ToxoDB

To understand the organisms in the Toxoplasma genus and how these single-celled eukaryotic pathogens cause disease in humans and other animals, bioinformaticians, microbiologists, genomicists and many other types of researchers have created a genome database for Toxoplasma called ToxoDB. ToxoDB stores results of experiments, organizes data, and provides analysis tools that help set up new experiments. Anyone anywhere who has internet access can use this free resource.

Below is an introduction to ToxoDB.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you think a database resource like ToxoDB can increase the speed of how scientists learn new things about parasites and disease? 

2. Do you think the United States government should use some of the money it receives from taxpayers to support these resources?

3. Do you think these resources should be free and available to everyone? Why or why not?