Described is a classroom activity for analyzing an inherited human trait, the ability to tast phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). Formulas for analyzing gene frequency are given for classroom and neighborhood samples. Additional tables include statistics on the ability to taste PTC and other easily sampled human traits. (MA)

A path model of genetic and family environmental transmission was fitted to published twin correlations and to general cognitive ability data from adoptive and nonadoptive families in which children were tested yearly through the fourth year. Longitudinal genetic correlations from infancy to adulthood were modeled explicitly, as were effects of…

Reports results of a study which focused on the techniques used and the time devoted to teaching about human genetics and biosocial concerns by teachers who participated in National Science Foundation workshops at Ball State University. Participants incorporated human topics and used outside speakers more than the control group. (ML)

Although most males with a 49,XXXXY karyotype will have significant mental retardation, the case of an affected boy having mild-cognitive and motor delays and age-appropriate adaptive skills at 59 months is presented. Guarded optimism may be justified in affected males demonstrating close to or age-appropriate developmental skills through early…

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…