Describes a general education genetics course in which students are required to write a term paper comparing an article in the peer-reviewed scientific literature with a popular article on the same subject. Highlights the important features of scientific literature. (SAH)

A case study is presented of a Brazilian adolescent with a behavioral profile meeting the criteria of autism. After clinical and laboratory examinations, it was found that he had an abnormal karyotype. The need for case studies to develop data for defining an etiological basis for diagnosis is emphasized. (CR)

Recommends the use of a model of DNA made out of Velcro to help students visualize the steps of DNA replication. Includes a materials list, construction directions, and details of the demonstration using the model parts. (DDR)

This article addresses epidemiologic and demographic characteristics of hereditary hearing loss and genetic evaluation and counseling. It discusses who should have genetic counseling, the genetic counseling process, and effects of genetics technology on the genetic counseling process. A case study of a 2-year-old with severe sensorineural hearing…

Reviews the claim, endorsed by many psychologists and educators, that raising teachers' expectations of their students' potential will raise student intelligence. Reviews the original study by R. Rosenthal and L. Jacobsen (1968) and the controversy that followed and discusses the consequences for educational policy and practice. (SLD)

Identifies different approaches to exchanging genetic origins information in third party assisted conception. Critiques the model currently in force in the United Kingdom and advocates its replacement by a system that more closely resembles that introduced in Victoria, Australia in 1988. (Author/KB)

A study assessed genetic and environmental etiologies of reading, rapid naming (RN), and their covariation using data from 587 twin pairs (ages 7-20) in which one student had reading difficulties and from 360 control pairs. Correlation between reading and RN performances for subjects was significantly higher than that of controls. (Contains…

Since genetics is about biological development and diversity, it is related to contentious social issues (like racism) and already permeates the K-12 curriculum. Staff who educated themselves about brain research can grasp genetics concepts and decide what knowledge is worth imparting to students. Print and web resources are listed. (MLH)

The study of the behaviour profile in subjects with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). A total of fifty-eight 3- to 29-year-old subjects with PWS were studied using a standardized parent report of behavioural and emotional disturbances. There was an increase of behavioural and emotional disturbances for the adolescent and young adult age range, whereas…

The diagnosis of intellectual disability (ID) is highly dependent on a comprehensive personal and family medical history, a complete physical examination and a careful developmental assessment of the patient. Our study intended to: (1) classify the aetiology of mild and severe ID in an adult population of 140 Italian subjects; (2) evaluate the…

It is well established that children of problem drinkers have an increased risk of developing mental health problems, including drinking and drug misuse problems, depression, eating disorders, conduct disorders, and delinquency. However, compared to the hundreds of studies that have examined the effects of parental problem drinking on their…

This study focuses on everyday or lay understandings of inheritance. In the northeastern Brazil, 100 individuals were interviewed in order to describe how they explain the origin of genetic disorders affecting their relatives for several generations. There were involved 60 individuals from a large consanguineous family with many members affected…

The yeast "Saccharomyces cerevisiae" has been used by human beings since ancient times for its ability to convert sugar to alcohol. Continual exposure to glucose in the natural environment for innumerable generations has probably enabled "S. cerevisiae" to grow in fermentative mode on sugars by switching off the genes responsible for respiration…

A two-session laboratory exercise for advanced undergraduate students in biochemistry and molecular biology is described. The first session introduces students to DNA quantification by ultraviolet absorbance and agarose gel electrophoresis followed by ethidium bromide staining. The second session involves treatment of various topological forms of…

The results of a structured interview with members of a southeastern American Indian tribe on attitudes about disabilities and experiences with people with disabilities are reported. For nearly a century and a half, members of this tribe lived an isolated existence, resulting in the development of a rare recessive genetic disorder,…