Reviews (2)

An old classic, but still useful.
This classic is getting old...
But you cand find some important informations inside, classic protocols and keys-data to the antibodies-world.
A must-have reference for any today-biologist working with antibodies (immunostaining, immunoprecipitation, Western-blot, antibodies production, etc...).

An excellent summary of immunological methods.
This book is indespensible for those wishing to set up any type of antibody related methodology. Gives excellent overviews of immunodiagnostic methods (ELISA,RIA,etc.), antibody production (polyclonal and monoclonal), and includes basic summaries on the nature of the immune sytem in vivo. Especially useful to researchers developing immuno-techniques as it gives detailed methodologies. ... Read more

Book Description

The emergence of genomics, the study of genes, is one of the major scientific revolutions of this century. Microarrays, a method used to analyze numerous DNA samples rapidly, enables scientists to make sense of this mountain of data using statistical analysis. They are being used in such areas of biomedical research as studying patterns for gene activity that cause cancers to spread. This book presents a comprehensive methodology for analyzing DNA microarray and protein array data.
The most comprehensive treatment of this important emerging field, Exploration and Analysis of DNA Microarray and Protein Array Data includes:
A review of basic molecular biology and a chapter introducing microarrays and their preparation
Chapters on processing scanned images, preprocessing microarray data, group comparative experiments, and other designs
Discussions of clustering, protein arrays, and applications for diagnostic tools
Ample exercises assist absorbtion ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent!
This book provides an excellent overview of various methods in DNA microarray analysis. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

A Fountain of Information in a Pot-Boiler of a Story
This book covers more than twenty-five years of the quest for a viable bacteria fighter recounting the lives of the major players and further depicting the slow progress of medical invention combating infection through all history. The most critical era of this story, however, is coincidently the most important and harrowing years of the 20th century. The all too real threat of a Nazis invasion of Great Britain served as the backdrop for this story's most vital moments.
Few would argue against the notion that the discovery and creation of Penicillin as a viable life saving medication is the most important medical event of the 20th century. Mr. Lax in a detailed, can't put it down, page-turner manages to incorporate the nuances of all of the disparate personalities of the main characters whose devotion to their science and unrelenting commitment to the saving of untold millions of lives refuse to be deterred by the often overwhelming obstacles that faced them each day. In this new century when bringing a drug to market is reputed to take upwards of 10 to 15 million dollars, we watch as Dr. Florey goes before his money sources for research at Oxford and other entities of the time in hopes of raising $100.00 for supplies and comes away with $25.00. (That's right, the decimal points were not misplaced) What we see to our amazement is that they made due.
Dr. Norman Heatley was a genius at coming up with a substitute for just about every necessary hospital research tool imaginable. We share his glee when he shows the rest of the team his latest Rube Goldberg contraption for making some vital process work.
There are countless anecdotes in the day-to-day stories of the mission's successes and failures, all notes and attributions are scrupulously noted by Mr. Lax.
Surreptitious night flights to America via Lisbon with blacked out plane windows, reminiscent of many wonderful movies of the forties portraying life risking events surrounded by war had me shaking my head not simply because of the inherent palpable drama but because it all really happened.
The Americans did lend support in terms of money and ingenuity but it was this team of Oxford scientists who would not be denied. Because of them millions of lives were saved before the end of World War Two and countless millions continue to be saved as a result of the second, third and fourth generations of anti-biotic drugs spawned by their initial discovery.
Mr. Lax has, to the great satisfaction of the reader, set the record straight. He gave credit where it was due without disparaging the reputations of any of many important contributors. It was pleasing and insightful to learn the true story of the greatest medical discovery of the century. Further, that these scientists did their work for the betterment of mankind rather than for the unabated lust for money and power that now confront us daily in news reports cannot be ignored.
My words and recollections only touch the tip of the iceberg that is this story, I urge everyone to pick up a copy of The Mold In Dr. Florey's Coat and then pass it on to a friend. Who knows maybe the notion of doing things for all of the right reasons might just start to spread. ... Read more

Book Description

In a spellbinding narrative that skillfully weaves together cutting-edge research among today's foremost scientists, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku--author of the bestselling book Hyperspace--presents a bold, exhilarating adventure into the science of tomorrow.

In Visions, Dr. Kaku examines in vivid detail how the three scientific revolutions that profoundly reshaped the twentieth century--the quantum, biogenetic, and computer revolutions--will transform the way we live in the twenty-first century.The fundamental elements of matter and life--the particles of the atom and the nucleus of the cell--have now been decoded, closing one of the great chapters of scientific history.But this is just the preface to an even more far-reaching scientific revolution, as we make the transition from being passive observers of the mysteries of nature to becoming masters of nature, able to manipulate matter, life, and intelligence to remold the world around us.

In the first part of Visions, Dr.Kaku discusses the cyber future, when millions of microprocessors are scattered throughout our environment; when the iron principle that has ruled the computer industry, Moore's Law, finally collapses, forcing scientists to adopt startling new designs like DNA computers and quantum computers; and when artificial intelligence systems finally arrive.

In the next section, Dr. Kaku shows how the decoding of DNA will allow us to conquer devastating genetic diseases, defeat many cancers at the molecular level, synthesize new medicines using virtual reality, grow new organs, conquer aging and reshape our genetic inheritance.

Finally, he explores how quantum physicists will perfect new ways to harness the cosmic energy of the universe--from molecular machines to supermagnets that may energize a second industrial revolution, to powerful fusion engines that one day may take us to the stars.

What makes Michio Kaku's vision of the future of science so compelling and authoritative is that it is based on the groundbreaking research already underway at leading laboratories around the world.Weaving interviews with over 150 scientists--several of them Nobel laureates--into a rich, inspiring narrative, Dr. Kaku reveals the growing consensus among key scientists about how science will likely evolve through the early, middle, and late years of the twenty-first century.

An intimate, thrilling tour through the next century of science, Visions is a riveting, essential map to how scientists will reshape our future. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

a whirlwind tour of tomorrow's breathtaking technologies
In "Visions," theoretical physicist Kaku describes the boundless new technologies that will become available in the next hundred years and beyond, in three general areas: computers and information technology, biotechnology, and fundamental physics. The ideas presented are based on extensive consultation with experts in a variety of fields, and are thrilling prospects that are as well grounded in current authority as might be expected in the dicey business of predicting the future flow of technological progress.

The predictions on information technology detail ever more free-flowing information outlets and ubiquitous computerized devices. The predictions of biotechnology are perhaps the most exciting, offering a wide look at how much more advanced medicine will soon become in diagnosing and preventing cancers and other critical diseases years earlier than is possible now. Kaku describes how this will come about from the increasing understanding of the human genome and the application of electronic and information technology to biotechnology. Curiously, the third section, on fundamental physics, which actually is Kaku's area of expertise, seems the least imaginative and the most rushed. It's hard to give anything more than a cursory glance in going from coverage of current-day projects to considering warp drives, alien intelligences, and alternate universes in under 100 pages. This is made worse when Kaku stops firmly in the present to criticize nuclear power plants and the International Space Station.

Overall, it's an authoritatively speculative look at these three areas of technological promise, although the format is a little strained. If you are unfamiliar with all of these areas and want a brief introduction to each, this is an ideal place to look. Despite Kaku's misgivings about a few technological choices, he is an effective evangelist for the faith in human understanding.

A Physicist Looks at the Future
Superstring physicist Michio Kaku turns his eyes to the future, and sees many bright developments in the 21st century. What is really remarkable about this book is Kaku's ability to explain in a clear way how the Quantum revolution of the turn of the previous century has dramatically effected, or perhaps invented, the three great revolutions of the 20th century: computers, biotechnology, and quantum physics. Kaku is especially good in outlining his reasons for his view of the future; and gives pretty reasonable timelines for the achievement of certain goals. The book is easy for a layperson to read and understand, and gives a good overview of scientific development. Well worth reading, at times profound.

Quite a payload of food for thought
The intriguing and "user friendly" personality that brought you Hyperspace (Michio Kaku) returns with a heavyweight in revolutionary scientific information. This book will leave you dizzy with concrete facts as well as potential possibilities throughout different areas of biology, technology, and physics. Geniously organized, this book begins by summarizing the different areas of science and their cross-influences, then opens up a whole new world in each respective subject. From artificial intelligence to genetics and (of course) a touch of quantum physics, this book will bring the tingling excitement of a fantastical future realistically close. With insights on economic growth and influences on society, this book shows that world of science fiction luxury and awe is not so far off at all. A great way to broaden your perspectives in one handy book.

Informative
I hate futuristic books. I don't like raw speculation. So this book, given to me as a gift, surprised me. Written by a reputable high energy physicist who's taken the trouble to understand details of ideas far afield from his own, the book is a gem, written like a scientific novel. In place of futuristic speculation we're presented with well-established ideas in highly readable form. The chapters on DNA and Cancer alone make the book worth reading. Other recommended, very readable, books providing more detail are "One Renegade Cell" and "Genome".

An irritation: the author shoots half-heartedly from the hip against reductionism on pp. 10-12. The problem is that there is no falsifiable alternative to reductionism, or the isolation of cause and effect. So-called holism is a vague, not mathematically formulable notion. Holism in biology remains an empty hope. Schrödinger explained in "What is Life" why evolution can only be understood at the molecular scale and never at the macroscopic scale. Every mathematical model that succeeds empirically is a form of reductionism. Quantum physics (including all of chemistry) reduces phenomena to atoms and molecules, cell biology reduces phenomena largely to genes and proteins, SOC (self organized criticality) hopes to reduce nature to sand grains and sandpiles, network enthusiasts hope to reduce phenomena to nodes and links (wait until they try to do dynamics empirically correctly...). Economics (beyond finance) so far has failed as scientific theory because it cannot find any suitable "invariant units" to build a theory on, human preferences having failed to do the job. Computerization and advances in biology (all via reductionism, by the way) do not and cannot change these facts. Let me state this challenge to the author and to other critics of reductionism: present us with something nonreductionist that is empirically correct. Until then, be pleased to restrain yourselves from purely speculative and totally unproductive criticism of science.

A brilliant and thought-provoking celebration of knowledge
Visions is a brilliant journey into the world of tomorrow. It is full of informative and thought-provoking questions.

Visions raises points regarding the human craving for knowledge and technology, and the irreducible chaos that we may encounter in the future because of our manipulation of the planet and our bodies.

His writing again comes about lively and envigorating. His thoughts and explanation of issues are balanced and allow the reader to dwell deep into complex matters without him or her requiring a doctorate in the sciences.

This is another wonderful and excellent book that our Dr. Kaku has developed. Bravo! ... Read more

Book Description

Imre Lakatos' philosophical and scientific papers are published here in two volumes. Volume I brings together his very influential but scattered papers on the philosophy of the physical sciences, and includes one important unpublished essay on the effect of Newton's scientific achievement. Volume II presents his work on the philosophy of mathematics (much of it unpublished), together with some critical essays on contemporary philosophers of science and some famous polemical writings on political and educational issues. Imre Lakatos had an influence out of all proportion to the length of his philosophical career. This collection exhibits and confirms the originality, range and the essential unity of his work. It demonstrates too the force and spirit he brought to every issue with which he engaged, from his most abstract mathematical work to his passionate 'Letter to the director of the LSE'. Lakatos' ideas are now the focus of widespread and increasing interest, and these volumes should make possible for the first time their study as a whole and their proper assessment. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Methods of Scientific Research
Philosophy of Science is a crucial subset of philosophy, since it directly affects scientific research. We need to know what constitutes a properly constructed theory, and more to the point, which claims are not theoretical, or perhaps not even scientific. With that goal established, we need to know how to empirically verify the theory in question. Theories are developed within axiomatic systems, are based on assumptions, and present us with a compact thesis, or a set of theses. A theory is scientific if we can falsify it with empirical data. If a theory is not testable, then it is not a good theory, since we cannot accept or reject its propositions. An obvious point is to be raised here - when and under which conditions shall we reject a theory?

Methodological studies flourished in the XX century with the works of Karl Popper, Milton Friedman, Imre Lakatos, Harold Kuhn, Paul Feyerabend and other philosophers. The contribution of Imre Lakatos was significant. With his version of corroboration and refined fascificationism we were able to apply new standards towards the methods of rejection of scientific theories. A single rejection of the scientific theory is not likely to falsify it, unlike advocated previously. However, the main point is that while the absolute truth is always of importance, i.e. whether a given theory is considered "true" because we have not been able to negatively falsify that theory; it is more important that various theories can be compared to each other, even if they are all imperfect. To this end, we can specify a set of thresholds, and say that a research programme A is more empirically valid than a research programme B if it does withstand a larger number of empirical tests. Of course, as simple as it sounds, it is a useful method of evaluation of theories, and can be augmented as needed within a given science.

Philosophy of Science and methodology is of utmost importance to theorists, since more often than not, nonscientific methods of theory construction are used, and even worse, empirical data are inductively used to hypothesize about the causes for the pattern of these data. It's methodologically invalid and by construction, these theories are not falsifiable since they are derived from data. This is true especially within economic theory; labor economics and macroeconomics in particular.

The works of Lakatos are summarized and condensed in various descriptive volumes on the Philosophy of Science, however it is illuminating to read the original works of this ingenious philosopher, since by doing so you gain an additional layer of understanding.

I will not go as far as saying that it should have been a must reading for any scientist, since such proposition would be hardly realistic, but I will say that it is a treat for those who have already tasted methodology in a compact form, and would like to expand their knowledge. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is a practice-oriented introduction into phytotherapy. Methodically classified by organic systems and fields of application, it offers a quick insight into dosage, form of application and effects of the most important herbal remedies. Only those herbal remedies that are of pharmacological and clinical efficiency have been considered. The authors are highly experienced in the field of postgraduate medical education, and, with this work, present an indispensable reference book for the medical practice. All practitioners and pharmacists interested in treatment with herbal remedies should have this book at their disposal. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An absolutely magnificent guide to herbal medicine!
I am completely enthralled by this wonderful volume. Rational Phytotherapy discusses general information about the pharmaceutical aspects of phytotherapy, and specific information about the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodymic effects of herbal medicines. There are references galore, although relatively few, as Dr. Tyler points out, are listed in Medline; many are from the German literature. Any health care professional who is just starting to learn about herbal medicines, either for personal interest, or to assist interested patients, must have this book. (I only wish I could use underlining, italics, sound, etc. to convey how helpful this book has already been to me.) I wish I could give it a zillion stars! ... Read more

Book Description

Addresses measurements in new fields such as cellular and molecular biology.

• Equips readers with the necessary background in electric circuits.
• Statistical coverage shows how to determine trial sizes.

Book Description

Most of the diseases of modern mankind involve either acute or chronic inflammation. Measuring Immunity integrates the current information available on biomarkers and surrogate assays into a single handbook. It highlights the principles behind various applications, gives a brief summary on how they are conducted and provides detailed and critical analyses of murine models of immunity, clinical trials, and tests to predict utility and benefit. Measuring Immunity is indispensable for scientists and clinicians interested in the clinical applications of modern immunobiology.

* Defines which assays of immune function are helpful in the assessment of clinical disorders involving inflammation and immunity
* Assesses the dynamics of cellular and soluble factors in the peripheral blood using modern techniques
* Includes basic science foundations as well as the approaches currently applied ... Read more

Book Description

Popular Lost Cities author David Childress opens the door to the amazing world of ancient technology, from the computers of the ancient world to the "flying machines of the gods." Technology of the Gods explores the technology that was allegedly used in Atlantis and the theory that the Great Pyramid of Egypt was originally a gigantic power station. Childress also uncovers many other mysteries, including: *

the technology of ancient flight *

how the ancients used electricity *

megalithic building techniques *

the use of crystal lenses and the fire from the gods *

ancient evidence of high-tech weapons, including atomic weapons *

the role of modern inventors, such as Nikola Tesla, in bringing ancient technology into modern use *

impossible artifacts, and more, much more. Childress has done it again! From beginning to end, Technology of the Gods is filled with facts, keen observations and tales that challenge modern assumptions in a humorous, intelligent and compelling way that is quintessential Childress. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Fascinating
This book is filled with incredible and plausible descriptions of technology that has been ignored or explained away by traditional science. A MUST read for anyone that believes there are many secrets hidden in the past.

Very Interesting
Even if you do not agree with everything in this book, this author does a great job of discussing technology that ancient people had. The text is highlighted by pictures that enhance many of this statements he makes. The author does a great job of taking information from a variety of sources to prove his points and clarify his writing.

My two complaints are that some of the pictures are so small that they are frustrating because you can't see much of the detail. Second, the assumption is made that you know about many of the places in this book and I don't. I had never heard of many of these places until reading this book. I would have appreciated a few maps to help clarify where some of these places are.

Great book. Very interesting. Enjoy.

Incredible
Some of the pictures really make you think, what did the ancients really know. The theories on the pyramids is very original. This whole book is original.Filled with interesting stuff, you'll learn many new ideas from this book.

A rehash
Everything in this book has been written about already by authors like Erich von Daniken, Charles Berlitz, Alan Landsburg, Andrew Tomas, and countless others. And still nobody has come up with a satisfactory explanation in 30 years...

Very enlightening
this is a great book for introductory, the author tries his best to cram as much as possible in little space, thus leaving out a lot of detail, also the author starts over exaggerating towards page 334, over all it is a good book..brings a lot of stuff to light.... ... Read more

Book Description

"A useful and accessible framework for understanding the decision-making process that underlies the 'making' of data. The text offers explanations of how and why choices can be made in accordance with fundamental notions of methodological purposivenessand methodological congruence. A particular value of this text is its highlighting of decisions that underlie one's use of computer applications in the organization and analysis of research data. The text also provides useful distinctions among phenomenological, ethnographic, and grounded theory approaches to fieldwork."

Tom Schram, Education, University of New Hampshire

Offering a map to show readers how some methodological choices lead more directly than others to particular goals, this book provides beginning researchers with an overview of techniques for making data, and an explanation of the ways different tools fit different purposes and provide different research experiences and outcomes. The authors clearly explain why there are many methods and show readers how to locate their study within that choice. Written to be a pragmatic companion, this text will help readers get confidently and competently started on a research path that will work for their study.

Features/Benefits:

• Tutorials: Provide readers with the opportunity to practice tasks to do with the data provided in the Appendices or with the reader’s own data. The tutorials can be performed in conjunction with the data provided on the CD.
• Software Demo CD: Provides an opportunity to try some of the tools available in modern software by using QSR’s NVivo product with the data from two real projects, Barbara Lloyd’s "Body Images" study based on focus groups and semi-structured interviews with school students, and Paul Thompson’s "100 Families" life history study.
• Suggested Reading Resources: Grouped by category, these end of chapter resources offer researchers an excellent guide for further information on specific qualitative approaches, writing, design, etc.

Book Description

Beginning in the 1960s, scientists across a wide range of disciplines cooperated in developing unbiased—or assumption free—stereology, based on stochastic geometry and probability theory, as a way to estimate the parameters of irregularly shaped objects without introducing bias. In recent years these new estimation techniques, which were originally quite painstaking and time consuming, have made a great deal of headway in disciplines such as neuroscience, thanks in part to the development of computer software for their application. Prestigious journals and grant-giving organizations now require the use of unbiased stereology in the projects that they support, and this trend is expected to continue.

Principles and Practices of Unbiased Stereology will fill a need in the biomedical community as a clear, user-friendly introduction to this area for the increasing number of scientists who need to learn these techniques for their research. The work moves logically from a discussion of the historical background of stereology to full explanations of terms, concepts,and tools, with the latter part of the manuscript devoted to typical stereology designs. An associated web site will feature color illustrations and video clips demonstrating stereological techniques. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A fantastic book
Principles and Practices fills a much needed niche-- this book excels at introducing beginners to stereology and is sufficiently advanced that more experienced scientists will find themselves using it for reference. The most interesting and useful feature of this book is its organization. Beginning with an historical perspective, the reader learns the importance of stereology as a separate field, as well as its recent impact on the biological sciences. The author does an excellent job of providing pertinent information instead of overwhelming with formulas and jargon. Dr. Mouton's treatment of bias and error is superb; I find myself referring to it frequently. ... Read more

Book Description

This volume and its companion Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research: Biology and Management represent the most comprehensive publications of their type on nonhuman primates. This volume addresses the diseases of nonhuman primates with an emphasis on the etiological factors, clinical signs, diagnostic pathology, therapy, and management. Its companion volume serves as a general reference for those who provide care for these animals and for those who use them in biomedical research. ... Read more

Book Description

Presents readers with a user-friendly, non-technical introduction to statistics and the principles of plant and crop experimentation. Avoiding mathematical jargon, it explains how to plan and design an experiment, analyse results, interpret computer output and present findings. Using specific crop and plant case studies, this guide presents:

• The reasoning behind each statistical method is explained before giving relevant, practical examples
• Step-by-step calculations with examples linked to three computer packages (MINITAB, GENSTAT and SAS)
• Exercises at the end of many chapters
• Advice on presenting results and report writing

Book Description

"[A] well-written, often amusing and always fascinating exposé." (Scientific American)

DO MEN AND WOMEN LAUGH AT THE SAME THINGS?
IS LAUGHTER CONTAGIOUS?
HAS ANYONE EVER REALLY DIED LAUGHING?
IS LAUGHING GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Drawing upon ten years of research into this most common-yet complex and often puzzling-human phenomenon, Dr. Robert Provine, the world's leading scientific expert on laughter, investigates such aspects of his subject as its evolution, its role in social relationships, its contagiousness, its neural mechanisms, and its health benefits. This is an erudite, wide-ranging, witty, and long-overdue exploration of a frequently surprising subject. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Disappointing
IMHO, this doesn't yield any valuable conceptual insights into humor.

If you're interested in the cognitive patterns behind jokes, comedy etc. you might want to check out Arthur Koestler's "Act of Creation" instead. He sets out to discover common patterns behind creative acts in humor, art and science and comes up with very broad original insights that I found very enlightening.

Another interesting (and more formalized) attempt to conceptualize creative thinking (including humor) is being developed by some cognitive linguists (Gilles Fauconnier, Mark Turner). Their concepts seem to go along very well with Koestler's findings. You might want to check out their book "The Way We Think".

Laughter is caused by a stuttering brain
Yes, yes, I know. Provine studied thousands of people but, what he failed to grasp is that laughter is the result of a "stuttering" brain. A person is confronted with anxiety and, the brain "stutters" and releases the vocalizations we call laughter. This brings the brain (rather mind) back into equilibrium and "solves" the dilemma . . .the anxiety.

Fascinating, but probably not the book for everyone
I thought this book was fantastic--but I probably approached it in a way different than the average reader would.

I'm a psychologist, like Provine, and humor has been a side interest for me during all of my 20 years in the field. I thought about studying humor when I was in graduate school, but chose to study memory instead, basically because I chickened out; I thought that humor was too hard. Indeed, I read most of the important works on humor and laughter and was not that impressed with the status of the field.

This is the best book on the subject I have ever read.

Provine takes the brilliantly simple approach of questioning whether or not we really know _when_ people laugh, instead of assuming that we know when and asking _why_. I (AND every psychologist and philosopher who has written on the subject) had assumed that we know when people laugh. Provine shows that we don't by doing observational studies of when people laugh. That alone would be worth following the author for a couple of hundred pages. Provine shows very clearly that laughter (1) has a social, communicative function, thus explaining the common (and this time correct) observation that you seldom laugh alone; (2) that laughter is usually NOT related to humor because it is not uttered in humorous situations; (3) that the person making a laugh-worthy comments laughs MORE than the person hearing that comment;

In addition Provine has some interesting speculation on the continuity of laughter from the great apes to humans.

This book is very different than the typical science trade book, as one might read by Steve Pinker, or James Gleick. It's not the type of book where a competent guide leads you through a simplified version of a very complex literature where great strides have been made. Rather, Laughter is a book of science in the making. It's not quite an academic treatise--you don't need much background to pick it up and read it. But be warned that it is not the kind of book where, once you finish it you'll say "Cool. So that's what laughter is all about." But if you are interested in humor or laughter, you may well find it rewarding.

A Waste Of Time
I'm currently taking psychology at my school. I chose, for a project, to do a study on humor. As a book resource, I found this, and had high hopes for good scientific and correlational information. Provine has failed to write anything worth taking notes over in this book. He comes up with good questions but doesn't explain any answers, simply stating what other psychologists have done wrong in the quest for the answer. In the end, the book leaves us empty and full of questions and hopes that are never fulfilled. Also, he spends a lot of time placing gender stereotypes that have and never will be proven true in any context. This book was a waste of time for him to write, and a waste of time for us to read. There is nothing scientific about "Laughter: A Scientific Investigation".

I laughed once while reading it
I guess his idea was that there were no studies on laughter so he wrote a book telling someone else to do one. I'm not sure what the point was or why anyone would have published this book, it went no where, accomplished nothing and was thuroughly dissapointing. He raised good quesitons and never came close to answering any of them. I don't get it. The one thing he actually did that was interesting was when he studied when men and women laugh, I thought that was very insightful and now that I know the facts, I've watched it be true. Women laugh when they talk or when they hear, men don't think women are funny. I thought that was an interesting study. Otherwise, the book didn't quite tell me anything. After another ten years of study he could write a much better book. ... Read more

Book Description

This reference series provides researchers of all kinds with comprehensive practical information on different species of laboratory animals, for daily laboratory use. Each title in the series in devoted to a different species. and draws together all available data in one easily accessible source. Each has similar format, with sections on the strains available, their husbandry and special diets. This leads to sections on gross anatomy, endocrinology and reproduction, followed by more detailed sections on neuroanatomy, vasculature, cell biology and histology of particular organs and structures, and a section on molecular biology.
High quality illustrations are included throughout, with copious color histology microphotographs.

Key Features
* Comprehensive reference source for anybody working with laboratory fish
* 2-color, user-friendly format
* Copious high quality illustrations included throughout
* Color plate section
* Glossary
* Appendix of useful addresses ... Read more

Book Description

Investigation of the functional architecture of the human brain using modern noninvasive imaging techniques is a rapidly expanding area of research. A proper knowledge of methodology is needed to appreciate the burgeoning literature in the field. This timely publication provides an excellent catalogue of the main techniques.

The authors offer an invaluable analysis of mapping strategies and techniques, providing everything from the foundations to the major pitfalls and practical applications of the modern techniques used in neuroimaging. Contains over 1000 full color pages with more than 200 color figures.

Spanning the methodological gamut from the molecular level to the whole brain while discussing anatomy, physiology, and pathology, as well as their integration, Brain Mapping: The Methods, 2e, brings the reader a comprehensive, well-illustrated and entirely readable description of the methods for brain mapping. Drs. Toga and Mazziotta provide everything from the foundations to the major pitfalls and practical applications of the technique by assembling an impressive group of experts, all widely known in their field, who contribute an outstanding set of chapters. ... Read more

Book Description

This text provides students as well as practitioners (engineers, technicians, physical and biological scientists, clinicians, and technical managers) with a comprehensive introduction to the field of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis. The authors emphasize the practical aspects of the techniques described. Topics discussed include user-controlled functions of scanning electron microscopes and x-ray spectrometers, the characteristics of electron beam - specimen interactions, image formation and interpretation, the use of x-rays for qualitative and quantitative analysis and the methodology for structural analysis using electron back-scatter diffraction. SEM sample preparation methods for hard materials, polymers, and biological specimens are covered in separate chapters. In addition techniques for the elimination of charging in non-conducting specimens are detailed. A data base of useful parameters for SEM and X-ray micro-analysis calculations and enhancements to the text chapters are available on an accompanying CD.This is the third edition of this highly acclaimed text and has been extensively revised. The text has been used in educating over 3,000 students at the Lehigh SEM short course as well as thousands of undergraduate and graduate students at universities in every corner of the globe. The authors have made extensive changes to the text and figures in this edition as a result of their experience in teaching the various concepts of SEM and x-ray microanalysis. ... Read more

Book Description

The emerging field of systems biology involves the application of experimental, theoretical, and modeling techniques to the study of biological organisms at all levels, from the molecular, through the cellular, to the behavioral. Its aim is to understand biological processes as whole systems instead of as isolated parts. Developments in the field have been made possible by advances in molecular biology--in particular, new technologies for determining DNA sequence, gene expression profiles, protein-protein interactions, and so on. Foundations of Systems Biology provides an overview of the state of the art of the field. The book covers the central topics of systems biology: comprehensive and automated measurements, reverse engineering of genes and metabolic networks from experimental data, software issues, modeling and simulation, and system-level analysis. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Very good book.
Great for people who are interested in this new area.

suckage
I was very disappointed with what I found in this book. There is a broad range of topics, but the material presented for each topic is extremely thin. In fact, it would appear that each topic is covered by a single chapter modeled after a very short scientific paper. There is very little review of current cutting edge methods. For example, of particular interest to this reviewer was the chapter on large-scale gene expression arrays. What this reviewer found for 1/3 of the chapter on gene arrays was a paper detailing the "DBRF" method in inferring gene array data. At the end of the chapter was a conclusion, "Thus it is shown here that the DBRF method is superior the _predictor_ method." What should have been a chapter on 'foundations', as the title implies, seems to have become a chapter for pushing the agenda of a particular author's field of research.

It may very well be that the 'DBRF' method is superior to the 'predictor' method. That we'll leave up to the reader. But the inclusion of such material would seem to undermine the goals stated in the editorial preface, "Toward System-level Understand of Biological Ssytems." A foundations book, instead of focusing on research of particular groups, should attempt to summarize, dissect, review, compare, and criticize the field.

A more appropriate title for this book would be 'A random collection of speculative essays.' There may still be gems in this book for certain readers, but those wishing to learn about general systems biology should turn elsewhere.

skim it in the library, if that....
The sizzle of bioinformatics is fadding, so you're looking to become a player in biology's new buzz: systems biology? Well, don't start your search with this book. The title is misleading: "Foundations of Systems Biology". I was expecting a broad overview of the field with maybe a few key examples and typical approaches of experimental design (both wet-lab and computational). However, this book is nothing more than a thrown together collection of papers that would have a better home torn out of the book and placed in journals. A better (and cheaper) starting place for getting an overview of systems biology would be the SCIENCE issue on systems biology (vol 295 2002) [it even has a nice review by Kitano the editor of this book]. For people looking for current gene network modeling techniques, you might start with "Mathematical modeling of gene networks." Smolen, et.al. Neuron 2000. But save your money and time by not buying this book.

A very good begining
In my knowledge, this is the first organized effort to present a synoptic view of systems biology. The best part is that all the contributors are themselves active scientists in the field and obviously therefore information presented is very reliable. I would strongly recommend this book for beginners, though I am sure professionals will find it equally interesting. ... Read more

Book Description

Patch clamping is a widely applied electrophysiological technique for the study of ion channels; membrane proteins that regulate the flow of ions across cellular membranes and therefore influence the physiology of all cells.

Patch Clamping aims to cover the basic principles and practical applications of this important technique. Starting with a review of the history of patch clamping, the text then goes on to cover the basic principles, platforms, equipment and environmental control, and will also include coverage of preparation types, recording modes and analysis of results.

• This book will explain the basic principles and practical application of patch clamp electrophysiology.
• Written in a non-technical style to ensure its broad appeal to novice users
• Takes a practical approach
• This self-contained guide provides everything a practising patch clamp electrophysiologist needs to know to master this technique, including an overview of membrane biophysics, standard experimental design, data analysis, and technical concerns

Reviews (1)

The first of its kind
I'm giving this book a high rating because it fills a niche for which no other text exists: An absolute beginner's guide to patch-clamping. Yes, you could read Neher & Sakmann's hefty "Single Channel Recording" but, for the complete novice patch-clamper, it's a bit overwhelming.

So, you walk into a patch-clamp lab, there's a million different things on the rig and you're feeling very confused. The microscope is much more complex than the microscope you remember from high school, there's cabling literally everywhere, and everybody keeps mentioning how important it is not to disturb the "voodoo" shielding.

Where do you start? What do all those instruments do? Will I ever patch a cell on my own? This is the book for you.

The book does an excellent job explaining the main components on a patch-clamp rig (and advice for setting up your own if you're just starting up a lab) and gives detailed instructions on whole-cell patch clamp techniques. (I have not evaluated the single-channel techniques but they too seem quite well written.) Also, many simple "equivalent circuit" diagrams are given so that you can understand what you're measuring. You will patch successfully after reading this book!

My only criticism is that the book is a bit skimpy on what to do after you've got the cell patched. Only a few voltage-clamp techniques are explored and there is very little on experiments using dual recordings.

Otherwise, it's an excellent book. If you're new to patch-clamping, this is (literally) the only book for you. ... Read more