Background: Pupillometry has been studied as a physiological marker for quantifying cognitive load since the early 1960s. It has been established that small changes in pupillary size can provide an index of the cognitive load of an individual as he/she performs a mental task. The utility of pupillometry as a measure of expertise is less well…

Many people suffer from chronic diseases and problems due to injury from accidents or ailments. Some problems, such as measles and cancer, can be cured or put into remission with time, medicine, or treatments. Other ailments, such as high blood pressure, failing kidneys, and cystic fibrosis, cannot be cured and require continuous use of…

Reviews current nutrition research areas with important practical applications. Topics include hypertension, preventable birth defects, phenylketonuria and genetic diseases, new molecular genetics techniques, and saccharin and sweetners. Entries are brief and a 65-reference list is given. (MA)

This article on the brain is part of an entire issue about neurobiology and the question of how the human brain works. The brain as an intricate tissue composed of cells is discussed based on the current knowledge and understanding of its composition and structure. (SA)

The neuron, called the building block of the brain, is discussed with regard to structure and function. (Author/SA)

The organization of the billions of neurons within the brain and spinal cord of mammals is discussed. (Author/SA)

This article focuses on the mechanisms of the human brain whose function is vision. (SA)

This article focuses on the mechanisms of the human brain which bring about body movements. Included is a discussion of the way in which the brain and spinal cord issue commands and receive signals. (Author/SA)

The specialized regions of the brain which control mental activity and language development are discussed in this article. (Author/SA)

Describes recent research findings regarding brain functions and information processing, particularly as related to pain and pleasure responses. (SL)

Small systems of neurons are discussed as they relate to studies of simple animals and the generating of behavior from interacting systems. (SA)

The chemical dimension of the function of the brain is discussed in this article. The chemical transmitters or substances are related to the excitatory or inhibitory influence on neurons. (Author/SA)

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)

Selected for discussion are certain advances in basic research and technologic innovation which shape the past, present, and future of medical care. Included are infectious diseases, especially hepatitis, immunology, clinical disorders of the immune system and the histocompatability system. (Author/SA)

Important new medical findings and advances in heart, lung, and blood research with goals of encouraging practical applications are presented in this supplement to the 12th report of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council. The findings are the result of a 10-year research program directed to the highest identified priorities in…