Sixth graders will simulate the spread of a virus such as HIV through a population by "sharing" (but not drinking) the water in a plastic cup with several classmates. Although invisible, the water in a few of the cups will already be...

Discover the function of the innate immune system.

This problem set introduces students to basic concepts about the immune system. Correct answers are reinforced with a brief explanation, and incorrect answers are linked to tutorials to help solve the problem.

The human immune system has various ways of responding to an infection caused by bacteria or viruses. Our bodies produce proteins (antibodies) that are highly specific for the infectious agent as a part of our "humoral" immune response....

Get the latest government information on HIV-AIDS, allergies, the development of vaccines, and other health-related research topics.

There are battles that are fought each day on the planet. The invading forces are those of viruses and bacteria. Left alone they would take over and destroy every cell! It is up to some key defense systems to battle and destroy these...

Three immunology case studies for students to collaboratively diagnose using the information learned in the accompanying tutorials.

The Ebola disease is a life-threatening illness caused by the Ebola virus. There is currently no vaccine or specific medication for Ebola. Further discussion includes How does the virus replication work?; What are the symptoms of Ebola...

Antibiotic resistance describes a bacteria's ability to survive while being exposed to antibiotics. Topics explored are the following: How does antibiotic resistance develop exactly?; How do we measure antibiotic resistance?; How...

An overview of antibiotics, including What are antibiotics?; How were antibiotics discovered?; How do antibiotics work?; Azithromycin; Antibiotic development?

A short tutorial illustrating the structure of the antibody, describing how the structure fosters its function.

This site from the Nobel e-Museum contains a speech, originally given in 1905, in which Count K.A.H. Morner praises Robert Koch for his contribution to the world of medicine and awards Koch with the Nobel Prize.

An A to Z list of illnesses and disorders caused by environmental factors, e.g., asthma, allergies, mercury poisoning, cancer and others. Each is listed with a short, one paragraph overview of the condition and causes.

Read this illustrated tutorial about the relationship between the HIV virus and AIDS. Also contains treatment and diagnosis information.

This site from the MayoClinic.com contains great information on the food allergy. The sections that are covered in the article include: signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, screening, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Learn about some autoimmune disorders that affect human health.

Understand the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium that invades red blood cells and liver cells. The parasites are transferred to humans by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The article discusses how...

An overview of malaria and the types of Plasmodium that is carried by the Anopheles mosquito infecting red blood cells and liver cells in the human body. Symptoms of malaria are also discussed.

The three-step process of diagnosing malaria is explained.

After malaria has been confirmed by lab or biochemical diagnosis, treatment must begin immediately. But first the type of Plasmodium causing the infection, whether the patient has severe or non-severe infection, and if the parasite is...

An overview of how to prevent getting malaria including insecticides, repellents, eliminating mosquito breeding areas, malaria prophylactic drugs.

This article explains the concepts of drug use and dependence.

Substance use disorders are a class of psychological disorder in which a person continues to use a substance, despite having significant health, social, and other negative consequences as a result of their substance use.