Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Targeting and Delivery of Drugs and Genes provides an overview of the important aspects of nanomedicine in order to illustrate how to design and develop novel and effective drug delivery systems using nanotechnology. The book is organized into three sections, beginning with an introduction to nanomedicine and its associated issues. Section two discusses the latest technologies in nanomedicine, while the third section covers future developments and challenges in the field. By focusing on the design, synthesis, and application of a variety of nanocarriers in drug and gene delivery, this book provides pharmaceutical and materials science students, professors, clinical researchers, and industry scientists with a valuable resource aimed at tackling the challenges of delivering drugs and genes in a more targeted manner.

Aging of somatic stem cells reduces cell function and results in dysfunctional organs and tissues, making it an underlying cause of diseases associated with aging. It might even be the primary cause for age-associated attrition of tissue function in organs that heavily rely on stem cells for maintaining homeostasis, like the skin, blood and intestines. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved is critical for developing approaches to attenuate stem cell aging and could pave the way for improved quality of life among the elderly. Written by highly prominent experts in the field, this book presents the current state of knowledge on these mechanisms. It offers insights into stem cell function, explains in detail the mechanisms of stem cell aging in model organisms as well as mammalian systems and describes related diseases and approaches to attenuating stem cell aging or achieving rejuvenation. The book is intended for all scientists and clinicians working with stem cells, aging mechanisms or age-related diseases.

This book uses the reaction of a number of biologists in the United States and Great Britain to provide an overview of one of the most important controversies in Twentieth Century biology, the "Lysenko Affair." The book is written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of history/history of science. It covers a number of topics which are relevant to understanding the sources and dimensions of the Lysenko controversy, including the interwar eugenics movement, the Scopes Trial, the popularity of Lamarckism as a theory of heredity prior to the synthesis of genetics and Natural Selection, and the Cold War. The book focuses particularly on portrayals-both positive and negative-of Lysenko in the popular press in the U.S. and Europe, and thus by extension the relationship between scientists and society. Because the Lysenko controversy attracted a high level of interest among the lay community, it constitutes a useful historical example to consider in context with current topics that have received a similar level of attention, such as Intelligent Design or Climate Change.

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 ninth volume of a continuing series.

RNA Modification, Volume 41 examines the powerful ability to regulate the function of RNA molecules or modify the message transmitted by RNA molecules. Chapters in this newly released volume include The Importance of Being Modified: Modifications Shape RNA Function through Chemistry, Structure and Dynamics, The evolution of multi-substrate specificity by RNA modification enzymes, TrmD: a methyl transferase for tRNA methylation with m1G37, Structures and activities of the Elongator complex and its co-factors, RNA pseudouridylation: Mechanism and Function, The activity of 5'3' exonucleases on hypo modified tRNA substrates and other structured RNAs, and the Synthesis, heterogeneity and function of post-transcriptional nucleotide modifications in eukaryotic ribosomal RNAs. This field has recently seen a very rapid progress in the understanding of the mechanism and enzymes involved in RNA modification. This volume presents some of the most recent advances in the identification and function of enzymes involved in modifying RNA molecules.

Population genomics research drawing on genetic databases has expanded rapidly, with some of this information being combined in 'biobanks'. Managing this information in an appropriate way is a highly complex ethical issue in the health policy arena. This book combines theoretical and empirical research to analyze the areas of conflict and consensus in the regulatory and ethical frameworks that have been developed to govern biobanks. Ethicists from the Department of Ethics, Trade, Human Rights and Health Law (ETH) of the World Health Organization, the Institute of Biomedical Ethics of Geneva University and the Institute of Biomedical Ethics of the University of Zurich, with the support of the Geneva International Academic Network (GIAN), examine the conditions under which genetic databases can be established, kept, and made use of in an ethically acceptable way. In addition to a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and a comparative analysis of existing normative frameworks, they present the results of in-depth interviews with experts around the world concerning the most unresolved and controversial issues. The results of that study, combined with their normative analysis, leads to recommendations for a better international framework.

This book, first published in 1938, is based on the Muirhead Lectures given at Birmingham University in February and March of 1937. The first half of this book is mainly devoted to an exposition of the principles of genetics, whilst the second half deals with more controversial topics, with the text providing an insight into the ideology of the time. This title will be of interest to students of politics and history.

This volume contains the proceedings of the Tenth International Meeting of the International Study Group for Tryptophan Research (ISTR V), held at the University of Padova, Padova, Italy, from 25-29 June, 2002 under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) in Roma, the University of Padova, the Italian Chemical Society - Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, the Veneto Region and the City of Padova. The meeting was organized to cover the recent developments in the field of tryptophan research. Weare very honoured that so many speakers accepted our invitation to give plenary lectures which, with the other communications, demonstrated the high scientific value of the Meeting. The publications in this volume are subdivided into nine main chapters, and cover all the major aspects in immunology, neurobiology, psychiatry, pathology, clinics, metabolism, enzymology, pharmacology, toxicology, melatonin, exercise and analytical chemistry. The volume includes the contributions of 325 scientists from 24 countries, and the Musajo Memorial Lecture delivered by Prof. Osamu Hayaishi during the Opening Ceremony.

The wealth of primary information provided by genome sequencing projects in various species is of enormous potential value in our efforts to understand biological funtions and molecular interactions not only in normal development and cellular physiology, but also in diseases. However, utili- tion of these resources can come only from the development and application of a fully integrated set of molecular, biochemical, biophysical, and genetic skill bases. As key components of many cell signalling pathways, protein kinases are implicated in a broad variety of diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative conditions, and offer considerable potential as tractable targets for therapeutic intervention. With these issues in mind, the present vlume has been compiled to provide examples of core skills required for ana- sis of knase-mediated signalling cascades, with particular emphasis on iden- fication of proteins according to interactive relationships and analysis of functional properties of signalling proteins. Compilation of Protein Kinase Protocols has been possible only as a - sult of the effort of all the contributors, and I am grateful to them for taking the time and having the patience to desseminate the detailied information - quired in order that others can succeed in the application of these techniques. Most importantly, I extend my deepest gratitude to Chris, Emma, and Helen for making it all worthwhile Alastair D. Reith v Contents Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv ix Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Protein Kinase-Mediated Signaling Networks: Regulation and Functional Characterization Alastair D. Reith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The scope of these chapters reflects the strong influence that Sandra Wood Scarr's scholarship-her empirical research and theoretical contributions-has had on what we know about experience and development via the lens of the psychological sciences, especially the fields of developmental psychology, behavior genetics, early education and child care.

In recent years, a number of groundbreaking structural and mechanistic studies deepened our understanding of helicase mechanisms and established new approaches for their analyses. Many fundamental mechanistic questions ranging from the mechanism of force generation, mechanochemical coupling to distinct mechanisms by which the same enzyme translocates on DNA removing obstacles, unwinds DNA and/or remodels nucleoprotein complexes, however, remain to be answered. It is even less understood how the helicase motors are incorporated into a wide range of genome maintenance and repair machines. The field has reached a stage when the studies of molecular mechanisms and basic biology of helicases can and shall be integrated with the studies of development, cancer and longevity. The objective of this book is to provide the first systematic overview of structure, function and regulation of DNA helicases and related molecular motors. By integrating the knowledge obtained through the diverse technical approaches ranging from single-molecule biophysics to cellular and molecular biological studies the editors aim to provide a unified view on how helicases function in the cell, are regulated in response to different cellular stresses and are integrated into large macromolecular assemblies to form a complex and adaptive living system.

During the last decade, modern technologies have made a revolutionary change in developmental biology. The molecular and cellular processes in live embryos can now be visualized thanks to technologies using fluorescent proteins. The whole genome information of a wide range of animal species has now become available, confirming the common principles that operate in every species. These and other advances in our understanding of the developmental processes during embryogenesis and tissue regeneration have put forward new principles. Those new principles will also be important in the stem cell biology, branched from developmental biology, in order to generate a particular tissue by manipulating stem cells. This book is planned to introduce these new principles to readers who are working in developmental biology and/or stem cell biology fields, with an emphasis on genetic and cellular processes.

This book addresses the development of both DNA-sequence-selective and DNA-form-selective ligands, with the aim of creating potential molecular probes and therapeutic agents for non-canonical DNA structure-caused human diseases. Over the past two decades, the structural diversity of DNA forms has been proven to have profound implications in various biological, neurological, and pharmacological events. In response, researchers have since made tremendous efforts to obtain highly active drugs interacting with disease-related non-canonical DNA structures. These drugs, however, have not yet been approved for clinical use. One obstacle impeding their clinical application has to do with selectivity. This book focuses on secondary DNA structures formed by trinucleotide repeat sequences ("hairpin form") or guanine-rich sequences ("G-quadruplex form"), both of which are pathological molecules for neurodegenerative diseases and/or cancer. Most importantly, it contends that a particular secondary structure of DNA in the context of the human genome can be targeted with a minimal affinity to other DNA structures by means ofcareful and rational ligand design. This approach opens an avenue to the development of highly selective drugs or diagnostic chemical tools for human diseases. Readers who want to know how synthetic ligands can be designed to selectively target a certain DNA molecule will find this book highly informative.

This contributed volume gathers the latest knowledge in the field of stem cells in human reproductive organs, as well as animal models, and to consider the possibility of using this knowledge for clinical purposes. The scope of the book covers both clinical and basic knowledge of stem cells in both reproductive medicine (gynecology and obstetrics) and regenerative medicine as well as cellular and molecular medicine and reproductive biology. Chapters on basic stem cell knowledge in human reproductive tissues and organs or animal models are included, as well as clinical knowledge on their role in the manifestation of infertility and cancer and their clinical use.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK 'The ultimate anti-racism guide' Caroline Criado Perez 'Seriously important' Bill Bryson 'A fascinating debunking of racial pseudoscience' Guardian Racist pseudoscience may be on the rise, but science is no ally to racists. Instead science and history can be powerful allies against bigotry, granting us the clearest view of how people actually are, rather than how we judge them to be. HOW TO ARGUE WITH A RACIST dismantles outdated notions of race by illuminating what modern genetics can and can't tell us about human difference. It is a vital manifesto for a twenty-first century understanding of human evolution and variation, and a timely weapon against the misuse of science to justify racism. Updated edition includes a new Preface from the author

This volume provides techniques on recent developments that use RNA scaffolds as molecular tools. RNA Scaffolds: Methods and Protocols guides readers through methods on various domains as molecular biology, nanotechnologies, and structural biology. Written for the 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.Practical and authoritative, RNA Scaffolds: Methods and Protocols will serve as an invaluable reference for those interested in further study into this fascinating field.

The last 15 years in development of biology were marked with accumulation of unprecedentedly huge arrays of experimental data. The information was amassed with exclusively high rates due to the advent of highly efficient experimental technologies that provided for high throughput genomic sequencing; of functional genomics technologies allowing investigation of expression dynamics of large groups of genes using expression DNA chips; of proteomics methods giving the possibility to analyze protein compositions of cells, tissues, and organs, assess the dynamics of the cell proteome, and reconstruct the networks of protein-protein interactions; and of metabolomics, in particular, high resolution mass spectrometry study of cell metabolites, and distribution of metabolic fluxes in the cells with a concurrent investigation of the dynamics of thousands metabolites in an individual cell. Analysis, comprehension, and use of the tremendous volumes of experimental data reflecting the intricate processes underlying the functioning of molecular genetic systems are unfeasible in principle without the systems approach and involvement of the state-of-the-art information and computer technologies and efficient mathematical methods for data analysis and simulation of biological systems and processes. The need in solving these problems initiated the birth of a new science- postgenomic bioinformatics or systems biology in silico.

Enough laws have been enacted since the adoption of the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit-sharing to permit a study which is capable of accurately portraying the status quo of national implementation of the Protocol and the ensuing practice, emerging challenges and how countries are coping with them. This book, one of the first to present such a study, uniquely combines an examination of the new laws and practice and how they comply with the Nagoya Protocol; of issues not yet resolved by the Protocol and which solutions are being explored; and of how research and development is responding to the new situation. In addition, it proposes solutions to selected questions on ABS based on real-world and hypothetical cases, which could instigate litigation.Written by a team of expert academics and practitioners in the field, this book makes a valuable contribution to academic and policy debates and to academic literature on international environmental law, international biodiversity law, international property law, climate law and the law of indigenous populations. It also offers a reference guide for practicing lawyers in the area of ABS.

This new volume aims to be the single book that discusses in a comprehensive and elaborate way the photosynthetic and respiratory mechanisms in plants under hostile situations and the proper mitigating strategies to continue uninterrupted photosynthesis and respiration under such situations. Since photosynthesis and respiration are the two main physiological processes for sugar biosynthesis and mobilization for driving all other vital functions, this volume delivers a wealth of sound knowledge in the related disciplines for the scientists, researchers, and academicians. With chapters from renowned scientists, researchers, and global leaders in this field, this volume focuses on the effect of environmental stressors on photosynthetic pigments, photosystems, activities of photosynthetic enzymes and protein complexes, PSII photochemistry, carbon fixation pathways, photosynthetic efficiency, glycolytic and Krebs cycle pathways, and ATP production and electron transport chain of plants. The recovery of photosynthesis and respiration through application of phytohormones, signaling molecules, and other protective agents is also emphasized. Genetic engineering to enhance photosynthetic efficiency has also been highlighted. This valuable book, Photosynthesis and Respiratory Cycles during Environmental Stress Response in Plants, will not only enable us to understand the nature of extensive damages brought to the photosynthetic and respiratory processes but will also provide a blueprint for devising proper mitigation strategies to sustain these two vital processes under challenging environmental conditions.

Mutual Conformational Adaptation of Both Ligand and Receptor in Antitumor Drug-DNA Complexes.- DNA Drug Interactions studied with Polarized Light Spectroscopy: the DAPI Case.- Drug-DNA Recognition: Sequence Specificity of the DNA Minor Groove Binder Berenil.- Binding of Minor Groove Ligands to Short DNA Segments: Berenil Complexed with d(GCAATTGC)2 and d(GCTTAAGC)2.- The Sequence Specificity of Damage Caused by [125I]-Labelled Hoechst 33258 and UV/IodoHoechst 33258 in Intact Cells and in Cloned Sequences of Purified DNA which differ by a Small Number of Base Substitutions.- Structure and Dynamics of a [1:1] Drug-DNA Complex: Analysis of 2D NMR Data Using Molecular Mechanics and Molecular Dynamics Calculations.- Determination of Distamycin-A Binding Modes by NMR.- Molecular Mechanisms of DNA Sequence Recognition by Groove Binding Ligands: Biochemical and Biological Consequences.- Daunomycin Binding to DNA: from the Macroscopic to the Microscopic.- In Vitro Transcription Analysis of the Sequence Specificity of Reversible and Irreversible Complexes of Adriamycin with DNA.- Quantitative Footprinting Analysis of the Actiomycin D-DNA Interaction.- Structural Requirements for DNA Topoisomerase II Inhibition by Anthracyclines.- Thermodynamic Studies of Amsacrine Antitumor Agents with Nucleic Acids.- Kinetic and Equilibrium Binding Studies of a Series of Intercalating Agents that Bind by Threading a Sidechain Through the DNA Helix.- Aminoacyl-Anthraquinones: DNA-Binding and Sequence Specificity.- The Molecular Basis of Specific Recognition Between Echinomycin and DNA.- Bis-Pyrrolecarboxamides Linked to Intercalating Chromophore Oxazolopyridocarbazole (OPC): Properties Related to the Selective Binding to DNA at Rich Sequences.- Parallel-Stranded Nucleic Acids and their Interaction with Intercalating and Groove Binding Drugs.- Design of Bifunctional Nucleic Acid Ligands.- Sequence-Specific Recognition and CLeavage of Duplex DNA by Derivatized Oligonucleotides.- Bis(Platinum) Complexes. Chemistry, Antitumor Activity and DNA-Binding.- Interaction of Calicheamicin with DNA.- The Effects of Ligand Structure on Binding Mode and Specificity in the Interaction of Unfused Aromatic Cations with DNA.- Modulation of Protein-DNA Interactions by Intercalating and Nonintercalating Agents.- Antitumor Antibiotics Endowed with DNA Sequence Specificity.- Cationic Porphyrin-DNA Complexes: Specificity of Binding Modes.- Complementary Studies on Sequence Specificity in DNA-Antitumor Drugs Interactions.- Uranyl Photofootpring. DNA Structural Changes upon Binding of Mithramycin.- Characteristics of Noncovalent and Covalent Interactions of (+) and (-) Anti-Benzo[a]pyrene Diol Epoxide Stereoisomers of Different Biological Activities with DNA.- Aflatoxin-DNA Binding and the Characterization of Aflatoxin B1-Oligodeoxynucleotide Adducts by 1H NMR Spectroscopy.- Sequence Specific Isotope Effects on the Cleavage of DNA by Radical-Generating Drugs.- Quinolone-DNA Interaction: How a Small Drug Molecule Acquires High DNA Binding Affinity and Specificity.- Mechanisms of DNA Sequence Selective Modifications by Alkylating Agents.- Contrasting Mechanisms for the Sequence Recognition of DNA by(+)- and (-)-CC-1065.- Course of Recognition and Covalent Reactions Between Mitomycin C and DNA: Sequence Selectivity of a Cross-Linking Drug.- Triplex Forming Oligonucleotide Reagents: Rationalization of DNA Site Selectivity and Application in a Pharmaceutical Context.- Experimental Proofs of a Drug's DNA Specificity.

Genetic Association Studies is designed for students of public health, epidemiology, and the health sciences, covering the main principles of molecular genetics, population genetics, medical genetics, epidemiology and statistics. It presents a balanced view of genetic associations with coverage of candidate gene studies as well as genome-wide association studies. All aspects of a genetic association study are included, from the lab to analysis and interpretation of results, but also bioinformatics approaches to causality assessment. The role of the environment in genetic disease is also highlighted. Genetic Association Studies will enable readers to understand and critique genetic association studies and set them on the way to designing, executing, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting their own.

There can be no doubt that some ofthe most spectacular advances made in science over the past few decades have been in the isolation, analysis, and manipulation of nucleicacids. Thishas ledtoamuchgreaterunderstandingofmechanismsandprocesses across many fields of bioscience, such as biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, and the medical sciences to name a few. It has also led to the growth of the biotechnology industry, which seeks to develop and commercialize many ofthese important processes and methods. Much ofthis has come about because ofthe devel opment of numerous molecular biology and genetic manipulation techniques. The discovery of restriction enzymes and the development of cloning vectors in the early 1970sopenedthedoortowaysofisolatingandmanipulatingnucleic acidsthathadnever been thought possible. Gene probe labeling and hybridization were developed and refined toprovidepowerfulmethodsofanalysis. These-togetherwiththedevelopment of DNA sequencing methods, protein engineering techniques, and PeR-have all continued to contribute substantially to the understandingofbiological processes at the molecular level. Theprotocols for these importantmethods are the focus ofThe Nucleic AcidProtocols Handbook, whose aim is to provide a comprehensive set oftechniques in onevolume thatwill enable the isolation, analysis, and manipulationofnucleic acids to be readily undertaken. The NucleicAcidProtocols Handbook is divided into 10 parts; within each there are approximately 10chapters. The first fourpartsfollow oneanotherlogically: nucleic acid extraction (Part I), basic separation and analysisofDNA (II), through probe design and labeling (III), and RNA analysis techniques (IV). The following three sections deal with gene libraryconstruction andscreening(V), DNA sequencing (VI), andthe polymerase chain reaction (VII)."

Cutting edge reviews by leading researchers illuminate key aspects of DNA repair in mammalian systems and its relationship to human genetic disease and cancer. Major topics include UV and X-Ray repair, repair of chemical damage, recombinational repair, mismatch repair, transcription-repair coupling, and the role of DNA repair in disease prevention. Extensive up-to-date references and rigorous peer-review of each chapter make this volume definitive and bring it to the active frontiers of research.

Recent advances in high-throughput gene sequencing and other omics biotechnologies have served as a springboard for the field of pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics is now generally accepted as the major determinant of variable drug safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, widespread use of pharmacogenomics for patient care has become a critical requirement. There is an unprecedented urgency for aspiring and practicing clinicians to become trained on how to interpret data from pharmacogenomic testing in preparation for the future of healthcare-i.e., personalized medicine. Applying Pharmacogenomics in Therapeutics provides timely coverage of the principles, practice, and potential of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine. Comprised of chapters contributed by well-established pharmacologists and scientists from US and Chinese academia and industry, this authoritative text: Demonstrates how to apply the principles of pharmacogenomics and its biotechnologies in patient care Depicts the use of genetic biomarkers in drug discovery and development, laboratory medicine, and clinical services Describes the practice of pharmacogenomics in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, neurologic and psychiatric disorders, and pulmonary diseases Discusses the merging of pharmacogenomics and alternative medicine, as well as the integration of pharmacogenomics into pharmacoeconomics Each chapter begins with the key concepts, followed by in-depth explorations of case reports or critical evaluations of genetic variants/biomarkers, and concludes with questions for self-examination.

Personalized nutrition involves the formulation of individualized nutritional recommendations to promote and maintain health based on an individual's genetic makeup and other unique intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Implementing personalized nutrition plans for individuals with certain diseases or who are in danger of developing health conditions could help control the onset and severity of symptoms. Personalized Nutrition as Medical Therapy for High-Risk Diseases offers a practical guide for physicians seeking to provide tailored dietary recommendations to their patients with disease treatment, modulation and prevention in mind. The book focuses on the biological mechanisms of specific diseases and provides evidence for how personalized nutrition positively impacts them. It explores conditions including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hypercholesteromia, diabetes, obesity, Crohn's disease, as well as multiple pediatric, renal and psychological disorders. Features: * Includes case studies that document how people respond differently towards food depending on their genetic structure and other factors. * Discusses genome wide association studies (GWIMS) to understand the interplay between genetic susceptibility and dietary interactions. * Provides users information to effectively implement personalized nutrition into practice. * Identifies possible challenges to the implementation of personalized nutritional interventions in a clinical setting. This book is for medical practitioners and will also appeal to researchers and students.