Traces the history of the molecular approach to biology from the late 19th century. Describes the development of investigatory techniques as well as of knowledge of molecular structure. (EB)

Provides top-rated programs (by university) in biochemistry, botany, cellular/molecular biology, microbiology, physiology, and zoology. Overall scores included with each program were obtained from 1,848 biologists who were asked to rate programs in terms of faculty quality and their effectiveness in educating graduate students. (Author/JN)

Laments the neglect of discussion of active transport of plant nutrients from soil to root in general biology textbooks. (AL)

Reports that as a result of our increasing knowledge of the molecular biology of nitrogen fixation it might eventually be possible to increase the biological production of nitrogenous fertilizer from atmospheric nitrogen. (GS)

The National Academy of Sciences suggests models for biomedical research which include a biology-wide information system with computerized database accessible from a multitude of dimensions. Links could help discover whether toxic chemicals have effects similar to hormones. Commonalities from molecules to ecosystems might restructure available…

Summarizes events of a conference on evolutionary biology in Chicago entitled: "Macroevolution." Reviews the theory of modern synthesis, a term used to explain Darwinism in terms of population biology and genetics. Issues presented at the conference are discussed in detail. (CS)

Reviews applications of information theory to biology, concluding that they have not proved very useful. Suggests modifications and extensions to increase the biological relevance of the theory, and speculates about applications in quantifying cell proliferation, chemical homeostasis and aging. (EB)

Discusses the applicability and advantages of using yeasts as popular and ideal model systems for studying and understanding eukaryotic biology at the cellular and molecular levels. Cites experimental tractability and the cooperative tradition of the research community of yeast biologists as reasons for this success. (RT)

Reports on the Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act requiring that "creation science" and evolution receive "balanced treatment" in classroom lectures, textbooks, library materials used, science and humanities, and other educational materials or programs in Louisiana public schools. (JN)

Stresses the importance of investigating bacterial mechanisms to discover clues for a greater understanding of cells. Cites examples of study areas of biological significance which may reveal information about the evolution of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and lead to a comprehensive theory of cell biology. (RT)

Proposes an international research laboratory to investigate environmental factors in human health. By international cooperation unnecessary duplication and waste of resources can be avoided and long-term studies can examine various world-wide environments. (JM)

Discusses the advantages of Xenopus laevis as an experimental animal in the study of embryogenesis in vertebrates. Summarizes the contributions of this system to the analysis of ribosomal and 5S RNA genes, and the diverse and highly productive applications of the oocyte injection technology. (RT)

Discusses ethical and social issues arising from the possible application of biomedical technologies providing control over life and death, human potentialities, and human achievement. Argues that "because we lack wisdom, caution is our urgent need," and proposes that systems of international control and regulation are needed. (AL)

Describes how a behavioral system in Aplysia (marine snail) can be used to examine mechanisms of several forms of learning at different levels of analysis: behavioral, cell-physiological, ultrastructural, and molecular. Focusing on short-term sensitization, suggests how molecular mechanisms can be extended to explain long-term memory and classical…

Discusses the high school framework and standards developed by the National Science Teachers Association in the subjects of physics, chemistry, biology, and earth and space sciences. (MKR)