Written by a pioneer and authority, this invaluable book covers all the key aspects and current affairs in the field of biotechnology, with topics ranging from genome projects, through animal and human cloning, to biowarfare.As an academic-turned-entrepreneur, the author is at ease in providing vivid firsthand accounts from both the scientific and the business perspective.This book is addressed primarily to experts and professionals who are very busy but who wish to gain insights through a different and comprehensive perspective of this important field. It is also aimed at laypeople who are interested in learning more about bioinformatics, and the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries.The book is also ideal as an easy-to-read supplementary reference in classrooms. Each chapter is self-contained and footnotes provide further references for interested readers.
This is the first book of its kind that treats reproduction, cloning, stem cell research and regenerative medicine in an integrative manner.Touching on the science, social aspects, legal and ethical issues, and the current status of cloning, stem cell research and regenerative medicine, this self-contained book is an excellent source for introducing newcomers to the field or broadening the perspectives of experts and practitioners.In contrast to existing books on the market, which treat each topic in isolation or sensationalize the areas, this book takes an integrative and balanced approach. The treatment is easy to grasp and clear illustrations, graphics and photos explain the key concepts. The book explains the diverse topics from a scientific angle, a social perspective, and as a natural business development. The coverage also includes the political and ethical issues as well as many other thought-provoking scenarios.
Genetic engineering has quickly become one of the more controversial issues of our time. Herring provides a detailed history of the debate in a fair and balanced manner, using proponents' points of view to make individual cases, both pro and con. Narrative chapters cover such topics as the Human Genome Project, gene splicing, cloning, genetically altered foods, and DNA and crime-solving. Students and the general public will find a comprehensive survey of the genetic engineering debate. Appendices include statements from Robert P. George and Peter Singer, two of the most prominent scholars on the subject, and a bibliography of print and electronic resources for further research.
ARIST, published annually since 1966, is a landmark publication within the information science community. It surveys the landscape of information science and technology, providing an analytical, authoritative, and accessible overview of recent trends and significant developments. The range of topics varies considerably, reflecting the dynamism of the discipline and the diversity of theoretical and applied perspectives. While ARIST continues to cover key topics associated with "classical" information science (e.g., bibliometrics, information retrieval), editor Blaise Cronin is selectively expanding its footprint in an effort to connect information science more tightly with cognate academic and professional communities.
Here, authors from academia and industry provide an exciting overview of current production technologies and the fascinating possibilities for future applications. Topics include chloroplast-derived antibodies, biopharmaceuticals and edible vaccines, production of antibodies in plants and plant cell suspension cultures, production of spider silk proteins in plants, and glycosylation of plant produced proteins. The whole is rounded off by chapters on the demands and expectations made on molecular farming by pharmaceutical corporations and the choice of crop species in improving recombinant protein levels. Of interest to biotechnologists, gene technologists, molecular biologists and protein biochemists in university as well as the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries.
With the appearance of methods for the sequencing of genomes and less expensive next generation sequencing methods, we face rapid advancements of the -omics technologies and plant biology studies: reverse and forward genetics, functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, the movement at distance of effectors and structural biology. From plant genomics to plant biotechnology reviews the recent advancements in the post-genomic era, discussing how different varieties respond to abiotic and biotic stresses, understanding the epigenetic control and epigenetic memory, the roles of non-coding RNAs, applicative uses of RNA silencing and RNA interference in plant physiology and in experimental transgenics and plants modified to specific aims. In the forthcoming years these advancements will support the production of plant varieties better suited to resist biotic and abiotic stresses, for food and non-food applications.This book covers these issues, showing how such technologies are influencing the plant field in sectors such as the selection of plant varieties and plant breeding, selection of optimum agronomic traits, stress-resistant varieties, improvement of plant fitness, improving crop yield, and non-food applications in the knowledge based bio-economy. - Discusses a broad range of applications: the examples originate from a variety of sectors (including in field studies, breeding, RNA regulation, pharmaceuticals and biotech) and a variety of scientific areas (such as bioinformatics, -omics sciences, epigenetics, and the agro-industry) - Provides a unique perspective on work normally performed 'behind closed doors'. As such, it presents an opportunity for those within the field to learn from each other, and for those on the 'outside' to see how different groups have approached key problems - Highlights the criteria used to compare and assess different approaches to solving problems. Shows the thinking process, practical limitations and any other considerations, aiding in the understanding of a deeper approach
Plant Biotechnology presents a balanced, objective exploration of the technology behind genetic manipulation, and its application to the growth and cultivation of plants. The book describes the techniques underpinning genetic manipulation and makes extensive use of case studies to illustrate how this influential tool is used in practice.
