* Focuses on human identification using traditional DNA typing methods targeting short tandem repeats (STRs) * Applies the technology and usage to law enforcement investigations and identity and ancestry single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for investigational leads, mass disaster, and ancestry cases * Introduces the underlying principles of NGS, focusing forensic application and the introduction of NGS into forensic labs in the coming years

* Focuses on human identification using traditional DNA typing methods targeting short tandem repeats (STRs) * Applies the technology and usage to law enforcement investigations and identity and ancestry single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for investigational leads, mass disaster, and ancestry cases * Introduces the underlying principles of NGS, focusing forensic application and the introduction of NGS into forensic labs in the coming years

This volume describes the genetic mechanisms that govern the development and evolution of animals and plants. In particular, the book focuses on animal and plant species evolving in isolated habitats and species colonizing new territories. This approach - studying "founder" populations - enables geneticists to more readily identify some of the evolutionary pressures affecting the speciation process. The Founder Principle in population genetics was elucidated in large part by Hampton Carson in classic studies of Hawaiian fruit flies (Drosophilia). The editors of this volume have commissioned seventeen chapters by an internationally recognized group of geneticists who discuss the Founder Principle in relation to plant speciation, chromosomal evolution, molecular evolution and development, sexual selection, and genetic changes in natural populations. The volume was organized as a tribute to Professor Carson on the occasion of his retirement from the University of Hawaii.

Ribosome biogenesis is the process of making ribosomes which are responsible for mRNA translation into proteins. It is a tightly regulated process closely linked to nearly all biochemical and cellular processes, including cell division, growth, and development. Emerging Concepts in Ribosome Structure, Biogenesis, and Function provides a synthesized overview of all the parts engaged in this process. The book begins by providing an introduction to the ribosome factory, its origin, and its evolution of translation. It then goes on to describe ribosome structure including subunits, RNA, and protein components. Ribosome biogenesis and its emergence as a frontier research area for translational potential in cancer and other diseases are also discussed. In addition, the book explores current developments in ribosome research like the emergence of ribosomopathies, how deregulation of ribosome biogenesis can impact disease mechanisms and aging, and the discovery of specialized ribosomes that have specific functions that may translate differentially with consequences on normal and pathological processes. Emerging Concepts in Ribosome Structure, Biogenesis, and Function provides fundamental coverage and emerging research on ribosomes, biogenesis, and their structure and function and is a resourceful introduction for new researchers and those engaged in interdisciplinary ribosomal research.

This book offers a unique balance between a basic introductory knowledge of bioinformatics and a detailed study of algorithmic techniques. Bioinformatics and RNA: A Practice-Based Approach is a complete guide on the fundamental concepts, applications, algorithms, protocols, new trends, challenges, and research results in the area of bioinformatics and RNA. The book offers a broad introduction to the explosively growing new discipline of bioinformatics. It covers theoretical topics along with computational algorithms. It explores RNA bioinformatics, which contribute to therapeutics and drug discovery. Implementation of algorithms in a DotNet Framework with code and complete insight on the state-of-the-art and recent advancements are presented in detail. The book targets both novice readers as well as practitioners in the field. FEATURES Offers a broad introduction to the explosively growing new discipline of bioinformatics Covers theoretical topics and computational algorithms Explores RNA bioinformatics to unleash the potential from therapeutics to drug discovery Discusses implementation of algorithms in DotNet Frameworks with code Presents insights into the state of the art and recent advancements in bioinformatics The book is useful to undergraduate students with engineering, science, mathematics, or biology backgrounds. Researchers will be equally interested.

This book represents the first comprehensive compilation of deliberations on botany; genetic resources; genetic diversity analysis; classical genetics & traditional breeding; in vitro culture & genetic transformation; detailed information on molecular maps & mapping of economic genes and QTLs; whole genome sequencing of the nuclear genome and sequencing of chloroplast genome; and elucidation of functional genomics. It also addresses alternate flowering, a unique problem in mango, and discusses currently available genomic resources and databases. Gathering contributions by globally reputed experts, the book will benefit the students, teachers, and scientists in academia and at private companies interested in horticulture, genetics, breeding, pathology, entomology, physiology, molecular genetics and breeding, in vitro culture & genetic engineering, and structural and functional genomics.

A paradigm-shifting book from an acclaimed Harvard Medical School scientist and one of Time’s most influential people.

It’s a seemingly undeniable truth that aging is inevitable. But what if everything we’ve been taught to believe about aging is wrong? What if we could choose our lifespan?

In this groundbreaking book, Dr. David Sinclair, leading world authority on genetics and longevity, reveals a bold new theory for why we age. As he writes: “Aging is a disease, and that disease is treatable.”

This eye-opening and provocative work takes us to the frontlines of research that is pushing the boundaries on our perceived scientific limitations, revealing incredible breakthroughs—many from Dr. David Sinclair’s own lab at Harvard—that demonstrate how we can slow down, or even reverse, aging. The key is activating newly discovered vitality genes, the descendants of an ancient genetic survival circuit that is both the cause of aging and the key to reversing it. Recent experiments in genetic reprogramming suggest that in the near future we may not just be able to feel younger, but actually become younger.

Through a page-turning narrative, Dr. Sinclair invites you into the process of scientific discovery and reveals the emerging technologies and simple lifestyle changes—such as intermittent fasting, cold exposure, exercising with the right intensity, and eating less meat—that have been shown to help us live younger and healthier for longer. At once a roadmap for taking charge of our own health destiny and a bold new vision for the future of humankind, Lifespan will forever change the way we think about why we age and what we can do about it.

Interpreting Complex Forensic DNA Evidence is a handy guide to recent advances-and emerging issues-in interpreting complex DNA evidence and profiles for use in criminal investigations. In certain cases, DNA cannot be connected to a specific biological material such as blood, semen or saliva. How or when the DNA was deposited may be an issue. The possibility of generating DNA profiles from touched objects, where there may not be a visible deposit, has expanded the scope and number of exhibits submitted for DNA analysis. With such advances, and increasing improvements in technological capabilities in testing samples, this means it is possible to detect ever smaller amounts of DNA. There are also many efforts underway to seek was to interpret DNA profiles that are sub-optimal-either relative to the amount required by the testing kit and, potentially, the quality of the obtained sample. Laboratories often use enhancements in order to obtain a readable DNA profile. The broad-reaching implications of improving DNA sensitivity have led to this next, emerging generation of more complex profiles. Examples partial profiles that do not faithfully reflect the proposed donor, or mixtures of partial DNA from multiple people. A complexity threshold has been proposed to limit interpretation of poor-quality data. Research is now addressing the interpretation of transfer of trace amounts of DNA. Complex issues are arising in trial that need to be reconciled as such complexity has added challenges to the interpretation of evidence and its introduction or dismissal in certain cases in the courts. Key Features: Addresses DNA transfer, from person-to-person as well as to objects Outlines each stage required to produce a DNA profile from an exhibit-including collection, handling, storage, and analysis Discusses ethics, subjectivity, and bias-including cognitive dissonance-as they relate specifically to complex DNA evidence Highlights current techniques and the latest advances in DNA analysis, including advances in familial DNA searches Interpreting Complex Forensic DNA Evidence provides tools to assist the criminal investigator, forensic expert, and legal professional when posed with a DNA result in a forensic report or testimony. The result-and any associated statistic-may not reveal any ambiguity, complexity, or the assumptions involved in deriving it. Questions from resolved criminal cases are posed, and the relevant forensic literature, provided for the reader to assess a DNA result and any associated statistic. Case studies throughout illustrate concepts and emphasize the need for conclusions in the forensic report that are supported by the data.

The oil palm is a remarkable crop, producing around 40% of the world's vegetable oil from around 6% of the land devoted to oil crops. Conventional breeding has clearly been the major focus of genetic improvement in this crop. A mix of improved agronomy and management, coupled with breeding selection have quadrupled the oil yield of the crop since breeding began in earnest in the 1920s. However, as for all perennial crops with long breeding cycles, oil palm faces immense challenges in the coming years with increased pressure from population growth, climate change and the need to develop environmentally sustainable oil palm plantations. In Oil Palm: Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, world leading organizations and individuals who have been at the forefront of developments in this crop, provide their insights and experiences of oil palm research, while examining the different challenges that face the future of the oil palm. The editors have all been involved in research and breeding of oil palm for many years and use their knowledge of the crop and their disciplinary expertise to provide context and to introduce the different research topics covered.

Applied Mathematics and Omics to Assess Crop Genetic Resources for Climate Change Adaptive Traits focuses on practical means and approaches to further the use of genetic resources for mitigating the effects of climate change and improving crop production. Genetic diversity in crop plants is being further explored to increase yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value by employing recent advances in mathematics and omics technologies to promote the adaptation of crops to changing climatic conditions. This book presents a broad view of biodiversity and genetic resources in agriculture and provides answers to some current problems. It also highlights ways to provide much-needed information to practitioners and innovators engaged in addressing the effects of global climate change on agriculture. The book is divided into sections that cover: The implications of climate change for drylands and farming communities The potential of genetic resources and biodiversity to adapt to and mitigate climate change effects Applications of mathematics and omics technologies Genomics and gene identification We are in the midst of significant changes in global climates, and its effects are already being felt throughout the world. The increasing frequency of droughts and heat waves has had negative impacts on agricultural production, especially in the drylands of the world. This book shares the collective knowledge of leading scientists and practitioners, giving readers a broader appreciation and heightened awareness of the stakes involved in improving and sustaining agricultural production systems in the face of climate change.

This book addresses the issue of improving the accuracy in exon prediction in DNA sequences using various adaptive techniques based on different performance measures that are crucial in disease diagnosis and therapy. First, the authors present an overview of genomics engineering, structure of DNA sequence and its building blocks, genetic information flow in a cell, gene prediction along with its significance, and various types of gene prediction methods, followed by a review of literature starting with the biological background of genomic sequence analysis. Next, they cover various theoretical considerations of adaptive filtering techniques used for DNA analysis, with an introduction to adaptive filtering, properties of adaptive algorithms, and the need for development of adaptive exon predictors (AEPs) and structure of AEP used for DNA analysis. Then, they extend the approach of least mean squares (LMS) algorithm and its sign-based realizations with normalization factor for DNA analysis. They also present the normalized logarithmic-based realizations of least mean logarithmic squares (LMLS) and least logarithmic absolute difference (LLAD) adaptive algorithms that include normalized LMLS (NLMLS) algorithm, normalized LLAD (NLLAD) algorithm, and their signed variants. This book ends with an overview of the goals achieved and highlights the primary achievements using all proposed techniques. This book is intended to provide rigorous use of adaptive signal processing algorithms for genetic engineering, biomedical engineering, and bioinformatics and is useful for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This will also serve as a practical guide for Ph.D. students and researchers and will provide a number of research directions for further work. Features Presents an overview of genomics engineering, structure of DNA sequence and its building blocks, genetic information flow in a cell, gene prediction along with its significance, and various types of gene prediction methods Covers various theoretical considerations of adaptive filtering techniques used for DNA analysis, introduction to adaptive filtering, properties of adaptive algorithms, need for development of adaptive exon predictors (AEPs), and structure of AEP used for DNA analysis Extends the approach of LMS algorithm and its sign-based realizations with normalization factor for DNA analysis Presents the normalized logarithmic-based realizations of LMLS and LLAD adaptive algorithms that include normalized LMLS (NLMLS) algorithm, normalized LLAD (NLLAD) algorithm, and their signed variants Provides an overview of the goals achieved and highlights the primary achievements using all proposed techniques Dr. Md. Zia Ur Rahman is a professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Koneru Lakshmaiah Educational Foundation (K. L. University), Guntur, India. His current research interests include adaptive signal processing, biomedical signal processing, genetic engineering, medical imaging, array signal processing, medical telemetry, and nanophotonics. Dr. Srinivasareddy Putluri is currently a Software Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Hyderabad. He received his Ph.D. degree (Genomic Signal Processing using Adaptive Signal Processing algorithms) from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Koneru Lakshmaiah Educational Foundation (K. L. University), Guntur, India. His research interests include genomic signal processing and adaptive signal processing. He has published 15 research papers in various journals and proceedings. He is currently a reviewer of publishers like the IEEE Access and IGI.

This timely book critically examines the capabilities and limitations of the new areas of biology that are used as powerful arguments for developing social policy in a particular direction, exploring their implications for policy and practice. It will enable social scientists, policy makers, practitioners and interested general readers to understand how the new biologies of epigenetics and neuroscience have increasingly influenced the fields of family policy, mental health, child development and criminal justice

Plasticity in Plant-Growth-Promoting and Phytopathogenic Bacteria brings together the expertise of a panel of researchers from around the world to provide comprehensive up-to-date reviews on the most interesting aspects of genomic and phenotypic plasticity in plant-beneficial and phytopathogenic bacteria. The book covers various topics, including common and specific features in the genomes of symbiotic, plant-growth-promoting, and phytopathogenic bacteria; regulation of conjugative plasmid transfer in rhizobia; genetic and phenotypic variability in plant-beneficial pseudomonads and azospirilla; genomic fluxes in phytopathogenic xanthomonads and pseudomonads; genome plasticity in obligate parasitic Phytoplasmas; comparative genomics of plant-growth-promoting and phytopathogenic Herbaspirillum species; horizontal gene transfer in planta and microevolution of plant-associated bacteria in the phytosphere. Plasticity in Plant-Growth-Promoting and Phytopathogenic Bacteria is recommended for all microbiology and plant biology laboratories.

This extensive new edition presents protocols reflecting the great strides made in the study of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The collection explores new and improved methods for the generation, expansion, and maintenance of iPS cells from different tissue types, characterization of their differentiation pathways along different lineages, and their potential utility in tissue repair and 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. Comprehensive and up-to-date, Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) Cells: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to arm stem cell biologists, both novice and expert, with invaluable protocols that are currently being used in various laboratories around the world.

The study of transcriptomics is key to understanding complex diseases. This new edition will build on the foundation of the first edition while incorporating the progress that has been made in the field of transcriptomics in the past six years, including bioinformatics for data analysis. Written by leading experts, chapters address new subjects such as methodological advances in large-scale sequencing, the sequencing of single-cells, and spatial transcriptomics. The new edition will address how transcriptomics may be used in combination with genetic strategies to identify causative genes in monogenic and complex genetic diseases. Coverage will also explore transcriptomics in challenging groups of diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, bacterial infection, and autoimmune diseases. The updated volume will be useful for geneticists, genome biologists, biomedical researchers, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, and students, among others.

Critical to the accurate diagnosis of human illness is the need to distinguish clinical features that fall within the normal range from those that do not. That distinction is often challenging and not infrequently requires considerable experience at the bedside. It is not surprising that accurate cytogenetic diagnosis is also often a challenge, especially when chromosome study reveals morphologic findings that raise the question of normality. Given the realization that modern human cytogenetics is just over five decades old, it is noteworthy that thorough documentation of normal chromosome var- tion has not yet been accomplished. One key diagnostic consequence of the inability to distinguish a "normal" variation in chromosome structure from a pathologic change is a missed or inaccurate diagnosis. Clinical cytogeneticists have not, however, been idle. Rather, progressive biotechnological advances coupled with virtual completion of the human genome project have yielded increasingly better microscopic resolution of chromosome structure. Witness the progress from the early short condensed chromosomes to the later visualization of chromosomes through banding techniques, hi- resolution analysis in prophase, and more recently to analysis by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Taking us to the cutting edge of the new frontier of medicine, a visionary biotechnologist and a pathbreaking researcher show how we can optimize our health in ways that were previously unimaginable. We are on the cusp of a major transformation in healthcare—yet few people know it. At top hospitals and a few innovative health-tech startups, scientists are working closely with patients to dramatically extend their “healthspan”—the number of healthy years before disease sets in. In The Age of Scientific Wellness, two visionary leaders of this revolution in health take us on a thrilling journey to this new frontier of medicine. Today, most doctors wait for clinical symptoms to appear before they act, and the ten most commonly prescribed medications confer little or no benefit to most people taking them. Leroy Hood and Nathan Price argue that we must move beyond this reactive, hit-or-miss approach to usher in real precision health—a form of highly personalized care they call “scientific wellness.” Using information gleaned from our blood and genes and tapping into the data revolution made possible by AI, doctors can catch the onset of disease years before symptoms arise, revolutionizing prevention. Current applications have shown startling results: diabetes reversed, cancers eliminated, Alzheimer’s avoided, autoimmune conditions kept at bay. This is not a future fantasy: it is already happening, but only for a few patients and at high cost. It’s time to make this gold standard of care more widely available. Inspiring in its possibilities, radical in its conclusions, The Age of Scientific Wellness shares actionable insights to help you chart a course to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Originally published in 1982, The Masterpiece of Nature examines sex as representative of the most important challenge to the modern theory of evolution. The book suggests that sex evolved, not as the result of normal Darwinian processes of natural selection, but through competition between populations or species - a hypothesis elsewhere almost universally discredited. The book also discusses the nature of sex and its consequences for the individual and for the population, as well as various other theories of sex. Since the value of these theories is held to reside wholly in their ability to predict the patterns of sexuality observed in nature, the book seeks to provide an extensive review of the circumstances in which sexuality is attenuated or lost throughout the animal kingdom, and these facts are then used to weigh up the merits of the rival theories. This book will be of interest to researchers in the area of genetics, ecology and evolutionary biology.

With the appearance of methods for the sequencing of genomes and less expensive next generation sequencing methods, we face rapid advancements of the -omics technologies and plant biology studies: reverse and forward genetics, functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, the movement at distance of effectors and structural biology. From plant genomics to plant biotechnology reviews the recent advancements in the post-genomic era, discussing how different varieties respond to abiotic and biotic stresses, understanding the epigenetic control and epigenetic memory, the roles of non-coding RNAs, applicative uses of RNA silencing and RNA interference in plant physiology and in experimental transgenics and plants modified to specific aims. In the forthcoming years these advancements will support the production of plant varieties better suited to resist biotic and abiotic stresses, for food and non-food applications.
This book covers these issues, showing how such technologies are influencing the plant field in sectors such as the selection of plant varieties and plant breeding, selection of optimum agronomic traits, stress-resistant varieties, improvement of plant fitness, improving crop yield, and non-food applications in the knowledge based bio-economy.
Discusses a broad range of applications: the examples originate from a variety of sectors (including in field studies, breeding, RNA regulation, pharmaceuticals and biotech) and a variety of scientific areas (such as bioinformatics, -omics sciences, epigenetics, and the agro-industry)Provides a unique perspective on work normally performed 'behind closed doors'. As such, it presents an opportunity for those within the field to learn from each other, and for those on the 'outside' to see how different groups have approached key problemsHighlights the criteria used to compare and assess different approaches to solving problems. Shows the thinking process, practical limitations and any other considerations, aiding in the understanding of a deeper approach

Much research has focused on the basic cellular and molecular biological aspects of stem cells. Much of this research has been fueled by their potential for use in regenerative medicine applications, which has in turn spurred growing numbers of translational and clinical studies. However, more work is needed if the potential is to be realized for improvement of the lives and well-being of patients with numerous diseases and conditions.This book series 'Cell Biology and Translational Medicine (CBTMED)' as part of SpringerNature's longstanding and very successful Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology book series, has the goal to accelerate advances by timely information exchange. Emerging areas of regenerative medicine and translational aspects of stem cells are covered in each volume. Outstanding researchers are recruited to highlight developments and remaining challenges in both the basic research and clinical arenas. This current book is the tenth volume of a continuing series.

The scope and significance of cytoplasmic inheritance has been the subject of one of the longest controversies in the history of genetics. In the first major book on the history of this subject, Jan Sapp analyses the persistent attempts of investigators of non-Mendelian inheritance to establish their claims, in the face of strong resistance from nucleo-centric geneticists and classical neo-Darwinians. A new perspective on the history of genetics is offered, as he explores the oppositions which have shaped theoretical thinking about heredity and evolution throughout the century: materialism/vitalism, reductionism/holism, preformation/epigenesis, neo-Darwinism/neo-Lamarckism, gradualism/saltationism.

This detailed book explores the utilization and delivery of stem cells for therapeutic purposes in patients in the clinic and the tightly controlled Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) that make these powerful techniques possible. Fully updated and expanded from the first edition, this collection features a new set of protocols to arm stem cell biologists with protocols that are currently being used in a number of well-established facilities around the world. 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 up to date, Stem Cells and Good Manufacturing Practices: Methods, Protocols, and Regulations, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for researchers aiming to drive continued improvements to GMP and accelerate new stem cell treatments for patients in need.

Stem Cell Nanotechnology: Methods and Protocols gathers several representative protocols related to the emerging interest in nanotechnology as it relates to stem cell biology. The detailed chapters presented within have been validated for reproducibility and are described in an easy to follow, step-by-step fashion so as to be valuable for not only experts but also novices in the stem cell field. As with other volumes in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters conclude with a Notes section, which provides tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Stem Cell Nanotechnology: Methods and Protocols provides both a flavor of the field as it currently is and a source to stimulate new approaches and methodologies by those interested in nanotechnological applications.

Originally published in 1985, The Semantic Theory of Evolution addresses the notion that life is not shaped by the single law of natural selection, but instead by a plurality of laws that resemble grammatical rules in language. This remarkable work presents a semantic theory centering on the concept of the ribotype. Supported by both sound facts and logical arguments, this analysis reaches beyond the established cadre of biological thought to unravel many of life's mysteries and paradoxes, including the origin of the cell and the nucleus and the evolution of ribosomes.

Originally published in 1987, Human Evolution looks at theories of the evolution of human behaviour (contemporary at the time of publication). The book reviews competing theories of psychological and social evolution and provides a detailed historical introduction to the subject. A key theoretical concern which emerges in the book includes the psychological significance of the human evolution issue itself. The period of human evolution covered ranges from the demise of the Miocene hominoids, to the emergence of 'civilization'. Topics covered include: functions of 'origin myths', history of the study of human evolution, methods and data-bases, theories of the nature of 'hominisation', origins of bipedalism, language and tool-use, theories of social evolution, theories of cave art and the spread of Homo sapiens to America and Australia.