'Addictive and illuminating' Dr Saliha Mahmood Ahmed From a world-leading microbiome scientist and surgeon with over two decades of experience comes Dark Matter - the definitive book on the science of the microbiome and how unlocking its potential can protect our health, our immunity and our planet. Why are we living longer, but not happier? The microbiome - our inner ecosystem of viruses, bacteria and other microbes - is critically important to our health and wellbeing. It is given to us by our mothers at birth, adapts with us as we age, influences our moods, determines how fast we run and even who we choose as a partner. Yet it is only now, as we are beginning to discover the microbiome's enormous potential, that we are realising it is in grave danger, being irrevocably destroyed through the globalisation of our diets, the war on bugs and the industrialised world. But we can look to reverse this damage. Drawing on cutting-edge research and years of clinical experience, Kinross shows how to unpack the microbiome's secrets, explaining that if we work with, not against, our microbes, we can live better, healthier lives.

An urgent investigation into the brave new world of the microbiome and how it shapes our lives and health. The microbiome is the missing link in modern medicine: a vast genetic universe of bacteria, yeasts, viruses and parasites that live inside us, influencing every aspect of our health, even the way we think and feel. In this mindblowing book, scientist and surgeon James Kinross explains how the organisms that live within us have helped us evolve, shaped our biology and defined the success of our species. But just as we have discovered this delicate and complex ecosystem within us, it is being irrevocably destroyed through the globalisation of our diets and lifestyles, our addiction to antibiotics, and the destruction of our environment. With dazzling science and fascinating stories spanning from the dawn of humankind to the current race to develop personalised healthcare, and practical advice on how to nurture your microbiome through your diet and lifestyle, this pioneering book will change the way you think about human health forever.

Clinical Surgery provides a complete overview of all surgical specialties, and is suitable for advanced undergraduates through to surgical trainees preparing for the FRCS. This comprehensive textbook is designed around the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) framework, and provides information needed for passing MCQs, OSCEs and Vivas in the one book. Information is divided into three clear sections: basic science and surgical strategy; common surgical conditions and trauma; and leadership, evidence-based practice and global surgery. This fourth edition has been fully updated and restructured by a new editorial team. Older concepts have been replaced by a new focus on systems biology, omics sciences and multidisciplinary sciences, and the book presents a modern, inclusive view of the surgeon as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering high quality care. Comprehensive and accessible - all you need in the one book Information presented logically and clearly in three clear sections Aligns with the ISCP - designed for surgical trainees Highly illustrated to support understanding Detailed practice information and summaries of complex themes to aid with preparation for exams Practical steps designed to facilitate procedural based learning and OSCEs Entirely revised to follow the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum (ISC) New focus on prevention of surgical disease Introduction of sections on surgical safety and quality improvement New sections on the elderly surgical patients, the dying patient and surgical technology