| GIANTmicrobe - Amoeba GLO-765 The word "amoeba" comes from the Greek word meaning "to change" because of their constantly changing shape. Learn what is so remarkable about the amoeba's genome. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Anthrax GLO-745 Although recently thought of with great anxiety, Anthrax was once quite common, especially amongst herdsmen. It also may have been the involved in some of the plagues in the Bible. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Athlete's Foot GLO-350 Fumbled the pass? Let the goal through? No sweat! Our happy cheerleader is sure to make you smile. Approximately 18 cm tall (7 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Bad Breath GLO-395 Oral malodor is no laughing matter. But don't give spicy foods all the credit. Microbes deserve their share of the glory, too. Make someone smile (as long as they've brushed first.) Approximately 15 cm (6 inches). |
| GIANTmicrobe - Bed Bug GLO-420 Our Bed Bug won't bite -- but tuck someone in with it and we guarantee a smile and pleasant dreams! Approximately 13 cm (5 inches). Goes great with the Nova Video "The Unknown World" - item NOVA-50DVD. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Bird Flu GLO-770 Bird flu has a very hard time infecting humans. With this GIANTmicrobe you can find out why that may be bad news. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Bookworm GLO-425 Yes, the bookworm is a real worm that likes to dine on wood pulp. Do you have a favorite bookworm? We do! And our book-lover is sure to interest just about any bibliophile. Approximately 18 cm tall (7 inches). Goes great with the Nova Video "The Unknown World" - item NOVA-50DVD. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Brain Cell GLO-685 Most people have about 100 billion of these in their head. At times I feel like I've been coming up short. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Bread Yeast GLO-360 Come and get it! This microbe is a baker, and a brewer -- and a scientist to boot. Pretty amazing! Learn about the chemistry that yeast adds to bread and other goods. Approximately 14 cm tall (5.5 inches). |
| GIANTmicrobe - Cavity GLO-780 Cavities in your teeth are caused by a germ...yes, a germ. This bacteria eats sugars and produces an acid that dissolves holes in your teeth. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Chickenpox GLO-680 Possibly named for the Old English word "giccan" meaning "to itch," chickenpox is no longer the childhood rite of passage. A great example of how vaccines can change modern life. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Chlamydia GLO-655 Chlamydia is perhaps the most common of all sexually transmitted diseases. Because it often produces no obvious symptoms, treatment can easily be delayed until it is tragically late. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Cholera GLO-810 In many parts of the world, it's still a time of Cholera. Learn why there's no love lost for this infamous character. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Common Cold GLO-300 Billions of people a year catch the cold. Now you can get one too -- without getting sick! Learn all about the Common Cold with this cuddly companion. Throw one to a friend and exclaim, "Don't catch a cold!" Approximately 10 cm tall (4 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Cough GLO-440 Coughs aren't just for smokers anymore -- now anybody can get one! Bordetella pertussis is the bacteria that causes "whooping cough," a serious cough that can last up to six weeks. This little guys is not as prevalent today thanks to the DPT vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis). Approximately 13 cm tall (5.5 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Diarrhea GLO-805 This sensation can lead to desperation, so make some preparation for this situation, or else you'll face dehydration destructive to your reputation! |
| GIANTmicrobe - Dust Mite GLO-430 Unless you live in Antarctica, you've got millions of dust mites living in your house (and we didn't even count the ones in those corners you keep meaning to clean). See what you're up against -- or put these little reminders where they're needed most! Approximately 13 cm (5 inches). Goes great with the Nova Video "The Unknown World" - item NOVA-50DVD. |
| GIANTmicrobe - E-Coli GLO-555 E. gads! What a fantastic way to teach your students about one of the most studied microbes. The escherichia coli bacterium was identified in 1885 and is responsible for abdominal infections and food poisoning. We hope that this cute and cuddly version is the only e. coli you ever receive! |
| GIANTmicrobe - Ear Ache GLO-445 Have you heard? Ear aches are the number one cause of emergency room admission each year. Most ear aches in young children are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. (There is no confirmation that ear aches in adults are caused by young children.) It seems that the short, straight tubes in children's ears give this little microbe easy access. Approximately 14 cm tall (5.5 inches). |
| GIANTmicrobe - Ebola GLO-370 Since its discovery in 1976, Ebola has become the T. Rex of microbes. Very nasty, but fortunately, very rare. Approximately 19 cm tall (7.5 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Egg Cell GLO-725 The egg, or ovum, is formed only in women. Once it is fertilized, its outer wall hardens to block additional suitors. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Fat Cell GLO-670 The average human has about 40 billion of these little guys. While people often complain about them, they actually perform a number of vital functions in the body. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Flesh Eating Bacteria GLO-450 While this little germ has been gobbling up the headlines lately, it had been around for centuries. It is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, the same microbe responsible for strep-throats. Highly devastating and fast-spreading, it can consume an inch of flesh an hour and is NOT known for its table manners. This GIANTmicrobe is appropriate for more serious discussions. Approximately 14 cm tall (5.5 inches). |
| GIANTmicrobe - Food Poisoning GLO-815 You are what you eat, even if it's contaminated. So be careful - food poisoning can b. cereus! |
| GIANTmicrobe - Gangrene GLO-735 Gangrene is the decay and death of soft tissue. Eeeeew! This fast-spreading bacteria is often the gruesom cause. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Giardia GLO-515 If you go down to the woods today, you're in for a big surprise... especially if you drink water contaminated with this little critter. Commonly found in lakes and rivers, Giardia.infection is sometimes refered to as "hiker's diarrhea." Approximately 15 cm tall (6 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Gonorrhea GLO-535 This plush can be used as a visual aid with your health curriculum. Use it to teach your students the fact about Gonorrhea, such as: - Gonorrhea is one of the most common STDs in the world.
- Infection brings about itching, burning, abdominal pain and more.
- Some infected person show NO symptoms.
- Gonorrhea can lead to complications in pregnancy and birth defects.
- Gonorrhea can raise the risk of H.I.V. transmission by up to 500%.
- Antibiotic resistant strains are starting to emerge.
This GIANTmicrobe is appropriate for more serious discussions. Approximately 15 cm tall (6 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Heartworm GLO-615 Heartworms are spaghetti-like parasites that live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of dogs. As they increase in numbers and grow, they can severely constrict blood supply. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Hepatitis GLO-460 This plush can be used as a visual aid with your health curriculum. Use it to teach your students the fact about Hepatitis, such as:- HAV is spread primarily by unsanitary food and water
- HBV is transmitted in bodily fluids and can cause chronic liver disease
- HCV is perhaps the most dangerous: no vaccine is available
- HDV occurs only in the presence of HBV
- HEV is relatively mild and non-chronic
- HFV and HGV are newly identified; their connection with liver disease is debated
This GIANTmicrobe is appropriate for more serious discussions. Approximately 10 cm tall (4 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Herpes GLO-665 Herpes was identified more than 2500 years ago. The word "herpes" comes for the Greek word for "creep." Kinda makes you wonder what they were trying to tell us... |
| GIANTmicrobe - HIV GLO-455 This plush can be used as a visual aid with your health curriculum. Use it to teach your students the fact about H.I.V., such as:- H.I.V. kills CD4 cells, or T-helper cells
- Once the immune system is compromised, a person develops AIDS (acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome)
- H.I.V. is most commonly transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person
- Insect bites and sweat carry almost no risk of transmission
- Studies show that drying H.I.V. infected fluids can reduce viral presence by 90-99%
- There is no vaccine for H.I.V. and no cure for AIDS
This GIANTmicrobe is appropriate for more serious discussions. Approximately 10 cm tall (4 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - HPV GLO-785 There are more than 100 strains of Human Papillomavirus. Some cause simple, but annoying, warts. Others can cause cancers. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Louse GLO-510 The original "cooties," these little guys are one of the most common communicable conditions suffered by children. Having a lousy day? We've got a solution. Scratch your head, and try guess what it is! One of the most unwelcome visitors in schools across the country. Approximately 15 cm tall (6 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Lyme Disease GLO-610 Now one of the most common tick-borne illnesses, this ailment was first identified not far from our home office in Connecticut. It causes aches and pains, and its now-famous bulls-eye rash. Untreated, it can lead to life-long join problems and even memory loss. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Mad Cow GLO-560 Git along, little prions! Your students will laugh and learn with this whimsical version of a disease that is no bull. Mad Cow disease, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is caused by misshapen proteins that congeal into long rods that eventually inhibit brain function. Your students will go nuts, but don't blame us. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Maggot GLO-695 Though gaining respect in modern medicine as a "wound cleaner," their taste for dead flesh and fecal mater will ensure that they are always viewed by some as "icky." |
| GIANTmicrobe - Malaria GLO-605 Once thought to be caused by the air in swamps, Malaria literally means "bad air." Today it is known to be caused by a parasite and transmitted by mosquitos. Each year nearly half a billion people are infected, proving fatal for more than a million, mostly children in Africa. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Mange GLO-620 This is one creepy pest! The female likes to burrow deep in the skin, lays her eggs and then dies. At these sites, an itchy, pimple-like sore will form. Modern hygiene for people, however, has mostly limited infestations to animals. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Measles GLO-825 Millions of people get Measles every year, despite a vaccine that's spot-on. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Mono GLO-380 A kiss is just a kiss -- unless she's around! 95% of the population has encountered this sweetie pie. Find out who gets her special love. Approximately 10 cm tall (4 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - MRSA GLO-700 A variation on the common staphylococcus bacteria, MRSA is highly resistant to antibiotics and can be life-threatening. It gained headlines recently as outbreaks were identified on a number of college campuses. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Nerve Cell GLO-760 Motor neurons, sensory neurons, interneurons...keeping them straight is enough to give you a nervous breakdown. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Penicillin GLO-705 Here's one for the good-guys. Penicillin kills off bacteria by blocking a necessary enzyme. Learn how thousands of lives were saved.... by a moldy cantalope. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Pimple GLO-520 Thanks to propionibacterium, nearly 100% of the population suffers with acne during their teenage years. Got a blemish? Give our little fellow a big squeeze, and you're sure to feel better! Approximately 13 cm tall (5.5 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Platelet GLO-775 It is no surprize that, under a microscope, platelets look like little plates. These smallest cells in blood are primarily responsible for preventing bleeding by clotting. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Pneumonia GLO-660 While there are many potential causes for pneumonia, of fluid in the lungs, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Polio GLO-565 A 1950's vaccine eradicated polio from the western world, but the disease still exists in Africa, India, and South East Asia. Usually transmitted in the summer months, polio can have paralyzing consequences. Continued efforts to promote vaccination may one day eradicate the disease globally. Until then, students will enjoy learning about polio with the help of this softer (and safer!) GIANTmicrobe. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Rabies GLO-625 A source of terror since ancient times, once symptoms begin, death is inevitable. Today, thanks to early treatment methods discovered by Pasteur, the death rate has dropped by 99%. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Red Blood Cell GLO-630 You have about 10,000,000,000,000 of these little guys in you right now. More than enough to share. Donated blood can only be stored for six weeks and is constantly in demand. His best trick is to hold his breath until he turns blue! |
| GIANTmicrobe - Rubella GLO-830 It would be rash not to get the vaccine for this "Little Red" virus. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Salmonella GLO-550 Salmonella is a among the leading causes of food poising, found in foods like eggnog, mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, and even frostings. A clean kitchen is the best way to keep salmonella out of your home or school, but this cute little guy is definitely the best way to bring it in! |
| GIANTmicrobe - Sleeping Sickness GLO-435 Are you tired? Working too hard? Feeling a bit cranky? Do you think you might have sleeping sickness? This little fellow will sing you a lullaby you'll never forget. Spread by the bumblebee-sized Tsetse fly, this little fellow traumatizes more that 20,000 people each year. Approximately 22 cm long (9 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Sore Throat GLO-320 No one likes having a sore throat, unless it's a Giantmicrobe! Find out what makes Streptococcus bacteria more than just your average sore throat virus. Approximately 14 cm tall (5.5 inches). |
| GIANTmicrobe - Sperm Cell GLO-720 The word "sperm" comes from the Greek word for "seed." The average man makes over a thousand of them per second, but when the race is on, only one will beat out the others to fertilize the egg. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Staph GLO-675 This little guy has been in the news a lot lately in the form of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also know as MRSA or the "superbug." While staph is very common, the anti-biotic resistent forms are causing great concern. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Stem Cell GLO-820 The miraculous stem cell is the body's dreamer – it can grow up to be whatever it wants to be. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Stomach Ache GLO-330 Having a stomach ache can be loads of fun ... if it's a Giantmicrobe, of course! (And this one will tell you how to keep his friends away.) Approximately 17 cm tall (7 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Swine Flu GLO-750 A mutation of a common influenza that usually affects pigs, H1N1 Influenza A has made the leap to humans...and the headlines. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Syphilis GLO-525 GLO-525 Syphilis This plush can be used as a visual aid with your health curriculum. Use it to teach your students the fact about Syphilis, such as:- Syphilis has an incubation period of several weeks to several months.
- Infection leads to sores, rashes and flu-like symptoms.
- Syphilis infection makes a patient more susceptible to H.I.V.
- Long term infections can lead to brain damage, insanity and death.
- Antibiotic resistant strains are starting to emerge.
This GIANTmicrobe is appropriate for more serious discussions. Approximately 15 cm tall (6 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - TB GLO-505 TB can infect any part of the body, but typically targets the lungs and throat. Because it can remain in a latent state for periods of time, it can be difficult to track its source. Can lead to persistent cough, chest pain, weakness, night sweats, even coughing up blood. Approximately 15 cm tall (6 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - The Flu GLO-310 This guy may not look too tough, but don't let his cute looks fool you! Once he and his friends show up you're in for a pretty lousy time. Learn about his weaknesses so you can avoid unwanted encounters. Approximately 13 cm tall (5.5 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - The Plague GLO-390 Improved hygiene and readily available antibiotics keep this bad boy at bay. But what a history. One teacher bought six for her medieval history class. She handed them out at random to represent the third of the population that perished... a very powerful lesson. Approximately 13 cm tall (5.5 inches) |
| GIANTmicrobe - Toxic Mold GLO-690 Stachybotrys is the black, toxin-producing mold implicated as the cause of "sick building syndrome." |
| GIANTmicrobe - Toxoplasmosis GLO-730 A common parasite, toxoplasmosis is well known for being spread by cats. Usually it produces little or no symptoms, but it can be a risk for pregnant mothers. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Typhoid GLO-600 This little fellow causes red spots, ulceration of the intestines, and a high fever that can last for more than a month. Untreated, the mortality rate is as high as 20%. Today it is rare thanks to modern medicine. Learn why one Molly Mallon will always be remembered as "Typhoid Mary." Goes great with the Nova Video "Typhoid Mary" - item NOVA-780DVD. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Ulcer GLO-340 Guess what? Stress doesn't cause ulcers -- microbes do! But we guarantee that this little guy will give your most stressed out pal a laugh. Approximately 14 cm tall (5.5 inches). |
| GIANTmicrobe - West Nile Virus GLO-755 Originally identified in Uganda, West Nile is spreading around the world. Amazingly, most people that become infected experience no symptoms. For a small percentage, however, the effects can be devistating. |
| GIANTmicrobe - White Blood Cell GLO-635 He is the body's "white-knight." If germs invade, they ride to the rescue and fight to the death. Don't let his cute looks fool you. You are looking at a highly trained killer, fighting the good fight for your health. |
| GIANTmicrobe - Yogurt GLO-790 For at least four thousand years yogurt has been produced with the help of this little bacteria. That's one very old little germ. Could it help people live longer, too? |
| GIANTmicrobe - Yogurt GLO-790 One of the oldest foods in the worlds, yogurt is surprisingly live and active - and well-cultured too! |