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Immunological Investigation for the Apprentice Scientist: Beyond Cell Wars
Author(s) -
Shupp Jeffrey Wilson,
Anderson Margery,
Yourick Debra,
Jett Marti
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.5.a977-b
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , immunopharmacology , immunology , chemistry , biology , immune system , paleontology
The scientific apprentice in either the laboratory or the classroom is eager to immediately fulfill his/her dreams of solving research conundrums. Exposure to authentic research investigations that merge basic laboratory technique with data collection and analysis maintains student interest while providing the context for academic content knowledge. Frequently, the highly accessible and relevant topic of immunology is relegated to advanced topics; yet immunology is ideal for retaining student interest and demonstrating the interdependency of cells and the organism as a community of cells. Cell Wars was developed to provide a 5‐day introductory investigation into immunology and its relationship to the medical sciences. Cell Wars incorporated fundamental skills acquisition with multiple data collections, mathematics, and data analysis. Having mastered the essentials of unleashing E. coli on plated macrophages and determining the effectiveness of phagocytosis at different time periods, students will now investigate the macrophage's immunologic secretory response to antagonists. Students will culture and plate macrophages, use LPS for a positive control and vary concentration and incubation time based on preliminary results. After exposing the macrophages to the antagonist students will then analyze supernatants for the presence of nitric oxide by using the Griess reagent or more complex assays for cytokines via ELISA. Cell Wars has been field tested with undergraduate and high school students for two years while Beyond Cell Wars will be implemented in 2006.