Maths from Scratch for Biologists

Numerical ability is an essential skill for everyone studying the biological sciences but many students are frightened by the 'perceived' difficulty of mathematics, and are nervous about applying mathematical skills in their chosen field of study. Having taught introductory maths and statistics for many years, Alan Cann understands these challenges and just how invaluable an accessible, confidence building textbook could be to the fearful student. Unable to find a book pitched at the right level, that concentrated on why numerical skills are useful to biologists, he wrote his own. The result is Maths form Scratch for Biologists , a highly instructive, informal text that explains step by step how and why you need to tackle maths within the biological sciences.

RNA Interference

In the last few years the major effect that RNAi has had in invertebrate systems like C.elegans and drosophila is beginning to take hold in mammalian systems through both single gene knockdown experiments and genome-scale screens. In the next decade, there will no doubt be both notable successes and failures as we attempt to apply this genetic tool to various biological problems for the first time in academia and industry. Through the introduction of RNAi, mammalian systems have finally gained admittance to the pantheon of model genetic systems.

Oncology: An Evidence-Based Approach

Oncology: An Evidence-Based Approach is a textbook designed to reflect the principles and current practice of oncology with contributors from the fields of medical, surgical, and radiation oncology. The textbook will incorporate an evidence-based approach, enabling the reader to make decisions on the basis of concrete data. Sections on solid tumors, hematologic malignancies and the practice of oncology address the natural history and therapy for the full spectrum of neoplastic diseases in the adult. Further sections present fundamentals of supportive care of the cancer patient, the management of oncologic emergencies and acute toxicities of therapy, as well as care of metastatic disease and the terminally-ill patient. Breaking new ground, the textbook features thoughtful, in-depth sections on cancer prevention and control, cancer surviorship, the economics of cancer care, and cancer informatics. Cancer imaging is covered with an organ system-based approach, with an additional chapter on the especially intriguing potential of PET. Furthermore, a comprehensive section on translational basic science reviews the fundamentals of molecular biology, the cell cycle and signal transduction, carcinogenesis, cancer genetics, the biology of invations and metastasis, and tumor immunology.

Introduction to Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Biotechnology is a rapidly-developing 21st century technology and interdisciplinary science that has already made an impact on commercial and non-commercial aspects of human life, such as stem cell research, cloning, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, bioenergetics, and information technology. This book, appropriate for novices in the biotechnology/genetics fi elds and also for engineering and biology students, covers all of the fundamental principles of these modern topics. It has been written in a very simple manner for self-study. In addition to the comprehensive coverage of the standard topics, such as cell growth and development, genetic principles (mapping, DNA, etc), protein structure, plant and animal cell cultures, and applications, the book includes up-to-date discussions of modern topics, e.g., medical advances, quality control, stem cell technology, genetic manipulation, patents, bioethics, and a brief review of mathematics. The accompanying CD-ROM provides simulations, fi gures, related Web sites, and numerous other resources. FEATURES*Contains up-to-date topics e.g., stem cell research, cloning, bioethics, and genetic engineering*Designed for the reader who does not have familiarity with biology or genetics *Contains practical applications of DNA, RNA, microbrial and plant cell cultures, etc.*Accompanied by a CD-ROM containing simulations, color fi gures, and numerous third-party resources*Includes an optional unit of appropriate mathematical topics for review*Separate instructor s CD available upon adoption as a textbook

Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology

Written specifically for allied health students, Pollack, Findlay, Mondschein, and Modesto’s Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology, 2/e focuses on what students need to succeed in the lab: clear, concise, and highly engaging exercises and activities, rather than content that is simply adapted from a standard microbiology textbook. Throughout the manual, a variety of interactive activities and experiments convey the basic concepts of microbiology––all in a student-friendly tone. Students also have the opportunity to explore methods that allow the safe movement or transfer of microbial cells from one type of growth environment to another, classification and identification of microbes, microbial biochemistry, as well as laboratory exercises from medical, food, and environmental microbiology.

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PCR Technology: Current Innovations

In the decade since the publication of the bestselling first edition, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology has been at the forefront of dramatic developments in biochemistry. Many exciting advances have been made in this specialized field of DNA analysis and a large number of commercial kits and additives are now available. There has never been a better time for a comprehensive resource covering the current range of PCR strategies and uses. PCR Technology: Current Innovations, Second Edition is a fundamental reference for scientists new to PCR technology and a source of up-to-date applications for those familiar with the method. It provides theoretical considerations, discussions, and a selection of state-of-the-art techniques for mutation studies, clinical diagnosis, and the detection of food-borne pathogens. The book begins with discussions of the preparation of PCR experiments, followed by examples of analytical PCR divided into qualitative and quantitative applications. The final section explores preparative methods addressing DNA generation for further analysis and in vitro evolution. Featuring detailed presentations of PCR protocols, this volume contains critical information for practitioners in a wide variety of fields, including forensics, molecular biology research, clinical DNA diagnostics, botany, and paleontology. It provides the essential tools for developing innovative approaches in this leading technology of the genomics revolution.

Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology provides a comprehensive survey of current biochemistry and molecular biology. Over the last few years, the language of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has expanded enormously to the extent that few scientists can expect to be familiar with all aspects of it. This is partly due to the Genome projects and the successive -omics projects which have provided comprehensive information about genes, the functions of gene products, and cellular processes. At the same time, terms from other subject areas appear increasingly in the biochemical literature. The popular Dictionary has been comprehensively reviewed and updated to include many important new concepts and words. The entries are short but informative, providing up-to-date information on a broad range of topics, including definitions for selected terms from Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Systems Biology, and Toxicology. There are over 21,000 main entries, which give details of biochemical substances and the processes in which they are involved, define methods and concepts in molecular biology, and give definitions of biochemical symbols and abbreviations. It points out pitfalls where terms are often confused. It explains the precise syntax of biochemical terms, such as Greek letters and other formatting, which are lost when searching the Internet. In addition the dictionary is illustrated with over 900 chemical structures. The Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will serve as an invaluable reference for biochemists and molecular biologists seeking information outside their own fields, and for those wishing to revisit fundamental principles.

Structural Aspects Of Protein Synthesis

Description: This comprehensive and highly illustrated book provides a basic and up-to-date summary of translation on bacterial ribosomes, with emphasis on the structural insights. It is an attempt to present the ribosome and its functional activities in a coherent manner. Two types of illustrations are used to describe the translation field: simplified black-and-white illustrations to depict aspects of translation and color plates to give correct structural representations. The book presents essentially all aspects of the translation system, focusing on the relation between structure and function. Upper level undergraduates and graduate students with an interest in protein synthesis will find this lecture notes volume invaluable. The book is also an essential source of information for researchers who want to get an overview of translation.

The art of genes

I always had the feeling that evolution was the inventor of new things and development was a secondary problem of how to build an organism from information already present in the fertilised egg. Now I know what problems need to be solved in building a multicellular organism from a single cell in the first place. Enrico Coen magnificently explains how the head-tail, ventral-dorsal, left-right and inside-outside axis is build out of nearly nothing. The subtitle of the book is a perfect illustration of the task: How organisms make themselves (without help from outside). The problem looked only harder since the discovery of DNA : the information in DNA is one-dimensional, so how to build a 3-dimensional organism on the basis of that? No wonder that people in previous centuries saw miniature humans in egg or sperm. But since that 'solution' was refuted, the problem confronted us again: how do organisms make themselves? Enrico Coen gives deep insights with the help of metaphors derived from art and with the necessary scientific details and without confusing us with too many complexities. Coen explains the crucial role of genes without being a genetic reductionist. His examples are both from animals and plants, wich I find an advantage. This book is an achievement. The only criticism I have is that the main metaphor Coen uses is about colors and all the illustrations are in black-and-white! At least the hardback edition should have color illustrations!
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Cancer Bioinformatics: From Therapy Design to Treatment

“The development and application of bioinformatics tools to basic and translational cancer research is, in fact, a rapidly expanding field that deserves a timely review. Therefore, a publication of this type is needed. The editors have done an excellent job in recruiting well-established scientists to author the various chapters of the book.” Dieter Naf, Jackson Laboratory, USA Cancer bioinformatics is now emerging as a new interdisciplinary field, which is facilitating an unprecedented synthesis of knowledge arising from the life and clinical sciences. This groundbreaking title provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the enormous range of bioinformatics for cancer therapy development from the laboratory to clinical trials. It functions as a guide to integrated data exploitation and synergistic knowledge discovery, and support the consolidation of the interdisciplinary research community involved.

Molecular Biology Problem Solver

Molecular Biology Problem Solver: A Laboratory Guide asks the reader to consider crucial questions, such as:

• Have you selected the most appropriate research strategy?
• Have you identified the issues critical to your successful application of a technique?
• Are you familiar with the limitations of a given technique?
• When should common procedural rules of thumb not be applied?
• What strategies could you apply to resolve a problem?

A unique question-based format reviews common assumptions and laboratory practices, with the aim of offering a firm understanding of how techniques and procedures work, as well as how to avoid problems. Some major issues explored by the book's expert contributors include:

• Working safely with biological samples and radioactive materials
• DNA and RNA purification
• PCR
• Protein and nucleid acid hybridization
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems
• Properly using and maintaining laboratory equipment

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Peptides from A to Z:

T This mini-encyclopedia contains more than 1,500 alphabetical entries from the entire field of peptide science in one handy volume, as well as the technical terms, acronyms and concepts used in peptide chemistry. It also features the complete sequence of more than 800 peptides, numerous illustrations and numerous cross-references. Areas covered include: - biological peptides and small proteins - peptide hormones - pharmaceutical peptides - peptide antibiotics - peptide inhibitors - peptide reagents - peptide tags - structural classes - synthesis and purification - analytical methods - proteomics and peptidomics. Condensed yet accessible, only essential information is displayed, extensively linked via references to the recent scientific literature for further study.

Peter paolella's Introduction to Molecular Biology

Introduction to Molecular Biology focuses on molecular biology concepts and less on expanded data and themes. It presents a solid framework of concepts to better prepare students for more detailed courses in molecular biology and genetics. Written for science majors, this introductory, one-semester molecular biology text is designed for a sophomore-level course and assumes general biology and chemistry courses as a prerequisite.

Science of Microscopy

The examination of structure at the microscopic scale, between micrometers and angstrom units, has changed dramatically in recent decades. Many new types of microscopy have emerged, notably the many scanning-probe designs, some of which also allow manipulation of atoms to form wanted structures, while others now permit direct observation of moving proteins in liquids. The traditional electron microscope is being revolutionized by the arrival of aberration correctors and monochromators, which bring the resolution below the Angstrom and electron-volt level. The "laboratory in a microscope" concept is rapidly evolving, as nanostructures are observed forming under controlled conditions at atomic resolution (the carbon nanotube being the most famous recent example). Electron holography and scanning transmission electron microscopy have become indispensable tools of the semiconductor industry. The oldest form of microscopy, optical microscopy, has been rejuvenated by the development of fluorescent, confocal, and two-photon variants. Analytical Scanning X-ray microscopes and Photoemission microscopes at synchrotons now routinely provide spatially resolved electronic structure maps. Tomographic imaging has vastly increased the information content of practically all forms of microscopy, as reflected in the award of a recent Nobel Prize. Molecular biology is benefiting enormously from progress in this technique. Most of these developments are responses to the urgent needs of researchers to characterize new useful nanostructures at the atomic level. In Science of Microscopy, comprehensive reviews set these innovations in the context of microscopy today. Each contribution presents a form of microscopy or occasionally a microscopic technique, and provides information about the instruments involved and their areas of application. The contributions are written in such a way that the reader can understand how the various instruments function, their strengths and weaknesses, and whether they are suitable for a particular scientific investigation. Science of Microscopy will be an indispensable guide to both a wide range of scientists in university laboratories and to engineers and scientists in industrial R&D departments. Key Features * Full-length essays on each type of instrument or technique * Applications to both materials science and the biomedical sciences * Essay-length treatment by respected experts in each field * Covers the latest developments as well as background information for the beginning microscopist

Nature 21 and 28th edition August 2008

Nature August 21 2008

Nature August 28, 2008

Nature is the international weekly journal of science: a magazine style journal that publishes full-length research papers in all disciplines of science, as well as News and Views, reviews, news, features, commentaries, web focuses and more, covering all branches of science and how science impacts upon all aspects of society and life.

Peptide-Based Drug Design: Methods and Protocols

Description: Due to their high specificity and low toxicity profile, peptides have once again become central to the development of new drugs. In Peptide-Based Drug Design: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers provide a handbook which offers a selection of research and production tools suitable for transforming a promising protein fragment or stand-alone native peptide into a pharmaceutically acceptable composition. The volume delves into contemporary, cutting-edge subjects such as hit isolation and target validation, computer-aided design, sequence modifications to satisfy pharmacologists, in vivo stability and imaging, and the actual production of difficult sequences. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, chapters include readily reproducible, step-by-step laboratory protocols, lists of materials, and the Notes section, which highlights tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and up-to-date, Peptide-Based Drug Design: Methods and Protocols shows its subject to be an independent science on the rise, and provides scientists with a clear, concise guide for continuing this vital research.

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The science and business of biotechnology.

Nature Biotechnology devotes pages specifically to in-depth analysis of issues concerning biotechnology intellectual property case law and policy, together with breaking news on patents. Also included in each issue are key emerging areas such as computational biology and materials science.

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