Measured were the free erthrocyte protoporphyrin levels (a blood component) in 29 Ss with alpha thalassemia (a hereditary anemis), 19 Ss with iron deficiency anemia, and 24 normal control Ss. (DB)

Urinanalysis was performed on 24-hour samples of 11 iron deficient children (1 to 13 years of age) to determine levels of monoamine oxidase (an enzyme). (DB)

A collection of highly technical scientific articles by international basic and clinical neuroscientists constitutes a review of their knowledge of the brain and nervous system, particularly the aspects related to loss of brain function control and its explosive discharges which cause epileptic seizures. Anatomy, biophysics, biochemistry, and…

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)

Reports the chemistry of saxitoxin, a paralytic shellfish poison, and other toxins, including the structure of aplysiatoxins. Discusses the chemical signals and defense agents used in intra- and inter- species communication; anticancer agents; and organometallics in the marine environment. (MA)

Dr. Roger J. Williams has had a long, successful career in biochemistry. Here he gives some advice on how people can keep themselves healthy and active, as they grow old. (Editor/RK)

Reviews possible biochemical markers for suicide risk but notes that none has clear application for clinical work in suicide prevention. Comments on other biological aspects of suicide including genetics, plasma drug levels, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and psychoimmunology. Encourages ECT use. Cautions against hasty clinical use of other…

Discusses data acquisition systems for biologists, considering: (1) input; (2) output; (3) controllers; (4) software for data acquisition; and (5) programing languages. Also discusses several biochemical databases, including those storing data on protein sequences and on chemical structures in two-dimensional form (together with biological testing…

Thirty-seven institutionalized profoundly mentally retarded adults were studied to determine whether thyroid medication is an essential component of a recently introduced nutritional supplementation treatment. Biochemical assessments confirmed that compliance with the treatments was adequate; however, no significant IQ improvements were observed.…

Provides background information for teachers on the nature and production of antibodies. Points out that the production of monoclonal antibodies blends the malignant with the beneficial to create a medical tool of exciting potential. (JN)

Discusses the availability of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals in processed food. (JN)

Presented are abstracts of papers arranged in alphabetical order by first-named author. The proceedings of the American Physiological Society were held jointly with the American Society of Zoologists (ASZ) and the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). (EB)

If the aim of new research is to improve the genetic inheritance of future generations, then decisions regarding who should decide what research should be done needs to be established. Positive and negative eugenics need to be considered thoroughly. (PS)

Manipulation of genes in human beings on a large scale is not possible under present conditions because it lacks economic potential and other attractions for industry. However, preventive'' genetic engineering may be a field for vast research in the future and will perhaps be approved by governments, parishes, people and industry. (PS)

Describes gene infusion, the continual replacement of genes for insecticide susceptibility into insect populations, to control the level of resistant genes in pest populations. (AL)