Extraordinary Story of Human Origins
How can we know about the lives of our ancestors who lived 30,000, or 300,000, or 3 million years ago? In The Extraordinary Story of Human Origins, Piero and Alberto Angela address the many difficulties and challenges that scientists face in assembling the record of human evolution.To piece together the intriguing puzzle of human origins it is necessary to study all clues that are made available by multidisciplinary research, including paleontology, biochemistry, geology, genetics, physics, and climatology. Like so many Sherlock Holmeses, researchers seek all possible clues and analyze them meticuously in hopes of being able to reconstruct the past. These pieces are few and fragmentary, ranging from the footprints left in volcanic ash 3.7 million years ago by hominids who walked exactly as we do, to a "Y" pattern on molars and mitchondrial DNA. But they all provide information on the diet, diseases, hunting techniques, and art of Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, the Neanderthal, and the first Homo sapiens sapiens.Written in an accessible but authoritative style, this study includes many lively reconstructions of the everyday life of our earliest ancestors based on the most reliable data. The Extraordinary Story of Human Origins makes available to a wide audience a unique look inside the exciting world of research into the the beginnings of human life on earth.
Information Theory in Molecular Evolution
This Special Issue collects novel contributions from scientists in the interdisciplinary field of biomolecular evolution. Works listed here use information theoretical concepts as a core but are tightly integrated with the study of molecular processes. Applications include the analysis of phylogenetic signals to elucidate biomolecular structure and function, the study and quantification of structural dynamics and allostery, as well as models of molecular interaction specificity inspired by evolutionary cues.
Extraterrestrial Intelligence
For centuries, from the earliest legends of the man on the moon, mankind has fantasized and speculated about other life in the universe. With the discovery of biochemical evolution - which showed how life could evolve out of simple compounds - those speculations took on a new dimension. Most scientists now believe that it is possible that there is other intelligent life in the universe. What are the possibilities of our making contact with ETIs in the profound vastness of space (a problem, as Isaac Asimov notes, too easily dismissed by cultists)? What will be the consequences to our images of ourselves and our world of the first proven contact with beings from another planet, since they are likely to be of superior intelligence? Could we still believe in the value of life as we live it? How would it affect mankind's religions, both Western and Eastern? Would it in fact mean, as Arthur C. Clarke has said, an end to mankind's childhood? These and other questions are explored in Extraterrestrial Intelligence - from the most practical issues, such as how the news of contact should be handled, to the most exciting and troubling questions of philosophy, religion, and science. Extraterrestrial Intelligence begins the search for a cosmic context for mankind. It leads the way in reflecting on the next stage in our gradual self-discovery.
Alimentos trang矇nicos
131 Premios Nobel firmaron una carta en 2016 para se簽alar que los transg矇nicos no causan ning繳n da簽o a la salud, contrario a lo que muchos creen. Por ello, es necesario comprender qu矇 son y cu獺les son sus beneficios. Los autores est獺n a favor del uso de la biotecnolog穩a en la agricultura y la industria. Colocan en su justa dimensi籀n a los alimentos transg矇nicos, sus ventajas, as穩 como los riegos e interrogantes relacionados con la generaci籀n y aplicaci籀n de los transg矇nicos en la alimentaci籀n. Analizan importantes aspectos de la inocuidad de estos alimentos, su impacto ambiental y su repercusi籀n socioecon籀mica. Jaime Padilla es doctor en biolog穩a y divulgador en el Instituto de Biotecnolog穩a de la UNAM y Agust穩n L籀pez-Mung穩a es doctor en biotecnolog穩a y Premio Nacional de Ciencias, as穩 como un destacado divulgador.
Evolution
Life is a peculiar feature in the Universe. At present, we know of no place, other than our planet, where it has arisen. However life arose, the Earth has been populated by quite different species at different times. They arise with changes in climate, due ultimately to volcanic activity. Life-forms interact with the environment and with each other. For any species, these are all external factors that affect their adaptation and changes, which are recognised as evolution.The Earth's covering of living organisms arose over 500 million years ago, with multicellular forms which all have bi-parental breeding (the eukaryotes). The cells of eukaryotes contain a great deal of DNA but surprisingly few genes, considering the vast array of different characters. Their genes specify proteins, several of which are required in the assembly of any character, such as feathers or toes. Characters arise during development of the embryo. Because they have two parents, eukaryotes have two genes for every protein. These are features mediated by internal processes, arising from the genetic constitution of eukaryotes. They determine ways in which species can respond to external changes.Some problems in the theory of evolution, as set out by Darwin, were apparent from the beginning. Advances in molecular biology have provided ideas about the origin of totally new characters and processes for their rapid introduction, additional to the slow mechanism of natural selection. The theoretical basis of evolution has been controversial in terms of other world-views and religions and even much of the science has been hotly debated. From a general perspective the difficulties are compounded by several misconceptions regarding genetics but also the role of 'theories' in advancing knowledge. This book outlines recent work in molecular biology that clarifies some of the problems in the theory of evolution. Birds have been chosen to illustrate the interplay of 'internal' and 'external' factors in evolution because they have adapted to the whole range of environments to be found on Earth. There are numerous species so their taxonomy needs to be considered. Species can be arranged in sequences, based on their features, determined from fossils and genetic characters, in living species. The results are 'phylogenies' or 'cladograms', which are proposals for evolutionary sequences of species.
Orchid Biochemistry
Orchids are fascinating, with attractive flowers that sell in the markets and an increasing demand around the world. Additionally, some orchids are edible or scented and have long been used in preparations of traditional medicine. This book presents recent advances in orchid biochemistry, including original research articles and reviews. It provides in-depth insights into the biology of flower pigments, floral scent formation, bioactive compounds, pollination, and plant-microbial interaction as well as the biotechnology of protocorm-like bodies in orchids. It reveals the secret of orchid biology using molecular tools, advanced biotechnology, multi-omics, and high-throughput technologies and offers a critical reference for the readers. This book explores the knowledge about species evolution using comparative transcriptomics, flower spot patterning, involving the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways, the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis, which contributes to leaf color formation, gene regulation in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds, the mechanism of pollination, involving the biosynthesis of semiochemicals, gene expression patterns of volatile organic compounds, the symbiotic relationship between orchids and mycorrhizal fungi, techniques using induction, proliferation, and regeneration of protocorm-like bodies, and so on. In this book, important or model orchid species were studied, including Anoectochilus roxburghii, Bletilla striata, Cymbidium sinense, Dendrobium officinale, Ophrys insectifera, Phalaenopsis 'Panda', Pleione limprichtii.
Phytochemical Omics in Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants are used to treat diseases and provide health benefits, and their applications are increasing around the world. A huge array of phytochemicals have been identified from medicinal plants, belonging to carotenoids, flavonoids, lignans, and phenolic acids, and so on, with a wide range of biological activities. In order to explore our knowledge of phytochemicals with the assistance of modern molecular tools and high-throughput technologies, this book collects recent innovative original research and review articles on subtopics of mechanistic insights into bioactivities, treatment of diseases, profiling, extraction and identification, and biotechnology.
Recent Developments in Cancer Systems Biology
This book includes original research articles and reviews to update readers on the state of the art systems approach to not only discover novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for several cancer types, but also evaluate methodologies to map out important genomic signatures. In addition, therapeutic targets and drug repurposing have been emphasized for a variety of cancer types. In particular, new and established researchers who desire to learn about cancer systems biology and why it is possibly the leading front to a personalized medicine approach will enjoy reading this book.
Essays of a Biologist
A sharp-eyed survey of life, written with clarity, warmth, and a scientist's reverence. Essays that turn the everyday into a doorway to wonder. This collection gathers Julian Huxley's stand-out non-fiction essays into a luminous survey of science writing for general readers. From nature and life to evolution and biology, the pieces weave lucid explanations with humane curiosity, inviting casual readers and science students alike to rethink how we see the world. It is not a textbook, but a guided stroll through ideas that have shaped how we understand human knowledge and science today, with London and the British early twentieth century as a living backdrop. A note on literary and historical significance: these essays sit at the crossroads of popular science and literary reflection, reflecting Darwinian evolution discourse with rigor, imagination, and a humane, forward-looking sensibility that still resonates. The voice is precise, accessible, and distinctly modern in its energy and reverence for discovery. Out of print for decades and now republished by Alpha Editions, this edition is restored for today's readers and for future generations. More than a reprint - a collector's item and a cultural treasure - it invites lovers of classic literature and curious minds to savour a pioneering voice in science writing, a true bridge between literature and the life-science mind.
Theorien zu au?erirdischem Leben
Wissenschaftlicher Aufsatz aus dem Jahr 2021 im Fachbereich Biologie - Entwicklungsbiologie, Note: keine, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Die vorliegende Arbeit besch瓣ftigt sich mit folgenden Fragen: K繹nnten auf einem Planeten, auf dem die gleichen physikalisch-chemischen Gegebenheiten herrschen wie auf der Erde, primitive Formen Lebens, wie wir es kennen, spontan entstanden sein? K繹nnte sich aus den primitiven Lebensformen auf einem erd瓣hnlichen Planeten in einem evolution瓣ren Prozess h繹heres Leben entwickelt haben? Es wird anhand ausgew瓣hlter Beispiele aus der wissenschaftlichen Literatur gezeigt, wie aus pr瓣biotisch im Weltall vorhandenen chemischen Verbindungen, spontan primitives Leben entstehen konnte. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass im Laufe der Evolution auf der Erde sich daraus Menschen mit h繹heren kognitiven und handwerklichen F瓣higkeiten entwickeln konnten, war jedoch sehr gering. Ebenso hing es von geographischen und historischen Zuf瓣llen ab, dass sich unter den Menschen auf der Erde eine hochtechnisierte Hochkultur entwickelte. Es kann daher geschlossen werden, dass es auf erd瓣hnlichen Planeten zwar primitive Lebensformen gibt, jedoch das Auftreten einer hochtechnischen Zivilisation, wie wir sie kennen oder uns vorstellen k繹nnen, eher unwahrscheinlich sein d羹rfte.
Microbes in Land Use Change Management
Microbes in Land Use Change Management details the various roles of microbial resources in management of land uses and how the microbes can be used for the source of income due to their cultivation for the purpose of biomass and bioenergy production. Using various techniques, the disturbed and marginal lands may also be restored eco-friendly in present era to fulfil the feeding needs of mankind around the globe. Microbes in Land Use Change Management provides standard and up to date information towards the land use change management using various microbial technologies to enhance the productivity of agriculture. Needless to say that Microbes in Land Use Change Management also considers the areas including generation of alternative energy sources, restoration of degraded and marginal lands, mitigation of global warming gases and next generation -omics technique etc. Land use change affects environment conditions and soil microbial community. Microbial population and its species diversity have influence in maintaining ecosystem balance. The study of changes of microbial population provides an idea about the variation occurring in a specific area and possibilities of restoration. Meant for a multidisciplinary audience Microbes in Land Use Change Management shows the need of next-generation omics technologies to explore microbial diversity.
Zero to Genetic Engineering Hero
Zero to Genetic Engineering Hero is made to provide you with a first glimpse of the inner-workings of a cell. It further focuses on skill-building for genetic engineering and the Biology-as-a-Technology mindset (BAAT). This book is designed and written for hands-on learners who have little knowledge of biology or genetic engineering. This book focuses on the reader mastering the necessary skills of genetic engineering while learning about cells and how they function. The goal of this book is to take you from no prior biology and genetic engineering knowledge toward a basic understanding of how a cell functions, and how they are engineered, all while building the skills needed to do so.
Food, Health and Safety in Cross Cultural Consumer Contexts
The concept of cross-cultural perspectives in research in food is important in general and particularly so in relation to human perception in food and health. Food concepts are very different across different jurisdictions. Different markets and cultures have varying perspectives on what is considered a palatable, acceptable, or useful food or food product; in simple terms, one size does not at all in the majority of cases. Specific markets thus need targeted food design, to be successful from a myriad of perspectives. In this Special Issue anthology "Food, Health and Safety in Cross-Cultural Consumer Contexts", we bring together articles that show the wide range of studies from fundamental to market applicability currently in focus in sensory and consumer science in food, health, and safety cross-cultural contexts. From the included perspectives, it is abundantly clear that there is a need for much knowledge related to future food design linked to cross-cultural contexts and that this will continue to be critical to the success of food transfer in global food markets.
The Era of Assisted Reproductive Technologies Tailored to the Specific Necessities of Species, Industry and Case Reports
Nowadays, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have a pivotal role not only in achieving fertilization in subfertile animals, but they are also involved in the management of the herd, decreasing disease spread and even allowing offspring sex selection. Nonetheless, there are differences between species or even within species that have led researchers worldwide to focus on those differences in order to bypass these specific difficulties. This Special Issue, titled "The Era of Assisted Reproductive Technologies Tailored to the Specific Necessities of Species, Industry and Case Reports" and published in Animals, is composed of 12 original manuscripts and three reviews that offer an overview of current and future ARTs used to improve reproductive outcomes, mainly focused on farm animals, such as horse, pig, bovine, rabbit and ovine species. Thus, the Special Issue covers information from the classical point of view, including comparative studies of different semen extenders, to the most advanced technologies of sperm selection by thermotaxis or chemoattractants, as well as the improvement of sperm features by red light irradiation. The female and embryo contributions to ART outcomes are also covered, for instance, with a study that improves our knowledge by the metabolomic description of follicular fluid composition or the description of better culture conditions of oocytes. In brief, this Special Issue provides a balanced overview of emerging techniques and technologies used to preserve, improve, rescue or even create fertility for domestic farm animals with high economic impact.
Future challenges in Rabbit Nutrition
Rabbit breeding, although being a small sector of animal husbandry, is widespread in many areas of the world, as the rabbit is intended both for food (meat) and not food (fur) purposes. The rabbit production chain has to face various problems, mainly concerning animal health and product quality. To overcome these issues, studies using a multidisciplinary approach addressing aspects of the rabbit nutrition and feeding, with a direct impact on the rabbit farming, welfare, health, and meat quality are particularly appreciated and requested by the scientific community. This book is composed of four original papers and one review focused on different nutritional approaches. In particular a phyto-additive (thyme essential oil) and a rabbit-derived bacteriocin-producing strain (Enterococcus faecium CCM7420) with probiotic properties were investigated as new feed additives, while two types of insect fats were studied, in order to understand their effects as dietary replacements for soybean oil and their in vitro antimicrobial activities as alternative raw materials. Results collected in this book will be of particular interest for farmers and animal nutritionists working in the rabbit breeding sector
Improving the Sensory, Nutritional and Technological Profile of Conventional and Gluten-Free Pasta and Bakery Products
Cereal-based products such as pasta and baked goods represent staple foods for human nutrition. Due to their worldwide diffusion, these products can be carriers of nutrients and bioactive compounds; therefore, they lend themselves very well to the fortification process. Furthermore, among new formulations of cereal-based food, gluten-free products have become popular even among people without celiac disease who have chosen a gluten-free lifestyle. The improvement of well-being, sustainable lifestyles, and waste control are also aims of the United Nations for the Agenda 2030, which has motivated food scientists and industrial producers to research new and healthier formulations for pasta and baked goods preparations. In this context, researchers are also encouraged to use agro-industrial by-products of high added value for food fortification. The Special Issue "Improving the Sensory, Nutritional and Technological Profile of Conventional and Gluten-Free Pasta and Bakery Products" collected ten original articles focused on new types of gluten-free pasta or baked product formulations as well as agro-industrial by-product utilization. The final aim was the preparation of valuable products from a nutritional, technological, and sensory viewpoint.
Mutation, Randomness, and Evolution
What does it mean to say that mutation is random? How does mutation influence evolution? Are mutations merely the raw material for selection to shape adaptations? The author draws on a detailed knowledge of mutational mechanisms to argue that the randomness doctrine is best understood, not as a fact-based conclusion, but as the premise of a neo-Darwinian research program focused on selection. The successes of this research program created a blind spot - in mathematical models and verbal theories of causation - that has stymied efforts to re-think the role of variation. However, recent theoretical and empirical work shows that mutational biases can and do influence the course of evolution, including adaptive evolution, through a first come, first served mechanism. This thought-provoking book cuts through the conceptual tangle at the intersection of mutation, randomness, and evolution, offering a fresh, far-reaching, and testable view of the role of variation as a dispositional evolutionary factor. The arguments will be accessible to philosophers and historians with a serious interest in evolution, as well as to researchers and advanced students of evolution focused on molecules, microbes, evo-devo, and population genetics.
HAPS Exam Prep
Test Prep Books' HAPS Exam Prep: Human Anatomy and Physiology Study Guide with Practice Test Questions [2nd Edition] Made by Test Prep Books experts for test takers trying to achieve a great score on the HAPS exam. This comprehensive study guide includes: Quick OverviewTest-Taking StrategiesIntroductionBody Plan and OrganizationHomeostasisChemistryCell BiologyHistologyIntegumentary SystemSkeletal System & ArticulationsMuscular SystemNervous SystemSpecial SensesEndocrine System And Much More! Studying can be hard. We get it. That's why we created this guide with these great features and benefits: Comprehensive Review HAPS Practice Test Questions Answer Explanations Test-Taking Strategies Customer Service Anyone planning to take this exam should take advantage of this Test Prep Books study guide. Purchase it today to receive access to: HAPS review materialsHAPS practice test questionsTest-taking strategies
Neobiota in der Ostsee
Facharbeit (Schule) aus dem Jahr 2019 im Fachbereich Biologie - Allgemeines, Grundlagen, Note: 1,0, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Mit fortschreitender Globalisierung steigt der weltweite Handel stetig an, was die anthropogene (die vom Menschen verursachte) Ausbreitung von Arten beschleunigt. In der Biologie untersucht der Forschungszweig "Neobiota" diesen interessanten Bereich, der k羹nftig eine noch h繹here Bedeutung erreichen wird. Diese Studie besch瓣ftigt sich mit dem Vorkommen von Neobiota in der Ostsee. Dabei legt die Arbeit besonderen Focus auf das Testgebiet "Yachthafen Hohe D羹ne" in Rostock. In der Arbeit werden die biologischen Grundlagen sowie eine Definition f羹r den Begriff Neobiota dargestellt. Au?erdem wird beschrieben, wie die Proben entnommen, gesp羹lt, sortiert und bestimmt werden. Zum Testgebiet wird eine Artenliste erstellt. Diese l瓣sst Schlussfolgerungen auf die Verbreitung und Auswirkungen dieser "Aliens" auf das ?kosystem zu. Die Studie kommt u.a. zu dem Ergebnis, dass im Bereich Neobiota noch erheblicher Forschungsbedarf besteht. Zur Vereinfachung der Forschung sollten Normen aufgestellt werden. Zudem wurde festgestellt, dass global angesiedelte Projekte und die Regulierung des weltweiten Handels die nachhaltigsten Ma?nahmen gegen Neobiota sind. Wie auch in der Klimadiskussion sollte ebenso im Bereich "Neobiota" die Stimme der Wissenschaft mehr Geh繹r finden und von der Politik st瓣rker unterst羹tzt werden. Nur in einer 繹kologisch gesunden Welt l瓣sst sich auch nachhaltig wirtschaften. Den Abschluss der Arbeit bildet ein Katalog von Schlussfolgerungen und Ma?nahmen zum richtigen Umgang mit Neobiota.
Macromolecular Chemistry
No detailed description available for "Macromolecular Chemistry".
Crispr-/Cas9 Based Genome Editing for Treating Genetic Disorders and Diseases
The CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing system is creating a revolution in the science world. In the laboratory, CRISPR-Cas9 can efficiently be used to target specific genes, correct mutations and regulate gene expression of a wide array of cells and organisms, including human cells.
Handbook of Marine Model Organisms in Experimental Biology
Much of our biological and biomedical knowledge derives from studying marine model systems. In this new handbook world-leading experts describe the cutting-edge work and potential for their unique model system. This will be a gold mine for students and scientists from all fields of life sciences.
Influencia de la tecnolog穩a en el desarrollo del pensamiento y conducta humana
Estamos viviendo el inicio de lo que los economistas denominan "la cuarta revoluci籀n industrial". El World Ecomomic Forum prev矇 que esta revoluci籀n provoque una p矇rdida masiva de puestos de trabajo y un cambio radical en la concepci籀n de los empleos de futuro, la inclusi籀n de los robots y la inteligencia artificial en la sociedad y una nueva visi籀n sobre las ciudades y su impacto en el medio ambiente.Durante la historia de la humanidad, hemos vivido otras revoluciones industriales que provocaron importantes cambios sociales e impactos importantes en la concepci籀n de sociedad.Estos cambios han impactado en la manera de vivir, as穩 como en el comportamiento humano en base a la socializaci籀n y la adaptaci籀n al medio.Gracias al estudio de la ecolog穩a podemos prever la manera en la que un ecosistema evoluciona para llegar a su punto de equilibrio y c籀mo las especies clave pueden impactar en la subsistencia, adaptaci籀n o evoluci籀n del ecosistema. A trav矇s del estudio de las matem獺ticas y de la biolog穩a se puede predecir la evoluci籀n de una especie e incluso del desarrollo propio de las ciudades hasta el colapso.Las teor穩as de la evoluci籀n nos abocan a pensar que el ser humano, como todas las especies vivas, han logrado adaptarse al medio y evolucionar para conseguir subsistir.El nuevo paradigma de sociedad al que apunta la cuarta revoluci籀n sugiere introducir una nueva variable de desarrollo a trav矇s de la inteligencia artificial. Esta nueva "especie" puede llegar a desplazar a la especie humana como especie clave en el ecosistema humano, pasando a ser prescindible.Por otro lado, la tecnolog穩a pasa de ser una herramienta a ser un medio de subsistencia.El objetivo de esta tesis es tratar de predecir c籀mo puede llegar a impactar la tecnolog穩a en las personas y, por tanto, influir en la manera de afrontar las situaciones diarias, incluso influyendo en las corrientes de pensamiento. Partiendo de conocer c籀mo las revoluciones anteriores influyeron en la manera de vivir, pensar y actuar de las personas y c籀mo los preceptos evolutivos se han visto alterados a medida que la sociedad ha cambiado para luego compararlas con la actual revoluci籀n y teniendo en cuenta otros conceptos como la biolog穩a, la ecolog穩a, la ingenier穩a y las ciencias del comportamiento, voy a tratar de perfilar la nueva sociedad que vendr獺 con la integraci籀n de tecnolog穩as de la cuarta revoluci籀n.
Origins of Life
Origins of Life: A Cosmic Perspective presents an overview of the concepts, methods, and theories of astrobiology and origins of life research while presenting a summary of the latest findings. The book provides insight into the environments and processes that gave birth to life on our planet, which naturally informs our assessment of the probability that has arisen (or will arise) elsewhere. In addition, the book encourages readers to go beyond basic concepts, to explore topics in greater depth, and to engage in lively discussions. The text is intended to be suitable for mid- and upper-level undergraduates and beginning graduate students and more generally as an introduction and overview for researchers and general readers seeking to follow current developments in this interdisciplinary field. Readers are assumed to have a basic grounding in the relevant sciences, but prior specialized knowledge is not required. Each chapter concludes with a list of questions and discussion topics as well as suggestions for further reading. Some questions can be answered with reference to material in the text, but others require further reading and some have no known answers. The intention is to encourage readers to go beyond basic concepts, to explore topics in greater depth, and, in a classroom setting, to engage in lively discussions with class members.
Illustrations of the Family of Psittacidae
"I wish I were an egg and was going to be hatched." -Edward Lear Illustrations of the Family of Psittaidae, or Parrots (1832) consists of 42 lithographs that were produced by Edward Lear at the London Zoo beginning when Lear was only 18 years old. By the age of 20 he was able to publish the entire collection. It is considered among Lear's greatest because he created it before he started to lose his sight. Thanks to this new jacketed hard cover edition, which is being released in full color, readers will have access to a unique replica of Lear's unparalleled art.Art lovers and naturalists, especially birdwatchers, will be enchanted.
Fluid Mechanics of Plankton
The cooperation between plankton biologists and fluid dynamists has enhanced our knowledge of life within the plankton communities in ponds, lakes, and seas. This book assembled contributions on plankton-flow interactions, with an emphasis on syntheses and/or predictions. However, a wide range of novel insights, reasonable scenarios, and founded critiques are also considered in this book.
Brain Asymmetry in Evolution
In higher mammals, including primates and carnivores, the asymmetrical aspects of brain morphology and function have been shown to be species-related, sex-related, and subject to individual diversity, and are associated with cognition, emotion, language, preference of hand/paw use, and numerous other aspects. Disturbance of the brain lateralization is involved in human neurodevelopmental disorders with cognitive impairments, social deficits, and/or specific language impairments. Asymmetric development may be essential to the evolution of the brain in acquiring higher and/or more diverse functions. The purpose of this Special Issue on "Brain Asymmetry in Evolution" is to highlight morphological and functional lateralization of the brain in various species of mammals toward understanding the evolution of the brain.
Modeling of Species Distribution and Biodiversity in Forests
Understanding the patterns of biodiversity and their relationship with environmental gradients is a key issue in ecological research and conservation in forests. Several environmental factors can influence species distributions in these complex ecosystems. It is therefore important to distinguish the effects of natural factors from the anthropogenic ones (e.g., environmental pollution, climate change, and forest management) by adopting reliable models able to predict future scenarios of species distribution. In the last 20 years, the use of statistical tools, such as Species Distribution Models (SDM) or Ecological Niche Models (ENM), allowed researchers to make great strides in the subject, with hundreds of scientific research works in this field. This book collects several research articles where these methodological approaches are the starting point to deepen the knowledge in many timely and emerging topics in forest ecosystems around the world, from Eurasia to America.
Toxin-Antitoxin Systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known as a persistent bacterial pathogen. Antibiotics are currently the most common bacterial treatment for related infections but cases of microbial resistance are on the rise. Toxin-Antitoxin Systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa describes one of the most important antimicrobial targets in the bacterium species. The contributors have compiled comprehensive information on the subject. The reference initially acquaints the reader with key topics about P. aeruginosa infection including virulence factors, pathogenicity, epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis and antibiotic resistance. This is followed by detailed chapters on toxin-antitoxin systems which explain their role in the bacterial pathogenesis with reference to P. aeruginosa. The comprehensive information on the subject makes this an ideal reference for newcomers to the field of bacteriology and target discovery. Students of medical microbiology and medical professionals who are interested in the finer details of P. aeruginosa pathogenicity will also be equipped with sufficient information to join the discussion on this topic with fellow researchers.
Great American Diseases
Great American Diseases: Their Effects on the Course of North American History presents medical history as it pertains to the major infectious diseases of North America. The book is designed to provide an interesting and engaging introduction to microbiology, immunology and epidemiology. With the advent of COVID-19, this book will serve as a reference on the history of previous epidemics. The book presents pandemics in an easy-to-read volume and provides concise chapters on the history of a disease, progression of understanding on the pathogen (agent of the disease), and their social ramifications through the history of North America.
Systematics and Diversity of Annelids
In this Special Issue, we address the state of the art of the systematics of the main annelid groups and the improvements in the diversity they hold, with special emphasis on the latest discoveries in well-studied areas, expeditions to unsurveyed areas or environments, or the use of novel techniques that allow for the improvement of biodiversity knowledge. We are hoping that this Special Issue will provide a platform facilitating a review of current knowledge on the subject, identifying current research problems, as well as indicating directions and research trends for the future.
Phytophthora Infestations in Forest Ecosystems
The oomycete genus Phytophthora represents one of the most notorious groups of tree pathogens in natural and semi-natural forest ecosystems. Since the discovery in the 1960s of the invasive P. cinnamomi, threatening some of the world's richest plant communities in Australia, numerous Phytophthora diseases have been reported on forest trees worldwide, which were previously unknown to science. The most notable examples include the oak and beech declines triggered by different Phytophthora spp. in Europe and North America, the findings of sudden oak death and sudden larch death caused by P. ramorum in the Western USA and the U.K., respectively, and the association of P. austrocedri with mal del cipr矇s in Argentina and juniper decline in the U.K. All these epidemic events are driven by exotic invasive Phytophthora species, introduced through infested nursery plants from their native overseas environments. In recent years, many independent surveys have studied the diversity of Phytophthora species and the diseases they are causing across a diverse range of forests and other natural ecosystems. This Special Issue presents papers on Phytophthora surveys performed in different biogeographic regions and addresses the pathways, and ecological and economic impacts of these invasive forest pathogens.
The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals
"He who admits that the structure and habits of all animals have been gradually evolved, will look at the whole subject of Expression in a new and interesting light." - Charles Darwin, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872)The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872) includes original photographic as well as other illustrations by noted scientists Sir Charles Bell and French neurologist Duchenne, among others. This volume is the third in Darwin's explanation of his evolutionary theory, preceded by The Origin of Species (1859) and The Descent of Man (1871), and delves into the biology of emotions and whether those characteristics are exclusive to western civilization. Darwin links animal behavior to human emotions and provides the foundation for the work of noted psychologists such as Freud. This landmark work is a must-read for lovers of biology, Darwin, and psychology.
The Evolution of Faith
A new understanding is developed in this book about the relationship between the Christian faith, modern science, and the world religions. The authors call their new position Evolutionary Pluralism. By combining the Christian faith with modern science and the global growth of religious diversity, Evolutionary Pluralism provides Christians with an alternative to current interpretations such as Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design Creationism, and Evolutionary Creationism. This new understanding stands solidly within the history and traditions of the Christian faith and builds on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Recent Advances in Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy
The book provides information about different types and stages of cancers and their subtypes with their respective molecular mechanisms, etiology, histopathology and cellular origins of cancer.
Toxicologie Cellulaire
L'analyse des informations scientifiques r矇centes sur la n矇cessit矇 d'矇valuer, ? l'aide des tests in vitro ou in vivo, la toxicit矇 des substances endog癡nes et/ou exog癡nes a 矇t矇 r矇alis矇e plus sp矇cifiquement dans trois domaines de la toxicologie, ? savoir la g矇notoxicit矇, la cytotoxicit矇 et la perturbation endocrinienne. Cette synth癡se a permis de mieux cerner les difficult矇s techniques li矇es ? la r矇alisation d'essais toxicologiques, les migrats ne repr矇sentant que de faibles quantit矇s de produits, non-identifi矇s ou partiellement identifi矇s. Concernant l'矇valuation de la cytotoxicit矇, une batterie de tests semble indispensable, afin de couvrir diff矇rents m矇canismes d'action (survie ou d矇veloppement cellulaire, alt矇rations fonctionnelles, morphologiques, etc.). Ce livre est destin矇 davantage aux 矇tudiants et aux scientifiques impliqu矇s dans le domaine de la toxicologie afin de mieux comprendre et pour une bonne maitrise du mode d'action des m矇tabolites toxiques au niveau des organites cellulaires, ainsi que les diff矇rents tests appliqu矇s pour confirmer la cytotoxicit矇 des x矇nobiotiques.
The Human Beast
The Human Beast scrutinizes riddles of human psychology through the lens of evolutionary theory. The book offers many surprising takes on everyday behavior. It appeals to a broad range of readers.
Southwood's Ecological Methods
Ecological Methods by the late T.R. E. Southwood and revised over the years by P. A. Henderson has developed into a classic reference work for the field biologist. It provides a handbook of ecological methods and analytical techniques pertinent to the study of animals, with an emphasis on non-microscopic animals in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. It remains unique in the breadth of the methods presented and in the depth of the literature cited, stretching right back to the earliest days of ecological research. The universal availability of R as an open source package has radically changed the way ecologists analyse their data. In response, Southwood's classic text has been thoroughly revised to be more relevant and useful to a new generation of ecologists, making the vast resource of R packages more readily available to the wider ecological community. By focusing on the use of R for data analysis, supported by worked examples, the book is now more accessible than previous editions to students requiring support and ideas for their projects. Southwood's Ecological Methods provides a crucial resource for both graduate students and research scientists in applied ecology, wildlife ecology, fisheries, agriculture, conservation biology, and habitat ecology. It will also be useful to the many professional ecologists, wildlife biologists, conservation biologists and practitioners requiring an authoritative overview of ecological methodology.
Fly Pushing 2nd Edition
A second edition of the classic handbook has become a standard in the Drosophila field. This edition is expanded to include topics in which classical genetic strategies have been augmented with new molecular tools. Included are such new techniques as homologous recombination, RNAi, new mapping techniques, and new mosaic marking techniques.
RNA Tagging
This book provides a compendium of state-of-the-art methods for the labeling, detection, and purification of RNA and RNA-protein complexes and thereby constitutes an important toolbox for researchers interested in understanding the complex roles of RNA molecules in development, signaling, and disease. Beginning with a section on in situ detection of RNA molecules using FISH techniques, the volume continues with parts exploring in vivo imaging of RNA transport and localization, imaging and analysis of RNA uptake and transport between cells, identification and analysis of RNA-binding proteins, guide RNAs in genome editing, as well as other specific analytical techniques. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, RNA Tagging: Methods and Protocols serves as a vital reference for researchers looking to further the increasingly important research in RNA biology.
The Evolution of Faith
A new understanding is developed in this book about the relationship between the Christian faith, modern science, and the world religions. The authors call their new position Evolutionary Pluralism. By combining the Christian faith with modern science and the global growth of religious diversity, Evolutionary Pluralism provides Christians with an alternative to current interpretations such as Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design Creationism, and Evolutionary Creationism. This new understanding stands solidly within the history and traditions of the Christian faith and builds on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Human Physiology: A Very Short Introduction
Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Physiology is the science of life, and sets out to understand how living things work and what makes them distinct from the non-living. It considers how our bodies are supplied with energy, how they maintain their internal parameters, the ways in which we gather and process information, the ways we take action, and the creation of new generations. This Very Short Introduction explores the field of human physiology, considering how the body works, senses, reacts, and defends itself. As Jamie A. Davies shows, human life (and indeed, all life) is sustained by the interplay of a wide variety of physiological mechanisms and principles. He discusses the physiological experiments and research undertaken to understand these processes, and analyses the ethical issues involved. He also considers the evolution of the scientific field itself, showing how enhanced understandings of physiological knowledge can help inform medical research and care. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Southwood’s Ecological Methods
Provides a handbook of ecological methods and analytical techniques pertinent to the study of animals, with an emphasis on non-microscopic animals in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Honey Bee Pests, Predators, and Diseases
This work was originally published in 1997. The knowledge of the 32 experts presented here on those organisms with a taste for bees, brood, wax or wood which includes, of course, virus, bacteria, fungi, insects, mites or mammals remains in very good stead today
Artificial Intimacy
What happens when the human brain, which evolved over eons, collides with twenty-first-century technology? Machines can now push psychological buttons, stimulating and sometimes exploiting the ways people make friends, gossip with neighbors, and grow intimate with lovers. Sex robots present the humanoid face of this technological revolution--yet although it is easy to gawk at their uncanniness, more familiar technologies based in artificial intelligence and virtual reality are insinuating themselves into human interactions. Digital lovers, virtual friends, and algorithmic matchmakers help us manage our feelings in a world of cognitive overload. Will these machines, fueled by masses of user data and powered by algorithms that learn all the time, transform the quality of human life? Artificial Intimacy offers an innovative perspective on the possibilities of the present and near future. The evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks explores the latest research on intimacy and desire to consider the interaction of new technologies and fundamental human behaviors. He details how existing artificial intelligences can already learn and exploit human social needs--and are getting better at what they do. Brooks combines an understanding of core human traits from evolutionary biology with analysis of how cultural, economic, and technological contexts shape the ways people express them. Beyond the technology, he asks what the implications of artificial intimacy will be for how we understand ourselves.
Adaptation and the Brain
Why does brain size vary so widely among vertebrate animal species? What role has natural selection played in shaping the structure and function of the vertebrate brain? This accessible book unravels the myriad adaptive explanations that have built up over decades, providing both a review and a critique of the work that has sought to explain which natural selection pressures have led to changes in brain size. Debate over the causes of variation in brain size, especially within extant humans and during the course of hominid evolution, has persisted for at least a couple of centuries. However, it was not until relatively recently that there has been sufficient data to allow a coherent (and taxonomically widespread) evolutionary perspective to emerge. The comparative approach employed by evolutionary biologists and behavioural ecologists has been particularly enlightening with regard to addressing variation in brain size. However, the extent to which correlational data - currently generated in some profusion - can provide a suitable explanation is not yet clear, and a constructively critical analysis of the relevant data is now timely. Five classes of selection pressure have formed the majority of explanations: ecology, technology, innovation, sex, and sociality. The book starts with a brief description of the difficulties of measuring both brain size and intelligence (cognition), before addressing the evidence for each of these five factors in turn. It argues that although ecology currently provides the most convincing explanation for variation in the size of brain regions, none of the factors yet offers a robust and compelling explanation for variation in whole brain size. The book concludes by looking forwards, suggesting the future steps necessary to reach such an explanation; steps that are challenging but now within reach. Adaptation and the Brain is suitable for graduate level students taking courses in animal behaviour and cognition, behavioural ecology, evolutionary ecology, psychology, and neuroscience as well as academics and professional researchers in these fields. The reader will not require a specific understanding of neuroscience, nor of the function of any particular brain region.
Legumes as Food Ingredient
Legume crops provide a significant sources of plant-based proteins for humans. Grain legumes present outstanding nutritional and nutraceutical properties as sources of bioactive components with benefits in human health, while they are affordable food that contributes to achieving future food and feed security. Furthermore, they are major ingredients in the Mediterranean diet, playing a vital role in developing countries. Global food security requires a major re-focusing of plant sciences, crop improvement and production agronomy towards grain legumes (pulse crops) over coming decades, with intensive research to identify cultivars with improved grain characteristics, helping to develop novel legume-derived products (foods) adapted to today consumer preference. In this context, studies dealing with legume processing impact such as soaking, boiling, microwave cooking, germination, and fermentation among others, in their nutritional and anti-nutritional (i.e., food allergy) properties are of great interest in these future food developments. This Research Topic aims to bring together a collection of studies for a better understanding of current research in legume seed compounds functional properties to provide an updated and global vision of the importance of legumes in human health.
