Human Blood: Web Expeditions

These explorations are intended to expand your understanding of the nature of blood components and types. Use your favorite Internet search programs to roam around the World Wide Web and discover what other people who have interest in these subjects have said to explain and support their views. Seek out reliable, factual sources. Do not stop at just two or three. It is worth the extra time to thoroughly research these questions and get views on all sides of the issues.

Questions to Explore

1.	Search the Internet for sites with information about human diseases that are due to the inability to produce adequate amounts of specific blood components. Are there any cures for these conditions? What research is being done to solve these medical problems? Have there been any recent breakthroughs? (HINT: think about deficiencies in blood clotting agents.)
2.	Search the Internet for information about the donation of blood plasma. How and where is plasma obtained? What is it used for? Are there any substitutes for it? Have there been any medical problems related to using donated plasma? (HINT: think about diseases transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood.)
3.	Look on the Internet for information about blood types of non-human animal species. Do any of these animals have the same blood types as humans? What are the implications? Could we survive a transfusion from another animal? Why? Don't just give your opinion.

Help Getting Started

If you have not been satisfied with the search programs that you have used in the past, try one of the following. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, none of them can link you to everything available on the Web today because of the rapid growth of sites and the way search engines selectively exclude certain kinds of sites.

Old Standby General Search Programs		Specialized Information Search Programs

Altavista Alltheweb Bing Google Teoma Yahoo		Answers.com MyOptumHealth MedBot MEDLINEplus OminMedicalSearch Wikipedia

If you don't have success searching with these programs, take a look at the Related Internet Links section of this tutorial.

CAUTION: In doing your searches, keep in mind that not everything on the Web is accurate, current, or true. To help discover which sites can be trusted and which ones cannot, ask yourself the following questions:

1.	Who are the authors of the site? What are their credentials? Are they experts?
2.	Is the information current? When was the website created and last updated?
3.	Do the facts presented in the site seem correct?
4.	Is the purpose of the site to objectively inform and explain or to persuade and sell a particular perspective?