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In this activity, students learn why evolution is at the heart of a world health threat. They will investigate the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance in such menacing diseases as tuberculosis and influenza. Students take on the role of staff at a public health agency who are trying to communicate the widespread problem of evolving disease-causing agents to the public.

The anole lizards of the Caribbean islands represent a group of about 150 closely related species, most of which evolved within the past 50 million years from a single colonizing species. Different processes, including geographic isolation, adaptation to different environments, and reproductive isolation, play a role in anole speciation. 

This case study details the historical discovery of the structure of DNA. Images of this key molecule are as iconic as those of the Mona Lisa, and identifying its structure has proven to be as intriguing a mystery for scientists as the reason behind Mona Lisa's smile has been for art historians. The case is woven together by a series of fictional diary entries that detail the history of the discovery of DNA's structure, the major players involved, their ethical dilemmas, and the role of women in science. The case is designed for a high school course or introductory undergraduate genetics/ biochemistry courses. It can also be used as an interdisciplinary case study bridging genetics, bioethics, art, and the status of women in science. Designed as an interrupted case, it may be used in its entirety or in parts that pertain to a particular topic or discipline. No prior knowledge of genetics is required.

Sheep ranching has destroyed habitat and decimated species in many areas of the world, but in Patagonia declining wool prices provide an opportunity to turn the tide. This case study places students in the role of advisor to an international NGO that has funds to advance conservation goals. A PowerPoint slideshow is used to present the Patagonian landscape, species, and variables that should be considered in conservation decisions.  After the presentation, students are given two maps: the first shows park boundaries, topography, roads, and major land forms; the second includes land prices overlaid on the first. Student groups are assigned a budget, and with the help of a set of guiding questions, students identify and defend a potential land purchase to develop as a protected area. The case is intended for use in an undergraduate class in conservation biology, environmental science or ecology, and presupposes another case in our collection, "The Great Patagonia Land Grab" by C.E. Quinn and J.E. Quinn

Highlighting role of animal research in human health.  A visually appealing website with an array of research summaries.

This case study examines a variety of biological factors that may have been involved in the 2013 dolphin "unusual mortality event" (UME) on the East Coast of the United States. The story follows a news reporter and four different scientists who are preparing their notes for speaking at a public hearing about the dolphin die-off event. After reading the story, students assume the roles of these scientists and use the jigsaw method to gather, analyze, and share information.  Due to the interdisciplinary nature of environmental toxicology, this case study exposes students to four main topics: ecology of ecosystems, endocrine system/chemical messaging, immune system function, and virus biology.

 Students must consider the role of rumen bacteria and how genetic modification may alter the potential of these bacteria. The case engages students in learning basic principles of bacterial genetics and biotechnology as they consider how microbes and microbial processes impact the environment. The case could also be used in an introductory genetics or biotechnology course.

Nature's best kept secret is a wonder molecule called RNA. It is central to the origin of life, evolution, and the cellular machinery that keeps us alive. In this Lab you'll play the role of a molecular engineer by solving RNA folding puzzles. Then take your skills to Eterna, where you can design RNAs that could be at the heart of future life-saving therapies.

All living things are made of cells. In the human body, these highly efficient units are protected by layer upon layer of defense against icky invaders like the cold virus. Shannon Stiles takes a journey into the cell, introducing the microscopic arsenal of weapons and warriors that play a role in the battle for your health.

Overseen by the Surgeon General, the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is a diverse team of more than 6,500 highly qualified, public health professionals. Driven by a passion to serve the underserved, these men and women fill essential public health leadership and clinical service roles with the Nation's Federal Government agencies.

So how do animals play a role in this research? Well, in a couple of ways. First, the chlorotoxin in Tumor Paint was derived from scorpion venom. Second, researchers worked with dogs before moving into human trials to determine the likelihood of success. After promising results in canines, human trials are now underway at Cedars Sinai Medical Center! Right now, the study is aimed at proving that Tumor Paint is able to reach the brain tumor successfully. If all goes well, it's possible that this could lead to more successful surgical outcomes.

Metals are what make smartphones so "smart." An average smartphone may contain up to 62 different types of metals. One rather obscure group of metals-the rare-earth metals-plays a vital role. The rare-earth metals include scandium and yttrium, as well as elements 57-71. Elements 57-71 are known as the lanthanides, because they begin with the element lanthanum.

The following sequence of activities is designed to help your students continue their investigation into how characteristics of living things are passed on from generation to generation. This time we are looking at multifactorial traits and how the genes and environment play a role in the final expression of the trait.

This case study presents the story of Phil, an undergraduate majoring in biology, whose Russian cousin Dimitri has contracted tuberculosis (TB) from inmates at the prison where he works.  Phil learns that his cousin's failure to complete his antibiotic regimen likely contributed to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant TB in his body.  Phil consults with his friend Stacy, and together they try to understand Dimitri's condition by applying what they are learning in their genetics lab experiment about the role of random mutation in bacterial evolution (including the development of antibiotic resistance) through Luria- Delbrück fluctuation analysis. The same analysis includes calculation of the mutation rate, which Phil realizes is sufficient to cause MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant infections. This case study was originally developed for concurrent use in freshman/sophomore-level genetics, elementary statistics, and precalculus. However, it is also very appropriate for courses in introductory biology, evolutionary biology, and biostatistics. The teaching notes discuss various ways to run the case depending on the mathematics and biology background of students.

How does it spread? The Varroa mite carries the disease, feeding on bee larvae, then the virus itself kills off the bees. The study's lead author, Dr. Lena Wilfert, of the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation, said they found evidence that human involvement has played a key role in the epidemic.

This case study presents the fictional tale of two neighboring towns that have recently experienced a growth boom and are now suffering the environmental consequences. The case provides an opportunity to explore a wide variety of anthropogenic causes of natural capital degradation. Students are assigned the role of scientists working for the regional Department of Environmental Resources Management, and it is their job to discover the underlying causes for a wide variety of citizen complaints and to suggest reasonable and cost effective solutions. The case may be assigned as a recap activity after teaching a unit on natural capital degradation. The case includes a PowerPoint presentation as well as three lab activities that are included in the teaching notes. The case would be appropriate for high school or lower level undergraduate ecology or environmental science courses.

Gut microbes-the collection of bacteria and other organisms that inhabit our intestines-have been shown to play a role in a wide variety of conditions from asthma to obesity. But researchers still don't know precisely how they contribute to obesity. To gain a better understanding, a team led by physiologist Mirko Trajkovski from the University of Geneva in Switzerland has been following up on any leads he can to learn about the link between these microbes and metabolism. Trajkovski knew from past research that getting rid of some gut bacteria in mice makes them less able to maintain their internal body temperature in the cold. He wondered whether there might be a connection between gut microbes, external temperature, and weight control.

The researchers concluded that genetics - or perhaps other factors, such as environmental influences - play a larger role than practice in certain aspects of musical talent such as recognizing pitch and rhythms. Mosey and her colleagues made another interesting finding: Genes may determine a person's motivation to practice. The majority of participants who reported practicing a lot also shared a high percentage of the same genes. "The association between practice and skill was largely due to the same genes, suggesting that practice will not necessarily make you perfect, but it certainly will enhance your skills," Mosey said.

High heritability points to a major role for inherited genetic variants in the aetiology of schizophrenia7, 8. Although risk variants range in frequency from common to extremely rare9, estimates10, 11 suggest half to a third of the genetic risk of schizophrenia is indexed by common alleles genotyped by current genome-wide association study (GWAS) arrays. Thus, GWAS is potentially an important tool for understanding the biological underpinnings of schizophrenia

This 22 min video provides insight into the benefits of bioscience research and the important role laboratory animals play in the scientific process. It introduces viewers to four people age 55 and older who have benefited from medical advances made possible by years of animal-based research. Viewers also meet four scientists who are helping make these advances a reality