Discusses trends that have converged to transform our understanding of genetic and environmental influences on personality traits. Presents five main determinants of personality. (ZWH)

The use of statistical techniques by behavioral geneticists to divvy up separate genetic and environmental effects on individual traits is examined. The interactions between genes and environment and the effects that are produced between siblings are discussed. (KR)

Responses to a bereavement questionnaire completed by married couples (n=74) who had lost a child through death were analyzed. When parents' perceptions of the cause of their child's death were examined, it was found that, for females, but not males, the attribution of the death to genetic factors in the spouse was negatively correlated with…

The evolutionary paths by which the characteristic properties of sex chromosomes may have evolved are reviewed. The evolution of the X and Y chromosomes from a cosexual ancestor is discussed. (CW)

The link between science and society is examined by studying the application of evolution theories and genetics to human affairs. Described are the ways in which biological theories have been applied to social issues. (KR)

Explores the interplay between nature and nurture using antisocial behavior as the example, and discusses key genetic concepts and key environmental concepts. The final section considers the nature-nurture interaction in relation to passive, evocative, and active gene-environment correlations and calls for research into the effects of the…

Accurate and sensitive communication of cancer-risk information is important. Based on a literature review of 75 research reports, expert opinion papers, and clinical protocols, a synthesis of what is known about the communication of cancer-risk information is presented. Relevance of information to those not tested is discussed. (Author/EMK)

Analyzes composition reading performance data from identical and fraternal twin pairs in order to test the hypothesis that genetic influences are more important as a cause of reading disability in girls than in boys. Provides little or no evidence for the hypothesis of greater genetic influence on reading difficulties in girls than in boys. (SC)

The 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome is a genetic disorder in children with many concomitant medical and developmental problems. Communication disorders are among the most common features of this syndrome and include articulation, language, resonance, and voice problems. Awareness of these features and a multidisciplinary approach are necessary for…

Data from a previous adoption study using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised show that the genetic effect is reflected by psychometric "g" (general intelligence) to a greater degree than is the environmental effect. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that "g" largely reflects the genetic component…

Comparison of the production of repetitive speech during conversations in 30 people with either fragile X syndrome, autistic disorder, or mental retardation not caused by fragile X found repetitive speech more prevalent among those with fragile X. Results support the hypothesis that such speech dysfluency reflects the effects of physiological…

Investigated genetic and environmental influences on the similarity and differences among five tests of cognitive abilities in 1,958 pairs of same-sex twins born in 1994 in the United Kingdom. Results suggest a developmental trend from modularity to molarity when considered in relation to multivariate genetic results later in life that show that…

Comments on Joseph's review of the genetics of attention deficit disorder, demonstrating errors of scientific logic and oversight of relevant research in Joseph's argument. Argues for the validity of twin studies in supporting a genetic link for ADHD and for the complementary role of nature and nurture in the etiology of the disorder. (JPB)

Answers the most important criticisms by Faraone and Biederman in their critique of Joseph's analysis of evidence supporting a genetic basis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Argues that possible genetic and environmental influences in ADHD twin studies are confounded, obscuring inferences about genetic factors. (JPB)

Presents a series of elementary mathematical tools for re-representing pedigrees, pedigree generators, pedigree-driven database management systems, and case studies for exploring genetic relationships. (MKR)