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Biotechnology

Also Try

1. Biochemistry
2. Microbiology

Books

1. -Genomes - To Know Ourselves (US Department of Energy and the Human Genome Project)
   Provides information on recent research to sequence human genomes.
2. Basic Biology (Farabee)
   Includes Introduction to the Nature of Science and Biology, Chemistry 1 (Atoms and Molecules), Chemistry II (Water and Organic Molecules), Cells (Origins and Cellular Organization), Transport in and out of Cells, Cell Division (Binary Fission, Mitosis, Meiosis, and Sexual Reproduction), Laws of Thermodynamics, Reactions and Enzymes, ATP and Biological Energy, Cellular Metabolism and Fermentation, Photosynthesis, Introduction to Genetics, Gene Interactions, DNA and Molecular Genetics, Human Genetics, Protein Synthesis, Control of Gene Expression, Plants and their Structure, Flowering Plant Reproduction (Flower Structure, Fertilization, and Fruits), Plant Hormones and Nutrition, Animal Cells and Tissues, Animal Organ Systems and Homeostasis, the Integumentary System, the Circulatory Sytems, Lymphatic System and Immunity, the Digestive System, the Nervous System, the Endocrine System, the Reproductive System, the Muscular and Skeletal Systems, the Respiratory System, the Excretory System, Development of Evolutionary Theory, The Modern View of Evolution, Biological Diversity (Classification, Viruses, Bacteria, Archaeans, Protists - Stem Eukaryotes, Fungi, Nonvascular Plants and Nonseed Vascular Plants, Seed Plants, and Animals), Human Evolution, Population Ecology, Community and Ecosystem Dynamics, the Biosphere and Mass Extinctions, and Glossary. 8-01

Lesson Plans

1. Adaptation and Evolution Lesson (British Columbia Ministry of Education)
   Provides a lesson on adaptation and evolution for the 11th grade level. The materials are called an Integrated Resource Package. 2-01
2. Genetics - Grade 10 (British Columbia Ministry of Education)
   Provides a lesson plan for the 10th grade level. The materials are called an Integrated Resource Package. 2-01

Lists

1. Cells - Dictionary of Cell Biology (Virtual Library of Cell Biology - Fenteany)
   Provides explanations of basic cell structure and activity at an advanced high school or beginning college level. 2-01
2. DNA Anatomy (Kyrk)
   Provides drawings of the building blocks of DNA and then assembles the parts as it goes. Select the green arrow on the left to move to the next drawing. 10-00
3. Genomes Research - Resources (US Department of Energy and the Human Genome Project)
   Provides sources of information from centers conducting research in genetics.
4. Human Genome Map - Chromosome 21 and Base Pairs (BBC News)
   Provides a drawing of base pairs and another drawing of the relationship among base pairs, chromosomes, DNA, human cells, and genes. 5-00  
5. Human Genome Map - Status (Macmillan Publishers - Nature)
   Provides an update on mapping all 23 human chromosomes, especially chromosomes 21 and 22. 5-00  

Materials

1. Genes and Disease (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
   Provides an introduction to the importance of sequencing the human gene for preventing future diseases. Includes a colorful photograph of a complete set of human genes from a leukemia patient. 2-02
2. Search GeneBank, Genomes, Proteins, and Structures (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
   "Established in 1988 as a national resource for molecular biology information, NCBI creates public databases, conducts research in computational biology, develops software tools for analyzing genome data, and disseminates biomedical information - all for the better understanding of molecular processes affecting human health and disease." 2-02

Multimedia

1. DNA Sequencing (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)
   Provides steps for DNA sequencing, PCR purification, and more. Select "The Virtual Bacterial ID Lab" to view the animations. Requires free Shockwave software. 6-00

News

1. Alzheimer's Disease - Vaccine Prevents Alzheimer's In Mice (applesforhealth)
   Researchers have developed a vaccine that can prevent or halt progression of Alzheimer's-like disease in mice, and expect to begin tests in people by the end of the year. 07-09-99.
2. Biotechnology News (Yahoo)
   Provides top news stories related to biotechnology and genetics research. 11-01.
3. Brain - Compound Fights Prion Brain Disease (applesforhealth)
   The Nobel laureate who discovered that certain degenerative brain diseases were caused by substances called prions says he has found a promising compound that appears to clear away the infectious proteins in laboratory tests. 12-17-99.
4. Brain - Probing The Mechanics Of Memory (applesforhealth)
   New research has uncovered the flash of activity in the brain that allows people to store memories. 09-10-99.
5. Brain Region Mapped (applesforhealth)
   Researchers have mapped a region of the brain responsible for a certain kind of multitasking behavior that is uniquely human. 10-22-99.
6. Cancer - Repairing DNA After UV Damage (applesforhealth)
   Texas researchers have identified a gene responsible for some cases of a pigment abnormality that raises the risk of skin cancer by 1,000 times. 07-16-99.
7. Cancer - Unmasking Genetic Causes Of Cancer (applesforhealth)
   Researchers playing peek-a-boo with mutant genes that increase the risk of colon cancer have determined a way to unmask the troublemakers nearly 100 percent of the time. 02-25-00.
8. Cell Transplant Fixes Damaged Brain (applesforhealth)
   An experimental technique that stopped shivering in mice may lead to new treatments for multiple sclerosis, paralysis, Alzheimer's disease and other brain wasting disorders. 06-18-99.
9. Cloning - First Human Embryo Cloned (BBC News)
   Describes the first known case of human cloning. The researchers said that they are trying to develop stem cells to be used in medicine, not develop a human clone. 11-01
10. Eat Your Tortillas, You Need The Iron (applesforhealth)
    A new variety of corn, patented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1997, may prove a boon to Latin Americans -- and others -- with iron-deficiency anemia. 03-24-00.
11. Farmers Suspicious Of Modified Crops (applesforhealth)
    Opposition to the use of genetically modified crops in food supplies seems to be having an effect on U.S. farmers. 12-24-99.
12. Gene Alters Social Behavior (applesforhealth)
    Emory University researchers have found a single gene that appears to influence pair bonding and monogamy, at least in rodents, providing a clue that may lead to treatments for social human disorders such as autism. 08-20-99.
13. Gene Crucial To Paralysis Found (applesforhealth)
    Scientists have discovered a long-sought gene that prevents the regeneration of damaged nerve cells, leaving some victims of stroke, neurodegenerative disorders, traffic accidents and athletic mishaps forever unable to move. 02-04-00.
14. Gene Lets You See Speedy Objects (applesforhealth)
    Scientists studying mice have identified a gene that lets you see a baseball flying at 90 miles per hour. 02-18-00.
15. Gene Maps (applesforhealth)
    Triumphant from their decoding of complete genetic blueprints of living organisms, scientists are now intent on an even more daunting task - finding out what all those newly revealed genes do and how what they do can be put to good use. 11-26-99.
16. Gene Repair Adds Pigment To Hair (applesforhealth)
    Researchers are reporting they've repaired hair pigment genes, making albino mice produce a few black hairs. 01-14-00.
17. Gene Therapy Grows New Blood Vessels (applesforhealth)
    A new type of gene therapy that uses injections of DNA is helping grow new blood vessels in patients with circulation problems of the heart or limbs. 06-18-99.
18. Genetic Data Use Limited (applesforhealth)
    Troubled that technological advances may be exploited by employers, President Clinton signed an executive order banning the federal government from using genetic information in any hiring or promotion. 02-11-00.
19. Genome Decoded of Meningitis Bacteria (applesforhealth)
    Scientists decoded the genome of a bacterium that causes deadly meningitis epidemics, a feat that researchers say could lead to solutions to intractable infectious diseases. 04-07-00.
20. Genome Mapping - Ethics (Macmillan Publishers - Nature)
    Provides news on the ethical debates and policies that are arising out of genome mapping. 6-00
21. Genome Mapping News - Human (Macmillan Publishers - Nature)
    Provides the latest news, as well as past news stories, on mapping the human genome. 6-00
22. Genome Mapping News - Non-Human (Macmillan Publishers - Nature)
    Provides the latest news, as well as past news stories, on mapping the non-human genomes. 6-00
23. Genome Sequence of Rice Completed (Myriad)
    Provides an explanation of genome research and why it is important. The research is intended to form a basis for improving the yield and healthiness of rice. 1-01
24. Hemoglobin - Secrets Of Hemoglobin Revealed (applesforhealth)
    Researchers studying an intestinal parasite have found out some important secrets of hemoglobin. 10-15-99.
25. Life May Originate in Space (CNN)
    Provides results of a study that indicates that cell-like membranes "self-assemble" in space and could be precursors for the development of life. 1-01
26. Longevity - Gene Therapy May Be Key To Staying Young (applesforhealth)
    Harvard researchers have used gene therapy to turn back the clock for old lab rats, giving them hearts like youngsters one-third their age. 03-17-00.
27. More Research On Genetically Engineered Food (applesforhealth)
    Genetically engineered food may be needed to help feed the growing nutrition needs in developing countries, but in the United States scientists are urging more studies be done to determine the environmental effects of these foods. 03-03-00.
28. Researchers Disarm Salmonella Germ (applesforhealth)
    California germ experts say they have found the genetic Achilles heel of the food poisoning bug salmonella, a discovery that could lead to powerful replacements for the current crop of antibiotics losing their punch against disease-causing microbes. 06-25-99.
29. Ribosome - Complete Ribosome Imaged (applesforhealth)
    The ribosome is a molecular machine fundamental to all life. 10-22-99.
30. Safety Checks In Nervous System (applesforhealth)
    Investigators have discovered a safety-check mechanism that ensures proper wiring of the nervous system. 10-29-99.
31. Scientists Synthesize Potent Antibiotic (applesforhealth)
    Scientists developed an artificial version of a potent antibiotic that appears to thwart several bacterial strains, including two resistant to current treatments. 04-14-00.
32. Stem Cell Research (National Institutes of Health)
    Provides an explanation of stem cells and why they are being used for research to repair problems in the human body. 1-01
33. Stem Cell Research (New Scientist)
    Provides an explanation of stem cells and why they are being used for research to repair problems in the human body. Stem cells can be made to grow into brain cells, liver cells, or other cells of the body, replacing damaged tissue. 12-00
34. Super Computers From Living Cells (applesforhealth)
    Researchers are announcing they caused single molecules to produce the most basic element of computer function, making possible the development of computers a billion times faster than the most powerful PCs. 07-23-99.
35. Treatment Helps Injured Nerve Cells Regrow (applesforhealth)
    Researchers have found rats that cannot feel because of neuron damage can regain sensation when treated with substances that stimulate nerve tissue growth. 01-28-00.
36. Tuberculosis Gene Identified (applesforhealth)
    Researchers have identified a gene necessary for the tuberculosis bacterium to wreak its disease-causing havoc in the lung. 01-14-00.

Papers

1. -Cloning - The Process (Roslin Institute)
   Provides information on the breakthrough scientific discovery by the group that succeeded.
2. Body Clock - Chronobiology (G.D. Searle Corp)
   Describes chronobiology and chronotherapeutics, the study of different effects of medications and other therapeutics at different times of day and night. 5-01
3. Chemistry Nobel Laureates - Biochemistry (Nobel Foundation)
   Provides short autobiographies of the Nobel laureates Paul Berg, Walter Gilbert, and Frederick Sanger for their seminal work with nucleic acids and recombinant DNA. Their work has formed a foundation for modern biochemistry. 9-00
4. Cloning - The Process (CNN - Kellan)
   Provides information on the process of cloning used in the breakthrough scientific discovery.
5. Cloning Genes (BIO)
   Describes and illustrates how cloning is performed.
6. Cloning Techniques and Debate (ThinkQuest.org 24355 and Kayotic Development)
   Provides details of different techniquest of cloning, as well as ethical issues, misconceptions, and a questionnaire. 5-02
7. Cloning and Bioethics (CNN)
   President Bill Clinton asks bioethics commission to look at sheep cloning. Provides links on bioethics related to cloning.
8. Cloning and Bioethics (Center for Bioethics)
   Presents a forum for discussing ethical issues related to biological research.
9. Cloning and Bioethics (US Department of Energy and the Human Genome Project)
   Discusses ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic research.
10. Cloning and Bioethics - An Interview (Ross)
    Presents an interview with Dr. Ian Wilmut, the person who first succeeded in cloning a mammal.
11. DNA And Disease (applesforhealth)
    Scientists have developed a way to produce and combine proteins so they can act as genetic switches to turn genes on and off on demand. 03-03-00.
12. DNA-Based Computer (BBC News)
    Describes a new nanocomputer developed at the Weizmann Institute in Israel by Professor Ehud Shapiro. A trillion of the computers will fit in a standard test tube. 11-01
13. Designer Enzymes Developed (applesforhealth)
    In a feat with major implications for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, researchers have devised a way to design novel enzymes, key proteins that speed up chemical reactions in a cell. 02-25-00.
14. Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Human Genetics Research (ELSI)
    Provides articles and a history of ELSI. 2-01
15. Ethics - Bioethics Resources (National Institutes of Health)
    Provides articles and organizations addressing bioethics as it relates to biotechnology. 2-01
16. Ethics and Character Development (Mining Co. - Walker)
    Provides links to articles and lessons related to ethics and character development.
17. Genes - Comparison of Genes in Mice and Humans (US Department of Energy and the Human Genome Project)
    Describes how information from mice genes applies to human medicine.
18. Genes and Miniaturization - Beyond Biology (US Department of Energy and the Human Genome Project)
    Describes how information from genes applies to miniaturization and helping humans.
19. Genetic Anthropology (Scientific American - Schurr)
    Describes how scientists trace human migrations by using mtDNA and Y chromosome markers. The focus is on the first migrations into the Americas. 1-00
20. Genetically Modified Monkey (National Geographic Society)
    Provides news on a rhesus monkey that was given a genetic marker during fertilization. Scientists believe that the procedure can be used to introduce medical conditions, such as diabetes, into monkeys in order to speed research efforts for cures for humans. 1-01
21. Genome - Implications of Research (New Scientist)
    Discusses what may happen as a result of key discoveries in biotechnology, especially genome research. 8-00.
22. Genome Mapping by Organism (Nature)
    Provides genome research summaries for humans, mice, rats, elegans, tuberculosis, and other organisms that have been mapped. 6-00
23. Genomes - Human Genome Center (LBNL)
    Provides information on recent research to sequence human genomes.
24. Microbes May Be Most Plentiful (PBS)
    Provides a description of the microbe Sar 11, recently discovered by Dr. Steven Giovannoni, that may be the most abundant life form on earth. It is also one of the smallest microbes ever discovered and one of the hardest to grow in the lab. 1-01
25. Nanotechnology (Merkle)
    Includes links to sites that discuss very small devices, including future computers and processors.
26. Pain Reduced with Brain Electrons (San Francisco Chronicle - Hall)
    Describes a new therapy for intractable pain. 5-02
27. Photographic Techniques - Microscopic (SciencePhoto.com)
    Provides color pictures of microscopic objects and describes how it is done. 8-01
28. Remote Control of Rats (Washington Post)
    Shows a diagram of a rat that can be controlled remotely. 5-02
29. Stem Cells Guide (National Institutes of Health)
    Defines basic terms in stem cell research, such as pluripotent and totipotent, and explains why stem cell research is so important for curing some of the most devastating human diseases and deteriorating conditions. 8-01
30. Venter, J. Craig - Science Man of the Year (Time.com)
    Describes Venter's achievements in gene research to make him, according to Time magazine, one of the great pioneers of the 21st century. 12-00

Periodicals

1. Cell Biology (Cell Press)
   Provides research results in cell biology. College Level. 5-01
2. Development (The Company of Biologists, LTD)
   "Development is a primary research journal providing an insight into mechanisms of plant and animal development, covering all aspects from molecular and cellular to tissue levels." Provides full text of issues back to 1992. Does not include full text of current issue. College Level. 5-01
3. Journal of Cell Science (The Company of Biologists, LTD)
   Provides full text of issues back to 1992. Does not include full text of current issue. College Level. 5-01
4. Journal of Experimental Biology (The Company of Biologists, LTD)
   Provides full text of issues back to 1992. Does not include full text of current issue. College level. 5-01
5. New Scientist (Planet Science)
   Provides a bridge to the latest interesting research.

Projects

1. Extremophiles (NASA Science)
   Provides articles, lessons, and worksheets related to life forms that can thrive in very extreme conditions, such as heat, cold, pressure, radiation, salt, and even the vacuum of space. 8-00
2. Genentech's Biotech Projects

Research

1. Alzheimer's Disease Research (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
   Provides a summary of gene research related to preventing Alzhimer's disease. "Recently, use of a mouse model of the disease identified an enzyme that may be responsible for the increase in amyloid production characteristic of AD. If a way to regulate this enzyme could be found, then AD may be slowed or halted in some people." 2-02