DNA U of Utah
THE NEW SCIENCE
OF ADDICTION
VARIATION,
SELECTION & TIME
STEM CELLS
See the potential these undifferentiated cells bring to disease treatment and research.
CLONING
Clone a mouse online! Learn about the facts, myths, and risks behind creating genetic carbon copies.
GENE THERAPY
See how this technology delivers functional copies of genes into diseased cells.
TRANSGENIC MICE
Learn how "Knockout" gene-targeting technology has revolutionized biomedical research.
DNA EXTRACTION
DNA is extracted from human cells for a variety of reasons. With a pure sample of DNA you can test a newborn for a genetic disease, analyze forensic evidence, or study a gene involved in cancer. Try this virtual laboratory to perform a cheek swab and extract DNA from human cells.
PCR
PCR is a relatively simple and inexpensive tool that you can use to focus in on a segment of DNA and copy it billions of times over. PCR is used every day to diagnose diseases, identify bacteria and viruses, match criminals to crime scenes, and in many other ways. Step up to the virtual lab bench and see how it works!
GEL ELECTROPHORESIS
Have you ever wondered how scientists work with tiny molecules that they can't see? Here's your chance to try it yourself! Sort and measure DNA strands by running your own gel electrophoresis experiment.
DNA MICROARRAY
DNA microarray analysis is one of the fastest-growing new technologies in the field of genetic research. Scientists are using DNA microarrays to investigate everything from cancer to pest control. Now you can do your own DNA microarray experiment! Here you will use a DNA microarray to investigate the differences between a healthy cell and a cancer cell.
EPIGENETICS
Learn how genes and the environment converge at the epigenome, altering gene expression and confounding classic ideas of inheritance. Topics include
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how factors from the environment alter gene expression
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how molecules record a cell's experiences
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how behavior affects gene expression
THE NEW SCIENCE OF ADDICTION
A physiologic and molecular look at a chronic disease involving many factors. Including:
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basic neurobiology
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a scientific examination of drug action in the brain
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the role of genetics in addiction
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ethical considerations
VARIATION, SELECTION & TIME
Learn how molecular genetics is shedding light on the process of natural selection including:
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sources of variation
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the scale of geologic time
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artificial and contemporary examples of natural selection in action
FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY
What runs in your family? What you need to know about common diseases and your risk.
GREAT SALT LAKE ECOLOGY
Get to know our salty neighbor and the organisms that thrive there. Topics include
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biotic and abiotic factors
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simple food chains found at the lake
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an interactive aerial view of the lake