Chapter 10 Links
The Agricultural Revolution

Transgenic Plants and Animals

• Transgenic animals and plants
  • Transgenic plants and animals result from genetic engineering experiments in which genetic material is moved from one organism to another, so that the latter will exhibit a desired characteristic. From the Australian Biotechnology Assoc. leaflet series.
• Transgenic livestock in agriculture and medicine
  • Although still in its relative infancy, transgenics is already offering a chance to aid organ transplants and produce drugs, as well as enhancing foodstuffs.
• Transgenic Mammals ("Wilbur" as another instrumental good)
  • An activity module by Linda de Kort which provides a real life example of current research using our knowledge of genetic and molecular biology. It provides an opportunity to examine the ethical considerations of a current development which the students can continue to watch as the school year(s) progress. From the excellent education resources of Genentech's Access Excellence program.
• Transgenic Mice
  • A cute graphic representation, quite simplified, of transgenic meeses production.

Antibiotic Resistance

• Antibiotic Resistance
  • A nice looking site.
• Antibiotics; Are we winning the race against bacteria?
  • In an ongoing act of self preservation, bacteria are outsmarting researchers, physicians and pharmaceutical companies at an alarming rate.
• The Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
  • A longer discussion than the above site.
• Lilly Sponsors Major Initiative in Antibiotic - Resistance Research
  • A press release from the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly.
• New Class of Antibiotics Shows Promise in Drug Resistant Diseases
  • A new class of antibiotics under investigation at The Upjohn Company may show activity against drug-resistant strains of life-threatening diseases. From a great site for general medical information, the Doctor's Guide to the Internet, Patient Edition.
• World Antibiotic Resistance Network
  • The main goal of the WARN is to make the information about the current state of resistance in particular regions of the world available to everybody and to give a helping hand to the beginners.

Bacillus thuringiensis

• Bacillus thuringiensis - A Safe Insecticide for Caterpillars
  • A very accessible review for the general public on this natural insecticide.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Resistance Management
  • A whole bunch of great articles on this topic, from a special issue of the National Biological Impact Assessment Program (NBIAP) News Report.

ROUNDUP

• Welcome to ROUNDUP Herbicide by Monsanto
  • From Monsanto's website, slick advertising and general info on their version of the herbicide glyphosphate, and Roundup-Ready crops. Under "Select a Topic," click on "Crop," and then under "Then a Product," scroll down to information on Roundup and Roundup-Ready crops.

Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH)/Bovine Somatotropin (BST)

• Some Questions and Answers about BGH/BST
  • A packet from the U of Wisconsin was designed at the request of the Department of Public Instruction to provide information on BGH/BST. An easy to read Q & A format. Incorporating this material into your curriculum will help students develop critical thinking skills and awareness of the social impacts of biotechnology.
• Backgrounder: Bovine Growth Hormone or Bovine Somatotropin
  • More questions and answers.
• BIOSIS: Bovine Somatotropin
  • A plethora of punditry on the topic of Cows and BGH. Loads o' links. From the resources of BIOSIS, an electronic public debate about biotechnology at the Science Museum of London, England.
• Got Bgh?
  • A slightly irreverent, but very informative, collection on BGH by the not exactly pro-biotech folks at the Pure Food Campaign.
• The Dangers of Mixing Cows and Drugs
  • A Canadian view of the BGH controversy.
• Is BGH in Trouble?
  • A lengthy article on the problems being faced by Monsanto's BGH from RACHEL'S ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH WEEKLY, February 29, 1996.

Porcine Growth Hormone (PGH)

• Porcine Somatotropin (pST)
  • A thorough review of this hormone and some of its effects. From the Biotechnology Information Series, Iowa State University - University Extension, August 1993.