Presented are several ideas for projects involving ladybird beetles. Discussed is background information about the insects; and projects involving life histories, intra-specific variation, taxonomy, genetics, behavior, ecology, habitat surveys, population biology, and overwintering biology. Lists 12 references. (CW)

Describes how the science fiction novel "Jurassic Park" has been used to provide the focus for summate discussions among gifted high school students participating in a state-sponsored, science-intensive summer program. Discusses adaptations of this approach for use in chemistry classes from the high school to intermediate college level. (JRH)

Describes new software called "PopGenetics" that is useful for conducting hands-on laboratory activities that illustrate population genetics. Users investigate the effects of selection and random drift on changes in allelic frequencies, the effect of mutation, and interactions among these three parameters. Designed for use on Macintosh…

Reports results of a study that examined academic library holdings for core journals in genetics and economics to identify quantitative and qualitative journal characteristics that are predictors of the number of libraries subscribing to the journal. Variables investigated include subject area, publisher, price, longevity, impact factor, prestige…

Triads composed of a mother and two children from either a nonadoptive or an adoptive family were observed in play settings in the home. Genetic factors were found to influence differences in sibling interactions and maternal interactions with siblings. Environmental factors also had an influence. (BC)

This article presents a case study of a child with Hunter's syndrome, a genetic disorder often resulting in a degeneration of speech and language functioning and hearing loss. The study demonstrates the typical delay in diagnosis and shows how a team approach can maintain such a child in a regular public school setting. (Author/DB)

Discussed are the division of labor, defenses, genetics and evolution, communication, and navigation power of honeybees. The scientific and cross-curricular themes that can be offered using the economically important honeybee are described. Research that suggests that bees may be flying magnets is also discussed. (KR)

Presents summary of a panel discussion at the Conference of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity (1992) on the health risks of treating obesity. The panel focused on selectivity in accepting patients, obesity and mortality, genetic individuality, weight loss mode and outcome, weight loss and longevity, and weight maintenance.…

A survey of 1,140 primary care physicians and psychiatrists who graduated from medical school from 1950 through 1985 indicated that knowledge of genetics is increasing, especially among more recent graduates, but deficiencies remain. Need is seen for greater emphasis on genetics to reduce chance of physician error as more tests become available.…

Describes an outreach program designed to expose high school students to cutting-edge science. High school students are provided with hands-on experience in molecular biology (polymerase chain reaction, restriction mapping, chromatography, gel electrophoresis, human DNA sequencing, etc.) and may have an opportunity to participate in the Human…

Describes science experiments for undergraduate biology instruction on the concepts of mutation and characterization of the resulting mutant strains. The filamentous fungi "Fusarium moniliforme" is used to illustrate the induction of mutants (mutagenesis), identification of the mutated gene, construction of a biochemical pathway, and…

Shows how fruit flies can be used in the teaching genetics laboratory to correlate the principles of heredity with the modern understanding of enzymes. (Contains 16 references.) (MDH)

Describes an inexpensive and sturdy model of protein synthesis that students can make in groups or that can be used by the teacher for demonstrations. (PR)

This article reviews research on cognition and intervention among individuals (mostly males) with fragile X syndrome, the second leading cause of mental retardation. It describes general syndrome characteristics, specific cognitive characteristics (such as better verbal than performance abilities), and educational implications. (Author/DB)

Describes inexpensive hands-on activities for teaching about mutants and mutations in bacteria. (PR)