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Fighting infection – introduction

We all get sick from time to time. Wintertime, in particular, brings with it colds and flus. Rights: Image licensed through 123rf.com Sick child We all get sick from time to time and don’t feel ...

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ARTICLE

The body’s first line of defence

Your body has a two-line defence system against pathogens (germs) that make you sick. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and fungi. Rights: Ian Wilson Boy with grazed elbow ...

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ARTICLE

The body’s second line of defence

If the pathogens are able to get past the first line of defence, for example, through a cut in your skin, and an infection develops, the second line of defence becomes active. Through a sequence ...

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ACTIVITY

Ethical dilemmas in fighting infection

In this activity, students explore ethical issues related to fighting infection. Students learn about the science involved and the associated ethical dilemmas. They have opportunities to discuss ...

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ACTIVITY

Exploring the impacts of biotechnology on society

In this activity, students explore a variety of recent biotechnologies and consider their impact on society. The activity can be adapted to suit student level and interest. The slide show ...

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ACTIVITY

Inside a cell

In this activity, students learn about the contents of a cell. They explore some of the main organelles within a cell using the analogy of a school, an online interactive and/or by making ...

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CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

Infection Inspection

Help this global project to develop a faster test for antibiotic resistance by looking inside bacteria that have been treated with antibiotics. This will improve healthcare for patients with ...

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CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

Etch a Cell – Zooniverse

In this online citizen science (OCS) project, participants analyse electron microscope images taken of a range of biological samples, helping scientists better understand cancer, infectious ...

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CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

Stall Catchers

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In this online ...

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TEACHER PLD

Promote omega-3 enriched food – unit plan

Students develop knowledge of new technology that enables fish oil to be added to food without a fishy taste or smell and design an advertisement to promote an omega-3 enriched food. Purpose To ...

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TEACHER PLD

Fighting infection

Winter is coming!! And so are coughs, colds and other nasty lurgies. What is going on in our bodies? How do we get sick? How do our bodies fight these bugs? In this online PD session recorded on ...

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TEACHER PLD

Fighting infection, the immune system – unit plan

Our bodies have a defence system against pathogens that make us sick. This defence system is made up of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect us. It is known as the immune ...

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VIDEO

What is snot?

Dr Joanna Kirman talks about snot. Although it seems disgusting, we learn snot is actually a good thing and is one of our weapons to fight disease. It is produced to clear the airways of ...

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VIDEO

The body’s defence

Professor Graham Le Gros from the Malaghan Institute explains the body’s defence system. He talks about the first line of defence, which involves the skin barrier. He then talks about how ...

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VIDEO

Rotavirus

Dr Joanna Kirman leads a team at the Malaghan Institute investigating rotavirus. Rotavirus is a common but nasty disease that affects young children. The problem is that there are many different ...

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INTERACTIVE

The immune system

This interactive explains the different cells, microorganisms and molecules involved in the human immune system. Click on the labels for more information. Select here to view the full transcript ...

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INTERACTIVE

The immune system in action

This interactive is a simple version of the human immune response to two different pathogens. Click on the labels for more information. Select here to view the full transcript and copyright ...

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INTERACTIVE

Antimicrobial resistance – planning pathways

Use this interactive to discover a range of resources about microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance. Select a label for more information. Go here for further information, including the ...

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