The Human Genome Project, an effort to sequence all the DNA of a human cell, is needed to better understand the behavior of chromosomes during cell division, with the ultimate goal of understanding the specific genes contributing to specific diseases and disabilities. (MSE)

This study of 11 3-generation families supported the hypothesis of autosomal dominant inheritance with reduced penetrance. Data did not support an increased frequency of males, left-handedness, or autoimmune disorders in dyslexics. Severity was greater in males. Long-term outcome was comparable in dyslexics and nondyslexics. (JDD)

Describes the immersion system using analyses problems which was developed to improve students' critical thinking skills in introductory biology courses. Presents examples for college level problem solving procedures. Analyses students' and faculty members' reactions to analysis problems. (YDS)

This study focused on the extent to which the comparison of isomorphic problems might enrich subjects' representations and solving strategies. Results with 166 sixth graders solving isomorphic problems show that comprehension increased as problems were processed and that simultaneous presentation of all problems was more favorable than successive…

Studied 715 twins and singletons to document heritable influences on temperament during toddler and preschool ages. Found substantial shared environmental influence on positive affect and additive genetic influence on emotion regulation. Intraclass correlations from many scales showed no evidence of "too-low" dizygotic correlations that…

Explores the nature of knowledge, particularly the difference between genetic knowledge and cultural knowledge, and its significance for understanding evolution. This exploration is the foundation of a discussion on medical information inherited in genes and accumulated in society. The problems of cultural medical knowledge for evolution are…

This study examined whether the variability in development in fragile X syndrome is related to FMR protein deficiency in 53 young males with various degrees of the syndrome. FMR protein expression accounted for a small but significant amount of variance in level, but not rate, of development. Findings support the hypothesized relationship but…

Studied the genetic influence of low cognitive functioning in 200 pairs of twins aged at least 80 years and identified as not demented. Results suggest that the heritability of low cognitive functioning in this group was nonsignificant, but above-average cognitive functioning shows substantial group heritability. (SLD)

This paper describes the developmental and behavioral patterns of 13 prelinguistic children (ages 11 to 47 months) with Cri-du-chat syndrome (CDCS). Parents provided demographic and genetic information, descriptions of their child's typical behavior, and completed a developmental checklist. Developmental, behavioral, and genetic profiles are…

Highlights the importance of the Human Genome Project in educating the public about genetics. Discusses four challenges that science educators must address: teaching for conceptual understanding, the nature of science, the personal and social impact of science and technology, and the principles of technology. Contains 45 references. (JRH)

A study of 202 patients with autism found the incidence of a dodecamer duplication in the HOPA gene was not significantly different between patients and controls. Three female patients inherited the duplication from nonautistic fathers. Also, there was no systematic skewing of X inactivation in female patients with the duplication. (Contains…

Provides opinions on interpreting reports on genetic influences on human behavior, which sometimes attribute genetic versus environmental effects with decimal precision. Discusses the need for scientific information and objectivity. (SAH)

Discusses interactions between experimental systems and modes of interpretation. Uses the discovery of the 'base pairing principle' by Erwin Chargaff as an example to show how established laboratory routines and their development interact with the underlying theoretical framework and the 'Denkstil' (style of thought) of a collective of researchers…

Considers how visuals are constructions that are products of a writer's interpretation with its own "power-laden agenda." Reviews the current approach taken by composition scholars, surveys richer interdisciplinary work on visuals, and (by using visuals connected with the Human Genome Project) models an analysis of visuals as rhetoric.…

Probes students' understanding of the relationships between genetic concepts. Identifies alternative conceptions and compartmentalization between related concepts. Argues that genetic instruction in 9th and 12th grade and in college in Israel needs improvement. (Author/MM)