"The Chemistry of Cooley's Anemia" Christopher T. Bailey, Wells College, and Mohammad Mahroof-Tahir, St. Cloud State University. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
In this case, two young parents learn that their child is suffering from the genetic disorder thalassemia. Treatment requires a lifetime commitment to whole blood transfusion and chelation therapy, both of which must be administered on a daily to weekly basis. Students read the case, answer a series of questions, and then decide how they would treat the child if they were the parents.
The case was developed to introduce students to the role of metal ions and coordination chemistry in biological systems, and would be appropriate for courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinorganic chemistry, and bioethics, among others.

"Thiamin Deficiency: A Directed Case Study" Preeti Dhar, SUNY New Paltz. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
In this directed case study developed for a biochemistry class, students read about the differences in the dietary preferences and practices for preparing and consuming rice among the three major communities of Malaysia - the local Malays and the immigrant Tamils and Chinese - and then answer a series of close-ended questions about the causes and consequences of thiamin deficiency.
This case is appropriate for undergraduate biochemistry or nutrition courses.

"Bad Fish - General Biology Edition", "Bad Fish - Anatomy & Physiology Edition", "Bad Fish - Cell & Molecular Biology Edition". James A. Hewlett, Finger Lakes Community College. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
The protagonist of this case study, Dr. Westwood, survives an accidental poisoning--not once, but twice. Students read about the incidences, applying what they learn in each part of the case to the later sections, and then design a drug to treat the neurotoxin poisoning described in the story. The General Biology Edition is designed for an introductory biology course. Its basic storyline and core objectives are carried over into an Anatomy & Physiology Edition and a Cell & Molecular Biology Edition, each with its own set of questions.
This case is appropriate for high school general biology classes, and college undergraduate physiology, cell biology, or biochemistry courses.

"The Campus Coffee Shop: Caffeine Conundrums" Wendy Heck, North Carolina Central University, Andrea Novicki, Johnson C. Smith University, and Brian Rybarczyk, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Since caffeine is a widely used substance, especially by college age students, this case on the effects of caffeine on the human body serves as a real-world connection to many students’ lives. The case is divided into sections covering background information on caffeine, cell biology and signal transduction, Parkinson’s Disease, cardiovascular effects, and addiction/withdrawal. The case was designed so that a section can be used alone or in combination with other sections, as dictated by topic/curriculum needs.
This case is appropriate for use in a variety of science and health related courses, including anatomy and physiology, disease related courses, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience.

"Sweet Indigestion: A Directed Case Study on Carbohydrates" Peggy Brickman, University of Georgia. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
These days it seems like everyone is counting carbs. About 24 million Americans report they have cut carbohydrates from their diet, and 44 million more say they may try a low-carb diet in the next two years. But what do people really know about carbohydrates? This directed case study, designed for use in a large enrollment introductory course, teaches students how to recognize carbohydrates in the foods they eat and to differentiate between different classes of carbohydrates. Students learn how the body utilizes carbohydrates and discuss whether or not eliminating them from their diet can be healthful.
This case is appropriate for high school general biology classes, and undergraduate nutrition or biochemistry courses.

"Should Bill Buy "Sammy"? A Case Study Introducing Basic Chemistry Concepts" Jessie W. Klein, Middlesex Community College. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Students are shown the relevance of chemistry in daily decision-making by taking a look at the popular dietary supplement, s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is widely used in Europe for depression, arthritis, and liver disease and is now available in the United States.
This case is appropriate for high school and undergraduate general biology, general chemistry, and general science classes.

"Is Guaiacum sanctum Effective Against Arthritis? An Ethnobotany Case" Eric Ribbens, Barbra Burdett, and Angela Green, Western Illinois University. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Dr. Beth Tonoany, a tropical population ecologist, is studying an unusual tree, Guaiacum sanctum, in the tropical forests of Central America. Interestingly, several local Ticos have told her that they use the tree for medicinal purposes. Students read the case and then answer questions designed to explore the process of screening and testing the medicinal value of plants identified as having potential health benefits.
This case can be used in an introductory biology course, an introductory botany course, or any course which encounters ethnobotany as a component, such as a tropical biology course or a plant ecology course.

"Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Grease Fire: A Case Study in Food Science". Ingolf Gruen, University of Missouri. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Late on a Saturday night, a fire in the kitchen of a popular restaurant results in close to half a million dollars in damages; fortunately there is no loss of life or serious injury. Fire department officials think that a grease fire was the most likely cause of the blaze, but the investigation is still ongoing. Students assume the role of the fire chief heading up the investigation as they gather facts for the insurance report they must write about the fire. The case was developed for a course in food chemistry taken primarily by food science and dietetics students. It could also be used in a hotel and restaurant management program.
This case is appropriate for undergraduate food science/technology courses.

CNN Video Clips

Topic: "Fat Facts": Biology 8th Ed. CNN Ed 2004 (2:29)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that the trans fat content of foods must be shown on food labels. The expectation is that companies will compete to lower trans fat content, thus providing more healthy alternatives to consumers. A diet high in trans fats can contribute to high levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDLs), which increase the risk of heart disease. Manufacturers have until 2006 to comply with the labeling requirement. Until then, consumers interested in following a heart-healthy diet should avoid products that include “partially hydrogenated oil.” (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic: Ephedra Dangers: Biology 7th Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (2:00)
Ephedra is an herbal supplement that is touted as an energy supplement and diet aid.  It affects the heart and nervous system.  Parents of a woman who suffered a deadly brain hemorrhage after taking the supplement say it should be banned.  Seventy deaths and thousands of "adverse outcomes" may be linked to ephedra.  The supplement industry wants the Food and Drug Administration to increase the regulation of the drug, but says it is safe when used properly. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Articles

"Rebuilding the Food Pyramid" Willett, Walter C. and Stampfer, Meir J.  Current Issues in Biology. Scientific American, Inc. January 2003. 2-11.
The food pyramid introduced in 1992 recommends low fats and high carbohydrates. Since 1992, researchers have discovered that a diet high in carbohydrates can have a negative effect. This article focuses on this research and how replacing carbohydrates with healthy fats affect cholesterol and heart disease. The article is followed by a short quiz and critical thinking questions.

"The Lowdown on Ginkgo Biloba" Gold, Paul E., Cahill, Larry, Wenk, Gary, L. Current Issues in Biology. Scientific American, Inc. April 2003. 54-61.
Ginkgo Biloba is an herbal supplement taken all over the world to improve memory. This article concentrates on the scientific data about Ginkgo Biloba and whether there is any evidence backing this claim. The article is followed by a short quiz and critical thinking questions.