New Hope for Fading Memories: Alzheimer's Disease

Although Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, scientists still do not completely understand what triggers this disease. There probably is no single cause. Rather, it is likely that a combination of factors – including genetics and lifestyle – increases a person's likelihood of developing AD. Join Ronald McNeel, DrPH, for a closer look at what we do and don’t know about this disease, which affects an estimated 26 million people worldwide.

View the article and view and download the slide set.

What is Stem Cell Research?

Learn about the significance of new federal funding and research guidelines for stem cell research from William R. Brinkley, PhD, distinguished cell biologist and Senior Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine.

For more information about stem cells, join Joseph Marx, PhD, for an introduction to the topic. View the streaming video presentation OR, view and download the slide set for use with students and other groups.

View an address given by renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Michael E. DeBakey (1908-2008), on the controversy surrounding stem cell research (delivered June 2005).

Biological Evolution

On February 12, 2009, people around the world will celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, arguably the most important figure in modern biology. Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection revolutionized the study of biology, and even today, it provides a unifying framework for diverse areas of research, from conservation of endangered species to the prevention and treatment of human disease. Indeed, 150 years after the publication of On the Origin of Species, Darwinian evolution remains one of the most powerful ideas in science. In the words of evolutionary geneticist, Theodosius Dobzhansky, "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution."

In celebration of this important event, BioEd Online is debuting three new sets of annotated slides: Evolutionary Theory, Species Concepts and Reproductive Isolating Barriers, and Modes of Speciation.

Adolescent Nutrition

Is calorie counting still a mystery to your students? This presentation by Roberta Anding, MS, RD, LD, CDE, nutrition consultant to the Houston Texans football team, can help students understand healthy eating for the new year. After viewing the presentations, your classes can engage in a series of innovative science activities that teach appropriate portion sizes and allow students to investigate why different foods have varying calorie counts. Find it all on BioEd Online.

View streaming video presentation and downloadable slide set. Download science lessons in PDF format.

Butterflies and Spiders in Space

Houston, we have a new kind of astronaut! With funding from the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine has partnered with BioServe Space Technologies to deliver experiments with Vanessa cardui (painted lady) butterflies and orb spiders to the International Space Station (ISS). The experiments were carried to the ISS aboard the space shuttle Endeavour, as part of the STS-126 mission. Now for the next several months, the butterflies and spiders will be orbiting the Earth! Join us for daily updates on our new "astronauts" and how they engage students in the study of butterfly and spider life cycles and behaviors in microgravity.

View daily photos.

STDs and Teens

Many people are reluctant to talk about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but they are a major problem in the US and elsewhere. STDs strike all groups of people, regardless of income or demographics, and they probably have affected someone you know. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 3.2 million girls (approximately one in four) between the ages of 14 and 19 in the US are infected with at least one STD. We all know abstinence is the only guaranteed way to avoid an STD. But for those who do not abstain, information is the next best form of protection. The ready-to-use resources offered here provide accurate, current information that will enable you to discuss STDs in your classroom. So join us for this science news update and arm your students with the facts.

View article and view and download the slide set.