Two cohorts of same-sex twin pairs were assessed on grammar and vocabulary. Findings indicated that vocabulary and grammar correlated strongly at 2 and 3 years in both cohorts, with a consistently high genetic correlation between vocabulary and grammar at both ages. Findings suggest that the same genetic influences operate for vocabulary and…

Presents the real life story of Molly, who was born with a rare genetic disorder, and her parents' hope to cure her by having another child with specific genetic markers and using his/her stem cells to cure Molly. Addresses the ethical issues of genetic manipulation and fertility treatment. Includes teaching notes and classroom management…

Describes a cut-out 3-D DNA model, which can be used to teach about DNA structure. (YDS)

Studied continuity and change in general cognitive ability from infancy to adolescence in adoptees (107 children), biological siblings (87 pairs), and twins (224 monozygotic and 189 dyzygotic pairs). Findings generally support previous findings about genetic and environmental factors, with the exception that in the transition to adolescence,…

Results of two experiments indicated that preschoolers expected adopted babies to share physical properties, but not preferences with their biological parents; and recognized that a baby who looks like and lives with a woman but who grew inside another woman's body is not the first woman's baby. (BC)

Pairs of genetically unrelated children reared as same-age siblings offer a design for investigating genetic and environmental influences on behavior. Results with 21 pairs support an explanatory model of intelligence that includes genetic factors. Shared environment appeared to have a very small effect on intellectual development. (SLD)

This paper reviews ongoing research designed to specify the cognitive, behavioral, and neuroanatomical phenotypes of specific genetic etiologies of learning disability. The genetic disorders at the focus of the research include reading disability, neurofibromatosis type 1, Tourette syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. Implications for identifying…

Two family aggregation studies involving 25 children (ages 5-10) with specific language impairment (SLI) report the occurrence and co-occurrence of oral language impairments and reading impairments. Results indicate that when language impairments occur within families of SLI probands, these impairments generally co-occur with reading impairments.…

Describes how to perform the Meselson-Stahl experiment using Lego building blocks. Demonstrates how the products of DNA replication pass on to new generations of cells. (YDS)

Agricultural communications students (n=330) were surveyed to determine their knowledge of and attitudes toward biotechnology issues reported in the mass media. Although students achieved only 30% correct responses, 84% perceived their knowledge level to be average to high. Most were somewhat accepting of genetic modification for plants but less…

Describes the importance and benefits of collaboration between media specialists and science teachers for both teachers and students. Discusses ways in which media specialists can effectively cooperate with science teachers such as science fairs, open-door policies, or getting science teachers into the library. Includes a list of professional…

The study compared 9 nonretarded autistic males and 25 of their first-degree relatives with 22 control relatives, to identify potential cognitive subclinical markers in autism and differences in emotion recognition and labeling. Subjects showed an atypical cognitive profile with above average visuospatial ability and difficulty in recognizing…

Examines the technical vocabulary of genetics as a source of error and confusion. Suggests that it is necessary to identify different types of problems associated with terminology and to organize them into logical classes to deal effectively with the difficulties. Highlights terms misused in textbooks. (RT)

Uses inexpensive equipment to demonstrate, through factorial design, an interaction between genetics and environment. Provides instructions for introducing and conducting the experiment, reporting that significant results are usually obtained. Notes the exercise is appropriate for experimental psychology, developmental psychology, behavior…

Described is a laboratory exercise designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of gene mapping including RNA extraction, sucrose density gradient centrifugation, labelling of nucleic acids in vitro, DNA extraction, digestion of DNA with restriction enzymes, and the southern hybridization analysis. Procedures and sample results are…