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For Collinge, this led to a worrying conclusion: that the plaques might have been transmitted, alongside the prions, in the injections of growth hormone-the first evidence that Alzheimer's could be transmitted from one person to another. If true, that could have far-reaching implications: the possibility that 'seeds' of the amyloid-β protein involved in Alzheimer's could be transferred during other procedures in which fluid or tissues from one person are introduced into another, such as blood transfusions, organ transplants and other common medical procedures.

A decade-old technique that allows researchers to control brain function in lab animals could partially restore sight to the blind. In a trial sponsored by RetroSense Therapeutics, a startup company in Ann Arbor, Michigan, doctors will inject a harmless virus loaded with DNA from photoreceptive algae into the eyes of 15 patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa. The experimental procedure represents the first human test of optogenetics, which is a technique that genetically modifies neurons to make them responsive to light. Doctors from the Retina Foundation of the Southwest will perform the procedure, and attempt to transfer the job duties of photoreceptor cells to different cells in the eye to restore sight.

National Cancer Institute educational images of wide variety of images: anatomy, cancers, cells, tissues, historical images, people, events, science technology, treatment, test procedure, 

In order to improve the surgical outcome of these procedures and enhance patient quality of life, new and better tools are needed for esophageal reconstruction. Biostage is working on a new regenerative technology to address esophageal cancer through their pioneer Cellframe Technology. Two weeks before the surgery, stem cells are harvested from patient abdominal adipose tissue and allowed to incubate with a biocompatible esophageal implant. These cells interact and adhere to the implant and are able to respond to signals for regeneration once inside the patient, potentially restoring both the structural and functional integrity of the esophagus. These new approaches to organ implants could revolutionize resectional surgery by providing patients with functional replacements derived from their own cells.

October 16 is World Anesthesia Day, celebrating the 170th anniversary of the first successful demonstration of surgical anesthesia. Prior to then, surgery was really unpleasant, to put it mildly -- surgeons turned to alcohol, narcotics and even smacking their patients on the head to induce unconsciousness. Fortunately, anesthesia now allows tens of thousands patients every day to avoid the pain and memories of their procedures. But how does anesthesia work? This week, Reactions looks at scientists' current understanding of what happens when you go under.

Clinical trials are essential to providing the scientific data to determine whether new drugs, diagnostics or procedures are both safe and effective when used to diagnose and treat people.

When an elementary school teacher calls in sick to work, she finds out that she is not the only one who will be missing school that day.  Children from her fifth grade class have also become ill and parents are calling to report the absences. The concerned principal of the school finds out the fifth grade class had a field trip to one of the local parks the day before. The case shows the areas visited by the class and provides discussion between the principal and a physician that teaches the readers about water quality and EPA standards for bacteria levels in recreational water. The case has an optional lab component that provides the theory for three methods that can be used to conduct microbial water analyses.  Procedures are included for teachers to lead a lab activity to test water to identify which location in the park caused the illness. This case study and accompanying laboratory activity are recommended for an environmental engineering course or a lower level science course.

Fascinating narrative science that explores the next frontier in medicine and genetics through the very personal prism of the children and families gene therapy has touched. Eight-year-old Corey Haas was nearly blind from a hereditary disorder when his sight was restored through a delicate procedure that made medical history.  Like something from a science fiction novel, doctors carefully introduced viruses bearing healing genes into Corey's eyes-a few days later, Corey could see, his sight restored by gene therapy.

This clicker case addresses several important concepts related to evolution. First, it explores artificial selection and selective breeding. Charles Darwin used artificial selection as an example to support his Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Belyaev's Fox-Farm experiment is used as an example of a study that used selective breeding as the primary experimental procedure to investigate changes in a lineage. Second, it addresses an interesting observation made by Charles Darwin in The Origin of Species in which he noted how domesticated species also show interesting traits such as drooping ears which seem to be common in domesticated species. The "Farm-Fox Experiment" not only demonstrates how a research team can thoroughly investigate an intriguing question, but also serves as a classic example of elegant experimental design. Designed for use in a large introductory-level biology class, this case study would also be appropriate for smaller classes as well as for upper-level evolution courses.

"Bioethics modules serve as a guide for teachers who want to incorporate an in-depth analysis of bioethical issues and debates into their life sciences, social sciences, public policy, or theology courses. They provide lesson plans that teachers can use to lead classes and discussions on topics in bioethics. Within each module, you will find background information, readings, suggested classroom procedures and activities, and links for additional information and resources."

Transgenic glow in the dark cloned cats