Reviews much of what is known about microtubules, which are biopolymers consisting predominantly of subunits of the globular protein, tubulin. Describes the functions of microtubules, their structure and assembly, microtube associated proteins, and microtubule-disrupting agents. (TW)

Reports of two experimental studies of uses of citing statements to augment full-text information retrieval of biomedical papers indicate that 78 percent of the words in computer-recognized citing statements were correctly attributable to corresponding cited papers, and computer procedures missed four percent of the words in the actual statements.…

Lists examples of problems that have broad biological significance that can be studied in hospital maintenance organizations (HMOs). (PG)

Examination of how biomedical scientists cite the published work of others in their own journal articles revealed that subjects tended to summarize or generalize others' articles and used few direct quotations and little paraphrasing. The results suggest ethical and instructional questions relating to which citation forms should be taught to…

Nursing education and theory lean toward behavioral sciences, but practice focuses on biomedical problems. Bioscience should be reintroduced to nursing theory through reflective practice. This may also rectify the symbol-object dichotomy in natural sciences, which inhabits the relationship of theory and practice. (SK)

Includes "New Types of Cooperative Research in Japan" (Manabu Eto); "Institutionalizing University-Industry Collaboration for the Diffusion of Intangible Innovations: The Case of Computer-supported Cooperative Work" (Heaton); and "Triple Helix Relationships in a National Context: The Location of Research in the Australian…

Introduces a special section of five articles that highlight new collaborative research opportunities for developmental psychologists and other biomedical researchers. Such research has focused on the transition from fetus to newborn, evaluation of early toxin exposure, and the behavioral phenotype associated with genetic syndromes. (MDM)

Discusses the Human Genome Project and the identification of Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited cause of mental retardation. Fragile X Syndrome is caused by an abnormal gene on the bottom of the X chromosome. Examined the phenotype of Fragile X Syndrome in males and females and the spectrum of learning difficulties caused by the…

Proposes an "ethics of evidence" as an approach to medical uncertainty and a vital component of biomedical ethics. Calls for use of the best possible scientific evidence for every phase of medical decision making. (SLD)

Examines the ethics of data collection and dissemination, suggesting criteria for the morally responsible treatment of evidence collection, dissemination, and use. Comments on the importance of V. Mike's proposal of an "ethics of evidence." (SLD)

Recent federal regulatory rulings call into question the collection of family medical history without the consent of third-party family members. The clash between privacy rights and research methods could influence the quality of genetic and epidemiological research. (SK)

Growing public concern about privacy and the use of medical records has created a new research climate. Biomedical researchers must reassess protections for human subjects and become involved in debates surrounding recent federal regulations governing the privacy of personal health information. (Contains 40 references.) (SK)

Among biomedical scientists, there is a great deal of controversy over the nature of race, the relevance of racial categories for research, and the proper methods of using racial variables. This article argues that researchers and scholars should avoid a binary-type argument, in which the question is whether to use race always or never.…

There are various ways to succeed in recruiting and retaining underrepresented minority (URM) doctoral students; but key to them all is the creation of real student-faculty relationships, which demonstrate by example that diversity and excellence can and should coexist. This cannot be delegated or done indirectly, and no amount of outreach, campus…

Describes the outstanding achievement in each of 10 major engineering categories. These categories include synthetic fibers, nuclear energy, computers, solid state electronics, jet aircraft, biomedical engineering, lasers, communications satellites, the United States space program, and automation and control systems. (JN)