Human beings vary in their responses to the drugs prescribed to them. These variations can be due to differences in their age, gender, weight, health status, diet, concurrent therapy and genetic make-up. Recently, it has been estimated that 85% of a patient's response to drugs is due to the genetic make-up of the individual (Snedden, 1999).…

Presents an assay on genetically modified (GM) foods, also called Frankenfoods, that demonstrates ways to evaluate a scientific metaphor and facilitate discussion on students' values regarding GM foods. (YDS)

Outlines an activity for large classes that helps students gain an understanding of the variety of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and the means of transmission of those diseases. (DDR)

Presents a rationale for using the history of science in science education. Uses the life and work of Louis Pasteur to illustrate how the history of science can illustrate the nature of science. Describes how Pasteur's bourgeois ideology and ambition influenced his selection of problems to investigate. (over 35 references) (PR)

Presents an interview with biologist Stephen Jay Gould in which he discusses the state of biology education and the continuing debate over the evidence that supports the theory of evolution. (DDR)

Shares the perspectives and experiences of maintaining a balance between being a biologist and an educator. Cites recent work that highlights what is going well in science education and revisits the tension between the role of researcher and teacher. (DDR)

Reports on what appears to be a promising approach to the treatment and spread of cancer. Utilizes a mutant of the common cold virus that appears to kill many kinds of cancer cells but not normal cells. (DDR)

Presents information on the modern production of yogurt and describes a simple method for producing yogurt in the classroom using milk purchased from the grocery store. (WRM)

Reports on the development of a laboratory exercise that would allow students to explore the concept of genetic drift. Discusses the concept of genetic drift that is coincident with natural selection and that closely models the real world. (DDR)

Provides an exercise designed to give students an appreciation for the genetic basis of behavior. Employs the phenomenon of glucose aversion as an example of evolution by mutation and accelerated natural selection, thereby revealing one of the ways in which organisms adapt to human interference. (DDR)

Discusses practical work which can be completed in a few hours that enables students to explore the genetics of the dandelion plant, which reproduces asexually. Dandelions, measuring instruments, and student imagination are needed for this activity. (DDR)

Details a simulation that employs a paper-and-pencil model to demonstrate the principles behind automated DNA sequencing. Discusses the advantages of automated sequencing as well as the chemistry of automated DNA sequencing. (DDR)

Presents some classic information on the biology of insects as well as some new research on ants, butterflies, and beetles. Contains 22 references. (WRM)

Introduces a method for constructing phylogenies using molecular traits and elementary graph theory. Discusses analyzing molecular data and using weighted graphs, minimum-weight spanning trees, and rooted cube phylogenies to display the data. (DDR)

Describes the use of dioramas in natural-history museum exhibits. Discusses the roots of dioramas, the process of creating an illusion, the purposes of dioramas, and criticisms of the use of dioramas. Contains 20 references. (DDR)