The writer of this editorial decries the lack of progress that has been made in producing a scientifically literate citizenry and urges biology educators to employ good public relations techniques in resolving controversial issues. (PEB)

Research done by workers at Harvard Medical School suggests that passive exposure to cigarette smoke can impair breathing in children ages five through nine. Lung flow rates (breathing ability) decreased for children with smoking parents, and significantly if the children also smoke. (MA)

Describes the policies, operation, and some decisions of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research instituted to study the ethical aspects of scientific research. (MLH)

This second of two articles on photobiology focuses on clinical applications of light. See SE 511 547 for the first article. (DT)

Discusses the nature of the immune response and traces many of the discoveries that have led to the present state of knowledge in immunology. The new cellular immunology is directing its efforts toward improving health by proper manipulation of the immune mechanisms of the body. (JR)

Lithium carbonate is used in treatment of mental patients with manic-depressive disorders. (Author/DF)

Axonal degeneration contributes to the development of non-remitting neurological deficits and disability in multiple sclerosis, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie axonal loss in multiple sclerosis are not clearly understood. Studies of white matter axonal injury have demonstrated that voltage-gated sodium channels can provide a route for…

Urges that biology teachers include the study of genetic anomolies, some very simple aspects of pedigree analysis, and related problems in order to produce citizens who are aware of the impact of science on their lives. (PEB)

Trace elements and some drugs can be identified in hair and it seems likely that other organic chemicals will be identifiable in the future. Since hair is so easily collected, stored, and analyzed it promises to be an ideal complement to serum and urine analysis as a diagnostic tool. (BB)

Discusses major uses of rats as experimental animals for studying health concerns, pointing out that their size, gestation, and histocompatibility make them useful in various studies. Topic areas addressed include aging, autoimmune disease, genetics, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, infection, reproduction, and behavior. (DH)

Discusses recent advances in the understanding of the photoreceptor function. Phototransduction, photoreceptor syncitium, and the signal at the synapse are among the topic areas addressed. (DH)

High-energy, relativistic nuclei were first observed in cosmic rays. Studing these nuclei has provided an opportunity for analyzing the composition of cosmic rays and for experimentally verifying principles governing the behavior of nuclear matter at high and super-high temperatures. Medical research using accelerated nuclei is suggested.…

Discusses a General Accounting Office report that criticizes the National Institute of Health's system of funding biomedical research for, among other things, not ensuring priority to the most deserving projects. (MLH)

Examines past achievements and discusses the future impact that applied science and medical technology will have in combating disease and illness. Suggests that long-range planning and organization on a national scale are essential. (JR)