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)

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)

Discusses some of the bioethical and legal questions related to in vitro fertilization of human eggs as a means of alleviating the suffering of infertile couples. (JR)

Covering the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1980, and ending June 30, 1981, this annual report of the Assembly of Life Sciences (ALS) summarizes the major activities of this group. Information is organized into four sections: (1) The Executive Office; (2) The Division of Biological Sciences; (3) The Division of Medical Sciences; and (4) The Board…

Discusses various theories about life on Mars and biochemical experiments pertaining to the origin of life. (MLH)

Discusses the optimality of natural selection, ways of testing for optimum solutions to problems of time - or energy-allocation in nature, optimum patterns in spatial distribution and diet breadth, and how best to travel over a feeding area so that food intake is maximized. (JR)

Discusses the mechanisms of genetic recombination with particular emphasis on the study of the fungus Sordaria brevicollis. The study of recombination is facilitated by the use of mutants of this fungus in which the color of the ascospores is affected. (JR)

Discusses the defense mechanisms and immune reaction found in invertebrates, and examines the wealth of related biological problems that need study and many of the leads that have recently been developed. (JR)

Historically described are research studies which led to the current explanation of the two kinds of intracellular transport-axoplasmic flow and axoral transport. Models explaining their fundamental mechanism and the kinds of materials they convey are presented. (BT)

This report details recent advances in fermentation biotechnology as presented by speakers at the 27th International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Congress. Discussion centered around the use of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi as future sources of essential materials as food, fuel, and medicine. (BT)

Traces the evolution of the nature of relationships and interactions between industry and academia in the life sciences. Discusses intellectual property and patents, publications, conflicts of interest, and cultural differences between academia and industry. (JRH)

Tested Richard Duschl's triadic model of the growth of scientific knowledge against research practices of 10 accomplished life scientists. Reports that the scientists were willing to change their aims, methods, or theories and were both realists and relativists depending on the scientific discourse about the phenomena in question. Discusses…

Examines patterns of participation of women and underrepresented minorities over the past 10 years in research and related activities at the National Science Foundation's Directorate of Biological Sciences. Discusses relative funding success of women and minorities, women and minorities in the pipeline, and current status of women and minorities.…

Researchers at National Jewish Medical and Research Center have demonstrated that dilute bleach not only kills common household mold, but may also neutralize the mold allergens that cause most mold-related health complaints. The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, is the first to test the effect on allergic…

Research is so inextricably embedded within the teaching in the bioscience disciplines that many of us do not question that there is linkage between teaching and research--we simply know that it is true as part of our discipline culture. We, as bioscientists, have written this essay for the bioscience academic community. We start from the point of…