An up-to-date list of terms currently in use in biotechnology, genetic engineering and allied fields. The terms in the glossary have been selected from books, dictionaries, journals and abstracts. Terms are included that are important for FAO's intergovernmental activities, especially in the areas of plant and animal genetic resources, food quality and plant protection.
"very useful as a quick desk reference for students, professionals, andnonprofessionals." -Quarterly Review of Biology "a trove of valuable clinical information" -New England Journal of Medicine This extensively expanded and thoroughly revised new edition provides a uniquely user-friendly and clearly written tool for navigating the latest terminology, concepts, theories, applications, and technology in these dynamic disciplines. This second edition includes a vast range of terms and concepts dealing with biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, immunology, hereditary diseases,and molecular evolution, through to the state-of-the-art in genomics and proteomics. The nearly 25,000 alphabetically arranged entries are explained in a concise yet detailed manner, including ample cross-references, literature citations, databases, tables, and illustrations.
This new third edition updates a best-selling encyclopedia. It includes about 56% more words than the 1,392-page second edition of 2003. The number of illustrations increased to almost 2,000 and their quality has improved by design and four colors. It includes approximately 1,800 current databases and web servers. This encyclopedia covers the basics and the latest in genomics, proteomics, genetic engineering, small RNAs, transcription factories, chromosome territories, stem cells, genetic networks, epigenetics, prions, hereditary diseases, and patents. Similar integrated information is not available in textbooks or on the Internet.
Heritable human genome editing - making changes to the genetic material of eggs, sperm, or any cells that lead to their development, including the cells of early embryos, and establishing a pregnancy - raises not only scientific and medical considerations but also a host of ethical, moral, and societal issues. Human embryos whose genomes have been edited should not be used to create a pregnancy until it is established that precise genomic changes can be made reliably and without introducing undesired changes - criteria that have not yet been met, says Heritable Human Genome Editing. From an international commission of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and the U.K.'s Royal Society, the report considers potential benefits, harms, and uncertainties associated with genome editing technologies and defines a translational pathway from rigorous preclinical research to initial clinical uses, should a country decide to permit such uses. The report specifies stringent preclinical and clinical requirements for establishing safety and efficacy, and for undertaking long-term monitoring of outcomes. Extensive national and international dialogue is needed before any country decides whether to permit clinical use of this technology, according to the report, which identifies essential elements of national and international scientific governance and oversight.
There is growing enthusiasm in the scientific community about the prospect of mapping and sequencing the human genome, a monumental project that will have far-reaching consequences for medicine, biology, technology, and other fields. But how will such an effort be organized and funded? How will we develop the new technologies that are needed? What new legal, social, and ethical questions will be raised? Mapping and Sequencing the Human Genome is a blueprint for this proposed project. The authors offer a highly readable explanation of the technical aspects of genetic mapping and sequencing, and they recommend specific interim and long-range research goals, organizational strategies, and funding levels. They also outline some of the legal and social questions that might arise and urge their early consideration by policymakers.
This dictionary, derived from the Concise science dictionary (O.U.P. in 1984), covers all the commonly encountered terms and concepts in biology, biophysics and biochemistry, as well as key terms from medicine and palaeontology. It also includes many new terms in genetics, including genetic engineering, molecular biology, and immunology, reflecting the recent advances made in these fields.
Genetic-based animal biotechnology has produced new food and pharmaceutical products and promises many more advances to benefit humankind. These exciting prospects are accompanied by considerable unease, however, about matters such as safety and ethics. This book identifies science-based and policy-related concerns about animal biotechnologyâ€"key issues that must be resolved before the new breakthroughs can reach their potential. The book includes a short history of the field and provides understandable definitions of terms like cloning. Looking at technologies on the near horizon, the authors discuss what we know and what we fear about their effectsâ€"the inadvertent release of dangerous microorganisms, the safety of products derived from biotechnology, the impact of genetically engineered animals on their environment. In addition to these concerns, the book explores animal welfare concerns, and our societal and institutional capacity to manage and regulate the technology and its products. This accessible volume will be important to everyone interested in the implications of the use of animal biotechnology.
Precision Medicine for Investigators, Practitioners and Providers addresses the needs of investigators by covering the topic as an umbrella concept, from new drug trials to wearable diagnostic devices, and from pediatrics to psychiatry in a manner that is up-to-date and authoritative. Sections include broad coverage of concerning disease groups and ancillary information about techniques, resources and consequences. Moreover, each chapter follows a structured blueprint, so that multiple, essential items are not overlooked. Instead of simply concentrating on a limited number of extensive and pedantic coverages, scholarly diagrams are also included. - Provides a three-pronged approach to precision medicine that is focused on investigators, practitioners and healthcare providers - Covers disease groups and ancillary information about techniques, resources and consequences - Follows a structured blueprint, ensuring essential chapters items are not overlooked