UNIT 3: Genetics

Textbook Article

Medical Technology — The Genetic Forefront

Updated May 3, 2010 — A college student comes down with the flu. Worried about missing class, he goes to an emergency clinic and is given a prescription for an antiviral flu drug. Thirty minutes after taking the first pill, he is gasping for breath and his heart is racing. He is rushed to the hospital, where doctors tell him he has had an adverse reaction to his antiviral medication.

January 26, 2009“Astronaut Food Approach” to Medical Testing

What comes to your mind when you think of astronaut food? You might think of food that is dried-out and nonperishable. These same descriptions might soon be applied to new malaria tests that do not require refrigeration and are small...

August 16, 2007Frankenfoods or Good Nutrition? GMOs Created but Not Well Regulated

Genetically modified (GM) products include medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, and animal feeds. Since 1996, GM corn and soy have been used in our foods. However, a political scientist specializing in global regulation for technology and trade worries that regulations haven’t kept pace with the rate at which genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have come to market.

August 16, 2007Controlling Parkinson’s with Gene Therapy

Genes control the production of proteins. However, if a gene is mutated, the protein it codes for may not form or function properly, causing a genetic disorder. Gene therapy is one way researchers are trying to correct mutations that cause genetic disorders, such Parkinson’s disease.