The main purpose of the Mayo Clinic experiment was a. to reduce the symptoms of HIV in cats b. to make cats immune to FIV c. to make cats glow in the dark
The antiviral gene came from a. monkeys b. jellyfish c. mice
The goal of the “glow” gene was a. to make the experiment more interesting for the researchers b. to attract media attention and raise money for HIV c. to test the results of the antiviral gene
Discussion/essay questions
Weird science experiments often make the news. Have you heard any other stories of strange or unusual experiments?
Transcript
In 2011, scientists at the Mayo Clinic began an experiment. They were trying to use a gene to prevent feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, in cats. FIV is genetically similar to HIV in humans. If scientists could use genetic engineering to make cats immune to FIV, they might also be able to reduce human deaths from HIV and AIDS. The scientists modified cat eggs with an antiviral gene from monkeys. They paired this gene with a jellyfish gene that causes bioluminescence, which is a natural ability to glow in the dark. The goal of the “glow” gene was to help the scientists test their results. If the kittens glowed, the scientists would know that the antiviral gene had been activated. The experiment created three glow-in-the-dark cats with cells that showed immunity to FIV. These cats also passed both genes on to their own kittens.
Fingerprints develop a. when DNA first forms b. in the womb, while skin is still growing c. a few days after birth
To change your fingerprint, you would need to damage a layer of skin called a. the epidermis b. the dermis c. the hypodermis
A very small percentage of people a. have matching fingerprints b. have fingerprints that change naturally c. have no fingerprints
Discussion/essay questions
Many cell phones now allow people to use their fingerprints to secure their personal information. Some people find this concerning. Unlike a password, it is very difficult to change your fingerprint. Do you think it is a good idea to secure your information with a fingerprint? Why or why not?
Transcript
Unlike most physical features, fingerprints are not genetic. The patterns on our fingers develop in the womb, while skin is still growing. For this reason, no two people have the same fingerprints, even identical twins. The ridges of a fingerprint are the same through multiple layers of skin. This is why fingerprints stay the same after cuts or scrapes heal. To permanently change your fingerprint, you would need to destroy all of the skin’s outer layers and damage the inner layer, which is called the dermis. Since the early 20th century, many law enforcement agencies have used fingerprints to identify people. They are more accurate than earlier identification techniques, such as measuring body proportions. However, fingerprints are not a foolproof way to find someone. Some diseases and medications can cause people to lose their fingerprints. A very small percentage of people are even born without them. This can make it difficult to get legal documents, enter different countries, and apply for certain jobs.
In some places, vaccines are a controversial subject. Some people are uncomfortable with putting unfamiliar substances into their bodies. Do you think these people are right to be concerned, or is disease prevention more important?
Transcript
Vaccines are some of the best methods for preventing disease. The reason vaccines are so effective is that they trigger the body’s natural immune response to viruses. When a person becomes infected with a new disease, their body recognizes that the virus is unfamiliar. The immune system then works to fight off the virus by producing antibodies. After recovering from a sickness, your body will remember how to fight it off if you are ever infected again. This provides a temporary immunity to the virus that you were exposed to. A vaccine works by imitating a real infection. Most vaccines contain a weakened or inactive version of the virus they are meant to protect against. When this virus is injected into the body, the immune system believes it is harmful and attempts to fight it off. Because the immune system now recognizes this virus, it will remember how to produce antibodies if you are ever exposed to the real virus. This way, you can be protected from disease without being infected first.
