This paper highlights the design process and implementation for an "all majors" undergraduate course that allows students a chance to reconnect with the natural world. During this course students explore a wide range of biological and physical science based topics that seek to highlight human intervention and our impacts on the planet.…

Monk and Osborne ("Sci Educ" 81:405-424, 1997) provide a rigorous justification for why history and philosophy of science should be incorporated as an integral component of instruction and a model for how history of science should be used to promote learning of and about science. In the following essay we critique how history of science is used on…

Discusses major leaps in knowledge about the production of flowers that have come from studying genes that regulate the flowers of mouse ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). Examines the ABC model of flower morphogenesis, commonality of genes, evolution of angiosperms, and agricultural and horticultural potential. (LZ)

Research in photosynthesis is revealing a number of possible ways to increase the efficiency of carbon dioxide assimilation by crops and thus increase yields, a necessity in times of growing population and shrinking agricultural land. (Author/BB)

Explains the mechanisms and describes the processes that underlie gravitropism in roots. Reviews experimental efforts and investigative results that explored the causes of root behavior. (ML)

A modification of the popular C-Fern system, the tropical fern Ceratopteris richardii is developed in which students plate out a genetically mixed set of fern spores and then select for specific mutants. This exercise can provide students with an experience in plant mutant selection and can be used as a platform to expose students to a diverse…

A database had been developed for the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden's Living Plant Collection using Statistical Analysis System software. Implementation procedures, data dictionary maintenance, data entry, updating, and reporting are described. (JN)

Discusses recent advances in culturing somatic cells of plants that now make it possible to apply the powerful techniques of microbial genetics to higher life forms. (Author/JR)

A brief summary of the year's activity. (BB)

Updates knowledge on nitrogen fixation, indicating that investigation of free-living nitrogen-fixing organisms is proving useful in understanding bacterial partners and is expected to lead to development of more effective symbioses. Specific areas considered include biochemistry/genetics, synthesis control, proteins and enzymes, symbiotic systems,…

Discusses various topics and issues related to the scientific enterprise in Cuba. Notes that Cuban science is emphasizing biotechnology and research on the island's chief crop (sugarcane), although hampered by limited personnel and lack of modern laboratory equipment. (JN)

The use of green, red, and far-red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources for plant physiological studies is outlined and evaluated. Indicates that LED lamps have the advantage over conventional light sources in that they are lightweight, low-cost, portable, easily constructed, and do not require color filters. (Author/DH)

Describes techniques and results of a study on leaves of a leguminous tree. (PS)

Describes the experimental procedure and expected outcome in the growth of rice seedlings with light conditions and water aeration as variables. (GS)

Scientific research leading to the discovery of female plants of the red alga Palmaria plamata (dulse) is described. This discovery has not only advanced knowledge of marine organisms and taxonomic relationships but also has practical implications. The complete life cycle of this organism is included. (JN)