Muscular Dystrophy & Other Genetic Diseases

    Every so often the news has featured a "breakthrough" in science, where that breakthrough was the discovery of the gene for some particular disease.  For example, we now know where the genes for a few types of muscular dystrophy are and we know where the Huntington's disease gene is.   Most of my non-scientist friends hear this type of news and think, "well, that has to be good, but I don't know why" or they think "so what if they know what the gene is, can they cure the disease yet?"  I hear this type of news and can understand what it means for the future of the disease.

    During Unit 1, you will be learning about muscular dystrophy (and a little bit about other genetic diseases) so that you will be able to understand all the hub-bub about discovering genes that is discussed in the news.  You will also gain an understanding of the difficulties in and possibilities of creating cures for genetic diseases.

    If you are ready to get started, shout out the first word that my youngest nephew, Anthony, said!  Click here to hear Anthony!

Lessons in this unit:

© 2006 STCC Foundation Press, content by Dawn A. Tamarkin, Ph.D.

Last changed: January 21, 2007