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Listed under:  Science  >  Life  >  Animal structure and function  >  Body systems  >  Immune system
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How does the retina work?

When electrons in your retina absorb photons of light they don't emit light, they cause a molecule to change shape - and that lets you see colour!

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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.

Online

Collisions and biomechanics lesson

This lesson plan investigates ways in which automobile manufacturers seek to reduce injuries that occur in car accidents. Students note the effects of car accidents on human bodies, the factors that influence the type and severity of injuries, and the safety ratings of vehicles in which they travel regularly. The resource ...

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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.

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Vitamin D

This 8 minute video segment from Catalyst shows how research can also help us to optimise our health, especially into older age. It describes an example of how sometimes research gives us mixed messages. Sun exposure helps our body to produce the hormone, vitamin D but it also increases incidence of melanoma.

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.

Text

Spare parts

This ABC In Depth feature article deals with the historical and future development of our use of implants including the bionic ear and eye. Research into tissue regeneration and bionic regeneration is outlined. A bionic eye, a new heart grown in the lab, spinal implants that will help quadriplegics walk again. This provides ...

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

Interactive

Micro-organisms

Students use this resource consisting of four slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the different types of microbes that can cause disease. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

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 ...

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Hendra Virus

This 11 minute video segment from Catalyst describes research into the Hendra virus with its high mortality rate and animal vectors.

Interactive

Science Talk 2007: Vaughan Macefield

An interview and lab tour with Vaughan Macefield, a neuroscientist at the University of Western Sydney (UWS). Vaughan talks to students and their teacher from Quakers Hill High School about his work studying nerves and their function in the human body.

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Marijuana Madness

This eleven minute video segment from Catalyst provides a thorough analysis of recent research that demonstrates the relationship between marijuana and psychosis and how marijuana actually affects the brain.

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 ...

Interactive

Exploring the human body

This resource for basic physiology and anatomy has a comprehensive outline of all the systems of the body and sensory organs, with animated graphics and activities to help explain them, plus links to visual and interactive resources online.

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 ...

Interactive

Science Talk 2007: Tim Entwistle

An interview and tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney and its herbarium with Dr Tim Entwistle, a plant scientist and the NSW Government Botanist. Tim talks to a pre-service teacher from Macquarie University about his love of plants, in particular freshwater algae. In the herbarium we find out why it is so important ...