The body of data indicating sex differences in the brains of almost every mammalian family examined so far (rodents, birds, monkeys, and human beings) is reviewed. The differences in the hypothalamus, thalamus, corpus callosum, anterior commissure, and the hippocampus are described. (KR)

The activity level of 60 pairs of infant twins was measured for 2 days. Differences in activity level for monozygotic and dizygotic twins, as indicated by motion recorders and parent ratings, showed evidence of genetic influences. (BC)

Rebuts the Burgess and Molenaar commentary in this issue on the authors' paper concerning sociobiology and human development, maintaining that genes (nature) cannot usefully be construed as independent of the coactional developmental system of which they are a part. (BB)

Presents an interview with Walbot who has done genetic research using corn plants. (PR)

Changes in grade 10 students' (n=79) conceptions of genes during genetics instruction was studied from multiple perspectives. Ontologically, most students moved from passive to active models of genes. Affectively, students were interested in genetics but unmotivated by microscopic mechanistic explanations; however, teaching approaches were…

The controversy about the relative importance of heredity and environment and the role of parents in children's behavior explored by Harris is not new. Although her book offers no new policy guidance, it does offer some useful academic suggestions by clarifying the plentiful scientific evidence of the importance of genetics in behavior. (SLD)

Reviews the impact of eugenics on people with disabilities and the danger that they will be further devalued in a world of increasing genetic manipulation. Margaret Mead's concept of providing opportunities for all people to learn how to participate wholly in society and the need for an ethical revolution are discussed. (CR)

Describes seven myths regarding the role of genes in determining behavior and the modifiability of behavior that permeate the thinking of many educators and psychologists. Examines each myth, dispels it, and states what are believed to be correct conclusions from different kinds of behavior-genetic and related data, considering the implications…

Discusses work by Arthur Jensen in addition to his well-known work on the genetics of intelligence. Includes studies of learning, memory, the cumulative-deficit hypothesis, Spearman's hypothesis, and the speed of information processing. (SLD)

Literature from the field of developmental behavior suggests that the relative effect of genetic influences on cognitive ability may increase with age, whereas the relative effect of shared environment may decrease. Implications of these findings are discussed, including the importance of studying environmental issues outside the family.…

Investigates the knowledge and understanding among 482 students nearing the end of compulsory education of genetics. Finds a poor understanding of the processes by which genetic information in transferred and a lack of basic knowledge about the structures involved. (Author/CCM)

Examines the possibility that language confusion can be mistaken for misconception. Uses a written test to diagnose physics misconceptions among South African students. Reports that in several cases distracters were chosen by subjects who did not hold the target misconceptions. Indicates that caution is needed in interpreting student responses to…

This review essay of the book, "Developmental Dyslexia: Neural, Cognitive and Genetic Mechanisms," edited by Christopher H. Chase and others, describes the book's review of the research literature in these three fields and its efforts to integrate the divergent research strands. The book is recommended to researchers in dyslexia, clinicians, and…

This paper reviews current knowledge of the genetic epidemiology of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). It notes widespread agreement that the PDDs are caused, at least in part, by genetic factors and some agreement on the phenotypic boundaries associated with these same genetic factors. Remaining research issues are…

Addresses two areas where science has been and still is used to justify policies and attitudes that are discriminatory and oppressive: homosexuality and alcoholism. This article analyzes the debate over whether these correlations are biologically or socially determined. Of particular concern is the potential impact of biological determinism on the…