'A phenomenally important book' Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins Why do we live in families? Why do we help complete strangers? Why do we compare ourselves to others? Why do we cooperate? The science of cooperation tells us not only how we got here, but also where we might end up. In The Social Instinct Nichola Raihani introduces us to other species who, like us, live and work together. From the pied babblers of the Kalahari to the cleaner fish of the Great Barrier Reef, they happen to be some of the most fascinating and extraordinarily successful species on this planet. What do we have in common with these animals, and what can we learn from them? The Social Instinct is an exhilarating, far-reaching and thought-provoking journey through all life on Earth, with profound insights into what makes us human and how our societies work. 'A pleasing juxtaposition of insightful scientific theory with illuminating anecdotes' Richard Dawkins 'Surprising, thoughtful and, best of all, endlessly entertaining' Will Storr, author of The Science of Storytelling 'A superb book about how important cooperation is' Alice Roberts, author of Ancestors

This book describes the driving forces behind the evolutionary process at the molecular and genome levels, the effects of the various molecular mechanisms on the structure of genes, proteins, and genomes, the methodology and the analytical tools involved in dealing with molecular data from an evolutionary perspective, and the logic of evolutionary hypothesis testing. Evolutionary phenomena at the molecular level are detailed in a way that can be understood without much prerequisite knowledge of molecular biology, evolution, or mathematics. Numerous examples that support and clarify the theoretical arguments and methodological discussions are included.

A multi-discipline, hands-on guide to microarray analysis of biological processes

Analyzing Microarray Gene Expression Data provides a comprehensive review of available methodologies for the analysis of data derived from the latest DNA microarray technologies. Designed for biostatisticians entering the field of microarray analysis as well as biologists seeking to more effectively analyze their own experimental data, the text features a unique interdisciplinary approach and a combined academic and practical perspective that offers readers the most complete and applied coverage of the subject matter to date.

Following a basic overview of the biological and technical principles behind microarray experimentation, the text provides a look at some of the most effective tools and procedures for achieving optimum reliability and reproducibility of research results, including:

• An in-depth account of the detection of genes that are differentially expressed across a number of classes of tissues
• Extensive coverage of both cluster analysis and discriminant analysis of microarray data and the growing applications of both methodologies
• A model-based approach to cluster analysis, with emphasis on the use of the EMMIX-GENE procedure for the clustering of tissue samples
• The latest data cleaning and normalization procedures
• The uses of microarray expression data for providing important prognostic information on the outcome of disease

There have been remarkable advances towards discovering agents that exhibit selectivity and sequence-specificity for DNA, as well as understanding the interactions that underlie its propensity to bind molecules. This progress has important applications in many areas of biotechnology and medicine, notably in cancer treatment as well as in future gene targeting therapies. The editor and contributing authors are leaders in their fields and provide useful perspectives from diverse and interdisciplinary backgrounds on the current status of this broad area. The role played by chemistry is a unifying theme. Early chapters cover methodologies to evaluate DNA-interactive agents and then the book provides examples of DNA-interactive molecules and technologies in development as therapeutic agents. DNA-binding metal complexes, peptide and polyamide–DNA interactions, and gene targeting tools are some of the most compelling topics treated in depth. This book will be a valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers in chemical biology, biochemistry, structural biology and medicinal fields. It will also be of interest to supramolecular chemists and biophysicists.

Fingerprints have provided a valuable method of personal identification in forensic science and criminal investigations for over 100 years. Fingerprints left at crime scenes generally are latent prints -- unintentional reproductions of the arrangement of ridges on the skin made by the transfer of materials (such as amino acids, proteins, polypeptides, and salts) to a surface. Palms and the soles of feet also have friction ridge skin that can leave latent prints. The examination of a latent print consists of a series of steps involving a comparison of the latent print to a known (or exemplar) print. Courts have accepted latent print evidence for the past century. However, several high-profile cases in the United States and abroad have highlighted the fact that human errors can occur, and litigation and expressions of concern over the evidentiary reliability of latent print examinations and other forensic identification procedures has increased in the last decade. This book discusses latent print examinations in detail, and provides methods to improving the practice through a systems approach.

The sequencing of the human genome was a pivotal event in science that opened the door to exploring the structure and function of genes and their regulation. The activation or suppression of transcribed genes is critical to the orchestration of everyday biological processes at the cellular, tissue, and physiological levels. The rapid advance of science and technology has yielded the development of the microarray technique, which has propelled a much deeper understanding of the genome. By combining these technological advances in microarrays with statistical and bioinformatics software, investigators are now able to perform scientific investigations geared towards answering unique biological problems that encompass many fields of research from genetics and evolution to molecular medicine, health, and disease. This book provides an overview of the use and application of microarrays throughout the life sciences to address diverse complex biological questions. In this collection, authors present information on using microarrays to unlock molecular mechanisms and gene expression patterns associated with research areas ranging from biodefense, pathological changes, and monitoring antimicrobial resistance genes to diagnostics, marine biodiversity, and dermal toxicology.

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Thousands of miRNAs have been identified in different organisms including viruses, insects, plants and animals. MiRNAs has emerged as key regulators of important biological processes. The differential expression of miRNAs in various human diseases has made them potential candidates for developing novel therapies and personalized medicines. This book is focused on microRNA let-7, the second miRNA discovered in the year 2000 and one of the most studied miRNA. This book discusses various aspects of miRNA let-7 starting from its discovery, biogenesis, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation to its crucial role in various fundamental cellular processes such as development, stem cell maintenance and differentiation, regulation of signalling pathways in cancer, drug resistance and therapeutic potential in different human diseases.

Over the last twenty years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed a great deal about the genetic basis of a wide range of complex diseases and they will undoubtedly continue to have a broad impact as we move to an era of personalised medicine. This authoritative text, written by leaders and innovators from both academia and industry, covers the basic science as well as the clinical, biotechnological and pharmaceutical potential of these methods. With special emphasis given to highlighting pharmacogenomics and population genomics studies using next-generation technology approaches, this is the first book devoted to combining association studies with single nucleotide polymorphisms, copy number variants, haplotypes and expressed quantitative trait loci. A reliable guide for newcomers to the field as well as for experienced scientists, this is a unique resource for anyone interested in how the revolutionary power of genomics can be applied to solve problems in complex disease.

This book examines the peculiarities of the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the double-stranded (ds) DNA cholesteric liquid-crystalline dispersions (CLCDs). The main physico-chemical properties formed as a result of the phase exclusion of these molecules in water-salt or water-salt-polymer-containing solutions are examined. In addition, the main principles of the theory of optical properties of imperfect, absorbing, cholesteric liquid crystals is discussed.

Genome stability of every species depends on complex interaction of predefined and environmentally induced genetic and epigenetic states. Predefined states consist of chromatin structure and cell metabolic processes such as DNA repair, radical scavenging and cell signalling, whereas induced states depend on interactions with the environment. Organisms are able to respond to a changing environment by various alterations in their somatic cells as well as in their germline and progeny. In this book, we will describe various phenomena associated with the maintenance of genome stability. These include genetic and epigenetic responses to various stresses in exposed cells and organisms, bystander and, bystander-like effects, transgenerational changes in genome stability and stress tolerance in bacteria, plants and animals.

This volume presents original research results from the leading edge of DNA research. It includes articles which have been carefully selected to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum of topics.

Numerous physical and chemical stress factors, endogenous or exogenous, challenge living organisms. Metabolisation processes generate highly reactive intermediates which can covalently bind to DNA, resulting in bulky addition products called "adducts." DNA adduct formation appears to be a general response of plants to organic chemical exposure, whether in controlled conditions or in the field. In particular, common carcinogenic pollutants and pesticides promote the formation of DNA adducts in plants. The authors of this book examine the development of DNA adducts, as well as the ways in which they can be eliminated due to DNA repair pathways. In this book, the data from in vivo transgenic assays is also examined, which can help to clarify specific pre-mutagenic adducts, DNA repair functions and mutational events that may be involved in the mutagenicity of human carcinogens. Other chapters in this book identify and discuss novel anthracyclines capable of forming DNA adducts, the role of DNA adducts as early biomarkers in the screening and development of marine anticancer drugs, the genotoxicity, such as DNA adduct formation, of air pollutants and its assessment by in vivo mutagenesis and a discussion of oxidative DNA damage, which can play an important role in the carcinogenic processes of PAHs and aromatic amines, in addition to bulky-DNA adducts formation.

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), a universal enzyme present in essentially all living cells and organisms, has a central role in DNA replication and repair by catalysing production of deoxyribonucleotides from the corresponding ribonucleotides. Three major classes of RNRs are known, differing in their cofactor requirements: class I RNRs (with subclasses Ia and Ib) carry a stable tyrosyl radical and are oxygen-dependent, class II RNRs require the vitamin B12 cofactor 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin and are oxygen-independent, and class III RNRs carry a stable glycyl radical and are oxygen-sensitive. Despite these differences, all classes have a similar reaction mechanism and the same highly specific catalytic core structure, indicating that they evolved from a common ancestor. Biochemical studies of RNRs from selected model organisms in combination with the vast number of deduced RNR sequences from publicly available complete genomic sequences show that whereas eukaryotes and their viruses with few exceptions contain only class Ia RNRs, all three major RNR classes are found among prokaryotes and bacteriophages and quite often one organism encodes more than one class of RNR. They are compiled in an open access database, called RNRdb for Ribonucleotide Reductase database that is available at http://rnrdb.molbio.su.se. RNRs are produced in a strictly controlled way depending upon growth phase and environmental cues. The authors describe a comprehensive summary of how the expression of RNR genes is regulated in several eubacterial organisms and in yeast. Due to RNR's importance for the realisation of DNA replication, it has been recognised as a possible target for antiproliferative therapy. The authors present a comprehensive summary of RNR-specific inhibitors that have reached clinical trials and/or are currently used in clinical therapy.

This book presents the latest research on DNA damage, which due to environmental factors and normal metabolic processes inside the cell, occurs at a rate of 1,000 to 1,000,000 molecular lesions per cell per day. While this constitutes only 0.000165% of the human genome's approximately 6 billion bases (3 billion base pairs), unrepaired lesions in critical genes (such as tumour suppresser genes) can impede a cell's ability to carry out its function and appreciably increase the likelihood of tumour formation. The vast majority of DNA damage affects the primary structure of the double helix; that is, the bases themselves are chemically modified. These modifications can in turn disrupt the molecules' regular helical structure by introducing non-native chemical bonds or bulky adducts that do not fit in the standard double helix. Unlike proteins and RNA, DNA usually lacks tertiary structure and therefore damage or disturbance does not occur at that level. DNA is, however, supercoiled and wound around "packaging" proteins called histones (in eukaryotes), and both superstructures are vulnerable to the effects of DNA damage.

Genetic vectors are plasmids, bacteriophages, or viruses used during recombinant DNA techniques that transport foreign genes into recipient cells. Genetic vectors possess a functional replicator site and contain a genetic marker to facilitate their selective recognition. This book presents new and important research from around the globe

Inferring the precise locations and splicing patterns of genes in DNA is a difficult but important task, with broad applications to biomedicine. The mathematical and statistical techniques that have been applied to this problem are surveyed and organized into a logical framework based on the theory of parsing. Both established approaches and methods at the forefront of current research are discussed. Numerous case studies of existing software systems are provided, in addition to detailed examples that work through the actual implementation of effective gene-predictors using hidden Markov models and other machine-learning techniques. Background material on probability theory, discrete mathematics, computer science, and molecular biology is provided, making the book accessible to students and researchers from across the life and computational sciences. This book is ideal for use in a first course in bioinformatics at graduate or advanced undergraduate level, and for anyone wanting to keep pace with this rapidly-advancing field.

Inferring the precise locations and splicing patterns of genes in DNA is a difficult but important task, with broad applications to biomedicine. The mathematical and statistical techniques that have been applied to this problem are surveyed and organized into a logical framework based on the theory of parsing. Both established approaches and methods at the forefront of current research are discussed. Numerous case studies of existing software systems are provided, in addition to detailed examples that work through the actual implementation of effective gene-predictors using hidden Markov models and other machine-learning techniques. Background material on probability theory, discrete mathematics, computer science, and molecular biology is provided, making the book accessible to students and researchers from across the life and computational sciences. This book is ideal for use in a first course in bioinformatics at graduate or advanced undergraduate level, and for anyone wanting to keep pace with this rapidly-advancing field.

A collection of essays, speeches, and reports by J D Watson, author of The Double Helix, a book which famously tells the story of his co-discovery with Crick of the structure of DNA in 1953. The pieces in this book deal with Watson's early life and career, science and politics, the advance of molecular genetics, genetics and society, the recombinant DNA debate, the prospects for curing cancer over the next decade, and how human genetic knowledge is likely to be used, for good or bad. Availability in USA and Canada: Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory Press has the exclusive distribution rights for this title in the U.S and Canada. Please Contact Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 10 Skyline Drive, Plainview, NY 11803 USA Tel: 516-349-1930 Fax: 516-349-1946 http://www.cshl.org/books/passndna.htm

Mapping and, ultimately, deciphering the human genome is a major human and scientific adventure that involves thousands of researchers world-wide and considerable funds. Bertrand Jordan, an active scientist in this field, became also a privileged observer through a sabbatical year devoted to visiting nearly a hundred participating laboratories around the world. This placed him in an ideal position to see, discuss, record and analyse progress and difficulties in this endeavour. These observations are the basis for a regular feature, "Chroniques Genomiques" (Tales of the Genome) published in the French periodical medecine/sciences. This book is an integrated, expanded and updated version of the 1990-1993 chronicles. It provides a technically detailed but accessible account of the "Genome World" from the viewpoint of a practising scientist. It describes the strategies implemented in settings that range from small laboratories to semi-industrial installations such as "Genethon", and the associated questions in terms of national policies, economic stakes and ethical issues.

Quantitative traits-be they morphological or physiological characters, aspects of behavior, or genome-level features such as the amount of RNA or protein expression for a specific gene-usually show considerable variation within and among populations. Quantitative genetics, also referred to as the genetics of complex traits, is the study of such characters and is based on mathematical models of evolution in which many genes influence the trait and in which non-genetic factors may also be important. Evolution and Selection of Quantitative Traits presents a holistic treatment of the subject, showing the interplay between theory and data with extensive discussions on statistical issues relating to the estimation of the biologically relevant parameters for these models. Quantitative genetics is viewed as the bridge between complex mathematical models of trait evolution and real-world data, and the authors have clearly framed their treatment as such. This is the second volume in a planned trilogy that summarizes the modern field of quantitative genetics, informed by empirical observations from wide-ranging fields (agriculture, evolution, ecology, and human biology) as well as population genetics, statistical theory, mathematical modeling, genetics, and genomics. Whilst volume 1 (1998) dealt with the genetics of such traits, the main focus of volume 2 is on their evolution, with a special emphasis on detecting selection (ranging from the use of genomic and historical data through to ecological field data) and examining its consequences.

"We are sure that DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications will play its part in promoting this most powerful tool in the forensic scientist's armamentarium."
-James Watson, PhD
-Jan Witkowski. PhD

Because it consists of a number of complex steps and procedures subject to both scientific and legal standards, the collection, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of DNA evidence remains a complex process. Any procedural or documentary misstep can potentially render key evidence or testimony useless. To avoid such costly errors, scientists, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and judges all must possess a detailed knowledge of how forensic DNA works, from the crime scene to the laboratory to the courtroom and beyond.

DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to this important and increasingly prevalent legal tool. Designed to reach readers in both legal and scientific fields, this text gives a global view of the practical issues involved in the forensic use of DNA. In clear, nontechnical language, the text covers:

• A scientific overview of DNA and common DNA tests
• Techniques used by criminalists on the path from crime scene to final laboratory analysis
• Procedures used to analyze biological evidence
• Human genetics, population genetics, and statistics in the context of DNA testing and genetic profiling
• Understanding and interpreting DNA evidence with respect to past and present law
• Concepts and procedures used in challenging or defending DNA evidence
• Postconviction appeals based on analysis of existing DNA evidence, including a discussion of The InnocenceProject
• The future of DNA technology with respect to legal evidence gathering and analysis

In a unique combination of legal practice and scientific analysis, DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications provides forensic scientists, potential expert witnesses, and professionals in the criminal justice system with the definitive resource on the methods of DNA analysis as well as the handling, potential, and limitations of DNA evidence.

This book introduces a discrete optimisation technique in four applications: classic Traveller Salesperson Problem (TSP), Multilocus Genetic Mapping, Multilocus Consensus Genetic Mapping, and Physical Mapping. Each of the four sections contains the problem formulation, description of the algorithm, and experimental results. The foregoing problems are solved on the basis of Guided Evolution Strategy (GES) algorithm. The algorithm was implemented in MultiPoint package (http://multiqtl.com). The developed analytical tools were applied in many genome mapping projects.

Genome sequencing is one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs of the past thirty years. But what precisely does it involve and how is it developing? In this brilliantly wide-ranging, one-stop guide WIRED journalist Rachael Pells explains the science behind genomics. She analyses its practical applications in medical diagnosis and the treatment of conditions that range from cancer to severe allergic reactions to cystic fibrosis. She considers its potential to help with advances in agriculture and environmental science. She explores the ethics of genetic modification and the dangers involved when humans 'play God'. And she addresses the fundamental question: to what extent will future advances transform human longevity and the quality of life.

This book opens with a discussion on the clinical applications of comet assay. Comet assay is rapid, simple method which able to assess DNA damage in different samples like blood, cells and tissues. Following this, the authors examine comet assay usage in occupational toxicology studies. Isolated lymphocytes were the most used cell line in these studies, but exfoliated cells such as nasal and buccal cell, liver, kidney and sperm cells may be used. Comet assay may also be used to detect nanoparticles-associated DNA damage. As such, this compilation assesses potential limitations due to the interaction of the nanoparticles with the method. Next, to shed light on the mechanisms of the DNA track formation, the authors apply an original approach based on the kinetic measurements in the comet assay, arguing that in neutral conditions at low levels of DNA damages, the comet tail is formed by extended DNA loops. New applications of the comet assay are described for the detection of aberrant DNA methylation, which is a promising marker in cancer diagnosis and follow-up. The authors go on to describe and analyse the results of in vitro treatment of lymphocytes with insecticide using comet assay under alkaline and neutral conditions, testing the commercial product Calypso (R) 480SC and its active agent thiacloprid at concentrations of 30; 60; 120; 240 and 480 g.ml-1. In one study, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seedlings were irrigated with Hoagland solution containing different concentrations of AlCl3. Morphological parameters such as germination rate and stoma number are evaluated. Additionally, the genotoxic effects of endosulfan pesticide at different times and in different concentrations in wheat leaf samples are analyzed in two-week old wheat seedlings in an effort to demonstrate that endosulfan is a genotoxic agent causing DNA breaks in wheat. In the closing chapter, the correlation between the comet assay parameters, cell viability, and hydroquinone concentration is explored. The relationship between comet assay and remaining hydroquinone after fungal treatment is also investigated in order to evaluate its biodegradation efficiency.

At least 5 trillion cell divisions are required for a fertilized egg to develop into an adult human, resulting in the production of more than 20 trillion meters of DNA! And yet, with only two exceptions, the genome is replicated once and only once each time a cell divides. How is this feat accomplished? What happens when errors occur? This book addresses these questions by presenting a thorough analysis of the molecular events that govern DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. The association between genome replication and cell proliferation, disease pathogenesis, and the development of targeted therapeutics is also addressed. At least 160 proteins are involved in replicating the human genome, and at least 40 diseases are caused by aberrant DNA replication, 35 by mutations in genes required for DNA replication or repair, 7 by mutations generated during mitochondrial DNA replication, and more than 40 by DNA viruses. Consequently, a growing number of therapeutic drugs are targeted to DNA replication proteins. This authoritative volume provides a rich source of information for researchers, physicians, and teachers, and will stimulate thinking about the relevance of DNA replication to human disease.