Presents an example involving the metabolism of carbohydrates by microorganisms that provides results that contradict the generally speculated outcome, which is not an unusual situation in many scientific investigations. (JRH)

Studies binomial, negative binomial, and gamma regression models and gives a detailed description of inference procedures based on them. The process of model fitting and evaluation is illustrated by examples referring to the determination of endpoints in acute and chronic toxicity tests. (17 references) (Author/MDH)

Information about the biosynthesis of the carbohydrate portions or glycans of glycoproteins is presented. The teaching of glycosylation can be used to develop and emphasize many general aspects of biosynthesis, in addition to explaining specific biochemical and molecular biological features associated with producing the oligosaccharide portions of…

A course in breath-alcohol analysis, designed to introduce nonscience majors to the chemical basis of the two breath-alcohol testers widely used by law-enforcement personnel, is suggested for prospective lawyers, journalists, business professionals educators, and politicians. The course would provide exposure to authentic driving-while-intoxicated…

Discusses the scant coverage in high school textbooks of countercurrent exchange for the efficient movement of molecules across biological membranes. Argues that this is one of the most intriguing of the physiological adaptive mechanisms. (DDR)

Describes a genetic engineering project to build an intelligent mouse. Cites understanding the molecular basis of learning and memory as a very important step. Concludes that while science will never create a genius mouse that plays the stock market, it can turn a mouse into a quick learner with a better memory. (YDS)

Examines the Organ Systems part of the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 Content Outline for its biochemical components. The General Principles part of the Content Outline of the examination does not match the basic science teaching in medical schools with organ system curricula. Suggests a place where the basic principles in…

Offers examples of problems that assess student ability to recall, handle, manipulate, and interpret data and also reinforce basic knowledge of cell biology. The questions, purposely designed for first-year students, complement formal lectures and practical classes given in the subject. Illustrates the range and types of material which cell…

Three groups of 10 children, ages 8-14 (with autism or receptive developmental language disorder or without disabilities), participated in event-related brain potential experiments. Results suggest that both clinical groups failed to fully process changes in stimulus intensity. Findings are discussed in terms of potential abnormalities in…

Reports on the implementation of a group project whose goal was to write a dialogue that explores one area in which advances in biochemical research give rise to ethical and societal considerations. Reports that the project was regarded highly by students. (Author/MM)

Argues that the barriers between the traditional biosciences have disappeared while interdisciplinarity has become commonplace. Presents the suggested standards for Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology recommended by the Committee on Education of the International Union of Biochemistry. (Author/CCM)

Describes a method for empowering biochemistry students to think critically about research data. Encourages students to formulate their own opinions by removing the usual dominant expert commentary. (Author/CCM)

Many medical schools encountered problem-based learning (PBL) in occasional courses instead of adapting problem-based learning curricula. Provides information on a three-day conference entitled "PBL 2000-- Problems, Breakthroughs, and Lessons". (Author/ASK)

Undergraduate programs across the nation are increasingly offering interdisciplinary study programs as markers of their commitment to educate individuals for the demands of contemporary life. Yet, as students engage in interdisciplinary learning projects, an unaddressed question looms large: how to adequately assess student interdisciplinary work.…

We have devised and implemented a DNA fingerprinting module for an upper division undergraduate laboratory based on the amplification and analysis of three of the 13 short tandem repeat loci that are required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Combined DNA Index System (FBI CODIS) data base. Students first collect human epithelial (cheek)…