The Secret Life of the Universe
One of the world's leading astrobiologists takes us on an awe-inspiring journey across the cosmos to investigate some of humanity's most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe? And how did life on Earth begin?We are in a golden age in astronomy, living on the cusp of breakthroughs that will revolutionize our understanding of our place in the cosmos. Yet a profound question remains: Are we alone in the universe? We have never been closer to answering this question. In The Secret Life of the Universe, celebrated astrobiologist and the director of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute Nathalie A. Cabrol takes us to the frontiers of the search for life. The book's odyssey begins by exploring how life began on Earth in order to understand what's necessary for its existence elsewhere. What role did our moon play? And could life on Mars have seeded life on Earth? Cabrol continues this dazzling interplanetary tour, illuminating the likeliest places for life in our neighborhood: While Mars and the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn are among the top contenders, recent missions are redefining the limits of habitability to include unexpected worlds. Finally, we seek life beyond our solar system, becoming witness to a revolution in the night sky: the realization that there are as many planets as stars in our galaxy. With more than 300 million exoplanets in the habitable zone of their stars in the Milky Way alone, to think we are alone, or the only advanced intelligent civilization, may be little more than nonsense. The Secret Life of the Universe is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the search for life--"a mind-altering and exhilarating read for anyone who has ever wondered: are we alone?" (Helen Macdonald, author of H Is for Hawk).
Green Biorefinery Solutions
This book delves into the innovative concept of biorefineries as a sustainable approach for managing biodegradable waste and producing valuable resources. It highlights the pressing need to address environmental challenges, such as waste accumulation and resource depletion while meeting the increasing demand for renewable energy and bio-based products. The book introduces the concept of biorefineries, which are analogous to conventional oil refineries but focus on converting biomass and biodegradable waste into a range of high-value products. These products include biofuels, biochemicals, bioplastics, biofertilizers, and other materials that can replace fossil-derived equivalents. The author explores various technological pathways and processes involved in efficiently transforming different types of biodegradable waste, such as agricultural residues, food waste, and organic byproducts, into usable resources. Readers are guided through the principles of biorefinery design, integration of various unit operations, and the optimization of conversion processes to achieve maximum resource utilization and minimal environmental impact. The book emphasizes the importance of circular economy concepts, where waste is considered a valuable input rather than a burden. It also discusses the economic, social, and environmental benefits of adopting biorefinery solutions in different sectors, from agriculture to industry. The book is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and students interested in exploring innovative approaches to waste management, resource recovery, and the transition towards a more sustainable and circular bioeconomy. By highlighting the transformative potential of biorefineries, the book contributes to the ongoing dialogue on creating a more environmentally conscious and resource-efficient future.
Breaking the Chains of Aging
Oxygen fuels our bodies with life-giving energy - but at a hidden cost: over time, it also slowly degrades the very systems it powers. Breathing oxygen generates a energy by burning our food but at the same time oxygen relentlessly wears out all parts of our biochemical machinery.Breaking the chains of aging explains how the most pernicious type of biological oxidative damage is lipid peroxidation (LPO), as it is the only example of the non-enzymatic chain reaction. The exponential nature of LPO, which once ignited generates multiple damage, makes antioxidants inefficient. The body does not invest enough into cleanup processes, so the waste products of LPO accumulate with time, accelerating the aging process. Lipid peroxidation affects multiple organs and cellular structures - including the brain, eyes, skin, and mitochondria - as well as key biological processes like sleep regulation, pain perception, inflammation, and aging. Drawing on 3 decades of experience in academia and commerce Mikhail Shchepinov provides an overview of the underlying biochemical processes, and describes a novel approach to mitigating the LPO-inflicted damage. Breaking the chains of aging will be of interest to all those with an interest in the process of aging.
RNA Analysis
This volume explores the latest technologies for RNA analysis, covering fundamental techniques and innovative approaches that expand our understanding of RNA biology. The chapters in this book are organized into four parts: reverse transcription and RNA capture methods; high-throughput sequencing methods; RNA maturation: splicing, polyadenylation, and epitranscriptomic modifications; and RNA surveillance: nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. These chapters aim to provide detailed protocols for select techniques used by molecular and computational biologists to isolate, amplify, detect, modify, and analyze RNA to gain insight into a wide range of cellular functions. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, RNA Analysis: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for students, technicians, and senior scientists who want to learn more about this dynamic field of RNA research.
Histological TechniqueA Guide For Use In A Laboratory Course In Histology
Insecticide, Acaricide, Repellent and Antimicrobial Development
The Origin of Language
In a radical new story about the birth of our species, The Origin of Language argues that it was not hunting, fighting, or tool-making that forced early humans to speak, but the inescapable need to care for our children. Journeying to the dawn of Homo sapiens, evolutionary biologist Madeleine Beekman reveals the "happy accidents" hidden in our molecular biology--DNA, chromosomes, and proteins--that led to one of the most fateful events in the history of life on Earth: our giving birth to babies earlier in their development than our hominid cousins the Neanderthals and Denisovans. Faced with highly dependent infants requiring years of nurturing and protection, early human communities needed to cooperate and coordinate, and it was this unprecedented need for communication that triggered the creation of human language--and changed everything. Infused with cutting-edge science, sharp humor, and insights into the history of biology and its luminaries, Beekman weaves a narrative that's both enlightening and entertaining. Challenging the traditional theories of male luminaries like Chomksy, Pinker, and Harari, she invites us into the intricate world of molecular biology and its ancient secrets. The Origin of Language is a tour de force by a brilliant biologist on how a culture of cooperation and care have shaped our existence. "The Origin of Language is a tour de force. At its core it seeks to explain the origin of language. But, by linking our patterns of sociality, behavior, development, and communication it is a celebration of humanity's origins. Reading Madeleine Beekman's book, you will never look at babies--and their utterances--the same way ever again." --Neil Shubin, evolutionary biologist and author of Your Inner Fish
Whole Cell Biocatalysis
Whole Cell Biocatalysis, a volume in the Foundations and Frontiers of Enzymology series, offers a detailed overview of the process of biocatalysis using whole cells as an alternative to enzyme biocatalysis. The book examines the potential applications and advantages of whole cell biocatalysis, including its use in the production of fine chemicals, renewable energy, and drug discovery and development. Whole cell biocatalysis for large scale production and non-conventional media are also covered. In addition, the latest methods and techniques are investigated, including cell immobilization, permeabilization, synthetic biology, computational metabolic engineering, and molecular genetics. This book provides a comprehensive summary on whole cell biocatalysis and the latest developments in this emerging field. It is an invaluable reference for researchers working across biochemistry, enzymology, biotechnology, and related fields.
Circadian Rhythms in Health and Disease
Circadian Rhythms in Health and Disease, Volume 393 in the International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters written by an international board of authors. Chapters in this new release include Circadian Rhythms in Cardiac Health and Disease, Liver as a nexus of daily metabolic cross talk, Non-rhythmic modulators of the circadian system: A new class of circadian modulators, The emerging role of circadian rhythms in exosome-mediated cellular crosstalk, Circadian rhythms and muscle health, and Output circuits from the suprachiasmatic nucleus controlling diverse physiological functions.
Haemoglobin; a Symposium Based on a Conference Held at Cambridge in June 1948 in Memory of Sir Joseph Barcroft
Tendon Regeneration
Tendon Regeneration: Understanding Tissue Physiology and Development to Engineer Functional Substitutes was the first book to highlight the multi-disciplinary nature of this specialized field and the importance of collaboration between medical and engineering laboratories in the development of tissue-oriented products for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) strategies.Beginning with a foundation in developmental biology, the book explores physiology, pathology, and surgical reconstruction, providing guidance on biological approaches that enhances tendon regeneration practices. Contributions from scientists, clinicians, and engineers who are the leading figures in their respective field's present recent findings in tendon stem cells, cell therapies, and scaffold treatments, as well as examples of pre-clinical models for translational therapies and a view of the future of the field.New coverage will include signaling pathways for tendon development, molecular mechanisms of tendinopathy, inflammation contribution to healing and pathology of tendons, tendon aging and degeneration, tendon models, and translational studies for tendon regenerative medicine.
Biotechnology for Fruit, Vegetable and Spice Crops
Biotechnology has revolutionized horticulture by enhancing the productivity, resilience and nutritional quality of fruit, vegetable and spice crops. This comprehensive volume provides an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge biotechnological advancements that are reshaping horticultural science. From genomics-driven crop improvement to the development of functional foods, this book presents a meticulously curated compilation of research and methodologies addressing key challenges and opportunities in modern horticulture. By integrating molecular techniques, plant-microbe interactions, and bioprocess innovations, this book provides a unique perspective on sustainable and precision-driven horticultural practices.Key Features Insights into genomic approaches for understanding abiotic stress tolerance and developing climate-resilient varieties. Advances in tissue culture, marker-assisted selection and genome editing for apple, grapevine and potato breeding. Molecular and biocontrol strategies for tackling major threats, such as root rot disease in apples. Applications of soilless cultivation techniques and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to optimize crop yield and quality. Biotechnological tools for developing probiotic-enriched fruits and vegetables and the valorization of non-grape fruit wines. With contributions from leading researchers, this book serves as an essential reference for graduate students, academics and professionals in plant biotechnology, horticulture and food science. It provides a valuable resource for those seeking to harness the power of biotechnology to drive sustainable innovation in horticultural crop production.
Histological TechniqueA Guide For Use In A Laboratory Course In Histology
Brachyuran Crabs of Porto Rico and the Virgin Islands Volume v.15, pt.1
Water Buffalo Welfare, Strategies to Improve Health, Behavior, Productivity, and Food Quality and Safety
Skin Sensitization Testing Using New Approach Methodologies
Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass
The Special Issue, entitled "Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass", presents a cutting-edge exploration of the transformative potential of organic waste streams and biomass in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. Bridging microbiology, environmental engineering, and renewable energy science, this Special Issue reprint examines how liquid waste and lignocellulosic or biomass can be converted into clean, sustainable energy. Rooted in circular economy principles and environmental stewardship, it explores both the scientific foundations and technological innovations of waste-to-energy strategies. Core themes include anaerobic digestion, thermochemical conversion, bioenergy systems, and the use of advanced biocatalysts for improved energy yields. Emphasis is placed on emissions control and byproduct valorisation, promoting a holistic sustainability model. Authored by leading experts, each chapter guides readers from theory to application, supported by real-world case studies. The Special Issue reprint also critically reviews policy frameworks, economic drivers, and life cycle impacts, offering insights into aligning innovation with environmental governance. Designed for researchers, graduate students, practitioners, and policymakers in this field, this volume serves as both a foundational reference and a forward-looking guide. As the world confronts climate change, energy insecurity, and resource depletion, this work stands as a timely and authoritative contribution to the pursuit of resilient and inclusive energy systems.
