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The Stem Cell Game
Stem cell research is on of the fastest developing areas of
medical research and perhaps one of the most controversial.
A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to divide [self
replicate] for indefinite periods. Under the right conditions,
or given the right signals, stem cells can give rise [differentiate]
to the many different cell types that make up the organism.
That is, stem cells have the potential to develop into mature
cells that have characteristic shapes and specialized functions,
such as heart cells, skin cells, or nerve cells.
Also called progenitor cells, there are several kinds of stem cells. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, stem cells can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.
'The Stem Cell Game' presents a basic A to Z of stem cells,
reviewing where they are found in the body, the different
types, how they are cultured and examples of stem cell therapy
that rely on replacing diseased or dysfunctional cells with
healthy, functioning ones. The facts are presented in the
form of a board game, designed as a non-formal teaching aid
to reinforce the syllabus. The game consists of a board and
two sets of question cards in downloadable form. |
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Science
and Society: genetic testing
The sequencing of the human genome, completed in 2000, has
helped identify many genes which, when abnormal, are responsible
for diseases. Genetic tests for some diseases already exist
and others are being developed. However, administering such
tests reveals personal genetic information, and this can create
a dilemma. Deciding how the information should be used and
who should have access to it raise complex ethical issues.
These and other points are raised in fact sheets and can be
acted out in a role play activity. |
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Discovering bioinformatics: a protein in the World Wide Web
This activity illustrates how biologists exploit the wealth
of information in biological databases. These databases collect
and store information about genes and proteins (sequence,
structure, expression), about human inherited diseases for
which the genetic cause is known and links to scientific literature.
The activity looks at the Pax6 protein from zebrafish
which is involved in eye development. By 'following' this
protein in the World Wide Web students can find the human
protein corresponding to zebrafish Pax6 (its ortholog),
information about its function, structure, sub-cellular location,
and molecular basis of diseases linked to mutations in its
sequences. All that is needed is access to the Internet.
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The Beginning of Life: Sea Urchin fertilisation and development
This is a practical activity that will give you insight on the beginning of the life of an embryo. Using sea urchin as a model system, you will have the chance to explore the fascinating process of fertilisation and the events taking place immediately after it and will be able to look at the very first stages of development of an embryo.
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Cell cycle real time imaging: when once cell makes two
In order to reproduce, cells need to divide. Cell division, or mitosis, is a basic mechanism essential to every organism and it has to be accomplished accurately.
This material describes the process of mitosis. You will be presented with pictures and real time movies guiding you through the different stages of cell division.
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From egg to embryo: observing various stages of development in live zebrafish
The zebrafish Danio rerio is a very versatile organism for the study of how genes instruct the process of embryonic development.
You will be introduced to the advantages of using this organism as a model system and to first stages of development during which the main morphological features of the embryo are defined. In addition, you will be able to learn how reporter genes to visualise and follow embryonic development.
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Screening mutant flies
This experimental teaching project covers several aspects.
It contains an introduction to the fly Drosophila melanogaster, as a powerful tool in genetics. It will also give you the possibility to understand the definition of mutant and to analyse the molecular basis of a mutation disrupting the polarity of the fly oocyte and therefore affecting the early development of the organism.
In addition you will be introduced to immunofluorescence.
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Nerve Cell Projections: using a molecular marker to study brain development in the medaka fish
What is a molecular marker? This practical activity will show you how molecular markers are used to ‘paint’ biological structures and to define territories in developing organisms. The organism of choice for this activity is the medaka fish (Oryzias latipes). We will use immunocytochemistry to visualise nerve cell projections in the medaka early brain. You will also learn about the basic mechanisms of neurulation in vertebrates.
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A gene that makes an eye: how changes in the genomic sequence of a gene alter the visible phenotype of an organism
One of the best ways to find out what a gene does in an organism is to see what happens to the organism when that gene is mutated or missing. Here we would like to introduce you to the concept of genetic mutation, to the relationship between genotype and phenotype and to the experimental use of genetic mutants. By using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we will identify organisms carrying a mutation resulting in the absence of eye structures.
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The
virtual microarray, version 2.3
What is a microarray? How does it work? DNA microarrays are
a good example of the remarkable technological tools used
in molecular biology today. The virtual microarray brings
cutting-edge science into the classroom by simulating the
different steps that researchers take in performing microarray
experiments and in analysing their results. Using a custom-made
mat, Velcro and torches, this activity guides you step by
step though this new technology and gives you glimpses of
its possible future applications.
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Take home activity: DNA extraction from bananas
Have you ever thought of having the possibility of handling DNA? This is your chance to isolate DNA with your own hands.
In this activity, you will aim at extracting DNA from a banana using a very simple protocol, that you could apply in your school laboratory or in the classroom or in every kitchen!
This can be a stimulating activity for the students, as it will introduce them to the properties of the molecule of DNA and to the use of nucleic acid isolation procedures.
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Programmieren
in der Bioinformatik mit Perl
In 10 unabhängigen Blöcken führt dieser Kurs
ein, wie in mithilfe von selbst geschriebenen Computer-Programmen
Probleme der biologischen Datenverarbeitung (Bioinformatik)
gelöst werden können. Im Vordergrund steht das schrittweise
Erlernen und Anwenden der Programmiersprache Perl auf Sachverhalte
aus der DNA- und Proteinsequenzanalyse. Zahlreiche Übungsaufgaben,
Musterlösungen und Beispiele in verschiedenem Schwierigkeitsgrad
bieten sich zur Verwendung als Unterrichtsmaterial an.
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DNA chips
DNA chips are an extremely interesting new form of biotechnology
which give researchers the possibility to ask new types of
questions about organisms. This kit contains readings and
"virtual exercises" to help 16-18 year-old-students understand
what chips are and how they are used. For individual, group,
or classroom work. No special equipment needed.
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Surfing the human and mouse genomes on the Internet
The genomes of humans, mice, and many other species are accessible via the Internet. This activity to walk students through the site can be done individually or in class. It is intended for students who have had a basic introduction to genes. Students will learn about genes and some of the ways that researchers use this information to investigate organisms and diseases. Internet access required.
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Malaria project
A multidisciplinary teaching kit for high school classes on the topic of malaria. Suited for ages 15–18. Projects relating to current malaria research, as well as the history and social impact of the disease. A wide range of activities for classroom use, self-study, group projects, research topics. No special equipment needed.
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Virtual
FlyLab
The manual contains suggestions/instructions on how
to use the simulation program 'Virtual Flylab' for teaching
the basic principles of genetic inheritance by designing
matings between fruit flies.
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Medical Physics Imaging
The multimedia presentation aims at promoting the pupils' understanding
of, and ability to apply the basic principles of imaging techniques
in ultrasound, X ray imaging, radioisotopes in diagnosis, magnetic
resonance imaging and radiotherapy.
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Air to Fly – Air to Breathe
Experimental teaching project describing properties of air for age-group 9-12 in a multidisciplinary context of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The project covers three main aspects: What is the air – including composition, weight, atmospheric pressure, thermal expansion. The breathing – including diaphragm role during respiration, hydrostatic pressure effects on lungs, the spirometer, breathing is a combustion reaction, yeasts anaerobic breathing. The flight – including aerodynamic resistance, Bernoulli theorem, lift of a wing, up-draughts, jet aircraft.
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The Dinosaur Trial
Debate on dinosaur extinction presented as a trail with observations.
Students constituting the jury need to pass a verdict at the end of trail.
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The
Ecological House
Energy, water and environment – information about Earth's
environmental situation and about its water and energy resources.
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