Mycobacteriophages are in the limelight of biomedical science (Pedulla et al., 2003), and new phage can be discovered and studied in a variety of high school and undergraduate educational settings. Simple methods for finding and studying new mycobacteriophage are described.

Explains the history and structure of RNA. Discusses small RNAs and the role of assumptions in science. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Explores new research about bacteria. Discusses bacterial genomes, archaea, unusual environments, evolution, pathogens, bacterial movement, biofilms, bacteria in the body, and a bacterial obsession. Contains 29 references. (JRH)

Describes a project where students were given a small but real scientific question and allowed to deal with all aspects of the project just as a professional scientist would, rather than work on the science part only. (JRH)

Virology is an integral part of introductory biology courses. Research and experience indicate that, although the topic is a difficult one for many students, the effectiveness of instruction is enhanced when assignments actively engage the students in the generation of scientific explanations. These authors have found that the methods and…

Explores the meaning of DNA. Discusses histories of DNA, literature on DNA, the contributions of Max Delbruck and Barbara McClintock, life, views of control, current research, and the language of DNA. Contains 24 references. (JRH)

Addresses the most popular models currently being chosen for biological research and the reasons behind those choices. Among the current favorites are zebra fish, fruit flies, mice, monkeys, and yeast. Concludes with a brief examination of the ethical issues involved, and why some animals may need to be replaced in research with model systems.…

Describes a collaborative project by a tropical ecologist, an ant expert, and a biology teacher to explore insect herbivory in the rainforest canopy. (MKR)

Briefly discusses recent changes in the science of biology and examines the implications of these changes on college curriculum, faculty teaching and research. (MA)

Focuses on the analysis of Thomas S. Kuhn's book, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions." Science history is reviewed as it is viewed through the idea of a paradigm. The sequence in science or life cycle of a paradigm is explained. (SA)

Relates personal experiences conducting scientific research on the brain mechanisms of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Argues that solutions to scientific questions can come from strange sources. Contains 13 references. (WRM)

Reviews creationist arguments attacking scientific evidence for evolution and an old earth, presenting counter-arguments from the evolutionist's point of view. (CS)

Discusses graviperception and gravitropism by plant roots. Indicates that graviperception occurs via sedimentation of amyloplasts in columella cells of the root cap and that the minimal graviresponsiveness of lateral roots may be due to the intensity of their caps to establish a concentration gradient of inhibitor(s) sufficient to affect…

Presents a classroom technique designed to aid student understanding of science that involves a flow chart of the scientific method. Affords a conceptual framework for organizing many research concepts taught in introductory science classes. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Describes the history of the study of dinosaurs and current topics of research in the field. Contains 18 references. (WRM)