Book Description

IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE parasites control the minds of their hosts, sending them to their destruction.

IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE parasites are masters of chemical warfare and camouflage, able to cloak themselves with their hosts' own molecules.

IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE parasites steer the course of evolution, where the majority of species are parasites.

WELCOME TO EARTH.

For centuries, parasites have lived in nightmares, horror stories, and in the darkest shadows of science. Yet these creatures are among the world's most successful and sophisticated organisms. In Parasite Rex, Carl Zimmer deftly balances the scientific and the disgusting as he takes readers on a fantastic voyage. Traveling from the steamy jungles of Costa Rica to the fetid parasite haven of southern Sudan, Zimmer graphically brings to life how parasites can change DNA, rewire the brain, make men more distrustful and women more outgoing, and turn hosts into the living dead.

This thorough, gracefully written book brings parasites out into the open and uncovers what they can teach us about the most fundamental survival tactics in the universe. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

nothing less than classic!!!!
Gripping,fascinating,mind-boggling,frightening and the adjectives can go on till infinity.One thing's for sure,this is probably the best book i've ever read in any category.Parasite Rex has made me stop and seriously consider my role and relative importance on this planet.Parasites are definitely creatures of intelligence and savvy even by some humans'standards.The way Mr.Zimmer expounds such a subject with such ease is a major credit to his communication skills.His analogies are so on point that you can easily see yourself inside an organism and watching the action unfold like a ringside seat at a big match.If all writers could simplify very technical material like Zimmer has,who knows some of us lay people could become scholars without having to go to college.For those who scoff at the thought that creatures so tiny can determinedly invade,alter,control and manipulate from organisms to entire eco-systems i dare you to pick up a copy of'PR'and be prepared to reshape your whole outlook on life.I give'Parasite Rex'five stars only because i can't give it more.Thank you so much Mr.Zimmer!!!!

This book will alter how you look at the world
This is one of those rare books that can totally alter how you look at the world. Read it and you begin seeing parasites in every skin blemish you have. See a cat catch a mouse and all you can do is think about all the parasites its about the ingest. You find youself wanting to visit the parasite museum in Maryland to see all the horrible creatures you've been reading about. You begin thinking that Zimmer's right and that parasites have driven the evolution of the world. You begin wodering if Stephen King has read it and if so what novel he's writing. You begin wondering if there's thousands of little cysts in your brain and that your life goal of going on safari in Africa may need revaluated. You imagine what its like to extract a guinea worm from your leg. You question whether or not you will ever eat crab again. You wonder whether the reason you've been so hungry of late is because there's a sixty foot long tapeworm inside your intestines. It's a stunning book and an important one. Zimmer found something obvious that's been overlooked in biology and if he's right will change the way we view life. Survival of the individual will be changed to survival of the creature living inside the indiviual. For example, there is a parasite that gets inside a snail, takes it over, forces it climb a blade of grass and wait for a grazing cow to wander by and eat it. The cow is where the parasite wants to end up. The snail is just a vessel to reach the cow. The young of the parasite end up in cow pies which the snail eats and the cycle begins again. The complex world of flukes and tapeworms, of enslaved crabs and suicidal snails, of sleeping sickness and malaria, is like a car wreck: you want to turn away but you can't, you're compelled to look fearful of what you might see. As you explore the book you learn that these creatures are much more than revolting. I can't say you'll ever view them with sympathy, you can view them with respect -- and hopefully at a safe distance.

Zimmer's book is fascinating
Flukes that can cleverly induce their snail and piscine hosts right into a hungry bird's beak; wasps that lay their eggs inside caterpillars and spiders, forcing these unfortunate hosts to nurture the wasp larvae after they hatch; and yes, tiny parasites that can manipulate and outwit human immune and nervous systems -- all to continue the parasite's life cycle ... at our expense.
Zimmer intensified my interest in parasitology when I read his Discover magazine article "Do Parasites Rule the World?" This led me to his "Parasite Rex" which more comprehensively explores the dominating role that parasites play in global ecosystems.
Organisms that biologists had long regarded as nothing more than a freeloading nuisance have since been found to control not only their hosts' behavior but to shape the evolution of organisms as complex as human beings. Zimmer provides a generous supply of well-researched examples and anecdotes on the various types of parasites and their behavior as well as the different and ingenious ways parasites can overcome their hosts' defenses.
And once this reality threshold has been established, Zimmer examines others' treatment of parasites in the works of science fiction, some eerily lifelike, others laughable, but each in its own right fascinatingly familiar for those courageous enough to have taken interest in the biology of these highly underrated, often-scorned creatures.

Informative, Clear, insightful- biological paradigm shift...
... but written for the average joe or josephine!!!

This isn't just a book about parasites- it's an introduction to a new way of perceiving the world around us, re-evaluating our place in a biological, ecological and evolutionary context... Zimmer writes with clarity and interest about the wonders of parasitic organisms- how they are a driving force in evolution, how they penetrate and manipulate their hosts, how they are not (as was thought previously) the dregs of the evolutionary process- if anything they are the engines of life. He also discusses how hosts can change against their parasites... And how parasites can change over time- for example, the mitochondria that power our cells are very similar to one of the more lethal diseases known to man, in fact, both probably evolved from the same ancestor!!!!!!!!

Furthermore- mammalian fetuses could be classified, possibly as parasitic organisms- they rewire the mother's blood-sugar levels and secrete chemicals that leach away the various chemicals that the fetus demands to grow... the mother tries to combat this process as an unchecked fetus could drain her and take away her capacity to make more children. But the fetus has inherited a number of enzymes from the father that attempt to latch on and break the mother's control over her own body. These and myriad other insights into biology are woven together wonderfully. I couldn't put this book down!

Zimmer travels the globe and his anecdotes concerning the various parasitologists are almost as much fun to read as the protracted discussions of the parasites. It is a budding field in biology and full of colorful characters. He also writes about parasites in films and pop culture, such as the Alien series... I couldn't imagine anyone else making a species like 'Sacculinae' (I know I miss-spelled that) come alive (they infest crabs, basically turning the crabs into castrated barnacle spawners). Zimmer does.

At times it's a horrifying read: Nature doesn't love you, but she sure coddles toxoplasma and legions of other parasitic species, whose ranks are spread across every animal kingdom. Guinea worms, Sleeping sickness, Fleischmania (eats away the flesh of your face), the Candiru, the botfly- if you have a penchant for the macabre and disgusting you will not be let down. But this book isn't just to disgust and delight readers... It's illuminating and clear- approachable in a way that very few scientific-works-for-laypeople are. I can't wait to get my hands on other books by Mr. Zimmer. If Parasite Rex is any indication...

5 enthusiastic stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Extraordinary
When I saw this book on the shelves I thought I was prepared for it. I thought it would present the world of parasites with interesting descriptions, some scientific information and a touch of gruesome or creepy, and that that would be it.
How wrong I was.
This book gives much, much more than that.
In fact, this book can be read at different levels.
At the first level, one will find the descriptions I mentioned and will be entertained by reading of the unusual animals, their parasitic infestations, or the information about parasites that we (almost all of us) carry in our bodies.
But there is a deeper reading level: the book will destroy your vision of biology and ecology to build a new one. It will have you looking at the world, the environment, your own body under a new light. You will start to re-consider your concept of superior organism and intelligence. You will have doubts about who is actually superior to who in ecology. You will have to think of the human race as something less efficient and superior as you are used to think.
The book is easy to read, even for those who do not have good biology basis, yet it is not boring for more scientifically advanced readers.
I strongly recommend this book to readers of any ages. It is instructive, entertaining, stimulating. A masterpiece. ... Read more

Book Description

A quick pick-me-up or a subtle beverage with an aroma that conjures up images of special moments shared with special people?
There's more to coffee than that. Apart from being a beautiful tree with fragrant flowers, coffee is also a culture, practically a religion to a certain elite and certainly a source of income to millions of people, rich and poor alike.
Coffee professionals around the world will find the specific information they need in this lavishly illustrated and practical work designed to answer all their questions about the coffee plant and how it is grown, harvested, processed and refined.
Specialists and experienced professionals were consulted and some 40 renowned international experts have contributed their specific knowledge and expertise to this comprehensive handbook, covering such topics as:
* Growing
* Pests, diseases, and their control
* Harvesting and processing
* Storage, shipment, quality
* The latest economical and technological aspects.
In addition, special indexes demystify such confusing data as information sources, conversion tables and other technicalities. With its 40 chapters, over 1000 pages and 900 superb illustrations, this is a universally reliable manual, providing basic guidelines and recommendations applicable everywhere, and not geared to any specific country.
... Read more

Book Description

Environmental Soil Physics is a completely updated and modified edition of the Daniel Hillels previous, successful books, Introduction to Soil Physics and Fundamentals of Soil Physics. Hillel is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, one of the true leaders in the field of environmental sciences. The new version includes a chapter and problems on computational techniques, addresses current environmental concerns and trends.

* Updates and expands the scope of Hillel's prior works, Fundamentals of Soil Physics (1980)and Applications of Soil Physics (1980)
* Explores the wide range of interactions among the phases in the soil and the dynamic interconnections of the soil with the subterranean and atmospheric domains
* Draws attention to historical and contemporary issues concerning the human management of soil and water resources
* Directs readers toward solution of practical problems in terrestrial ecology, field-scale hydrology, agronomy, and civil engineering
* Incorporates contributions by leading scientists in the areas of spatial variability, soil remediation, and the inclusion of land-surface processes in global climate models ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a civil engineer /hydrologist
a great book for reference and detailed study . clear concepts and i believe a must buy for studying transport through soils ... Read more

Book Description

Protein NMR Spectroscopy: Principles and Practice combines a comprehensive theoretical treatment of high resolution NMR spectroscopy with an extensive exposition of the experimental techniques applicable to proteins and other biological macromolecules. Beginning with simple theoretical models and experimental techniques, Protein NMR Spectroscopy: Principles and Practice develops the complete repertoire of theoretical principals and experimental practices necessary for understanding and implementing the most sophisticated NMR experiments. Protein NMR Spectroscopy: Principles and Practice is written as a graduate-level textbook and will be of particular interest to biochemists, chemists, biophysicists, and structural biologists who utilize NMR spectroscopy as a research tool or who wish to remain abreast of the latest developments in this increasingly important area.

* Special Features:
* First book to combine detailed NMR theory discussions with experimental applications to biomolecules.
* All the theory required to understand these experiments and others.
* Easy to follow progression from a fundamental level to an advanced level.
* Theory of NMR and practical applications for biomolecular investigations presented.
* Theory applied to very practical situations.
* Comprehensive treatment of different "levels" of theory from simple ideas to density matrix analysis and operator practices.
* Comprehensive description of multi dimensional NMR experiments as applied to unlabeled, 15N-labeled and doubly (13C/15N) labeled proteins. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Useful Handbook for Protein NMR study
The book is very complete, covers most of the field in protein NMR studies. The book is well organised, with plenty of figures to facilitate easy understanding of the subject. Overall, I find it is very helpful for anyone who will be interested in protein NMR research. I have actually seen quite a number of copies in a few NMR laboratories and I would recommand this book to all those who are looking for an complete introductory book in NMR and protein study. ... Read more

Book Description

''Considerably augmented for [the] second edition...[contains] a vast amount of information....it will surely be much used.'' --Ultramicroscopy This newly updated second edition details the latest instrumentation and applications of the confocal microscope. This edition features 21 new chapters and includes information on preparing living specimens for the confocal microscope. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must have if you want to know about confocal microscopy
This is a great reference book. A great place to start if you want to learn about confocal microscopes. The chapters are written by experts in their specific field of confocal microscopy. The book is also well referenced so that you can easliy continue your search for knowledge on confocal microscopy. I also found the appendix interesting, they list most of the existing confocal systems and there specs. This is useful if you plan on purchasing one. This book is also useful if you plan on building your own. ... Read more

Book Description

How to design, execute, and interpret experiments for protein sequencing using mass spectrometry

The rapid expansion of searchable protein and DNA databases in recent years has triggered an explosive growth in the application of mass spectrometry to protein sequencing. This timely and authoritative book provides professionals and scientists in biotechnology research with complete coverage of procedures for analyzing protein sequences by mass spectrometry, including step-by-step guidelines for sample preparation, analysis, and data interpretation.

Michael Kinter and Nicholas Sherman present their own high-quality, laboratory-tested protocols for the analysis of a wide variety of samples, demonstrating how to carry out specific experiments and obtain fast, reliable results with a 99uccess rate. Readers will get sufficient experimental detail to apply in their own laboratories, learn about the proper selection and operation of instruments, and gain essential insight into the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry and protein sequencing. Coverage includes:

* Peptide fragmentation and interpretation of product ion spectra
* Basic polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
* Preparation of protein digests for sequencing experiments
* Mass spectrometric analysis using capillary liquid chromatography
* Techniques for protein identification by database searches
* Characterization of modified peptides using tandem mass spectrometry

And much more ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Broad, thorough introduction
I'm not a bench chemist, but I needed a quick survey of how mass spectroscopy is used in handling proteins and other big biomolecules. This book was it.

Although brief, it is thorough and well-organized. The first two chapters are mostly an introduction. Chapter 1 mostly just states the problem being solved. The next chapter is a brief introduction to older technologies, inclduding chemical techiques and 60s-80s mass spec technique. The next two chapters summarize modern mass spec hardware, then start to show how proteins behave in the environment inside the instrument. That gives the fundamentals of protein sequencing: how the molecules break down, and how the fragments help recreate the molecule. The authors go through a few examples in detail, starting from a mass spectrogram and moving forward to sequence. I was especially impressed by the examples that fail. Mass spec analysis is not a magic wand for producing sequences, it is a deductive process, and can not complete an analysis when clues are missing or ambiguous.

The next three chapters are not about mass spec directly. Instead, they discuss how samples are prepared for analysis. This includes the clearest, most informative description of gel electrophoresis that I've seen, along with features of gel chemistry that do or do not interfere with mass spec measurements. This includes a discussion of protein digests, enzymatically produced fragments, and their place in analysis. I would have liked a little more discussion about combining information from digests produced by different enzymes, but no book can cover everything.

The last three chapters extend the discussion of analysis, working upwards from fragments to complete protein sequences. The three chapters respectively address three topics: using standard internet databases for recognizing fragments of known proteins, using combinations of strategies to analyze novel protein, and using mass spec to identify post-translational modifications. That last one suffers from brevity; perhaps it was only meant to define a problem that deserves a whole book of its own.

Despite its throughness, the authors resist the urge for boggling detail. They present detail up to the point needed for understanding the mechanism and meaning of their topics, then stop. Lots of other writing would benefit from that kind of restraint.

I came away from this book well-informed, and ready to address specific topics in greater detail. That was exactly what I wanted. I recommend this book very highly.

"Protein Sequencing ......" a must to read
Michael Kinter has presented the topic in a scientific yet enjoyable format. I found the information to be extremely interesting and beneficial in my laboratory. Lets face it folks this isn't the easiest nor most interesting topic to write about. Job well done DR. Kinter. I only have one criticism, there should have been more photos and illustrations. Get your copies quick this will no doubt be on the NewYork times best seller list before long. ... Read more

Book Description

After 17 years at sea, Linda Greenlaw decided it was time to take a break from being a swordboat captain, the career that would earn her a prominent role in Sebastian Junger's The Perfect Storm and a portrayal in the subsequent film. Greenlaw decided to move back home, to a tiny island seven miles off the Maine coast. There, she would pursue a simpler life as a lobsterman, find a husband, and settle down.

But all doesn't go as planned. The lobsters refuse to crawl out from under their rocks and into the traps she and her father have painstakingly set. Fellow islanders draw her into bizarre intrigues, and the eligible bachelors prove even more elusive than the lobsters. But just when she thinks things can't get worse, something happens that forces her to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about life, luck, and lobsters.

Filled with nautical detail and the dramas of small-town life, The Lobster Chronicles is a celebration of family and community. Greenlaw proves once again that fishermen are the best storytellers around. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Lovely, but incomplete
A wonderful read by the ever engaging Linda Greenlaw who delivers a bittersweet and loving snapshot of her remote home island. A fascinating look inside the traditional lobster trade, the book is really about Greenlaw's own struggles to find meaning in her work, her life, and to begin to accept the mortality of her parents.

My only regret is that the book stops quite abruptly, leaving several story lines incomplete, requiring a terse afterword to sketch in some missing pieces.

But any time spent with Greenlaw is quality time; her anecdotes manage to be both charming and sharp-eyed. She'll be getting lots of mail over the one jarring section in the book, her rant over dog ownership: Greenlaw derides anyone who stoops to the poop and scoop element. Interestingly, it is this passage which gives us the key to the real theme in this book, Greenlaw's longing for a home, husband and children. Enduring love, like lobster fishing and dog ownership, involves some nasty bits, like handling rancid bait, picking up dirty socks, or dog poop. She understands the connection between the hard, often punishing work of fishing and its rewards...but until she can see what inspires a person to clean up after their dog, she won't be ready for a human of her own.

But she'll make it there; this woman has a huge heart and wonderful stories. Buy her books, they are rare treats.

Of warps, buoys and traps
You may remember Linda Greenlaw as a supporting character (played by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) in George Clooney's THE PERFECT STORM. Following that film, the real-life Greenlaw described her experience as the captain of a North Atlantic swordfishing boat in the riveting best seller, THE HUNGRY OCEAN. Now, in THE LOBSTER CHRONICLES, Linda has returned to her home island, Isle au Haut, Maine, to run a lobster boat.

Fishing for lobster isn't as potentially dangerous or dramatic as chasing swordfish. And it's more of a 9 to 5 job where you get to sleep at night under a roof in your own bed. So, while Greenlaw shares enough knowledge about lobstering for the reader to get a feel for it, the bulk of the book is about related (or unrelated) people and events: the effort by a town committee to acquire the local lighthouse from the government, the state of emergency medicine on the isolated Isle au Haut, the prospect of a turf war with mainland lobstermen, her mother's battle with cancer, friends lost at sea, her father (who serves as sternman on her lobster boat), the scarcity of eligible bachelors, her culinary ineptitude, and her dislike of dogs.

THE LOBSTER CHRONICLES is a pleasant but lesser sequel to THE HUNGRY OCEAN. Linda's self-effacing humor is perhaps the volume's major strong point, as well as the book's charm as a description of contemporary Americana. Some of Linda's prose is striking, as her description of the waves parading north as seen from the window of her home:

"Some of the officers on horseback nodded shocks of white hair while masses of lower-rank sailors kept eyes forward and sternly marched in the most rehearsed fashion to the wind ... The trees lining the shore waved like spectators ..."

By the book's end, I was saddened by Linda's undertone of unhappiness. She doesn't seem to like lobstering much. And she's fretful of the fact that, at 40, she remains unmarried and without children. Her loneliness is uncomfortably evident. ("I have spent much time waiting for Mr. Right, who does not appear to be looking for me.")

Sail on Linda, and persevere. I wish you well.

No Story
A fitting title, but no story here other than the quiet life of a tomboy and her father. Nothing really happens, at least not in a way that was interesting to me. I enjoyed the book, I was relaxed by the book and I learned from the book. But in the end Lobster Chronicles was a bit lite for me. I never really got to know or understand any of the characters, the author included. I did not read her 1st book about sword fishing, but must assume it was better written than this one.

Michael Duranko
www.bootism.com

laughter among the lobsters
Our discussion on Linda Greenlaw's second memoir-type book, was full of laughs. This is in contrast to her first, very serious effort about the death defying Hungry Ocean and being captain of a swordfish boat. Returning home to live on an island of only 70 year-round residents, with 30 being related to Linda, would require humor. She provides daily events which entertain and reveal true Maine island characters. Lobstering is not easy either, but her family and island friends make the long, cold winter an intimate affair. Who wants to attend those community meetings, anyway? Same problem in crowded cities on shore...I am looking forward to Greenlaw's third book, fiction next, I believe?

more about the people and less about the lobsters, please
Linda Greenlaw made a name for herself as a successful swordfish boat captain based out of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Sebastian Junger wrote about her in "The Perfect Storm" and she subsequently wrote about herself in "The Hungry Ocean". (I haven't read either of those so no comments there.) Ready for a change, she returned to the small Maine island where she had grown up, Isle Au Haut. The island has only a few dozen residents, and many of them are her relatives. Like most locals, she set herself up as a lobster fisherman, with her father as her assistant. This book describes her life on the island and one lobster season.

She does tell some interesting stories about what it is like to live on an island, dealing with winter isolation, summer tourists and year-round local politics. However there were way too many passages like this one..."All traps are equipped with hard plastic escape vents that have oval openings large enough to allow 'short' or undersized lobsters to exit a trap at will. Each of my traps has two vents, one in the door and one in the parlor end. Maine State Law requires that one vent be secured with biodegradable hog rings, while the other may be set with stainless steel, requiring little or no maintenance. The idea behind the mandatory biodegradable vent is to ensure the liberty of all lobsters within a trap that may be lost or neglected. 'Ghost gear,' or lost traps, are not a threat to lobsters' lives because the biodegradable hog rings deteriorate within a season, allowing the plastic vent to flop open, leaving a large exit. All biodegradable rings or remains of rings must be replaced when overhauling traps if a fisherman expects to catch anything. Otherwise, lobsters will find open vents, and fishermen will haul up empty traps. I was clumsy with the hog-ring pliers at first, but found more ease and comfort as the morning progressed."...and on it goes, pages and pages of this stuff.

This book would be essential reading for any aspiring lobster fisherman. Not falling into that category myself, I found the level of detail excessive and there simply weren't enough good anecdotes to make up for it. I wish that her editor had been more aggressive. By the end I was glad to wave farewell to both Greenlaw and the island. ... Read more

Book Description

Gives medical students 500 questions, answers, and explanations to prepare for the biochemistry and genetics sections of the USMLE Step 1. The new edition includes many new questions in the two-step clinical format to simulate the USMLE Step 1. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great question & review book
I found this book very helpful in my step 1 prepertion most of all helped me with Molecular biology questions in my actual test and is also great for genetics, over all the more questions you do from this book the more it boosts your confidence in Biochemistry in the real exam specially if you were like me (an IMG)whose Biochemistry background is weak and feel like practicing more questions, you will definitely make use of this book

helpful and good assistent in your study
it is easy to use and is giving the most popular type of question you need to pass USMLE step I so I recommended it for everybody who wants to pass the step with high score as I am doing . ... Read more

Book Description

Hailed by advance reviewers as "a kinder, gentler P. Chem. text," this book meets the needs of a one-semester course or a full-year course in physical chemistry. It is an ideal choice for classes geared toward pre-medical and life sciences students. Or, as stated in a May 2001 review in Journal of Chemical Education, "this text meets these students where they are and opens the door to physical chemistry from a perspective they can appreciate."Physical Chemistry for the Chemical and Biological Sciences offers a wealth of applications to chemical and biological problems, numerous chapter-ending exercises, and an accompanying solutions manual. Well known for his clear writing and careful pedagogical approach, Raymond Chang has developed yet another masterpiece in chemical education. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very High Yield!
High yield cell and molecular biology is exactly what it says, and from the outset doesn't pretend to be anything else. "Lean efficient text" says the blurb, "Study guides with the barest essentials". These words certainly comforted me after reading the somewhat ominous title! The text is compact, with clear and helpful diagrams illustrating and clarifying the most difficult concepts in the book. The style is in fact very much the same as I might choose to write own revision notes, with chapters divided into sub-titles, and those into bullet points. Key words are emboldened, so it is possible to absorb a page by only scanning the bold type; useful if you are caught short when preparing for an exam and need the facts quickly! There is a smattering of clinical examples throughout, and descriptions of procedures such as PCR, which both help anchor your thoughts of the sometimes abstract nature of the subject. Being a molecular biology book it is biased toward genetics, and as this is a confusing area for many students (including me), this will help if your genetics lectures tend to sail several meters over your head. On the downside, the economic nature of the text and the no-frills nature of the diagrams mean that it is not a particularly colourful or engaging read in it's own right. This is also positive, meaning that it is easier to extract information quickly than would be possible from a more bulky text. It is clearly meant to be dipped into, rather than read cover-to-cover. Realistically though, who would read a textbook cover-to-cover? People who will benefit from this book will be pre-clinical medical students, those intercalating a BSc in clinical science or genetics, doctors requiring an up-to-date review, or other students of biomedical science. This should not be your only textbook on cellular biology and genetics, but will serve as the perfect revision tool when exams sidle up too close for comfort. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the mid-1860s, after countless centuries of bearing the fruit that would become wine, French grapevines began to wither and die in ever increasing numbers and no one knew why. It started in southeastern France, in the Rhone Valley, as Christy Campbell tells the tale in his masterful The Botanist and the Vintner. Within 30 years the inexorable rolling disaster that was the phylloxera infestation had reached into every nook and cranny of France's wine making regions, destroying nearly all. Everywhere the wine grape grew--England, Spain, Italy, Germany, Eastern Europe, and even Australia--phylloxera appeared and took no prisoners. Except for American grape vines. The little bug didn't seem to have much taste for the skunky wines of native American grapes.

Christy Campbell, British journalist and, if The Botanist and the Vintner is any example, master storyteller, waltzes the reader into the middle of a fascinating tale of discovery and combat and never stops dancing. The book reads like a detective novel, a page-turner you can't put down. And it's about a bug, phylloxera, a root-sucking aphid that absolutely wiped clean the grand vineyards of France and thrived in defiance of both peasant remedy and all that "modern" science could bring to bear.

The modern science of the time, mind you, included debating Darwin's new theory of evolution. So it's really at the beginning of discovery and scientific technique. Despite a French government prize of 300,000 gold francs for a remedy, it took 30 years and more to pinpoint the reason for the vineyard die-off, and a practical way of defeating the organism. Grafting onto American rootstock – a rootstock that was the initial cause of the disaster – won the day though not the reward.

Campbell both begins and ends his tale in California's Napa Valley, where phylloxera once again raised its nasty little head toward the end of the 20th century, about 100 years after the struggle in France. It cost millions of dollars to bring the bug to bear. But this time part of the solution turned in a transgenic direction which is, of course, a threat with a completely different vintage. --Schuyler Ingle ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Victory Over the Aphids
Legendary French wines were almost wiped out when the vines that produced their grapes withered in the nineteenth century.The problem was one that has become familiar; our capacity to ship species from one continent to another has meant that we can have much more variety in our plants and animals, but it also endangers the homebodies that have to meet the newcomers.In _The Botanist and the Vintner: How Wine Was Saved for the World_ (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill), Christy Campbell writes that in the 1840s, trade in grape vines proceeded with "no barriers, no inspectorate, no concept of biological quarantine."The result was that tiny aphids with an extraordinary life cycle made their entry from America into France, and found the sap of the French grape vines exactly to their liking.Campbell has told the story of this disaster much like a mystery, and indeed, the vintners who saw their vines rapidly wither had no idea what was happening.A voracious caterpillar had threatened their plants two decades before, and a fungus had come shortly afterwards, but no one had seen a pattern of vine death like this one, with the leaves rapidly drying and curling up.There were only guesses about what was going on; too much rain, smoke in the air or iron in the soil from locomotives, and even emanations from telegraph lines were held to be responsible.Perhaps it was as simple as soil erosion or bad weather.No one knew.

The problem was an aphid usually called phylloxera.It took a long time to finger this particular culprit for many reasons, among which was that the tiny insect was not found on the dead vines.The simple explanation was that the aphids sucked all the sap they could out of the roots of the plant, and with nothing further to eat, moved on.Eventually, entomologists worked out the confusing life cycle of the aphid, which included several different forms of adults, some laying eggs on leaves, some laying eggs on the roots, and others having flying sexual forms.The aphids had been brought to France from America.The aphids and the American vines had long ago drawn a truce; aphids still infested the plants, but the plant developed mechanisms to keep alive through the assault, and the aphids settled in to feeding steadily off the living rather than killing the plants outright.The French vines had no such protection, so the aphids sucked them dry and moved on.Before finding an elegant solution to the problem, vintners simply had to pull up the dead vines and start growing something else, but that did not keep them from trying fanciful remedies, especially when the government offered a reward.Some proposed setting vials of holy water from Lourdes among the withering vines.Putting potatoes or frogs into the soil to draw away the poison had equal effect.Snail slime was championed, as were marching bands and a "beating wheelbarrow."Insecticides were useless.The problem had come from America, and the solution was from America as well.The solution was to use the root stocks of the American vines (vines which bore grapes the French considered vastly inferior), but to graft upon them the French vines which had been cultivated for centuries.

Campbell has told an enthralling story of science at work.It is a true success story, but attempts to controlnature seldom result in total or permanent success.The final section of his book reveals that outbreaks continue to occur and that the insects can develop new strains to which the old solution does not apply.Perhaps the rootstocks can be immunized.Perhaps, in these days of genetic modification, the genes from American vines that co-evolved with the phylloxera could be somehow inserted into the French varieties.GM wines are probably inevitable.The wine world used its wits to battle one pest successfully a century ago, but there will be others, and the story is not all told yet.
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Here are real tools and techniques for counting carbs correctly. New chapters cover how to build a personal carb count database, carb counting for insulin pump users, a whole week of meal plans, and much more.

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Using an exceptionally clear writing style, minimal scientific jargon, and vivid photos and drawings, this book provides a comprehensive view of the rich diversity and complexity of insects and their influence upon the ecosystem.The Arthropod Plan. The Insect Externally. The Insect Internally. Development and Specialization. Ecology. Behavior. From Solitary to Social. Parasitism by Insects. Predation by Insects. Insects, Plants, Livestock, Domestic Animals, and Humans. Insect Pest Management. Household Insects. Classification. Making an Insect Collection.For anyone interested in insects. ... Read more

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Great for any of your gardening friends!
This is a great Chrstimas present for any of you who have gardening friends. I loved it! It's also a great coffee table book. ... Read more

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A comprehensive study of diseases and their (mis) diagnosis
This book compiles a GREAT deal of useful information about plant pathology. It covers, as any good work about plant disease should, fertilization, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental factors such as drought, freezing, lightning, air pollution, water contamination etc. before attempting to fix the problem, the work stresses the causal effects and ,similarly, the visual pitfalls that may provide evidence of an unseen insect symptom (galling, nematodes, etc.) The work was written mainly for the temperate zone, but using it in my home sub-tropics was an eye-opener! Reccomended reading for Horticulturalists in the upper echelon, or for Pathologists as a reference, and a reminder to look to the outlying areas for an answer, It's always there! ... Read more

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A nice introduction to structural biology
This book deserves 5 stars on the basis of its color stereo diagrams alone! Well done. I wish I had this book when I was starting out as a graduate student! A very good explanation of structural hierarchy. Plus the book also contains excellent details of structure of proteins belonging to specific families -for ex., antibodies. Even today, for my work, I find it very convenient to look into the book first for some structural information rather than into the PDB databases. And yes, I do have a very good pair of stereo glasses always on hand!

If Frank Lloyd Wright did proteins...
This is truly a monument to the architecture of proteins: a gorgeous tour of the structures that dwell within us. The "frozen music" of biology is clearly presented in beautiful detail. The computer-generated renderings give pause to anyone who wonders what God was up to when She thought about creating life. Proteins, as represented here, are Her finest efforts. Visually stunning is only the most obvious aspect of this amazing introduction to structural genomics (proteinomics): the systematic study of protein structures. This is a serious graduate level textbook.

The text should be considered for any introductory graduate level course in biochemistry. Beginning with sound chemical principles, the text lays a solid foundation for the concepts of secondary and tertiary structure within protein. The author builds a superstructure from which to view the motifs of cofactor binding domains and active sites in enzymes.

Each chapter concludes with exercises, problems and "weblems". The weblems underscore the fact that structural genomics, a branch of bioinformatics, is a hot topic in the biotech arena. The weblems ask the reader to pursue ideas on the world wide web. The author provides the reader with a wealth of websites ranging from browser plug-in software for viewing crystal structures, to sources of those structures, to sequence alignment servers which will allow the student to do real research. Well thought-out, the weblems posed are useful to the student in exploring the topics of each chapter.

The author sticks to protein architecture avidly, issues of how proteins fold or how structure might be predicted from amino acid sequence are presented to the reader. It is a credit to the author that he does not speculate on these very hot research topics. The bibiliography for each chapter is current to mid-2000.

A student using this text will have greater insight and understanding of the literature of protein structure, folding, and prediction of structure. This book would also be a useful reference to the veteran practitioner, summarizing an early 21st century look at this field. ... Read more

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Contemporary legislation respecting environmental protection and public health, at both national and international levels, are based on data that characterize chemical properties of environmental phenomena, especially those that reside in our food chain. Thus, environmental and food quality are now matters of major public concern and therefore a system of metrology in trace analysis has recently been developed at the international level.This new edition of a bestseller highlights the significance of anthropogenic factors in changing the trace element status in soils and plants. Written by Dr. Alina Kabata-Pendias, a world-renowned plant and soil scientist, Trace Elements in Soil and Plants, Third Edition incorporates recent data from about 400 respected sources. These data present the most recent research on topical issues such as the assessment of natural/background content of trace elements in soil; bioindication of chemical status of environmental compartments; soil remediation; and hyperaccumulation and hyperextraction of trace metals from the soil. Discussions of the health-related significance of trace elements in food are also included.This third edition presents an overview of the principal pathways from soils to plants. The author provides the background for a more profound understanding of ways by which chemical processes operate in both polluted and unpolluted conditions of the soil-plant system. The current review of recent soil-plant findings offered by Trace Elements in Soil and Plants, Third Edition renders the book an indispensable reference. ... Read more

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A best-selling mechanistic organic chemistry text in Germany, this text's translation into English fills a long-existing need for a modern, thorough and accessible treatment of reaction mechanisms for students of organic chemistry at the advanced undergraduate and graduate level. Knowledge of reaction mechanisms is essential to all applied areas of organic chemistry; this text fulfills that need by presenting the right material at the right level. ... Read more

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Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Second Edition Edited by Peter J. Lea Department of Biological Sciences, Lancaster University, UK and Richard C. Leegood Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK As research in plant metabolism and molecular biology continues to make great progress it has become essential for plant scientists to have an overview of both disciplines, which are becoming increasingly complementary in understanding plant function. Drawing on their own teaching and research experience, the editors and contributors have provided a timely, comprehensive and generously illustrated new edition of this successful introductory textbook. All of the chapters have been updated and revised, and a new chapter on secondary metabolism has been included. Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will be invaluable to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the plant sciences and to all those requiring an introduction to current concepts in molecular plant science. Reviews of the First Edition "The aim of the editors to blend plant biochemistry with molecular biology is successfully reached and provided a new, well written text book which is easy to read." Journal of Plant Physiology "The contributing chapters are well written with clear illustrations and I would expect undergraduates, to whom this book is primarily targeted, to enjoy using it." New Phytologist "The evident teaching experience of the authors make this textbook a useful aid to students and researchers." Photosynthetica What the lecturers said about the First Edition: "A very useful text with a good balance of traditional biochemistry and molecular biology. Its usefulness is enhanced by a very clear and visually pleasing layout and the generally high quality and clarity of the writing." "A surprising amount of information in an easily accessible format." "Good coverage and depth. I'm not aware of any other book that deals with this material so well as this one. It addresses a real need in plant science teaching." ... Read more

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Plant Molecular Biology
Dear Sir: I am a plant Molecular Biologist and develop transgenic plants. I am looking for a suitable book for my undergraduate, biology majors- on this subject and will be glad to review this book.

Dr. O. Bagasra, MD, PhD ... Read more

Book Description

This accessible volume provides practical information on wine analysis and production. It covers the full range of techniques, from quick screening assays to wet chemical and instrumentation analysis, as well as interpretation of results. Emphasizing a step-by-step approach to procedures, the authors:

- examine analyses commonly performed in the United States, Europe and Australia:
- discuss viticultural considerations as they relate to winemakeing as well as sensory evaluation and the importance of each anolyte in the spectrum of winery operations:
- present new procedures including 'quick' qualitative tests for the presence of various constituents:
- explore updated information on sensory evaluation of wines, use of enzymes in winemaking, health aspects and more, and - offer a chapter featuring laboratory procedures, listed alphabetically and extensively cross-referenced.

International in scope, Wine Analysis and Production is essential for winemakers and laboratory personnel worldwide. Students of enology will find it an incomparable resource. ... Read more

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Must have book for winemakers
This book is must have for anyone who is in wine production business. The authors discuss viticultural considerations as they relate to winemaking as well as sensory evaluation and the importance of each analyte in the spectrum of winery operations. I bought this book with "Successful wine marketing" and have greatly benefited from these two books.
Here is the content of the book: Preface o Introduction o Sensory Analysis of Juices and Wines o Grape Maturity and Quality o Hydrogen Ion (PH) and Fixed Acids o Carbohydrates o Alcohols and Extract o Phenolic Compounds and Wine Color o Nitrogen Compounds o Sulfur Dioxide and Sorbic Acid o Volatile Acidity o Metals, Cations and Anions o Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid, and Dimethyedicarbonate o Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen o Tartrates and Instabilities; Fining and Fining Agents o Sanitation o Basic Principles of Microbiology in the Winery o Cork o Analytical Methods
I strongly recommend this book to winemakers and wine marketers. It is a classic!

Wine Analysis and Production
Clearly and concisely written for the amature wine maker or student of enology who is serious about learning the technical aspects of great wine production. ... Read more