The use of microelectronics and computers in medicine is reviewed, focusing on medical research; medical data collection, storage, retrieval, and manipulation; medical decision making; computed tomography; ultrasonic imaging; role in clinical laboratories; and use as adjuncts for diagnostic tests, monitors of critically-ill patients, and with the…

Reviews the pros and cons of using animals or alternatives in scientific research. Such alternatives (as indicated in congressional bill HR 556) include mathematical models, isolated organs, tissue and cell cultures, computer simulations, mechanical models, and "lower" organisms among others. (SK)

Reviewing some empirical studies on brain hemisphere functions, the author concludes that though the brain is lateralized for specific tasks, this fact has no necessary bearing on educational methodology. He asserts that we do not yet know enough to label and teach art as a "right brain" activity. (Author/SJL)

Describes a project conducted to improve nursing students' attitudes toward research. Various teaching approaches were developed and integrated into the classroom with positive results. In a followup questionnaire students recommended stressing the practical and clinical application of research and the integration of research from the beginning of…

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 discussion focuses on the problem in neurobiology in which neurons are able to make correct connections as the brain develops in utero. (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)

It is suggested that the functions of an institutional review board are to educate, inform, and assist in protocol preparation as well as to review applications in order to ensure that human subjects involved in research are protected. The University of Texas Health Science Center also mediates, exerts peer pressure, and influences policy as it…

While comparisons are difficult, Sweden's socialized health care delivery system produces superior health results when compared with the United States, and its concentration on optimization of cost-benefit ratios, with centralized research, planning, and resource aid, presents concepts the U.S. could adopt while maintaining free-enterprise…

Five published leukemia studies have been retracted by the director of the Human Genome Project because they were based on falsified data from a graduate student, although some of the conclusions are still supported. Inconsistencies were discovered by a peer reviewer and were also found in the student's other work. (MSE)

Explores the use of linear models and a combination of neural networks and linear classifiers to create a hybrid hierarchical mixture of experts (HME) model. Results confirm that using the hierarchical structure of the classification vocabulary improves categorization performance. (AEF)