The SAPS ELISA kit for Botrytis has been developed as a low cost kit to bring practical immunology into the classroom. The monoclonal antibody in the kit detects Botrytis, a fungal pathogen. Botrytis infects plant material (such as strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes and flowers) and is of considerable importance...

This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how mathematics modelling can aid investigations into the circulatory system. Blood-related diseases can seriously harm patients’ quality of life and even lead to death. Many of these diseases are caused by...

Produced by the Royal Astronomical Society, this booklet examines the possibility of extraterrestrial life in the Universe. Many astronomers believe that there is life out there, but where is it? Is there life comparatively nearby, in our Solar System, or do we have to look to planets beyond the solar system that...

Produced by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, this multimedia resource explores the five major stages of the malaria lifecycle, highlighting the role of the Plasmodium parasite at each stage. The resource predominantly focuses on Plasmodium falciparum but does also make reference to other Plasmodium species...

From the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, this resource helps students to consider the allocations of funds to one or more malaria intervention projects. In groups they must discuss the pros and cons of different the projects and decide which should receive funding....

Produced by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, these materials help students to understand how malaria is tackled in an area where it is endemic. In this activity students are given a scenario where they are allocated the role of malaria programme managers for a...

Malaria is one of the world's biggest killers. It infects up to 250 million and kills nearly 800,000 people per year. This resource, from the Microbiology Society, takes a look at the history of the disease along with its causes, diagnosis, treatment and the prevention strategies employed to tackle this global...

This resource looks at how cutting edge science is being used to answer archaeological questions, as well as solving present day problems, such as the identification of meat in processed foods. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA was performed, at the University of York, on samples from skeletal remains unearthed by the...

Produced by Understanding Animal Research, this information booklet contains extensive information on the medical advances that have been made possible, at least in part, due to animal research. The sections look at developments including:
* cancer therapy;
* HIV treatments;
* vaccination;...

This STEMNET resource describes the background and career of STEM Ambassador Heather Williams, a senior medical physicist in a hospital nuclear medicine department.

Heather found that studying physics at school sparked a particular interest in radiation and its applications in medicine. A key part of her...

This resource, provided by the Association for Science Education (ASE), introduces a group of scientists working in a range of different careers. The resource is part of the SYCD: Science Year Only Connect? collection.

The scientists describe:

*How they got into science
*Where they have worked...

This booklet, from the Microbiology Society, discusses the role microbes could play in tackling global climate change. The resource provides an overview of the effect of greenhouse gases on climate and the role of microbes in the carbon and nitrogen cycles. Carbon-fixation in cyanobacteria and the carbon-releasing...

Produced by the Microbiology Society, this information booklet describes the positive contributions that micro-organisms make to the production of food. Microbes are often associated with food poisoning or food spoilage. However, without microbes there would be no bread, cheese, beer or chocolate. This booklet...

This Mathematics Matters case study looks at how mathematicians work with epidemiologists to understand the spread of infections and mitigate their effects. Epidemics can threaten the lives of both humans and animals, so it is essential that we react swiftly to any outbreaks. Mathematicians play a key role in...