The negative-contrast effect occurs when animals that are shifted from large to small reward temporarily drop below small reward control groups. The basic question asked here in three experiments was whether animals tested under a specific drive level will behave as though they expect a reward magnitude previously received, depending on the reward…

Assesses the validity of physiological versus learning interpretations of illness-preexposure effects. (Author/RK)

A one-hour presentation given to veterinary medical students at Texas A&M University during their first week of professional school is summarized. It helps the students place some of their subjects and disciplines in perspective, emphasizing the overall morphologic organizational scheme of the higher vertebrate body. (LBH)

Data suggesting that different brain circuits may underlie different forms of learning and memory are reviewed. Several current theories of learning and memory with respect to hippocampal and other brain circuit involvement are considered. (PCB)

A patent awarded to Harvard University for the genetic alteration of mice in cancer research is the first ever issued on an animal, at the same time that legislation putting a moratorium on animal patents is pending in Congress. (MSE)

Provides: (1) background information on insect metamorphosis; (2) activities focusing on insect life cycles and how insects change from egg to adult; and (3) student materials (ready-to-copy games, puzzles, coloring pages, worksheets, and/or mazes). Each activity includes objective(s), recommended age levels, subject area(s), list of materials…

The author describes the development of a pet therapy program at a rehabilitation unit of a hospital. She discusses documentation of the success of pet therapy programs, picking out the right pets, responsibilities of caring for the pet, training the pet, patient response, and program policies. (CT)

In wiping out the natural heritage over which we were given dominion and stewardship responsibilities, we are sowing the seeds of our own destruction. With the advent of the Reagan administration, the government's endangered species program has all but ceased to function. (RM)

Discusses the role of dogs in research, considering their use in studies related to: behavior; aging; anesthesia; gastrointestinal surgery; the brain; organ transplants; radiobiology; trauma and shock; arterial diseases; hemophelia; ophthalmology; diabetes; nutrition; cancer; lupus; cyclic neutropenia; thyroiditis; hepatitis; skeletal system,…

Discusses major uses of rats as experimental animals for studying health concerns, pointing out that their size, gestation, and histocompatibility make them useful in various studies. Topic areas addressed include aging, autoimmune disease, genetics, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, infection, reproduction, and behavior. (DH)

Transference theory suggests attitudes toward animals are transferable or will generalize to humans. Discusses to what extent teachers should rely on the theory when formulating a rationale for humane education programs. Research and teacher comments casting doubt on the validity of theory are considered. (BC)

Reviews recent books about animals and the human body written for readers from age six to young adult. (RBW)

Demonstrates that preexposure to uncorrelated presentations of noises and shocks when rats are not permitted to respond interferes with the acquisition of both conditioned emotional response and signaled punishment suppression. (Author/RK)

The World's Largest Math Event 6 (WLME 6) is the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) celebration of mathematics and mathematics education and is the highlight of Mathematics Education Month. This year's event, slated for April 28, 2000, features the theme "Animals as Our Companions". This theme encourages students to…

This paper describes a study of young children's understanding of what is on the inside of animals--skeletons and other organ systems. The study uses 2-D drawings based on the idea that a drawing is the representational model and is the outward expression of the mental model. The 617 drawings made by participants in the study were awarded one of…