Mother's Milk Cures Cancer?

By Linda L. Tichenor

Abstract

This case study on the immune system, cell cycle regulation, and cancer biology explores the role that serendipity plays in new discoveries in science, how scientific research is funded, and the personal and professional implications of unexpectedly finding one’s self on the “cutting-edge.” The case was developed to help undergraduates, particularly non-science majors, understand how politics and culture play a vital role in the scientific process, and that scientific research is provisional and a product of social and cultural interaction. In addition to these issues, the case explores key concepts and content in biology and biochemistry, including the control of cell division, apoptosis, immunity development, microbial biology, genetic engineering, and breast feeding in humans. Note: An answer key is not available for this case study.

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Date Posted

01/18/2002

Overview

Objectives

Understand the process of scientific research and how it often includes serendipity and human bias.
Understand how funding for scientific research and new discoveries are linked.
Understand that how scientific research is conducted and scientific findings reported are partly determined by economic and political pressure.
Understand how pharmaceutical products are developed from laboratory discoveries to drugs for the consumer.
Learn key concepts about the immune system, cell cycle regulation, cancer biology, and microbiology, and how they must all be integrated to do the type of research described in this case.

Keywords

Scientific research; big science; sociology of science; cancer; lymphoma; alpha-lactalbumin; breast milk; immune system; immunology; immunotherapy; clinical trial; clinical testing; drug development; drug approval

Subject Headings

Biochemistry

Biology (General)

Cell Biology

Pharmacy / Pharmacology

Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Scientific method, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion, Dilemma/Decision

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.

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Answer Key

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Note: There is no separate answer key for this case.