Unlocking Life's Code February 2023 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER February 2023

Introduce Your Students to the Human Microbiome

Want to incorporate exciting new genomics content into your courses and introduce your students to the latest in genomic research? Check out the Microbiome Lesson Plans developed by four educators/alumni from the National Human Genome Research Institute’s (NHGRI) annual summer Short Course in Genomics for middle school, high school, community college, and Tribal College educators. The NHGRI Short Course in Genomics Microbiome Lesson Plans were inspired by lectures and resources on the microbiome offered at various Short Courses in Genomics over the past five years. The four modules introduce the microbiome to students, explore the microbiome through inquiry-based learning, provide a virtual lab experience, and connect the microbiome to a health condition known as Metabolic Syndrome. Download the free lesson plans now!

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Rare Disease Day at the National Institutes of Health

Rare Disease Day takes place worldwide, typically on or near the last day of February each year, to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives. The National Institute’s of Health’s (NIH) participation aims to raise awareness about rare diseases, the people they affect, and NIH research collaborations underway to address scientific challenges and to advance new treatments. As part of this global observance, the NIH will be hosting an in-person event featuring panel discussions, rare diseases stories, exhibitors and scientific posters. There will also be a virtual livestream via NIH VideoCast with the event archived for replay afterward. Rare Disease Day at the NIH will be on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. Participation is free and registration is required for in-person or virtual participation.

Understanding Inheritance Patterns Using Pedigree Analysis: A Classroom Activity from HHMI Biointeractive

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) BioInteractive has created the “Analyzing Pedigrees” activity for high school science classrooms. This activity is designed to motivate students to think and learn about pedigree analysis. It highlights how pedigrees are used by disease researchers, as well as how they can inform patients and families. Students begin by reading information about the symbols used in pedigrees and how to read pedigrees. They then examine three different pedigrees of families with individuals who have spinocerebellar ataxia, colon cancer, and familial adenomatous polyposis. For each pedigree, students answer questions about the inheritance pattern and consider how family members might use this information. An informative way to introduce inheritance patterns of certain human traits to students.

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Professional Learning for Educators of Science Comes to Life at the National Science Teaching Association National Conference

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is hosting the NSTA Atlanta23 national conference from March 22 – March 23, 2023. The conference is intended for pre-service/new teachers and classroom veterans (K-12), professors, informal educators, administrators, and curriculum specialists who want to explore best practices, innovative instructional strategies and techniques, and next-level engagement approaches for inspiring students in science and STEM. Register now to attend this conference!

This month's featured article in

Genomics: Insights

"Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factors to Treat Disease"

Author: Caden Chow

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