This book is the only scientific biography of the Nobel Prize–winning Indian American chemist, Har Gobind Khorana. It begins with the story of Khorana’s origins in poverty in rural India and how he manages to emerge from that to be trained in chemistry in Britain and Switzerland before immigrating to Canada and the United States. Science was the dominant focus of Khorana’s life, and his biography is treated chronologically in conjunction with his scientific career. The book explains in detail Khorana’s most important scientific achievements, his role in deciphering the genetic code (the reason for his Nobel Prize), the first synthesis of a functional gene in the laboratory, the elucidation of the idea behind the PCR technology that has since become ubiquitous in biotech, and his seminal studies of how structure determines the function of biological macromolecules in membranes. Finally, it focuses on his scientific legacy, and what his career means for future generations of scientists.
Microbiology, the scientific study of microorganisms, has significantly advanced our understanding of the invisible world that teems with bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic life forms. While modern microbiology has made remarkable strides in unraveling the mysteries of these tiny organisms, it is essential not to overlook the profound importance of traditional knowledge in this field. In India, a nation with a rich cultural heritage dating back millennia, traditional knowledge has played a pivotal role in shaping the understanding of microbes and their applications. This knowledge, often passed down through generations, has coexisted with modern scientific discoveries, making it a unique and indispensable facet of microbiology. The importance of traditional knowledge in microbiology is rooted in its historical significance and cultural relevance. India's ancient texts and practices, such as Ayurveda and traditional herbal medicine, have long recognized the existence of microorganisms and their influence on health and disease. These insights have not only laid the foundation for contemporary research but have also offered valuable guidance in the development of antibiotics, vaccines, and probiotics. 'Microbial Mysteries of India: India's Rich Legacy in Microbiology' explores the scope and objectives of this book, which endeavors to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern scientific understanding. This comprehensive work aims to unearth the hidden treasures of microbial knowledge scattered across India's diverse landscape. It delves into the historical context of Indian microbiology, shedding light on the contributions of ancient scholars, sages, and healers who recognized the significance of microbes long before the advent of modern microbiology. Throughout the book, readers will embark on a captivating journey that spans the length and breadth of India, unraveling microbial mysteries hidden within its ancient traditions, folklore, and indigenous practices. From the fermentation techniques used in traditional Indian cuisine to the microbial diversity found in sacred rivers and forests, this book brings to life the vibrant tapestry of India's microbial heritage. It also explores the contemporary relevance of this knowledge in fields such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental conservation, showcasing how traditional wisdom can complement and enhance modern scientific endeavors. 'Microbial Mysteries of India' seeks to bridge the gap between the past and the present, celebrating the enduring legacy of traditional knowledge in microbiology. As we embark on this enlightening journey, we will come to appreciate the invaluable insights that India's rich heritage offers to the world of microbes and the immense potential it holds for the future of microbiological research and innovation.
This book is the only scientific biography of the Nobel Prize-winning Indian American chemist, Har Gobind Khorana. It begins with the story of Khorana's origins in poverty in rural India and how he manages to emerge from that to be trained in chemistry in Britain and Switzerland before immigrating to Canada and the United States. Science was the dominant focus of Khorana's life, and his biography is treated chronologically in conjunction with his scientific career. The book explains in detail Khorana's most important scientific achievements, his role in deciphering the genetic code (the reason for his Nobel Prize), the first synthesis of a functional gene in the laboratory, the elucidation of the idea behind the PCR technology that has since become ubiquitous in biotech, and his seminal studies of how structure determines the function of biological macromolecules in membranes. Finally, it focuses on his scientific legacy, and what his career means for future generations of scientists.
Encyclopedia of World Scientists, Updated Edition is a comprehensive reference tool for learning about scientists and their work. It includes 500 cross-referenced profiles of well-known scientific "greats" of history and contemporary scientists whose work is verging on prominence. More than 100 entries are devoted to women and minority scientists. Each entry includes the subject's full name, dates of birth/death, nationality, and field(s) of specialization. A biographical essay focuses primarily on the subject's scientific work and achievements; it also highlights additional information, such as place of birth, parents' names and occupations, name(s) of spouse(s) and children, educational background, jobs held, and awards earned. Profiles include: Archimedes (c. 287–212 BCE): Mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543): Astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564–1642): Astronomer Daniel Bernoulli (1700–1782): Mathematician John James Audubon (1785–1851): Biologist Elizabeth Blackwell (1821–1910): Medical scientist Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833–1896): Chemist Albert Einstein (1879–1955): Physicist Niels Bohr (1885–1962): Physicist George Washington Carver (c. 1861–1943): Chemist Marie Curie (1867–1934): Physicist and chemist Robert Hutchings Goddard (1882–1945): Aerospace engineer Edwin Powell Hubble (1889–1953): Astronomer Grace Murray Hooper (1906–1992): Computer scientist Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin (1910–1994): Chemist Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910–1997): Earth scientist Alan Turing (1912–1954): Computer scientist Jonas Edward Salk (1914–1995): Medical scientist Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958): Chemist Jewel Plummer Cobb (1924–2017): Biologist Stephen Hawking (1942–2018): Astronomer.
The attacks of September 11, 2001, changed the way the world looks at Islam. And rightfully so, according to M.A. Khan, a former Muslim who left the religion after realizing that it is based on forced conversion, imperialism, and slavery: the primary demands of Jihad, commanded by the Islamic God Allah. In this groundbreaking book, Khan demonstrates that Prophet Muhammad meticulously followed these misguided principles and established the ideal template of Islamic Jihad for his future followers to pursue, and that Muslims have been perpetuating the cardinal principles of Jihad ever since. Find out the true nature of Islam, particularly its doctrine of Jihad, and what it means to the modern world, and also learn about The core tenets of Islam and its history The propagation of Islam by force and other means Islamic propaganda Arab-Islamic imperialism Islamic slavery and slave-trade And much more! The commands of Allah are perpetual in nature, so are the actions of Prophet Muhammad. Jihad has been the way to win converts to Islam since its birth fourteen centuries ago, and it won't change anytime soon. Find out why in Islamic Jihad.
This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "The Origin and Evolution of the Genetic Code: 100th Anniversary Year of the Birth of Francis Crick" that was published in Life
The Death of Life dissects biology's claim to be the Cinderella science that rose above its station. Early attempts to study life through observation, experiment and theory are exposed as the skeleton of ideas for controlling life, ideas which were only fleshed out by the biotech and genomic industries. Physicists- and chemists-turned biologists in alliance with biology's own eugenicists are shown to have abandoned the study of life and suppressed poststructuralist approaches ranging from neoLamarckism to biogeological/Gaia theory.
