Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder occurring almost exclusively in females. Regression is a defining feature of RTT. During the regression stage, RTT girls display many autistic features, such as loss of communication and social skills, poor eye contact, and lack of interest, and initially may be given the diagnosis of autism.…

Background: Figurative language, such as metaphor and metonymy, is very common in daily language use. Its underlying cognitive processes are sometimes viewed as lying at the interface of language and thought. Williams syndrome, which is a rare genetic developmental disorder, provides an opportunity to study this interface because individuals with…

Neurofibromatosis, type 1 (NF-1) is a common genetic disorder affecting 1 in 3,500-4,000 individuals in the world. Mutations of the NF-1 gene produce a myriad of physical, medical, and psychological manifestations. Although there is a very high degree of variability in the manifestations between individuals with NF-1, the majority of children and…

The life-long neurological impairments found in people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), including learning disabilities, impulsivity, hyperactivity, social ineptness, and poor judgment, can increase susceptibility to victimization and involvement in the criminal justice system (CJS). Individuals with FASDs become involved in the CJS…

Discusses how viewing intelligence as a learned skill and not a genetic gift may make the standard IQ test a thing of the pedagogical past. (GB/Editor)

Presents the idea that social systems evolve to increase the genetic fitness of individuals in specific environments. Cites examples of animal behavior and environmental influences that may indicate why different social systems have evolved. (GS)

Excerpt of a PhD dissertation submitted to the New York University School of Education

The directory lists medical genetic units in the United States and elsewhere in the world. The director and address of each unit are specified; types of genetic services available are indicated by code. (JD)

This booklet, in the series "Understanding the Atom," summarizes the important findings on radioactive fallout for which there is substantial scientific agreement, indicates the areas of disagreement, and lists some answered questions. Sources of fallout, its local and worldwide effects (including movement in the atmosphers), the…

Describes the science of hair analysis and its use in the solution of crimes. Methods of analysis and genetic and environmental characteristics which can be inferred are presented. (CP)

Stresses ways to answer questions related to widespread publicity - are nuclear reactors safe, will dangerous research in genetic manipulation be banned? - with emphasis on true meaning of safety as related to risks. (EB)

Describes the Miller and Urey experiment to synthesize organic compounds. Includes subsequent research and relates these studies to the formation of one-celled organisms in an oxygen-free atmosphere. (MA)

Discusses private interest attacks on academic freedom and the underlying question, "what kinds of scientific research are to be screened by public debate"? Suggests that it is the implications of research that should receive public and ideological attention while the research itself should be evaluated by objective scientists, those…