There are numerous and complex events taking place during brain maturation that provide the biologic underpinnings of learning and behavior. (MM)

Studied the onset of puberty in girls aged nine to eleven as represented by breast, pubic hair growth, and height. Breast growth, but not pubic hair growth was associated with a positive body image, positive peer relationships, and superior adjustment. Height was linked to superior adjustment and rating of career as important. (RJC)

Believing that synthetic human growth hormone (hGH) will lead to athletic prowess and fortune, some parents and young athletes wish to use the drug to enhance sports performance. Should hGH become widely available, its abuse could present many problems, from potential health risks to the ethics of drug-enhanced athletic performance. (JL)

Basic architecture of embryo development appears to be under homeobox control (a short stretch of DNA). Outlines research on this genetic segment in fruit flies which led to identification of this control on the embryo's spatial organization. Indicates that molecular mechanisms underlying development may be much more universal than previously…

Reviews the effects of malnutrition during pregnancy and before the age of three on children's brain development and subsequent mental development. Describes marasmus, kwashiorkor, and the incidence of malnutrition in South Africa. Discusses the relationship between the culture of poverty, malnutrition, and illegitimacy. Urges South Africans to…

Issues in studying pubertal events are examined, including whether puberty is best characterized as a social construction or a physical event, whether early adolescence is a transitional or distinct life period, life events associated with puberty, boundaries of early adolescence, and possible models for studying pubertal change. (Author/BW)

Discusses normative developmental changes in cardiovascular and electrodermal activity and describes the dynamic balance between branches of the autonomic nervous system. Issues for further developmental study are identified, and problems and limitations in the psychophysiological study of children are explored. (Author/RH)

A work reproduction design was used to examine the effect of attentional focus on the perception of physical work. Subjects performed a fixed interval of work while answering arithmetic problems or performing in an unfilled control condition. Results of this study are discussed. (Author/DF)

In this study, an attempt was made to determine whether psychophysiological differences existed between 20 prematurely born and 20 full-term infants in their responsiveness to tactile stimulation and in their ability to discriminate among different intensities of such stimulation. (Author/SB)

Describes Hartford Ballet School's movement programs for children aged 2 1/2-7 and their mothers. Focus is on child's individual expression and discoveries. (HS)

This book combines short stories with clear, factual health information for adolescent females about menstruation and their bodily changes they are experiencing. It focuses on young girls' concerns and questions about menstruation and educates through a combination of the front matter and the stories themselves. Coming from different generations…

The concept of critical or sensitive periods in child development provides an example around which to organize discussion of what is known and not known about brain development and the implications of brain science on early childhood policy and practice. This book reviews the early history of critical periods and evidence for their existence in…

Because sleep disturbances are common in childhood, almost every parent will have to deal with a child's sleeptime problems at some point. This guide offers information on sleep in children from birth through adolescence. The book answers common questions from parents, and provides advice on preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, getting infants…

The most influencial factors on physical performance appear to be environmental and not genetic as evidenced by the results of the present ethnic sampling. (Author)

Teachers are confronted with the practical problem of deciding how large correlations should be between individual differences in motor skills in order to be taken seriously and influence and/or be the stimulus for modifying or drastically changing their current teaching practice. (Author)