Book Description

Twenty-four true, wide-ranging tales of crime, history, human behavior, illness, and ethics, told from the personal perspective of the author, an eminent physician-lawyer who uses these stories to illustrate the principles of human genetics and to discuss the broader issues. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Genetics -- past, present and future
This fascinating book surveys the major facets of modern genetic research. Its various sections -- on biotechnology, social behavior, DNA in the courts and others -- are self-contained. This results in some repetition, but given the wealth of detail survyed, repetition is not unwelcome. Among the observations I found particularly intriguing are: the U.S. DoD operates the world's largest DNA databank; we will ultimately find the genes that contribute to manic-depression, but we will "map, clone and sequence" the genes that predispose to schizophrenia by 2005; the frequency of cystic fibrosis is a genetic puzzle and surprising (p. 214); Reilly finds virtually no evidence of individuals being denied access to medical coverage, or paying more for it, because of genetic testing (pg., 231-232); finally, efforts are underway to breen transgenic pigs more amenable to humans and vice-versa(!), to alter human bone marrow so as to make it more "pig-like."

Abraham Lincoln's DNA
I came across this book while I was away at sleepaway camp for the first time at Vasser Collage. One of my older friends, Ashley, was reading this book and I got interested. I spent my remaning [$$$] on this book, and let me tell you! This book is so much more than just a textbook, it helped me explore, for the first time, the world of DNA. Now I am usinf this book for a biography of Abraham Lincoln, and its helping drasticly. Now I am even more sure that when I grow up, I want to be an epidemiologest. If I could choose any book for a favorite, this would be mine! I would highly recomend this book for anyone whose careeer path is similar to mine, of anyone skilled in the medical feild, or anyone looking for a long, interesting, read.

Tales about DNA, genetics, clones and ethics
The painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was the dwarfish son of first cousins, who may have suffered from a hereditary dwarfism. Abraham Lincoln, however, was an uncommonly tall man. His height may be a sign that he had a genetic disorder known as "Marfan Syndrome". In 1962, the syndrome was diagnosed in a 7-year-old boy, who was an 8th-generation descendant of the great-great grandfather of the president. The most serious health problem Lincoln bore in life was "melancholia" and he could also have been predisposed to depression, because major depressive illness has a significant hereditary component.
Well-known genetic diseases in royal families are the madness of King George and the bleeders among Queen Victoria's descendants. The son of the last Tsar, Nicholas II, was one of those bleeders. Nicholas and his family were executed and recently DNA techniques were used to identify their bones.

These stories and others are described in this interesting book about DNA, genetics, clones and ethics. Each chapter in this book is a thrilling tale about something like fragile X-es, double Y's, the sheep Dolly or the Cheddar Man.

Beautifully written, but loses its path!
When I first picked up this book, I was excited, because it seemed to combine my love of history and science. Indeed, I enjoyed the first half of the book, with its tales of identifying the Czar's family's bones and debating whether certain historical figures had certain conditions. It made me think about all of the great historical answers hidden six feet under. However, the second half of the book turns to straight genetics and the ethical questions new discoveries have raised. Personally, I did not enjoy the second half as much, though I am appreciative of its quality.

Twenty-four stories about history, justice, human behavior
Abraham Lincoln's DNA And Other Adventures In Genetics is a fascinating and informative collection of twenty-four stories about history, justice, human behavior, plants, animals, diseases, and ethical dilemmas as reflected in the rapidly evolving science of genetics. The title story refers to the question of whether or not Abraham Lincoln had the tissue disorder known as Marfan syndrome and the committee that considered testing his DNA to find out. The committee decided not to. But DNA was used to establish that the Russian royal family did indeed all die in a mass grave. DNA profiling has also become an established means of identifying crime suspects. Reilly tells these illustrative stories with a genuine flair that not relates engaging accounts, but also teaches fundamental facts and principles in the science of genetics. Abraham Lincoln's DNA And Other Adventures is very highly recommended for both students and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in genetics and how this fledgling science is beginning to exert a powerful influence on our public health, culture, and community. ... Read more

Book Description

The description of quantum systems is fundamental to an understanding of many problems in chemistry and physics. This volume records a representative slection of the papers delivered at the second European Workshop on Quantum Systems in Chemistry and Physics which was held at Jesus College, Oxford, April 6–9, 1997. The purpose of this international Workshop was to bring together chemists and physicists with a common interest--the quantum mechanical many-body problem--and to encourage collaboration and exchange of ideas on the fundamentals by promoting innovative theory and conceptual development rather than improvements in computatorial techniques and routine applications.

Key Features
* Covers the following topics:
* Density matrices and density functional theory
* Electron correlation
* Relativistic effects
* Valence theory
* Nuclear motion
* Response theory
* Condensed matter
* Chemical reactions ... Read more

Book Description

Peptides are involved in numerous biological processes that include: killing bacteria, signal transduction, cell growth, and synaptic transmission.This reference book presents an overview of the interaction of peptides with synthetic and biological membranes, and includes state-of-the-art methodology, computer simulations and theoretical analysis.This book contains numerous color figures and can be used by persons interested in cell biology, physical chemistry, nanotechnology, biochemistry , cell biology, and biophysics.

Key Features
* world-renowned experts
* state-of-the-art experimental methods
* monolayers, bilayers, biological membranes
* theoretical aspects and computer simulations
* rafts
* synaptic transmission
* membrane fusion
* signal transduction ... Read more

Book Description

Designed to meet the needs of undergraduate students, Introduction to Biomechanics takes the fresh approach of combining the viewpoints of both a well-respected teacher and a successful student. With an eye toward practicality without loss of depth of instruction, this book seeks to explain the fundamental concepts of biomechanics. With the accompanying web site providing models, sample problems, review questions and more, Introduction to Biomechanics provides students with the full range of instructional material for this complex and dynamic field. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Definitely not an introduction!!!!!!!
The author is deeply oriented to biomechanics of fluids both in the first and second part of the book,despite the fact it is supposed to have different approaches. The first chapters are devoted to complex mathematical demonstrations of stress-strain models and materials engineering, topics that shouldn't be considered to be suitable for starting studying biomechanics.

Definitely not an introduction. Highly recommended for intermediate and advanced courses. ... Read more

Book Description

This book contains pedagogical introductions to a selection of the most exciting subjects in current biological physics: sorting DNA on a microchip: a first step towards miniature laboratories on a chip; modeling protein folding, structure, and motion; physics of organelles: mechanical characteristics of molecular motors; dynamics of microtubules; shapes of membranes, vesicles and cells; a physicist's view of brains and neurons; statistics of sensory signal processing; evolutionary biology of molecules; pattern forming bacterial colonies; model ecologies with Darwinian co-evolution. The book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in physics, biology and mathematical modeling who have no prior knowledge of its ... Read more

Reviews (1)

for review see Physics Today, January 1998 p. 55
See summary ... Read more

Book Description

Polarization methods for the study of the light scattering properties of varoius disperse media have hitherto only been reviewed in specialiest journals relating to the fields of geophysics, astrophysics and optics. The only texts in this field are devoted to specific topics and do not cover the subject as a whole. In this book the author presents for the first time, the main results obtained in the field of polarization optics in a wide range of applictation areas. These will be used widely in different branches of modern science and technology over the next century. It is expected tht this book will stimulate studies in the field and attract new people to this interesting field of research. ... Read more

Book Description

Science has begun to recognize the merit of studying complex phenomena in situ.Fractal geometry is one such approach, and this book discusses its application to complex problems in molecular biophysics. ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides a clear and concise summary of the fluid dynamics of the locomotion of living organisms. The biological phenomena described in detail range from the swimming of bacteria and fish to the flying of insects and birds. The breadth of treatment requires the study of two basic fluid-dynamical regimes. In the first case, that of small organisms, the viscosity of the fluid is paramount in deciding the most effective swimming strategy. However, for larger insects, birds, and most fish, the viscosity of the air or water may be treated as if it were zero, and resulting mechanisms of propulsion are very different. Both these types are studied, with emphasis on the unsteady character of natural movements. Written for the advanced student, this volume assumes familiarity with basic fluid mechanics, although some elementary topics are included. It will be readily accessible to students of applied mathematics and biologists who have engineering or physics backgrounds. ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides both an introduction and a survey of modern HPLC in food analysis. Theory and technology of HPLC are discussed, as well as specific applications and practical aspects of HPLC in food analysis from recent developments. ... Read more

Book Description

Bioenergetics is the name given to the collection of disciplines within biochemistry and physiology that aims at a description and understanding of the function of living systems. These functions include the exchange, metabolism, and accumulation of matter as well as their related energy transformations. The authors present an accessible textbook providing the reader with the fundamental principles of the subject and how these can be applied to practical problems. ... Read more

Book Description

This major two volume work presents a new decision making toolwhich enables manufacturers and scientists to undertake life-cycleassessment (LCA) of new products from the design and developmentstages. The methodology allows the enviromental consequences of aproduct to enter into decision making in the same way as traditionalcommercial parameters such as price, quality, etc. Significantly, itis in accordance with international consensus, as defined by SETAC(Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) and ISO(International Organization for Standardization). Moreover, theindividual steps have been made operational through the creation of acollection of tools for assessment. The books are derived from theEnvironmental Design of Industrial Products (EDIP) programmeorganized by the Technical University of Denmark and five leadingDanish companies. The project was sponsored by the DanishEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Confederation of DanishIndustries. ... Read more

Book Description

The cloning, sequencing, and expression of a variety of membrane receptors and channels indicate the existence of at least four "superfamilies" of molecular structures that mediate signal transduction. Presently, more than 400 receptors have been cloned and sequenced. The Handbook of Receptors and Channels is the first handbook series to present the enormous amount of new molecular biological receptor data in a practical and useful format. Each volume in this remarkable series will focus on a specific molecular superfamily of receptors. Complete amino acid sequence information on all cloned receptors, as well as relevant pharmacological information, will be included. Furthermore, the format for each of the volumes will be consistent to allow for easy comparisons of different molecular subtypes for a given transmitter. G Protein-Coupled Receptors is the first volume in this new handbook series. Topics covered in future volumes include: ... Read more

Book Description

The Workshop combined different fields of molecular nanotechnology applying DNA either as subject of studies or as a molecular building block. As the first meeting solely focusing on DNA-nanotechnology, the heterogeneous scientific background of the participants in physics, chemistry, and biology provided a comprehensive account of the state-of-the-art in this multidisciplinary field and previewed the trends for further research in this promising field. ... Read more

Book Description

The book provides a general understanding of the biology of spinal cord injury (SCI) in animal models and their relationship to naturally occurring injury in man, and secondly reviews novel means to induce functional recovery from spinal cord injury based on developmental biophysics and physiology. ... Read more

Book Description

Since the first attempts to model proteins on a computer began almost thirty years ago, our understanding of protein structure and dynamics has dramatically increased. Spectroscopic measurement techniques continue to improve in resolution and sensitivity, allowing a wealth of information to be obtained with regard to the kinetics of protein folding and unfolding, and complementing the detailed structural picture of the folded state. Concurrently, algorithms, software, and computational hardware have progressed to the point where both structural and kinetic problems may be studied with a fair degree of realism. Despite these advances, many major challenges remain in understanding protein folding at both the conceptual and practical levels.
Computational Methods for Protein Folding seeks to illuminate recent advances in computational modeling of protein folding in a way that will be useful to physicists, chemists, and chemical physicists. Covering a broad spectrum of computational methods and practices culled from a variety of research fields, the editors present a full range of models that, together, provide a thorough and current description of all aspects of protein folding. A valuable resource for both students and professionals in the field, the book will be of value both as a cutting-edge overview of existing information and as a catalyst for inspiring new studies.
Computational Methods for Protein Folding is the 120th volume in the acclaimed series Advances in Chemical Physics, a compilation of scholarly works dedicated to the dissemination of contemporary advances in chemical physics, edited by Nobel Prize-winner Ilya Prigogine. ... Read more

Book Description

All papers in this proceedings volume were peer reviewed. The purview of this third conference was shifted toward biology and medicine. Among the topics covered were: the constructive role of noise in the central nervous system, neuronal networks, and sensory transduction (hearing in humans, photo- and electroreception in marine animals), encoding of information into nerve pulse trains, single molecules and noise (including single molecule detection and characterization by nanopores - molecular "Coulter counting"), concepts of noise in neurophysiology (randomness and order in brain and heart electrical activities under normal conditions and in pathology), the role of noise in genetic regulation and gene expression, biosensors, etc. ... Read more