AS level coursework essay: Use of CT scans in general health checks

Recently in the UK there has been a growth in private health care companies offering CT and MRI scans as part of general health checks. However, there has been some doubt as to whether thse are beneficial to healthy patients. Indeed that the suggestion of increased risk of cancer due the high radiation experienced has certainly raised suggestions as to whether the risks, if these are used regularly, outweigh the benefits for otherwise healthy individuals.

A sensitive topic as obviously these are very useful diagnostic tools and one wouldn’t want to frighten people from having scans if their doctor deems it important. Obviously the coursework criteria must be checked closely to see if this is a suitable topic and whether it provides enough for an essay. However, it just occurred to me as I was popping up the videos for CT scans and thought I would suggest it. Some useful links are below:

BBC news “Scan may increase cancer risk”

USA today report: Radiation from CT scans

AS coursework idea: golden rice

The issues surrounding the development of the genetically modified rice, golden rice, maybe a useful topic for the AS coursework essay. Rather than discussion of GM foods in general a look at this particular food, and the campaign and controls against it, provides a rich source of discussion. Golden rice has been modified to produce high amounts of vitamin A, a deficiency of which causes many deaths a year in the developing world:

“According to the World Health Organization, dietary vitamin A deficiency (VAD) causes some 250,000 to 500,000 children to go blind each year. Blindness and corneal afflictions are but indicators of more severe underlying health problems: more than half the children who lose their sight die within a year of becoming blind. VAD compromises the immune systems of approximately 40 percent of children under the age of five in the developing world, greatly increasing the risk of severe illnesses from common childhood infections.”

Golden Rice Project

However, the severe restrictions have been placed on the use of golden rice and, as of, writing it has not been allowed out of the lab as yet. Is the need for supplements via rice needed? Are there alternatives? Are the fears of introducing the rice into the general agricultural system justified? Do the benefits outweigh the potential risks?

To find out more follow the links below and watch the videos.

The Golden Rice Project

BBC news: Golden Rice

Articles from the Science journal (will need to pay for access)

Golden Rice: A dangerous experiment (from BanGMfood.org website)

Video 1: Excerpt from Channel 4 Animal Farm series (looking at genetic modification and tissue engineering, recommeded viewing). It is 5 minutes long and shows the techniques involved.

Video 2: Slideshow and commentary on golden rice. Gives a greater voice to those who are against the use of golden rice.

A Level Biology: Interesting article on scientific studies

This article from Science, debating current research revealing links between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and viruses, does a good job of highlighting how the scientific community self-regulates. It discusses research protocols such as sample selection and demographics, faults such as contamination and bias linked to commercial interests. I think it makes a good up to date discussion of how scientific studies are carried out and the need to produce clear and detailed articles. It is an easy read too and I highly recommend it:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Attacked Again

Fantastic new A Level revision guides and also IGCSE workbook now available

Every so often I have a wander through Amazon to see what is available. I am amazed at the explosion of textbooks available, particularly for IGCSE. For example I havejust discovered that there is a workbook to match Mary Jones new, and extremely good, textbook. I certainly will be ordering it.
There are more A Level text books also being produced for the new specification, especially two sets of revision guides both of which I recommend. I have created an E-Store that has all the relevant textbooks for Cambridge IGCSE and also Edexcel A Level. I will add other categories for other exam boards soon.
In the meantime please have a browse through my E-Store. If you fancy buying book or two that would be great. The order will go through Amazon and will not affect your purchase price if you go through me. However I do receive a small amount of money for each book purchase through my E-Store (all going towards my daughters college fund). If you can get your school to do bulk orders through me that would be absolutely wonderful!

A Level Biology: mutations PowerPoint presentation

This is a short and simple presentation to illustrate the dfferent types of possible mutations. A lot of simple animations and short informative information slides. The last summary slide can be used as a verbal summary or as a written activity for the students.

Link to presentation:

mutations