Proposes local similarity pattern (LSP) as a new method for computing digital image similarity. Topics include optimizing similarity computation based on genetic algorithm; relevance feedback; and an evaluation of LSP on five databases that showed an increase in retrieval precision over other methods for computing image similarity. (Author/LRW)

Presents descriptions, and critiques seven books that cover racism, primarily from the hermeneutical viewpoint. Suggests that all seven were written in response to the "Bell Curve" (Herrnstein and Murray, 1994) and that they collectively argue that any new evidence of genetic determinism is inadmissible on the grounds that empirical work…

Uses characters from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" to teach about human pedigrees and presents an activity demonstrating how traits are passed to offspring. (YDS)

Advocates discussing human biological variation and race in science curricula. Explains how biologists use the term "race" and what that implies. (YDS)

Presents an assay on genetically modified (GM) foods, also called Frankenfoods, that demonstrates ways to evaluate a scientific metaphor and facilitate discussion on students' values regarding GM foods. (YDS)

This paper reports a clinical case of autism with a deletion on chromosome 2 in a young male with high functioning autism. The deletion seems to correspond with regions emerging from linkage studies. The paper proposes this chromosomal region as a possible candidate region in the search for autism genes. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Presents an activity in which students seek answers to questions about evolutionary relationships by using genetic databases and bioinformatics software. Students build genetic distance matrices and phylogenetic trees based on molecular sequence data using web-based resources. Provides a flowchart of steps involved in accessing, retrieving, and…

Examines ways in which students collaborate to construct, use, and revise conceptual and strategic knowledge as they solve complex genetics problems. Concludes that students used three types of knowledge during model revision: knowledge of genetics, knowledge of the process of model revision, and knowledge of their own problem-solving strategies…

Discusses genetics and heredity and their relation to human behavior. (JRH)

Presents a laboratory exercise that demonstrates the sensitivity of the Polymerase Chain Reaction as well as its potential application to forensic analysis during a criminal investigation. Can also be used to introduce, review, and integrate population and molecular genetics topics such as genotypes, multiple alleles, allelic and genotypic…

Presents a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory exercise that can be performed by introductory biology students in 1 45- to 55-minute class period. Includes a general description of the polymerase chain reaction, materials needed, procedure, and details of interest to teachers. (JRH)

Presents an activity to simulate electrophoresis using everyday items. Uses adding machine paper to construct a set of DNA fingerprints that can be used to solve crime cases designed by students in any biology class. (JRH)

Discusses major leaps in knowledge about the production of flowers that have come from studying genes that regulate the flowers of mouse ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). Examines the ABC model of flower morphogenesis, commonality of genes, evolution of angiosperms, and agricultural and horticultural potential. (LZ)

Whether variation in the number of cytosine-guanine-guanine (CGG) repeats on the FMR-1 gene relates to IQ in the general population was studied for 35 low-IQ, 19 middle-IQ, and 49 high-IQ children. IQ groups did not differ significantly in number of CGG repeats. (SLD)

A study involving 20 pairs of monozygotic and 17 pairs of dizygotic twins aged 5 to 6 years was conducted to explore the extent to which electroencephalogic (EEG) coherence is affected by genetic and environmental factors. Analysis reveals both genetic and environmental influences on functional connections in the cortex. (SLD)