Principles of Biological Sciences
The subject of Biology, Plant Sciences, Biochemistry cover the area of natural sciences. There are remarkable advancements in the field of biochemistry and biomedical sciences. This book has been designed to show progress in research field and innovations in the field of health sciences at national and international standards. This book covers the important topics in cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, recombinant DNA technology, molecular biology, genetics, molecular techniques, biochemical techniques and anatomy. This book explains topics with particular emphasizes on figures. Important definitions are presented in the end of book. This book is written in simple and easy language with elaboration of major concepts.
Membrane-Peptide Interactions
This book summarizes the importance of peptide-membrane interactions, mostly aiming at developing new therapeutic approaches. The experimental and computational methodologies used to investigate such interactions reveal the evolution of existing biophysical methodologies, shedding some light on potential applications of peptides, as well as on the improvement of their design. Understanding the determinants for peptide-membrane interactions may also improve the knowledge of membrane functions such as the membrane transport, fusion, and signaling processes, contributing to the development of new agents for highly relevant applications ranging from disease treatment to food technology.
The Expert Guide On The MTHFR Gene
There is a lot of discussion about MTHFR (methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase) gene and methylation and its impact on human health. However, most people are still unaware about methylation and its role in ensuring normal functioning of the human body. Understanding methylation will help in connecting the dots between our genes, food and the reason why some people experience a variety of methylation-related health issues while others don't. Methylation is currently one of the hottest areas in life sciences. It has wide-ranging and powerful effects on many aspects of health, with immense potential in medicine.
Domestication & Production of BSF Hermetia Illucens
Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is an insect with noticeable nutritional content. The adult fly does not constitute a vector of diseases & is tolerable with a broad spectrum of environmental conditions. BSF larvae can thrive on different waste streams, including urban organic wastes & agricultural waste or underutilized crops. They reduce mass of waste efficiently, leaving behind a nutrient rich residue while they self-forming into protein-rich larvae. The resultant BSF larvae could harness as an alternate nutritious agriculture or aquaculture feed for farm animals such as swine, poultry & fish. The residue can be used in agribusiness for making natural fertilizers. This book gives an extensive overview of the BSF & BSF-based technology. It covers the different components, (1)life cycle of BSF (2)medium-scale BSF farming facilities and parameters (3)nutrient recapture through waste treatment & product harvesting (4)various aspects of the emerging BSF technology. For each of these key components, the book describes the recommended operating conditions & possible designs for local farmers. It also reviews the economic, environmental, legal & social aspects of the BSF-based treatment method.
Performance of Rice and Cassava Extract in the Reduction of Tannins
The world of today is interwoven with high technological advancement whiles many are yet to be done in the field of agriculture as some cash crops like cashews are not being utilized to the fullest and are allowed to waste in the farms in developing countries like Ghana. It is therefore a sine quo non to harness cashew as a cash crop to stimulate complete utilization of the crop using creativity and innovations in the scientific world. Cashew is a cash crop because of its nut, rich in oil and uniquely flavoured which is now widely cultivated in the coastal regions of South Africa, Madagascar and Tanzania and in west Africa, Mali, Ghana and other countries and in South Asia, from Sri Lanka to the Philippines. Cashew apple in spite of its high nutritional value is not consumed in its fresh apple juice form due to astringency. This study therefore aimed to optimize cashew apple juice clarification using cassava and rice starch to reduce the astringency to enhance its wide acceptance and consumption.
Role of ketosterol in breast cancer
Now a day's plants play a vital role in the treatment of health disease. Plants usage for medicinal purposes dates back to long before recorded history. Every part of a plant used for the treatment of different diseases. Medicinal plants mean medicinal herb which is used for the discovery of different medicine or drug. The Saraca indica used for the wide treatment of health disorders in folk and traditional medicine. Plant and their constituent play an important role in the prevention of different types of elements. Herbal remedies date back to over 5,000 years to the Sumerians, who documented lists of plants. Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of human history for the treatment of diseases like Breast cancer with the use of plant extracts such as Ketoaterol.
Virology
This book discusses the general introduction about virology. Ordered in to 17 chapters, starts with origin of virology, General definition and structures. Then discusses about the virus replication and method for identify the virus. And also discusses about the antiviral therapy for the common viral diseases and the vaccine treatment for the same.The remaining chapters deals with the common viral diseases its symptoms and Treatment.
Carp Pituitary Extract (CPE) of African Catfish In Nigeria
This Book is about comparative effects of carp pituitary extract (CPE) and Ovaprim on induced breeding of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was carried out using eighteen broodstocks (nine females and nine males). The broodstocks were obtained from a private fish farm in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Experimental fish were isolated by sex and acclimated in two holding tanks (each 1500L capacity) for two weeks. Broodstocks were fed 5% body weight with 40% protein pellet diet. Water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), hydrogen ion concentration (pH), total alkalinity (TA) and free carbon dioxide (CO2) were monitored throughout the two weeks acclimation.
Experiments in Microbial Fermentation
Experiments in Microbial Fermentation is a laboratory manual based on the experience of the authors over several years in devising and organizing practical classes in microbiology and biotechnology to meet the requirements of students following courses in Biotechnology and microbiology at the Ganpat University. The primary object of the manual is to provide a laboratory handbook for use by students following Industrial Microbiology and allied courses to under graduate and Post graduate level, in addition to being of value to students reading microbiology or biotechnology. It is hoped that laboratory workers in the Fermentation will find the book useful in the microbiological aspects of quality control and production development. The book is concerned with basic methods in microbiology and would normally form the basis of a first year course. It also consists of an extension of these basic methods into microbiology as applied in the microbial fermentation of useful primary and secondary metabolites.
Microbial Exopolysaccharides
Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are defined as; biopolymers consisted of different sugar residues with high molecular weights, which offer better substitutional for synthetic polymers as they are biodegradable and nontoxic. Many microbes have the ability to synthesize and excrete EPSs with new chemical properties and structures qualifying them for valuable applications in various fields of life. The EPS-producing microbes are widespread in the numerous natural sources. They have been actually isolated from both aquatic and terrestrial environments, such as; freshwater, marine water, wastewater, and soils. They have been also isolated from extreme niches like hot springs, cold waters, halophilic environments, and salt marshes. Nowadays, microbial EPSs have been attracted the interest for their applications in the medicine, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, as well as to be used as bio-flocculants in the environmental sector because they are degradable and nontoxic.
Durum Wheat Breeding and Genetics
The Mediterranean basin is the main area both for the cultivation of durum wheat and for the consumption of derived food products such as pasta, couscous, and bulgur. The ongoing climate changes and new consumer preferences make the selection of genetic materials suitable for the present scenarios particularly difficult. This Special Issue Book covers several aspects of the genetic improvement of durum wheat, collected in seven chapters including two review papers focused on milestones in durum wheat breeding programs across the countries of the Mediterranean basin and sub-Saharan Africa. Water deficit and heat stress occurring during the reproductive stage of wheat have a detrimental effect on yield and grain quality of durum wheat. The papers included in this Special Issue propose selection strategies for traits associated with yield and grain quality (e.g., root architecture, carbon isotope composition of grain, and gluten quality) under natural or artificial environmental conditions of drought, heat, and nutrient stress. This Special Issue presents new breeding opportunities for selecting modern varieties adapted to climate change and expanding durum wheat production.
Bioperservative Stoffe, die Milchs瓣urebakterien enthalten
Die vorliegende Studie befasst sich mit: 1-Bewertung der antimykotischen Aktivit瓣t ausgew瓣hlter Milchs瓣urebakterien (4 Lactobacillus-St瓣mme) gegen verschiedene Arten von Hefen und Schimmelpilzen in Laboragarmedien. 2-Die Wirksamkeit ausgew瓣hlter antifungaler Milchs瓣urebakterien zur Verhinderung des Hefe- und Schimmelpilzwachstums auf konzentriertem Joghurt (Labneh) nachzuweisen und die Stabilit瓣t seiner antifungalen Aktivit瓣t w瓣hrend der Lagerzeit zu untersuchen. Die Pilzst瓣mme wurden f羹r die k羹nstliche Kontamination von Labneh verwendet. 3-Test der antimykotischen Aktivit瓣t: Zwei verschiedene Methoden (die Overlay-Methode und die Disc-Assay-Methode) wurden zum Nachweis der antimykotischen Aktivit瓣t verwendet.Dieses Buch wurde mit k羹nstlicher Intelligenz 羹bersetzt.
Der Einfluss des Darmmikrobioms auf die Gehirnentwicklung
Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2019 im Fachbereich Biologie - Neurobiologie, Note: 1,3, ( Europ瓣ische Fernhochschule Hamburg ), Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: In den asiatischen L瓣ndern ist es schon seit Jahrhunderten bekannt, dass fermentierte Getr瓣nke eine positive, reinigende Wirkung auf unsere Eingeweide haben, aber wie es auch mit unserem Gehirn in Beziehung steht, will diese Ausf羹hrung aufzeigen. Unser Darmmikrobiom umfasst circa 100 Billionen Bakterien sowie andere kleinste Mikroorganismen wie Viren und mindestens genauso viele Zellen wie wir Menschen. Keimfreie M瓣use zeigen unvorsichtiges Verhalten und ein erh繹htes Turnover im Striatum von wichtigen Neuronen. Dieses Ph瓣nomen l瓣sst sich erst in darauffolgender Generation in normales, vorsichtiges Verhalten zur羹ckf羹hren. Das ist nur eine der vielen Studien, die unser Blick auf unser Darmmikrobiom richten soll. Laut Martin, Osadchiy, Kalani, and Mayer wurde in den letzten Jahren durch viele Studien, vor allem mit Mausversuchen, gezeigt, dass unser Darmmikrobiom auf unser Gehirn einwirkt und zu unserer Gesundheit bzw. Krankheit, unter anderem im Bereich der Psyche und Kognition, beitr瓣gt. Nehmen unsere Mikroorganismen also tats瓣chlich einen enormen Einfluss auf unsere Gehirnentwicklung?
Bioethanol production from waste office paper
Increasing energy costs together with increasing concerns about global warming related to CO2 emissions and the decrease of landfill locations for disposal of solid waste resulted in increasing interest in alternative, low and non-carbon based energy sources Lignocellulosic are the most abundant biomass available on earth, comprising mainly of cellulose and hemicellulose Among various lignocellulosic, waste paper could be used as an excellent source for bioethanol production; it is abundant, low cost with high amount of cellulose and does not require energy-intense thermophysical or severe strong acid pretreatments prior to enzymatic hydrolysis generally used in hydrolysis of lignocellulose substrates Bioethanol derived from biomass is the only liquid transportation fuel that does not contribute to the greenhouse gas e ffect, it yields zero net CO2 output into the atmosphere because after burning of bioethanol, the released CO2 is recycled back into plant material because plants use CO2 to synthesize cellulose during photosynthesis.
Production of citric acid by locally isolated Aspergillus niger using agriculture wastes
The goal of the research focused on isolation and screening of different local strains of Aspergillus niger for their ability to grow and produce citric acid; selection of the most potent isolates for citric acid production; optimization certain environmental and nutritional parameters affecting citric acid production by the most efficient fungal strains; utilization of certain available and cheap agricultural wastes as alternatives to citric acid chemical substrates and studying of the influence of mutagenic agents on the most potent A. niger strains.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering is prepared especially for the study of advanced molecular biology at undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD levels. The topics of the book concentrate on Gene Cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction enzymes, transformation, DNA sequence, Bioinformatics, and Transgenic Organisms.
Colorful Guide of Parasitology for Medical Laboratory Students
Medical parasitology is the science that studies the relationship between two organisms, one of them is the small parasite that feeds on the other organism which is the host and the relationship between them is called parasitism. The parasites spread around us in the air, water, and soil and contaminate our food, as well as transmitted to humans through contact with animals, causing many diseases that require proper diagnosis to provide the correct treatment. This booklet includes a set of fixed stained slides of different parasitic stages including helminthological and protozoal specimens, as a guide for students to help them identify the different stages of human parasites, distinguish them under a light microscope, and include also illustrations to help understanding the internal structure of the samples.Since the identification of parasitic samples is one of the most problems facing students and workers in this field, this guide can help many students of medical parasitology in human medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, applied medical sciences and medical laboratory students, and serve as a guide for them to identify different parasitic stages under microscope.
Targeting STAT3 and STAT5 in Cancer
Every minute, 34 new patients are diagnosed with cancer globally. Although over the past 50 years treatments have improved and survival rates have increased dramatically for several types of cancers, many remain incurable. Several aggressive types of blood and solid cancers form when mutations occur in a critical cellular signaling pathway, the JAK-STAT pathway; (Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription). Currently, there are no clinically available drugs that target the oncogenic STAT3/5 proteins in particular or their Gain of Function hyperactive mutant products. Here, we summarize targeting approaches on STAT3/5, as the field moves towards clinical applications as well as we illuminate on upstream or downstream JAK-STAT pathway interference with kinase inhibitors, heat shock protein blockers or changing nuclear import/export processes. We cover the design paradigms and medicinal chemistry approaches to illuminate progress and challenges in understanding the pleiotropic role of STAT3 and STAT5 in oncogenesis, the microenvironment, the immune system in particular, all culminating in a complex interplay towards cancer progression.
Dog Behaviour, Physiology and Welfare
The relationship between domestic dogs and humans represents a unique example of an interspecific relationship. For this and other reasons, there has been a substantial increase in research on dogs. This Special Issue entitled "Dog Behaviour, Physiology and Welfare" collects important information ranging from basic to applied ethology, dealing with canine endocrinology (prolactin, vasopressin, thyroid hormones), physiology (visual perception), welfare (in shelters and zoos), as well as the context of working dogs (service dogs, co-therapist dogs, herding dogs) and the dog-wolf comparison. All the papers are open access and can be read at https: //www.mdpi.com/journal/animals/special_issues/Dog_Behavior
Essentials of Marine Biotechnology
This textbook introduces marine biotechnology by collecting the key knowledge on genetics, fish breeding, genetic diversity, seaweed production and microalgae biotechnology, and explores marine biomaterials and how they can benefit human health. Covering the latest applications of marine biotechnology in natural product development, genomics, transgenic technology, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical development, it particularly focuses on future biological resources, developing functional materials from marine life, production of marine bioenergy and marine microbial resources and biotechnology. The author explains the structure of the book in an introductory note, and each chapter offers a detailed overview and conclusion to help readers better grasp the acquired knowledge. Lastly, the final part provides a comprehensive glossary with brief explanations of the key concepts in marine biotechnology. Written by a leading expert in the field with more than 30 years of teaching experience, this book broadens students' understanding of the basics and recent developments in marine biotechnology.
Influenza Virus and Vaccination
The influenza virus poses a threat to human health and is responsible for global epidemics every year. In addition to seasonal infections, influenza can cause occasional pandemics of great consequence when novel viruses are introduced into humans. Despite the implementation of comprehensive vaccination programs, influenza viruses continue to pose an important and unpredictable global public health threat. They are one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality each year and have a significant economic impact. In recent years, research has been conducted to find alternative approaches to influenza vaccine development, including the generation of universal vaccines. Notably, significant progress in the field of influenza infection, transmission, and immunity have contributed to our understanding of influenza biology, and to expanding the technological approaches for the generation of more efficient strategies against influenza infections. Moreover, highly remarkable developments have been made in the implementation of new methodologies to evaluate the efficiency of vaccines and improve them for use on domestic animals such as poultry, horses, dogs or pigs. This enables us to decrease the exposure of humans to potentially pandemic viruses. The articles in this Special Issue will address the importance of influenza to human health and the advances in influenza research that have led to the development of better therapeutics and vaccination strategies.
Salicylic Acid Signalling in Plants
Although the role of salicylic acid (SA) in plant physiological processes has been widely studied for a long time, many open questions remain several fields. The importance of SA synthesis is illustrated by the four review papers published in this Special Issue that represent a wide range of approaches, indicating that a growing body of evidence needs to be summarized in a thought-provoking manner. The investigations presented in the six original studies extend upon the understanding of the involvement of SA in anthracnose infection and light-dependent cold acclimation, highlighting the use of SA mutant Arabidopsis plants. The studies also focused on the application of novel SA analogs or SA in combination with Rhizobacteria inoculation. We hope that the four reviews and six studies provide a deeper understanding of the role of SA and its complex tasks, as well as a new direction for research to address gaps and open questions, including both at the metabolite and gene expression levels, in the use of agriculturally important crop or mutant model plants, and in both basic research and practical applications.
Astrobiology on the International Space Station
This volume on astrobiology of the Springer Briefs in Life Sciences book series addresses the three fundamental questions on origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe: how does life begin and evolve? Is there life beyond Earth and, if so, how can we detect it? What is the future of life on Earth and in the universe? The book provides insights into astrobiological experiments that are being performed on the International Space Station, ISS, and discusses their findings.This extremely exciting volume on astrobiology is intended for scientists of various research fields and for laypersons interested in space research and in the fundamental issues of the universe and life.
Actinomycetes
Beyond being the most important natural compound source, actinomycetes are the origin of up to two-thirds of all clinically used antibiotics. Currently, new antimicrobials are urgently needed, as infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens are on the rise. In the identification of new antibiotics, many scientists are currently investigating biosynthetic aspects of antibiotic production in actinomycetes. Since the emergence of next-generation sequencing technologies, the field of antibiotics research has experienced a remarkable revival. These bacteria have the potential to produce more antibiotics than previously thought possible. Some antibiotics are produced in standard media, while others require the presence of a specific signaling molecule in the medium. Others, however, are only produced when the native regulation of the biosynthesis gene cluster is overruled. This book covers topics in the field of antibiotic-producing actinomycetes. The following tops are addressed: - Approaches to access novel antibiotic producers for novel natural compounds - Omics and genome mining approaches for the discovery of novel natural compounds - Analyses and genetic engineering of antibiotic biosynthesis - Regulation of the secondary metabolism in actinomycetes
Microbial Virulence Factors
Microbial virulence factors encompass a wide range of molecules produced by pathogenic microorganisms, enhancing their ability to evade their host defenses and cause disease. This broad definition comprises secreted products such as toxins, enzymes, exopolysaccharides, as well as cell surface structures such as capsules, lipopolysaccharides, glyco- and lipoproteins. Intracellular changes in metabolic regulatory networks, governed by protein sensors/regulators and non-coding regulatory RNAs, are also known to contribute to virulence. Furthermore, some secreted microbial products have the ability to enter the host cell and manipulate their machinery, contributing to the success of the infection. The knowledge, at the molecular level, of the biology of microbial pathogens and their virulence factors is central in the development of novel therapeutic molecules and strategies to combat microbial infections. The present collection comprises state of the art research and review papers on virulence factors and mechanisms of a wide range of bacterial and fungal pathogens for humans, animals, and plants, thus reflecting the impact of microorganisms in health and economic human activities, and the importance of the topic.
Bioelectric Sensors
Bioelectric sensors are unique diagnostic principles and technologies. Although they share many traits with electrochemical sensors, especially regarding the common features of instrumentation, they are focused on the measurement of the electric properties of biorecognition elements as a reflection of cellular, biological, and biomolecular functions in a rapid, very sensitive, and often non-invasive manner. Bioelectric sensors offer a plethora of options in terms both of assay targets (molecules, cells, organs, and organisms) and methodological approaches (e.g., potentiometry, impedance spectrometry, and patch-clamp electrophysiology). Irrespective of the method of choice, "bioelectric profiling" is being rapidly established as a superior concept for a number of applications, including in vitro toxicity, signal transduction, real-time medical diagnostics, environmental risk assessment, and drug development. This Special Issue is the first that is exclusively dedicated to the advanced and emerging concepts and technologies of bioelectric sensors. Topics include, but are not restricted to, bioelectric sensors for single cell analysis, electrophysiological olfactory and volatile organic compounds sensors, impedimetric biosensors, microbial fuel cell biosensors, and implantable autonomous bioelectric micro- and nano-sensors.
Genetics in Rice
Rice feeds more than half of the world population. Its small genome size and ease in transformation have made rice the model crop in plant physiology and genetics. Molecular as well as Mendelian, forward as well as reverse genetics collaborate with each other to expand rice genetics. The wild relatives of rice belonging to the genus Oryza are distributed in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania. They are good sources for the study of domestication and adaptation. Rice was the first crop to have its entire genome sequenced. With the help of the reference genome of Nipponbare and the advent of the next generation sequencer, the study of the rice genome has been accelerated. The mining of DNA polymorphism has permitted map-based cloning, QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis, and the production of many kinds of experimental lines, such as recombinant inbred lines, backcross inbred lines, and chromosomal segment substitution lines. Inter- and intraspecific hybridization among Oryza species has opened the door to various levels of reproductive barriers ranging from prezygotic to postzygotic. This Special Issue contains eleven papers on genetic studies of rice and its relatives utilizing the rich genetic resources and/or rich genome information described above.
Fungal Diversity in the Mediterranean Area
Fungi are important components of ecosystems. Their level of diversity is very high and only lower than that of insects. This book deals with fungal diversity in the Mediterranean, a large area recognized as a biodiversity hot spot. Micro and macrofungi contribute to characterizing many environments, both terrestrial and marine, in which they are associated with particular forest stands and also contribute to providing plant and soil nutrients. They also show potential applications in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, have a recognized nutritional and commercial value and still provide many insights to scholars in terms of description of new species and actions aimed at in situ and ex situ conservation.
Herbicide Resistance in Plants
Today, herbicide-resistant weeds dominate research and development efforts in the discipline of weed science. The incidence, management challenges, and cost of multiple herbicide-resistant weed populations are continually increasing worldwide. Crop varieties with multiple herbicide-resistance traits are being rapidly adopted by growers and land managers to keep ahead of the weed resistance tsunami. This Special Issue of Plants comprises papers that describe the current status and future outlook of herbicide resistance research and development in weedy and domestic plants, with topics covering the full spectrum from resistance mechanisms to resistance management. The unifying framework for this Special issue is the challenge posed to all of the contributing authors: What are the (potential) implications for herbicide resistance management?
Secret Worlds
Martin Stevens explores the extraordinary variety of senses in the animal kingdom, and discusses the cutting-edge science that is shedding light on these secret worlds. Our senses of vision, smell, taste, hearing, and touch are essential for us to respond to threats, communicate and interact with the world around us. This is true for all animals - their sensory systems are key to survival, and without them animals would be completely helpless. However, the sensory systems of other animals work very differently from ours. For example, many animals from spiders to birds can detect and respond to ultraviolet light, to which we are blind. Other animals, including many insects, rodents, and bats can hear high-frequency ultrasonic sounds well beyond our own hearing range. Many other species have sensory systems that we lack completely, such as the magnetic sense of birds, turtles, and other animals, or the electric sense of many fish. These differences in sensory ability have a major bearing on the ways that animals behave and live in different environments, and also affect their evolution and ecology. In this book, Martin Stevens explores the remarkable sensory systems that exist in nature, and what they are used for. Discussing how different animal senses work, he also considers how they evolve, how they are shaped by the environment in which an animal lives, and the pioneering science that has uncovered how animals use their senses. Throughout, he celebrates the remarkable diversity of life, and shows how the study of sensory systems has shed light on some of the most important issues in animal behaviour, physiology, and evolution.
A Story of Us
It's time for a story of human evolution that goes beyond describing "ape-men" and talks about what women and children were doing. In a few decades, a torrent of new evidence and ideas about human evolution has allowed scientists to piece together a more detailed understanding of what went on thousands and even millions of years ago. We now know much more about the problems our ancestors faced, the solutions they found, and the trade-offs they made. The drama of their experiences led to the humans we are today: an animal that relies on a complex culture. We are a species that can -- and does -- rapidly evolve cultural solutions as we face new problems, but the intricacies of our cultures mean that this often creates new challenges. Our species' unique capacity for culture began to evolve millions of years ago, but it only really took off in the last few hundred thousand years. This capacity allowed our ancestors to survive and raise their difficult children during times of extreme climate chaos. Understanding how this has evolved can help us understand the cultural change and diversity that we experience today. Lesley Newson and Peter Richerson, a husband-and-wife team based at the University of California, Davis, began their careers with training in biology. The two have spent years -- together and individually -- researching and collaborating with scholars from a wide range of disciplines to produce a deep history of humankind. In A Story of Us, they present this rich narrative and explain how the evolution of our genes relates to the evolution of our cultures. Newson and Richerson take readers through seven stages of human evolution, beginning seven million years ago with the apes that were the ancestors of humans and today's chimps and bonobos. The story ends in the present day and offers a glimpse into the future.
Microfluidics for Single-Cell Analysis
Summarizes the various microfluidic-based single cell analysis methodsReviews the state-of-the-art techniques showcasing the pros and cons of each method in detailsOffers lessons learned and tips from front-line investigators to help researchers overcome bottlenecks in reality
Non-Covalent Interactions in Proteins (Second Edition)
Although textbooks on the physics of condensed matter consider non-covalent interactions in detail, their application for analysis of protein properties is often poorly presented or omitted. On the other hand, books on biochemistry, molecular modeling or molecular simulation introduce these interactions in the context of the corresponding topic, which sometimes results in superficial explanations of their nature. This book succeeds in uniting comprehensive considerations of non-covalent interactions with the specificity of their application in protein sciences.This second edition includes new chapters on intrinsically disordered proteins, microcalorimetry of proteins, cold denaturation, thermodynamic stability and thermal adaptability of proteins. The ideal aid for students of physics or chemistry, with interests in biology and biophysics, the book can also be useful for students of biology, biochemistry, or biomedicine who want to extend their knowledge of how protein properties are described at the molecular level.
CORONAVIRUS. Lerne den B繹sewicht Covid kennen
Maria und Falk sind ein spanisch-deutsches Krankenpfleger*in-Paar, welches die Coronavirus-Pandemie 2020 hautnah miterlebt hat. Als Eltern von zwei Kindern haben sie beschlossen, dieses Buch zu schreiben, um den Kindern auf einfache und anschauliche Weise zu erkl瓣ren, wer dieser eindringende B繹sewicht ist und wie wir ihn mit besiegen k繹nnen.
Your defenses against the coronavirus
This book is intended as a brief introduction to the fascinating processes by which the immune system keeps microorganisms at bay. The book is structured as a story in which the organism is under attack. To defend itself, it sets up different cellular actors and molecular mechanisms, which we are introducing as history develops. In this way, the understanding of the reasons for the various defense strategies that the immune system puts in place is facilitated. It also addresses the mechanisms of action of vaccines and the different types of vaccines that are known, as well as some of fascinating reasons why microorganisms can escape from the the action of the immune system and vaccines can be ineffective. The knowledge gained from reading the first seven chapters are applied in the last one to analyze why the new SARS-CoV-2 virus, causing COVID-19 disease, can behave in such a different way depending on how well or how badly the defense mechanisms that each person has, according to the state of health, the age or genetic background, are put into effect. Reading this book will arm us better to understand the causes of pandemics and the reasons why some overcome infectious diseases and others do not.
Ageing and Nutrition through Lifespan
Population is ageing at an unprecedented speed globally. As concept, ageing is considered a continuous process starting from birth and is accompanied by various physiological changes and a number of chronic diseases that affect health and quality of life. Ageing as a continuous process is depending on life course exposures to health risks, lifestyle and nutrition, socioeconomic background, and other factors. There is considerable interest among scientists regarding the direct and indirect effect of nutrition in optimal ageing. Nutrition has a beneficial effect in a variety of chronic disease that impact the process of ageing. Given the importance of this issue, the journal Nutrients is planning a Special Issue on "Ageing and Nutrition through Lifespan" with the aim of providing a source for accurate, up-to-date scientific information on this topic. We invite you and your co-workers to consider submission of your original research findings or a review article on the topic. Manuscripts should focus on the direct impact of specific food components, dietary patterns, energy intake, macro-, micro- nutrients, alcohol intake, food insecurity as well as malnourishment and appetite to the ageing process (healthy, active, successful ageing, frailty and other similar indices) across lifespan. In a similar way, we also welcome manuscripts that focus on the indirect effect of nutrition to the ageing process throughout the pathway of chronic disease (i.e., obesity, diabetes, depression and mental diseases).
Genetic and Morphological Variation in Tropical and Temperate Plant Species
Plants provide the foundation for the structure and function, as well as interactions, among organisms in both tropical and temperate zone habitats. To date, many investigations have revealed patterns and mechanisms generating plant diversity at various scales and from diverse ecological perspectives. However, in the era of climate change, anthropogenic disturbance, and rapid urbanization, new insights are needed to understand how plant species in these forest habitats are changing and adapting. Investigations of plants in both little-disturbed, more natural environments, as well as in urban areas in which crucial green infrastructure is ever more important for sustaining complex human societies are needed. This Special Issue of Forests will focus on plant variation from the perspectives of morphology, genetics, and function, especially plant interactions with biotic and abiotic factors. Research articles may address any aspect of plant evolution and community phylogenetics (explorations of patterns and mechanisms from diverse organismal levels, e.g., molecular, population, species, community, landscape, and ecosystem), plant functional traits (e.g., nutrient traits of leaf, stem, root; reproductive traits of flower, fruit, seed), and/or responses of plant species to changing environments (e.g., water, atmosphere, soil, human activities). Studies providing quantitative evaluation or description of interactions of plants with animals and microbes, both in natural and urban environments, including terrestrial and aquatic systems, are also welcome.
Matrix Metalloproteinase
Zinc-dependent matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to metzincins that comprise not only 23 human MMPs but also other metalloproteinases, such as 21 human ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain) and 19 secreted ADAMTSs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase thrombospondin domain). The many setbacks from the clinical trials of broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors for cancer indications in the late 1990s emphasized the extreme complexity of the participation of these proteolytic enzymes in biology. This editorial mini-review summarizes the Special Issue, which includes four review articles and 10 original articles that highlight the versatile roles of MMPs, ADAMs, and ADAMTSs, in normal physiology as well as in neoplastic and destructive processes in tissue. In addition, we briefly discuss the unambiguous involvement of MMPs in wound healing.
Essentials of Genomics
Genomics is an interdisciplinary field of biology that delves into the structure, mapping, evolution, function and editing of genomes. It aims at the collective quantification and characterization of genes. This is done through the analysis and sequencing of genomes with the aid of high throughput DNA sequencing and bioinformatics. The studies of intragenomic phenomena like pleiotropy, heterosis, epistasis and other interactions between alleles and loci within the genome are also within the purview of this field. Genomics plays a crucial role in the fields of anthropology, medicine, biotechnology and other sciences. Metagenomics, functional genomics, structural genomics, epigenomics and model systems are the primary areas of research in genomics. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to genomics. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. This book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.
Human Molecular Genetics
The biological field which deals with the study of inheritance in human beings is called human genetics. Human molecular genetics is one of its sub-fields where the functions and structure of human genes are studied at the molecular level. It uses tools from numerous fields such as genetics and molecular biology. Human molecular genetics finds application in the study of developmental biology as well as in the treatment of genetic diseases. There are a number of techniques which are used within this field such as forward genetics, reverse genetics and DNA replication. This book attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under the discipline of human molecular genetics and how such concepts have practical applications. The topics covered herein deal with the core subjects of this field. This textbook will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.
Genetics: Recent Developments
Genetics is a field of science that is concerned with the study of genes, variation and heredity. It also involves the medical practice of diagnosing, treating and counseling patients with genetic disorders. Genetics overlaps with many other areas such as biotechnology, agriculture and medicine. Modern genetics focuses on the function and behavior of genes, gene structure and distribution from the context of cell and organism with respect to a population. Genetic processes interact with two factors - the environment and experiences of the organism. This influences the organism's behavior and development. Genetics is an upcoming field of science that has undergone rapid development over the past few decades. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in the fields of plant and animal genetics. It will help the readers in keeping pace with the rapid changes in this field.
Biotechnology: From Theories to Practice
Biotechnology is an area of biology which involves the use of living organisms to create products or processes for human use. Human society has benefitted tremendously from biotechnology, as evident in the cultivation of plants, domestication of animals and manufacture of biopharmaceutics. However, the technological bases for biotechnology are the breakthroughs in genetic engineering and molecular biology in the late 20th century. The understanding of the structure of DNA and the techniques to manipulate it have led to the emergence of transgenic animals, genetically modified crops, the Human Genome Project, and cutting-edge research in bioinformatics. Cloning and stem cell technology are some of its modern tools. Biotechnology has extended beyond its domain of application in health care and agriculture, and stepped into environmental remediation and industry. There has been rapid progress in this field and its applications are finding their way across multiple industries. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on biotechnology have been included in this book. It is a vital tool for all researching and studying this field.
Bioinformatics
The field of bioinformatics is concerned with the development of methods and software tools used to understand biological data. It is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses techniques and concepts from biology, computer science, statistics, mathematics and information engineering for analyzing and interpreting biological data. Some of the applications of this field are identifying genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms. This helps in understanding the genetic basis of diseases, unique adaptations and differences between populations. It also tries to understand the principles of protein sequences. Some of the major areas of interest within this field are sequence analysis, gene and protein expression and cellular organization. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to bioinformatics. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied aspects of this field. It is appropriate for those seeking detailed information in bioinformatics.
Introduction to Parasitology
The study of parasites, their hosts and the relationship between them is known as parasitology. It is a biological field that encompasses principles from diverse disciplines such as cell biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, immunology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology and ecology. Parasitology is sub-divided into various fields. Some of these are medical parasitology, veterinary parasitology, structural parasitology, conservation biology of parasites and parasite ecology. Medical parasitology deals with the parasites that affect humans and the diseases which are caused by them. The study of parasites that infect companion animals and cause economic losses in agriculture is known as veterinary parasitology. Structural parasitology refers to the study of structures of proteins from parasites. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of parasitology. Some of the diverse topics covered herein address the varied branches that fall under this category. This book will serve as a valuable source of reference for those interested in this field.
Cell Biology: Advanced Principles
Cell is considered to be the basic unit of life. The branch of biology which studies the structure and function of the cell is known as cell biology or cytology. The basic concerns of cell biology are the physiological properties, metabolic processes, life cycle, signaling pathways, chemical composition and interactions of the cell with their environment. It encompasses both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Therefore, it functions on microscopic as well as molecular level. The knowledge of how cells work and its components is fundamental to all biological sciences. It is also essential to the on-going research in bio-medical. Genetics, molecular biology, immunology and biochemistry are some fields which are closely related to the research in cell biology. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and evolution of the field of cell biology are examined in detail in this book. With state-of-the-art inputs by acclaimed experts of this field, this book targets students and professionals.
Introduction to Biology
Biology is a branch of science which deals with the study of life and living organisms. It observes the physical structure, molecular interactions, physiological mechanisms, evolution and development of organisms. It is a natural science that includes the study of the cell as a basic unit of life, genes as the basic unit of inheritance and evolution as the force that drives the creation and extinction of species. There are various branches of biology, such as anatomy, microbiology, botany, cell biology and genetics. Anatomy is the study of the structures of organisms and microbiology studies the microorganisms as well as their interaction with other living things. Botany is involved in the study of plants and cell biology is the study of cell and the molecular and chemical interactions that occur within living cells. Genetics is a branch of biology that examines and studies genes and heredity in organisms. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of biology. Some of the diverse topics covered herein address the varied branches that fall under this category. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.
Evolutionary Biology: Past, Present and Future
Evolutionary biology is a subfield of biology concerned with the study of evolutionary processes, which are at the core of the emergence of complex and diverse life on Earth. Among these processes are the mechanisms of common descent, natural selection and speciation. The genetic architecture of adaptation, molecular evolution, and the forces of sexual selection, biogeography and genetic drift are explored and studied under the domain of evolutionary biology. Research in evolutionary biology covers diverse themes from molecular genetics to computer science. One dimension of research strives to explain the phenomena of speciation and evolvability, and the evolution of aging, cooperation and sexual reproduction. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the field of evolutionary biology. It presents this complex subject in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. For someone with an interest and eye for detail, this book covers the most significant topics in this field.
Lipids: Biochemistry and Health
A biomolecule that is soluble in nonpolar solvents is called lipid. They are sometimes defined as amphiphilic or hydrophobic small molecules. Hydrocarbons that are used to dissolve other naturally occurring hydrocarbon lipid molecules, which do not dissolve in water such as waxes sterols, triglycerides, fatty acids, etc., are called non-polar solvents. Lipids perform various biological functions that include signaling, acting as structural components of the cell membrane and storing energy. It encompasses molecules such as fatty acids and their derivatives as well as other sterol-containing metabolites such as cholesterol. Their applications are present in nanotechnology as well as in the cosmetic and food industries. Lipids are divided into various categories such as prenol lipids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids, etc. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on lipids have been included in this book. It presents this complex subject in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. This book is a resource guide for experts as well as students.
