Book Description

Perfect for classromm or exam review, the Digging Up the Bones Medial Review Series provides high yield facts in a clear, concise, and user-friendly format. No wasted veriage, No lengthy discussions. Students can rely on ``The Bones'' to master important principles and subjects during course study; review areas of repetition necessary for examination; increase confidence in a particular subject area; and remember key points through clinical example, tables, and clear outlines. Plus, they're the perfect complement to our PreTest question and answer books. ... Read more

Book Description

This second edition continues to innovatively review the toughest concepts in biochemistry for maximum comprehension in a short period of time. Unlike conventional texts or review books that stress memorizing facts, BASIC CONCEPTS stresses the mastering of fundamental concepts, so that the reader truly comprehends the material and feels comfortable applying it.Dr. Gilbert uses simple, jargon-free language and award-winning teaching techniques including algorithms, mnemonics and clinical examples. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Neicht! No German should buy this book.
I did not find this book helpful at all. Only for lazy students who do not want to study!!!

Very helpful basic information
Great help for those of us who aren't scientists by nature. If you're struggling with your textbook I recommend this as a good supplement - especially right before exam time! Not detailed enough to skip class though, but worth the time and money. ... Read more

Book Description

Protein Methods
Daniel M. Bollag/ Michael D. Rozycki /Stuart J. Edelstein
Reviews from the first edition
"...it is very well written...would certainly be of use to undergraduate and postgraduate students entering the complex world of protein preparation and to more experienced scientists entering this field for the first time."-Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
"The book presents these topics with loads of practical detail, so that the reader has little need to consult other reference sources to carry out the techniques described. All in all, a useful book..." -Theoretical & Applied Genetics
"...clearly written with protocols that are easy to follow and the text is well spread-out and easy to read...all methods are fully referenced...a useful book for beginners at a reasonable price." -FEBS Letters
This revised and expanded Second Edition of Protein Methods remains the first source for a complete summary of tested and proven protein techniques. Now divided into two parts, the book begins with the essential chapters from the first edition, updated to reflect important changes in methodology. The chapter on protein isolation includes a new section focusing on the isolation of proteins from inclusion bodies. In the second section, four new chapters are devoted to protein purification and crystallization.
Chapters include
* Preparation for Protein Isolation
* Protein Extraction and Solubilization
* Protein Concentration Determination
* Concentrating Protein Solutions
* Gel Electrophoresis Under Denaturing Conditions
* Gel Electrophoresis Under
...and feature
* reagent items and equipment required for each method
* chapter "view-at-a-glance" tabs
* illustrations for all gel applications and other methods
* complete supplier list
* appendices of basic chemical parameters and molecular data
* key references
* descriptive tables
* Safety notes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

practical and simple
For anyone working with proteins for the first time, this is the book. It tells you how to do the basic procedures in a straightforward cookbook way, without alot of theoretical background. Old-school purists may object to this, but just as you don't need to understand Fourier optics to use a microscope, you really don't need to understand how Laemmli gels work in order to be able to use them to resolve proteins. This book just tells you how to do what you need to do, and for that purpose its really perfect. Using this book, you can singlehandedly do each technique without needing to ask anyone or read anything else, it is entirely self-contained. There aren't too many methods books that can compare with this one in terms of ease of use. I have used this book and its earlier edition for years and I highly recommend it to everyone who is starting to work with proteins.

This is a really great book.
This is a good handbook for starters and students, contains methods that easy to follow and understand, I love this book. ... Read more

Book Description

This fully revised translation of the world-renowned German edition covers the complete and modern knowledge of plant biochemistry. The book presents the topic in a concise and simplified manner so that students can digest the message and gain a basic knowledge of the entire field of plant biochemistry, from photosynthesis (the synthesis of natural plant products) to all kinds of genetic engineering with its many commercial applications. Topics include cell structure and function, lipid and polysaccharide metabolism, nitrogen fixation, phloem transport, synthesis and function of isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids and other secondary metabolites, plant growth regulation and development.Heldt provides a comprehensive description of photosynthesis, primary and secondary metabolism, the function of phytohormones and molecular engineering.The text covers research findings until the end of 2003 and identifies areas of future research. There are extensive references to the most recent scientific literature.

* Illustrated with two-color diagrams and well designed metabolic schemes
* Plant metabolism presented in the context of the structure and function of the plant
* Many examples of commercial applications for the protection and quality improvement of harvest crops, plant breeding, and the production of raw materials for industrial use
* Coverage of the latest research findings ... Read more

Book Description

Infrared Spectroscopy of Biomolecules Edited by Henry H. Mantsch and Dennis Chapman Dramatic new advances in the application of infrared spectroscopy to biomolecules and instrumentation are revolutionizing this branch of molecular spectroscopy. Infrared Spectroscopy of Biomolecules provides an up-to-date, detailed look at the different spectroscopic techniques now available and offers a framework for progression in the field, including the evolution of Fourier transform methods, the development of time-resolved techniques and difference spectroscopy, as well as new modulation methods. The book begins with a fundamental introduction to the theories behind both infrared spectroscopy and the Fourier transform method, which lays the groundwork for the instrumental and mathematical chapters that follow. Once the basics of the infrared methods are established, the proceeding chapters cover the application of infrared spectroscopy to proteins, lipids, enzymes, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and biomembranes. Other chapters in this excellent reference include: Theoretical Analyses of the Amide I Infrared Bands of Globular Proteins Slow and Fast Infrared Kinetic Studies Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Cell Surface Polysaccharides What Can Infrared Spectroscopy Tell Us About the Structure and Composition of Intact Bacterial Cells Biomedical Infrared Spectroscopy Editors Henry Mantsch and Dennis Chapman, leading experts in the field, conclude with an exciting look at much-anticipated future developments, including the use of caged compounds and studies of oxidation reduction systems within the IR spectrometer. A solid introduction to the basics with up-to-the-minute coverage of the latest developments in the field, Infrared Spectroscopy of Biomolecules is an indispensable reference tool for biochemists, biophysicists, and structural biologists alike. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A big deception
Besides the wonderful prospects I had when I bought the book I was deeply disappointed when I went through its pages. Even though it includesinteresting contributions in several point areas, like isotope editting,and spectroscopy of lipids/membranes and nucleic acids, it lacks asignificant chapter about proteins!. Yes, even though at least 80% of thebiochemists that use routinely FTIR in their experiments analyse proteins,there is not even a minimal introduction about what a FTIR spectrum ofproteins does look like (forget about amide bands other than Amide I! ).Only in one chapter there is reference to the analysis of the Amide I band,but just a theoretical analysis. I miss even a simple table including thetypical frequencies of the secondary structure elements in proteins! .Fortunately there is an exception to this in the chapter on membraneproteins (something is something?), interesting but scarce for a book likethis one and dangerous because membrane proteins often display differentfeatures. Also I miss a sort of simple introduction of the technique veryhelpful with people that have a first contact with the FTIR. In conclusion.I don't think this is THE reference book about biomolecular FTIR, but asort of compendium of several experimental strategies in the biochemicalFTIR field with very little conexion between them, and lack of a generalpurpose. If you want some general info about FTIR and biomolecules, go tothe classical rewievs they are far more complete, clearer and cheaper! ... Read more

Book Description

Important practical implications are established by case reports and specific examples. The present book is the ideal complement to the practitioner’s manual Techniques in Molecular Systematics and Evolution, recently published by the same editors in the Birkhäuser MTBM book series. The first part of this book deals with important applications of evolutionary and systematic analysis at different taxonomic levels. The second part discusses DNA multiple sequence alignment, species designations using molecular data, evo-devo and other topics that are problematic or controversial. In the last part, novel topics in molecular evolution and systematics, like genomics, comparative methods in molecular evolution and the use of large data bases are described. The final chapter deals with problems in bacterial evolution, considering the increasing access to large numbers of complete genome sequences. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

STUPID
I CAN'T RATE IT BECAUSE I CAN'T READ THE STUPID BOOK. I CNA'T EVEN READ A STUPID EXCERPT OF THE STUPID BOOK. AS YOU CAN SEE RIGHT NOW I THINK THIS BOOK IS STUPID.

A Versatile, Accessible Introduction
I came away very impressed from Dr. Brown's latest edition. The book is extremely readable but does not dumb down the material. I'm taking an upper-level molecular genetics lab and am doing independent work in genetics, and this book is a great reference. However, I think that this book would be pretty easy for someone with introductory level biology--heck, I think some AP Biology high school teachers may be able to use this text for their classes.

Brown takes you through all the basics of molecular genetics: from the basic mechanics of DNA manipulation to PCR, bacteriophages, and even a review of basic genomics and genomic analysis, which are still very new and rapidly evolving fields. Every chapter has references for more in-depth study. This is a great book to introduce you to modern molecular genetics. ... Read more

Book Description

This sixth edition contains the recent advances in molecular basis of life. Includes illustrations, formulas, and worked-out examples and solutions to assist those interested in knowing how nature and human life work at the molecular level. New interactions (special topics) consist of: scurvy, lime juice, ascorbic acid, and the scientific method, air bags, melatonin - hope or hype?, mad cows, prions, and protein shapes, biochips, breast cancer, and the no-name protein and more. Each chapter provides a summary as well as review exercises. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bringing understanding to the student.
This texts offers a comprehensive guide to basic chemistry.Offering very clear explanations, as well as easy to comprehend examples for problemsolving. Up to date and accurate, I would suggest this book to anyone whois in need of a refresher course in chemistry as well as a new-commer toscience. ... Read more

Book Description

In Oxygen, Nick Lane takes the reader on an enthralling journey as he unravels the unexpected ways in which oxygen spurred the evolution of life and death. He shows how oxygen underpins the origin of biological complexity, the birth of photosynthesis, the sudden evolution of animals, the need for two sexes, the accelerated aging of cloned animals like Dolly the sheep, and the surprisingly long lives of bats and birds. Drawing on this grand evolutionary canvas, Oxygen offers fresh perspectives on our own lives and deaths, explaining modern killer diseases, why we age, and what we can do about it. Advancing revelatory new ideas, following chains of evidence, the book ranges through many disciplines, from environmental sciences to molecular medicine. The result is a captivating vision of contemporary science and a humane synthesis of our place in nature. This remarkable book will redefine the way we think about the world. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The "O" in Oxygen
In Nick Lane's novel Oxygen, he talks about how important oxygen is, when it was discovered, how it can be hazardous, and how it can cure diseases, such as pneumonia. The element oxygen was discovered in the 1770's. Oxygen is an important element of life, because is we stopped breathing; we would be dead in minutes. Suffocation and drowning is the most human feared way to die. John Scott Haldane used oxygen to cure injuries in World War I. Nick Lane is brilliant when it comes to oxygen. It seems like he can answer almost every question one might have about the interesting subject. He informs the reader about how 4 billion years ago, there was no oxygen on Earth and how it makes up about 21% of the atmosphere. This brilliant novel author explains how oxygen first evolved, how many tiny organisms die when exposed to 0.1% of oxygen because it has no antioxidants and how the first cells evolved in an oxygen-free environment. Many theories and explanation about oxygen are detailed explains how oxygen comes from photosynthesis. I learned so much new and exciting information by reading this tremendous novel. Without the dramatic changes of oxygen, there would be no evolutionary steps. O2 can be extremely hazardous (hydrogen peroxide is hazardous if dissolved iron is present). AN APPLE A DAY COULD KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY... which is a correct statement. It reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and some cancers because all kinds of antioxidants are found in fruits. Our whole body is an antioxidant machine, from the physical structure of individual cells to the physique of a human being. Mitochondria is for producing energy, hemoglobin is for delivering oxygen and vitamin C is for protecting against free radicals (which are at the roots of ageing and disease).
I enjoyed reading this novel because it was extremely informative and I enjoy reading about how oxygen is has been necessary for 4 billion years. I believe Nick Lane is a brilliant author and is extremely informative. I have learned so much about oxygen and how it's necessary in our day-to-day lives. I recommend this novel to everyone, even if one is just looking for a book to read for fun. Lane makes this novel anything but a quick read, however it's very incredibly worth it because it's so informative on an everyday necessity.

Life's dangerousmidwife
In school, we learned of the ubiquity of hydrogen in the universe.It made up the stars, drifted between the galaxies, and, combined with nitrogen, composed the atmosphere of our solar system's giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn.We learned, too, how it combined with oxygen to make our planet's blessing - water.Oxygen was deemed the life-giver, earning our respect even when we burned things with it in the lab.That "burning" is a key element in Lane's treatise.We're all aware that without oxygen, we cannot live.On the other hand, too much of this vital element attacks our cells and contributes to the ageing process.Consequently, we've turned to "anti-oxidants" in hope of diminishing the negative aspects.Lane issues a strong cautionary note about this practice, using a strong evolutionary base to build his case.

Science has long known that the early Earth had little free oxygen in the atmosphere.The famous Urey-Miller experiments used a "reducing" atmospheric environment to build their compounds.Traditional biology argues that oxygen was emitted by photosynthetic bacteria as a waste product.Existing life thus had to adapt to this poisonous atmosphere.Lane challenges this view, describing mechanisms that made early organisms already oxygen tolerant.He contends that the Last Universal Common Ancestor, a minute organism residing in shallow seas, learned to break water into its component gases, using freed energy.In striking a balance between using oxygen as an energy source and preventing that energy from consuming the cell, life developed finely honed processes.Oxygen is more than just used by life, it is constrained and controlled carefully in organic mechanisms.As life gained in complexity it used oxygen to improve those control processes.We tamper with them at our peril.

The key is in how life deals with "free radicals".These compounds steal electrons, which are the basis for life's functioning.Free radicals have had some bad press in recent years, as Lane reminds us.There is much available advice about dealing with them and a pharmacoepia of "medicines" to be had that claim to reduce them or their impact.Lane argues that the complexity of processes and varying conditions within the body make any claims to deal with them highly suspect.The bottom line is that we don't have nearly enough knowledge about how the body copes with free radicals to have confidence in any of the suggested therapies.

Nearly a quarter of this book focusses on a question confronting us all - ageing.There have been countless attempts to understand the ageing process, most with the ambition to thwart or delay it.Their success rate has been notably abysmal, notes Lane.Approaches range from "oxygen pubs" to heavy doses of vitamin C.The author points out that not only is the concentration of oxygen used by each cell miniscule compared to what's available in the atmosphere, the processing system is many levels removed from the source.The body will use what's needed and scorn the rest.Flooding the body with oxygen or vitamins is more likely to impose "oxygen stress" than deliver any real benefit.

Lane's thorough analysis makes this book anything but a quick read.He follows evolutionary paths, historical accounts of research in all aspects of life, and explains organic processes in minute detail.He presents a complicated and long-term story, but his explanations are rendered with clarity and precision.It is simple to condemn this book for its wealth of information.That's the reaction of one seeking simple answers.It's easier to praise this book for its sweep of both history, precise evolutionary biology and breadth of information on a topic critical to our existence.With an extensive glossary and strong list of reference material, it's a boon to those wishing to understand our world and life's foundations.
[stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

More than you can ask for in a book.
The story of Oxygen in the earth environment is detailed, but
goes further in its side explanations of the many various subjects
related to this story.The mystery of photosenthesis was clearly
explained at the molecular lever in such detail as were the other
submentioned processes of this book.I found this man to be a
genius of knowledge, seeming to know something about everything.
I do not know how to write books, but If I did, it would be this way.You will never go wrong remembering the author and buying
what he writes.A 10+ in my experience.

Great book
Fascinating book.The author really knows his stuff and puts together a very persuasive story of how evolution was affected by Oxygen.Although some technical info through me at times, practically every page had some interesting tidbit.I found it hard to put down.

A lot of information about a lot of different topics!
Nick Lane's book, Oxygen The Molecule that made the World, is a surprising volume.It mixes organic and inorganic chemistry with evolutionary studies, paleontology, research medicine, and even a little engineering to explain how the world got to be as it is. The first half of the book is dedicated to what our early atmosphere was like and how it changed as a result of biological activity.It also discusses how the evolving atmosphere, particularly the presence of oxygen, affected the complexity of early life and the sudden flourish of biological diversity after the Precambrian.The last half of the volume deals with the recent research on free radicals and their effect on health and on the phenomena of aging and of immortality.
Doctor Lane's own background is in biochemistry, and his research focus has been on oxygen free radicals and metabolic function in organ transplants. Not surprisingly he went into some detail about the free radical cascade that affects cellular metabolism and DNA integrity.I found this somewhat difficult to understand as I have only a very rudimentary grounding in organic chemistry.Still I have to admit that I know somewhat more about the process than I did before reading this book.
Probably because I know significantly more about geology and paleontology, I enjoyed more fully the author's synthesis and analysis of what we know of the geological and biological development of our atmosphere and our planet. Some of this material was familiar to me from other sources:Certainly that O2 can actually be a "poison" I know from managing patients with ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome) on mechanical ventilators with 100% O2; that the earth went through a series of green house earth/snowball earth phases early in its history I had learned from Ward and Brownlee's book Rare Earth; that life had begun almost as early as it was able and much earlier than had been previously believed, I was aware of from works by Gould, Schopf, and others; and that the mitochondria may once have been free-living, aerobic organisms that formed a symbiotic relationship with anaerobic organisms was known to me from my past exposure to microbiology in a nursing class.
New to me however, was the concept that gigantism may have been a means of limiting the negative effects of a periodic increase in oxygen in the environment, as Dr. Lane suggests in his chapter on The Bolsover Dragonfly.Although I had read an article that suggested that the immense sizes achieved by some of the dinosaur species might have been due to a higher percent of O2 at the time, I had also understood that it was because oxygen was a "good" thing, an opportunity of sorts. Lane points out that the negative effects of oxygen on tissues and DNA through the free radical cascade might have been ameliorated by an increased size.An animal--or one presumes also a plant--that increased its size might have been able to distribute negative effects over a greater body mass.One wonders if the rise of the mammalian mega fauna of the ice ages and their sudden almost catastrophic disappearance might not also have been due to some temporary fluxuation in the oxygen level of their atmosphere.(In which case the early Native Americans could be once and for all exonerated of having liquidated them, since their demise would have been dictated by a return to a baseline oxygen level!)If this were the case, one might also question what type of changes might be expected among our own kind as a result of such an increase and decrease of atmospheric oxygen.
I found the doctor's ideas on the trade off between sexual reproduction and immortality a unique approach to the topic of aging.Some of this information--the studies of animal reproduction rates, predation, and age at death, for instance--was known to me.Dr. Lane's discussion brought it together in a much more complete way.
Certainly the concept of sexual reproduction being one of life's mechanisms of perpetuating the fragile, complex organic molecules (DNA) in an oxidative environment was interesting.I had read Ridley's proposal that sexual reproduction evolved as a means of resisting bacterial infection, but Lane's suggests why it began as early as the DNA swapping behavior among early single eukaryotic cells.That the massive increase in biological diversity was an indirect product of the release of oxygen into the atmosphere, is truly an amazing thought.In the event as Lane makes claim in his subtitle, oxygen was truly "The Molecule that made the World." ... Read more

Book Description

This new and expanded edition of the bestselling textbook has now been fully revised to include techniques from across the biosciences.It focuses particularly on those techniques that have led to recent advances in molecular biology and is designed to help students understand the theory and practical principles behind those methods. The book will be essential reading for all bioscience undergraduate students and pre-clinical medical students and will complement traditional undergraduate texts in biochemistry and molecular biology. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

good with an adjunct
this is a very nice book with abundant information.there are few topics which are dealt extraordinarily especially centrifugation,HPLC,electrophoresis etcetera.i have been studying this book from my graduation.initially i used to feel some difficulty with this book,so i studied biopysicaland biophysical techniques by Upadhyaya and Upadhyaya.once i got the clear idea regarding the techniques,i shifted to this book.now i feel this book is very helpful.it is highly recommendedto allbiology students.

Excellent reference
This book is an invaluable source of information not only for those studying about various practical techniques but even those engaged in experiments in a lab environment. Written more as an overview, it works to familiarize the reader with the principles of both experimental protocols and the equipment that might be used, for example centrifuges. It's very useful to go back to it from time to time to get a refresher on techniques that I might use on a regular basis but might not remember all the details of. Highly recommended. It's also written quite simply, which unfortunately is not the case for all biology texts.

A useful, informative guide to practical biology
This book would be especially useful to science students engaging in a predominantly practical-based biological course. ... Read more

Book Description

Organic Structure Analysis is an ideal text for upper-level undergraduate and first-year graduate courses in organic spectroscopy. It provides students with the background necessary to effectively apply spectroscopic data in establishing features of molecular structure. Unique in its coverage, it is the only text that emphasizes strategies, interpretation, modern techniques, and problem solving. The text's major aim is to show how spectra can be efficiently examined in order to identify a molecule's major structural elements. It focuses on four techniques which are used on a day-to-day basis by most organic chemists: nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectroscopy (MS), infrared (IR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS). Each chapter provides different perspectives on using spectroscopic data in a step-by-step process to establish structural features such as an overall carbon framework; the presence and location of functional groups; the regiochemistry and stereochemistry of substituents; and, finally, the absolute stereochemistry of chiral centers. Recent advances in NMR and MS have changed the way these components are introduced and used in organic spectroscopy courses. Unlike similar texts, this book provides ample, up-to-date coverage of the latest developments in NMR techniques.

Organic Structure Analysis adopts a practical approach to the subject which emphasizes building experience; the authors recognize that a combination of problem solving, access to data from models, and understanding the rules of spectral interpretation helps students to build expertise in structure determination from spectra. It outlines elements of theory, but with an emphasis on those directly relevant to spectral interpretation. The subjects are divided into two major sections; the first section provides extensive coverage of each of the individual methods, and the second emphasizes the way these strategies are blended together in the solution of problems based on combined spectra. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Organic Spectroscopy Made Clear
Crews is not a hardcore treatise of the subject. It does not cover the quantum mechanics behind spectroscopy and the complicated mathematical underneath the concept. Instead it discusses the fundamentals and results of such quantum calculations which apply to identification of organic compounds. Basic concepts of nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, ultra violet spectroscopy are thoroughly covered with examples and charts. Crews is a splendidly-written, straight-forward work that would be suitable for advanced undergraduates who had finished at least one year of organic chemistry, for those who pursue chemical research, and entering grad students. ... Read more

Book Description

Richly illustrated throughout, this book provides a comprehensive, approachable summary of the field of crystallography, fundamental theory of diffraction and properties of crystals, applications in determining macromolecular structure. Dedicated to providing a complete introduction to the subjectthat does not assume a background in physics or math, books contents flow logically from basic principles to methods, such as those for solving phase problems, interpretation of Patterson maps, and the difference Fourier method. This introduction includes practical instruction on interpretation of data and methods for determining phases and also: 

• Illustrates concepts throughout to clarify difficult ideas
• Integrates analogies to illuminate the text
• Equips the reader to employ the range of programs in crystallography

Reviews (4)

Highly Recommended
"...I highly recommend this book...in fact, I foresee it finding its way to the bookshelves of many faculty members, albeit with frequent removal for consultation as an educational tool!" (Clinical Chemistry, Vol. 49, No. 7, 2003)

Recommended Book
"...this welcome addition to the introductory crystallographic literature should be well received...recommended..." (Choice, Vol. 40, No. 8, April 2003)

Excellent
"...an excellent introductory text..." (Journal of Proteome Research, Vol. 2, No. 2, March/April 2003)

Masterful
"...a masterful presentation of the theory and practice of crystallography as applied to large molecules. Any student or professional who wants to deepen his or her understanding of the field should work through this text. The clarity, completeness, and simplicity of [Dr. McPherson's] treatment are impressive." --Andrew J.Howard, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, and Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois ... Read more

Book Description

In recent years there has been increasing interest and, subsequently, active research in neuropeptides. These neuroactive molecules coordinate, integrate, and regulate physiological processes in all organisms, throughout all phases of development. Acting as neurohormones, neurotransmitters, and/or neuromodulators, they maintain physiological homeostasis and influence important behavioral patterns. This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner.

The book is divided into two parts. In Part I the author defines the basic principles of neuropeptide action, including their biosynthesis, processing, transport, distribution, and interactions with receptors and second messenger systems. Strand also discusses the intimate interaction between the neuropeptides, stress, and the immune system. In Part II she discusses the regulatory functions of the families of neuropeptide in sufficient detail to provide both the advanced student and senior investigator with a thorough understanding of the most important neuropeptides. The text also contains a complete and up-to-date reference/reading list. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Neuropeptides: Reviewed by Abba Kastin
The Book "Neuropeptides: Regulators of Physiological Processes" is terrific. Not only does it provide the most comprehensive review of the field available anywhere , but it does so in an elegant style that remains amazingly easy to read. Moreover, the material is put together in such a way as to provide sophisticated new insights into the field.

Neuropeptides: Reviewed by Frank Antonawich
This book will clearly be considered the bible of the neuroendocrine field.

Neuropeptides: Reviewed by David de Wied
This book is a magnificent review of this fascinating subject. Strand presents a wealth of data in a very comprehensive manner. She has summarized the information in a scholarly yet highly lucid manner

Neuropeptide Regulators : Reviewed by Don Long
This book is a superb compilation of the complexities of the fields of neuropeptides. Portions of it are general enough to be of real value to any neuroscientist who wishes to understand more about this complex field. In its entirety the book offers an excellent summary which can be of use to anyone no matter how specialized or advanced in the neuropeptide field. The book begins with an excellent summary of the origins of neuropeptide theory, the discovery of the first of these transmitters, and a general summary of where we are today with the identification of this enormous group of peptides. For those beginning a career in research concerning neuropeptides, there is some excellent generalization of the techniques which are involved in discovering, quantifying and manipulating these neurotransmitters. The section on biosynthesis and action of neuropeptides is extremely well done and simple enough for anyone interested to understand, as is the description and localization of neuropeptides. The neuroendocrine system is presented in a very simple but complete form, and the section on the blood brain barrier brings anyone up to date in the function of the barrier transport system. Recpetors are described generally and then individual classes of receptors are described in great detail. This allows any specific group of receptors and any specific system to be investigated thoroughly. The book is well referenced. The illustrations and especially the schematic figures are exceptionally well done. All the pituitary peptides are thoroughly discussed and the literature surrounding them summarized. The section on the opiate neuropeptides is also well done, and then a number of peptideswhich are much less well known, particularly those that involve gut and other visceral functions are thoroughly discussed. The book is an invaluable resource. Anyone casually interested in the field can learn much by superficial perusal, but the real value will be in the thorough review of each topic which makes each individual chapter a valuable source for anyone wishing detailed information. This is really "must reading" for the graduate student interested in this field.

Editorial Review - Trends in Neurosciences
Given the complexity and rapid growth of research in neuropeptides it is perhaps not surprising that few texts have attempted to give an overview of this field. We should, therefore, be grateful to Fleur Strand for her well-written and comprehensive monograph. The author is an experienced neuroscientist who has been actively involved in research and teaching on the subject of neuropeptides, and the book is a coherent and readable volume that provides a great deal of valuable information to advanced students and others who are interested in neuropeptides. The book is well prepared with clear illustrations, and a comprehensive bibliography and index. The author provides an easily understood review of the many different experimental approaches needed to study the genes, receptors distribution, biosynthesis, release and actions of the neuropeptides. These include molecular neurobiology techniques, immunohistochemical-mapping procedures, the use of genetically engineered animals and studies of peptide actions at the cellular and systemic levels, using neurochemical, neurophysiological and behavioral analyses. A section on the relationship between neuropeptides, stress and the immune system is particularly well prepared, as is the explanation of the physiological roles of neuropeptides in the broader context of biology and evolution. Each chapter concludes with a detailed summary of the conclusions drawn, highlighting the main concepts, which makes for easy review. A concluding section on invertebrate neuropeptides again mixes peptides of neural and non-neural origin but provides a valuable overview of the evolution and biological importance of peptides as chemical signalling molecules. ... Read more

Book Description

The latest version of this popular textbook updates the content and format of previous editions to make it more appealing to students and more useful to instructors. Concentrates on the relationship between basic chemical concepts and the chemistry of living organisms. Delves into such topical issues as alcoholism, radiation therapy, and effects of food chemicals on the brain. This edition features a STEP problem solving strategy which provides a consistent method to solve all problems in the book, an extensive glossary plus full-color art work. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Throughout the developed world, debate is raging over the use of genetically modified (GM) food and food additives. This debate, Canadian agricultural scientist McHughen holds, is not well-informed. "Everyone, it seems, is concerned about GM food," he writes, "but most admit they don't really know much about it." This is especially true in North America, where millions of acres of GM crops are now produced and GM foods are widely consumed, although it is no less true of Europe, where production and consumption alike are comparatively low.

McHughen recognizes that some of these concerns are well-founded, even if the discussion is not, and his book is a thoughtful examination of some of the basic scientific issues involved in whether genetic modification may turn out to yield harmful (or, conversely, beneficial) results. These issues, he goes on to say, are of two broad kinds: first, whether a GM product is safe for the environment, and whether it can be prevented from "escaping" into nature; and second, whether a GM product is safe for the animal or human consumer. His answers may not always please activists on either side of the issue, for he suggests that while in the main GM production is likely to be a good thing, particularly in areas of the world where agricultural yields are low, there may yet be unanticipated risks involved--especially because "nature has no plan for agricultural systems based on high chemical inputs and low biodiversity." --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Reviews (2)

PROPOGANDA!!!
The author Allen McHughen promises the reader an unbiased view on GM, especially the potential and hazards or risks associated with it. In the end however, he clearly explains the benefits, but belittles the REAL problems of GM which he avoids. It is a gross manipulation of the truth. He is funded by MONSANTO, a totally pro GM company whose products have ruined farmers in India. He calls all the hazards of GM mere myths - invented by the media. He fails to address any hazards and tells only half the truth. How can he provide an unbiased viewpoint when he has genetically modified food himself? If you read VERY carefully between the lines you will realize he contradicts himself several times. The uncareful reader is easily swayed by his complex yet empty arguments into thinking that GM is only good and has no risks. It is just a book of lies!!

Scientific answers to World hunger?
My thoughts have been centered on Geneticaly Modified food for some time, so was delighted to discover Allan McHughen's book "The Potential and Hazards of Genetic Modified Foods' on Amazon.com. Living in S. Africa, we are very much aware of the shortage of food for large numbers of people on the African continent as well as in many other areas of the world. The need is not just bulk to ease the pangs of hunger, but food with high nutritional value. There is also a need for the scientific knowledge of how to grow proper food in carefuly nourished ground. I do hope that the scientific value to the human race can outweigh the risk of any commercial gain, and that the people who's needs are the greatest, can benefit from the work being done. ... Read more

Book Description

This step-by-step outline steers you logically, expertly, and clearly through biochemistry. It can save you study time and helps you get better grades because it focuses on the core information you really need to know—and avoids confusing, extraneous material that you don’t need! A question-and-answer format highlights the meaning of the material and helps you remember. Easy-to-read line drawings and diagrams make important structures and processes memorable. This new second edition features added sections on whole-body metabolism, enzyme kinetics, and new technologies for monitoring metabolic processes. Use this excellent study guide to help you ace your biochemistry course, study it alone as a complete biochemistry course, or use it for review before a standardized test—it can cut your study hours as it moves you quickly from cell structure through protein synthesis. This is the study guide that makes biochemistry comprehensible—the one whose first edition was chosen by 32,000 grateful students! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For Timesavers not Great for Bookshelves.
For Timesavers not Great for Bookshelves.
I used this book quite infrequently because of the too short and simple contents. I rather refer to a complete text and shorten them by my own.
Futhermore, this book is not great for bookshelves. It's a paperback!

Incredible Study Guide
I used this book while pursuing my B.S. in Biochemistry and it is 'hands down' the best study guide I ever used. It covers all of the primary topics in undergraduate biochemistry and gives pertinent examples without extraneous information. I highly recommend it as a study aid, especially for standardized tests. ... Read more

Book Description

Vitamins are a chemically disparate group of compounds essential for the normal functioning of the body and maintenance of metabolic integrity. In exploring the known biochemical functions of the vitamins, this book considers the effects of deficiency or excess and the scientific basis for intakes for the prevention of deficiency and promotion of optimum health.This compact and authoritative reference will be of value to students as well as specialists in nutritional biochemistry, and those concerned with vitamin nutrition, deficiency and metabolism. First Edition Hb (1992): 0-521-38144-4 ... Read more

Book Description

Hardbound. This fourth volume in the series covers such topics as endogenous fuels, electric organs, histidine-related dipeptides, and origins of luciferins. The book will be invaluable to fisheries scientists, aquaculturists, and animal biochemists, physiologists and endocrinologists; it will provide researchers and students with a pertinent information source from theoretical and experimental angles. ... Read more