Developing Bioinformatics Computer Skills

Bioinformatics--the application of computational and analytical methods to biological problems--is a rapidly evolving scientific discipline. As a result of advances in gene sequencing, biological databases are growing exponentially. It's impossible for even the most zealous researcher to stay on top of necessary information in the field without the aid of computer-based tools. Written in a clear, engaging style, Developing Bioinformatics Computer Skills is for scientists and students who are learning computational approaches to biology, as well as for experienced biology researchers who are just starting to use computers to handle their data. The book covers the Unix file system, building tools and databases for bioinformatics, computational approaches to biological problems, an introduction to Perl for bioinformatics,data mining, data visualization, and tips for tailoring existing data analysis software to individual research needs. Developing Bioinformatics Computer Skills will help biologists develop a structured approach to biological data as well as the tools they'll need to analyze it.
Click here to download

Modern Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology

This book is directed towards undergraduates and beginning graduate students in microbiology, food science and chemical engineering. Those studying pharmacy, biochemistry and general biology will find it of interest. The section on waste disposal will be of interest to civil engineering and public health students and practitioners. For the benefit of those students who may be unfamiliar with the basic biological assumptions underlying industrial microbiology, such as students of chemical and civil engineering, elements of biology and microbiology are introduced. The new elements which have necessitated the shift in paradigm in industrial microbiology such as bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, site-directed mutation, metabolic engineering, the human genome project and others are also introduced and their relevance to industrial microbiology and biotechnology indicated. As many references as space will permit are included. The various applicationsof industrial microbiology are covered broadly, and the chapters are grouped to reflect these applications. The emphasis throughout, however, is on the physiological, biochemical principles, and where possible, the genomic principles behind these applications.
Click here to download

Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises And Realities

BIOTECHNOLOGY UNZIPPED is the most compelling evaluation of biotechnology I have read since Harsanyi & Hutton's GENETIC PROPHECY of almost 20 years ago. What makes this book so insightful is the "tradeoffs" perspective that Grace brings to the subject. In every instance where a particular technique is either in development or on the market, the possibilities for selective breeding, or genetic engineering, or composite materials, all hold both a promise and a peril. Grace, who has a Ph.D. in Zoology and considerable experience as a science writer, attempts to provide enough critical information in each case so that the reader will get a sense of what considerations are involved in any particular "biotechnology solution". What we learn about biotechnology from him is that every biotechnology decision has the following characteristics: * Costs and revenues (developments cost $millions, so the goal is profits) * Winners and losers (the rich could get lucky, the poor and vulnerable may not) * Benefits and detriments (solutions generate unintended & unwanted consequences) * Enthusiasts and detractors (arguments arise on all sides of biotechnology issues) The reason that the public is so ambivalent about biotechnology is that its supporters have been so inept at making their case. Biotechnology advocates seem to think that their's is just a problem of an "uninformed public" whom they can re- assure because they have "the facts". They obviously don't appreciate the most important principle of new-age , "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care". What Grace shows is that the public does have cause to be concerned. There are no simple problems, no silver bullets, and no final solutions, even if biotechnology boosters pretend there are. If biotechnology advocates become willing to address these concerns, AND learn to manage the expectations of their stakeholders, then they can begin to earn the respect that will otherwise continue to elude them. Grace's book helps clarify all of this. . Grace's book helps clarify all of this.
Click here to download

Molecular Biology of Protein Folding

Author(s): P. Michael Conn

Series: Progress in Nucleic Acid Research and Molecular Biology, vol.83

Publisher: Academic Press

ISBN: 0123745942

Publication: 2008

Pages: 304

Description: The importance of protein folding has been recognized for many years. It is the underlying etiology in a large number of human diseases and it appears to be a novel method for cellular regulation of the expression of newly translated proteins. These volumes (Parts A & B) address this important topic. As a volume in Progress in Nucleic Acid Research and Molecular Biology, this book provides the latest information on the expanding research being conducted on protein folding. Illustrates how ubiquitin domain proteins are an ideal model system for experimental and computational studies of protein folding. Discusses structural wrapping and its importance in the contexts of network centrality, molecular disease, drug discovery and molecular theranostic engineering. Chapters written by international authors in engineering, biochemistry, physics, and computer science.

Click here to download

Basic Endocrinology: An Interactive Approach

Title: Basic Endocrinology: An Interactive Approach

Author(s): J. Matthew, M.D. Neal

Series: Advances in Pathology, Microscopy, and Molecular Morphology

Publisher: Blackwell Publishers

ISBN: 0632044292

Publication: 2000

Pages: 282

Description: Indiana Univ., Muncie. Introductory textbook for medical students and residents in a problem-based, self-assessment format. Presented as "frequently asked questions," and asks the student "why" rather than restating lecture material. One-third of the book consists of review questions accompanied by diagrams and photographs.

Click here to download