Discussed are the developments in neural networks technology that promise to make computers a great deal smarter. The brain is described, and its workings are compared to that of a computer. Computer programs that allow the construction of a simulated neural network are discussed and evaluated. (KR)

A graphic, interactive software program that is suitable for teaching students about the measurement and ion dependence of cell membrane potentials is described. The hardware requirements, the aim of the program, how to use the program, other related programs, and its advantages over traditional methods are included. (KR)

Adolescent students with voice disorders need information concerning the physiological, environmental, and psychosocial aspects of voice production. This paper describes a multiple-choice quiz format that has been used effectively as part of the awareness phase of vocal reeducation. (Author)

In a roundtable discussion, a panel of experts address how physicians can identify active patients for whom exercise poses the risk of serious heart complications, how useful stress tests are, what exercise intensity is best, and what physicians can tell patients about the risks of exercise versus its benefits. (SM)

Describes the measurement of blood speed in blood vessels by using the Doppler effect. (WRM)

Describes a "dry laboratory" using data from virtual rats to help students understand the hormonal regulation of gastrointestinal function. (Author/WRM)

Discusses the strengths of the many lines of scientific evidence supporting the idea of human evolution and the importance of the agreement that exists between them. Argues that using humans as a case study in evolution allows educators to illustrate broader aspects of the nature of science and how the overall strength of any scientific…

Presents the rigor mortis process in brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) as a tool for better understanding skeletal muscle metabolism. Describes an activity that demonstrates how rigor mortis is related to the post-mortem decrease of muscular glycogen and ATP, how glycogen degradation produces lactic acid that lowers muscle pH, and how…

Explains an integrated insect unit in which students learn about the characteristics, life cycle, and environment of an organism; learn about specific body structures; and make inferences about the body structure and behaviors of the insects. (DDR)

This article discusses advances in structural and functional neuroimaging that indicate that, in general, nonfluent aphasias are associated with left pre-rolandic lesions and fluent aphasias occur with left post-rolandic lesions that spare pre-rolandic areas. However, functional neuroimaging studies have also shown that neural dysfunction often…

States that hearing loss that occurs in the musical environment is commonly overlooked. Examines various aspects of the risks musicians take, such as hazardous environments, ignorance, and excessive sound levels. Offers two solutions to reduce the risks: (1) ear protection; and (2) modifications to the environment. Includes references. (CMK)

Models the motion of a gymnast around the high bar first as swinging around a rigid rod, then more accurately when the rod is considered to be elastic. Also considers how the gymnast should best move his hips. (Author/ASK)

Behavioral pharmacology is a maturing science that has made significant contributions to the study of drug effects on behavior, especially in the domain of drug-behavior interactions. Less appreciated is that research in behavioral pharmacology can have, and has had, implications for the experimental analysis of behavior, especially its…

Discrepant effects of drugs on behavior maintained by temporal-discrimination procedures make conclusive statements about the neuropharmacological bases of timing difficult. The current experiment examined the possible contribution of a general, drug-induced disruption of stimulus control. Four pigeons responded on a three-component multiple…

The biodevelopmental view sees the readiness and soundness of the organism at the time of first birth as its prime link to health and survival years and decades later. It suggests an optimum age at first birth shortly after puberty. The biosocial view emphasizes social correlates and consequences of age at first birth that may influence health and…