Book Description

This book examines biotechnological, chemical, and engineering aspects of biopolymers and their blends. It focuses on processing and characterization, biopolymer synthesis and degradation, and new applications. ... Read more

Book Description

The opportunity that tissue engineering provides for medicine is extraordinary. In the United States alone, over half-a-trillion dollars are spent each year to care for patients who suffer from tissue loss or dysfunction. Although numerous books and reviews have been written on tissue engineering, none has been as comprehensive in its defining of the field. Principles of Tissue Engineering combines in one volume the prerequisites for a general understanding of tissue growth and development, the tools and theoretical information needed to design tissues and organs, as well as a presentation of applications of tissue engineering to diseases affecting specific organ systems. The first edition of the book, published in 1997, is the definite reference in the field. Since that time, however, the discipline has grown tremendously, and few experts would have been able to predict the explosion in our knowledge of gene expression, cell growth and differentiation, the variety of stem cells, new polymers and materials that are now available, or even the successful introduction of the first tissue-engineered products into the marketplace. There was a need for a new edition, and this need has been met with a product that defines and captures the sense of excitement, understanding and anticipation that has followed from the evolution of this fascinating and important field.

Key Features
* Provides vast, detailed analysis of research on all of the major systems of the human body, e.g., skin, muscle, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and nerves
* Essential to anyone working in the field
* Educates and directs both the novice and advanced researcher
* Provides vast, detailed analysis of research with all of the major systems of the human body, e.g. skin, muscle, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and nerves
* Has new chapters written by leaders in the latest areas of research, such as fetal tissue engineering and the universal cell
* Considered the definitive reference in the field
* List of contributors reads like a "who's who" of tissue engineering, and includes Robert Langer, Joseph Vacanti, Charles Vacanti, Robert Nerem, A. Hari Reddi, Gail Naughton, George Whitesides, Doug Lauffenburger, and Eugene Bell, among others ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One sided
The book is mistitled as 'Principles' since it does not really do justice to the foundations of the field. It is more of a compilations of the research work of a 'few' investigators in the field.

Covering the whole body
This is a great book, covering most details of its field. It describes the physicians (and their patients) dream of substituting organs and cells and it also shows, how mankind could not solve problems ' up to now. History of artificial organs lacking the full function is one point, but the focus is on cells and their ability to build complete organs ' and therefore the book looks on the pathway for the future of organ substitution.
The introduction covers some main ideas of tissue engineering ' what do we want ' what are we able to do ' what do we still have to get knowledge of. After a short review of the history, the essentials of cell biology (Growth, Differentiation) are being introduced. The reader should have an idea of developmental biology to be able to follow topics like induction and morphogenesis. The authors emphasize the importance of the extracellular matrix as one of organ-prosthesis' main building blocks (ECM = scaffold; cells = function; cell signalling = integration and physiology).
The second part describes technical aspects of in-vitro organ synthesis: tissue culture and ECM, tissue culture und growth factors, bioreactors and vascularization. The third part continues with in-vivo techniques of organ reparation, exemplified by methods for substitution of the ECM of skin, peripheral nerves and meniscus.
Parts 4 ' 6 develop models for the substitution of the ECM (Collagen, BioPolymers), their implantation in the receiving organism and the resulting immunologic problems (emphasized).
Parts 7 ' 20 are concerned with the organs themselves. After few words about stem cells and gene therapy the book explains reconstruction and substitution methods for breast, heart and blood vessels, Cornea, endocrine glands, liver (very good), kidney and haematopoietic system. Biomechanical problems are outlined in the part about the musculoskeletal system. On this place tissue engineering celebrates its oldest success (cartilage substitution). Today innervation processes are being focused.
The book continues with substitutes for the senses (ear and eye), nerve cells, nerve regeneration and neural stem cells. Dents and skin could be all to make an ill patient 'healthy' by substitutes, one might think. But no, western medicine also knows something about substitutes for womb and placenta'
On me the book made a good impression. The only point is: it's quite too much text and too few pictures. It addresses medicals after their exams, practicing physicians and biologists. Chapters focus on the basic principles. There is a large number of links to more detailed publications.

Excellent textbook for students and researchers
A vast, detailed summary of the latest advances in tissue engineering.

Excellent reference
A few too many equations, but clearly the most comprehensive text in the field. Contributors list reads like a 'Who's Who' of tissue engineering.

Principles of Tissue Engineering , Robert P. Lanza
A very rare book on a rare topics ... Read more

Book Description

This is the first book to cover the history, structure, and application of atomic force microscopy in cell biology. Presented in the clear, well-illustrated style of the Methods in Cell Biology series, it introduces the atomic force microscope (AFM) to its readers and enables them to tap the power and scope of this technology to further their own research. A practical laboratory guide for use of the atomic force and photonic force microscopes, it provides updated technology and methods in force spectroscopy. It is also a comprehensive and easy-to-follow practical laboratory guide for the use of the AFM and PFM in biological research. ... Read more

Book Description

Organic chemists working on the synthesis of natural products have long found a special challenge in the preparation of peptides and proteins. However, more reliable, more efficient synthetic preparation methods have been developed in recent years. This reference evaluates the most important synthesis methods available today, and also considers methods that show promise for future applications.This text describes the state of the art in efficient synthetic methods for the synthesis of both natural and artificial large peptide and protein molecules. Subjects include an introduction to basic topics, linear solid-phase synthesis of peptides, peptide synthesis in solution, convergent solid-phase synthesis, methods for the synthesis of branched peptides, formation of disulfide bridges, and more. The book emphasizes strategies and tactics that must be considered for the successful synthesis of peptides. ... Read more

Book Description

The applications and use of inkjet-like microfluidic drop ejectors have grown rapidly in manyfields, including biotechnology, drug discovery, combinatorial chemistry, and microfabrication. Yet to date, end users and even designers of microdrop systems for scientific applications have had no books to reference on the subject. Microdrop Generation meets the needs of all those who need to understand the physics and engineering behind microdrop technology. It also contains detailed, how-to information on the practical construction, operation, troubleshooting, and fluid formulation for microdrop ejection systems. Written by a highly experienced practitioner of the art, the book is organized as a self-contained tutorial of microdrop technology ideal for those new to the field. ... Read more

Book Description

A unique, accessible guide to the application of engineering methods to biological systems.

Presenting for the first time a practical, design-oriented, interdisciplinary approach to transport phenomena involving biological systems, Biological Process Engineering emphasizes the common aspects of the three main transport processes-fluid flow, heat transfer, and mass transfer. In clear and simple terms, it explores the relevance of these processes to broadly defined biological systems such as the growth of microbes in bioreactors, the leaching of pollutants into groundwater, and the chemistry of food manufacturing. Reaching well beyond standard applications in medicine and the environment to areas of biotechnology, aquaculture, agriculture, and food processing, this book promotes analogical thinking that will lead to creative solutions. While keeping the mathematics to a minimum, it explains principles of effective system modeling and demonstrates a wide variety of problem-solving techniques. Readers will find:
* Systems diagrams comparing and contrasting different transport processes
* Biological examples for all types of systems, including metabolic pathways, locomotion, reproduction, responses to thermal conditions, and more
* Numerous design charts and procedures
* An extensive collection of tables of parameter values, not found in any other text.

An ideal undergraduate text for biological engineering students taking courses in transport processes, Biological Process Engineering is also an excellent reference for practicing engineers. It introduces the reader to diverse biological phenomena, serves as a stepping-stone to more theoretical topics, and provides important insights into the fast-growing arena of biological engineering. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excelent but a bit confusing
I found the book an excelent resource for transport phenomenom, but found confusion in understanding some of the parts.However, the explanationswere far better and more detailed than others I have seen ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides simultaneously a design blueprint, user guide, research agenda, and communication platform for current and future developments in artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to systems biology. It places an emphasis on the molecular dimension of life phenomena and in one chapter on anatomical and functional modeling of the brain. As design blueprint, the book is intended for scientists and other professionals tasked with developing and using AI technologies in the context of life sciences research. As a user guide, this volume addresses the requirements of researchers to gain a basic understanding of key AI methodologies for life sciences research. Its emphasis is not on an intricate mathematical treatment of the presented AI methodologies. Instead, it aims at providing the users with a clear understanding and practical know-how of the methods. As a research agenda, the book is intended for computer and life science students, teachers, researchers, and managers who want to understand the state of the art of the presented methodologies and the areas in which gaps in our knowledge demand further research and development. Our aim was to maintain the readability and accessibility of a textbook throughout the chapters, rather than compiling a mere reference manual. The book is also intended as a communication platform seeking to bride the cultural and technological gap among key systems biology disciplines. To support this function, contributors have adopted a terminology and approach that appeal to audiences from different backgrounds. ... Read more

Book Description

As more genetic and biochemical information about the protein components of cells accumulate, the analysis of protein-protein interactions is becoming increasingly important. This manual presents a wide range of techniques for identifying and analyzing these interactions, starting with standard molecular and biochemical techniques, and progressing to biophysical and computational approaches and therapeutic and other post-genomic applications. This manual is designed to complement the information in the best-selling Molecular Cloning manual, and is presented in the same clear, user-friendly format. It is an essential resource for investigators studying interacting sets of proteins and their physiologic significance in a wide range of experimental systems. ... Read more

Book Description

This reference compiles a broad spectrum of perspectives from specialists in academic, governmental, and industrial research settings to demonstrate the influence of biochemistry and biotechnological applications on functional food developments—analyzing the nutritional and physiological benefits of functional foods, the effect and development of active ingredients in functional foods, and current consumer and regulatory issues that will influence biotechnological advancements in the food industry. ... Read more

Book Description

Imagine scientists controlling the transmission of certain diseases through the genetic modification of mosquitoes. Eradicating harmful insects without the use of pesticides. Or increasing the fertility of some insects who in turn eat harmful arthropods or even a plant pathogen. Those are just a few of the real-world applications of insect transgenesis, which offers substantial benefits to humankind-whether it be in improving agricultural productivity or reducing the spread of insect-vectored diseases.Insect Transgenesis: Methods and Applications is the first publication to describe in a comprehensive manner the various methodologies available, possible applications, and the risk assessment and regulatory issues involved in this fascinating area of research.Divided into several areas of interest, the book starts with an overview of the history and methodology of insect gene transfer. The book then examines gene targeting by homologous recombination and recombination systems, and systems for transgenic selection, including visible eye color markers, chemical resistance, and fluorescent proteins. Other sections consider the use of various vector systems to integrate DNA into a host genome or to express foreign genes in a host organism.The work concludes with strategies for the use of transgenic insects, including examples for agricultural pests and vectors of disease. Of particular interest are the final chapters that discuss risk assessment considerations and governmental regulatory procedures for the transport and release of transgenic insects. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A detailed overview of transgenic strategies in insects.
This book gives a useful and fascinating overview of the status of transgenic strategies in insects as it was known in the year 2000. Written by experts in the field, it will introduce both biologists and non-biologists to many of the techniques used for the introduction of transgenes in insects. Readers are expected to have a fairly strong background in molecular genetics, but it could still be profitably read by anyone who is curious about this exciting technology. Due to space constraints, only a few of the articles will be reviewed here.

The first article gives a historical introduction to gene transfer in insects. The P-Element transformation was the first transposon-based system for transforming the germline in D. melanogaster efficiently and stably. This transposon is an example of the Class II short inverted terminal repeat transposons, and its high mobility made it a successful for Drosophila transformation. The P vector however was not successful in non-drosophilid insects, and therefore other choices for vector-mediated transfer were researched. Some of these are discussed in this article, such as the hobo transposon, Hermes, Minos (first to successfully transform a non-drosophilid, the medfly), piggyBac (second successful transformation agent in medflies), and the mariner element. Approaches to creating transient systems, employing viral and symbiont vectors, are also discussed.

In article 7, pantropic retroviral vectors for gene transfer in insects are discussed. These arose from the genetic modification of the Moloney murine leukemia virus in order that it contain the G envelope protein from the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G). These vectors are considered to be stable once inserted into the genome and are incapable of self-propagation. Most importantly, these vectors are now extensively used for human gene therapy protocols. The somatic infection of larvae using these vectors has been accomplished in D. melanogaster, Aedes triseriatus, Culex tarsalis (the western encephalitis mosquito), Anopholes gambiae (the malaria mosquito), and Manduca sexta (the tobacco hawkmoth).

Article 8 overviews densonucleosis viruses as transducing systems for insects. These viruses are linear single-stranded DNA molecules between 4000 and 6000 nucleotides in length that it seems are restricted to arthropods. The primary application of these vectors has been to deliver genes into mosquitoes for the laboratory study of gene expression. It is hoped that they will be instrumental in control programs against mosquitoes. These viruses have a limited host range however, being restricted to the Aedes, Culex, and Culiseta mosquitoes. They are also considered to be limited in scope as gene-transfer vectors due to their small genome size and due to their (icosahedral) shape.

In the ninth article, RNA virus expression systems based on the Sindbis virus for efficiently transducing mosquito cells and allowing stable gene expression in various species of mosquitos, such as the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), the eastern treehole mosquito (Aedes triseriatus), the northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens), and Anopholes gambiae, are discsussed. The Sindbis virus is an alphavirus, with a single-stranded RNA genome. The article discusses the protein expression in the saliva of Culex pipiens, in the midgut of Aedes aegypti, and the expression of antiviral RNAs in Aedes aegypti and Aedes triseriatus.

In article 11, the role of polydnaviruses in insect transgenic strategies is discussed. These viruses are multisegmented DNA viruses that are found exclusively in the female reproductive tracts of some wasps. Segmentation in the polydnavirus genomes is thought to have evolved in order to increase the copy number of essential viral genes. They are known to integrate stably into the chromosomal DNA of the cell line of a gypsy moth, and to infect and integrate in lepidopteran and coleopteran cell cultures. They are apparently difficult to engineer however, and but the author of the article believes that their impact may lie in pointing the way to other methods for performing transgenesis.

Article 12 discusses the Hermes vector for transforming insects other than D. melanogaster. First discovered in M. domestica (the common housefly), cell lines of Anopheles gambiae were stably transformed by Hermes, and Hermes has been transposed in the embryos of Aedes aegypti. It is described in the article as having a wide host range, with accurate transposition occurring in twelve species of insects.

In article 13, the genetic engineering of insects with mariner transposons is discussed, The mariner element was first isolated from Drosophila mauritiana, and the mariner family of transposons is known to be widespread in animal genomes. This has caused some to be concerned about the risks involved for active mariners released in insect control programs could invade other genomes, such as human genomes. The article describes the evidence of recent and ancient horizontal gene transfers between animal hosts as being "overwhelming." The authors of the article though believe that one should not be concerned about releasing transgenic insects created with mariners into the environment. They give several reasons for not being concerned, one being that when nonautonomous mariners are used using a transient transposase, the resultant transformants are stable. In addition, the timescales involved are too long for horizontal gene transfer to be a significant risk, with over 100, 000 years being quoted as the most recent event for its occurrence. Only two mariner elements have invaded the human genome in the last 100 million years.

In the fourteenth article, the tagalong (TFP3) and piggyBac elements, both transposable elements of the TTAA-specific family, are reviewed in regards to their utility in the transformation of insects. The piggyBac element was first isolated from a nucleopolyhedrosis virus which infects cell cultures of the cabbage looper moth (Trichoplusia ni). The authors discusses several successful piggyBac transformations, such as in D. melanogaster, Aedes aegypti, Anopholes Gambiae, Bombyx mori (the domestic silk moth), Pectinophora gossypiella (the pink bollworm), and Tribolium castaneum (the red flour beetle). The horizontal transmission of piggyBac among species is considered to be a viable possibility for the authors, and they therefore devote a section to the safety concerns involved with the release of transgenic insects. ... Read more

Book Description

The first book to present a systematic approach to nanosystems Fully supplemented with actual examples and scores of figures and photo illustrations, Integrated Chemical Systems takes the discussion of nanotechnology and nanosystems out of the realm of speculation and into the real world. This book presents a detailed discussion of various approaches to the fabrication and characterization of nanosystems and offers a firm theoretical basis for the operation of electrochemical and photoelectrochemical systems, making analogies between synthetic and naturally occurring nanosystems. The author uses examples taken from his own groundbreaking research and that of others to create a clear picture of the progress that has been made in this exciting new area of research. Having established the state of the art, he goes on to offer realistic projections of future systems and their applications. Topics discussed include:

• Currently available methods for the construction and characterization of nanosystems, including spectroscopic and nuclear magnetic resonance systems
• Modified electrodes and electrochemical methods for characterizing them
• Fabrication of semiconductor-based systems for photoelectrochemistry
• Suggestions and ideas for future research and projections of future systems and their applications

Book Description

Commercial Biosensors offers professionals an in-depth look at some of the most significant applications of commercially available biosensor-based instrumentation in the medical, bioprocess, and environmental fields. Featuring contributions by an international team of scientists, the book provides readers with an unparalleled opportunity to see how their colleagues around the world are using these powerful new tools.

Commercial Biosensors is divided into three sections. In the first, which is devoted to applications of biosensors to clinical samples, the authors explore how biosensors are currently being used for in-home diabetes monitoring, point-of-care diagnostics, and noninvasive sensing, and biomedical research. The second section deals with cutting-edge applications of biosensors in bioprocess control- for example, measuring glucose, sucrose, glutamate, or choline concentrations during food and beverage production and measuring ethanol concentration during beer fermentation. In the final section, readers learn about the use of biological oxygen demand (BOD) biosensors for monitoring environmental samples.

This book is an indispensable addition to the reference libraries of biosensor technologists, physicians, analytical chemists, environmental engineers, pesticide chemists, clinical chemists, and food chemists.

An in-depth exploration of state-of-the-art commercial biosensor technology and its aplications.

Commercial biosensor technology has taken off over the past few years, and the number of applications is growing rapidly. This book offers professionals a timely and authoritative look at some of the most important of these applications. Over the course of seven chapters authored by leading international experts, readers learn all about the latest in:
* Biosensors and diabetes management
* Microfabricated biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics systems
* Noninvasive biosensors in clinical analysis
* Surface plasmon resonance and evanescent wave biosensors
* Biosensor-based instruments in food and beverage production
* Biosensors in environmental sampling

Commercial Biosensors is required reading for all professionals who would like to take advantage of the enormous potential of one of today's most important new commercial technologies. ... Read more

Book Description

A groundbreaking new exploration of the promises and perils of biotechnology -- and the future of American society.

Biotechnology offers exciting prospects for healing the sick and relieving suffering. But because our growing powers also enable alterations in the workings of the body and mind, they are becoming attractive to healthy people who would just like to look younger, perform better, feel happier, or become more "perfect."

This landmark book -- the product of more than sixteen months of research and reflection by the members of the President's Council on Bioethics -- explores the profound ethical and social consequences of today's biotechnical revolution. Almost every week brings news of novel methods for screening genes and testing embryos, choosing the sex and modifying the behavior of children, enhancing athletic performance, slowing aging, blunting painful memories, brightening mood, and altering basic temperaments. But we must not neglect the fundamental question: Should we be turning to biotechnology to fulfill our deepest human desires?

We want better children -- but not by turning procreation into manufacture or by altering their brains to gain them an edge over their peers. We want to perform better in the activities of life -- but not by becoming mere creatures of chemistry. We want longer lives -- but not at the cost of becoming so obsessed with our own longevity that we care little about future generations. We want to be happy -- but not by taking a drug that gives us happy feelings without the genuine loves, attachments, and achievements that are essential to true human flourishing. As we enjoy the benefits of biotechnology, members of the council contend, we need to hold fast to an account of the human being seen not in material or mechanistic or medical terms but in psychic, moral, and spiritual ones. By grasping the limits of our new powers, we can savor the fruits of the age of biotechnology without succumbing to its most dangerous temptations.

Beyond Therapy takes these issues out of the narrow circle of bioethics professionals and into the larger public arena, where matters of this importance rightly belong.

Reviews (4)

A first - rate consideration of the human condition
This work goes well beyond the framework of a President's Commission Report to be an informative and challenging inquiry into the current state of biotechnological research , and its philosophical implications. It considers in separate chapters the work that is being done to increase human performance- level in sport, to as it were 'produce better children', to prolong and increase the quality of human life, and to bring us closer to ' human happiness'. The tone of this work is measured and responsible, the information presented that which has been weighed and tested. Above all in considering each of these areas the debate is carried on with a broad- minded and deep consideration of the meaning of what it is to be human. Thus there is neither the ' gung-ho' utopianism of certain kinds of over- optimistic futurists, nor the paralyzing pessimism of various over- protectors of their own narrow conceptions of the human past. In each of the areas a balanced discussion provides the reader, not with definite and final answers to the problems and possibilities raised, but with suggestions for thought.
We have long since learned that scientific and technological advances usually have their ' price' in one way or another. Here trade-offs in the various areas are made explicit. The new technology which enables us to decide upon the sex of the child has already let to tremendous imbalances in among other areas, the populations of China and India. The prolonging of life is in many cases the prolonging of what seems to be senseless suffering. The ability to enhance moods through chemical means raises the question of what happiness means when it is devoid of the context of human relationship. The possibility of prolonging life indefinitely raises the question of what this might mean for future generations , and the whole spirit of renewal that the birth of a new generation gives to the world.
Leon Kass a moral thinker of the first order, and the director of this enterprise has often been unjustly accused of being a ' super- conservative' and even' fundamentalist'. Such nonsense does not do justice either to Kass impressive scholarly enterprise, or to the great human feeling and consideration with which he approaches these subject. It seems to me that his position is much closer to that of what might be called a traditional liberal meliorist, who is looking to see how the human condition can be improved without those improvements leading to its radical undermining. His understanding in this sense of the place of the family and of human relations in the good life, and in happiness starkly contrast him with those ivory- tower ' transhumanists' and ' cyber- champions' who would replace mankind with their own solipsistic minds.
This is an important work not for its definite conclusions but for the serious contribution it makes to the ongoing quest of humanity to understand itself and define and realize its varying conceptions of the good life.

A Fundamentalist Christian's View of Biotechnology
This book is just Leon Klass's latest treatise on all the possible (but not necessarily probable) negative aspects of biological research and progress.

Leon Klass was appointed by George W. Bush as his "Bioethics" committee board chairman - and Leon quickly filled the board with other right-wing christian fundamentalists. To assuage concerns that the board was just a group designed to rubber stamp Bush's foregone conservative opinions he added Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn to the board - a well known scientist out of UC Berkeley.

When it became clear that Dr. Blackburn was too vociferous in her defense of the many benefits to humanity of gene therapy, genetic engineering, stem cell research, etc. - Leon Klass fired her from the board.

Leon Klass is well known for his long history of anti-biotechnology diatribes - including one in which he extols the virtues of a short life (saying that people who want a longer, healthier life are greedy and devaluing the experience of life).

If you choose to read this book - be sure to balance the opinions of this extreme Right fundamentalist - with some modern researchers and ethicists - such as Gregory Stock (UCLA), and John Brockman (see the book The Next Fifty Years : Science in the First Half of the Twenty-first Century).

If you care about helping anyone with Cancer, Alzheimers, Diabetes - or any other serious disease that could potentially be helped by stem cell treatments - you probably won't want to adopt the views of Leon Klass. If Leon Klass' opinions continue to be put into law (as was the Stem Cell ban) progress will slow to a crawl in the US biotech industry and many people will die early deaths due to delayed treatments.

The essential reader on bioethics
Comprehensive bodyof work detailing the current debates in biotech

Will be standard reference for the field
This is a through and comprehensive study of the issues, more than 300 pages with ample references. The report is organized into sections covering the following topics: Biotechnology and the pursuit of happiness; Better children; Superior performance; Ageless bodies; Happy souls; General reflections. The text was carefully prepared, various viewpoints on each issue are brought in, and the writing is very clear.

The membership of the Council that prepared this report is outstanding. It is one of the best ever assembled to study a scientific policy issue. Thirteen of the seventeen members hold named professorships at leading universities. Their expertise covers the full range of relevant fields, from basic biology through clinical medicine to philosophy, religion and law.

The volume is very timely, given widespread concern over the reappearance of eugenics in recent years. All who are interested in the impact of biotechnology on human life should read this volume. ... Read more

Book Description

With more than 1,250 computer-generated figures, line drawings, and photographs, Atlas of Immunology clearly demonstrates that "a picture is worth a thousand words." Written for students, basic scientists, and clinicians, this second edition provides a thorough and up-to-date treatment of all the concepts needed to comprehend contemporary immunology. The coverage ranges from photographs of historical figures to molecular structures of recently characterized cytokines, major histocompatibility complex molecules, immunoglobins, and molecules of related interest. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not worth it... go and look for Janeway's
I agree that the best part of this book is the cover. It is not only very expensive, but also the quality is very poor. It has some useful information, but not enough. If you want a GREAT Immunology Book, go and buy Charles Janeway's "Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease". Don't be tricked like me and end with this book on your shelve, and it is just occupying space. Trust me, not worth it!

The cover is the best part
This book is dissapointing. While this book does contain a wealth of information on immunology, this is more like a dictionnary than an atlas. The "1000 illustrations" well reproduced black and white illustrations, but they are not very well done or helpfull. There are a few black and white photographs, but absolutely no color in the whole book (other than the cover, which probably is the best part of this book). I do not recommend this book.

I recommend the Atlas of Allergic Diseases, by Lieberman and Blaiss. Excellent diagrams and pictures (all color!).

Atlas of immunology
Eu gostei muito do livro adquirido, o conteúdo de grande clareza e manuseio, só não o coloco como 4 estrelas por ser preto e branco não adequado para um livro que leva o nome de ATLAS e também pela qualidade do papel usado na impressão o qual poderia ser de melhor qualidade. ... Read more

Book Description

Embryo adoptions, stem cells capable of transforming into any cell in the human body, intra- and inter-species organ transplantation—these and other biomedical advances have unsettled ideas of what it means to be human, of when life begins and ends. In the first study to consider the cultural impact of the medical transformation of the entire human lifespan, Susan Merrill Squier argues that fiction—particularly science fiction—serves as a space where worries about ethically and socially charged scientific procedures are worked through. Indeed, she demonstrates that in many instances fiction has anticipated and paved the way for far-reaching biomedical changes. Squier uses the anthropological concept of liminality—of physical entities or moments of time on threshold of change, not quite one thing but not yet another—to explore how, from the early twentieth century forward, fiction and science together have altered not only the the concept of the human being but the contours of human life.

Drawing on archival materials of twentieth-century biology; little-known works of fiction and science fiction; and twentieth- and twenty-first century U.S. and U.K. government reports by the National Institutes of Health, the Parliamentary Advisory Group on the Ethics of Xenotransplantation, and the President’s Council on Bioethics, she examines a number of biomedical changes as each was portrayed by scientists, social scientists, and authors of fiction and poetry. Among the scientific developments she considers are the cultured cell, the hybrid embryo, the engineered intrauterine fetus, children treated with human growth hormone, the process of organ transplantation, and the elderly person rejuventated by hormone replacement therapy or other artificial means. Squier shows that in the midst of new phenomena such as these, literature helps us imagine new ways of living. It allows us to reflect on the possibilities and perils of our liminal lives. ... Read more

Book Description

This multimedia, interactive CD-ROM courseware is designed to address the educational needs of those who wish to explore the benefits and limitations of genetic testing. It can serve as a key resource for students, teachers, genetic researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, or attorneys who want to learn about both the genetic technologies and their relevance for patients, families, and society. Vivid dramatizations illustrate real-life scenarios in genetic evaluation and counseling. ... Read more