Discussed is the discovery which may help to explain epidermal growth factor effects on the cell skeleton. The role of a protein called profilin in the regulation of the microfilament system is described. (CW)

Advances in the genetics and cell biology of muscle development are discussed. In-vitro analysis of the renaturation, polymerization, and three-dimensional structure of the purified proteins involved is described. (CW)

Discussed are the behaviors of particles and energies in the magnetic fields of neutron stars. Different types of possible research using neutron stars as a laboratory for the study of strong magnetic fields are proposed. (CW)

Presented is experimental evidence that humans develop strong preferences for objects that become familiar through repeated exposure, even when the exposures are so degraded that they cannot be discriminated as stimuli previously seen. Implications are made regarding other studies where affective discriminations are made with very little stimulus…

The body of data indicating sex differences in the brains of almost every mammalian family examined so far (rodents, birds, monkeys, and human beings) is reviewed. The differences in the hypothalamus, thalamus, corpus callosum, anterior commissure, and the hippocampus are described. (KR)

Discussed is the way in which a limited number of astronomy research initiatives were chosen and prioritized based on a consensus of members from the Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee. A list of recommended equipment initiatives and estimated costs is provided. (KR)

Reviews a study which sought to obtain a quantitative metabolic map of the neurons mediating a specific memory. Research results support notions of cooperative processes in which nonrandom behavior of high ensembles of neural elements mediates the integration and processing of information and the retrieval of memory. (ML)

This study discusses the behavior of the females of the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis, which adjust the sex ratio of their broods according to whether or not they are the first or second wasp to parasitize a host. The results provide a quantitative test of sex ratio theory. (Author/SA)

Reports results of a study for NSF on the scientific instrumentation needs of research universities. Examines current status of scientific instruments in 16 major research universities, six government laboratories, and nine commercial laboratories; and identifies factors that facilitate or impede their acquisition, use, and development. (CS)

Described is an overview of the Voyager 2 encounter with Neptune. Discussed are the trajectory, atmosphere, rings, satellites, magnetosphere, and future of Voyager 2. (YP)

This article reviews the work on patients who have undergone partial or complete brain bisection and addresses the concept of modularity from three different perspectives: (1) structure-function correlations; (2) modular components of cognitive processes; and (3) integration of modular processes. Several brain pictures and diagrams are presented.…

Reports results of an experiment involving a hydranencephalic infant lacking cerebral hemispheres and a normal twin in testing for associative learning. Cardiac orienting responses to stimulus omission indicated that learning had taken place in both infants. (CS)

The question as to whether males and females have different kinds of intellectual abilities is addressed. The evidence that there are some differences in cognition and perception between men and women is reviewed. (KR)

Indicates that infants are able to discriminate synthetic speech patterns varying in duration of the formant transitions. This variation provides information sufficient to signal the phonetic distinction between a stop consonant and a semivowel in adult listeners. Also makes conclusions regarding the discriminability of a given difference in…

Describes the use of brain models to connect the microscopic level accessible by molecular and cellular techniques with the systems level accessible by the study of behavior. Discusses classes of brain models, and specific examples of such models. Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of using brain modelling to understand human brain function.…