Arthropods are important to worldwide agriculture, food safety, human health, and energy production. Besides their practical significance, various species represent excellent model systems for biological investigations of evolution, development, physiology, reproduction, and social interaction. For these reasons, arthropod genomics is receiving increasing attention from researchers around the globe. Protocols for Cytogenetic Mapping of Arthropod Genomes is a collection of up-to-date, detailed protocols for physical chromosome mapping and their applications for studying genome organization and evolution in insects and ticks. This book brings together the expertise of cytogeneticists working on diverse groups of arthropods. Each chapter demonstrates approaches to tissue dissection, chromosome preparation, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and imaging. The book is a timely and complementary effort to the i5K initiative, which will obtain whole-genome sequences for 5,000 insect and related arthropod species. This comprehensive resource provides cytogeneticists with the necessary background and protocols to understand and develop chromosome-based genome assemblies from such whole-genome sequence data.

Mapping the genomic landscapes is one of the most exciting frontiers of science. We have the opportunity to reverse engineer the blueprints and the control systems of living organisms. Computational tools are key enablers in the deciphering process. This book provides an in-depth presentation of some of the important computational biology approaches to genomic sequence analysis. The first section of the book discusses methods for discovering patterns in DNA and RNA. This is followed by the second section that reflects on methods in various ways, including performance, usage and paradigms.

Applied Microbiology and Bioengineering: An Interdisciplinary Approach discusses recent advances in microbiology and cutting-edge biotechnology that have generated interest among researchers. The book is divided into several sections, including Enzymes in Bioprocessing, Human Health, Microbial Physiology and Biomedical Applications, and Bioprocess Development. Included are some of the latest developments in the field, like smart actuators for innovative biomedical applications, microalgal antenna engineering for improved bioprocess of biofuel, cell line engineering, and synbiotic foods. It is a useful reference for those in the applied microbiology and biotechnology fields, but will also be useful for practitioners in biotech.

A scientific and medical revolution has crept up on us. Twenty-one million Americans are affected by 6,000 so-called rare and orphan diseases, many of which are primarily attributable to misspelled genes. And virtually all diseases have a significant hereditary component. Diabetes, heart disease, the common cancers, mental illness, asthma, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and more are having their secrets unlocked through DNA. Families that faced common problems, without hope, are now discovering a new world of understanding, treatment, and prevention. You owe it to yourself to learn about your DNA: how it works, what it reveals, and the benefits and limits of this new knowledge.

This book discusses advances in our understanding of the structure and function of the maize genome since publication of the original B73 reference genome in 2009, and the progress in translating this knowledge into basic biology and trait improvement. Maize is an extremely important crop, providing a large proportion of the world's human caloric intake and animal feed, and serving as a model species for basic and applied research. The exceptionally high level of genetic diversity within maize presents opportunities and challenges in all aspects of maize genetics, from sequencing and genotyping to linking genotypes to phenotypes. Topics covered in this timely book range from (i) genome sequencing and genotyping techniques, (ii) genome features such as centromeres and epigenetic regulation, (iii) tools and resources available for trait genomics, to (iv) applications of allele mining and genomics-assisted breeding. This book is a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in maize genetics and genomics.

This book focuses on the conventional breeding approach, and on the latest high-throughput genomics tools and genetic engineering / biotechnological interventions used to improve rice quality. It is the first book to exclusively focus on rice as a major food crop and the application of genomics and genetic engineering approaches to achieve enhanced rice quality in terms of tolerance to various abiotic stresses, resistance to biotic stresses, herbicide resistance, nutritional value, photosynthetic performance, nitrogen use efficiency, and grain yield. The range of topics is quite broad and exhaustive, making the book an essential reference guide for researchers and scientists around the globe who are working in the field of rice genomics and biotechnology. In addition, it provides a road map for rice quality improvement that plant breeders and agriculturists can actively consult to achieve better crop production.

Computational Non-coding RNA Biology is a resource for the computation of non-coding RNAs. The book covers computational methods for the identification and quantification of non-coding RNAs, including miRNAs, tasiRNAs, phasiRNAs, lariat originated circRNAs and back-spliced circRNAs, the identification of miRNA/siRNA targets, and the identification of mutations and editing sites in miRNAs. The book introduces basic ideas of computational methods, along with their detailed computational steps, a critical component in the development of high throughput sequencing technologies for identifying different classes of non-coding RNAs and predicting the possible functions of these molecules. Finding, quantifying, and visualizing non-coding RNAs from high throughput sequencing datasets at high volume is complex. Therefore, it is usually possible for biologists to complete all of the necessary steps for analysis.

Topology and Physics of Circular DNA presents comprehensive coverage of the physical properties of circular DNA. The author examines how topological constraints arising from cyclization of DNA lead to distinctive properties that make closed molecules radically different from linear DNA. The phenomenon of supercoiling, its geometric and topological analysis, and the formation of noncanonical structures in circular DNA under the influence of supercoiling are emphasized. The combination of consistent theoretical analysis and detailed treatment of major experimental approaches make Topology and Physics of Circular DNA an important reference volume for biophysicists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and researchers and students who want to expand their understanding of circular DNA.

A Probabilistic Model of the Genotype/Phenotype Relationship provides a new hypothesis on the relationship between genotype and phenotype. The main idea of the book is that this relationship is probabilistic, in other words, the genotype does not fully explain the phenotype. This idea is developed and discussed using the current knowledge on complex genetic diseases, phenotypic plasticity, canalization and others.

The one and only comprehensive reference for all aspects of human genetics Unique in breadth and authority The fourth, completely revised edition of this classical reference and textbook presents a cohesive and up-to-date exposition of the concepts, results, and problems underlying theory and practice in human and medical genetics. In the 10 years since the appearance of the third edition, many new insights have emerged for understanding the genetic basis of development and function in human health and disease. Human genetics, with its emphasis on molecular concepts and techniques, has become a key discipline in medicine and the biomedical sciences. The fourth edition has been extensively expanded by new chapters on hot topics such as epigenetics, pharmacogenetics, gene therapy, cloning and genetic epidemiology. In addition a section giving an overview on the main model organisms (mouse, dog, worm, fly, yeast) used in human genetics research has been introduced. This book will be of interest to human and medical geneticists, scientists in all biomedical sciences, physicians and epidemiologists, as well as to graduate and postgraduate students who desire to learn the fundamentals of this fascinating field

Some of the brightest minds in criminology who were nurtured on the strictly environmentalist paradigm of the 20th century have declared that biosocial criminology is the paradigm for the 21st century. This book attempts to unite this ever-growing field with the premier neurobiological theory of personality, otherwise known as reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST). Anthony Walsh places the highly variable number of biosocial approaches under a single theoretical umbrella, whilst providing a unique integrative framework. As the leading neurobiological theory of personality and behavior in psychology today, RST focuses around the age-old question of how naturally selfish social animals can achieve their wants and needs without alienating others in their social groups. RST posits that evolution has built into humans three interacting systems: the behavioral approach system; the behavioral inhibition system; and the fight/flight/freeze system. RST identifies the neurobiological and genetic functions underlying each system and has found a cascade of supporting evidence. Throwing new light on many areas of concern to criminologists, such as psychopathy, violence, ADHD, and schizophrenia, this book will be of interest to scholars and upper-level students in the field. Additional features such as Focus Boxes and diagrams delve into measurement techniques and brain areas.

This book covers the many ways humans benefit from interactions with other living species. By studying animals of all kinds and sizes, from microbial organisms to elephants and whales, we can learn about their adaptations to extreme conditions on the planet Earth, about the evolutionary development of specialized capabilities, and about their ways of defending themselves against predators and diseases. The authors discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Homo sapiens, and how the study of animals can make us stronger and healthier. To deepen our knowledge of genetics, molecular and cell biology, physiology and medicine, we need to study model organisms. To cure human disease, we can learn from animals how they have evolved ways to protect themselves. To improve human performance, we can study the animal kingdom's top performers and learn from their successes. Considering these important pointers, the authors review genetic engineering techniques that can translate our existing and future animal connections into benefits for human health and performance.

This second edition of Protein Purification provides a guide to the major chromatographic techniques, including non-affinity absorption techniques, affinity procedures, non-absorption techniques and methods for monitoring protein purity. The new edition of the book has been organized to encourage incremental learning about the topic, starting with the properties of water, progressing through the characteristics of amino acids and proteins which relate to the purification process. There is an overview of protein strategy and equipment, followed by discussions and examples of each technique and their applications. The basic theory and simple explanations given in Protein Purification make it an ideal handbook for final year undergraduates, and postgraduates, who are conducting research projects. It will also be a useful guide to more experienced researchers who need a good overview of the techniques and products used in protein purification. Key Features * Guide to the major techniques used in protein purification * Includes flowcharts to help the reader slect the best purification strategy * Contains step-by-step protocols that guide the reader through each technique and its use * Includes exercises and solutions

In the past four years, many genetic loci have been implicated for BMI from the outcomes of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), primarily in adults. Insulin-induced gene 2 (INSIG2) was the first locus to be reported by this method to have a role in obesity but replication attempts have yielded inconsistent outcomes. The identification of the second locus, the fat mass- and obesity-associated gene (FTO), h has been more robustly observed by others. Studies from both FTO knock out and FTO overexpression mouse model support the fact that FTO is directly involved in the regulation of energy intake and metabolism in mice, where the lack of FTO expression leads to leanness while enhanced expression of FTO leads to obesity. Along with numerous other studies, a number of genetic variants have been established robustly in the context of obesity, giving us fresh insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. This book will give a comprehensive overview of efforts aimed at uncovering genetic variants associated with obesity, which have been particularly successful in the past 5 years with the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This book will cover this state of the art technology and its application to obesity in great detail. Topics covered will include genetics of childhood obesity, genetics of syndromic obesity, copy number variants and extreme obesity, co-morbidities of obesity genetics, and functional follow-up of genetic variants. "

Human pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, are a key focus of current biomedical research. The emergence of state of the art culturing techniques is promoting the realization of the full potential of pluripotent stem cells in basic and translational research and in cell-based therapies. This comprehensive and authoritative atlas summarizes more than a decade of experience accumulated by a leading research team in this field. Hands-on step-by-step guidance for the derivation and culturing of human pluripotent stem cells in defined conditions (animal product-free, serum-free, feeder-free) and in non-adhesion suspension culture are provided, as well as methods for examining pluripotency (embryoid body and teratoma formation) and karyotype stability. The Atlas of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells - Derivation and Culturing will serve as a reference and guide to established researchers and those wishing to enter the promising field of pluripotent stem cell research.

Helicases from All Domains of Life is the first book to compile information about helicases from many different organisms in a single volume. Research in the helicase field has been going on for a long time now, but the completion of so many genomes of these ubiquitous enzymes has made it difficult to keep up with new discoveries. As the huge number of identified DNA and RNA helicases, along with the structural and functional differences among them, make it difficult for the interested scholar to grasp a comprehensive view of the field, this book helps fill in the gaps.

This volume details methods and protocols to further the study of stem cells within the computational stem cell biology (CSCB) field. Chapters are divided into four sections covering the theory and practice of modeling of stem cell behavior, analyzing single cell genome-scale measurements, reconstructing gene regulatory networks, and metabolomics. 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, Computational Stem Cell Biology: Methods and Protocols will be an invaluable guide to researchers as they explore stem cells from the perspective of computational biology.

Devised in the 1940s by the biologist C. H. Waddington, the epigenetic landscape is a metaphor for how gene regulation modulates cellular development. As a scientific model, it fell out of use in the late 1960s but returned at the beginning of the twenty-first century with the advent of big-data genomic research because of its utility among scientists across the life sciences to think more creatively about and to discuss genetics. In Epigenetic Landscapes Susan Merrill Squier follows the model's cultural trail, from its first visualization by the artist John Piper to its use beyond science. Squier examines three cases in which the metaphor has been imaginatively deployed to illustrate complex systems that link scientific and cultural practices: graphic medicine, landscape architecture, and bioArt. Challenging reductive understandings of epigenetics, Squier boldly reclaims the broader significance of the epigenetic landscape as a figure at the nexus of art, design, and science.

Recent trends in Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering covers numerous recent technological and research accomplishments in the area of Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering. The introduction of nanomaterials and nanotechnology have led to crucial advancements in the fields of nanomedicine and tissue engineering, as well as cancer therapies and drug delivery systems. The book follows recent trends in drug delivery systems, wound healing fields, cancer therapies, protection of teeth and also other health care systems. Technical topics discussed include: * Nanorobots * Tissue engineering * Gene therapy * Drug delivery * Nanomotors * Nanogels

Introductory Review on Sirtuins in Biology and Disease provides key insights for scientists and advanced students who need to understand sirtuins and the current research in this field. This book is ideal for pharmaceutical companies as they develop novel targets using sirtuins for metabolic diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative illnesses. Sirtuins are a diverse family of proteins, with several members in mammals. The functional diversity of sirtuins is rather broad, and they have been implicated in various central biological processes. Thus, they are also highly relevant in the context of various human diseases, from cancer to neurodegeneration.

In the last few years the major effect that RNAi has had in invertebrate systems like C.elegans and drosophila is beginning to take hold in mammalian systems through both single gene knockdown experiments and genome-scale screens. In the next decade, there will no doubt be both notable successes and failures as we attempt to apply this genetic tool to various biological problems for the first time in academia and industry. Through the introduction of RNAi, mammalian systems have finally gained admittance to the pantheon of model genetic systems.

Advances in genetics and related biotechnologies are having a profound effect on sport, raising important ethical questions about the limits and possibilities of the human body. Drawing on real case studies and grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, this book offers an ethical critique of current practices and explores the intersection of genetics, ethics and sport. Written by two of the world's leading authorities on the ethics of biotechnology in sport, the book addresses the philosophical implications of the latest scientific developments and technological data. Distinguishing fact from popular myth and science fiction, it covers key topics such as the genetic basis of sport performance and the role of genetic testing in talent identification and development. Its ten chapters discuss current debates surrounding issues such as the shifting relationship between genetics, sports medicine and sports science, gene enhancement, gene transfer technology, doping and disability sport. The first book to be published on this important subject in more than a decade, this is fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in the ethics of sport, bioethics or sport performance.

1. Blend of classical human genetics with molecular and genome-based applications 2. Techniques applied for the diagnosis of the genetic disorders 3. Diagnostics of 19 genetic disorders including symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. 4. Role of gene therapy in the amelioration of disorders 5. Type studies describing the role of diagnostics in conserving the human health.