Scientific American Articles for BIO 201

Fall 2008

Stephen Williams

Exam 1

Twelve Major Cancers. Scientific American, September 1996, Vol. 275 Issue 3, p 126, 7 pages.
Abstract: The pages that follow provide facts and figures about the 12 cancers that affect the most Americans (excluding basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, which are very common but rarely fatal).

Exam 2

Restoring Aging Bones by Clifford J. Rosen. Scientific American Special Edition, Science of Staying Young, Vol. 14 Issue 3, p 70, 8 pages.
Abstract: The bone decay of osteoporosis can cripple, but an improved understanding of how the body builds and loses bone is leading to ever better prevention and treatment options.

Cell Defenses and the Sunshine Vitamin by Luz E. Tavera-Mendoza and John H. White. Scientific American; November 2007, Vol. 297 Issue 5, p 62, 8 pages.
Abstract: Scientists now recognize that vitamin D does much more than build strong bones and that many people are not getting enough of it.

Saving Troubled Knees by Karen Hopkin. Scientific American Special Edition, Dec 2007 Body, Vol. 17 Issue 4, p 62, 10 pages.

Abstract: Silk scaffolds, grafts from pigs and green tea extracts might someday help keep injured and vulnerable joints active

Exam 3

Muscle, Genes and Athletic Performance by Anderson, Jesper L.; Schjerling, Peter; Saltin, Bengt. Scientific American, September 2000, Vol. 283 Issue 3, p 48, 8 pages.
Abstract: The cellular biology of muscle helps to explain why a particular athlete wins and suggests what future athletes might do to better their odds.

The Mystery of Muscle. Scientific American Presents, Men: The Scientific Truth, p 48, 8 pages. 2000.
Abstract: Lately researchers have made some intriguing discoveries in their attempt to unravel one of the long-standing puzzles of human physiology - how exercise builds muscle.

Exam 4

White Matter Matters by Fields, R. Douglas. Scientific American, March 2008, Vol. 298 Issue 3, p 54, 8 pages.
Abstract: Long regarded as passive support for cogitating neurons, the brain’s white matter shows that it actively affects learning and mental illness.

New Brain Cells Go to Work by Fields, R. Douglas. Scientific American Mind, Aug/Sep 2007, Vol. 18 Issue 4, p 30, 6 pages.
Abstract: How new neurons join the existing tightly knit networks of brain cells

Seeking the Neural Code by Nicolelis, Miguel A. L.; Ribeiro, Sidarta. Scientific American, December 2006, Vol. 295 Issue 6, p 70, 8 pages.

Abstract: How does a storm of electrical pulses in the brain translate into information?

Exam 5

Spheres of Influence by Gazzaniga, Michael S.. Scientific American Mind, Jun/Jul 2008, Vol. 19 Issue 3, p 32, 8 pages.
Abstract: Split-brain patients whose two hemispheres are separated surgically provide fascinating clues to how a unitary sense of consciousness emerges from the furious activity of billions of brain cells.

Seeing Is Believing by Ramachandran, Vilayanur S.; Rogers-Ramachandran, Diane. Scientific American, 2008 Reports Supplement, Vol. 18 Issue 2, p 26, 4 pages.
Abstract: 2-D or not 2-D, that is the question: test yourself to learn what shapes formed by shading reveal about the brain, [not for students]

Hearing Colors, Tasting Shapes by Ramachandran, Vilayanur S.; Hubbard, Edward M.. Scientific American Special Edition, 2006, Secrets of the Senses, Vol. 16 Issue 3, p 76, 8 pages
Abstract: People with synesthesia--whose senses blend together--are providing valuable clues to understanding the organization and functions of the brain.

The Molecular Logic of Smell by Axel, Richard. Scientific American Special Edition, 2006, Secrets of the Senses, Vol. 16 Issue 3, p 68, 8 pages.
Abstract: Mammals can recognize thousands of odors, some of which prompt powerful responses. Recent experiments illuminate how the nose and brain may perceive scents.

You may access a copy of each article online (complete with graphics) using the Scientific American Archives. You can find any article by searching by title or keyword. You may also search this database for articles on other topics of interest. You will need your eGCC username and password to access this site. Please note that articles published before 1993 are not available in this database.