Animal Cell Technology by
Animal Cell Technology: from Biopharmaceuticals to Gene Therapy provides a comprehensive insight into biological and engineering concepts related to mammalian and insect cell technology, as well as an overview of the applications of animal cell technology. Part 1 of the book covers the Fundamentals upon which this technology is based and covers the science underpinning the technology. Part 2 covers the Applications from the production of therapeutic proteins to gene therapy. The authors of the chapters are internationally-recognized in the field of animal cell culture research and have extensive experience in the areas covered in their respective chapters.
Animal Cloning by
This in-depth yet highly readable volume examines all aspects of animal cloning, including its controversial nature, from a neutral standpoint. Well-written entries discuss natural cloning and early cloning experiments beginning in the 1950s; the research that led to the creation of Dolly, the first animal cloned from an adult cell; as well as the recent sheep-human, goat-human, and pig-human hybrids scientists have experimented with using cloning technology. Substantial coverage deals with the driving forces behind cloning research, including the production of large quantities of medically important proteins such as blood clotting factor IX, used to treat hemophilia B; human serum albumin, used to treat burn victims; and anti-thrombin III, an anti-clotting protein used to treat heart attack and stroke victims. While the focus is on animal cloning, specific coverage of human cloning is also presented.
Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia by
Covers evolution in detail and explores it from a scientific viewpoint. Includes comprehensive coverage of recent ideas and discoveries in the field of evolution.
Beasts of Eden : Walking Whales, Dawn Horses, and Other Enigmas of Mammal Evolution by
Mammals first evolved at about the same time as dinosaurs, and their story is perhaps the more fascinating of the two-in part because it is also our own story. In this literate and entertaining book, eminent naturalist David Rains Wallace brings the saga of ancient mammals to a general audience for the first time. Using artist Rudolph Zallinger's majestic "The Age of Mammals "mural at the Peabody Museum as a frame for his narrative, Wallace deftly moves over varied terrain-drawing from history, science, evolutionary theory, and art history-to present a lively account of fossil discoveries and an overview of what those discoveries have revealed about early mammals and their evolution. In these pages we encounter towering mammoths, tiny horses, giant-clawed ground sloths, whales with legs, uintatheres, zhelestids, and other exotic extinct creatures as well as the scientists who discovered and wondered about their remains. We meet such memorable figures as Georges Cuvier, Richard Owen, Edward D. Cope, George Gaylord Simpson, and Stephen Jay Gould and learn of their heated disputes, from Cuvier's and Owen's fights with early evolutionists to present controversies over the Late Cretaceous mass extinction. Wallace's own lifelong interest in evolution is reflected in the book's evocative and engaging style and in the personal experiences he expertly weaves into the tale, providing an altogether expansive perspective on what Darwin described as the "grandeur" of evolution.
Maternal Effects in Mammals by
Evolutionary maternal effects occur whenever a motherOCOs phenotypic traits directly affect her offspringOCOs phenotype, independent of the offspringOCOs genotype. Some of the phenotypic traits that result in maternal effects have a genetic basis, whereas others are environmentally determined. For example, the size of a litter produced by a mammalian motherOCoa trait with a strong genetic basisOCocan affect the growth rate of her offspring, while a motherOCOs dominance rankOCoan environmentally determined traitOCocan affect the dominance rank of her offspring. aaaaaaaaaaa The first volume published on the subject in more than a decade, "Maternal Effects in Mammals" reflects advances in genomic, ecological, and behavioral research, as well new understandings of the evolutionary interplay between mothers and their offspring. Dario Maestripieri and Jill M. Mateo bring together a learned group of contributors to synthesize the vast literature on a range of species, highlight evolutionary processes that were previously overlooked, and propose new avenues of research. "Maternal Effects in Mammals" will serve as the most comprehensive compendium on and stimulus for interdisciplinary treatments of mammalian maternal effects. a
Experimental Approaches to Conservation Biology by
We are living in the early stages of a looming worldwide extinction crisis. Abundant evidence shows that the current rate of species extinctions is nearing its highest level since the asteroid collision 65 million years ago, and that humans are largely responsible. This book addresses the urgent need to understand and find solutions to this crisis. Written by an international team of contributors who are among the best-known and most active experimental biologists working in the field of conservation biology today, it provides a unique approach by focusing on individual species rather than whole plant and animal communities. Emphasizing throughout how conservation biology can benefit from an experimental approach, the book looks at a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic species--from giant pandas and tree snails to sea turtles and Steller sea lions--and demonstrates what can be done both to preserve rare species and to combat invasive organisms. Finally, contributors show how we can bridge the gap between policy makers and research scientists in order to develop lasting solutions to these problems.
Biology Demystified by
Say goodbye to dry presentations, grueling formulas, and abstract theory that would put Einstein to sleep--now there's an easier way to master chemistry, biology, trigonometry, and geometry. McGraw-Hill's Demystified Series teaches complex subjects in a unique, easy-to-absorb manner and is designed for users without formal training, unlimited time, or genius IQs. Organized like self-teaching guides, they come complete with key points, background information, questions at the end of each chapter, and final exams. There's no better way to gain instant expertise! ABOUT BIOLOGY DEMYSTIFIED: * A college biology professor presents the fundamental facts, concepts, and principles of biology in an attractive and amusing framework * Great for anyone with an interest in biology, biotechnology, medicine, or the environment * Coverage includes both the anatomy and physiology of organisms as well as ecology and environmental relationships between organisms * Includes a pronunciation guide for difficult biological terms
How Science Works by
One week, red wine is good for the heart. The next week, new reports say it's bad for the health. So which is true? Anyone who's ever read science news with fascination, or who's ever been confounded by conflicting stories will appreciate this book. Taking a look at some true to life contemporary news stories, the author assesses recent studies on topics ranging from vitamin C and caffeine to pollution and cancer. With straight talk and a passion for the whole project of science, he demysifies the cult of the expert and sheds light on the nitty-gritty details of scientific processes. Any scientist loves a challenge, but the biggest challenge of all, observes Jenkins, is shared by scientists and nonscientitsts alike: how to make practical decisions in light of ambiguous evidence. Promising no simple answers, this book does offer excellent food for thought for people pondering that next glass of wine.
Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry by
The biochemistry text that every medical student must own--now in full color Comprehensive, concise, and up-to-date, "Harper's" is unrivaled in its ability to clarify the link between biochemistry and the molecular basis of health and disease. The Twenty-Eighth Edition has undergone sweeping changes -- including a conversion to full-color artwork and the substantial revision and updating of every chapter -- all to reflect the latest advances in knowledge and technology and to make the text as up-to-date and clinically relevant as possible. Combining outstanding full-color illustrations with integrated coverage of biochemical diseases and clinical information, "Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry" offers an organization and clarity not found in any other text on the subject. Striking just the right balance between detail and brevity, "Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry" is essential for USMLE review and is the single best reference for learning the clinical relevance of a biochemistry topic. NEW to this edition: Full-color presentation, including 600+ illustrations Every chapter opens with a Summary of the Biomedical Importance and concludes with a Summary reviewing the topics covered Two all-new chapters: "Free Radicals and Antioxidant Nutrients" and "Biochemical Case Histories" which offers an extensive presentation of 16 clinical conditions A new appendix containing basic clinical laboratory results and an updated one with a list of important websites and online journals NEW or updated coverage of important topics including the Human Genome Project and computer-aided drug delivery
Schaum's Outline of Biochemistry by
Taking you through biochemistry, this title features sections on whole-body metabolism, enzyme kinetics, and technologies for monitoring metabolic processes.
Biochemistry by
Fifty clinical cases help you excel in biochemistry courses and the USMLE Step 1 Case Files: Biochemistry: Second Edition" presents 50 clinical cases with open-ended questions which weave basic science concepts into the clinical scenario. Each case includes an extended discussion (including definitions and a pathophysiology discussion), key points, and 3-5 USMLE-style comprehension questions. The authors are experienced teachers from the University of Texas-Houston Medical School in Houston, Texas.
DNA Methylation, Epigenetics, and Metastasis by
This book provides a broad and rich outline of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in cancer progression and the generation of metastasis. It describes the tumor suppressor genes undergoing transcriptional silencing by CpG island promoter hypermethylation in the different tumor types of the human anatomy and their association with tumoral behaviour. It also provides a comprehensive insightful look at the molecular players involved in DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodelling complexes causing epigenetic lesions linked to the metastasic phenotypes. Finally, it explains how epigenetic lesions associated with cancer spreading can be targeted using new and potent chemotherapy drugs. The book is a state-of-the-art reference to all scientific researchers and clinicians interested in the understanding of the biological processes leading to tumor dissemination and to those that are keen to translate this knowledge to a better management of cancer patients. Each contributor is a specialist in their epigenetic area and their joint effort has created a unique view of the DNA methylation, histone and chromatin changes that define cancer metastasis.
Enzymatic Reaction Mechanisms by
1. Enzymes and Catalytic Mechanisms. 2. Kinetics of Enzymatic. 3. Coenzymes I: Organic Coenzymes. 4. Coenzymes II: Metallic Coenzymes. 5. Enzyme Inhibition. 6. ACYL Group Transfer: Proteases. 7. Isomerization. 8. Decarboxylation and Carboxylation. 9. Addition and Elimination. 10. Phosphotransfer AND NucleotidylTransfer. 11. ATP-Dependent Synthetases and Lifases. 12. Glycosyl Group Transferases. 13. Nitrogen and Sulfur Transferases. 14. Carbon-Carbon Condensation and Cleavage. 15. Alkyltransferases. 16. Oxidoreductases. 17. Oxidases and Oxygenases. 18. Complex Enzymes
Biology Is Technology by
In Biology Is Technology, author Robert Carlson offers a uniquely informed perspective on the endeavors that contribute to current progress in the science of biological systems and the technology used to manipulate them.
Labs on Chip by
Labs on Chip: Principles, Design and Technology provides a complete reference for the complex field of labs on chip in biotechnology. Merging three main areas-- fluid dynamics, monolithic micro- and nanotechnology, and out-of-equilibrium biochemistry--this text integrates coverage of technology issues with strong theoretical explanations of design techniques. Analyzing each subject from basic principles to relevant applications, this book: Describes the biochemical elements required to work on labs on chip Discusses fabrication, microfluidic, and electronic and optical detection techniques Addresses planar technologies, polymer microfabrication, and process scalability to huge volumes Presents a global view of current lab-on-chip research and development Devotes an entire chapter to labs on chip for genetics Summarizing in one source the different technical competencies required, Labs on Chip: Principles, Design and Technology offers valuable guidance for the lab-on-chip design decision-making process, while exploring essential elements of labs on chip useful both to the professional who wants to approach a new field and to the specialist who wants to gain a broader perspective.
High Tech Harvest by
A research biologist tells the clear-eyed story of modern plant genetics, the human manipulation of biotechnology, and the reality of genetically engineered plants worldwide. Genetically engineered plant products line the shelves of our grocery stores, but we don't know which ones they are because no label identifies them. Should we be concerned? It is true that biotech companies are saying that engineered corn and canola are safe, but are they telling the truth? In High Tech Harvest, Paul Lurquin answers these questions and more, believing that the public has a right to know and understand how its food is manipulated at the most basic level, that of the DNA itself. With the goal to inform, and a mission to reinforce the importance of the scientific method, Paul Lurquin writes a comprehensive and user-friendly description of the scientific origins, the development, and the applications of genetically modified plants throughout the world today. Lurquin argues that only with an understanding of the basic science can people make informed and reasonable decisions about genetically modified foods.
From X-Rays to DNA : How Engineering Drives Biology by
Engineering has been an essential collaborator in biological research and breakthroughs in biology are often enabled by technological advances. Decoding the double helix structure of DNA, for example, only became possible after significant advances in such technologies as X-ray diffraction and gel electrophoresis. Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis improved as new technologies -- including the stethoscope, the microscope, and the X-ray -- developed. These engineering breakthroughs take place away from the biology lab, and many years may elapse before the technology becomes available to biologists. In this book, David Lee argues for concurrent engineering -- the convergence of engineering and biological research -- as a means to accelerate the pace of biological discovery and its application to diagnosis and treatment. He presents extensive case studies and introduces a metric to measure the time between technological development and biological discovery.Investigating a series of major biological discoveries that range from pasteurization to electron microscopy, Lee finds that it took an average of forty years for the necessary technology to become available for laboratory use. Lee calls for new approaches to research and funding to encourage a tighter, more collaborative coupling of engineering and biology. Only then, he argues, will we see the rapid advances in the life sciences that are critically needed for life-saving diagnosis and treatment.
The Language of Life by
Cooperation requires conversation. Human beings speak to one another. Sounds, scents, and postures allow animals to make their point. While individual cells can (TM)t talk, hiss, growl, or bare their teeth, they nevertheless communicate regularly. Their language is based not on words or gestures, but on chemistry "using molecules where we would use words, constructing sentences from chains of proteins. The cells that make up the bodies of muticellular organisms inform, wheedle, command, exhort, reassure, nurture, criticize, and instruct each other to direct every physiological function, report every newsworthy event, record every memory, heal every wound. And each of those chemical conversations represents an opportunity for scientists and physicians. The molecular biologists who worked for over a decade to sequence the human genome have sometimes referred to that sequence as the oebook of life. To our cells, that oebook is no more than a dictionary "only living cells can converse, forming the network that allows our 60 trillion cells to function as a single organism. For nearly a century, researchers have been straining to hear the whispered conversations among cells, hoping to master the basics of their language. They know that if we can decipher and translate this cellular chatter, we have the potential for sending signals of our own that could repair wounds, reduce cholesterol, control insulin levels, or even block the reproduction of cancer cells. The possibilities are as endless as they are intriguing. The Language of Life is a fantastic story of discovery, blending the vision of science with the poetry of life itself.
Cell Biology by
This text tells the story of cells as the unit of life in a colorful and student-friendly manner, taking an "essentials only" approach. By using the successful model of previously published Short Courses, this text succeeds in conveying the key points without overburdening readers with secondary information. The authors (all active researchers and educators) skillfully present concepts by illustrating them with clear diagrams and examples from current research. Special boxed sections focus on the importance of cell biology in medicine and industry today. This text is a completely revised, reorganized, and enhanced revision of From Genes to Cells.
The Cell by
Studying the cell helps us improve our understanding of the living world, plant and animal physiology, genetics, and biochemistry. This wealth of information has revolutionized the biological and medical sciences, leading to a dramatic reduction in mortalities due to infectious diseases and medical disorders. The war on cancer—launched almost 40 years ago—is finally approaching a stage where all cancers will be curable. Improved treatment and prognosis is now possible for many other disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. Improved knowledge of the cell has made it possible for researchers to isolate and culture stem cells, which may be used to treat spinal cord trauma and degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The Cell, Revised Edition contains new and revised material throughout, accompanied by many photographs and line drawings, all of which are now in color. Updated chapters in this timely resource now cover the recent controversy over the teaching of creationism in public schools, life on other planets, bacterial populations, and the potential threat of certain pathogenic species, as well as a more detailed discussion of eukaryote structure and function. New chapters have been added on the many cells that make up the human body as well as the crucial role that photosynthesis plays during the formation of the Earth's biosphere.
The Cell : Evolution of the First Organism by
Presented from the point of view of the cellOCOs motivations, The Cell presents the origins and mechanisms of this element of life and the development of scientific knowledge surrounding it. This approach is especially helpful to those students who have no background in cell biology. It covers speculation on the development of the first cell and the development of single cells into the complex cells that eventually created animal bodies. For students and general readers, the book explains how the study of the cell cycle has led to the possibility of stem cell and cloning research."
The Way of the Cell by
What is life? Fifty years after physicist Erwin Schrodinger posed this question in his celebrated and inspiring book, the answer remains elusive. In The Way of the Cell, one of the world's most respected microbiologists draws on his wide knowledge of contemporary science to provide freshinsight into this intriguing and all-important question.What is the relationship of living things to the inanimate realm of chemistry and physics? How do lifeless but special chemicals come together to form those intricate dynamic ensembles that we recognize as life? To shed light on these questions, Franklin Harold focuses here on microorganisms--inparticular, the supremely well-researched bacterium E. coli--because the cell is the simplest level of organization that manifests all the features of the phenomenon of life. Harold shows that as simple as they appear when compared to ourselves, every cell displays a dynamic pattern in space andtime, orders of magnitude richer than its elements. It integrates the writhings and couplings of billions of molecules into a coherent whole, draws matter and energy into itself, constructs and reproduces its own order, and persists in this manner for numberless generations while continuouslyadapting to a changing world.A cell constitutes a unitary whole, a unit of life, and in this volume one of the leading authorities on the cell gives us a vivid picture of what goes on within this minute precinct. The result is a richly detailed, meticulously crafted account of what modern science can tell us about life aswell as one scientist's personal attempt to wring understanding from the tide of knowledge.
Power, Sex, Suicide : Mitochondria and the meaning of Life by
Mitochondria are tiny structures located inside our cells that carry out the essential task of producing energy for the cell. They are found in all complex living things, and in that sense, they are fundamental for driving complex life on the planet. But there is much more to them than that. Mitochondria have their own DNA, with their own small collection of genes, separate from those in the cell nucleus. It is thought that they were once bacteria living independent lives. Theirenslavement within the larger cell was a turning point in the evolution of life, enabling the development of complex organisms and, closely related, the origin of two sexes. Unlike the DNA in the nucleus, mitochondrial DNA is passed down exclusively (or almost exclusively) via the female line. That'swhy it has been used by some researchers to trace human ancestry daughter-to-mother, to 'Mitochondrial Eve'. Mitochondria give us important information about our evolutionary history. And that's not all. Mitochondrial genes mutate much faster than those in the nucleus because of the free radicals produced in their energy-generating role. This high mutation rate lies behind our ageing and certain congenital diseases. The latest research suggests that mitochondria play a key role in degenerativediseases such as cancer, through their involvement in precipitating cell suicide. Mitochondria, then, are pivotal in power, sex, and suicide. In this fascinating and thought-provoking book, Nick Lane brings together the latest research findings in this exciting field to show how our growing understanding of mitochondria is shedding light on how complex life evolved, why sex arose (why don't we just bud?), and why we age and die. This understanding is of fundamental importance, both in understanding how we and all other complex life came to be, but also in order to be able tocontrol our own illnesses, and delay our degeneration and death. 'An extraordinary account of groundbreaking modern science... The book abounds with interesting and important ideas.'Mark Ridley, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by
Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis provides a detailed practical guide to cell proliferation and apoptosis detection methods. A novel approach combining both these areas allows important comparisons to be made. Topics covered include all aspects of tissue handling from collection, storage, fixation and processing through to locating and quantifying cells in different stages of the cell cycle. This book is an essential and comprehensive practical guide to these important and expanding areas.
Protein Movement Across Membranes by
This book addresses the most recent advances in the transport of proteins across a variety of biological membranes. In addressing this topic, this volume includes several new twists not previously addressed in the literature. In the last few years, the study of protein translocation has been revolutionized by the availability of structural information on many of the components and complexes involved in the process. Unlike earlier books written on protein translocation, this volume considers these advances. In addition, several chapters discuss facets of protein translocation from a systems biology perspective, considered by many to be the next paradigm for biological study. Readers of this book will come away with a deeper understanding of the problems facing researchers of protein translocation and see how the most modern biological techniques and approaches are being recruited to answer those questions. The chapters are also written such that problems awaiting future investigation are clearly presented.
The Coronavirus Preparedness Handbook by
Life-Saving COVID-19 Information: Quarantines, Lockdowns, Face Masks, Immune Support, Food Readiness, Sanitation, and More The novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, started in Wuhan, China. Shortly thereafter, 11 million people in Wuhan and 57 million people in other regions of China were under lockdown. But that was half a world away and couldn't happen here. On March 7, 2020, less than 90 days after the initial Wuhan outbreak, 16 million people in Italy were put on lockdown. How many of these people put on lockdown were prepared? Are you prepared? The Coronavirus Preparedness Handbook by Tess Pennington will prepare you for whatever may happen in your region. Find life-saving information, including everything you need to know about: Preparing for quarantine When to release someone from isolation Choosing face masks, respirators, and gloves Creating a medical supply chest Boosting your immune system Stocking your pantry Sanitation tips Communicating during lockdown Preparing your community and schools And more! From a description of the virus and how to prevent yourself from getting the virus to the supplies you should have in your house in case of a lockdown, this book will prepare you for all possibilities.
Aging of the Genome : the Dual Role of DNA in Life and Death by
Aging has long been ascribed to the gradual accumulation of mutations in the genome. However, it is only recently that the necessary sophisticated technology has been developed to begin testing this theory and its consequences. This book reviews the concept of genomic instability as a possible universal cause of aging in complex organisms resulting from recent advances in functional genomics and systems biology. -;Aging has long since been ascribed to the gradual accumulation of DNA mutations in the genome of somatic cells. However, it is only recently that the necessary sophisticated technology has been developed to begin testing this theory and its consequences. Vijg critically reviews the concept of genomic instability as a possible universal cause of aging in the context of a new, holistic understanding of genome functioning in complex organisms resulting from recent advances in. functional genomics and systems biology. It provides an up-to-date synthesis of current research, as well as a look ahead to the design of strategies to retard or reverse the deleterious effects of aging. This is particularly important in a time when we are urgently trying to unravel the genetic component of. aging-related diseases. Moreover, there is a growing public recognition of the imperative of understanding more about the underlying biology of aging, driven by continuing demographic change. -;'This is a work of real scholarship, a critical account of a huge swathe of work The sharp focus on one type of damage, the excellent writing style and the well argued, personal perspective of the author contrive to keep the reader going.' - Nature -;'The book represents a substantial effort and documents the broad and deep insight that Vijg has into the field of aging. It should greatly stimulate interest and the entry of promising new scientists into the field and will help heighten the profile and importance of aging research in general.' - Nature Genetics -
DNA and RNA Modification Enzymes by
This volume is a timely and comprehensive description of the many facets of DNA and RNA modification-editing processes and to some extent repair mechanisms. Each chapter offers fundamental principles as well as up to date information on recent advances in the field (up to end 2008). They ended by a short 'conclusion and future prospect' section and an exhaustive list of 35 to up to 257 references (in average 87). Contributors are geneticists, structural enzymologists and molecular biologists working at the forefront of this exciting, fast-moving and diverse field of researches. This book will be a major interest to PhD students and University teachers alike. It will also serve as an invaluable reference tool for new researchers in the field, as well as for specialists of RNA modification enzymes generally not well informed about what is going on in similar processes acting on DNA and vice-versa for specialists of the DNA modification-editing and repair processes usually not much acquainted with what is going on in the RNA maturation field. The book is subdivided into 41 chapters (740 pages). The common links between them are mainly the enzymatic aspects of the different modification-editing and repair machineries: structural, mechanistic, functional and evolutionary aspects. It starts with two general and historical overview of the discovery of modified nucleosides in DNA and RNA and corresponding modification-editing enzymes. Then follows eleven chapters on DNA modification and editing (mechanistic and functional aspects). Two additional chapters cover problems related to DNA/RNA repair and base editing by C-to-U deaminases, followed by three chapters on RNA editing by C-to-U and A-to-I type of deamination. Discussions about interplay between DNA and RNA modifications and the emergence of DNA are covered in two independent chapters, followed by twenty chapters on different but complementary aspects of RNA modification enzymes and their cellular implications. The last chapter concerns the description of the present state-of-the art for incorporating modified nucleosides by in vitro chemical synthesis. At the end of the book, six appendicies give useful details on modified nucleosides, modification-editing enzymes and nucleosides analogs. This information is usually difficult to obtain from current scientific literature.
Biology of Wastewater Treatment by
This comprehensive text provides the reader with both a detailed reference and a unified course on wastewater treatment. Aimed at scientists and engineers, it deals with the environmental and biological aspects of wastewater treatment and sludge disposal.
Water, the Drop of Life by
[PRINT] Attempts to show how important is the world's fresh water supply, and how vulnerable. Addresses Australia, Africa, England and the US.
A History of Atmospheric CO2 and Its Effects on Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems by
Based in extensive research in geology, atmospheric science, and paleontology, this book offers a detailed history of CO2 in the atmosphere, and an understanding of factors that have influenced changes in the past. The text illuminates the role of atmospheric CO2 in the modern carbon cycle and in the evolution of plants and animals, and addresses the future role of atmospheric CO2 and its likely effects on ecosystems.
Sustainability : Building Eco-Friendly Communities by
The early 21st century may someday be looked upon as a pivotal point in the Earth's history. At its most dramatic, this era might someday be thought of as the beginning of the end. This work describes the innovations that may likely play a role in the near future for creating a critical mass in the environment's favor.
The Theory of Evolution by
Everything mammals ever wanted to know about the theory of evolution-but were afraid to ask This important new book by award-winning science writer Cynthia Mills clearly explains one of the most crucial, and most misunderstood, concepts of modern science-the theory of evolution. After examining Darwin, his precursors, and how the theory of evolution developed, Mills answers key questions, including: How successful is the theory at explaining the natural world, and what does it fail to explain? What are some of the competing ideas and theories about the origin of the species? How will the theory of evolution likely hold up over time, as our understanding of genetics grows? Cynthia L. Mills (Portland, OR) is an award-winning science writer and veterinarian. Her article Breeding and Discontents, originally published in The Sciences, was selected for The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2001, guest-edited by E. O. Wilson. Also in the same series: The Big Bang Theory (0-471-39452-1) by Karen C. Fox
Darwin, His Daughter, and Human Evolution by
In a chest of drawers bequeathed by his grandmother, author Randal Keynes discovered the writing case of Charles Darwin's beloved daughter Annie, who died at the age of ten. He also found the notes Darwin kept throughout Annie's illness, the eulogy he delivered at her funeral-and provocative new insights into Darwin's views on nature, evolution, and the human condition.
On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection by 
Hunt for the Dawn Monkey : Unearthing the Origins of Monkeys, Apes, and Humans by
Taking us back roughly 45 million years into the Eocene, "the dawn of recent life," Chris Beard, a world-renowned expert on the primate fossil record, offers a tantalizing new perspective on our deepest evolutionary roots. In a fast-paced narrative full of vivid stories from the field, he reconstructs our extended family tree, showing that the first anthropoids-the diverse and successful group that includes monkeys, apes, and humans-evolved millions of years earlier than was previously suspected and emerged in Asia rather than Africa. In "The Hunt for the Dawn Monkey, "Beard chronicles the saga of two centuries of scientific exploration in search of anthropoid origins, from the early work of Georges Cuvier, the father of paleontology, to the latest discoveries in Asia, Africa, and North America's Rocky Mountains. Against this historical backdrop, he weaves the story of how his own expeditions have unearthed crucial fossils-including the controversial primate "Eosimias"-that support his compelling new vision of anthropoid evolution. The only book written for a wide audience that explores this remote phase of our own evolutionary history, "The Hunt for the Dawn Monkey "adds a fascinating new chapter to our understanding of humanity's relationship to the rest of life on earth.
Encyclopedia of Adaptations in the Natural World by 
The Lives of the Brain : Human Evolution and the Organ of Mind by
Though we have other distinguishing characteristics (walking on two legs, for instance, and relative hairlessness), the brain and the behavior it produces are what truly set us apart from the other apes and primates. And how this three-pound organ composed of water, fat, and protein turned a mammal species into the dominant animal on earth today is the story John S. Allen seeks to tell. Adopting what he calls a bottom-up approach to the evolution of human behavior, Allen considers the brain as a biological organ; a collection of genes, cells, and tissues that grows, eats, and ages, and is subject to the direct effects of natural selection and the phylogenetic constraints of its ancestry. An exploration of the evolution of this critical organ based on recent work in paleo-anthropology, brain anatomy and neuroimaging, molecular genetics, life history theory, and related fields, his book shows us the brain as a product of the contexts in which it evolved: phylogenetic, somatic, genetic, ecological, demographic, and ultimately, cultural-linguistic. Throughout, Allen focuses on the foundations of brain evolution rather than the evolution of behavior or cognition. This perspective demonstrates how, just as some aspects of our behavior emerge in unexpected ways from the development of certain cognitive capacities, a more nuanced understanding of behavioral evolution might develop from a clearer picture of brain evolution.
A Dictionary of Genetics by
The publication of this fully updated edition of A Dictionary of Genetics coincides with the hundredth anniversary of the introduction of the term genetics by William Bateson in 1906 at the Third International Conference on Genetics. Since then genetics has made tremendous advances inknowledge and technique and now occupies a pivotal position in the life sciences as the most powerful means for probing fundamental questions in cell biology, development, and evolution. The determination of sequences of complete genomes, the study of gene expression and genetic variation on aglobal scale, and the ability to rapidly amplify gene sequences and to achieve targeted gene disruptions are just some examples of major achievements in this field. Proliferation of new terms inevitably accompanies such remarkable progress. This new edition of the Dictionary addresses the needs ofstudents, educators, and clinical geneticists for an authoritative and up-to-date reference work that not only defines the latest terms, but in most cases, also presents important ancillary encyclopedic information.A Dictionary of Genetics is unique in that it includes terms from a wide range of disciplines which now intertwine with genetics, including molecular biology, cell biology, medicine, botany, and evolutionary studies. Its 7,000 cross-referenced definitions are supported by an excellent collection ofline drawings, tables, and chemical formulae. One-fifth of the Dictionary is devoted to six appendices to which the definitions are cross-referenced and which contain an extraordinary trove of supplementary information. This includes a chronology of important advances spanning the years 1590 to2005, lists of useful internet sites and periodicals, a classification of living organisms into an evolutionary hierarchy, and a sample table of genome sizes and gene numbers. These features make A Dictionary of Genetics a lexicon unparalleled in the field.For the first time, the Dictionary is available on Oxford Reference Online (ORO): Premium Collection!
Aging of the Genome : the Dual Role of DNA in Life and Death by
Aging has long been ascribed to the gradual accumulation of mutations in the genome. However, it is only recently that the necessary sophisticated technology has been developed to begin testing this theory and its consequences. This book reviews the concept of genomic instability as a possible universal cause of aging in complex organisms resulting from recent advances in functional genomics and systems biology. -;Aging has long since been ascribed to the gradual accumulation of DNA mutations in the genome of somatic cells. However, it is only recently that the necessary sophisticated technology has been developed to begin testing this theory and its consequences. Vijg critically reviews the concept of genomic instability as a possible universal cause of aging in the context of a new, holistic understanding of genome functioning in complex organisms resulting from recent advances in. functional genomics and systems biology. It provides an up-to-date synthesis of current research, as well as a look ahead to the design of strategies to retard or reverse the deleterious effects of aging. This is particularly important in a time when we are urgently trying to unravel the genetic component of. aging-related diseases. Moreover, there is a growing public recognition of the imperative of understanding more about the underlying biology of aging, driven by continuing demographic change. -;'This is a work of real scholarship, a critical account of a huge swathe of work The sharp focus on one type of damage, the excellent writing style and the well argued, personal perspective of the author contrive to keep the reader going.' - Nature -;'The book represents a substantial effort and documents the broad and deep insight that Vijg has into the field of aging. It should greatly stimulate interest and the entry of promising new scientists into the field and will help heighten the profile and importance of aging research in general.' - Nature Genetics -
Human Genome Sourcebook by
This is not another book about the Human Genome Project. It is, however, about the human genome: the genes that make it up, what the genes do when they are acting properly, and what happens when these genes are damaged. Designed for today's reader who demands quick answers to a wide range of questions, this book is intended to offer the nonspecialist a first-stop, but fairly detailed, guide to the genome. The information it provides is given context: namely, the basic scientific principles of genome research, the new knowledge unearthed or created by this research, and the social and ethical implications of this knowledge.
In Pursuit of the Gene by
The mystery of inheritance has captivated thinkers since antiquity, and the unlocking of this mystery--the development of classical genetics--is one of humanity's greatest achievements. This great scientific and human drama is the story told fully and for the first time in this book. Acclaimed science writer James Schwartz presents the history of genetics through the eyes of a dozen or so central players, beginning with Charles Darwin and ending with Nobel laureate Hermann J. Muller. In tracing the emerging idea of the gene, Schwartz deconstructs many often-told stories that were meant to reflect glory on the participants and finds that the official version of discovery often hides a far more complex and illuminating narrative. The discovery of the structure of DNA and the more recent advances in genome science represent the culmination of one hundred years of concentrated inquiry into the nature of the gene. Schwartz's multifaceted training as a mathematician, geneticist, and writer enables him to provide a remarkably lucid account of the development of the central ideas about heredity, and at the same time bring to life the brilliant and often eccentric individuals who shaped these ideas. In the spirit of the late Stephen Jay Gould, this book offers a thoroughly engaging story about one of the oldest and most controversial fields of scientific inquiry. It offers readers the background they need to understand the latest findings in genetics and those still to come in the search for the genetic basis of complex diseases and traits.
Reconceiving the Gene by
This book focuses on the crucial role that relationships play in the lives of teenagers. The authors particularly examine the ways that healthy relationships can help teenagers avoid such common risk behaviours as substance abuse, dating violence, sexual assault and unsafe sexual practices. Addressing the current lack of effective prevention programmes for teenagers, they present new strategies for encouraging healthy choices. The book first traces differences between the 'rules of relating' for boys and girls and discusses typical and atypical patterns of experimentation in teenagers. The authors identify the common link among risk behaviours: the relationship connection. In the second part of the book, they examine the principles of successful programmes used by schools and communities to cultivate healthy adolescent development. An illuminating conclusion describes the key ingredients for engaging adolescents, their parents, teachers and communities, in the effort to promote healthy, non-violent relationships among teenagers.
The Implicit Genome by
For over half a century, we have been in the thrall of the double-helicaln structure of DNA, which, in an instant, revealed that information can be transferred between generations by a simple rule, A pairs with T, G pairs with C. In its beautiful simplicity, this structure, along with the table of codons worked out in the following decade, had entranced us into believing that we can fully understand the information content of a DNA sequence, simply by treating it as text that is read in a linear fashion. While we have learned much based on this assumption, there is much we have missed. Far from a passive tape running through a reader, genomes contain information that appears in new forms which create regions with distinct behavior. Some are "gene rich", some mobile, some full of repeats and duplications, some sticking together across long evolutionary distances, some readily breaking apart in tumor cells. Even protein-coding regions can carry additional information, taking advantage of the flexible coding options provided by the degeneracy of the genetic code. The chapters in this volume touch on one or more of three interconnected themes; information can be implied, rather than explicit, in a genome; information can lead to focused and/or regulated changes in nucleotide sequences; information that affects the probability of distinct classes of mutation has implications for evolutionary theory.
Genes on the Menu by
Delivers the state-of-the-art facts in order to empower the public to make knowledge-based decisions about plant biotechnology and GM crops and GM food, in particular. Discusses the hot topics of the present debate in a neutral manner and can serve as a personal reference book for the interested public, for decision makers, and managers of consumer organizations.
The Hope, Hype, and Reality of Genetic Engineering by
An introductory tour into the stranger-than-fiction world of genetic engineering, a scientific realm inhabited by eager researchers intent upon fashioning a prodigious medley of genetically modified (GM) organisms to serve human needs.
Genetically Modified Planet by
Genetically modified plants are currently causing controversy worldwide; a great deal has been written about their supposed environmental effects. However, the newspaper headlines and public debates often provide a level of reasoning akin to "this is your brain on genetically modified corn," which is to say, they exclude or exaggerate the actual scientific research on the impacts of these plants. Genetically Modified Planet goes beyond the rhetoric to investigate for concerned consumers the actual state of scientific research on genetically modified plants. Stewart argues that while there are indeed real and potential risks of growing engineered crops, there are also real and overwhelmingly positive environmental benefits.
Monad to Man by
The idea of evolution: it fascinates some of us, disturbs others, and leaves only a very few people indifferent. In a major new interpretation of evolutionary theory, Michael Ruse pinpoints the common source of this attraction and discomfort. A renowned writer on evolutionary theory and its history, Ruse has long been sensitive to the fact that many people--and not simply religious enthusiasts--find something deeply troubling about much of what passes for science in evolutionary circles. What causes this tension, he finds in his search of evolutionism's 250-year history, is the intimate relationship between evolution and the secular ideology of progress. Ubiquitous in Darwin's time, the idea of an unceasing improvement in life insinuated its way into evolutionary theory from the first. In interviews with today's major figures in evolutionary biology--including Stephen Jay Gould, Edward O. Wilson, Ernst Mayr, and John Maynard Smith--and in an intimate look at the discoveries and advances in the history and philosophy of science, Ruse finds this belief just as prevalent today--however it might be denied or obscured. His book traces the delicate line between those who argue that science is and must be objective and those who deem science a "social construction" in the fashion of religion or the rest of culture. It offers an unparalleled account of evolutionary theory, from popular books to museums to the most complex theorizing, at a time when its status as science is under greater scrutiny than ever before.
Gene Cloning by
The ability to successfully clone genes underlies the majority of our knowledge in molecular and cellular biology. Gene Cloning introduces the diverse array of techniques available to clone genes and how they can be used effectively both in the research laboratory, to gain knowledge about the gene, and for use in biotechnology, medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, and agriculture. It shows how cloning genes is an integral part of genomics and underlines its relevance in the post-genomic age, as a tool required to test predictions of gene regulation and function made through bioinformatics. Applications of gene cloning in medicine, both for diagnosis and treatment, and in the pharmaceutical industry and agriculture, are also covered in the book. Gene Cloning takes a fresh approach to teaching molecular and cellular biology and will be a valuable resource to both undergraduates and lecturers of biological and biomedical science courses.
Stem Cell Bioengineering by
In stem cell research there are several key methods that, once mastered, can be extremely powerful. These methods enable you to rigorously test hypotheses, compare results to OC gold standards, OCO and may even spur improvements to existing protocols. This book describes numerous methods to derive, manipulate, target, and prepare stem cells for clinical use. The methods described here help you derive and test human embryonic stem cells, analyze bone marrow stem cell function in vitro and in vivo, image a stem cell transplant, cryopreserve stem cells and differentiate stem cells using microscale techniques."
The Proteus Effect : Stem Cells and Their Promise for Medicine by
Stem cells could be the key that unlocks cures to scores of diseases and illnesses. Their story is at once compelling, controversial, and remarkable. Part detective story, part medical history, The Proteus Effect recounts the events leading up to the discovery of stem cells and their incredible potential for the future of medicine. What exactly are these biological wonders - these things called stem cells? They may be tiny, but their impact is earth shaking, generating excitement among medical researchers - and outright turmoil in political circles. They are reported to be nothing short of miraculous. But they have also incited fear and mistrust in many. Indeed, recent research on stem cells raises important questions as rapidly as it generates new discoveries. The power of stem cells rests in their unspecialized but marvelously flexible nature. They are the clay of life waiting for the cellular signal that will coax them into taking on the shape of the beating cells of the heart muscle or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. With a wave of our medical magic wand, it's possible that stem cells could be used to effectively treat (even cure) diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and even baldness. But should scientists be allowed to pick apart four-day-old embryos in order to retrieve stem cells? And when stem cells whisper to us of immortality - they can divide and perpetuate new cells indefinitely - how do we respond? Stem cells are forcing us to not only reexamine how we define the beginning of life but how we come to terms with the end of life as well. Meticulously researched, artfully balanced, and engagingly told, Ann Parson chronicles a scientific discovery in progress, exploring the ethical debates, describing the current research, and hinting of a spectacular new era in medicine. The Proteus Effect is as timely as it is riveting.
Photosynthesis by
This high-interest informational text will help students gain science content knowledge while building their literacy skills and nonfiction reading comprehension. This appropriately leveled nonfiction science reader features hands-on, simple science experiments. Third grade students will learn all about the process of photosynthesis through this engaging text that is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards and supports STEM education.
Plant Evolution and the Origin of Crop Species by
The key features of this fully revised edition include: a description of the evolution of native and cultivated populations of plants; a review of when and where major crops were domesticated; and a discussion of the subsequent development of crops.
