More than half a million people, mostly children, die from malaria each year. Many of the deaths occur in Africa, but the disease also affects Asian countries such as Indonesia, India and Pakistan.
Malaria is caused by a parasite that is spread by mosquitoes. While malaria can be treated with drugs, it is best to avoid contracting it by preventing mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes are mainly active at night, so organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) seek to supply people in poorer countries with insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). The insecticide in the ITN repels or kills mosquitoes, protecting the person sleeping underneath. However, these nets have become less effective over time. The mosquitoes are able to stay around the net longer, increasing the chances of a bite through any small opening in the net. The nets must now be treated with new chemicals to better repel mosquitoes.
Why did the insecticide become less effective against mosquitoes?
The discovery of the DNA double helix was made possible by the contributions of earlier scientists. Work in groups to answer the questions. You may use the Internet or other sources of information to help you.
Find out more about Rosalind Franklin (Figure 3.10) and her work. How did her contributions help Watson and Crick to make their discovery?
The discovery of the DNA double helix was made possible by the contributions of earlier scientists. Work in groups to answer the questions. You may use the Internet or other sources of information to help you.
Rosalind Franklin died of cancer in 1958. If she was still alive, should she have also been awarded a Nobel Prize? Explain your reasons.
The discovery of the DNA double helix was made possible by the contributions of earlier scientists. Work in groups to answer the questions. You may use the Internet or other sources of information to help you.
Recombinant DNA technology, also called genetic engineering, is used to alter the DNA for specific traits of an organism. Suggest how this can be useful and how the technology could be misused or abused.
In groups, design a three-day meal plan for a pregnant woman. Include foods rich in nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, proteins and vitamins for the healthy growth and development of the fetus.
You may use the Internet or other sources of information to help you.
Context: List some key health advice relating to the effects of smoking, diet and drugs on fetal development.
Discuss the possible methods for communicating this health advice to reach as many prospective parents as possible. Some methods include public health campaigns, workshops or online resources (websites or social media).
