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This case study centers on symbiotic relationships between insects and bacteria using Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly, and the recently discovered bacterial species Sodalis praecaptivus. Until recently, the only known Sodalis species of bacteria were symbiotically associated with several different species of insects. However, free-living non-symbiont Sodalis species are being tested in several different insect species to determine if they can transition into symbiotic relationships. A pre-class assignment (see Supplemental Materials) directs students to read an open access research journal article providing a comprehensive review of S. praecaptivus and describing an experimental weevil model that parallels that of the fruit fly. A PowerPoint presentation shown in class (see Supplemental Materials) provides further background before students work in small groups to complete the case study focusing on results from D. melanogaster and S. praecaptivus model experiments.  Although developed for a genetics course, this interrupted case is appropriate for an upper-level biology course. It can be completed within a 75-minute class meeting, or adapted for shorter time periods.

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n this interrupted case study, students learn about the influence of early fetal nutritional conditions on the expression of genes related to metabolism and growth. Beginning with the true event of a food and fuel embargo that led to famine in the western Netherlands toward the end of World War II, students learn about the historical background of the Dutch Hunger Winter and its social impact. Using real data from the study conducted by Heijmans and coauthors (2008), students then compare the methylation level of a specific gene between individuals conceived during the famine and their unaffected siblings, and how changes in the expression of this metabolically important gene may impact the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Supported by other studies on mice and in humans, students conclude that in utero events may impact the health of individuals later in life through epigenetic mechanisms. The case is ideally suited for a molecular or cell biology course, but is also appropriate for an introductory biology course in which students have an understanding of descriptive statistics, interpretation of statistical test results, eukaryotic gene structure, and regulation of gene expression.

webpages with check for understanding

Five distinct humpback whale populations have been identified across the North Pacific Ocean in the most comprehensive genetic study of the mammals in this region yet, a new study reports.

In the February 19, 2014 issue of Science Translational Medicine (Sci Transl Med. 2014 Feb 19;6(224):224ra24), Bettegowda and colleagues in the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research center at Johns Hopkins report on an exciting approach to the detection of pancreatic cancer. Bettegowda and colleagues applied cutting edge DNA sequencing to blood samples from a large number of patients with a number of different cancers. They found that many cancers, even some small curable cancers, shed mutant DNA into the blood.

General article describing how doctors describe if cancer is present.

Hands on lab activities

Graham Williams at the University of Huddersfield, UK, has a different way - to look for modifications to the twins' DNA that have come about as a result of their lifestyles. Such epigenetic changes occur when a chemical group known as a methyl group attaches to a gene and modifies the way it is expressed. This happens as a body is influenced by a person's environment, lifestyle and disease.

Free tools for teaching - printable worksheets, classroom printables and on-line worksheet templates with images from Tools for Educators. Use these free worksheets to print, game makers, and programs for teachers  to make and print teaching resources with pictures or classroom materials for kids. 

With support from the National Science Foundation, we assisted in developing bioinformatics curriculum for high schools and popular bioinformatics tutorials that are used in both college and high school classes. We have shared these materials at several Bio-Link workshops, and at workshops sponsored by CCURI, Tulsa Community College (SEEDBed award), and DelMar College.  Digital World Biology is also partnering with the Amgen Biotech Experience at Shoreline Community College to assist in providing professional development opportunities for high school teachers.

array of HS science lesson from non-profit Science Pioneers in Kansas City, MO

This groundbreaking NRDC documentary explores the startling phenomenon of ocean acidification, which may soon challenge marine life on a scale not seen for tens of millions of years. The film, featuring Sigourney Weaver, originally aired on Discovery Planet Green.

This groundbreaking NRDC documentary explores the startling phenomenon of ocean acidification, which may soon challenge marine life on a scale not seen for tens of millions of years. The film, featuring Sigourney Weaver, originally aired on Discovery Planet Green.

3:16 video

There are few areas of science more fiercely contested than the issue of what makes us who we are. Are we products of our environments or the embodiment of our genes? Is nature the governing force behind our behaviour or is it nurture? While almost everyone agrees that it's a mixture of both, there has been no end of disagreement about which is the dominant influence.

At Fred Hutch, we support engaging, challenging and relevant classroom learning experiences for all students by providing access to high-quality instructional materials developed by teachers and scientists. Our free, open-source lessons and units are geared towards high school biotech and biology teachers and focus on giving students opportunities to explore biotechnology and the social dimensions of research science.