistry and Nutrition and the Section on Oral Diagnosis and Oral Medicine of the American Association of Dental Schools for use by individual educational institutions as curriculum development aids. (MLW)

The article reviews information regarding genetic defects in the mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs), which are hereditary diseases that result in deformities related to connective tissues (some types lead to progressive mental retardation). (Author/PHR)

This bibliography highlights quality materials which encompass mostly recent, easily obtainable, easily read, easily understood, practical books and monographs. Particular emphasis has been placed upon those works which are of direct, practical application to readers. (JD)