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Environmental Health and Science Hot Topics
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General Resources |
Children's Health -- NIEHS Children's Health Initiatives & Materials:
Other Child Health Resources:
The following are not NIEHS Links. Please read the Non-NIEHS Link Disclaimer.
Frog Deformities -- Are They An Early Warning Sign?
The following are not NIEHS Links. Please read the Non-NIEHS Link Disclaimer.
DNA, Genes, and Clones
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid (pronounced dee-ox-ee-rye-bo-noo-clay-ic acid), contains instructions for everything our cells do throughout our lives. But what is DNA? It is a long molecule made of two twisting, paired strands. Each strand is made of four chemical units, called nucleotide bases. The four chemical units are strung together in a precise order, just as letters string together to make specific words. Each of your genes contains a segment of DNA that is typically several thousand base pairs long! A genome is all the DNA combined - your complete genetic inheritance.
Scientists are now spending a lot of time studying genes and DNA because that will help us learn more about ourselves and help us stay healthy. The NIH Human Genome Project (non-NIEHS site), of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Institutes of Health, has started a worldwide effort to determine how many genes we have, how our cells work, how living things evolve, how single cells can develop into such complex creatures (like you!), and what exactly happens when we become sick. The NHGRI studies should also help us find new ways to prevent and treat diseases.
But our genes are not the only thing that determines whether we will be healthy or sick. Our environment and how it reacts with our genes is also very important. So the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has started an Environmental Genome Project to help us understand which genes are more likely to be affected by our environment. And those studies will help us understand why some people get sick from exposures (like cigarette smoke), but others do not.
As for cloning (creating something genetically identical to something else), only animals have been cloned so far. But even if you had a clone, YOU could still be healthier than someone just like you genetically if you provide a better environment for yourself. Here are some ways to do that:
- Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food and after using the bathroom -- this is your best protection against food-borne infections.
- Don't smoke -- and don't allow smoking around you! Second-hand smoke may affect you and unborn babies too. (Learn about the dangers of smoking from
Mama Didn't Know and Smokefree Kids.)
- Make sure your home is free of lead and allergens, like dust mites, cat dander, and cockroaches if you are allergic to them.
- Wash raw fruits and vegetables carefully -- particularly if grown near your frequently sprayed roses
- Be sure to eat five or more fruits and vegetables a day to reduce your risk of cancer.
Popeye says "I yam what I yam!" -- but remember, he still eats his spinach for good health.
Gene, DNA, and Cloning Resources
(Note -- links designated by the phrase "non-NIEHS site" take you outside the NIEHS Kids' Pages)
Making it in a Tough Environment -- You and Your Genes -- in story book form, for the younger students and elementary classrooms.
The National Human Genome Institute Educational Resources (non-NIEHS site)
DNA from the Beginning (An Animated Primer) (non-NIEHS site)
Creating a Cloned Sheep Named Dolly (non-NIEHS site)
NIEHS Environmental Genome Project
The National Human Genome Research Institute (non-NIEHS site)
Other Resources -- Biospace Cloning News (non-NIEHS site)
The Gene School's Interactive Experiments (non-NIEHS site) and The Gene School (non-NIEHS site)
EXPRESS YOURSELF!
After viewing our links caution and getting your parents' permission, you may want to visit the following sites that allow you to submit your comments or creations or participate in a contest or survey.
Thought-Provoking Quotations (with music)
We are just starting this collection and would like to include input from a variety of cultures focusing on our world and our health. So please let us know of any quotes you would like to suggest relating to nature and health.
Links Disclaimer and Caution:
When you encounter the words "Non-NIEHS Link", it means that by following that link you will be leaving the NIEHS website. NIEHS is NOT responsible for non-NIEHS websites. Sites maintained by outside organizations may be changed without notice to NIEHS. Therefore, unless the link is to another U.S. government sponsored webpage, endorsement by NIEHS is not implied, and NIEHS does not guarantee their continuing safe content or privacy policies. So please ask your parent or guardian before continuing to any non-NIEHS website, and especially before providing any information via the internet or by e-mail. When last reviewed, the websites linked from the NIEHS Kids' Pages seemed suitable for you to visit, but that may have changed; if you have any difficulties or concerns with any linked materials, please let us know.
Want More Hot Topics? Need help with Science Projects? Just visit the NIEHS Kids Links and Resources Site.
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NIEHS Kids' Pages Main Index (text only version)
