The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has launched the next generation of its online Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms. The glossary contains several new features, including more than 100 colorful illustrations and more than two dozen 3-dimensional (3D) animations that allow the user to dive in and see genetic concepts in action at the cellular level.

The updated glossary provides students, teachers, healthcare providers, and the public with a reliable online resource for more than 200 terms and basic concepts behind today’s breakthroughs in genetics and genomics. The glossary is available at: www.genome.gov/glossary.

Each genetic term includes a written definition. The glossary “talks,” so users can actually hear an audio pronunciation of each term and listen to an audio explanation from scientists who provide context and other supplementary information. A speaker biography and photograph accompany each term listed in the glossary. The user can examine the speaker’s credentials and learn more about his or her research interests.

The updated version includes a variety of new search methods, making it easy for a user to find the term of interest, from alphabetically organized navigation to search functions, and to easily access a list of related terms. A “Test Your Gene Knowledge” quiz allows users to check their understanding of the glossary’s contents and print a report card of their results.

The glossary was reviewed by more than 30 educators in order to meet NHGRI’s standards. The terms used in the glossary are also associated with biological concepts addressed by the National Science Education Standards, which are achievement goals for science educators established in 1999 by the National Research Council.

1. National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) [website]. Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms. April 6, 2009. Available at: http://www.genome.gov/glossary/. Accessed November 2, 2009.

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This entry was posted on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 12:00 pm.