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Listed under:  Science  >  Life  >  Animal structure and function  >  Metabolism (Animals)  >  Homeostasis
Audio

Diabetes type 2 cured by surgery ABC Radio national

Download the audio or view the transcript of this ABC radio program. It is an excellent example of how approaching a problem from a different perspective and with an open mind may result in an amazing solution. Richard Stubbs, and New Zealand scientist, claims type 2 diabetes is a disease of the gut. If his hypothesis is ...

Video

CMT disease

This seven and a half minute video segment from Catalyst describes CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) is Australia's most common genetic neurological disorder. Vitamin C, particularly when taken at a young age appears to reverse this effect. A good example of the scientific method.

Video

Stems Cells in the Brain

This seven and a half minute video segment from Catalyst outlines how the discovery of stem cells in the brain marks a potential breakthrough in understanding the process of ageing in the brain. If brain stem cells can be regenerated through exercise or mental activity, can ageing be delayed?

Interactive

Effects of Smoking on the Lungs

Students use this resource consisting of six slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how smoking cigarettes can damage the breathing system. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

White Blood Cells

Students use this resource consisting of nine slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how the white blood cells defend the body against disease. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Video

Unforgettable memories

This 10 minute video from Catalyst describes some unusual cases of people with incredible memories and brain functioning and gives a useful introduction to learning about the human nervous system and brain. Information about how memory works provides some useful strategies for revising for exams.

Video

Brainy bees

This six and a half minute video segment from Catalyst shows how understanding bees process information from their compound eyes may help in designing better surveillance systems. This program is useful for discussion of the methods of scientific research into behaviour and perception.

Video

BTN: Do you suffer from asthma?

Asthma is one of the most common chronic health problems in Australia. Fortunately, a lot is known about the causes of asthma attacks, and how to treat them. View this clip to find out what happens to the airways of an asthma sufferer and how this disease can be managed.

Video

Unlocking the key to why chillies are hot

Have you ever eaten hot chilli and wondered why your mouth feels like it's on fire? Watch this clip to find out all about the science of chillies, including what makes them hot, why they are hot and why they cause so much pain when we eat them.

Video

BTN: Colour blindness - seeing the world differently

The ability to see colours is an important human trait, but did you know some people's colour vision is impaired. View this clip to discover what it means to be colourblind and how it happens. Find out also about the extraordinary colour vision of the dunnart, and why it is important for this nocturnal marsupial.

Video

Awake the mind with caffeine chemistry

Caffeine is the world's most popular drug, but what is it and how does our body respond to its presence? Watch this clip to see the chemical structure of caffeine and the three compounds it metabolises into. Find out which receptor in the brain caffeine binds to, and the overall impacts it has on brain function and activity.

Video

BTN: Wasted by alcohol abuse

Consuming alcohol affects our bodies. Find out what alcohol actually does inside the human body and the organ that 'fights' to reduce its harmful effects. Discover why alcohol is literally a 'waste' product.

Video

Why do people get itchy?

Ever wondered what's happening when you get an itch? Watch as Dr Karl Kruszelnicki explains. What are the nerves under your skin reacting to, when they get triggered into action? What is the itch sensation telling your body?

Interactive

Artificial Immunity

This resource consists of 2 sets of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting detailed information and explanations of the role of vaccines in offering artificial immunity against disease.

Interactive

Defence Against Disease

Students use this resource consisting of ten slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how microbes can enter the body and how the body tries to prevent this from happening. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Mucous Membrane

Students use this resource consisting of eight slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how the mucous membrane lining the respiratory system helps to prevent infection. Three of the eight slides deal with the impact of smoking. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Water and Mineral Salt Uptake

Students use this resource consisting of three slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that root hair cells absorb water and mineral salts from the soil, and understand how they are adapted for this function. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Video

Body identity

This eleven and a half minute video segment from Catalyst is an excellent example of how science research can change our understanding. Some rare people who actually want their limb removed and will go to extraordinary lengths to do so are now regarded as experiencing a neurological phenomenon rather than a psychological disorder.

Audio

Killer cholera begins where other diseases end

This ABC article by Dr Karl continues his examination of the causes, effects and treatments for cholera. A good explanation of how the body responds to the disease cholera and when healthy, maintains a balance in its absorption of water through the digestive system. The historical background to developing treatment for ...

Video

Stem Cells Repair

This 11 minute video segment from Catalyst is a case study of research in the use of stem cells. It demonstrates the structure of the knee joint and the role of bones and cartilage. Stem cells from bone marrow are collected and used in attempt to prevent the onset of arthritis. This program distinguishes embryonic from ...