Presents an experiment aimed at constructing a genomic library that can be carried out over a week. Helps students learn concepts such as donor and vector DNAs, construction of recombinant DNA, host strain, and experiments in gene cloning more clearly. (PVD)

Presents the results of investigations into young people's awareness of, and attitudes toward, genetics and DNA technology. Summarizes survey results and explores the process by which students form an opinion of new technology in the field of genetics. (DDR)

Responds to a commentary on a 1996 paper that surveyed pronominal systems with first person n and second person m and showed that the n:m system is insufficient to prove genetic relatedness among languages exhibiting it, suggesting that the commentary was based on misunderstandings. The response addresses the commentary's discussion of study…

Case studies illustrating baccalaureate and advanced practice nursing roles in genetic health care form the basis of an integrated approach to genetics education in nursing curricula. Use of such case studies involves nurses in obtaining informed consent from clients. (SK)

Discusses sexual orientation using the analogy of handedness. Points out the presence of diverse sexual behavior and homosexuality among living species and focuses on human behavior. Encourages discussions among biology teachers on the origins of sexual orientation. (Contains 27 references.) (YDS)

The Human Genome Initiative (HGI) constructs common resources for studying human genetics. Early identification of people at risk for genetic disorders allows for early education and counseling. HGI research will create inexpensive, reliable genetic tests and diagnoses to help teachers and school staff assess, compare, and channel students. (SM)

Used the sibling adoption design to investigate teacher and tester ratings of child temperament. Ratings on the Colorado Childhood Temperament Inventory were obtained from a teacher and a tester for pairs of adopted and nonadoptive seven-year-old siblings. Significant genetic influence emerged for tester ratings of Activity and Sociability and for…

Explains a way to grow fern gametophytes and describes the use of these gametophytes to enable students to grasp the concept of alternation of generations. (DDR)

Describes an experiment in which plasmid DNA is digested with restriction enzymes that cleave the plasmid either once or twice. The DNA is stained, loaded on a gel, electrophoresed, and viewed under normal laboratory conditions during electrophoresis. (DDR)

Explains the process of establishing transgenic plants which is a very important tool in plant biology and modern agriculture. Produces transgenic plants with the ability to synthesize opines. (Contains 17 references.) (YDS)

Explains the potential of computer technology in science education and argues for integrating bioinformatics into the biology curriculum. Describes three modules designed to introduce students to technological advancements in biology. Aims to develop a better understanding of molecular biology among students. (YDS)

A study examined family histories of 31 children with specific language impairments who were known to have particular grammatical limitations in a core feature of grammatical acquisition, a stage known as Extended Optional Infinitives. The families had significantly more speech and language difficulties, as well as language-related difficulties,…

Examines the biological factors underlying autism, focusing on research in four areas: (1) neurological abnormalities; (2) biochemical abnormalities; (3) genetic problems; and (4) problems during pregnancy or birth. Maintains that autism is a heterogeneous disorder and that there is no unified model that explains its etiology. (Author/KB)

Replies to Beatty and McCroskey's response to this author's response and challenges to their articles in this issue and elsewhere on communibiology. Explains why taking biology seriously in human communication does not entail either the belief that biology is genetically determined or that human biological systems are immutable. (SR)

Presents an activity in which students develop a handy strategy for exploring probability as applied in the life sciences by learning to use the Punnett square, an effective tool that helps students visualize sample spaces and determine the likelihood of events. (ASK)