Explores the nature of knowledge, particularly the difference between genetic knowledge and cultural knowledge, and its significance for understanding evolution. This exploration is the foundation of a discussion on medical information inherited in genes and accumulated in society. The problems of cultural medical knowledge for evolution are…

This study examined whether the variability in development in fragile X syndrome is related to FMR protein deficiency in 53 young males with various degrees of the syndrome. FMR protein expression accounted for a small but significant amount of variance in level, but not rate, of development. Findings support the hypothesized relationship but…

Studied the genetic influence of low cognitive functioning in 200 pairs of twins aged at least 80 years and identified as not demented. Results suggest that the heritability of low cognitive functioning in this group was nonsignificant, but above-average cognitive functioning shows substantial group heritability. (SLD)

This paper describes the developmental and behavioral patterns of 13 prelinguistic children (ages 11 to 47 months) with Cri-du-chat syndrome (CDCS). Parents provided demographic and genetic information, descriptions of their child's typical behavior, and completed a developmental checklist. Developmental, behavioral, and genetic profiles are…

Highlights the importance of the Human Genome Project in educating the public about genetics. Discusses four challenges that science educators must address: teaching for conceptual understanding, the nature of science, the personal and social impact of science and technology, and the principles of technology. Contains 45 references. (JRH)

A study of 202 patients with autism found the incidence of a dodecamer duplication in the HOPA gene was not significantly different between patients and controls. Three female patients inherited the duplication from nonautistic fathers. Also, there was no systematic skewing of X inactivation in female patients with the duplication. (Contains…

Provides opinions on interpreting reports on genetic influences on human behavior, which sometimes attribute genetic versus environmental effects with decimal precision. Discusses the need for scientific information and objectivity. (SAH)

Discusses interactions between experimental systems and modes of interpretation. Uses the discovery of the 'base pairing principle' by Erwin Chargaff as an example to show how established laboratory routines and their development interact with the underlying theoretical framework and the 'Denkstil' (style of thought) of a collective of researchers…

Considers how visuals are constructions that are products of a writer's interpretation with its own "power-laden agenda." Reviews the current approach taken by composition scholars, surveys richer interdisciplinary work on visuals, and (by using visuals connected with the Human Genome Project) models an analysis of visuals as rhetoric.…

Probes students' understanding of the relationships between genetic concepts. Identifies alternative conceptions and compartmentalization between related concepts. Argues that genetic instruction in 9th and 12th grade and in college in Israel needs improvement. (Author/MM)

Describes a classroom activity that teaches the mechanism of genetic drift to undergraduates. Illustrates a number of concepts that are critical in developing evolution literacy by sampling M&M milk chocolate candies. (MM)

Provides background information on genetics and presents a mathematics activity that uses genetics to study probability. (ASK)

Presents a case in which a congressional staffer must weigh a number of competing needs, including the popular reaction to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the need to eliminate vitamin A deficiency, in deciding how to present information to her boss, an influential congressman drafting legislation to support agricultural research.…

This introductory article briefly describes each of the following eight articles in this special issue on the neurology and genetics of learning related disorders. It notes the greater appreciation of learning disability as a set of complex disorders with broad and intricate neurological bases and of the large individual differences in how these…

Huntington disease is a dominantly inherited, neurodegenerative disease characterized by choreiform movement disturbances and dementia, usually with adult onset. The rare juvenile-onset Huntington disease differs from the adult phenotype. A case presenting twice, at age 10 with all the signs of a major depression and age 14 with mutism and…