Comprehensive Biotechnology, Third Edition, Six Volume Set unifies, in a single source, a huge amount of information in this growing field. The book covers scientific fundamentals, along with engineering considerations and applications in industry, agriculture, medicine, the environment and socio-economics, including the related government regulatory overviews. This new edition builds on the solid basis provided by previous editions, incorporating all recent advances in the field since the second edition was published in 2011.

This book provides comprehensive and useful information on the medicinal plants especially those used as food supplement in the form of health vitalizers and invigorators. A subjective approach is attempted for the first time in this book with all the information available in one single volume. Separate chapters are devoted to the medicinal values of each herb. The details about various plant extracts possessing significant anti-stress activity, are presented in this book.

The book aims to present the current developments in select areas of biotechnology of aquatic animals, covering relevant information from the different fields. The book is a comprehensive set of reviews of our existing knowl-edge in biotechnology of aquatic animals. It is written principally as a comprehen-sive reference for students and teachers, as also offers a predictive challenging re-sources for researchers.

The Handbook of Fungal Biotechnology offers the newest developments from the frontiers of fungal biochemical and molecular processes and industrial and semi-industrial applications of fungi. This second edition highlights the need for the integration of a number of scientific disciplines and technologies in modern fungal biotechnology and reigns as the top source on current molecular, biochemical, and medical technologies and commercial usages for fungi. Authored by 81 world-renowned scientists from both industry and academia, it addresses contemporary issues pertaining to intellectual property rights, biodiversity, and biosafety, and devotes an entire section to medical biotechnology.

Presents sensor specification, theory of operation, sensor design, and application criteria Provides background plus specific information for practicing engineers who want to understand sensors Includes a complete chapter on industrial sensor communication protocols Explains temperature sensitivity, how to determine, and how to avoid Discusses how to understand and utilize sensor specifications

An important overview of the state of the art in naturally occurring antimycotics!Here is a comprehensive and innovative examination of the antimycotic potential of essential plant oils and extracts against fungal infections affecting humans, animals, plants, and foodstuffs. Plant-Derived Antimycotics emphasizes the antimycotic activity of plants found in Central America, India, Nepal, Fiji, and China--areas rich in phyto-diversity and traditional botanical/medical knowledge.From editor M.K. Rai: "Since the inception of human civilization men have been using herbs against various mycotic infections. In the recent past, several antimycotic agents have been introduced into the market due to their rapid curative properties. Still, the quest for new antifungal agents of a fungicidal rather than fungistatic nature continues. Furthermore, there has been a dramatic increase in the new spectrum of fungal infections known as opportunistic fungal pathogens. Consequently, plant-derived antimycotics are gaining importance, being natural, cheaper, safer, eco-friendly, and within the reach of the common man."With a distinguished list of contributors from around the world, Plant-Derived Antimycotics explores: antifungal compounds that strengthen plant-defense systems traditional herbs that have revealed their antifungal properties newer, faster methods of screening and evaluating antifungal drugs natural antimycotics derived from plants in Croatia, South America, South Africa, China, India, and Fiji the mechanism of herbal antimycotic action the diversity of antimycotic efficacy in Asteraceous and Meliaceous plants new bioactive antifungal molecules Plant-Derived Antimycotics is an essential reference for pharmacologists, microbiologists, clinical mycologists, oncologists, immunologists, drug manufacturers, botanists and ethnobotanists, phytochemists, herbalists, and everyone searching for a natural remedy for the new spectrum of opportunistic fungal infections generated by the immunocompromising difficulties encountered by AIDS and cancer patients. Color illustrations, photographs, charts, tables, and graphs make the information easier to absorb and understand.

This volume of Pharmaceutical Biocatalysis starts with a discussion on the importance of biocatalytic synthesis approaches for a sustainable and environmentally friendly production of pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Among the enzymes discussed in detail with respect to their pharmaceutical relevance are cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases playing an important role in modulating signal transduction in various cell types; human DOPA decarboxylase, related to Parkinson's disease and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase deficiency; and phospholipase D enzymes as drug targets. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mutations are novel therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia. An additional chapter is devoted to the use of enzymes for prodrug activation in cancer therapy. The other topics include small-molecule inhibitors targeting receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer, -Lactams and related compounds as antibacterials, non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants for the treatment of thromboembolic diseases, and the molecular mechanisms for statin pleiotropy and its clinical relevance in cardiovascular diseases. The last chapter is a review of lysosomal storage disorders with an overview of approved drugs for treating these disorders by enzyme replacement therapy.

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring In this exploration of the concept of the gene, Jonathan Slack looks at the discovery, nature, and role of genes in both evolution and development. By explaining the nature of genetic variation in the human population, how hereditary factors were identified as molecules of DNA, and how certain specific mutations can lead to disease, Slack highlights how DNA variants are used to trace human ancestry and migration, and can also be used by forensic scientists to identify individuals in crime. He also explores issues such as the role of genetic heritability and IQ as well as the changes that occur in the genes of populations during evolution. An ideal guide for anyone curious about what genes are and how genetics can be put to use, this Very Short Introduction demonstrates the ways in which the gene concept has been understood and used by molecular biologists, population biologists, and social scientists around the world. This second edition has been fully updated and contains new sections on the CRISPR method for targeted genetic modification, on DNA profiling, and developments in our understanding of human ancestry using ancient DNA. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

This up-to-date reference book discusses the synthesis, production, and application of various microbial enzymes and metabolites for health. Microorganisms like bacteria (lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus species), yeasts, and filamentous fungi have been globally exploited for their biotechnological applications. This book discusses ways to use them commercially. Chapters include the production of fibrinolytic enzymes, microbial lipases, bacteriocin production by lactic acid bacteria, and bioactives produced. It also covers microbial synthesis of alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids. The book is useful for researchers, academicians, and industry experts in microbiology and biotechnology.

Agriculture is one of the oldest and most global human enterprises, and as the world struggles with sustainable practices and policies, agricultural chemistry has a clear role to play. This book highlights the ways in which science in agriculture is helping to achieve global sustainability in the 21st century, and demonstrates that this science can and should be a leading contributor in discussion on environmental science and chemistry. The four drivers of this subject are presented, those being economic, environmental, regulatory and scientific, and help showcase agricultural chemistry as a dynamic subject that is contributing to this necessity of global sustainability in the 21st century.

With contributions from nearly 130 internationally renowned experts in the field, this reference details advances in transgenic plant construction and explores the social, political, and legal aspects of genetic plant manipulation. It provides analyzes of the history, genetics, physiology, and cultivation of over 30 species of transgenic seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Stressing the impact of genetic engineering strategies on the nutritional and functional benefit of foods as well as on consumer health and the global market economy, the book covers methods of gene marking, transferring, and tagging public perceptions to the selective breeding, hybridization, and recombinant DNA manipulation of food.

`If only one thing could be said about this book is that it comes at the perfect time and fills a great void on the subject it addresses. Genetically Modified Organisms are innovative - so have to be the answers to the legal questions raised by their development: What should be the definition of damage? Who should be held liable? Where should claims be brought? The Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety have been discussing these issues for many years and are now ready to give some answers by means of a new multilateral environmental treaty. The comprehensive analysis and comparative data put forth by the authors contribute enormously to the current debate and provide detailed insights into the nuances of international liability in a manner previously unaddressed.' - Jimena Nieto Carrasco, University of the Andes, El Rosario University, Externado University of Colombia, BogotA!, Colombia Innovation and Liability in Biotechnology introduces and articulates an innovative framework, the Liability Analysis Framework (LAF), which offers a new perspective from which stakeholders and society can assess, manage and communicate about liability in relation to innovation. This path-breaking book provides a detailed description of the relationship between risk and liability. Risk and liability are not synonymous and the fact that, at times, the terms have been used in very close proximity has resulted in confusion and misunderstandings. The book begins with an overview of risk and the development of the Risk Analysis Framework, describing how it has evolved from initial concepts to present day form. It highlights the need for a LAF and provides a diverse examination of the LAF as a means to stimulate further debate. The authors conclude that risk is concerned with hypothetical probabilities whereas liability relates to actual marketplace externalities. Offering a new conceptualization for the analysis of liability, this book will appeal to academics involved in the fields of law, innovation and business, as well as federal regulators and industry representatives. Agricultural organizations and their lawyers who are attempting to understand the legal liability issues involved in growing and marking transgenic crops and their products, will also find this book of great interest.

The marine environment has been, and continues to be, a fruitful source of novel chemical compounds that are not found in terrestrial and freshwater organisms. Many of these substances show potential biomedical applications, which could lead to development of new pharmaceutical products. Research on the utilization of natural products from marine organisms is growing by leaps and bounds; one important reason why being that, investigators, through new diving technologies, are becoming able to explore at greater depths. Studies of these marine natural products include investigations of neuronal membrane-active toxins, ion channel blockers, antitumor and antiviral agents, and anti-inflammatory molecules. This volume is the sixth in the ongoing series.

Provides an international focus to assistive technology assessment and service delivery Utilizes an evidence-based assessment process Introduces the reader to the MPT and MATCH-ACES assessment model and process Discusses the use of the assessment in case scenarios represented by eight different countries Explores the use of outcome measures to establish a standard process to measure effectiveness in AT use

Fish Vaccines: Health Management for Sustainable Aquaculture is a timely reference book that highlights the role of vaccination in the fast-growing aquaculture industry. It discusses topics such as vaccine formulation, vaccine delivery and enhancing the immune response of fish using nanoparticles. Information related to vaccine safety, ethical approval and regulations is also discussed, together with dissemination of vaccines to fish farms across the globe. This cutting-edge book presents novel strategies to meet the growing demand for vaccines in finfish aquaculture. The book is useful to students, academics, clinicians, and professionals in the field of fisheries sciences, aquaculture, and veterinary sciences.

The biotechnology industry across the globe is growing dramatically in line with rapidly emerging scientific and technological developments. This book explores both the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship in the biotechnology industry, focusing on the innovation processes underpinning success for new biotechnology firms (NBFs). It argues that biotechnology is at a crossroads: to date the science has been solid, yet commercial success remains elusive, and that it will be the commercial success of NBFs which will dictate the long term viability of this crucial industry. The authors go on to examine the roles played by both entrepreneurship and innovation in the competitiveness of biotechnology companies through a focus on: intellectual property strategies, product development, valuing biotechnology ventures, funding innovation and R&D, alliances and networking, changing industry structures evidenced through the shifting value chain and the impact of globalization on the changing industry and organizational life cycles. International case studies with a focus on human biosciences support the important theoretical developments at the heart of this book. Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology offers original and valuable insights to researchers, academics and students as well as to practitioners involved with innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of biotechnology.

A leading artificial intelligence researcher lays out a new approach to AI that will enable us to coexist successfully with increasingly intelligent machines In the popular imagination, superhuman artificial intelligence is an approaching tidal wave that threatens not just jobs and human relationships, but civilization itself. Conflict between humans and machines is seen as inevitable and its outcome all too predictable. In this groundbreaking book, distinguished AI researcher Stuart Russell argues that this scenario can be avoided, but only if we rethink AI from the ground up. Russell begins by exploring the idea of intelligence in humans and in machines. He describes the near-term benefits we can expect, from intelligent personal assistants to vastly accelerated scientific research, and outlines the AI breakthroughs that still have to happen before we reach superhuman AI. He also spells out the ways humans are already finding to misuse AI, from lethal autonomous weapons to viral sabotage. If the predicted breakthroughs occur and superhuman AI emerges, we will have created entities far more powerful than ourselves. How can we ensure they never, ever, have power over us? Russell suggests that we can rebuild AI on a new foundation, according to which machines are designed to be inherently uncertain about the human preferences they are required to satisfy. Such machines would be humble, altruistic, and committed to pursue our objectives, not theirs. This new foundation would allow us to create machines that are provably deferential and provably beneficial.

Computerized machines can be found in many forms and all around us - in our pockets, and even sometimes in our body. For many of us, they are now essential elements of everyday life. When it comes to smartphones, connected objects, medical digital devices and e-health, these digital tools have proliferated in our environment, continually transforming our modes of social organization. They act as prostheses and orthotics that "enhance" our cognitive capacities and influence our inherent behaviors. Are digital tools that perpetually envelop the body and the spirit able to overwhelm the social order? Could our cognitive prosthetics lead to permanent, radical change to our society, which could become similar to a hive? This book explores this reflection, which is at the center of social research on digital tools.

Principles and Practice of Bioanalysis provides a guide to the methods available and the techniques currently used in this field. It provides up to the minute information and guidance on the methods and strategy used in developing and running ultra-trace analyses for drugs, metabolites and other substances. The authors writes in an informal and didactic style, offering a logical path through the problems of small molecule (bio)analysis and enables readers to choose appropriate methods of analysis for their needs. Principles and Practice of Bioanalysis gives an overview of analytical methods for analytical scientists within the pharmaceutical industry, research and development, the agrochemical industry, and scientists in the health service, biology and biochemistry. It also gives postgraduate students a useful reference for their research methods.

Statistical, Mapping and Digital Approaches in Healthcare addresses all health territories, starting from the analysis of geographical data (health data, population data, health data systems and environmental data), to new health areas (Health 3.0), i.e. digital health territories. Specific tools are used to question environmental changes, such as health statistics, mapping, mathematical models, optimization models and serious games.

This work describes the essential steps in the development of biocatalytic processes from concept to completion. This integrated text combines the fundamentals of biocatalysis with technological experience and in-depth commercial case studies. The book starts with an introductory look at this history and present scope of biocatalysis, followed by overviews of: applications of specific enzymes; bioprocess case studies; biocatalyst selection and production; enzyme performance - activity and stability; non-conventional media - aqueous/organic biphasic, organic, gaseous media; immobilization; protein engineering and metabolic engineering; process concepts; bioreactor selection and design; patents; and commercial and financial aspects. Written by industrial and academic experts, this world is intended for the bookshelf of anyone teaching biocatalysis or working in the chemical, food, manufacturing of pharmaceutical industries who is seeking to exploit the potential of biocatalysts.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 105 continues the comprehensive reach of this widely read and authoritative review source in microbiology. Users will find invaluable references and information on a variety of areas, with this updated volume including chapters covering The Genus Macrococcus: an insight into its evolution, biology and relationship with Staphylococcus, The use of electrobiochemical reactors for in vitro and in vivo metabolic engineering, Advances in the Microbial Ecology of Biohydrometallurgy, Optimizing yeast alcoholic fermentations, Methods to reduce spoilage and microbial contamination of plant produce, Microbial Diversity and Functional Analysis, and more.

This book presents a comprehensive synopsis of the production and utilization of biomethane along with important recent advances. Biomethane production offers valuable alternative energy solutions for the replacement of fossil fuels to lessen the environmental impacts and strategize for mitigating global warming and climate change. Chapters first focus on the production of biogas (or biomethane) with emphasis on the different biomass utilization for industrial and domestic applications and describe the characteristics, parameters, and process design of anaerobic digesters for biomethane production from waste biomass. The book then goes on to discuss advanced genetic engineering tools and techniques to enhance biomethanation and biomethane production. The volume also offers a state-of-the-art review of anaerobic digestion of biogenic solid wastes, the impact of different chemical pretreatment processes and products, and the influence of operating parameters on biomethane yields. Differentiating between the thermochemical technologies (e.g., gasification and pyrolysis) and biological technologies (e.g., anaerobic digestion) for biomethane production, the book assesses some recent advancements in biomethane production along with its socioeconomic impacts and applications. Other topics include gasification technology and syngas cleaning for biosynthetic natural gas production, the use of catalysts for enhanced synthetic natural gas production, biohythane fuel produced from microbial fermentative pathways, and more. Biomethane: Developments and Prospects offers valuable insight and information on the current status of production and utilization of biomethane that has cross-disciplinary value in biotechnology, fermentation technology, bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering, and environmental technology with a common interest in biofuels and bioenergy.

Biodesign in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Deep Green investigates the potential of nature based technology for shaping the evolution of contemporary architecture and design. It takes on the now pervasive topic of design intelligence, extending its definition to encompass both biological and digital realms. As in their first title, Systemic Architecture: Operating Manual for the Self Organizing City, the authors engage the topic through the specific lens of their innovative design practice, ecoLogicStudio and their research at the University of Innsbruck and at the Bartlett, UCL. Part One of the book, entitled PhotoSynthetica (TM), illustrates design solutions that engage the urban microbiome and seek to achieve an immediate impact, while Part Two, entitled Deep Green, includes synthetic landscapes and operates within a much larger spatio-temporal frame, going beyond human perception and life span to envision design as a geographical and geological force. In the age of catastrophic climate change, such perceptual expansion helps to clarify that change cannot simply be stopped or rolled back. We must instead establish more positive dynamics of change within the living world. To this end, this book proposes to engage with design and architecture as an extended cognitive interface, a sentient being that is co-evolutionary and symbiotic with the living planet, contributing to its beauty and to our continued enjoyment of it.