Tarkovski, A. (2023) ‘Multiple-sclerosis and vitamin D: can sunshine reduce the severity of the disease?’, Biological Sciences Review, 35 (3), pp.12-15.
Biochemist Alexandra Tarkovski explores the possible link between vitamin D deficiency and the development and progression of multiple sclerosis. This article links to your study of nervous coordination. Look out for the practice exam questions in this article.
Alford, L. (2023) ‘Can insects be warm-blooded?’, Biological Sciences Review, 35 (3), pp.8-11.
Insects have diverse mechanisms that alter their body temperature, from shivering to rolling dung balls and drooling. Insect physiologist Lucy Alford explores the strage world of insect thermal regulation. This article supports your study of the principles of homeostasis. Look out for the practice exam questions in this article.
Cunningham, M. (2023) ‘Guillain-Barre syndrome: from food poisoning to paralysis’, Biological Sciences Review, 35 (3), pp.2-6.
Guillain-Barre syndrome affects the peripheral neurones. It often starts with a tingling in the hands and feet, but can spread, causing paralysis of arm and leg muscles and the muscles that control breathing. In rare cases it can be fatal. Neurobiologist Maddy Cunningham explains how the syndrom can be triggered by food poisoning. This article supports your study of skeletal muscles.
Russell, E. (2022) ‘Neurodegenerative disease and lifelong health in footballers’, Biological Sciences Review, 35 (2), pp.30-33.
High-profile cases of neurodegenerative brain disease in former professional footballers suggest a possible link with repeated trauma when heading the ball. Neuroscientist Emma Russell explains. This article supports your study of nervous coordination.
Wallmna, R. (2022) ‘Double agents and nerve agents: how poisons work’, Biological Sciences Review, 35 (1), pp.22-25.
From spies to cosmetics, neuroscientist Phoebe Wallman investigates the science and history of some of the most infamous nerve poisons. She follows the bizarre story of how a poisoned double agent was treated with another poison, and shows how poisons can be harnessed for the greater good.
Sutton, G. (2021) ‘The future of the brain: advances in computer interfaces’, Biological Sciences Review, 33 (4), pp.10-14.
Ideas once considered to be within the realm of science fiction are rapidly becoming realistic propositions. Mind control of robotic arms, implanted brain devices for memory enhancement and even telepathy – anything appears possible, as neuroscientist Guy Sutton explains. This article links to your unit on Organisms Respond to Changes in their Internal and External Environments and supports your learning of nervous coordination. Look out for the exam-style questions in this article.
Walsh, K. (2021) ‘What is…? Genetic and environmental factors relating to diabetes’, Biological Sciences Review, 33 (4), pp.16-19.
Geneticist Katy Walsh explains how understanding diabetes will help guide global strategies that target the growing burden of this disease. This article links to your unit on Organisms Respond to Changes in their Internal and External Environments and supports your study of diabetes and the control of blood glucose concentration. Look out for the discussion questions in this article.
Arbuckle, K. and Speed, M. (2020) ‘Venom neurotoxins’, Biological Sciences Review, 32 (4), pp.2-6.
Evolutionary biologists Kevin Arbuckle and Mike Speed explain how neurotoxins work, and how researchers might exploit them to treat a variety of medical conditions.
Audesirk, T. (2018) ‘Making a muscle’, Biological Sciences Review, 31 (2), pp.10-14.
Explores the reasons underlying performance disparities among elite athletes.
McCrohan, C. (2015) ‘How are you feeling? Touch signals and touch receptors’, Biological Sciences Review, 27 (3), pp.12-16.
Neuroscientist Catherine McCrohan describes some of the different types of touch receptors that are located in the skin, how touch signals are conveyed in the nervous system, and some of the ways we use this information.
Other resources
Adds, J., Larkcom, E. and Miller, R. (1998) Systems and their Maintenance. Thomas Nelson. 570 ADD.
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