This review describes the prenatal and postnatal development of the human cortex. Neurogenesis, neuronal migration, dendrite maturation, synaptogenesis, and white matter development are discussed. In addition, the concept of "critical" or "sensitive" periods is discussed as well as genetic and environmental influences (Nature-Nurture). The effects…

Factors influencing birth defects include maternal age (teenagers and women over 32 are at risk), genetics, drug use, diet habits, and environmental hazards. The physical, social, and economic costs of birth defects are extreme. Prevention must involve efforts to change some of these factors. (Author/CS)

Findings from a study reported in this paper indicate that the differences in family background that affect IQ are largely the result of genetic differences among parents, which affect the parents' own status attainment and which are passed on genetically to their offspring, whose status attainments are subsequently affected. (Author/EB)

Summarizes and assesses present knowledge and projected future needs regarding the effects of malnutrition on human behavioral development. (EH)

Described is the development and evaluation of a prenatal instructional program designed to prevent birth defects. It is explained that the program, composed of five slide tape units on such topics as nutrition and environmental factors, was field tested and found effective with 97 participants (pregnant high school students, nursing students, and…

Through their marine-based diet, the Inuit of Nunavik (Quebec) are exposed to neurotoxic environmental contaminants that impact cognitive development. Mercury levels in Nunavik Inuit mothers and newborns were higher than in U.S. and Canadian populations but lower than in previous Arctic samples. Lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, chorinated…

Examines evidence on the effects of perinatal and postnatal factors (e.g., anoxia and child abuse) on later development to determine if causality exists. The inadequacies of current developmental models are discussed. (BRT)

This compilation of bibliographic citations consists of approximately 70 recent alcohol research references, categorized topically. These post-1972 references are offered in order to reduce the communication problem between the public and the scientific community by informing researchers about the most recent and available alcohol knowledge and…

Presented for vocational counselors is an overview of mental retardation, including the definition, and etiology. Described are the prenatal factors of heredity (including familial retardation and cranial anomalies), infections (including syphilis and encephalitis), radiation, blood group incompatibility, and unknown or variable etiological…

Using a case study as illustrative material, the author argues that the linguistic growth of the child unfolds as a function of the interaction of several factors: Those that spring from within the child himself; those related to prenatal, natal, and post-natal events; and those that impinge on him from the environment. (Author/JM)

Identifies stages in a child's life (particularly low-income children) at which he might be "disadvantaged" or "advantaged" in relation to certain influences in his life at that time, and argues that the child experiences the most critical influences before the school receives him.

A presentation of findings of the author's extensive research into the original studies on which some American social scientists have based writings which at least question whether environment has any effect on IQ test scores--suggesting that heredity may be the determinant. (Author/JM)

Deals with pre and post-natal malnutrition and its possible influence on the child, focusing on these points: How wide-spread and severe is the malnutrition? What might be the effects of the malnutrition at certain critical points in development? (Author/JM)

Argues that William Shockley's position lends itself to racist interpretations which promote prejudice and provide elitist teachers and administrators with another excuse for failing to teach black children. (Author/JM)