Fifteen cognitive abilities tests of the Hawaii Family Study of Cognition were factor analyzed concerning between-family means and within-family differences, using 370 sibling pairs of Americans of European ancestry and 116 sibling pairs of Japanese ancestry. The similarity of between-family and within-family structures suggests that the genetic…

Reviews the history of the establishment of the concept of race. Traces the origins to the work of 17th- and 18th-century writers. Concludes that the notion of race became popular because it was associated with national identity and emerging ideas regarding evolution. (JDH)

Discusses recent advances in the study of mammalian immunology. Explains the roles of two families of lymphocytes, the B cells and T cells. Also examines evolutionary mechanisms related to the immune system. (ML)

Discovery that mutations accumulate at steady rates over time in the genes of all lineages of plants and animals has led to new insights into evolution at the molecular and organismal levels. Discusses molecular evolution, examining deoxyribonuclei acid (DNA) sequences, morphological distances, and codon rate of change. (DH)

Unlike animals, which heal, trees compartmentalize by setting boundaries that resist the spread of invading microorganisms. Discusses the creation of new walls by anatomical and chemical means in response to death of a branch or pruning. Points out that genetic control of compartmentalization has resulted from evolution of resistant species. (DH)

Highlights major accomplishments and developments in various disciplines during 1984. These disciplines include: genetics; medicine; the biosciences; astronomy; evolution; the geosciences; behavior; physics; chemistry; the environment; mathematics; and the space sciences. (JN)

Argues that knowledge from studies of individuals with sex chromosome abnormalities can further understanding of aspects of normal human development. Studies of XO girls, XXY boys, XXX girls, and males with a fragile X chromosome are summarized to demonstrate how results contribute to knowledge about normal cognitive development and about…

Genetic and environmental influences on heart rate were studied in samples of twin pairs in middle childhood. Heart rate was measured in resting situation and under two task conditions. Heart rate was related to parental ratings of shyness, emotionality, and selective attention measure. Multivariate analysis suggested that covariance between heart…

Reviews risk of psychosocial problems related to drinking among "grown-up" children of alcoholics. Argues that genetic predisposition is best predictor available; this may be more influential near severe end of alcoholism spectrum, may be less influential in females, and may lead to differences in symptomatology and management.…

This paper looks in detail at the "natural" causes of extinction as compared to the "technological" causes of extermination (abrupt niche-emptying), using examples of species that are both extinct and exterminated. Ways are suggested that can put a halt to extermination. (BT)

This article presents a debate by two evolutionists, Ronald D. Simpson and Wyatt W. Anderson, and two creationists, Lane P. Lester and John N. Moore, over whether or not special creation should be taught in biology courses alongside the biological theory of evolution. (SL)

This document describes the research project Modeling for Understanding in Science Education (MUSE) which focuses on the improvement of high school students' learning. MUSE research investigated how lower and high achieving students learned to reason, inquire, present, and critique scientific arguments in a genetics course taught during the spring…