This volume reviews numerous reaction mechanisms and applications of nucleic acids with catalytic activity. Written by an interdisciplinary team of authors, it provides an essential overview of these acids' fundamental aspects, while also addressing associated methodologies such as nucleic acid enzyme engineering, peroxidase-mimicking DNAzymes and Aptazymes. After the discovery of natural ribozymes - RNA molecules that mediate the cleavage and formation of phosphodiester bonds and the formation of peptide bonds - numerous artificial ribozymes with altered catalytic activities were produced by in vitro and in vivo selection. Unlike ribozymes, DNAzymes do not occur in nature. Although the catalytic activity of nucleic acid enzymes is usually much slower than that of proteins, nucleic acid enzymes with comparable catalytic activity have been obtained using stringent selection processes. The key advantages of these enzymes: they are e.g. smaller, easier to produce and purify than proteins, and can withstand denaturation, e.g. by heat. Over the last few years, the number of publications on the applications of enzymatic nucleic acids has grown steadily. Summarizing the fundamentals and applications of these acids, this book will not only be an excellent resource for experts in the field but will also guide young researchers just starting out in this significant area.

This book provides methods and techniques used in construction of global transcriptional regulatory networks in diverse systems, various layers of gene regulation and mathematical as well as computational modeling of transcriptional gene regulation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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 cutting-edge, Modeling Transcriptional Regulation: Methods and Protocols aims to provide an in depth understanding of new techniques in transcriptional gene regulation for specialized audience.

Metagenomics has taken off as one of the major cutting-edge fields of research. The field has broad implications for human health and disease, animal production and environmental health. Metagenomics has opened up a wealth of data, tools, technologies and applications that allow us to access the majority of organisms that we still cannot access in pure culture (an estimated 99% of microbial life). Numerous research groups are developing tools, approaches and applications to deal with this new field, as larger data sets from environments including the human body, the oceans and soils are being generated. See for example the human microbiome initiative (HMP) which has become a world-wide effort and the Global Ocean Sampling (GOS) surveys. The number of publications as measured through PubMed that are focused on metagenomics continues to increase. The field of metagenomics continues to evolve with large common datasets available to the scientific community. A concerted effort is needed to collate all this information in a centralized place. By having all the information in an Encyclopedia form, we have an opportunity to gather seminal contributions from the leaders in the field, and at the same time provide this information to a significant number of junior and senior scientists. It is anticipated that the Encyclopedia will also be used by many other groups including, clinicians, undergraduate and graduate level students, as well as ethical and legal groups associated with or interested in the issues surrounding metagenome science.

The Evolution of Human Cleverness presents a unique introduction to the way human cognitive abilities have evolved. The book comprises a series of mini-essays on distinct topics in which technical terms are simplified, considering how humans made the long journey from our ape-like ancestors to become capable of higher-level reasoning and problem solving. All the topics are cross-linked, allowing the reader to dip in and out, but certain key concepts run through the underlying reasoning. Chiefly, these are adaptation and selection, the distinction between ultimate and proximate causes of behaviour, gene-culture co-evolution, and domain-general versus domain-specific cognitive processes. The book should help the reader draw lessons for the human species as a whole, especially in view of the environmental threats to its own existence. Entries have been carefully crafted to cut through scientific jargon, providing bite-sized and digestible chunks of knowledge, making the topic accessible for students and lay readers alike. The author draws on research from diverse fields including Psychology, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, and Neuroscience to provide an unbiased account of the field, making it an ideal text for students of all levels.

Genetic Ancestry focuses on the scientific nature and limitations of genetic ancestry testing. Co-authored by a genetic anthropologist and a cultural anthropologist, it examines the social, historical, and cultural dimensions of how people interpret genetic ancestry data. Utilizing examples from popular culture around the world and case studies from the Caribbean, the chapters highlight how genetic technology can sometimes bolster racial thinking and serve as tool of resistance and social justice.

- Provides updated and detailed information about bioinformatics for human genomics research - Brings information from multiple areas of bioinformatics in one place - Facilitates application of key computational methods in human genomics research

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 Springer Nature's long-standing 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 twelfth volume of a continuing series.

For all introductory genetics courses. Focus on essential genetic topics and explore the latest breakthroughs Known for its focus on conceptual understanding, problem solving, and practical applications, the bestselling Essentials of Genetics strengthens problem-solving skills and explores the essential genetics topics that today's students need to understand. The 10th Edition has been extensively updated to provide comprehensive coverage of important, emerging topics such as CRISPR-Cas, epigenetics, and genetic testing. Additionally, a new Special Topic chapter covers Advances in Neurogenetics with a focus on Huntington Disease, and new essays on Genetics, Ethics, and Society emphasize ethical considerations that genetics is bringing into everyday life. The accompanying Mastering Genetics online platform includes new tutorials on topics such as CRISPR-Cas and epigenetics, and new Dynamic Study Modules, which support student learning of key concepts and prepare them for class. Also available as a Pearson eText or packaged with Mastering Genetics: Pearson eText is a simple-to-use, mobile-optimized, personalized reading experience that can be adopted on its own as the main course material. It lets students highlight, take notes, and review key vocabulary all in one place, even when offline. Seamlessly integrated videos and other rich media engage students and give them access to the help they need, when they need it. Educators can easily share their own notes with students so they see the connection between their eText and what they learn in class - motivating them to keep reading, and keep learning. If your instructor has assigned Pearson eText as your main course material, search for: 0135588847 / 9780135588840 Pearson eText Essentials of Genetics -- Access Card, 10/e OR 0135588782 / 9780135588789 Pearson eText Essentials of Genetics -- Instant Access, 10/e Also available with Mastering Genetics By combining trusted author content with digital tools and a flexible platform, Mastering personalizes the learning experience and improves results for each student.Mastering Genetics allows students to develop problem-solving skills, learn from tutorials on key genetics concepts, and gain a better understanding of emerging topics. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and Mastering Genetics, search for: 0135173604 / 9780135173602 Essentials of Genetics Plus Mastering Genetics -- Access Card Package Package consists of: 0134898419 / 9780134898414 Essentials of Genetics 0135188687 / 9780135188682 Mastering Genetics with Pearson eText -- ValuePack Access Card -- for Essentials of Genetics Note: You are purchasing a standalone book; Pearson eText and Mastering A&P do not come packaged with this content. Students, ask your instructor for the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information.

Provides historical context for the many contributions made by using the Xenopus model System. Chapters written by an international team of leading researchers using Xenopus as a model organism. Chapters deal with cell biology, developmental biology, genomics, and evolutionary biology and include the results of the research. Well illustrated with color diagrams and photos.

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.

'Behavioral Neuroscience of Learning and Memory' brings together the opinions and expertise of some of the world's foremost neuroscientists in the field of learning and memory research. The volume provides a broad coverage of contemporary research and thinking in this field, focusing both on well established topics such as the medial temporal lobe memory system, as well as emerging areas of research such as the role of memory in decision making and the mechanisms of perceptual learning. Key intersecting themes include the molecular and cellular mechanisms of memory formation, the multiplicity of memory systems in the brain, and the way in which technological innovation is driving discovery. Unusually for a volume of this kind, this volume brings together research from both humans and animals-often relatively separate areas of discourse-to give a more comprehensive and integrated view of the field. The book will be of interest to both established researchers who wish to broaden their knowledge of topics outside of their specific areas of expertise, and for students who need a resource to help them make sense of the vast scientific literature on this subject.

Aging is an inevitable part of life, and is becoming a worldwide social, economic and health problem due to the fact that an increasing proportion of individuals in the advanced age category have a higher probability of developing age-related disorders. New therapeutic approaches are still in need to decrease or slow the effects of such diseases in this aging society. Advances in 'omic technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics have significantly advanced our understanding of diseases in multiple medical areas. It is hoped that emerging hits from these analyses might be prioritized for further screening as potential novel drug targets for increasing the human healthspan in line with the lifespan, which will in turn lead to new therapeutic strategies and drug development projects by the pharmaceutical industry. This new book presents a series of reviews describing studies which have resulted in the identification of potential new drug targets for age-related disorders. Much of this information has come from 'omic comparisons of healthy and disease states or from testing the effects of potential new therapeutic approaches. Each chapter will be presented in the context of specific chronic diseases or different therapeutic strategies, providing important information on disease mechanisms related to the aging process. This book will be of interest to researchers in the areas of aging and chronic disease, as well as clinical scientists, physicians, and major drug companies. With contributors from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay and Vietnam, this is a timely follow up to Guest's previous book Reviews on New Drug Targets in Age-Related Disorders.

The over-riding premise for biotechnology in this book is bringing novel products to market to substantially advance patient care and disease mitigation. Biotechnology, over its relatively brief existence of 40 years, has experienced a mercurial growth. The vast educational need for biotechnology information in this rapidly burgeoning field is a basic rationale here. However a more prominent underpinning is that, bringing biotech products to market for patient care involves success in the following four areas of engagement simultaneously - scientific advances for healthcare technologies, novel and varied products for untreated diseases, regulatory authorities, and biotech companies. Features Comprehensive coverage of biotechnology science topics used in development and manufacturing Addresses all the scientific technologies within biotechnology responsible for products on the market and the pipeline Presents business issues such as marketing and sales of the products, as well as companies engaged, and how biotech business has evolved

This volume contains a comprehensive collection of laboratory protocols used by researchers to analyze varied aspects of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The chapters in this book cover topics such as methods for histological diagnosis of NASH; the purpose of generating an in vivo NASH model; protocols for isolating hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, bone marrow derived macrophages, and adipocytes; techniques to develop human pluripotent stem cells-derived liver organoids; single-cell and RNA-sequencing; and a description of how to extract exosomes and exosomal miRNAs from mesenchymal stem cells. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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. Thorough and practical, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for new and experiences investigators studying NASH, and serves as an essential reference on NASH for basic and clinical researchers and students.

This book describes how genomics has revolutionized our scientific understanding of agriculturally important plant-associated bacteria. Each chapter focuses on the genomics of particular bacteria: the first described plant pathogen, "Erwinia amylovora"; phytoplasmas lacking cell walls; fastidious, phloem-restricted liberibacters; "Pseudomonas syringae," which is a genetically tractable model system; "Xanthomonas citri," which causes a disease that can devastate citrus crops and "Pseudomonas fluorescens," which can protect plants from diseases.

Topics considered in this volume include the importance of horizontal gene transfer in originating new bacterial strains and species and advances in transcriptomics that allow us to describe the complex regulatory networks critical to plant-microbe interactions. The availability of the "Xanthomonas oryzae" genome has led to new technologies in genome editing, which will revolutionize approaches to genetic engineering, even in eukaryotes. The contributions show how genomics has greatly accelerated progress toward understanding the biology of these bacteria and how that understanding can be translated into novel crop protection methods.

Applied plant genomics and biotechnology reviews the recent advancements in the post-genomic era, discussing how different varieties respond to abiotic and biotic stresses, investigating epigenetic modifications and epigenetic memory through analysis of DNA methylation states, applicative uses of RNA silencing and RNA interference in plant physiology and in experimental transgenics, and plants modified to produce high-value pharmaceutical proteins. The book provides an overview of research advances in application of RNA silencing and RNA interference, through Virus-based transient gene expression systems, Virus induced gene complementation (VIGC), Virus induced gene silencing (Sir VIGS, Mr VIGS) Virus-based microRNA silencing (VbMS) and Virus-based RNA mobility assays (VRMA); RNA based vaccines and expression of virus proteins or RNA, and virus-like particles in plants, the potential of virus vaccines and therapeutics, and exploring plants as factories for useful products and pharmaceuticals are topics wholly deepened. The book reviews and discuss Plant Functional Genomic studies discussing the technologies supporting the genetic improvement of plants and the production of plant varieties more resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Several important crops are analysed providing a glimpse on the most up-to-date methods and topics of investigation. The book presents a review on current state of GMO, the cisgenesis-derived plants and novel plant products devoid of transgene elements, discuss their regulation and the production of desired traits such as resistance to viruses and disease also in fruit trees and wood trees with long vegetative periods. Several chapters cover aspects of plant physiology related to plant improvement: cytokinin metabolism and hormone signaling pathways are discussed in barley; PARP-domain proteins involved in Stress-Induced Morphogenetic Response, regulation of NAD signaling and ROS dependent synthesis of anthocyanins. Apple allergen isoforms and the various content in different varieties are discussed and approaches to reduce their presence. Euphorbiaceae, castor bean, cassava and Jathropa are discussed at genomic structure, their diseases and viruses, and methods of transformation. Rice genomics and agricultural traits are discussed, and biotechnology for engineering and improve rice varieties. Mango topics are presented with an overview of molecular methods for variety differentiation, and aspects of fruit improvement by traditional and biotechnology methods. Oilseed rape is presented, discussing the genetic diversity, quality traits, genetic maps, genomic selection and comparative genomics for improvement of varieties. Tomato studies are presented, with an overview on the knowledge of the regulatory networks involved in flowering, methods applied to study the tomato genome-wide DNA methylation, its regulation by small RNAs, microRNA-dependent control of transcription factors expression, the development and ripening processes in tomato, genomic studies and fruit modelling to establish fleshy fruit traits of interest; the gene reprogramming during fruit ripening, and the ethylene dependent and independent DNA methylation changes.

Metagenomics has taken off as one of the major cutting-edge fields of research. The field has broad implications for human health and disease, animal production and environmental health. Metagenomics has opened up a wealth of data, tools, technologies and applications that allow us to access the majority of organisms that we still cannot access in pure culture (an estimated 99% of microbial life). Numerous research groups are developing tools, approaches and applications to deal with this new field, as larger data sets from environments including the human body, the oceans and soils are being generated. See for example the human microbiome initiative (HMP) which has become a world-wide effort and the Global Ocean Sampling (GOS) surveys. The number of publications as measured through PubMed that are focused on metagenomics continues to increase. The field of metagenomics continues to evolve with large common datasets available to the scientific community. A concerted effort is needed to collate all this information in a centralized place. By having all the information in an Encyclopedia form, we have an opportunity to receive seminal contributions from the leaders in the field and at the same time provide this information to a significant number of junior and senior scientists, via colleges, libraries, and just through online access. This format also allows scientists in the developing world to have continued access to this growing field. It is anticipated that the Encyclopedia will also be used by many other groups including, clinicians, undergraduate and graduate level students, as well as ethical and legal groups associated with or interested in the issues surrounding metagenome science.

This book examines sociobiology and evolution from the scientific and philosophical perspectives. Both sociobiology and evolution are areas of modern biology fraught with controversy and misunderstanding, yet fundamental to a coherent view of human life. For scientists and philosophers of science, at issue are the basic underpinnings of biology: explanation, determination, teleology, reductionism, and hierarchy. Professor Dyke describes the controversies involved, and argues that progress in sociobiology and evolution is hindered by an outmoded philosophical view of science - one that does not adequately take into account recent advances in our understanding of basic biological processes. The author aims to shift the focus from a philosophical understanding of biology to a dynamic, philosophically aware science.

Traditionally, genetics laboratory exercises at the university level focus on mono- and dihybrid crosses and phenotypic analysis-exercises under traditional time, materials, and process constraints. Lately, molecular techniques such as gene cloning, polymerase chain reactions (PCR), and bioinformatics are being included in many teaching laboratories-where affordable. Human chromosome analysis, when present at all, has often been restricted to simple identification of chromosomes by number, through the usual "cut-and-paste" method. Although several online karyotyping (chromosome identification) programs have become available, they are not meaningful for studying the dynamics of the chromosome system, nor do they help students understand genetics as a discipline. The software that accompanies this book has been shown to be an ideal tool for learning about genetics, which requires a combination of understanding, conceptualization, and practical experience.

Global food security is increasingly challenging in light of population increase, the impact of climate change on crop production, and limited land available for agricultural expansion. Plant breeding and other agricultural technologies have contributed considerably for food and nutritional security over the last few decades. Genetic engineering approaches are powerful tools that we have at our disposal to overcome substantial obstacles in the way of efficiency and productivity of current agricultural practices. Genome engineering via CRISPR/Cas9, Cpf1, base editing and prime editing, and OMICs through genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, phenomics, an metabolomics have helped to discover underlying mechanisms controlling traits of economic importance. Principle and Practices of OMICs and Genome Editing for Crop Improvement provides recent research from eminent scholars from around the world, from various geographical regions, with established expertise on genome editing and OMICs technologies. This book offers a wide range of information on OMICs techniques and their applications to develop biotic, abiotic and climate resilient crops, metabolomics and next generation sequencing for sustainable crop production, integration bioinformatics, and multi-omics for precision plant breeding. Other topics include application of genome editing technologies for food and nutritional security, speed breeding, hybrid seed production, resource use efficiency, epigenetic modifications, transgene free breeding, database and bioinformatics for genome editing, and regulations adopted by various countries around globe for genome edited crops. Both OMICs and genome editing are vigorously utilized by researchers for crop improvement programs; however, there is limited literature available in a single source. This book provides a valuable resource not only for students at undergraduate and postgraduate level but also for researchers, stakeholders, policy makers, and practitioners interested in the potential of genome editing and OMICs for crop improvement programs.

This volume presents a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in basic and translational research in the field of reconstructive transplantation and its potential therapeutic implications. Dr. Thomas E. Starzl and Dr. Raimund Margreiter, both pioneers in the field of transplantation, have written the foreword for the book. The volume spans such topics as skin rejection, immune monitoring, stem cell-based immunomodulatory strategies, costimulatory blockade, tolerance induction, chronic rejection, ischemia reperfusion injury, nerve regeneration, cortical reintegration, and small and large animal models for reconstructive transplantation. The book is intended for biomedical researchers and basic scientists in the field of reconstructive transplantation, transplant immunology and regenerative medicine, as well as clinicians, surgeons and multidisciplinary specialists, who are practicing or interested in this novel and exciting field. Postgraduate fellows and students will also find it a valuable reference.

Are you considering to test your own DNA? Do you want to learn more about your health and ancestry? Understand your DNA - A Guide is about what you can use genetics for. For a few hundred dollars, you can now scan your own genes. Millions of people all over the world have already done so. Everyone wants to see what they can get to know about themselves, and the market growing rapidly. But what does it require from you? And what can you really use a DNA test for? Understand your DNA - A Guide helps you put the plots and charts of consumer genetics into perspective and enables you to figure out what's up and down in the media headlines. The book is also a key input for today's debate about what we as a society can and want to do with medical genetics. Genetics will play a growing role in the future. Understand your DNA - A Guide is an easy-to-read and necessary guide to that future. The book is provided with a foreword by Professor Sham Pak-Chung of Hong Kong University.While there are many books about genetics, they typically take the perspective of a scientist wanting to understand the molecular levels. At the same time, direct-to-consumer genetics is a booming market, with millions of people already tested. Very little has been published that will guide them for real, because the need here is more focused on medical and practical understanding, than focussed on molecules.This book therefore aims to hit that vacant spot in the market. It's a walk-through of all concepts that are necessary to understand in your own analysis. Meanwhile, it is also limited in scope to only those concepts - thus distinguishing it from broader works.The book is appropriate for the readerships in modern multi-ethnic metropolises because it mixes European and Asian examples, both from the collaboration between the author from Europe and the foreword-writer, Prof. Pak Sham of Hong Kong University. But also, because many of the examples in the book concerns differences and similarities between Asian and European ethnicities, something the author believes is a trend in time.Related Link(s)

The advanced AI techniques are essential for resolving various problematic aspects emerging in the field of bioinformatics. This book covers the recent approaches in artificial intelligence and machine learning methods and their applications in Genome and Gene editing, cancer drug discovery classification, and the protein folding algorithms among others. Deep learning, which is widely used in image processing, is also applicable in bioinformatics as one of the most popular artificial intelligence approaches. The wide range of applications discussed in this book are an indispensable resource for computer scientists, engineers, biologists, mathematicians, physicians, and medical informaticists. Features: Focusses on the cross-disciplinary relation between computer science and biology and the role of machine learning methods in resolving complex problems in bioinformatics Provides a comprehensive and balanced blend of topics and applications using various advanced algorithms Presents cutting-edge research methodologies in the area of AI methods when applied to bioinformatics and innovative solutions Discusses the AI/ML techniques, their use, and their potential for use in common and future bioinformatics applications Includes recent achievements in AI and bioinformatics contributed by a global team of researchers

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research chemists at universities or in industry, graduate students.