This volume contains the prepared papers and discussions of a National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council Symposium on the Future of Animals, Cells, Models, and Systems in Research, Development, Education, and Testing. The purpose of the symposium was to examine the past, present, and future contributions of animals to human health…

Nine processes of scientific research, (identified from reports of curriculum projects, the philosophy of science literature, and the opinions of science educators), were used to classify 50 strategies that scientists might follow in research. Fifty percent of a stratified random sample of 100 American researchers from each of the physical,…

Included are descriptions of activities of each of the 12 laboratories in the National Research Council of Canada, including background information and a summary of the studies (research) and results. The 12 laboratories in the NRCL are the following: Atlantic Regional Laboratory, Biochemistry Laboratory, Division of Biology, Division of Building…

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) converts genetic information into protein and usually must be processed to serve its function. RNA types, chemical structure, protein synthesis, translation, manufacture, and processing are discussed. Concludes that the first genes might have been spliced RNA and that humans might be closer than bacteria to primitive…

Discusses Cuban medical facilities, biological research (focusing on sugarcane tissue culture, interferon, hybrid cattle, tropical fruits, and yeast biosynthetic pathways), science education programs at all levels, and institutions of higher education. Also examines such concerns as the Cuban literacy rate and efforts to improve the environment.…

As both individuals and societies, we are making decisions today that will have profound consequences for future generations. From preserving Earth's plants and animals to altering our use of fossil fuels, none of these decisions can be made wisely without a thorough understanding of life's history on our planet through biological evolution.…

Discusses mechanisms and functional intent of visual communication signals in iguanid/agamid lizards. Demonstrated that lizards communicate with each other by using pushups and head nods and that each species does this in its own way, conveying different types of information. (JN)

Reviews various provisions of a five-year, $23.5-million research agreement between Washington University and the Monsanto Company. The scientific focus of this venture will be on proteins and peptides which modify cellular behavior. (SK)

Discusses biotechnology in terms of its potential and the bottlenecks encountered in the course of development. Topics/issues addressed include: biotechnology definitions; research prospects; raw material constraints; co-ordination/financial support; training; industry/university conflicts; possible risks; and legal protection involving living…

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded several grants to study effects of and possible solutions to the problem of "acid rain"; pollution from atmospheric nitric and sulfuric acids. The research program is administered through North Carolina State University at Raleigh and will focus on biological effects of acid rain. (JMF)

This article is a discussion of the current knowledge about the human brain. The need for new ways to examine and think about the brain is discussed. (Author/SA)

Addresses the questions of the social and medical uses and limitations of stimulant drugs. Reviews the biochemical models of learning and concludes that the temptation to ascribe magical or science fiction-like properties to chemical agents must be resisted. (Editor/RK)

Lists suggestions for improving experiments involving effects of various chemicals on Daphnia heart rate. Concludes that the real value of these experiments lies in what they teach about variations in the response of living things to chemicals and the difficulties researchers encounter when doing experiments with living things. (JRH)

Author describes developments in understanding of tumor suppressor genes or antioncogenes that he feels is most important breakthrough in solving cancer problem. Describes 1969 starting work of Harris with mouse fibroblast genes and later work of Knudson with retinoblastoma cells. Provides evidence that deletion of chromosome that results in the…

Traces the development of a senior level course for biology majors the integrates curriculum studies with critical analysis of current biology research and communication skills. Objectives for the course include understanding the scientific method and assessing and using information sources. (DDR)