Reports on new theories of the stress concept. One theory maintains that stress is nonspecific and can cause a variety of diseases through exhaustion of the body. Another theory claims that stress may be caused by the production of hormones which are specific to certain psychological stimuli. (MLH)

Research done by workers at Harvard Medical School suggests that passive exposure to cigarette smoke can impair breathing in children ages five through nine. Lung flow rates (breathing ability) decreased for children with smoking parents, and significantly if the children also smoke. (MA)

Reports that people who are predominantly left-handed apparently are able to withstand moderate brain damage with relatively few of the motor problems observed in right-handed victims of brain damage. Other brain-related differences between left- and right-handed individuals are also noted. (JN)

Status reports on broad areas of Government-funded health research and research policy are briefly reviewed. (DT)

This second of two articles on photobiology focuses on clinical applications of light. See SE 511 547 for the first article. (DT)

Presents the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research guidelines for performing psychosurgery. Also includes dissenting arguments of commission members favoring a total ban of psychosurgery. (SL)

Reports on research investigating links between the psyche and somatic diseases. (CP)

Reports on scientific research with rats which has found that electrical stimulation in areas of the brain can trigger behavioral effects similar to those produced by narcotic drugs. (CP)

Describes research which indicates that children delivered via the Leboyer method have been observed to possess higher development quotients, walk earlier, and have less difficulty during the first month of life. The Leboyer theory of tactile stimulation of children by mothers is also discussed. (SL)

Research on the structure, growth, development, and loss of hair in humans is reviewed. Studies designed to investigate methods of hair restoration using minoxidil and other compounds and treatments are discussed. (CW)

Suggests that doctors may one day be able to identify healthy people who will develop Alzheimer's disease. Discusses recent studies in which characteristics of a person's writing early in life appear to predict the disease, and brain scans can highlight changes that may precede dementia. (CCM)

Reports smoking cigarettes containing nicotine associated with significantly poorer delayed recall. (SL)

A longitudinal study of 23 hyperactive elementary school age boys found that most remained academically below normal and exhibited social deviancy throughout adolescence. (CP)