Explains a component of an introductory genetics course that exposes students to bioethical issues and the social responsibilities of scientists. Students engage in discussion in an interdisciplinary format. (DDR)

Discusses applications of recombinant DNA technology and the controversies surrounding that technique. Provides a cooperative learning project idea that involves teams of students investigating and debating these issues. (DDR)

Autism is a heritable disorder characterized by phenotypic and genetic complexity. This review begins by surveying current linkage, gene association, and cytogenetic studies performed with the goal of identifying autism disease susceptibility variants. Though numerous linkages and associations have been identified, they tend to diminish upon…

The potential role of environmental factors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is an area of emerging interest within the public and scientific communities. The high degree of heritability of ASD suggests that environmental influences are likely to operate through their interaction with genetic susceptibility during vulnerable periods of…

"Drosophila melanogaster" is emerging as a valuable genetic model system for the study of mental retardation (MR). MR genes are remarkably similar between humans and fruit flies. Cognitive behavioral assays can detect reductions in learning and memory in flies with mutations in MR genes. Neuroanatomical methods, including some at single-neuron…

Argues that ontogenetic and phylogenetic theories are related and that such a coupling can be established only in reference to a metatheory. The metatheory is construed in terms of a combination of logical coherence and requirements necessary for generalization as well as comprehensive, philosophical representations of living beings (e.g.,…

The phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste test was investigated for its potential as a genetically based biological marker for depression. Results indicated PTC tasters reported significantly higher levels of depression on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) than nontasters and they scored higher on 5 of the 21 items. (Author/BL)

Incidence of autism and cognitive disability was assessed in the biological siblings of 29 autistic probands subdivided on the basis of IQ. A signficant clustering of autism and nonspecific intellectual retardation was found in siblings of severely retarded autistic probands which was not present in siblings of the higher-functioning autistic…

Family histories, comprehensive physical examinations, and chromosome analyses of 35 males with autism were performed. Results indicated that the fragile X syndrome may be present in less than 16 percent of persons whose family history or physical features suggest the condition's possible presence. Screening 42 autistic children for…

Recombinant DNA techniques provide new approaches to the diagnosis and analysis of inherited human diseases associated with mental retardation, such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, phenylketonauria, the Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and those associated with deletions or duplications of subchromosomal regions. (Author/CL)

Genetic counseling assists people in identifying potential or manifest genetic problems, understanding their implications, making decisions about what course to follow, and working through psychological and social aspects as they affect individuals or couples. Four ethical principles and related ethical issues pertaining to autonomy, beneficence…

This paper discusses the parallels between agriculture and education by focusing on genetically engineered seeds in order to demonstrate the master race mentality of success and failure or fertility and death. Although gene technology provides benefits in medicine and related areas, it also carries a big risk which might result in the extinction…

Knowledge of genetic manipulations opens the door to ambitious possibilities of inhabiting the world with genetically perfect human beings. Legal, technological and social problems are involved. Attempts must be made to identify hereditary complaints in individuals. (PS)

Discusses ethical and social issues arising from the possible application of biomedical technologies providing control over life and death, human potentialities, and human achievement. Argues that "because we lack wisdom, caution is our urgent need," and proposes that systems of international control and regulation are needed. (AL)

Final part of two-part paper. Discusses ethical and social questions raised by eugenic and medical discoveries in an overpopulated world. (AL)