The central role of RNA in many cellular processes, in biotechnology, and as pharmaceutical agents, has created an interest in experimental methods applied to RNA molecules. This book provides scientists with a comprehensive collection of thoroughly tested up-to-date manuals for investigating RNA-protein complexes "in vitro." The protocols can be performed by researchers trained in standard molecular biological techniques and require a minimum of specialized equipment. The procedures include recommendation of suppliers of reagents.

This volume describes why a microscope is necessary, the interactions of light with matter and the use of the stereo low-power microscope. It examines the high-power compound microscope, detailing both the older stands with separate lamp, as well as the latest research models with integral illumination and infinity-corrected optics.

The new edition of this widely-used sourcebook details the startlingly array of diagnostic equipment available in the medical laboratory of the nineties, and also covers maintenance and quality assurance for each type of instrument. This book includes 17 completely rewritten chapters and 7 new ones, on nephelometry and turbidimetry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, automated immunoassay systems, automated blood bank systems, and physician's office laboratory instrumentation.

Series Information:
Garland Encyclopedias in the History of Science

This practical handbook describes the basic principles and applications of confocal laser scanning microscopy. Information is given on the purpose of, and practical requirements for, the different imaging modes. Guidance is also provided on sample preparation and imaging protocols. The limitations and sensitivity of each method are discussed, imaging applications are illustrated and recent developments in the field are described.

This practical handbook provides an introduction for all scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) users, but with complete background information concerning features and advantages of the technology. The text is without rigorous mathematical treatment of the fundamentals of STEM, yet comprehensive in its qualitative descriptions.

This book covers the fundamental principles of fluorescence and their application to fluorescence microscopy, and presents applications to immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, and photomicrography. It provides troubleshooting guidance to guide the user through commonly encountered problems.

The contents of the letters published here, again show the great range of subjects that occupied Van Leeuwenhoek: from sugar candy, the shape and crystal structure of diamonds, the dissolution of silver crystals in aqua fortis to gold dust from Guinea dissolved in aqua regia and the dissolution and separation of gold, silver, and copper.

Every volume in the Series contains the texts in the original Dutch and an English translation. The great range of subjects studied by Van Leeuwenhoek is reflected in these letters: instruments to measure water, pulmonary diseases; experiments relating to the solution of gold and silver; salt crystals and grains of sand; botanical work, such as duckweed and germination of orange pips; description on protozoa. blood, spermatozoa and health and hygiene, for example and harmfulness of tea and coffee and the benefits of cleaning teeth.

Electron Microscopy and Analysis 1997 celebrates the centenary anniversary of the discovery of the electron by J.J. Thomson in Cambridge and the fiftieth anniversary of this distinguished Institute group. The book includes papers on the early history of electron microscopy (from P. Hawkes), the development of the scanning electron microscope at Cambridge (from K. Smith), electron energy loss spectroscopy (from L.M. Brown), imaging methods (from J. Spence), and the future of electron microscopy (from C. Humphreys). Covering a wide range of applications of advanced techniques, it discusses electron imaging, electron energy-loss and x-ray analysis, and scanning probe and electron beam microscopies. This volume is a handy reference for professionals using microscopes in all areas of physics, materials science, metallurgy, and surface science to gain an overview of developments in our understanding of materials microstructure and of advances in microscope interrogation techniques.

Immunoassay development is a multidisciplinary activity involving a wide range of skills possessed by few laboratories. This presentation of tried and tested methods should enable scientists and researchers in the pharmaceutical and related industries to more rapidly and effectively develop immunoassays upon which their work is becoming heavily dependent.; Important methods are included for preparing Lapten-protein conjugates and raising the necessary antibodies, concentrating on polyclonal sera, as well as methods for the synthesis of radio and enzyme labelled tracers. Particular attention is paid to the requirements of the regulatory authorities such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) with respect to assay validation. Further chapters deal with assay development and optimization, curve fitting and quality control procedures.

Spectroscopy and spectrofluorometry are core techniques used throughout biology and medicine. These techniques evolve continuously and this book provides information on the latest advances in spectroscopic methods. Light Spectroscopy begins by describing the basic principles and then provides practical guidance on the wide range of current techniques, their application, and analysis of the results obtained.

This work provides detailed practical methods for specimen preparation for negative staining and cryoelectron microscopy of thinly spread samples of biological particulates. The different possibilities are emphasized and the benefits to be gained by the various techniques clearly explained. A wide range of biological applications are presented.

Through its clear presentation of the basic concepts, this book quickly enables the reader to understand front-line research papers. It describes the principles of the electrophoresis of nucleic acids through agarose and polyacrylamide gels without resort to complicated protocols and recipes.

This text describes the interactions of light and the specimen in the microscope in relation to the manner in which they are used to generate contrast in the image of a specimen. Chapters cover bright-field and dark-ground techniques for both transmitted and reflected light, as well as the effects of the refractive index of the mounting medium surrounding the specimen. Subsequent chapters deal with the use of polarized light, phase and modulation contrast, interference and fluorescence and contrast technique outside the microscope.

The First Book on CRS Microscopy Compared to conventional Raman microscopy, coherent Raman scattering (CRS) allows label-free imaging of living cells and tissues at video rate by enhancing the weak Raman signal through nonlinear excitation. Edited by pioneers in the field and with contributions from a distinguished team of experts, Coherent Raman Scattering Microscopy explains how CRS can be used to obtain a point-by-point chemical map of live cells and tissues. In color throughout, the book starts by establishing the foundation of CRS microscopy. It discusses the principles of nonlinear optical spectroscopy, particularly coherent Raman spectroscopy, and presents the theories of contrast mechanisms pertinent to CRS microscopy. The text then provides important technical aspects of CRS microscopy, including microscope construction, detection schemes, and data analyses. It concludes with a survey of applications that demonstrate how CRS microscopy has become a valuable tool in biomedicine. Due to its label-free, noninvasive examinations of living cells and organisms, CRS microscopy has opened up exciting prospects in biology and medicine-from the mapping of 3D distributions of small drug molecules to identifying tumors in tissues. An in-depth exploration of the theories, technology, and applications, this book shows how CRS microscopy has impacted human health and will deepen our understanding of life processes in the future.

The definitive guide to the principles and practice of experimental organic chemistry - fully updated and now featuring more than 100 experiments The latest edition of this popular guide to experimental organic chemistry takes students from their first day in the laboratory right through to complex research procedures. All sections have been updated to reflect new techniques, equipment and technologies, and the text has been revised with an even sharper focus on practical skills and procedures. The first half of the book is devoted to safe laboratory practice as well as purification and analytical techniques; particularly spectroscopic analysis. The second half contains step-by-step experimental procedures, each one illustrating a basic principle, or important reaction type. Tried and tested over almost three decades, over 100 validated experiments are graded according to their complexity and all are chosen to highlight important chemical transformations and to teach key experimental skills. New sections cover updated health and safety guidelines, additional spectroscopic techniques, electronic notebooks and record keeping, and techniques, such as semi-automated chromatography and enabling technologies such as the use of microwave and flow chemistry. New experiments include transition metal-catalysed cross-coupling, organocatalysis, asymmetric synthesis, flow chemistry, and microwave-assisted synthesis. Key aspects of this third edition include: * Detailed descriptions of the correct use of common apparatus used in the organic laboratory * Outlines of practical skills that all chemistry students must learn * Highlights of aspects of health and safety in the laboratory, both in the first section and throughout the experimental procedures * Four new sections reflecting advances in techniques and technologies, from electronic databases and information retrieval to semi-automated chromatography * More than 100 validated experiments of graded complexity from introductory to research level * A user-friendly experiment directory * An instructor manual and PowerPoint slides of the figures in the book available on a companion website A comprehensive guide to contemporary organic chemistry laboratory principles, procedures, protocols, tools and techniques, Experimental Organic Chemistry, Third Edition is both an essential laboratory textbook for students of chemistry at all levels, and a handy bench reference for experienced chemists.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of antibody technology. It discusses in detail the new generation of engineered antibodies and the latest developments in immunoassay techniques and applications, as well as describing conventional methods of antibody production and use. Antibody Technology will bring the reader up-to-date with current methods, helping the reader to make informed decisions on the best approach to a given task with regard to cost, time and final application.

This introductory text covers all the major groups of microbes with most emphasis being placed on the bacteria and the fungi. The principles and practice of culture techniques are described, including isolation from the natural environment, methods for the safe handling of microbes in the laboratory and dealing with culture obtained from collections.

Recent advances in microscopy, together with developments in fibre technology and changing commercial priorities, point to the need for an up-to-date manual which details the techniques available. This book is a practical guide to the properties and characteristics of textile fibres, with advice on sampling, specimen preparation and examination procedures.

Molecular Methods in Plant Pathology covers methods in phytopathology at the molecular level, including PCR techniques, electron microscopy, tissue culturing, and the cloning of disease-resistant genes. Phytopathologists, botanists, horticulturists, and anyone working in agriculture will find this a useful reference on biophysical, biochemical, biomolecular, and biotechnological methods.

In recent years, rapid technological advances and changes in agricultural management have taken place. These have yielded benefits to society but have also generated new and significant environmental problems. Novel questions and challenges relating to agricultural practice and soil microbial ecology, ecotoxicology, biotechnology, and bioremediation must be addressed. As a consequence, the fields of soil microbiology and biochemistry have been highlighted.
This book provides a modern, authoritative, and comprehensive collection of methods for the study of soil microbiology and biochemistry. Classical and modern, aerobic and anerobic, laboratory and field-based methods are presented. Detailed techniques are given, but in addition the theoretical basis behind such methodology is described, so that the origins and principles of the techniques are clear to the reader. Particular emphasis has been placed on uniform, simple, and clear presentation of the different methods.
With respect to bioremediation of soils, this work provides a unique bridge between general and applied soil microbiology and biochemistry, presenting an integrated discussion of concepts, theories, and methods. This book will be essential for all scientists and students actively involved in natural and environmental sciences and engineering, and for those working in industry, authorities, and consulting companies.
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* Uniform and clear presentation of the different methods.
* Bridges the gap between general and applied soil microbiology.
* Maintains a balanced discussion of concepts, theories, and methods.
* Essential reading for all scientists and students involved in natural and environmental sciences and anyone working in the industry.

Designed to enable newcomers to electrophysiology to choose appropriate preparations and techniques for in vitro studies in vertebrate neurobiology. Emphasizes techniques involving the glass micropipette and other recently developed methods, supplementing easy-to-follow instructions with illustrative schemes, examples of original records, photomicrographs, key word listings, comprehensive reference tables and a list of suppliers and key equipment and reagents.

A Practical Guide to Instrumental Analysis covers basic methods of instrumental analysis, including electroanalytical techniques, optical techniques, atomic spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermoanalytical techniques, separation techniques, and flow analytical techniques. Each chapter provides a brief theoretical introduction followed by basic and special application experiments. This book is ideal for readers who need a knowledge of special techniques in order to use instrumental methods to conduct their own analytical tasks.

This book presents a summary of the application and instrumentation of cell electrophoresis. The method of making cell purification and characterization possible according to the cellular negative surface charge density is discussed, and ideas for future developments are explained. The negative electrostatic forces at cell surfaces provide information about cell-cell interaction, blood vessel sealing, cytokine actions, cell transformation, ion transport phenomena, and other biological phenomena. Recalculations of the physical principles of cell electrophoresis reveal possibilities for removing disruptive factors caused by electrical current, heat, and sedimentation. The introduction of computer technology, the performance of simultaneous two-parameter measurements, and the application of cell-friendly but current-inert buffer systems render the method more reliable and efficient.

Praise for the First Edition "essential reading for any physical scientist who is interested in performing biological research." Contemporary Physics "an ambitious text.... Each chapter contains protocols and the conceptual reasoning behind them, which is often useful to physicists performing biological experiments for the first time." -Physics Today This fully updated and expanded text is the best starting point for any student or researcher in the physical sciences to gain firm grounding in the techniques employed in molecular biophysics and quantitative biology. It includes brand new chapters on gene expression techniques, advanced techniques in biological light microscopy (super-resolution, two-photon, and fluorescence lifetime imaging), holography, and gold nanoparticles used in medicine. The author shares invaluable practical tips and insider's knowledge to simplify potentially confusing techniques. The reader is guided through easy-to-follow examples carried out from start to finish with practical tips and insider's knowledge. The emphasis is on building comfort with getting hands "wet" with basic methods and finally understanding when and how to apply or adapt them to address different questions. Jay L. Nadeau is a scientific researcher and head of the Biomedical Engineering in Advanced Applications of Quantum, Oscillatory, and Nanotechnological Systems (BEAAQONS) lab at Caltech and was previously associate professor of biomedical engineering and physics at McGill University.