The heritability of substance dependence (SD) liability is based on polymorphisms at the genes that are likely to be related to the function of the central nervous system. We have recently shown an association between the dopamine D5 receptor gene and SD liability. We report herein a replication of this association in an independent case-control…

Discusses what is cancer; proto-oncogenes that encode four classes of proteins including growth factors, growth factor receptors, intracellular signaling messengers, and transcription factors; tumor suppressors; and cancer therapy including metabolic inhibitors, alkylating agents and antibiotics, mitotic inhibitors, and hormone-related therapy.…

Plasma amino acid levels were measured in autistic (n=12), Asperger syndrome (n=11) patients, their parents and siblings. Patients with autism or Asperger syndrome and their siblings and parents all had raised glutamic acid, phenyalanine, asparagine, tyrosine, alanine, and lysine levels than age-matched controls. Results suggest dysregulated amino…

The study examined effects of eight weeks of treatment with Vitamin B6-Magnesium on 11 autistic children sensitive to this treatment over a shorter term. The study found significant modifications in the electrophysiological, clinical, and biochemical data gathered before, during, and after treatment. (DB)

Authors describe some clinical features of glycoprotein biochemistry, including recognition, selected blood glycoproteins, glycated proteins, histochemistry, and cancer. The material presented has largely been taught to medical laboratory students; however, it can be used to teach premedical students and pure biochemistry students. Includes two…

Suggests reasons for the lack of change in biochemistry courses and proposes mechanisms to enhance change. Advocates a problem-solving approach using nontraditional questions on examinations. Provides examples of how traditional questions can be rewritten to reflect a problem-solving approach. (PR)

Authors propose a simple and inexpensive activity to provide an exciting source of information about biological processes that occur during eutrophication of lakes and ponds. The observations and interpretations that take place during the eutrophication of the Windogradsky water column constitutes an illustrative approach for understanding…

Provides the results of a project completed by the Educational Affairs Committee of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The goal of committee members was to collect and tabulate information necessary to outline a "typical curriculum" for biochemistry and molecular biology. (ZWH)

Explains the procedures used to determine the regulatory properties of yeast pyruvate kinase. Involves a partial purification using PEG precipitation that can be done in one laboratory period with simple equipment. (DDR)

Describes a biology unit designed so that students pose their own questions and perform experiments to answer these questions. Plasmodial slime mold is employed as the focus of the study with background information about the mold provided. (DDR)

Fourteen chronically depressed female adolescents listened to rock music for a 23-minute session. EEG was recorded and saliva samples were collected to determine the effects of the music on stress hormone cortisol levels. No differences were reported for mood state; however, cortisol levels decreased and relative right-frontal activation was…

What and how students eat can profoundly affect their ability to learn. Children require a high-protein breakfast for alertness, and a balanced diet, including complex carbohydrates throughout the day. Chronic stress causes the brain and body to deplete available nutrients. Nutrition is an important issue; better school food equals better school…

Part of a series designed to facilitate better understanding of the biotechnology industry by the academic educational and research training sector, concentrates on careers in biotechnology. Discusses jobs that reflect the industry as a whole and can be extrapolated to the industry both nationally and internationally. (Author/MM)

Suggests that if students are to study enzyme kinetics they should do more than just gloss over the surface. Adequate time should be given for the student to thoroughly study the mechanisms to development a complete understanding. (MVL)

Discusses the emergence as well as the problems and prospects of biotechnology education in Turkey. (Author/CCM)