A survey of 1,140 primary care physicians and psychiatrists who graduated from medical school from 1950 through 1985 indicated that knowledge of genetics is increasing, especially among more recent graduates, but deficiencies remain. Need is seen for greater emphasis on genetics to reduce chance of physician error as more tests become available.…

Describes an outreach program designed to expose high school students to cutting-edge science. High school students are provided with hands-on experience in molecular biology (polymerase chain reaction, restriction mapping, chromatography, gel electrophoresis, human DNA sequencing, etc.) and may have an opportunity to participate in the Human…

Describes science experiments for undergraduate biology instruction on the concepts of mutation and characterization of the resulting mutant strains. The filamentous fungi "Fusarium moniliforme" is used to illustrate the induction of mutants (mutagenesis), identification of the mutated gene, construction of a biochemical pathway, and…

Shows how fruit flies can be used in the teaching genetics laboratory to correlate the principles of heredity with the modern understanding of enzymes. (Contains 16 references.) (MDH)

Describes an inexpensive and sturdy model of protein synthesis that students can make in groups or that can be used by the teacher for demonstrations. (PR)

This article reviews research on cognition and intervention among individuals (mostly males) with fragile X syndrome, the second leading cause of mental retardation. It describes general syndrome characteristics, specific cognitive characteristics (such as better verbal than performance abilities), and educational implications. (Author/DB)

Describes inexpensive hands-on activities for teaching about mutants and mutations in bacteria. (PR)

Presents a simple activity that simulates natural selection working on random mutations through many generations. (PR)

Discusses the merits of investigative labs and how they change the role of students from passive direction followers to more creative and analytical thinkers. Focuses on the University of Minnesota's program in the Virgin Islands that involves undergraduates in research. (DDR)

Describes a course for talented high school students that focuses on DNA science and technology. Employs Cold Spring Harbor's DNA Science laboratory manual. Engages students in performing sickle-cell anemia and thalassemia tests in rabbits. (DDR)

Discusses some new evidence for evolution that might be useful in persuading students who question the scientific basis for evolution. Draws on findings from the fields of molecular biology and genetics. (DDR)

Details the active-learning approach to teaching cellular respiration in an introductory, one-semester course for nonmajors. Focuses on a laboratory exercise designed to answer the question of what happens to food when eaten. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Explores research on the concepts of intelligences and giftedness. Considers the importance of the brain, its organization and functions, different theories about intelligence and the possibility of boosting it, and changes that occur in brain structure as a consequence of the interactions between genetic traits and experiences. (Author/CR)

Reviews the chronometric research conducted by Arthur Jensen and what it has done to support the idea of a correlation between various composite reaction-time variables and IQ tests. Discusses the importance of Jensen's work in the exploration of general intelligence. (SLD)

Presents a plain English map of the gene coding for the glycolysis enzymes in humans to be used as a teaching tool. The map can be used to illustrate that every reaction in a cell requires an enzyme, and that every enzyme is a protein coded for by a gene somewhere on the chromosomes. (WRM)