Studied whether genetic variability explained some of the variance in coincidence timing and whether common genetic factors accounted for the association with intellectual functioning using 55 pairs of 16-year-old twins. Results suggest that the genetic influence operating on coincidence timing skills was of similar magnitude to that of response…

Points out the importance of genomes other than the human genome project and provides information on the identified bacterial genomes Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, Leprosy, Cholera, Meningitis, Tuberculosis, Bubonic Plague, and plant pathogens. Considers the computer's use in genome studies. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

Examines the medical, psychosocial, and ethical considerations concerning presymptomatic genetic testing in evaluating children for adoption. Offers an ethical framework for rejecting such a practice. (JPB)

Investigates the role of complex instructional analogies on concept acquisition in an introductory college genetics course. An experimental treatment included complex instructional analogies. A control group received expository instruction alone. Finds significant differences in student achievement in favor of the experimental group. (Author/MM)

Describes an activity for determination of genotype from phenotype using a logic puzzle. The puzzle provides an opportunity to consolidate understanding of the dominant and recessive alleles, genotype and its expression in phenotype. (Author/MM)

The International Society of Nurses in Genetics is working to incorporate genetics into nursing education and practice so that nurses will be recognized for their ability to deliver genetic services in collaboration with other disciplines. The society is pursuing certification for advanced practice genetic nurses. (JOW)

Tested the association of a mitochondrial DNA marker (EST00083) with high IQ in a sample of 47 German adults with high IQ scores and 77 adults with IQs estimated at lower than 110. Results do not support the hypothesis that high IQ is associated with this marker. (SLD)

Makes the case that "g" (general intelligence) can arise from the effect of shared genes influencing cognitive test performance and provides a simple mathematical demonstration of how this occurs. Predicts the need for a profound shift in the search for biological bases of "g." (Author/SLD)

Anxiety and conduct problems covary, yet studies have not explored the genetic and environmental origins of this association. We analyzed parent-reported anxiety and conduct problems in 6,783 pairs of twins at 2-, 3-, and 4-years of age. As anxiety and conduct problems were fairly stable across the three ages (average 1-year correlation was .53),…

This study investigated whether genes affect language impairment to the same extent as they affect differences in language ability following up an earlier study of 579 four-year-old twins with low language performance and their cotwins (Viding et al., in press). The present study selected low-language twins from 6,963 pairs of twins from the Twins…

We have developed and optimized the necessary laboratory materials to make DNA microarray technology accessible to all high school students at a fraction of both cost and data size. The primary component is a DNA chip/array that students "print" by hand and then analyze using research tools that have been adapted for classroom use. The…

Previously, the idea of a blueprint has been used to explain the genome. The concept of a play's cast of characters, the Dramatis Personae, is a more fluid metaphor that allows for mutations and time-dependent phenomena to be taken into account. It also provides an educational and mnemonic exercise for students.

Spirituality may have a genetic base, but the resulting predisposition does not direct specific beliefs.

The various strains of flightless fruit flies that were developed at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and an exercise that helps students in determining the inheritance pattern in the fruit fly mutant trait are described. The study and the resulting exercise helped the students in scientifically determining the two important aspects of…

Drosophila melanogaster is a popular organism for studying genetics and development. Maintaining Drosophila on medium prepared with varying concentrations of beer and evaluating the effects on reproduction, life cycle stages and other factors is one of the exercises that is versatile and applicable to many student levels.