Web Activities
UNIT 3: HOMEOSTASIS
Chapter 9 – How Nerve Signals Maintain Homeostasis
Section 9.2
p. 426
15. The neurotransmitter serotonin
is normally involved in temperature regulation, sensory perception,
and mood control. A class of compounds known as selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has proven highly successful in the treatment
of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). How
do these therapeutic drugs affect serotonin? Are there any risks involved?
Search for information in newspapers, periodicals, CD-ROMs, and on the
Internet.
Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors and the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa
A well written, academic review of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and
the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa that explains the research linking
the disorder to neurotransmitter activity, and the effects of serotonin
targeted drug therapy.
p. 426
Section 9.2 questions
16. Research the effects of nerve gas on the human body. Does
it make sense to carry a gas mask incase of exposure to nerve gas. Search
for information in newspapers, periodicals, CD-ROMs, and on the Internet.
Chemical
Weapons: Nerve Agents
Chemical Weapons: Nerve Agents provides excellent descriptions and
diagrams of the history, biology, symptoms, and treatments of the
common nerve gases. A collection of links at the bottom of the page
leads to further information on the use of nerve gases, past and present.
The
Nerve of This Gas
The Nerve of This Gas explains the ins and outs of how some major
chemical weapons affect the nervous system. The page is part of an
extensive, flashy site on chemical weapons with a wide range of topics
to browse. The University of Wisconsin manages the site.
Poison
Warfare Gases
Poison Warfare Gases lists some common chemical weapons, describing
in detail the symptoms they cause, and how they are/have been used.
p. 434
Section 9.3 questions
8. Conduct an information search on strokes, including the
causes, risk factors, warning signs, and effects on the various body
systems. Include statistics on the incidence of strokes in Canada and
on some lifestyle strategies for reducing the risk of stroke. Prepare
a poster summarizing your research results in the form of charts, graphs,
and tables. Be prepared to share your findings with your class. Search
for information in newspapers, periodicals, CD-ROMs, and on the Internet.
Stroke
Links
This list of Stroke Links from Health Canada includes some interesting
stroke research, such as the risk of stroke associated with chiropracty,
as well as links to provincial stroke organizations and some federal
research documents.
p. 449
Explore an Issue – Debate: Hearing Damage
Statement: The sound levels at dance clubs should be regulated to protect
the club patrons and staff.
- In a group, research the issue. Search for information in
newspapers, periodicals, CD-ROMs, and on the Internet.
- Prepare a list of points and counterpoints for your group
to discuss. You might consider these questions:
a. There are laws protecting certain industrial workers
from harmful sound exposure. Should there be similar laws for the
entertainment industry?
b. Should club owners be held responsible for warning patrons and
staff about the dangers of high sound levels?
Hearing
Damage and Loud Music
Hearing Damage and Loud Music is eloquently expressed on this Web
site. Read quotes from famous rock stars, learn about Bill Clinton’s
problems, and get the lowdown on what to do to prevent hearing loss.
Hearing
Education and Awareness for Rockers
Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers is the bonafide title
for this association, whose Web site contains a wealth of information
on all aspects of hearing loss and loud music. Check out the ‘Are
You at Risk’ thumbnail at the top of the page to get informed.
The ‘Features’ section has some very interesting articles
for music fans, who like to hear.
Workplace
Noise Limits
The legal Workplace Noise Limits are spelled out on this Web page,
maintained by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
p. 450
Section 9.6 questions
10. Explore some current techniques for improving hearing.
Search for information in newspapers, periodicals, CD-ROMS, and on the
Internet.
Cochlear
Implants
Cochlear Implants can assist the profoundly deaf. This Web page from
a group of ear specialists provides information on the usefulness
of the implants currently available. Some statistics about hearing
impairment are also included.
Hearing
Aids
This Web page gives simple, easy-to-understand explanations of Hearing
Aids including who they can benefit, and how to choose one.
Ear
Surgery
The basics of Ear Surgery, why it is done and by whom, are provided
by this group of ear doctors. Links at the bottom lead to further
information on specific conditions that can be treated via surgery.
p. 450
Section 9.6 questions
11. Research motion sickness, including its probable causes
and some current solutions. You can begin your research on the Internet.
Motion
Sickness
In the menu under ‘Info Brochures', and then ‘Ear Brochures’,
is an excellent description of Motion Sickness, its causes, and suggestions
for treatment.
What
Causes Motion Sickness?
What Causes Motion Sickness? This is one of the questions answered
on this Web page, posted by a company that sells a natural remedy
for the condition.
A
Patch for Motion Sickness
This Web site was created by a company that sells A Patch for Motion
Sickness. Good descriptions of what causes motion sickness and what
to do about it accompany an explanation of how the patch works.
p. 459
Review
16. Alzheimer’s disease is a complex biochemical puzzle
of parts that seemed unrelated just a few years ago. Approximately 15%
of people who live to 65 years of age will develop some form of dementia;
by 85 years of age it increases to 35%. Beta-amyloid plaques cause the
damage in several ways: by interfering with calcium regulation, by causing
the formation of free radicals, or by initiating a response by the immune
system.
a. Explore some current advances in Alzheimer’s research.
Search for information in newspapers, periodicals, CD-ROMs, and on
the Internet.
Parkinson
Society Canada
Parkinson Society Canada hosts this comprehensive site with some general
information about the disease under the section ‘Parkinson’s
Disease’. A further link to ‘Brochures’ leads to
more on treatment options. The links section is extensive.
Parkinson’
Disease Links
This list of Parkinson’s Disease Links from Medline Plus includes
a slew of sites detailing the news, research, and prospects of the
latest in the search for a cure. This is a good place to find specific
stem cell research information.
National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
A full range of topics on Parkinson’s disease is arranged as
a series of questions on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke site. Everything from clear definitions to treatment options
and research are easy to find.
Alzheimer’s
Disease Education and Referral Center
This excellent Web site from the Alzheimer’s Disease Education
and Referral Center features a ‘News Update’ section,
with the latest research explained in common language. The ‘Publication’
page includes some excellent general factsheets explaining the disease,
research advances, and also contains some recent technical reports
and newsletters.
Alzheimer
Society of Canada
Alzheimer Society of Canada’s Web site provides general information
on the disease, an up-to-date ‘Research’ section with
good descriptions of the latest advances, descriptions of the current
drugs available in Canada (under ‘Treatment’), and a variety
of educational brochures in the ‘Resources’ section.
Alzheimer
Society of Australia
A collection of press releases and articles on the Web site from the
Alzheimer Society of Australia includes topics such as the role of
stem cell research, a review on the prospects of preventing Alzheimer’s,
and the future of the disease within society.
