Sing Like Fish
A captivating exploration of how underwater animals tap into sound to survive, and a clarion call for humans to address the ways we invade these critical soundscapes--from an award-winning science writer "Sing Like Fish is that rare book that makes you see the world differently."--Mark Kurlansky, New York Times bestselling author of Salt and Cod LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTIONFor centuries, humans ignored sound in the "silent world" of the ocean, assuming that what we couldn't perceive, didn't exist. But we couldn't have been more wrong. Marine scientists now have the technology to record and study the complex interplay of the myriad sounds in the sea. Finally, we can trace how sounds travel with the currents, bounce from the seafloor and surface, bend with the temperature and even saltiness; how sounds help marine life survive; and how human noise can transform entire marine ecosystems. In Sing Like Fish, award-winning science journalist Amorina Kingdon synthesizes historical discoveries with the latest scientific research in a clear and compelling portrait of this sonic undersea world. From plainfin midshipman fish, whose swim-bladder drumming is loud enough to keep houseboat-dwellers awake, to the syntax of whalesong; from the deafening crackle of snapping shrimp, to the seismic resonance of underwater earthquakes and volcanoes; sound plays a vital role in feeding, mating, parenting, navigating, and warning--even in animals that we never suspected of acoustic ability. Meanwhile, we jump in our motorboats and cruise ships, oblivious to the impact below us. Our lifestyle is fueled by oil in growling tankers and furnished by goods that travel in massive container ships. Our seas echo with human-made sound, but we are just learning of the repercussions of anthropogenic noise on the marine world's delicate acoustic ecosystems--masking mating calls, chasing animals from their food, and even wounding creatures, from plankton to lobsters. With intimate and artful prose, Sing Like Fish tells a uniquely complete story of ocean animals' submerged sounds, envisions a quieter future, and offers a profound new understanding of the world below the surface.
The Genetic Book of the Dead
From a renowned biologist and best-selling author, a whole new way of looking at living organisms: reading them as documents describing ancient worlds A Financial Times Best Book of 2024: Science - Named Science Book of the Year by Times (UK) - A Guardian Best Ideas Book of 2024 "Intellectually sparkling and beautifully crafted."--Adrian Woolfson, Wall Street Journal "A glorious affair. . . . Arguably [Dawkins's] most joyous ode to the wonders that evolution has wrought in the animal world."--Philip Ball, Science An exquisitely camouflaged lizard has a desiccated landscape of sand and stones "painted" on its back. Its skin can be read as a description of an ancient desert, a world in which its ancestors survived. Such descriptions are more than skin deep, however. They penetrate the very warp and woof of the entire animal. In this groundbreaking exploration of the power of Darwinian evolution and what it can reveal about the past, Richard Dawkins shows how the body, behavior, and genes of every living creature can be read as a book--an archive of the worlds of its ancestors. In the future, a zoologist presented with a hitherto unknown animal will be able to decode its ancestral history, to read its unique "book of the dead." Such readings are already uncovering the remarkable ways animals overcome obstacles, adapt to their environments, and, again and again, develop remarkably similar ways of solving life's problems. From the author of The Selfish Gene comes a revolutionary, richly illustrated book that unlocks the door to a past more vivid, nuanced, and fascinating than anything we have seen.
Gait and Balance Control in Typical and Special Individuals
Research on gait and balance control has significantly advanced in recent years due in part to the development of sophisticated biomechanical techniques, allowing us to move beyond simple observations to a deeper, more quantitative understanding of human movement. This knowledge is not just theoretical; it has significant implications for both healthy individuals and a wide range of special populations-from high-performance athletes to those grappling with neurological conditions or age-related decline. In this Special Issue, "Gait and Balance Control in Typical and Special Individuals", we present a collection of studies that showcase the breadth and depth of modern biomechanics, covering various topics. Readers can uncover new insights into the variability of developmental gait in children, the challenges of gait asymmetry following a stroke, and even how humans adapt to simulated hyper-gravity. The Special Issue also delves into specific clinical applications, exploring foot coupling in runners with plantar heel pain, key biomechanical parameters linked to falls in the elderly, and the intricate complexities of gait and balance in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The final article provides a comparative look at dynamic balance in gymnasts. We hope that these diverse contributions will not only serve as an important resource for researchers and clinicians but also foster new avenues of investigation, ultimately advancing our collective understanding and improving the lives of countless individuals.
Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning for Smart Agriculture
Modern agriculture is undergoing a transformation through the integration of advanced technologies, such as big data analytics and machine learning. Since the first edition of "Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning for Smart Agriculture" in 2023, the agricultural sector has progressed from Industry 4.0 to 5.0, underscoring the rapid pace of innovation in this field.Big data analytics and machine learning are revolutionizing farm and agricultural system management by enabling more efficient resource use and increasing crop yields. Artificial intelligence is now used in fertilization recommendation systems, helping to optimize the application of agricultural inputs and support sustainable practices. AI technologies also assist in identifying plant diseases and pests-an essential aspect of Agriculture 5.0.The integration of drones and other devices with AI enables precise crop monitoring and rapid responses to potential threats. Beyond crop production, AI is also applied in animal husbandry, for example, in optimizing meat production. AI-powered prognostic systems help predict failures in smart farms, thereby improving operational reliability. One of the key ongoing challenges is the standardization of data, due to the wide variety of measurement devices and differing environmental conditions during data collection. The efficient processing and analysis of large datasets is crucial for generating actionable insights and driving innovation in digital agriculture.
Functional Ingredients from Food Waste and By-Products
The increasing global concern over food loss and waste, along with its environmental, economic, and social consequences, accentuates the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies. Addressing food waste offers benefits for the climate, food security, and the sustainability of the agri-food system.This Special Issue brings together cutting-edge research and practical approaches aimed at transforming food residues, discards, and surpluses into valuable functional ingredients and products. Covering a broad range of topics, this collection explores state-of-the-art upcycling strategies and expands knowledge on the characterization of bioactive compounds, ingredients and products derived from food by-products, and explores their diverse applications across sectors such as food, beverages, packaging, and agriculture.
Innovative Technologies for Food Preservation and Processing
The Special Issue entitled "Innovative Technologies for Food Preservation and Processing", published in the journal Applied Sciences, focuses on the latest advancements in food production and storage. We invite researchers to explore mechanisms of food spoilage prevention and the development of innovative methods for raw material processing. The aim of such measures is to provide products with enhanced preserved qualities and health benefits through evolving food industry technologies.
Estimation and Monitoring of Forest Biomass and Fuel Load Components
The aim of this Reprint is to immerse the reader in the latest cutting-edge approaches for quantifying forest biomass components. This Reprint presents 13 studies advancing forest biomass estimation through methodological innovations, technological integration, and management strategies. The research highlights multi-scale data fusion for precise carbon accounting and sustainable forestry practices. These contributions provide actionable insights for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land) through precision forestry.
Theoretical and Computational Polymers Science
The study of polymers has been central to numerous scientific and technological advancements over the past several decades. The primary aim of this reprint is to present, in a concise format, recent developments in polymer theory and its applications, as contributed by experts actively engaged in the study of polymer phenomena across condensed matter physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. The contributions emphasize theoretical and simulation-based approaches to polymers in complex environments, whether as individual chains or in multi-polymer systems such as melts. The applications span a wide range of materials, including block copolymers, polymer brushes, thermoplastic resins, carbon fiber-reinforced resins, gels, rubbers, cross-linked polyethylene, polyelectrolytes, and proteins.
Why Whales Sing
Reconceives whale songs as a sophisticated sonar system, revealing incredible insights into these creatures' intelligence and behavior.With breathtaking complexity and haunting beauty, the songs of whales have long fascinated scientists. Whales are the only mammals that can sing continuously for ten hours or more, changing the unique songs they sing every year. In Why Whales Sing, bioacoustician and cognitive scientist Eduardo Mercado transforms our understanding of these enigmatic sounds and proposes a groundbreaking theory that challenges decades of established science. Fifty years of field research have led most scientists to conclude that humpback whales sing for the same reason that birds do: to advertise their sexual fitness. But if whale songs are nothing more than tools of attraction, why do whales sing even when they're alone and there are no listeners nearby? In light of modern advances in neuroscience and ocean acoustics, Mercado reaches the surprising conclusion that whales may not actually be "singing," but rather engaging in an activity more commonly associated with dolphins and bats--echolocating--which enables them to see their world with sound. By incessantly streaming sounds while listening closely to the returning echoes, whales may be actively tuning their brains in ways that allow them to monitor the movements of silent whales located miles away.Sophisticated, long-range sonar can enable whales to perceive their vast underwater worlds in unimaginable ways. From the military origins of whale song recordings to the persistent mysteries of cetacean communication, this book displays the wonder of whales and reshapes how we view their intelligence, behavior, and acoustic mastery.
Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxins (3rd Edition)
Aspergillus flavus and its carcinogenic secondary metabolites, aflatoxins, not only cause serious economic losses but also threaten human and animal health. This Special Issue focuses on recent research progress related to Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins. Of the included papers, three reviews cover the effects of AFB1 on intestinal microbiota and the intestinal health of monogastric animals, the decontamination of Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxin with atmospheric cold plasma, and aflatoxin residues in chicken products. Herein, it is reported that the chitin deacetylase homologous gene cda impacts development and aflatoxin synthesis in A. flavus. Two included papers highlight methods employed for aflatoxin determination. This Special Issue not only includes methods for the control of aflatoxins but also several aflatoxin detoxifying methods. A particular focus is placed on the mechanistic effects of aflatoxins on the host. Fundamental and applied research on A. flavus and aflatoxins is not only of particular interest but also crucial for reducing economic losses.
Human Brain Responses and Functional Brain Networks across the Lifespan
Human brain networks undergo life-long adaptations, thereby responding to age-specific cognitive and behavioral challenges. Environmental stressors, neurodegeneration, and other factors can, however, disrupt healthy brain development and function. Electrophysiology and other non-invasive neuroscientific methods provide insight into these dynamic changes in behavior and cognitive function across the lifespan. This reprint of the Special Issue "Human Brain Responses and Functional Brain Networks across the Lifespan" presents state-of-the-art research from recognized experts, offering comprehensive coverage of brain function across all age groups.
New Tools for Monitoring Genetic Diversity in Animals
The aim of this Reprint is to showcase how recent advances in molecular biology and, particularly, sequencing technologies have transformed animal research across multiple disciplines. With the decreasing costs of genomic data generation and the growing availability of reference genome resources, high-throughput approaches are now applied broadly to study the genetic diversity of a wide range of species. This Special Issue collates research contributions that illustrate how modern genetic and genomic tools are reshaping our understanding of conservation biology, evolutionary processes, wildlife monitoring, and animal ecology.
Advanced Stimuli-Responsive Polymer Composites
This Reprint compiles original research articles from the Special Issue of Polymers titled "Advanced Stimuli-Responsive Polymer Composites", highlighting the rapid progress in polymer-based materials that actively respond to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, light, or mechanical stress. These "smart" composites enable novel applications in soft robotics, biomedicine, sensing, and adaptive surfaces.The Special Issue aimed to bridge polymer chemistry, materials science, and engineering, with a focus on understanding stimuli-response mechanisms and translating them into functional materials. Contributions included thermo-chromic polymer mixtures, bio-hydrogels with photonic nano-chains, hybrid dielectric systems, and liquid crystalline elastomer composites. Both experimental and computational approaches were used to investigate how micro- and nanostructures determine macroscopic behavior under dynamic conditions.This collection is intended for researchers in polymer science and responsive materials design. By presenting interdisciplinary insights-from synthesis and processing to in situ characterization and device integration-it offers a concise yet diverse overview of current advances.I thank all contributing authors, anonymous reviewers, and the Polymers editorial team. This Reprint aims to stimulate future research and collaboration in this exciting and fast-moving field.
Diversity of Marine Fungi as a Source of Bioactive Natural Products, 2nd Edition
Marine fungi-derived bioactive metabolites represent a significant source for drug discovery, with distinct metabolic mechanisms evolving in fungi from different marine environments. Natural product scientists have explored various environments, such as deep oceans, polar regions, and marine mangrove ecosystems, to discover unique fungi strains that can produce new bioactive structures. This collection aims to highlight the diversity of fungi derived from different marine environments, in addition to their potential as producers of bioactive marine natural products.
Marine Algae
Marine algae (seaweed) are increasingly recognized for their rich nutritional profiles and health-promoting properties, making them valuable in the realm of nutraceuticals. This Reprint of Marine Drugs examines the diverse roles seaweed plays in human nutrition and health, with a particular focus on the bioactive compounds underpinning their therapeutic effects. The topics addressed include the biochemical makeup of various seaweed species, their antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities, and their integration into functional foods and dietary supplements. Research also explores the sustainability of seaweed harvesting and cultivation, along with advancements in extraction and processing techniques aimed at maximizing health benefits. This collection provides a comprehensive analysis of seaweed as a vital resource for enhancing human well-being and advances ongoing discourse in marine nutraceuticals.
Making New Out of the Old
This Special Issue aims to present recent biological advances made in research on Mesozoic Marine Reptiles, which include the most iconic and largest predators of their time, mirroring terrestrial dinosaurs. Through the study of exceptionally preserved specimens and/or the use of innovative methods, the authors shed light on several biological and ecological aspects that were previously inaccessible by conventional studies. The endocranial morphology of mosasaur is revealed by 3D micro-computed tomography (Par獺mo-Fonseca et al.; Allemand et al.), and their alimentation patterns (permitting to infer niche partitioning and food preferences) are approached using various proxies applied to their teeth, such as 3D morphometric analyses (Bardet et al.), microstructural analyses (Holwerda et al.), and carbon isotopic geochemistry (Polcyn et al.). Locomotion capabilities and swimming performances are addressed by studying fin evolution using anatomical networks in ichthyosaurs (Fern獺ndez et al.) and neck and vertebrae elongation patterns in plesiosaurs (O'Gorman). Soft tissue (skin and colour) of ichthyosaurs is highlighted by a combination of molecular and imaging techniques (Bonnevier Wallstedt et al.). Finally, a complete systematic and anatomical revision of Jurassic ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and thatattosuchians faunas from Russia reveals their astonishing richness and diversity (Zverkov et al.).
Recent Progress in Bioimaging and Targeted Therapy
Bioimaging is used to visualize biomolecules and their biological activity in a specific period of time. It does not influence the life processes during visualization, but can help in understanding biological activities at molecular levels and connecting the observation of subcellular structures with multicellular tissues and organs. Targeted bioimaging contributes to current therapies by providing evidence for disease diagnosis; locating and guiding surgical operation; indicating the time and position to perform treatments; and evaluating therapeutic effects. The topics of this reprint may include the following themes: Developing novel in vivo strategies for targeted MRI, PET, CT, fluorescence, Raman imaging, etc.Developing specific biosensing techniques for disease biomarkers, including small molecules, nucleic acids, macromolecules, circulating cancer cells, cancer cells, tumor organs, etc.Designing and fabricating targeted imaging probes including, but not limited to, organic molecules; inorganic nanomaterials such as rare earth materials, silica nanoparticles, and quantum dots; conducting polymers; and DNA self-assembly materials.Developing strategies to enhance imaging S/N ratio, resolution, specificity, efficiency.
Life in Sync
Why we need to reconnect with nature's biological rhythms--and rediscover the benefits of a good night's sleep All of life is profoundly shaped by the daily, monthly, and yearly cycles of our planet, and all creatures have internal timekeeping systems that rely on cues from the surrounding environment. With modern technology, we are changing our environments--and by proxy, the ecosystems around us--to override these innate rhythms of life. But at what cost? Life in Sync reveals how Earth's rotations shape our biology, what human sleep cycles looked like before the advent of artificial light, and why technology can't free us from the constraints of our circadian clocks. Philippa Gander explores the science behind the biological rhythms that animate us and our world, blending captivating storytelling with illuminating examples ranging from migratory birds and hibernating squirrels to jet-lagged pilots and astronauts in space. She shows how genetic circadian clocks are an ancient evolutionary adaptation that we share with all life on the planet, and how our rapidly expanding use of artificial light at night disrupts the time cues for entire ecosystems. Gander explains why cutting back on sleep adversely affects our well-being, safety, and longevity, and how breakthroughs in sleep science offer solutions to bring our lives more in harmony with nature's rhythms. An astonishing journey of scientific discovery, Life in Sync unlocks the mysteries of biological time--and offers new perspectives for anyone who has ever given up a good night's sleep for the sake of their hectic waking hours.
Thinking Small and Large
The environmental crisis will not be solved by battery technology. We are looking for answers in the wrong places. Life began with the hydrogenation of CO2, and this is the process we must return to in order to heal the planet. Ground-breaking ongoing research into bacterial processes means our knowledge of bacterial processes is ever-expanding, and we can harness this new knowledge to develop a parallel carbon economy using engineered bacteria for fuel, food, and materials. This would enable rewilding on a vast scale, with the small land footprint of bacterial technologies solving the current conflict in land use between farming and fuel and materials production. In this fascinating and illuminating book, Peter Forbes shines a light on this crucial technology and offers a tantalizing glimpse at what is possible. To solve the big problems, sometimes you have to think small.
Development of New Optical Techniques and Methods for Basic Biology and Biomedical Applications
Biophysical methods underlie advances for analytical, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications in biology and biomedicine. Electromagnetic radiation as visible and infrared light allows the sensitive collection of data on the morphofunctional conditions of biological substrates, while biomechanical approaches can improve therapeutic protocols. A common denominator is the need to optimize operating protocols, data processing, and interpretation, to achieve reliable information for analysis, diagnosis, and therapy.This reprint from the Special Issue "Development of New Optical Techniques and Methods for Basic Biology and Biomedical Applications" intends to further disseminate awareness on the ample potential of biophysical method applications in biology and biomedicine, represented by all its contributing papers. Fluorescence spectroscopy is used for basic research on melaninization processes or for the noninvasive diagnosis of vascular circulation, and imaging of fluorescing Hydra polyp movements promotes hydrodynamic studies. Near-IR imaging is used with exogenous agents to enhance cardiac injury detection, to improve nanomaterial intracellular localization aimed to optimize drug delivery and cancer photo-thermal therapy, to delineate internal structures in animal bodies or to detect thermal changes in sites causing pain. In turn, a biomechanical approach entails the optimization of vibrational stimulation to restore weak muscles. All these reports improve the reliability of the various procedures proposed, hoping to inspire novel investigations.
Urological Cancer 2023-2025
This collection contains a total of nine contributions in the area of urological cancer collected in the 2023-2025 period. It includes 5 papers (5 articles) focusing on different aspects of urinary tract neoplasia, 2 papers (1 review and 1 article) on kidney cancer, and 2 papers (1 review and 1 article) on prostate cancer. This Special Issue includes reviews on new molecular techniques for detecting prostate cancer on urine sediment, T-cell engagers therapies for prostate cancer, post-BCG upper urinary tract cancer survival, the usefulness of patient-reported symptoms and functional outcomes after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in children with bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma, prognostic factors in platinum-refractory urothelial carcinoma treated with pembrolizumab, new approaches of HIF-2α targeted therapies in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and CKAP4 expression in the prognosis of bladder cancer patients. Also, a novel approach to the early evolution of clear cell renal cell carcinoma using mathematical tools (game theory) is included in this volume. Medical specialists and scientists from Japan, USA, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Germany, Portugal, and the UK have participated in this collection. Interested readers will find excellent updated reviews of the most relevant topics in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of urological cancer.
Response of Tree Rings to Climate Change and Climate Extremes
Global warming is an undisputed fact, and climate change further exacerbates the variability in the distribution and pattern of precipitation. The frequency and intensity of extreme climate events have increased significantly in the context of global climatic change, and these events have a profound impact on forest ecosystems. Therefore, it is critical to understand the response and feedback of tree growth to climate change and climate extremes. Tree rings are one of the best proxy data for understanding long-term climate and environmental changes. The aim of this reprint is to investigate in depth the responses of tree growth to climate change and climate extremes, and to reconstruct past climate changes based on proxy data from tree rings. We have collated 17 high-quality research paper, exploring the relationship between tree rings and vegetation indices, analyzing the responses of different tree-ring parameters (including tree ring width, stable carbon isotopes, density and blue intensity) to climate, and further exploring the impact of climate extremes and droughts on tree growth. In addition, past temperature and streamflow changes across different regions have also been reconstructed. We hope that these studies will promote the development of dendrochronology research.
Diet and Nutrition
This compilation, originating from the Special Issue "Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases" in Nutrients, presents a focused collection of recent research and reviews that illuminate the complex relationships between dietary habits and metabolic health. As the global incidence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease continues to rise, this volume addresses how specific nutrients, food choices, and overall dietary patterns contribute to the prevention and management of these disorders.Within this collection, readers will discover investigations into the biological mechanisms that connect nutrition to metabolic dysfunction, including the roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, and the gut microbiome. The issue also evaluates the effectiveness of various dietary models, such as plant-based diets, low-glycemic approaches, and the Mediterranean diet, in improving metabolic markers and reducing disease risk.Particular emphasis is placed on the influence of nutrition across different life stages, from prenatal development to aging populations. Innovative approaches, such as the use of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and sustainable dietary practices, are explored for their potential to enhance metabolic outcomes.By integrating findings from clinical, population-based, and mechanistic studies, this volume serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, offering timely, evidence-based guidance for addressing the growing burden of metabolic diseases worldwide.
Genes, Genetics and Breeding of Tomato
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally significant vegetable crop with substantial economic importance. Over the past twenty years, its production has doubled, primarily driven by genetic enhancements targeting yield optimization and environmental adaptation. Contemporary breeding objectives now prioritize balancing productivity with pest/disease resistance, responding to dual demands: consumers favoring improved nutritional profiles and flavor, alongside producers requiring cultivation efficiency and stress resilience. As a model organism for fruit biology and plant genetics, the tomato offers extensive genetic resources that have enabled breakthroughs in deciphering the genetic foundations of critical agronomic traits. Tomato research reveals genomic tools' role in combatting biotic stresses, identifying resistance genes and pathways. Studies on abiotic stresses uncover regulatory genes and hormone-signaling mechanisms influencing tolerance. Fruit development and ripening mechanisms, governed by hormonal control, enable the optimization of quality and shelf life. Against rising global demand, research work synergizes with breeding to restore stress-resistant and quality traits lost during domestication, supporting sustainable agriculture. Advances in genetics and genomics have accelerated molecular breeding techniques, collectively advancing the shared goal of enhancing yield, quality, and stress tolerance for breeders, producers, and consumers. The Special Issue synthesizes these innovations, spanning from gene discovery to molecular breeding strategies.
Quality of Life and Side Effects Management in Cancer Treatment (Volume II)
This Special Issue of Cancers brings together a diverse collection of studies focused on the evolving understanding of quality of life (QoL) in cancer care. As survival rates continue to improve, the attention of oncology research and clinical practice is increasingly shifting toward the lived experiences of patients-how they function, cope, and thrive throughout and beyond treatment.The articles explore QoL from multiple angles: long-term trajectories among breast cancer survivors, the impact of chronic myeloid leukemia on occupational participation, and the validation of a sarcoma-specific patient-reported outcome measure. Several contributions investigate how cancer therapies-such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and opioids-affect not only clinical outcomes but also physical functioning, sensory perception, and psychological time orientation. Particular attention is given to vulnerable groups, including older adults undergoing immunotherapy and adolescents and young adults with rare, indolent metastatic sarcomas.Collectively, this Special Issue underscores that quality of life is not a secondary endpoint but a central dimension of cancer care. By integrating clinical, psychosocial, and biological perspectives, the articles highlight the importance of personalized approaches that preserve dignity, functionality, and patient autonomy across the cancer continuum.
Gene Expressions in Response to Diseases, Abiotic Stresses and Pest Damage of Horticultural Products
Several plant species serve as important sources of food, feed, and raw materials worldwide, providing a broad spectrum of nutrients and bioactive compounds that play a crucial role in plant resistance and in human diseases, in line with the One Health approach. Horticultural crops also represent a key resource in the economies of numerous countries. Moreover, increasingly restrictive European regulations for plant-protection products encourage studies on innovative tools for disease and pest control, such as genetic modification and alternative control means. The Reprint focuses on the plant's response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Crops are continuously exposed to a broad spectrum of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and fungi), pests, and abiotic damage, causing significant yield and economic losses throughout the process from field to sale. Symptoms correspond to plant responses to both pathogen and insect attacks and abiotic stresses; these occur through gene expressions, signaling, and metabolic pathways involved in host/stress response. Identifying the mechanisms involved in defense response and stress tolerance is essential to select more resistant or less susceptible crops, allowing for more sustainable management of diseases and damages. It original and exploratory articles investigating pathways, signaling, and gene expression involved in resistance mechanisms to pests and pathogens, as well as abiotic stress tolerance, thereby opening new horizons for preserving and enhancing crop production.
Antibiotic Resistance in Acinetobacter and Associated Treatment Strategies
Acinetobacter infections pose a substantial burden on public health, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically classifying carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter as an urgent threat to public health with 8500 cases annually, 700 deaths, and USD 281 million in associated healthcare costs in the United States alone. These data coupled with the sparsity of information elucidating the pathophysiology of Acinetobacter, the lack of novel antibiotics in the developmental pipeline to treat Acinetobacter infections and the continued occurrence of multidrug-, extensively drug-, or even pandrug-resistant isolates from clinical settings constitute a public health crisis warranting immediate attention. This Special Issue therefore includes works describing the clinical treatment and genomic surveillance of Acinetobacter isolates causing infection, especially carbapenem-resistant isolates. This Special Issue additionally explores this bacterium's resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants, ability to persist in the clinical setting and adaptation to environmental changes. The underlying resistance mechanisms allowing Acinetobacter to survive stressors all play a role in its pathogenicity and are valuable in understanding and treating this critical pathogen.
Dietary Strategies for Prevention of Geriatric Diseases and Exploring the Mechanism of Aging
This Reprint, "Dietary Strategies for Prevention of Geriatric Diseases and Exploring the Mechanism of Aging," sheds light on the underlying mechanisms related to aging and age-associated pathology, while also exploring optimal nutritional strategies for the prevention and mitigation of geriatric diseases. Through exploration of the factors influencing the cellular and molecular hallmarks of aging, and age-related degenerative diseases such as immunosenescence, dynapenia, intrinsic capacity impairments and impaired mucus barrier function, it provides valuable insights into the mechanisms related to aging. Furthermore, this reprint emphasizes the powerful role of dietary interventions to mitigate age-related diseases and dysfunction. Studies on the impact of dietary intervention strategies (e.g., diversity maintenance) as well as specific supplements and nutrients, such as methyl donor nutrients, branched-chain amino acids in association with vitamin D, medium-chain triglycerides and nutraceuticals, demonstrate significant efficacy against age-associated diseases, including cognitive impairment, sarcopenia, frailty and so on. In summary, this Reprint serves as a platform to enhance understanding of the biological factors and pathogenic mechanisms involved in aging and age-related diseases, offering meaningful insights into dietary approaches for the prevention and management of geriatric diseases.
Dangerous Miracle
Oxford University biologist Liam Shaw tells the fascinating history of antibiotics--and how we burned through them. The discovery of antibiotics was one of humanity's greatest achievements. Since their advent less than a century ago, antibiotics have saved millions of lives, marking one of the greatest medical advances in our history. But much like oil in the previous century, they were not invented but discovered--the most effective antibiotics were found in nature, made by microbes. Antibiotics have been a cheap everlasting fuel that has powered modern medicine, but at a cost. For antibiotics aren't like other drugs. Every time we used them, we increased the possibility of antibiotic resistance emerging. Every time we used them, we were risking their future effectiveness. Even if it didn't seem like it, there was only ever a finite supply. Antibiotics are the fossil fuels of medicine: they are "fossil drugs." How did we get here? In order to understand the future of antibiotics, we need to understand their past. Dangerous Miracle tells the story of antibiotics: weaving the grand arc of their evolution over millions of years with a history of the past century. Antibiotic resistance shows how easily bacteria have been able to undo human progress. If we want antibiotics to have a future, we need to prepare to adapt accordingly. And fast. Dangerous Miracle is a revelatory account of the miraculous history and uncertain future of antibiotics from a young and gifted Oxford biologist.
On the Origin of Species
"...from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved" Considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology, On the Origin of Species, was published in 1859. This work of scientific literature by Charles Darwin introduced the theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. In this seminal work, considered to be the groundwork of evolutionary biology, Darwin unveils his revolutionary theory, illuminating the intricate mechanisms driving the diversity of life on Earth. It gave evidence that the variety of life resulted from a common descent via a branching model of evolution. Darwin incorporated facts that he had collected on the Beagle mission in the 1830s and his succeeding findings from research, correspondence, and experimentation. In his theory of natural selection, Darwin challenged orthodox thought in stating that no being or species has been specifically created; all are locked into a pitiless struggle for existence, with extinction looming for those who are not fit for the task. Yet, there is also a humane and inspirational vision of ecological interrelatedness. Revealed are the complex mutual interdependencies between animal and plant life, climate and physical environment, and-by implication-within the human world. This timeless masterpiece remains one of the founding documents of the modern ages. It is both engaging and enlightening, combining science with the subtlety of literature and continues to captivate and inspire not only scientific inquiry, but curious minds throughout the world. Darwin consolidated a lifetime of work in On the Origin of Species, compiling his discoveries from the voyage of the Beagle, his experiments, research and correspondence. He argues for the transmutation of species over time by the process of natural selection. His work laid the foundation of evolutionary biology, though when it was published it caused tremendous religious and philosophical debates. Darwin's work is still seen by many people to oppose Christian beliefs.
Reproduction in Flowering Plants
This book aims to explore the essential processes of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, from the structure of flowers and mechanisms of pollination to the complex events of fertilization and seed development. By examining these processes, we gain insight into how plants interact with their environment and adapt to changing conditions. Understanding these reproductive mechanisms is not only vital for botanists but also for anyone invested in agriculture, conservation, and environmental sustainability. As we face pressing global challenges, such as climate change and habitat loss, the knowledge contained within these pages can help us appreciate the importance of preserving plant diversity.
50 Human Brain Ideas You Really Need to Know
Master the ideas central to understanding the human brain. In a series of 50 accessible essays, Mo Costandi introduces and explains all we know about the brain and how it works, outlining both long-standing theories and cutting-edge ideas. From the function of neurons and synaptic transmission, to the nervous system and personality, 50 Human Brain Ideas You Really Need to Know is a complete introduction to the most powerful and mysterious organ in the body.
50 Genetics Ideas You Really Need to Know
Master the ideas that have shaped the study of genetics today. In a series of 50 accessible essays, Mark Henderson and Helen Sims introduce and explain the central ideas of genetics, beginning with the theory of evolution to the very latest, cutting-edge developments in gene therapy and artificial life. From the double helix and how nature and nurture work together, to genetic testing and race, 50 Genetics Ideas You Really Need to Know is a complete introduction to this young and ground-breaking strand of science.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Food Industry
With breakthroughs of artificial intelligence (AI) under the fourth industrial revolution, intelligent applications are providing innovative solutions for the food industry. AI is able to support the positive transformation and upgrading of food technologies alongside the digitization, automatization, and intelligence of the food industry in light of its powerful perceiving, reasoning, and decision-making capabilities. Novel applications based on AI are changing all activities in the food industry, ranging from production to processing and packaging, transporting and storing, and consuming and disposing, benefiting all actors in food industry. Combined with technologies such as the internet of things (IoT) and big data, AI is facilitating the development of new recipes and food, food process simulation and optimization, food quality and safety monitoring, etc. This Special Issue, "Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Food Industry", focuses on advancing novel methods and applications in the food industry at the intersection of food and AI.
Photodynamic Therapy 2.0
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a widely documented and well-coated treatment for various diseases, including oncological and non-oncological ones. It is based on the cytotoxic action of hyperactive oxygen species, such as singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals, generated by the transfer of energy and/or electrons from the photoexcited oxygen sensitizer. The efficacy of PDT is attributed to three main mechanisms: direct death of tumor cells or inflammation, damage to tumor vessels, and an immunological response associated with the stimulation of leukocytes and the release of interleukins and other cytokines, growth factors, complement components, acute-phase proteins, and other immunoregulators. The first successful edition of "Photodynamic Therapy 2.0" covers all aspects of PDT, including the discovery of new natural and synthetic photosensitizers, biomaterials, nanotechnology, in vitro and in vivo studies, and clinical trials. The collaboration of all parties in this volume will strengthen and stimulate further research in the field of photodynamic therapy.
Microbial Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in the Environment
Antimicrobial resistance is considered to be one of the major global challenges of the 21st century. Though a large volume of research has already been published, gaps in our knowledge remain, particularly in certain settings, such as our understanding of how selection can influence the One Health paradigm. Describing the nature of microbial communities in different environments, understanding their resistance profiles or resistome, and those factors influencing the emergence and spread of resistance is crucial to enable the development of tools carefully designed to address this challenge.This Special Issue of Microorganisms on "Microbial Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in the Environment" compiles the latest research, and to provide scientific opinion on bacteriological topics related to antimicrobial resistance in different ecological niche settings.
Plant Responses to a Changing Climate
Anthropogenic climate change is already having a profound impact on natural ecosystems, disrupting important ecological processes, altering the ecosystem functionality, and accelerating biodiversity loss. Being directly affected by changing climate, plants play a central role in ecosystem responses to these environmental changes. This reprint provides a multidisciplinary overview of plant responses to climate change, encompassing physiological, phenological, and biogeographical aspects. The collected articles examine trait plasticity, stress tolerance mechanisms, and species distribution dynamics across a range of ecosystems and climate scenarios. Through experimental approaches, ecological modelling, and remote sensing, the presented studies shed light on both the current impacts and future trajectories of climate-induced changes in plant systems. Together, they provide valuable insights into the resilience and vulnerability of species and the broader ecological consequences of climate change. The results presented here provide a critical foundation for guiding future research and updating conservation strategies aimed at mitigating biodiversity loss in the face of ongoing climate change.
Viral Strategies and Cellular Countermeasures that Regulate mRNA Access to the Translation Apparatus
Viruses employ a variety of mechanisms to gain access to the cellular translation apparatus and to restrict translation of cellular mRNAs to suppress innate immune responses to infection, whereas cells have evolved countermeasures to prevent viral translation. This Special Issue consists of a series of research papers and reviews from leading experts that advance understanding of the dynamic interplay between viruses and their hosts that underlie aspects of infection, including viral replication, pathogenesis and host range.
Photodynamic Therapy (3rd Edition)
Oncological and non-oncological diseases, such as macular degeneration, esophageal and lung cancer, basal cell carcinoma, keratoses, bacterial, fungal, viral, immunological, or inflammatory infections, chronic wounds, and photorejuvenation in cosmetology, are all examples of conditions that can be treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT), which has been extensively researched and extensively documented. The deadly impact of hyperactive oxygen species, such as singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals, is the foundation of photodynamic therapy (PDT). These highly reactive oxygen species are produced by the transfer of energy and/or electrons from a photoexcited oxygen sensitizer. Direct cell death or inflammation, damage to tumor vessels, and an immunological response associated with leukocyte stimulation and the release of interleukins and other cytokines, growth factors, complement components, acute-phase proteins, and other immunoregulators are the three primary mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT). The third volume of this Special Issue will address all elements of photodynamic therapy (PDT), including the discovery of novel natural and synthetic photosensitizers, biomaterials and nanotechnology, clinical trials, and investigations conducted in vitro and in vivo. Through the publication of this Reprint, the field of photodynamic treatment will be strengthened and additional study will be stimulated.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Analytical Technology
This Reprint aims to cover all aspects of pharmaceutical analysis, including the latest developments and advances in the field. It will highlight the crucial role of analytical methods in assessing the quality of pharmaceutical products, ensuring that safe and effective drugs are released to the market. In the same context, the analytical techniques are necessary in determining pharmaceutical drugs. The design of experiments approach (DOE) is a reference point of systematic innovation. This powerful statistical tool goes beyond traditional experimentation, offering a structured approach to optimizing and validating analytical methodologies and stability testing. Additionally, it ensures the meticulous and accurate quantification of drug constituents, enhances product quality, and empowers data-driven decisions.In this Reprint, leading experts in the field share their insights, research findings and visions for the future, with a particular focus on quantitative and qualitative analyses involving sample preparation, analytical instrumentation and the application of multivariate statistical and chemometric tools in the analysis of pharmaceuticals and data processing. This contributes to increasing the interest in and renown of leaders in the field, as well as stimulating interdisciplinary discussions, as has been the tradition for many years. All new challenges and advances in pharmaceutical analysis must meet the highest quality standards.
Vermicompost in Sustainable Crop Production
Sustainable crop production requires new means of fertilization in light of both the use of renewable resources and improving soil quality. The processing of biological waste by the concerted action of earthworms and microorganisms leads to the production of vermicompost-an organic fertilizer with high microbiological activity and rich in mineral nutrients and humic substances. Vermicompost is an extremely promising type of amendment, as evidenced by many studies at laboratory and field scales, in addition to the results of practical application. In organic farming, vermicompost can be used as a basal soil fertilizer, providing plant-available mineral nutrients and organic matter as a source for additional nutrients and microbiological activity. In conventional farming practices, vermicompost can substitute chemical fertilizers. It is evident that the benefits derived from the application of vermicompost in agriculture are related to direct and indirect effects on crop plants, in addition to the improvement of soil properties, leading to a long-term increase in soil sustainability. However, the lack of understanding of specific mechanisms of beneficial influence hinders the ability to scientifically predict the outcome of vermicompost application in different crop production systems. Additional scientific knowledge is therefore necessary to characterize the functional relationships involved in vermicompost production and after its application in soil in order to ensure the quality of this organic fertilizer for wider use.
Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production
In recent years, demand for organic products has grown, as consumers consider them to be safer and healthier than conventional ones. Research has been conducted over the years to investigate old and new reliable systems for testing the authenticity of products obtained using organic cultivation methods.This Special Issue contains original research articles, communications, and review articles on different agronomic practices and techniques (such as fertilization and pest management) that address crop authenticity in organic agriculture. Research that focuses on the application of approaches to tracking chemical components derived from the primary and/or secondary metabolism of organic and conventional products are included. The SI also includes papers that discuss the isotopic distribution of elements and that highlight the diversity induced by conventional and organic production techniques with the final aim of establishing new tools for organic horticultural crop characterization and authenticity. The use of innovative spectroscopic techniques and metabolomics and the application of sustainable agronomic practices in organic cropping systems are reported. Finally, the SI also reports data analysis through chemometrics tools that enable the validation of multivariate implemented approaches for organic crop authenticity.
Strategies for Nutrient Use Efficiency Improvement in Plants
This reprint aims to introduce the readers to the latest research in approaches to and strategies for the improvement of nutrient use efficiency in plants. Fertilizer management, crop system change, and the selection of high nutrient-use-efficient varieties are all useful strategies for the improvement of nutrient use efficiency in plants. Therefore, in this reprint, research groups from around the world have investigated the effects of different fertilizer management strategies on plant growth, yield production, physiological response, and nutrient transfer and utilization, as well as the evaluation of nutrient use efficiency in different plant species and varieties. The knowledge gained is a perfect addition to nutrient use efficiency improvement in plants, and can be applied for practical use in food production, soil improvement, and the breeding of superior varieties in agriculture and forestry.
Integrated Pest Management in Agricultural Crops and Forest Ecosystems
The overuse of synthetic pesticides to control noxious arthropods in agroecosystems is of major importance due to health and environmental issues. Apart from concerns related to the negative impact of pesticides on humans, agricultural or domestic animals, and the environment, they can also induce irreversible damage to beneficial organisms (e.g., parasitoids, predators, pollinators), disrupting the overall ecological stability of both forest ecosystems and agroecosystems. This impact is further magnified by the repeated application of insecticides that facilitates the emergence and development of resistance, particularly in agroecosystems. It is thus mandatory to develop alternative, environmentally friendly approaches (e.g., classical biological control, pheromone-based networks, green insecticidal formulations) that can be incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) in target ecosystems.
Inner Sense
"A fascinating look at the power of the body to influence our mind--and even affect how we see the world."--Janice Kaplan, New York Times bestselling author of The Gratitude Diaries and What Your Body Knows About Happiness Discover your elusive "sixth sense"--your brain's ability to perceive and interpret bodily sensations like hunger and thirst--and how to rewire your mind-body connection for optimal health. Are you able to recognize your own heartbeat? What about thirst? In Inner Sense, science communicator Caroline Williams explains that some people are so insensitive to internal cues that they struggle to recognize basic needs like hunger or fatigue. While others only notice their body's signals when they become overwhelming. This disconnect between the brain's predictions and the body's sensations can lead to mental and physical health challenges, from chronic fatigue, to anxiety, to eating disorders. If this sounds like you--don't worry. It's not too late to tap into your interoceptive awareness. In this practical, science-backed book, you will learn ... - How to harness one of the most important functions of your body: its sixth sense, known to scientists as interoception. - How the mind-body connection is a two-way street, with the brain and body in a constant flow of communication. - How to perceive and interpret physical processes like heartbeat and breath. - How to pick up on and respond to physical cues like hunger and thirst. - How to identify emotions that express themselves physically such as panic or rage. - How pain works in your body and in your brain. - How internal sensations influence your thoughts and actions--and how to learn and harness interoceptive awareness. Inner Sense delves into the fascinating field of interoception, speaking with doctors, scientists, and researchers about how our internal sensations influence our thoughts and actions--and how we can harness interoceptive awareness to improve health, relationships, and society as a whole. Williams explores cutting-edge interventions like mindfulness, biofeedback, targeted exercise, and even psychedelic therapy, which hold the potential to help us regulate emotions, reduce stress, and live better lives.
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in Forest Habitats
In this special issue, ecology and wildlife conservation in forest habitats is considered as multifunctional connections of organisms in the perspective of their conservation. The diversity and specificity of research methods enable us to investigate the ecological connections between animals and plants and other organisms in-depth. These approaches rely on biodiversity and varying relationships to solve global natural problems, while simultaneously providing environmental, social, and economic perspectives and helping to enhance the sustainability of forest ecosystems. However, for the effective protection of wildlife, it is necessary to introduce new approaches and update existing methods in order to eliminate gaps in research. This issue highlights the results of studies presenting new data and methods related to the quantitative assessment of the conservation of entire natural complexes or individual species in natural forest or suburban habitats.
Ecology and Evolution
Principles of Biology Ecology and Evolution is a lab manual that provides innovative and succinct lab coursework for core topics in intermediate biology, including: Using the Scientific Method Microscopes & Micro-CommunitiesHardy-Weinberg & Natural Selection Oregon Coast Phylogenetics Bacterial DiversityProtistan Diversity Invertebrate Communities Ecosystems & Energy FlowDesigned by faculty for use in their own classroom, this lab manual offers high-quality materials at affordable prices.
