Presents a collaborative learning exercise intended to teach the unfamiliar terminology of experimental design both in biology classes and biochemistry laboratories. The exercise promotes discussion and debate, develops communication skills, and emphasizes peer review. The effectiveness of the exercise is supported by student surveys. (SOE)

Presents an historical perspective on the teaching of biochemistry in Hungary starting during the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Discusses integration and interdisciplinarity in terms of what should be included in the lecture material and what can be borrowed from other closely related subjects without excessive overlapping. Highlights differences…

Discussed is the Human Genome Project which aims to decipher the totality of the human genetic information. The historical background, the objectives, international cooperation, ethical discussion, and the role of UNESCO are included. (KR)

Presented are two cases of simple geometrical calculations involving the large numbers of atoms that are encountered in two ordinary situations. Included are questions about the spatial implications of the genome and a mole of hydrogen. (CW)

Described are the composition, design, administration, and evaluation of practical examinations. A table of the composition of biochemical unknowns for analysis in practical examinations is included. (CW)

A laboratory experiment designed as a model for studying enzyme activity with a basic spectrometer is presented. Included are background information, experimental procedures, and a discussion of probable results. Stressed is the value of the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in biochemistry. (CW)

Discussed is the evolution of aerobic organisms from anaerobic organisms and the accompanying biochemistry that developed to motivate and enable this evolution. Uses of oxygen by aerobic organisms are described. (CW)

Discussed are some of the strategies required to try to detect and explain DNA markers that account for small amounts of behavioral variation. Situations in both animal and human behavior are described. The link between molecular biology and behavior is highlighted. (CW)

Provided are six ideas for lessons and projects which could be done in secondary school science classes. Topics include alcohol; the relationship between water availability and water loss in plant growth; the effects of acids on teeth; woodlice clustering; the ecology of frogs; and human blood pressure and heart rate. (CW)

Describes a laboratory experiment that measures the amount of ascorbic acid destroyed by food preparation methods (boiling and steaming). Points out that aqueous extracts of cooked green pepper samples can be analyzed for ascorbic acid by a relatively simple redox titration. Lists experimental procedure for four methods of preparation. (MVL)

Males (ages 7 to 17) in a psychiatric hospital were studied while off psychoactive medication to determine how serum dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) activity varies with childhood maltreatment experiences. Lowest DBH levels were found in boys maltreated before 72 months of age or with the principal diagnosis of conduct disorder solitary aggressive…

Proposes an accepting attitude toward all crying in young children. Notes that crying has been found to be an important and beneficial physiological process that helps children cope with stress. (BB)

Describes an inquiry lab that helps students discover the chemical nature of enzymes. (PR)

Discusses current biological research related to plants, including rootless plants, cellulose synthesis, plant identification in forensic science, and plant chemistry. Contains 19 references. (WRM)

Describes a freshman biology laboratory project that uses the polymerase chain reaction to introduce students to the interrelationship between biology and chemistry. Students must develop their own experimental protocol, perform calculations introduced in freshman classes, and evaluate group dynamics. (Author/WRM)