Rural Medicine

Think that you might be interested in a career as a rural doctor? Check out the the RPAP information pages to find out what rural doctors do, how to become a doctor, the cost of medical education, and tips on how to prepare for the career. There’s a short video to watch, too.

Synapse

Everyone has a dream, like finding a cure for cancer, helping paralyzed people walk again, or eradicating HIV/AIDS from the world. A career in health research can unlock your dreams. Explore the Synapse site to learn more about health research. The site also contains useful information about programs that can help you prepare for a career in health research and satisfy your interest in science.

Virtual human

Scientists at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine have created the world’s first complete object-oriented computer model of a human body. The 4D human atlas, dubbed the CAVEman, will be useful in studying genetic diseases and surgical training by allowing researchers to literally get inside their experiments by translating medical and genomic data into 4D images.

Babies’ diet affects health later in life

New research by the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Kinesiology suggests that a high-fat, high-protein diet could alter the way infants’ metabolism works later in life, making them more susceptible to certain chronic diseases. The study found newborn rats fed a Atkins-style diet showed a marked rise in the expression of a couple of genes that deal with insulin sensitivity. :: more

Marie Joubert

Did you know that a rare, genetic disorder that affects the area of the brain that controls balance and coordination is called Joubert Syndrome, named after Marie Joubert, a Canadian neurologist? Joubert Syndrome is characterized by episodic panting in the newborn and jerky eye movements with later development of mental retardation. Many patients die in infancy or early childhood. The syndrome is believed to be transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. What is autosomal recessive? Ask your mentor…. See this website for more information about the genetics of the disorder. There is also a Joubert Syndrome Foundation.

Coffee, black, decaf and a little llama on the side

What have llamas, camels and coffee got in common? Three llamas and two camels have provided a way to tell whether your waiter swapped regular coffee for decaf in your after-dinner cup. Using the heat-resistant antibodies these camels and llamas make, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are developing a quick test for caffeine that works even with hot beverages. The researchers plan to adapt their technology to a simple test (a “dipstick”) that can be used to check for caffeine in a variety of drinks. For more information about the llama/camel/caffeine connection, see this link.

The Immune System

For some games about the immune system see the site called Infection, Detection and Protection. There are a number of interactive-games, including the Mixed Up Microbe Mystery, Infection! and more. The Infection! Game includes some information about the immune system and antibodies, which relates to the story about the camel, llamas and coffee.

Test Your Reaction Time

Online activity to see how fast you really are! How does your mentor’s time compare to your’s?

Sleep

Information, activities and online tests from the BBC. Make sure you try the Sheep Dash game, the Face Memory Test and the Sleep Quiz!

Explore the Human Body

Get theInside Story and learn how to treat disease using the latest medical technology – Investigate brain activity using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Inspect a large intestine by conducting a colonoscopy, perform a series of PET scans to diagnose disease, or use radiotherapy to treat a cancerous tumour.

Cancer-Fighting Chewing Gum

Ordinary chewing gum may fight bad breath, but a new kind of gum developed in Finland is going after a bigger fish: cancer. The secret ingredient is an amino acid called cysteine, which can neutralize a cancer-causing chemical that appears in saliva after smoking or drinking. When used immediately and consistently, the gum may protect the mouth, throat, and stomach from cancer.

Neuroscience For Kids

The smell of a flower – The memory of a walk in the park – The pain of stepping on a nail. These experiences are made possible by the 3 pounds of tissue in our heads…the brain!