Introductory Bioinformatics: Genetic Testing

Actress and Director Angeline Jolie shares her experiences testing positive for BRCA1 mutations and prophylactic surgery:

"My Medical Choice."  The New York Times.  Op-Ed. May 14, 2013.

The Personal Genome Project
The Personal Genome Project is a public genomics research study that aims to improve our understanding of genetic and environmental contributions to human traits. They are enrolling members of the public who are willing to share their genome sequence and other personal information such as health and medical data with the scientific community and the general public for purposes that promote human welfare through the advancement of scientific and medical discovery. The mission of the Personal Genome Project is to encourage the development of personal genomics technology and practices that: are effective, informative, and responsible; yield identifiable and improvable benefits at manageable levels of risk; and are broadly available for the good of the general public.   To achieve this mission they are building a framework for prototyping and evaluating personal genomics technology and practices at increasing scales.  Each year additional people are recruited to participate.

A Series of articles written by Emily Singer for MIT's Technology Review detailing the rationale behind the Personal Genome Project, and how the project has grown tremendously during just the past few years.

The Personal Genome Project: What would happen if genetic and medical records were freely available to anyone who wanted them? January 20, 2006 

Genomes on Display: Ten volunteers may reveal their genetic and medical data. October 20, 2008 

Interpreting the Genome: New technologies will soon make it possible to sequence thousands of human genomes. Now comes the hard part: understanding all the data. January/February 2009 

The Personal Genome Project Has a Growth Spurt: Thirteen thousand people will divulge their genetic and medical histories online. May 18, 2009 

Harvard Mapping My DNA Turns Scary
Bloomberg's John Lauerman describes his experiences when he received the results of his genome analysis, as part of the Personal Genome Project (PGP).  In addition to uncovering a rate genetic variant associated with blood disorders and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Lauerman struggles with what to do with the information, the uncertainties associated with this type of data, and how it might impact his family.

Biochemistry and Molecular Structure Resources

3D Molecules

Protein Data Bank (PDB)
Search for the protein structures and either print, view online, or download to view with an appropriate plug-in (some of which can be downloaded from the site).  Features a "molecule of the month."  Also, visit the extensive Educational Resources Section.

NCBI's Structure Page allows you to view structures with a simple view, Cn3D, available for download from the site.  It also maintains its own structure database, MMDB, which is a subset of the PDB.

Genetic Science Learning Center
Offers many valuable resources for teaching and learning about biotechnology.

Iowa State Biotechnology Resources for Educators
Includes thirteen laboratory activities, curriculum units, and more.  Topics include DNA extraction, fingerprinting, bacteria transformation, bioluminescence, plant micro propagation, a PCR activity, and a soybean flavor demonstration.

National Centre for Biotechnology Education (United Kingdom)
NCBE Publications--Download curriculum to teach biotechnology in the classroom, including plant biotechnology and fermentation.

ThinkQuest Genetic Experiments
Use readily available materials to simulate genetic research and develop an understanding of DNA extraction, how enzymes work, probability and heredity pools, individual genetic variations, and chromatography.  These experiments can be performed at home or school and come with both text and graphic demonstrations.

Beyond Discovery:  The Path from Research to Human Benefit
Real life case studies illustrate how recent medical and technological advances arose from basic laboratory research.  Some of the areas covered are Hepatitis B, polymers, designer seeds, and human gene testing.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center SEP Program Science and Education Links
An extensive collection of science links is available at Dyanna's Picks.  The downloadable resource list is especially valuable for Washington State educators.

NCBI
The National Center for Biotechnology Information has links to a wealth of resources for learning about biotechnology, including information on human genome resources, model organisms, and outreach/education.  Begin at the "About NCBI" section for a good overview of resources.  PubMed is a valuable resource for locating scientific research articles.

Washington Biotechnology and Medical Technology Online
The home page of WBBA, the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical  Association (WBBA), provides information about biosciences in Washington State, as well as Education Materials such as a lab on gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting.

WhyBiotech.Com
An informational site from the Council for Biotechnology Information.

Cell Biology Resources

Biology4Kids:  The Cell Biology Pages:  These pages cover all major cell organelles in detail with gorgeous color graphics and helpful analogies for understanding cellular functions.  Not just for "kids," this site would provide a terrific review for high school students as well.

The Biology Project provides cell biology resources in addition to addressing other aspects of biology.  It also offers activities, lesson plans, and tutorials.

Cells Alive provides a wonderful microscopic images of cells.  Check out the cell model tutorial and the cell gallery!

NCBI Bookshelf:  Search topics directly in the online versions of the classic texts of cell biology,Molecular Biology of the Cell, and Molecular Cell Biology.  This is an amazing resource!

Stem Cells

MedlinePlus:  Latest news on stem cell research from the National Library of Medicine.

PBS Newshour Online:  Human Stem Cell Research:  After reviewing background and a research interview on this controversial topic, view a three-minute animation on how human stem cells are cultured.  Embryonic stem cell issues are debated by medical ethicists.

Science Magazine:  Original article on "Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Derved From Human Blastocysts" in the October 1998 issue.

Stem Cell Primer from the NIH provides an overview of stem cells and issues related to their growth.

TIME magazine 2001 article on stem cells provides an introduction to the topic at the layperson's level.

Virtual Cell, An Education Index Top Site.  Zoom into the cell, cut sections, and learn about different organelles in this highly interactive site.

Neurobiology Resources

Digital Anatomist Interactive Atlas (Neuroanatomy):  This is an advanced program provided by the University of Washington that can be taken for credit, used in a classroom, or enjoyed for individual learning purposes.  Graphics and photos illuminate many components of the nervous system.  Online movies are available for every subject.  The overview details how to customize the program, label photos and diagrams, navigate the site, and how to use quiz mode.

Neuroscience for Kids--This home page has been created for all students and teachers who would like to learn more about the nervous system.  Enjoy the activities and experiments on your way to learning more about the brain and spinal cord.  This includes a scavenger hunt to help familiarize students with the site and nervous system.

Drugs and the Brain

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington
A Multidisciplinary Center at the University of Washington, whose mission is to support and facilitate research and research dissemination in the field of alcohol and drug abuse.  There is information about research being conducted and local clinical trials; in addition, there is an extensive list of links related to drug and alcohol abuse, treatment, and recovery.

American Council for Drug Education
Drug Prevention Lesson Plans
Lesson plans for K-12 grade levels.  Each lesson plan describes the objective of the leson, background on the topic, resources and teacher tips, and then the activities to plan for this class time.  There are also downloadable PDF files containing activity worksheets.
Tips for Talking About Drugs in the Classroom
Includes appropriate messages and communication strategies for talking to students about drugs.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA provides easy-to-use powerpoint "Slide Teaching Packets" on several topics related to drugs and the brain, including:  The Brain and the Actions of Cocaine, Opiates, and Marijuana, The Neurobiology of Drug Addiction, and the Neurobiology of Ecstasy (MDMA).  NIDA and NIH also offer a free curriculum supplement called "The Brain:  Understanding Neurobiology through the Study of Addiction."

Click through some of the slideshows:
 --The Neurobiology of Drug Addiction
 --Bringing the Power of Science to Bear on Drug Abuse and Addiction

General Online Resources

Access Excellence is a great site for health and science teachers originally developed by Genetech.

Action Bioscience provides readings and curriculum ideas for topics such as biotechnology, the human genome, and a variety of other topics in biology.

The Biology Project provides activities, lesson plans, and tutorials, especially strong on problem sets, and tutorials.

The DNA Files--Experts and public radio watchdogs explore cutting edge topics in biomedical research.

The Genetics Science Learning Center (GSLC)--The GSLC partnership between scientists and educators produces innovative and effective genetic science learning programs utilizing information from leading-edge research.

The Science Lab offers links to many science-related sites, including science education resources.

Office of Science Education at NIH is an outstanding resource for teachers and students with access to a wealth of free curriculum materials.  Be sure to look at the valuable Curriculum Supplements, as well as the "Snapshots of Science and Medicine" newsletter.

The NIH has also created a Women in Science Career page, with complimentary videos, posters, and career profiles.  Other areas of the NIH site, such as NIH:  For the Public, may also be of interest.

Online Texts

Kimball's Biology Pages
Modified from the author's text "Biology" published in 1944 by Wm. C. Brown.  Search alphabetically or by search engine.  There are a lot of diagrams. 

NCBI Bookshelf
The bookshelf is growing number of biology reference boks that can be searched directly.  Several important biology reference texts, such as" Molecular Biology of the Cell" by Alberts et. al, and "Immunology" by Janeway et. al, are available.