Food Proteomics
Food Proteomics: Technological Advances, Current Applications and Future Perspectives addresses many of the food proteomic issues in the industry today. Food proteomics continues to be an emerging field, becoming increasingly important in product innovation, food safety, food quality and health. The book is divided into sections describing the role of proteomics in the field of food science, conceptual background methodological aspects, and bioinformatic tools employed in the field. The book describes proteomic studies collected from the most relevant animal and vegetables species in food production and discusses important food challenges from a proteomic point-of-view. This is an essential and practical reference that provides analytical tools to help introduce technical innovations in the food industry with the latest scientific information useful and accessible to new researchers in the field as well as advanced.
Why Dna?
Information is central to the evolution of biological complexity, a physical system relying on a continuous supply of energy. Biology provides superb examples of the consequent Darwinian selection of mechanisms for efficient energy utilisation. Genetic information, underpinned by the Watson-Crick base-pairing rules is largely encoded by DNA, a molecule uniquely adapted to its roles in information storage and utilisation.This volume addresses two fundamental questions. Firstly, what properties of the molecule have enabled it to become the predominant genetic material in the biological world today and secondly, to what extent have the informational properties of the molecule contributed to the expansion of biological diversity and the stability of ecosystems. The author argues that bringing these two seemingly unrelated topics together enables Schr繹dinger's What is Life?, published before the structure of DNA was known, to be revisited and his ideas examined in the context of our current biological understanding.
The Liars of Nature and the Nature of Liars
A natural history of cheating from selfish genes to lying politicians Nature is rife with cheating. Possums play possum, feigning death to cheat predators. Crows cry wolf to scare off rivals. Amphibians and reptiles are inveterate impostors. Even genes and cells cheat. The Liars of Nature and the Nature of Liars explores the evolution of cheating in the natural world, revealing how dishonesty has given rise to wondrous diversity. Blending cutting-edge science with a wealth of illuminating examples--from microscopic organisms to highly intelligent birds and mammals--Lixing Sun shows how cheating in nature relies on two basic rules. One is lying, by which cheaters exploit honest messages in communication signals and use them to serve their own interests. The other is deceiving, by which cheaters exploit the biases and loopholes in the sensory systems of other creatures. Sun demonstrates that cheating serves as a potent catalyst in the evolutionary arms race between the cheating and the cheated, resulting in a biological world teeming with complexity and beauty. Brimming with insight and humor, The Liars of Nature and the Nature of Liars also looks at the prevalence of cheating in human society, identifying the kinds of cheating that spur innovation and cultural vitality and laying down a blueprint for combatting malicious cheating such as fake news and disinformation.
Bone Marrow Environment
This volume brings together classical and cutting-edge protocols on the spatio-temporal study of the cellular subsets constituting the bone and the marrow in both mouse and human. Chapters details methods on bone marrow (BM) ecosystem, to label, sort, analyse, and culture specific cell subsets as well as techniques allowing the evaluation of the function of some of the cellular elements of the BM. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Bone Marrow Environment: Methods and Protocols aims to help new investigators to pursue the characterization of the BM microenvironment in the coming years.
The Myc Gene
This second edition provides new and updated chapters detailing recent advances in MYC research and current techniques. Chapters guide readers through protocols on how to express and purify MYC protein, X-ray crystallography, NMR, techniques to study how MYC is modified, apoptosis, senescence, proliferation, metabolic changes, translation, tumorigenesis, reprogramming, and clinical application of MYC studies.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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, The Myc Gene: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.
Microbe
Microbe Microbe THIRD EDITION Brings the excitement, breadth, and power of the modern microbial sciences to the next generation of students and scientists. This third edition of the bestselling Microbe textbook is an eloquent and highly readable introduction to microbiology that will engage and excite science majors and pre-health professionals. The authors have carefully crafted a lively narrative with stunning, detailed illustrations to bring key concepts to life and promote a lifelong passion for the microbial sciences. Microbe is replete with case studies, ranging from a MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) outbreak in an NFL locker room to the search for life outside of Earth, that illustrate relevant microbiology concepts in real-world scenarios. To further engage students and deepen their understanding of both the principles and practice of science, each chapter includes activities that encourage students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge of the topics presented. Questions are posed throughout each chapter to introduce important subjects and to prompt students to actively participate in the learning experience. This new edition also features highlight boxes exploring the varied roles and applications of microbes at work in our world as well as profiles of the diverse array of individuals who work in and adjacent to the field of microbiology. An equally valuable tool for instructors of all classroom modalities, Microbe integrates key concepts, learning outcomes, and fundamental statements directly from the ASM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Microbiology. The new edition also provides robust instructor materials, including slides with figures and tables from the text, access to more than 250 peer-reviewed questions for microbiology education, and an instructors' manual featuring answers for end-of-chapter questions as well as supplemental exercises and resources to challenge students to dig deeper into their understanding of the material. "This is a fantastic text that makes microbiology accessible to students. The new edition highlights a One Health perspective and the impact of microbiology on society and the human experience. The stories of Microbiologists at Work reflect the diversity of individuals making contributions to the field through a range of career paths. The conversational, engaging writing style; the learning outcomes that provide roadmaps for guided reading; and the clear, concise figures make this a text my students enjoy."--Mary E. Allen, Professor of Biology & Coordinator of Academic Assessment, Hartwick College "Microbe is one of the best undergraduate textbooks I have used to teach microbial metabolism. It has the perfect mix of examples from both the research literature and the real world for explaining challenging concepts to students. The new human gut microbiome chapter is amazing and does a great job of tying in concepts students learn in earlier chapters."--Kersten Schroeder, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences-College of Medicine, University of Central Florida
Biofuels and Biodiesel
This volume provides methods and protocols on principle, production, molecular aspects, and sustainability of biofuel and biodiesel. Chapters are divided into four sections detailing biofuel production, biodiesel production, molecular genetics, biotechnology of biofuel and biodiesel production, economics, and sustainability of biofuel production. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Biofuels and Biodiesel aims to be useful for researchers, students, and enthusiasts in the field of biofuel and biodiesel.
Histopathology of Aquatic Animals
Histopathological studies of aquatic animals refer to the microscopic examination of tissues and organs in order to detect deviations from the expected microscopic or macroscopic structure. Information obtained from the study of histomorphological lesions in aquatic animals can be a useful addition when determining the general state of health of aquatic animals, especially if chronic stressors and/or pathogens are present. Compared to mammals, postmortem autolysis progresses very rapidly in most aquatic organisms. This fact makes histopathological examination quite complex and demanding, not only in a histotechnical sense. A prerequisite for a successful study is the baseline knowledge of physiological processes and histological architecture of the studied species. Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is to contribute to the current state of knowledge on the histopathology of aquatic animals and to provide a professional and encyclopedic tool for biologists and veterinarians.
Pericytes
This volume explores the techniques used to study human and animal pericytes. Chapters in this volume cover a range of topics such as pericyte dissociation from tissues, and analysis by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry; avian chimaeras to investigate the embryonic development of cell lineage; pericyte purification by fluorescence activated cell sorting and ensuing culture; tissue turnover and regeneration; and the dynamic study of pericyte involvement in cancer dissemination, in situ, and in culture. 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. Authoritative and practical, Pericytes: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource that helps researchers define the biologic identity, functions, and potentials ofa cell lineage of increasing interest and therapeutic significance.
Neuronal Cell Culture
This second edition volume details the latest aspects of neural cells covering the practical and theoretical considerations of each techniques involved. Chapters guide readers through a general overview of the neuronal culturing principles, cell line models for neural cells, the isolation and propagation of primary cultures, stem cells, transfection and transduction of neural cultures, and other more advanced techniques. 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. Practical and easy to use, Neuronal Cell Culture: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to be of interest to scientists at all levels studying cell culture models for neuroscientific studies.
A Mathematical Approach to Special Relativity
A Mathematical Approach to Special Relativity introduces the mathematical formalisms of special and general relativity. Developed from the author's experience teaching physics to students across all levels, the valuable resource introduces key concepts, building in complexity and using increasingly advanced mathematical tools as it progresses. Without assuming a background in calculus, the text begins with symmetry, before delving more deeply into Galilean relativity. Throughout, the book provides examples and useful "Guides to the Literature." This unique text emphasizes the experimental consequences and verifications of the underpinning theory in order to provide students with a solid foundation in this key area.
Healthcare Systems Design of Intelligent Testing Centers
Healthcare Systems Design of Intelligent Testing Centers: Latest Technologies to Battle Pandemics such as Covid-19 highlights the importance of designing intelligent testing centers requiring no human intervention during sample collection and testing of the Covid-19 virus and all similar viruses. This book introduces the background, medical requirements, and new research on medical robotics applications, including general Covid-19 testing techniques, development considerations for intelligent testing booths, kinematic and dynamic modeling, design specifications and optimization, numerical verifications, actuators, and sensors in medical applications of artificial intelligence and robotics systems.
New Strategies for Innovative and Enhanced Meat and Meat Products
Meat and meat products are an important part of the human diet. Even though non-essential, they provide high amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals in a concentrated form. However, the consumption of meat and meat products has been associated with an increased risk of health-related problems. Once the harmful components of meat and meat products are elucidated, novel technologies can help in identifying, removing, replacing, and/or minimising their deleterious effects. In addition, meat products can be and are being utilised as carriers of added bioactive compounds due to their processing versatility and high worldwide consumption. New strategies in the field of meat and meat product development are certainly needed in order to overcome not only the health-related problems these products might contribute to, but also from the sustainability and economy perspective. This book compiles ten original studies and two comprehensive reviews that will tackle some of these issues.
New Trends in Photo(Electro)catalysis
This reprint focuses on new trends in photo-electrocatalysis, specifically addressed to the remediation of wastewater and energy production. The remediation of wastewater, up to a level that is acceptable for discharge into receiving waterbodies, involves an ever-growing demand of energy, so effective and low-energy treatment processes are highly desirable. Among the other treatments, photo- and photo-electrochemical treatment processes may be considered as advanced oxidation processes (AOP), which are based on the generation of OH radicals, strong oxidizing agents able to indiscriminately degrade even the most persistent organic compounds. Photocatalysis and photo-electrocatalysis can be considered as effective methods for organic degradation, especially when the semiconductor is active in the range of visible light. Several results are presented on new morphologies and structures, which allow more photoactive, visibly responsive, and stable materials, as well as studies on combined processes in which photo- or photo-electrochemistry contribute to an increase in the sustainability of the whole process, lowering costs and achieving the most valuable final products. In view of the circular economy concept, microbial fuel cell systems are also considered as possible way to recover energy from organic pollutants contained in wastewater.
Recent Advances and Future Trends in Fermented and Functional Foods
Health and wellness are among the core segments of quickly-changing consumer goods, with ever-increasing health consciousness among consumers around the globe. Functional foods and beverages, formulated from natural ingredients with targeted physiological functions, are at the heart of research and development in the food industry. The application of modern biotechnology methods in the food and agricultural industry is expected to alleviate hunger today and help avoid mass starvation in the future. Modern food biotechnology has in recent years been transforming existing methods of food production and preparation far beyond the traditional scope. Currently, at the global level, food biotechnological research has focused on traditional process optimization (starter culture development, enzymology, fermentation), food safety and quality, nutritional quality improvement, functional foods, and food preservation (improving shelf life). The fermentation of substrates considered for human consumption has been applied for centuries as a process that enhances shelf life, sensory properties, and nutritional value. Special emphasis has also been given to newly growing concepts, such as functional foods and probiotics. The application of biotechnology in the food sciences has led to an increase in food production and has enhanced the quality and safety of food.
Coronaviruses Research in BRICS Countries
SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than 105 million people worldwide. During this pandemic, researchers and clinicians have been working to understand the molecular mechanisms that underpin viral pathogenesis by studying viral-host interactions. Now, with the global rollout of various COVID-19 vaccines-based on the neutralization of the spike protein using different technologies-viral immunology and cell-based immunity are being investigated. Researchers are also studying how various SARS-CoV-2 genetic mutations will impact the efficacy of these COVID-19 vaccines. At the same time, various antiviral drugs have been identified or repurposed that have potential as anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatments.BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is the acronym used to associate five major emerging national economies. The BRICS countries are known for their significant influence on regional affairs, including being leaders in scientific and clinical research and innovation. This Special Issue includes researchers from BRICS countries, in particular South Africa, involved in the study of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Original articles, as well as new perspectives or reviews on the matter, were welcomed. Research in the fields of vaccine studies, pathogenesis, genetic mutations, viral immunology, and antiviral drugs were especially encouraged.
Energy Metabolism and Diet
Energy metabolism at whole-body, cellular, and even organelle, i.e., mitochondrial, levels requires adequate regulation in order to maintain or improve (metabolic) health. In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria are key players in energy (ATP) production via oxidative phosphorylation. Both macro- and micronutrients potentially influence energy metabolism and mitochondrial functioning, either as substrates for (oxidative) catabolism or as essential constituents of enzymes or protein complexes involved in (mitochondrial) energy metabolism. This book contains a valuable collection of empirical preclinical and human studies to assist in the development of understanding and progress this area of research on improving health and, more specifically, metabolic health.
Crispr-/Cas9 Based Genome Editing for Treating Genetic Disorders and Diseases
The CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing system is creating a revolution in the science world. In the laboratory, CRISPR-Cas9 can efficiently be used to target specific genes, correct mutations and regulate gene expression of a wide array of cells and organisms, including human cells.
The Future of Coral Reefs
This volume contains a series of papers prepared for presentation at the 14th International Coral Reef Symposium, originally planned for July 2020 in Bremen, Germany, but postponed until 2021 (online) and 2022 (in person) because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It contains a series of papers illustrating the breadth of modern studies on coral reefs and the response of the reef science community to the threats that coral reefs now face, above all from climate change. The first group of papers focus on the biology of a selection of reef organisms, ranging from sea fans to coral dwelling crabs. The next group describe studies of coral communities and ecological interactions in regions as diverse as Florida, Kenya, Colombia, and Norway. Further papers describe investigations into the effects of global warming (in the Maldives and in Timor-Leste) and of other impacts (UV blockers, ocean acidification). The final two papers describe the latest applications of satellite and camera technology to the challenge of mapping and monitoring reefs.
Evolutionary Ecology of Lizards
Except for latitudinal and elevational extremes, lizards range across a vast variety of biotopes worldwide, including environments as disparate as deserts, prairies, temperate woodlands, rainforests, or anthropic habitats. Although most species thrive on the ground, numerous lizards are fossorial, arboreal, and even aquatic, found in either fresh- or seawater. With lizards being ectotherms, accurate thermoregulation and other physiological adaptations are in most cases fundamental for their survival in such a variety of habitats. Moreover, lizard coloration may mediate thermoregulation, reproduction, and social status, among others. Lizards have also evolved some unusual antipredator adaptations, such as tail autotomy. Consequently, the astonishing morphological, ecological, and functional diversity of lizards results from extremely intense selective pressures, oftentimes opposing, many of whose interrelationships have yet to be disentangled. This Special Issue provides the international scientific community with an integrative meeting point to discuss and synthesize the current knowledge on the evolutionary pathways and mechanisms that led to today's lizards.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome (DS), caused by the triplication of chromosome 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Individuals with DS commonly exhibit unique neuropsychological profiles that emerge during specific developmental stages across the lifespan, often characterized by early developmental delay, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, behavior and mental health issues, and age-related cognitive decline, frequently resulting in early-onset Alzheimer's disease. These profiles are unique compared to other individuals with ID and reflect the genetic mechanisms and neuroanatomic features underlying the distinct neuropsychological phenotype associated with DS. This Special Issue aims to highlight the recent advancements in understanding the neuropsychological phenotype associated with DS across the lifespan. The lifespan perspective will cover four developmental stages: (1) early childhood; (2) school age; (3) young adulthood, and (4) older adulthood. Authors contributed cutting-edge original research studies and comprehensive reviews that address a broad range of topics related to DS, including early developmental trajectories, cognitive functioning, language, adaptive skills, behavior and mental health, assessment and diagnosis, age-related cognitive decline, and medical issues related to the neuropsychological phenotype and neuroimaging.
Vertebrate Embryology
The real Hans Spemann, German embryologist (1869-1941), developed a concept of embryonic induction through his experiments on early amphibian embryos which demonstrated neural induction by the primary organizer and evocation of the lens by the optic vesicle. For his discovery of the "organizer" he was awarded the Nobel Peace in Physiology and Medicine in 1935, while he was Professor of Zoology at Freiburg, Germany. In the twenties and early thirties Spemann's laboratory was a mecca for students and investigators entering the new field of experimental embryology.
Microcosmos
"Microcosmos is nothing less than the saga of the life of the planet. Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan have put it all together, literally, in this extraordinary book, which is unlike any treatment of evolution for a general readership that I have encountered before. A fascinating account that we humans should be studying now for clues to our own survival."--From the Foreword by Dr. Lewis Thomas Microcosmos brings together the remarkable discoveries of microbiology in the later decades of the 20th century and the pioneering research of Dr. Margulis to create a vivid new picture of the world that is crucial to our understanding of the future of the planet. Addressed to general readers, the book provides a beautifully written view of evolution as a process based on interdependency and their interconnectedness of all life on the planet.
Advances in Aquatic Invertebrate Stem Cell Research
Aquatic invertebrates represent the largest biodiversity and the widest phylogenetic radiation on Earth, with more than 2 million known species. Up until a few years ago, their use as model organisms in biological research was limited by the paucity of omics data. Recently, the situation has rapidly changed and is still changing. Today, the genomes and various transcriptomes of many aquatic invertebrate species, as well as many recombinant proteins of invertebrate origin, are available. New technologies have revolutionized the available toolbox of research methodologies. This explains the rising interest of researchers in the use of aquatic invertebrates as reliable model organisms. In contrast to the prevalence of diverse oligopotent and unipotent stem cells in vertebrates, aquatic invertebrates (especially non-ecdysozoan invertebrates) exhibit multiple adult cell types with stem cell attributes characterized by multipotency and pluripotency; furthermore, these give rise to cell lineages characteristic of more than a single germ layer, sometimes with somatic and germ line potentials. In addition, unlike vertebrates, aquatic invertebrate adult stem cells are disseminated and widespread inside the animal body, are not associated with a regulatory microenvironment (niche) and do participate in aging and regeneration phenomena. These properties can help us to better understand the processes and phenomena in mammalian stem cell biology, such as natural chimerism and cancer, aging and senescence, immunity and autoimmune responses, which are all difficult to explain or understand in the human context. The COST Action 16203 MARISTEM "Stem cells of marine/aquatic invertebrates: from basic research to innovative applications" started in 2017 with the aim to foster the knowledge of the biology of aquatic invertebrates stem cells and strengthen the European community of researchers on aquatic invertebrate stem cells in order to build innovative ideas relevant to various biomedical disciplines. This book represents one of the deliverables of the Action and collects part of the materials produced during the past 3 years within the network as a tool to disseminate and render available what has been achieved up to now. We hope that this book will be useful to scientists interested in stem cells of non-model organisms, with particular reference to aquatic invertebrates.
TET Proteins and DNA Demethylation
This volume explores the latest methods used to study various aspects of TET proteins and their biology. Chapters in this book are divided into five parts. Part One describes technologies aimed at detecting and quantifying DNA methylation turnover using massively parallel sequencing, ELISA, and mass spectrometry approaches. Part Two looks at data analyses protocols for distinguishing acting versus passive DNA demethylation and estimation of 5mC and 5hmC levels. Part Three deals with a new topic that takes advantage of modified CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing systems to target DNA demethylation activity to genomic loci of interest. Part Four discusses protocols that detail how to purify TET proteins and unravel their protein interactions, and Part Five looks at the assessment of TET protein function and activity in vivo and in vitro. 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 thorough, TET Proteins and DNA Demethylation: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource that aims to help research scientists at all levels working in the fields of DNA demethylation dynamics. Chapters 3, 7 and 17 are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
Conservation and the Genomics of Populations 3rd Edition
The relentless loss of biodiversity is among the greatest problems facing the world today. The third edition of this established textbook provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the essential background, concepts, and tools required to understand how genetics can be used to conserve species, reduce threat of extinction, and manage species of ecological or commercial importance. This edition is thoroughly revised to reflect the major contribution of genomics to conservation of populations and species. It includes two new chapters: "Genetic Monitoring" and a final "Conservation Genetics in Practice" chapter that addresses the role of science and policy in conservation genetics. New genomic techniques and statistical analyses are crucial tools for the conservation geneticist. This accessible and authoritative textbook provides an essential toolkit grounded in population genetics theory, coupled with basic and applied research examples from plants, animals, and microbes. The book examines genetic and phenotypic variation in natural populations, the principles and mechanisms of evolutionary change, evolutionary response to anthropogenic change, and applications in conservation and management. Conservation and the Genomics of Populations helps demystify genetics and genomics for conservation practitioners and early career scientists, so that population genetic theory and new genomic data can help raise the bar in conserving biodiversity in the most critical 20 year period in the history of life on Earth. It is aimed at a global market of applied population geneticists, conservation practitioners, and natural resource managers working for wildlife and habitat management agencies. It will be of particular relevance and use to upper undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in conservation biology, conservation genetics, and wildlife management.
Cryopreservation and Freeze-Drying Protocols
This fourth edition explores fully up-to-date standardly used cryopreservation, vitrification, and freeze-drying protocols for specimens that are used for research purposes, conservation of genetic reserves, and applications in agriculture and medicine. Beginning with a section on the fundamentals as well as the use of mathematical modeling to solve cryobiological problems, the book continues with sections on technological aspects of freezing and drying, analytical methods to study protectant loading of cells and tissues, cell behavior during freezing and drying, and thermodynamic properties of preservation solutions, as well as cryopreservation, vitrification, and freeze-drying protocols for a wide variety of samples and different applications. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and authoritative, Cryopreservation and Freeze-Drying Protocols, Fourth Edition serves as an ideal guide for researchers and technical assistants in academia and industry with a background in life sciences, medicine, or engineering who want to investigate freezing and drying of biological systems or set up methods to safely store biological specimens while maintaining their function upon reconstitution. The chapter "Freezing Technology: Control of Freezing, Thawing, and Ice Nucleation" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
Evolution
IT IS TIME FOR A NEW THEORY OF EVOLUTION BASED ON GENOMICS, NOT GUESSESIn 2011, James A. Shapiro's Evolution: A View from the 21st Century proposed a revolutionary paradigm for understanding biological evolution: natural genetic engineering, not random accidents, produce genome change. In the 21st-century view, organisms are active participants in the evolutionary process. Since then, climate change and multiple crises in infectious disease have given new urgency to understanding evolution. In this expanded 2nd Edition, Shapiro shares new evidence that living cells re-engineer their genomes in response to environmental challenges and disruptions to cellular reproduction. From the classroom to the laboratory, conventional wisdom still paints evolution as the passive result of mutational accidents and natural selection. A modern vision of evolution recognizes that all living beings, from the simplest organisms to humans, actively modify their read-write (RW) genomes as they evolve.In an unpredictable world, the ability to evolve actively is essential to survival. Today, understanding evolution is equally critical to our shared future. Read this book to learn: How interactions with other species, cells, and viruses shape an organism's evolution How better understanding evolution can help protect our health, food supply, and planet How to apply lessons from molecular genetics and genomics wisely to benefit society Written for both general and academic readers, the 2nd Edition includes: Discussions of the latest thinking on evolutionary processes Published scientific papers sharing key research from the past decadeThe full text of the 2011 edition with appendices
Frontiers in Natural Product Chemistry
Frontiers in Natural Product Chemistry is a book series devoted to important advances in natural product chemistry. The series features volumes that cover all aspects of research in the chemistry and biochemistry of naturally occurring compounds, including research on natural substances derived from plants, microbes and animals. Reviews of structure elucidation, biological activity, organic and experimental synthesis of natural products as well as developments of new methods are also included in the series. Volume 10 of the series brings together 5 reviews on a variety of bioactive compounds. -An overview of cistus species growing in Sardinia: a source of bioactive compounds-Roles of natural abscisic acids in fruits during fruit development and under environmental stress-Progress in the research of naturally occurring biflavonoids: a look through-Plant metabolites for protecting human cells against radiation-associated damage: an integrative review-Chemical perspective and drawbacks in flavonoid estimation assays
Cardiac Regeneration
This detailed book addresses major goals of regenerative medicine and the cardiovascular research community with techniques to replenish lost cardiomyocytes, avoid scar-associated pathology, and improve myocardial infarction (MI) outcomes. The collection begins with a section on cardiac injury models, including zebrafish, neonatal and adult mice, and pigs, and continues with sections covering culturing cardiomyocytes from different species as well as methods for labeling or manipulation of cardiac tissue for the purpose of answering questions in regeneration. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Cardiac Regeneration: Methods and Protocols provides the latest models andmethods used in the field of heart regeneration, designed for researchers interested in establishing these assays in their laboratories to reproduce or extend findings, and for familiarizing themselves with the field if it is new to them.The chapter "Ventricular Cryoinjury as a Model to Study Heart Regeneration in Zebrafish" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
Ras Activity and Signaling
This volume compiles new experimental approaches and concepts focusing mostly, but not solely, on ways to manipulate and regulate Ras activity and its downstream signaling output. Chapters detail standard methodologies, biochemical methods, Ras processing trafficking and localization, Ras signaling and inhibition, and in vivo models for studying Ras function. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, application details for both the expert and non-expert reader, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Ras Activity and Signaling: Methods and Protocols aims to provide support and guidance to lab workers in their work on Ras GTPases and in the design of new projects requiring novel methodologies.
Ethics of Biodiversity Conservation
In 1864 in India, the British Raj established the Imperial Forest Department. Social forestry got a major boost in the early 1980s, initiating a new approach to deal with the problem of biotic interference on forest land. A great change was made in forest and forestry management for the protection and development of forests, where Forest Protection Committees (FPCs) were formed by villagers, following the Arabari Model Community forest experiment in West Bengal, for usufruct rights and revenue sharing, which is unique in the history of forest management in the world. Ethics of Biodiversity Conservation takes a unique longitudinal view of this important forestry management case study. Today, increasing human population, growing industrialization, pollution, and climate change, creates the challenge of determining ways and means of ensuring that biodiversity conservation is an integral part of forest management.
Plant Responses and Tolerance to Salt Stress
Overall, the 19 contributions in this Special Issue "Plant Responses and Tolerance to Salt Stress: Physiological and Molecular Interventions" discuss the various aspects of salt stress responses in plants. It also discusses various mechanisms and approaches to conferring salt tolerance on plants. These types of research studies provide further directions in the development of crop plants for the saline environment in the era of climate change.
Molecular Exercise Physiology
The new edition offers a student-friendly introduction to a history documenting the emergence of molecular biology techniques, methodology, genetics and epigenetics, and the molecular mechanisms that lead to adaptation after exercise, and explicitly links to outcomes in performance, nutrition, physical activity, and clinical exercise.
Evolution
IT IS TIME FOR A NEW THEORY OF EVOLUTION BASED ON GENOMICS, NOT GUESSES In 2011, James A. Shapiro's Evolution: A View from the 21st Century proposed a revolutionary paradigm for understanding biological evolution: natural genetic engineering, not random accidents, produce genome change. In the 21st-century view, organisms are active participants in the evolutionary process. Since then, climate change and multiple crises in infectious disease have given new urgency to understanding evolution. In this expanded 2nd Edition, Shapiro shares new evidence that living cells re-engineer their genomes in response to environmental challenges and disruptions to cellular reproduction. From the classroom to the laboratory, conventional wisdom still paints evolution as the passive result of mutational accidents and natural selection. A modern vision of evolution recognizes that all living beings, from the simplest organisms to humans, actively modify their read-write (RW) genomes as they evolve. In an unpredictable world, the ability to evolve actively is essential to survival. Today, understanding evolution is equally critical to our shared future. Read this book to learn: How interactions with other species, cells, and viruses shape an organism's evolution How better understanding evolution can help protect our health, food supply, and planet How to apply lessons from molecular genetics and genomics wisely to benefit society Written for both general and academic readers, the 2nd Edition includes: Discussions of the latest thinking on evolutionary processes Published scientific papers sharing key research from the past decadeThe full text of the 2011 edition with appendices
The Role of Surface Modification on Bacterial Adhesion of Bio-Implant Materials
The Role of Surface Modification on Bacterial Adhesion of Bio-implant Materials: Machining, Characterization, and Applications, explores the relationship between the surface roughness of artificial implants used for hard tissue replacement and their bacterial adhesion. It summarizes the reason for the failure of implants, the mechanisms of bacterial formation on implant surfaces, and the fundamental and established methods of implant surface modification techniques. It provides readers with an organized and rational representation about implant manufacturing and mechanical surface modification. It also explores the use of developed unidirectional abrasive flow finishing processes to finish biomaterials at the nano-level. It is an invaluable guide for academics, graduate students, biomaterial scientists, and manufacturing engineers researching implants, related infections, and implant manufacturing.Key Features: Explores implant related infections Discusses surface modification techniques Contains information on the mechanical finishing processes and complete guide on developed cutting edge unidirectional abrasive flow finishing technology
Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are a common cause of infections in both community and healthcare settings and have become an increasing threat to public health worldwide. The focus of this Special Issue includes aspects concerning plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance along with other carbapenem resistance mechanisms. Understanding the prevalence and routes of transmission of CRE is important in developing specific interventions for healthcare facilities, as well as the general impact of CRE circulation on the environment. Attention has also been focused on carbapenemase testing in order to provide advanced phenotypic and molecular assays for the identification of CRE, as a valid tool for active global surveillance, and from this perspective, the study of resistance mechanisms can provide significant support for the development of new and appropriate antimicrobial molecules. For all of these reasons, the phenomenon of carbapenem resistance deserves more attention, for the sake of public health.
Transcriptional Regulation of Cardiac Development and Disease
This reprint contains original research and review articles describing recent advances in our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of cardiac development and disease mechanisms. All articles were originally published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS).
Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications
This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Science comprises a comprehensive study on "Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications". The Special Issue has been inspired by the great progress made in the development of new antimicrobial materials that go beyond the resistance of microbes to modern antibiotics. It covers a selection of recent research and review articles in the field of antimicrobial materials and their medical applications. Moreover, it also provides an overview of this increasingly diverse field, presenting recent developments and the latest research, with particular emphasis on new antimicrobial surfaces, medical devices, contact lens, package materials, etc.
