Imitation, vocabulary, pretend play, and socially insightful behavior were investigated in 5,206 same- and opposite-sex 2-year-old twin pairs in the United Kingdom. Individual differences in imitative ability were due to modest heritability (30%), while environmental factors shared between twins (42%) and unique to each twin (28%) also made…

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by a single gene mutation on the X chromosome, offers a unique opportunity for investigation of gene-brain-behavior relationships. Recent advances in molecular genetics, human brain imaging, and behavioral studies have started to unravel the complex pathways leading to the cognitive, psychiatric, and physical…

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder occurring almost exclusively in females. Regression is a defining feature of RTT. During the regression stage, RTT girls display many autistic features, such as loss of communication and social skills, poor eye contact, and lack of interest, and initially may be given the diagnosis of autism.…

Discusses how viewing intelligence as a learned skill and not a genetic gift may make the standard IQ test a thing of the pedagogical past. (GB/Editor)

Presents the idea that social systems evolve to increase the genetic fitness of individuals in specific environments. Cites examples of animal behavior and environmental influences that may indicate why different social systems have evolved. (GS)

Excerpt of a PhD dissertation submitted to the New York University School of Education

The directory lists medical genetic units in the United States and elsewhere in the world. The director and address of each unit are specified; types of genetic services available are indicated by code. (JD)

This booklet, in the series "Understanding the Atom," summarizes the important findings on radioactive fallout for which there is substantial scientific agreement, indicates the areas of disagreement, and lists some answered questions. Sources of fallout, its local and worldwide effects (including movement in the atmosphers), the…

Describes the science of hair analysis and its use in the solution of crimes. Methods of analysis and genetic and environmental characteristics which can be inferred are presented. (CP)

Stresses ways to answer questions related to widespread publicity - are nuclear reactors safe, will dangerous research in genetic manipulation be banned? - with emphasis on true meaning of safety as related to risks. (EB)

Describes the Miller and Urey experiment to synthesize organic compounds. Includes subsequent research and relates these studies to the formation of one-celled organisms in an oxygen-free atmosphere. (MA)

Discusses private interest attacks on academic freedom and the underlying question, "what kinds of scientific research are to be screened by public debate"? Suggests that it is the implications of research that should receive public and ideological attention while the research itself should be evaluated by objective scientists, those…

The application of component analysis to phenotypic, genetic, and environmental correlation matrices is discussed. Formulas for computation of component scores and the interpretation of factors is discussed. An example is presented. (Author/JKS)