Discusses four main types of medical imaging (x-ray, radionuclide, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance) and considers their relative merits. Describes important recent and possible future developments in image processing. (Author/MKR)

Provides protocols for the isolation and characterization of plasmid from E.coli. (ZWH)

Reviews some ways in which developments in biotechnology can be used to explore both biology and the social impact of this science on the wider community. Includes specific examples to help students explore the ramifications of biotechnology. Reviews approaches that can help teachers help students address social, ethical, and political issues…

Though many people remember the eye-scanner identification device used in James Bond films in the 1980s, the technology remained a fiction until recently. Now, with the need for more secure systems and with the decrease in biometric technology costs, some colleges and universities are taking a close look at this same technology for security…

Human salivary [alpha]-amylase is used in this experimental approach to introduce biology high school students to the concept of enzyme activity in a dynamic way. Through a series of five easy, rapid, and inexpensive laboratory experiments students learn what the activity of an enzyme consists of: first in a qualitative then in a semi-quantitative…

This article is based on the general introduction and the opening sections of chapters 1 and 2 from the author's book, "Living in the Labyrinth of Technology." It revisits the process of industrialization as having a dual component: people changing technology and technology changing people. The latter is almost universally overlooked and provides…

This article examines some of the controversial issues emerging from the privatization of biomedical research and commercialization of biotechnology. The aim is to identify the dominant social, political, and ethical risks associated with the recent shift from academic to corporate science and from the increasing emphasis on investing in research…

At Oklahoma City Community College, they have developed gel electrophoresis activities that support active learning of many scientific concepts, including: pH, electrolysis, oxidation reduction, electrical currents, potentials, conductivity, molarity, gel electrophoresis, DNA and protein separation, and DNA fingerprinting. This article presents…

The field of disability studies combines several disciplines to address the philosophical, moral, legal, medical and cultural questions emerging from the intersection of biotechnology and identity. Such a biocultural approach is crucial not just for scholars in the humanities to know the impact that science has on culture and the body, but also…

Modern technology in life and health sciences brings a new understanding to the study of cells and as a result, the National Science Education Standards emphasize understanding of science and technology. This ERIC Digest describes the central role of cell biology (cytology) in understanding these areas and explains conceptual difficulties and…

Many teachers avoid controversial topics because they do not want to upset students or parents, do not know appropriate instructional strategies, and fail to recognize the importance of motivating students through placing science in its relevant context. An example is provided for use in a methods course for helping future high school teachers to…

Describes the physics of Doppler ultrasound used in measuring the velocity of blood flow. Discusses medical applications of this technique. (Author/MKR)

Describes the development and use of a survey instrument designed to make available information regarding the perceptions that teachers have as to the appropriate content areas in biotechnology for a high school biology curriculum and the instructional methods that would best convey this information. (ZWH)

Part of a series designed to facilitate better understanding of the biotechnology industry by the academic educational and research training sector, concentrates on careers in biotechnology. Discusses jobs that reflect the industry as a whole and can be extrapolated to the industry both nationally and internationally. (Author/MM)

Discusses the emergence as well as the problems and prospects of biotechnology education in Turkey. (Author/CCM)