Group items tagged

In a stunning discovery that overturns decades of textbook teaching, researchers have determined that the brain is directly connected to the immune system by vessels previously thought not to exist.

Readings of milestone biological discoveries and the scientist behind them

The Human Genome Project (HGP) was one of the great feats of exploration in history - an inward voyage of discovery rather than an outward exploration of the planet or the cosmos; an international research effort to sequence and map all of the genes - together known as the genome - of members of our species, Homo sapiens. Completed in April 2003, the HGP gave us the ability, for the first time, to read nature's complete genetic blueprint for building a human being.

All introductory biology textbooks, and many sophomore-level genetics textbooks as well, describe several classic experiments in molecular biology. This interrupted case study takes students through two of these classic experiments, namely, those by Griffith and Avery, McCarty and MacLeod that showed DNA to be the genetic material in Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the experiment by Meselson and Stahl that demonstrated DNA replication to be semiconservative. Engaging students with the experiments in a more exploratory manner can reinforce the nature of scientific discovery and the logic behind these findings. The case, which has been formatted as two separate exercises that can be used independently, was developed for use in introductory biology classes for biology majors. The material is accessible enough to also be useful for non-majors college biology or high school AP biology students.

Three years ago, Dr. Doudna, a biochemist at the University of California, Berkeley, helped make one of the most monumental discoveries in biology: a relatively easy way to alter any organism's DNA, just as a computer user can edit a word in a document.

In their May 2015 Scientific American article "Cellular Small Talk," Dale W. Laird, Paul D. Lampe and Ross G. Johnson report on recent discoveries showing that the disruption of cellular structures called gap junctions can cause various diseases.

The activity of some of our genes varies with the seasons throughout the year. The discovery comes from an analysis of blood samples from more than 16,000 people in both hemispheres. The most striking pattern was that 147 genes involved in the immune system made it more reactive or "pro-inflammatory" during winter or rainy seasons, probably to battle the onslaught of cold and flu viruses

Cell Biology and Cancer-developed with the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-is a creative, inquiry-based instruction program, designed to promote active learning and stimulate student interest in medical topics. This curriculum supplement will: Deepen students' awareness of the importance of basic research to advances in medicine and health Foster students' abilities to think critically Help students understand the effects of scientific discoveries on their own lives Encourage students to take more responsibility for their own health

Diabetes has a history dating back to Ancient Greece. Our treatment of it, however, is more recent and was originally made possible with the help of man's best friend. Due to physiological traits shared with humans, dogs have saved countless lives through the discovery of insulin. Duncan C. Ferguson shares the story of the canine's great contribution to man -- and how we can all reap the medical benefits.

While the loss of these animals is concerning for species conservation, now researchers at the University of Florida have shown that overhunting can have widespread effects on the forest itself. Overhunting leads to the extinction of a dominant tree species, Miliusa horsfieldii, or the Miliusa beech, with likely cascading effects on other forest biota.

Curricular resources including animations and games

The Rare Disease Foundation is focussed on linking basic science and clinical practice to increase the efficiency of rare disease research. This model is called Translational Care. This model drives patient based, treatment focussed research projects from disease characterization to treatment with greater efficiency. By incorporating research, astute clinician observation and parental knowledge into the various stages of rare disease research we impact the speed of discovery and the way rare conditions are managed.

Unexpected discoveries in the quest to cure an extraordinary skeletal condition show how medically relevant rare diseases can be.

4:55 min Rosalind Franklin is a lesser-known hero in the famous story of DNA's discovery.

SAN ANTONIO -- Scientists at a South Texas research center made a breakthrough discovery by destroying the Ebola virus in animals through a Chinese herb. Texas Biomedical Research Center said a compound derived from the herb called tetrandrine was used to make a drug. He says his team injected mice with the drug.

We all know Sally: She is our daughter, our sister, our friend -- her health in the balance. In that moment, we're all looking for a solution, some hope. This 60-second spot begins and ends in Sally's hospital room. It takes us back in time to see the many people who contributed to the discovery, development, and approval of lifesaving medicine. Directed by Steve Dorst.

For centuries, women have studied and made groundbreaking discoveries in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Encourage your girls and boys to appreciate the contributions of women scientists. With our seven ideas, learn about some outstanding women from the history of STEM innovation and inspire your kids' scientific explorations - indoors and outdoors.

How does the real process of science really work?  Gain a new perspective of the dynamic process of science and how it relates to you with this iTunes U course co-produced by the California Academy of Sciences and University of California Museum of Paleontology.  Content from this course was inspired by the Understanding Science website produced by UCMP. Designed for middle- and high- school science educators to broaden their own knowledge and understanding and to use with students, the course weaves together activities, videos, and classroom-ready materials into a primer on the process of science that includes exploration and discovery, testing ideas, community feedback and peer review, and benefits and outcomes. 

Cancer cells are hungry. To feed their rapid growth and division, their metabolism changes. Moreover, they use sugar (glucose) in a different way to normal cells. This animation, created by Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, explores the key aspects of the altered metabolism in cancer cells and explains how these can be exploited for the development of new anticancer strategies.

New ways of visualizing scientific and medical data and concepts can enhance discovery and learning. The NIH 3D Print Exchange provides access to a community-contributed database of bioscientific 3D-printable files. Download a model and print it with your own 3D printer or through a 3D print service provider.