Work

Using popular media to introduce immunology to students 3471

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Description Our objective was to determine if the anime Cells at Work (CAW) and the 1978 film Invasion of the Body Snatchers (IBS) were effective tools for introducing immunology to first-year medical students. In this IRB-approved study, students watched two CAW episodes: Influenza (T cell activation) and Cedar Pollen Allergy (type I hypersensitivity). Students were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 37) took a quiz before and after viewing, while Group B (n = 30) took the same quiz only after viewing. Group A’s scores increased significantly from 65% pre-video to 77% post-video (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, p = 0.0010). Group B scored 75%, higher than Group A’s pre-video scores (Mann-Whitney U Test, p = 0.0069). Ninety-six percent of participants agreed CAW helped introduce immunology concepts to first-time learners, and 81% found it helpful for reviewing immunology topics for exam taking. In addition, students were invited to watch the IBS movie, which served as an analogy for the immune system’s challenge of eradicating transformed or infected cells while sparing healthy host cells. This analogy was reinforced in later lectures. Seventy-nine percent of students expressed increased engagement with this form of educational delivery (n = 57) and 75% supported that the analogy was an effective strategy for introducing immunology. Our results support using popular media to introduce immunology which can be used in diverse educational settings. Funding Sources Intramural grants from California Northstate University College of Medicine Topic Categories Immunology Education and Communication (EDU)

Source: The Journal of Immunology

DOI: 10.1093/jimmun/vkaf283.1273