Findings from a study reported in this paper indicate that the differences in family background that affect IQ are largely the result of genetic differences among parents, which affect the parents' own status attainment and which are passed on genetically to their offspring, whose status attainments are subsequently affected. (Author/EB)

The author's rebuttal to responses on his paper (EC 115 148) addresses the issues of relevancy of biological causes to education and the validity of research in neuropsychology. (For responses to the paper see EC 115 149-153.) (PHR)

Biology textbooks usually give examples of organisms that have become ideally adapted to their habitat as a result of evolution. This article illustrates some poorly adapted organisms. Imperfections serve to demonstrate the purely chance nature of evolution since either the beneficial changes have not happened or the modifications that have…

Summarizes the positions of leading proponents of the belief in the biological basis of differences in intelligence, reviewing the ideas of Arthur Jensen, J. Phillipe Rushton, and the currently controversial "The Bell Curve" by Charles Murray and Richard Herrnstein. Relations between social perceptions of race and class are discussed.…

This paper reviews ongoing research designed to specify the cognitive, behavioral, and neuroanatomical phenotypes of specific genetic etiologies of learning disability. The genetic disorders at the focus of the research include reading disability, neurofibromatosis type 1, Tourette syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. Implications for identifying…

This book, a critique of "The Bell Curve" by R. Herrnstein and C. Murray, explores what "inequality" in society means, how it arises, and how it can be measured or dealt with quantitatively. It also considers how societal and other variables work to increase or decrease inequality. The book argues that "The Bell…

This article reviews studies linking autistic disorder with various immune factors. It concludes that although various immune system abnormalities have been reported in children with autism, previous studies are largely association based and it remains difficult to draw conclusions regarding the role of immune factors in the etiopathogenesis of…

Studied genetic and environmental origins of individual differences in adults' (N=386) ratings of their current family environment using Moos Family Environment Scales (FES). Found 25 percent of adults' FES scores due to genetic differences. Found environment in which they were reared had little effect on adults' ratings of their family…

Described is a tilting cage used to record the activity of a mouse over a 24 hour period. The construction of the apparatus, methods used and data analysis are discussed. Follow-up class activities are suggested. (CW)

Reports on dietary substances which act against cancer-causing agents. Indicates that adapting a lifestyle which combines reduced fat intake with increased fiber-containing foods will reduce the risk of some common cancers. Provides teaching strategies and activities to help students analyze their lifestyles for a reduction in cancer risk. (RT)

The possibility that four famous men--Thomas Alva Edison, Woodrow Wilson, Hans Christian Andersen, and Leonardo da Vinci--might have been reading disabled is considered by examining information concerning: (1) biographical records, (2) cognitive characteristics, (3) neuropsychological characteristics, and (4) biological characteristics. (Author/DB)

Investigated the effects of biomedical and social-environmental conditions on cognitive and language development in children toddlers. Hypothesized a strong effect of biomedical factors in first two years and a strong environmental influence at three years. Used analysis approach to estimate variables assumed to underlie measurement data. Results…

Examined the hypothesis that male homosexuals have a greater than average proportion of male siblings and a later than average birth order, by comparing a group of prehomosexual boys (individuals exhibiting cross-gender behaviors) and homosexual adolescents with a control group. Both predicted results were confirmed. (MDM)

This study of 44 late-talking and normally speaking toddlers with and without histories of middle ear involvement revealed no differences in expressive language outcome attributed to history of middle ear involvement. There seemed to be intergroup differences in outcome on measures of articulation that were associated with history of middle ear…

Describes Arthur Jensen's contributions to the study of general intelligence ("g"). His research has led to studies of genetic intelligence and speed of cognitive processing and the study of biological correlates of "g." (SLD)