With a decision on an oyster developed at the University of Washington, the federal Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences has opened the way to granting patents for animals and animal improvements developed through genetic engineering and other scientific methods. (MSE)

Discusses the application of path analysis in the context of genetic epidemiology. Examines the coherence of model specification, plausibility of modeling assumptions, the interpretability and usefulness of the model, and the validity of statistical procedures. (RB)

Evaluation of the cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive functioning of 12 retarded men with fragile X syndrome indicated that fragile X men were largely indistinguishable from comparison groups. They were, however, significantly more likely to have achieved levels of adaptive functioning commensurate with their intellectual abilities. (Author/DB)

The developmental history of a 14-year-old girl with Cri-Du-Chat Syndrome (a genetic disorder characterized by a distinctive cry and severe physical and intellectual disabilities) is reported. (Author/DB)

This article provides a brief overview of basic types of genetic disorders and how they are manifested in children with particular emphasis on facial deformities that early childhood special educators see in the classroom. Service delivery networks for genetic screening are described as well as sources of family support groups. (Author)

Reviews methods of estimating pollen and seed dispersals and discusses the extent and frequency of gene exchange within and between populations. Offers suggestions for designing exercises suitable for estimating dispersal distances in natural plant populations. (ML)

Ink-cap mushrooms can be easily grown in culture and provide students with ideal material for studying a wide range of biological problems. The life cycle is discussed extensively with hints for inoculating plates, staining, and isolating basidiospores. Exercises are easy, safe, and provide opportunity to demonstrate several microbiological…

Basic architecture of embryo development appears to be under homeobox control (a short stretch of DNA). Outlines research on this genetic segment in fruit flies which led to identification of this control on the embryo's spatial organization. Indicates that molecular mechanisms underlying development may be much more universal than previously…

To test validity of cocitation studies as representations of intellectual structure, five-six years of aggregate cocitation data for 41 authors in macroeconomics and 49 authors in genetics of fruit flies were compared with independent judgments of interauthor similarity collected from 14 macroeconomists and 15 geneticists via a card-sorting…

Applies Kuhn's model of the structure of scientific revolutions, Popper's hypothetic-deductive model of science, and Lakatos' methodology of competing research programs to a historical biological episode. Suggests using Kuhn's model (emphasizing the nonrational basis of science) and Popper's model (emphasizing the rational basis of science) in…

Background information, experimental approach, materials needed, procedures used, and typical results obtained are provided for genetic engineering experiments. The course in which these experiments are performed is also described. (JN)

Describes the use of a Pac-Man model (called a Pactype) in teaching various genetics concepts. Indicates that students can learn to make predictions, analyze patterns of inheritance, and evaluate hypotheses before being introduced to the genetics vocabulary. (JN)

Discusses genetic screening in the employment context, which involves identification of individuals hypersusceptible to toxins in the work environment. Examines the status of genetic screening devices against standard testing and legal criteria. (LLL)

Holtzman Inkblot Technique (HIT) responses of 36 same sex and 29 opposite sex college student twin pairs are analyzed. The results are discussed in terms of comparable genetic determination studies with Rorschach responses and the necessity for separate male and female norms on several HIT score response scales. (Author/DEP)

Presents pro and con comments with regards to 1975 APA presidential address under the heading of biological versus social evolution. Other comments are subsumed under the headings of the genetic basis of behavior-especially of altruism, and the value of tradition. (Author/AM)