7th Grade Science - Human Anatomy: Immune

With an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of the flu reported each year and more than 250,000 of those resulting in death, the flu virus remains a must-know topic. While each patient's body fights the invading virus, scientists around the world are looking for ways to boost immune systems and even eradicate strains. However, with so many different types of flu and mutations, the fight is an uphill one. This fascinating look at the flu and the science of viruses is presented with fact boxes, quotes from experts, and accessible explanations of the cutting-edge treatments being explored today.

Poliomyelitis, better known as polio, is a crippling virus that can lead to paralysis or even death. A childhood vaccination program had diminished the incidence of polio worldwide to the point that scientists thought they had beaten it. They were wrong. Polio appears to be on the rise again. Disturbingly, some of the newly infected can spread the disease while not exhibiting the usual symptoms. How the virus spreads, the effect of vaccinations, the historical figures who battled the disease, and the future outlook for eradication are some of the varied topics of this captivating look at a terrible disease.

Cancer is a global killer. It involves a large group of potentially deadly diseases, as many as 200, that cause an estimated 13 percent of all deaths worldwide. Besides causes and preventions, this thorough look at the disease also includes information about genetic screening and treatments. It answers questions such as what chemotherapy does and what alternatives are available for cancer treatments. Significant breakthroughs including gene therapy and immunotherapy have given us hope for the future of a cancer cure. This absorbing volume addresses many concerns about a topic often in the news that personally touches many lives.