Microbiology (non-medical) Books

Book SynopsisDiatoms are the most species rich group of algae, and they contribute about 20% of annual global carbon fixation. They play major roles in ocean food webs and global biogeochemical cycles. They are also a target of the biotechnology industry because of their nano-patterned silica cell wall and high lipid content. Diatoms have received increasing attention as more genomes became available and because of the development of genome editing tools such as the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, which has made diatoms as genetically tractable as well-established biological model species. This book provides an overview on diatom molecular biology. It brings together international leading experts in the field to discuss the latest data and developments from genes to ecosystems. As the understanding of diatoms is currently experiencing a step change, it is critical to allow for synergistic approaches on diverse aspects of diatom biology and evolution. The books offers fundamental insights into the molecular life of diatoms; at the same time new scientific concepts are developed based on the application of the latest molecular tools and genomic information to explore the fascinating lifestyle of diatoms.Table of ContentsPart 1: ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION   Part coordinator : Thomas Mock Chapter 1: Trait-based ecology with diatoms   Elena Litchman       Chapter 2: The population genetics and evolutionary potential of diatoms   Tatiana A. Rynearson, Ian W. Bishop, Sinead Collins      Chapter 3: An integrated view of diatom interactions Flora Vincent & Chris Bowler      Chapter 4: Ancient diatom DNA   Matthew I. M. Pinder and Mats Töpel       Part 2: GENOMICS  Part coordinator : Thomas Mock   Chapter 5: Structure and evolution of diatom nuclear genes and genomes   Thomas Mock, Kat Hodgkinson, Taoyang Wu, Vincent Moulton, Anthony Duncan, Cock van Oosterhout, Monica Pichler      Chapter 6: Reconstructing dynamic evolutionary events in diatom nuclear and organelle     genomes   Richard G. Dorrell, Fuhai Liu, Chris Bowler      Chapter 7: Epigenetic control of diatom genomes: An overview from in silico    characterisation to functional studies    Xue Zhao, Antoine Hoguin, Timothée Chaumier and Leila Tirichine      Part 3: CELL BIOLOGY Part coordinators : Nicole Poulsen, Nils Kröger  Wim Vyverman,    Chapter 8: Life-cycle regulation   Gust Bilcke, Maria Immacolata Ferrante, Marina Montresor, Sam De Decker, Lieven De Veylder and Wim Vyverman      Chapter 9: Cellular hallmarks and regulation of the diatom cell cycle   Petra Bulankova, Gust Bilcke, Wim Vyverman and Lieven De Veylder      Chapter 10: Cell Biology of organelles   Uwe G. Maier, Daniel Moog, Serena Flori, Pierre-Henri Jouneau, Denis Falconet, Thomas Heimerl, Peter G. Kroth, Giovanni Finazzi      Chapter 11: Structure and Morphogenesis of the Frustule     Iaroslav Babenko, Benjamin M. Friedrich, Nils Kröger       Chapter 12: Biomolecules involved in Frustule Biogenesis and Function Nils Kröger      Chapter 13: Silicic Acid Uptake and Storage by Diatoms   Felicitas Kolbe, Eike Brunner      Chapter 14: Adhesion and Motility   Nicole Poulsen, Metin Gabriel Davutoglu and Jirina Zackova Suchanova         Part 4: PRIMARY METABOLISM  Part coordinators : Yusuke Matsuda & Peter Kroth   Chapter 15: Photosynthetic Light Reactions in Diatoms. I. The Lipids and Light-harvesting Complexes of the Thylakoid Membrane   Claudia Büchel, Reimund Goss, Benjamin Bailleul, Douglas A. Campbell, Johann Lavaud and Bernard  Lepetit      Chapter 16: Photosynthetic Light Reactions in Diatoms. II. The Dynamic Regulation of the Various Light Reactions   Bernard Lepetit, Douglas A. Campbell, Johann Lavaud, Claudia Büchel, Reimund Goss and Benjamin Bailleul      Chapter 17: Carbohydrate Metabolism  Peter G. Kroth and Yusuke Matsuda      Chapter 18: Lipid Metabolism in Diatoms Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Kohei Yoneda and Yoshiaki Maeda      Chapter 19: Comparative and Functional Genomics of Macronutrient Utilization in Marine Diatoms   Sarah R. Smith and Andrew E. Allen     Chapter 20 Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Micronutrient Utilization in Marine      Diatoms   Tyler H. Coale, Erin M. Bertrand2, Robert H. Lampe3 and Andrew E. Allen    Part 5: CELL SIGNALLING and INTERACTIONS   Part coordinators : Assaf Vardi & Angela Falciatore Chapter 21: Sensing and signalling in diatom responses to abiotic cues    Marianne Jaubert, Carole Duchêne, Peter G. Kroth, Alessandra Rogato, Jean-Pierre Bouly and Angela Falciatore      Chapter 22: An Ocean of Signals: Intracellular and Extracellular Signalling      Shiri Graff van Creveld, Avia Mizrachi and Assaf Vardi      Chapter 23: The Diatom Microbiome: New Perspectives for Diatom-Bacteria Symbioses Katherine E. Helliwell, Ahmed A. Shibl and Shady A. Amin      Chapter 24: Diatom Viruses   Laure Arsenieff, Kei Kimura, Chana F. Kranzler, Anne-Claire Baudoux and Kimberlee Thamatrakoln      Part 6: GENETIC AND METABOLIC ENGINEERING   Part coordinator : Angela Falciatore Chapter 25: Genetic Engineering in Marine Diatoms: Current Practices and Emerging           Technologies            Mark Moosburner, Andrew E. Allen and Fayza Daboussi      Chapter 26: Constraint-based Modelling of Diatoms Metabolism and Quantitative Biology Approaches    Manish Kumar, Cristal Zuniga, Juan D. Tibocha-Bonilla, Sarah R. Smith, Joanna Coker, Andrew E. Allen, Karsten Zengler  

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Book SynopsisThis book covers the wider aspects of the microbiology of hot desert soil ecosystems, compiling disparate information from a range of relevant desert soil microbial fields.The reader learns about microbial ecology of the more dominant and possibly most important desert habitats, detailing the phylogenetic and functional diversity of these different habitats as well as their potential role in desert ecosystem ecology. Particular attention is also given to microbial stress adaptation in hot desert soils. Furthermore, it is the first volume in this particular field to cover modern metagenomics technologies that can be applied to studies of all aspects of desert microbial communities. Additionally, the book explores viruses and viral communities, which are among the least studied (and little understood) components of desert soil microbial communities. Particular attention is also given to the roles of desert microbial communities in biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Through this book the reader discovers how desert microbiology has been at the forefront of Astrobiology and how it may be used conceptually in future terraforming strategies. Desert ecosystems are increasingly coming into focus given the impacts of climate change and desertification trends, making this volume particularly timely. Each of the chapters is authored by leading international researchers and is a must-read for microbial ecologists. Table of ContentsMicrobiology of Hot Deserts Table of Contents: Chapter 1 (Preface) : Introduction to Microbiology of Hot Deserts Chapter 2: A Brief Introduction to Hot Desert Environments: Climate, Geomorphology, Habitats and Soils Chapter 3: Novel methods for studying the structure and function of hot desert microorganisms and their communities Chapter 4: Phototrophic Mats of the Desert: The Bacteria of the Biological Soil Crust Community Chapter 5: Microbial Ecology of Hot Desert Soils Chapter 6: Biology of Desert Endolithic Habitats Chapter 7: Journey of a thousand miles: The evolution of our understanding of viruses in hot Deserts Chapter 8: C, N and P nutrient cycling in Drylands Chapter 9: Diversity and plant growth promoting properties of microbiomes associated with plants in desert soils Chapter 10: Insights of Extreme Desert Ecology to the Habitats and Habitability of Mars Chapter 11: Survival under stress: Microbial adaptation in hot desert soils Chapter 12: The response of soil microbial communities to hydration and desiccation cycles in hot desert ecosystems Chapter 13: Hot Desert Microbiology: Perspectives in a Warming World

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a comprehensive and authoritative review of cyanobacteria and their applications as solar cell factories. Cyanobacteria are able to perform oxygenic photosynthesis and they are utilized in many different bioprocesses. The book covers two major aspects of a cyano-based bioprocess: the biological whole-cell catalyst and the technical environment in which the catalyst is applied. In the biocatalyst itself electron and carbon flow play an essential role for the performance of the cell and need to be tackled likewise for successful biocatalyst development. In the first chapters of this volume, cyanobacterial biotechnology and the fundamentals of cyanobacterial bioenergetics are introduced followed by an overview on tools and strategies for cyanobacteria engineering. Further on, examples of applications, engineering and production of different industrially relevant compounds in these organisms are provided, and finally process technology specific for cyanobacteria is covered. In this book, particular attention is given to topics such as cyanobacterial bioenergetics, metabolic engineering design strategies, utilizing cyanobacteria in biophotovoltaics, and production of pigments as well as photobiohydrogen in cyanobacteria, among others. This book will provide interested students and researchers in the area of photo-biotechnology with a deeper understanding of the cyanobacterial cell-factory, including the latest innovations and persistent challenges in the field.Table of ContentsSpotlight on Cyano-photo-biotechnology: Advantages and persisting challenges.- Cyanobacterial bioenergetics in relation to cellular growth and productivity.- The molecular toolset and techniques required to build cyanobacterial cell factories.- Metabolic engineering design strategies for increasing carbon fluxes relevant for biosynthesis in cyanobacteria.- Production of fatty acids and derivatives using cyanobacteria.- Sustainable production of pigments from cyanobacteria.- Photobiohydrogen production and strategies for H2 yield improvements in cyanobacteria.- Utilizing cyanobacteria in biophotovoltaics: an emerging field in bioelectrochemistry.- Process Technologies of Cyanobacteria.

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Book SynopsisVirus-infected Cells is a comprehensive and technical exploration of the intricate interactions between viruses and host cells. This book delves into the molecular and cellular aspects of viral infections, providing a wealth of knowledge about various viruses and their effects on cellular mechanisms. The first part of the book covers general/technical aspects, introducing the reader to the field of virology and providing an overview of the techniques used to study virus-infected cells. It covers topics such as the visualisation of virus-infected cells by cryo-electron tomography and the assessment of necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in virus-infected cells. In addition, the book explores the role of apoptosis and phagocytosis as antiviral mechanisms, as well as the intricate process of viral membrane fusion and penetration. It also discusses the tracking of viral entry into living cells and the use of correlative cryo-imaging to study the biology of viruses in cells and tissues. Finally, the book examines the cytopathic effect induced by viruses, shedding light on the damage caused to infected cells. The second section of the book explores specific viruses and their interactions with host cells. Each chapter focuses on a specific virus and provides an in-depth look at its behaviour within infected cells. The book covers a wide range of viruses, including human papillomavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, African swine fever virus, coronavirus, influenza A virus and human endogenous retroviruses. Each chapter examines unique aspects of virus-host interactions, such as viral assembly, impact on the cytoskeleton, critical host-virus interactions mediated by viral RNA, mechanisms of cell entry, and the involvement of cholesterol in virus budding and scission. This volume in the Subcellular Biochemistry series is a valuable resource for researchers, virologists and students interested in understanding the complex dynamics between viruses and the cells they infect. With its detailed exploration of general and specific aspects of virus-host interactions, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in viral infections.Table of Contents​see attachment

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Book SynopsisThis volume on iron-sulfur proteins includes chapters that describe the initial discovery of iron-sulfur proteins in the 1960s to elucidation of the roles of iron sulfur clusters as prosthetic groups of enzymes, such as the citric acid cycle enzyme, aconitase, and numerous other proteins, ranging from nitrogenase to DNA repair proteins. The capacity of iron sulfur clusters to accept and delocalize single electrons is explained by basic chemical principles, which illustrate why iron sulfur proteins are uniquely suitable for electron transport and other activities. Techniques used for detection and stabilization of iron-sulfur clusters, including EPR and Mossbauer spectroscopies, are discussed because they are important for characterizing unrecognized and elusive iron sulfur proteins. Recent insights into how nitrogenase works have arisen from multiple advances, described here, including studies of high-resolution crystal structures.

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Book SynopsisThe cryosphere stands for environments where water appears in a frozen form. It includes permafrost, glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice and is currently more affected by Global Change than most other regions of the Earth. In the cryosphere, limited water availability and subzero temperatures cause extreme conditions for all kind of life which microorganisms can cope with extremely well. The cryosphere’s microbiota displays an unexpectedly large genetic potential, and taxonomic as well as functional diversity which, however, we still only begin to map. Also, microbial communities influence reaction patterns of the cryosphere towards Global Change. Altered patterns of seasonal temperature fluctuations and precipitation are expected in the Arctic and will affect the microbial turnover of soil organic matter (SOM). Activation of nutrients by thawing and increased active layer thickness as well as erosion renders nutrient stocks accessible to microbial activities. Also, glacier melt and retreat stimulate microbial life in turn influencing albedo and surface temperatures. In this context, the functional resilience of microbial communities in the cryosphere is of major interest. Particularly important is the ability of microorganisms and microbial communities to respond to changes in their surroundings by intracellular regulation and population shifts within functional niches, respectively. Research on microbial life exposed to permanent freeze or seasonal freeze-thaw cycles has led to astonishing findings about microbial versatility, adaptation, and diversity. Microorganisms thrive in cold habitats and new sequencing techniques have produced large amounts of genomic, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic data that allow insights into the fascinating microbial ecology and physiology at low and subzero temperatures. Moreover, some of the frozen ecosystems such as permafrost constitute major global carbon and nitrogen storages, but can also act as sources of the greenhouse gases methane and nitrous oxide. In this book we summarize state of the art knowledge on whether environmental changes are met by a flexible microbial community retaining its function, or if the altered conditions also render the community in a state of altered properties that affect the Earth’s element cycles and climate. This book brings together research on the cryosphere’s microbiota including permafrost, glaciers, and sea ice in Arctic and Antarctic regions. Different spatial scales and levels of complexity are considered, spanning from ecosystem level to pure culture studies of model microbes in the laboratory. It aims to attract a wide range of parties with interest in the effect of climate change and/or low temperatures on microbial nutrient cycling and physiology.

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Book SynopsisThe increased demand due to anthropogenic activity leads to emerging contaminants, resulting in a substantial environmental hazard. The long-term presence and exposure of contaminants lead to severe negative impacts on the environment, humans, and other life forms. Hence, emerging contaminants in the environment is a worldwide concern, and new technologies to mitigate these contaminants are being developed. This book covers the source, occurrence, toxicity, and detection techniques of a wide range of emerging contaminants. This collection also discusses the scope and applications of diverse techniques, including Bio/Phyto and Nano-remediation technologies, to mitigate the emerging contaminants; along with their sustainability issue and prospects. As a result, this book appears to provide insight into several modern and environmentally friendly waste management options, the possibility to minimize and lessen the effects of contaminants, and striving to lower toxicological endpoints to assure environmental safety. This book delivers the most recent advancements by prominent specialists in environmental sciences to academics, researchers, students, and practitioners interested in the identification and eradication of emerging pollutants from the environment.

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Book SynopsisCurrent use of the ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) within biological wastewater treatment system is incomplete due to limitations of current culture-based techniques. This book offers an overview of new nitrification technologies via the use of AOB in the removal of ammonia nitrogen from wastewater. The application of new approaches based on AOB leads to greater ammonia nitrogen removal and results in more efficient wastewater treatment.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the latest tools available for functional metagenomics research are described.This research enables scientists to directly access the genomes from diverse microbial genomes at one time and study these “metagenomes”. Using the modern tools of genome sequencing and cloning, researchers have now been able to harness this astounding metagenomic diversity to understand and exploit the diverse functions of microorganisms. Leading scientists from around the world demonstrate how these approaches have been applied in many different settings, including aquatic and terrestrial habitats, microbiomes, and many more environments. This is a highly informative and carefully presented book, providing microbiologists with a summary of the latest functional metagenomics literature on all specific habitats.Table of ContentsSection I. Tools for Functional Metagenomics.- Prologue.- 1) Next-generation sequencing in Functional Metagenomics.- 2) Cloning systems .- 3) Expression systems .- 4) Hosts for heterologous expression .- 5) Bioinformatic tools for functional metagenomics .- 6) Screening and selection for expressed functions .- 7) Synthetic biology approaches for functional metagenomics.- Section II. Applications in Functional Metagenomics .- 8) Enzyme discovery .- 9) Metabolite discovery .- 10) C substrate utilization (with SIP) .- 11) Genome Assembly and Functional Annotation .- 12) Aquatic ecosystems .- 13) Terrestrial ecosystems .- 14) Aeromicrobiology .- 15) Animal microbiomes .- 16) Human microbiomes.- 17) Plant microbiomes.- 18) Biofilms .- 19) Extreme environments.- 20) Wastewater .- 21) Food microbiology .- Epilogue: Future prospects in functional metagenomics.

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Book SynopsisThis book refers to the various biomass valorisation in various fields like bio-fuel; biodiesel; hydrogen production; energy application, environmental pollution using recent clean technologies. Clean energy technology refers to any process, product or service that reduces negative environmental impacts through significant energy efficiency improvements, sustainable use of resources or environmental protection activities. It covers all aspects of new and renewable clean energy production technology. The concept of eco-efficiency involves both ecological and economic aspects of sustainable agriculture. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences.Table of ContentsAttached

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of how the many sciences of wine can enhance our appreciation and enjoyment of wine. In From Terrain to Brain, Professor Erika Szymanski makes wine science accessible to non-experts. Rather than approach wine science as body of facts about wine, Szymanski explores how wine science can open up multiple ways of seeing, understanding, and appreciating wine. Too often, wine science is presented as a comprehensive body of knowledge that enthusiasts aiming to become experts should memorize. This book instead uses scientific research to explore wine as an endlessly rich cultural phenomenon. By foregrounding recent research and developments in wine science, From Terrain to Brain presents wine science as a work-in-progress rather than a codified body of knowledge. Each chapter takes readers on a journey or foray through a topic in wine science, such as minerality, climate, microbiome, and yeast. Chapters are organized from terrain (geography, terroir, soil) and cell membrane (micTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1 - Geography Chapter 2 - Vines Chapter 3 - Terroir Chapter 4 - Minerality Chapter 5 - Climate Chapter 6 - Weather Chapter 7 - Yeast Chapter 8 - Microbiome Chapter 9 - Alcohol Chapter 10 - Sulfur Chapter 11 - Sugar Chapter 12 - Oak Chapter 13 - Waste Chapter 14 - Flavor Chapter 15 - Health Chapter 16 - Glass Chapter 17 - Coda Notes Index

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Book SynopsisPlant diseases are a threat to agriculture and food production on a global scale. Significant yield losses have been recorded due to plant pathogens in most agriculture and horticulture crops. The effective management of these diseases is very difficult. As such, it is important to understand fundamental concepts of the management of plant diseases caused by bacteria. Bacteriology is a subdivision of microbiology and involves the documentation, description, and identification of bacteria. This book covers recent updates on the morphology, classification, genetics, ecology, and biochemistry of bacteria as well as the basic molecular concepts of bacteriology. This book has a futuristic approach and will help scholars understand the symptoms, mechanisms, and effective management of diseases caused by bacterial pathogens. This book is useful for students and researchers of plant sciences, botany, microbiology, pathology, agriculture science, veterinary science, medical science, and other allied areas.Table of ContentsPreface; Introduction to Bacteriology; Taxonomy and Classification; Structure and Morphology of Bacteria; Membrane Transport and Nutrient Uptake in Bacteria; Bacterial Growth and Reproduction; Metabolisms in Bacteria; Bacterial Genetics; Bacteria in Laboratory; Introduction to Plant Pathology and Host Pathogen Interaction; Identification and Detection of Bacteria; Bacterial Diseases on Plants and Their Management; Practical Experiments in Bacteriology Sampling of Bacteria; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis fully revised 3rd edition provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of fungi associated with plants. Since the publication of the 2nd Edition in 2009, tremendous new knowledge has been gained in the field of fungal-plant interactions, which is reflected in the contributions of this book. World-leading scientists in the field provide authoritative insights into fungal-plant interactions covering the following main topics: Mutualistic and pathogenic fungal-plant interactions in natural and agricultural ecosystems Sensing and signalling in fungus-plant interactions Regulation of fungal gene expression and development Fungal genomes and evolution Global pandemics caused by fungal pathogens and their implications for food security This volume will be of great interest to both specialists and generalists. It is an indispensable resource for researchers, lecturers and students in microbiology, mycology, and plant sciences, as well as agriculture and biotechnology.Table of ContentsSee attachment

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Book SynopsisThis book summarizes the emerging trends in the field of antibiotic resistance of various gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species. The ability of different species of bacteria to resist the antimicrobial agent has become a global problem. As such, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in our understanding of the origin and mechanism of resistance, discusses the modern concept of the biochemical and genetic basis of antibacterial resistance and highlights the clinical and economic implications of the increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistant pathogens and their ecotoxic effects. It also reviews various strategies to curtail the emergence and examines a number of innovative therapeutic approaches, such as CRISPR, phage therapy, nanoparticles and natural antimicrobials, to combat the spread of resistance.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria.- Chapter 1.1. Era of antibiotic discovery.- Chapter 1.2. Emergence of antibiotic resistant microbes immediate after the discovery of antibiotics.- Chapter 1.3. Newly discovered antibiotics of 21st century.- Chapter 2. Impact of antibiotic resistant bacteria on different field.- Chapter 2.1. Antibiotic resistance: Role and pattern in different class of bacteria.- Chapter 2.2. Effect of drug resistant bacteria on agriculture, medical society, livestock and environment.- Chapter 3. Antibiotic resistance: Pattern and Mechanisms.- Chapter 3.1. Intrinsic antibiotic resistant mechanism in bacteria.- Chapter 3.2. Extrinsic antibiotic resistant mechanism in bacteria .- Chapter 3.3. Chemical mediated alteration of antibiotics.- Chapter 4.1. Novel strategies for overcoming of antibiotic resistant mechanisms.- Chapter 4.2. Collapsing of antibiotic resistance with the help of genetic approaches.- Chapter 4.3. Bacteriophage: A new hope for the control of antibiotic resistant bacteria.- Chapter 4.4. Nanotechnology: A 21st Century approach towards the control of antibiotic resistant bacteria.- Chapter 5. Future Prospects.

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Book SynopsisBiodesign in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Deep Green investigates the potential of nature-based technology for shaping the evolution of contemporary architecture and design. It takes on the now pervasive topic of design intelligence, extending its definition to encompass both biological and digital realms.As in their first title, Systemic Architecture: Operating Manual for the Self-Organizing City, the authors engage the topic through the specific lens of their innovative design practice, ecoLogicStudio, and their research at the University of Innsbruck and at the Bartlett, UCL. Part One of the book, entitled PhotoSyntheticaâ, illustrates design solutions that engage the urban microbiome and seek to achieve an immediate impact, while Part Two, entitled Deep Green, includes synthetic landscapes and operates within a much larger spatio-temporal<Table of ContentsPreface by Claudia Pasquero and Marco PolettoIntroduction by Sir. Peter Cook Part 1: PhotoSyntheticaPhotoSyntheticaProjects 1.01: PhotoSynthetica test beds, pilot projects and early adoptionsBiotechnological architecture: On culturalizing the urban microbiome Projects 1.02: Bio-digital sculptures. Designing the livingEnvironmentalism beyond ideology: Reprogramming the blue-green city Projects 1.03: Cybergardening the city Part 2: Deep GreenPolycephalum: A journey through architecture, bio-computation and cognitionProjects 2.01: Synthetic landscapes Projects 2.02: Deep planning Tomatoes and the Immortality of the Soul by Prof. Mario Carpo

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Book Synopsis“Engrossing … [An] expedition through the hidden and sometimes horrifying microbial domain.” —Wall Street Journal “Fascinating—and full of the kind of factoids you can't wait to share.” —Scientific American   Parasites can live only inside another animal and, as Kathleen McAuliffe reveals, these tiny organisms have many evolutionary motives for manipulating the behavior of their hosts. With astonishing precision, parasites can coax rats to approach cats, spiders to transform the patterns of their webs, and fish to draw the attention of birds that then swoop down to feast on them. We humans are hardly immune to their influence. Organisms we pick up from our own pets are strongly suspected of changing our personality traits and contributing to recklessness and impulsivity—even suicide. Germs that cause colds and the flu may alter our behavior even before symptoms become apparent.   Parasites influence our species on the cultural level, too. Drawing on a huge body of research, McAuliffe argues that our dread of contamination is an evolved defense against parasites. The horror and revulsion we are programmed to feel when we come in contact with people who appear diseased or dirty helped pave the way for civilization, but may also be the basis for major divisions in societies that persist to this day. This Is Your Brain on Parasites is both a journey into cutting-edge science and a revelatory examination of what it means to be human.  “If you’ve ever doubted the power of microbes to shape society and offer us a grander view of life, read on and find yourself duly impressed.” —Heather Havrilesky, Bookforum Trade Review"If you've ever doubted the power of microbes to shape society and offer us a grander view of life, read on and find yourself duly impressed."-BookForum “A fascinating account of an extraordinary suite of biological phenomena, only recently come to light and proving that given enough time and enough evolving species to work with, natural selection can accomplish almost anything.” -Edward O. Wilson, Professor Emeritus, Harvard University, author of Consilience. “This book has all the elements of a crime thriller: violence, blood, gore, race and sex. But here the criminals are parasites. McAuliffe tells a vivid and sometimes horrifying tale of the hijackers that control our brains and our behaviour. In company with the best science writers, she shows us that reality can be way more interesting than fiction.” -Valerie Curtis, Director of the Environmental Health Group of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and author of Don’t Look, Don’t Touch, Don’t Eat “Be prepared to throw away all your preconceptions about the order of life. Humorous, inspiring and macabre—this is infectious reading in the tradition of giants like Robert S. Desowitz and Jared Diamond.” -Michael A Huffman, associate professor, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University "From start to finish, [McAuliffe] spins a consistently engrossing tale of invasive creatures that can alter your behavior and outlook, depress your cognitive functioning, and even make you more violent or sexually aggressive." -- Heather Havrilesky, Book Forum —

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Book SynopsisThe Aedes aegypti mosquito is a recognized vector for dengue, chikungunya, and Zika arboviruses, and has had a significant dispersion in recent years across the southern hemisphere. It is a known nuisance species in the United States and is believed to have been brought to the new world on ships used for European exploration and colonization In recent years, the use of entomopathogenic fungi has proven a promising tool for the biocontrol of Culicides that threaten public health. As such, the authors systematically review studies that evaluated the main entomopathogenic genera used in the biological control of these vectors.

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Book SynopsisEnterobacter is a relatively lesser known member of family Enterobacteriaceae with at least fifteen species more or less involved in different human infections. As little knowledge is available about its pathogenicity and virulence factors, this compilation discusses the factors and genes involved. The plants and microbes with antimicrobial potential in the synthesis of nanoparticles for the control of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae are highlighted, and the authors discuss how, to overcome the complexities regarding antibiotic therapies and multiple drug resistance, there is a dire need to develop some novel clinical approaches and strategies. The factors causing multi-drug resistance are highlighted, including under or overuse of antibiotics, prolonged use of antibiotics, poor infection control, poor hygiene and sanitation.

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Book SynopsisNeurocysticercosis, a preventable parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by tapeworm, is a serious, potentially fatal disease that can cause neurologic syndromes such as epileptic seizures. Chapter One of this monograph describes the existing treatment options for neurocysticercosis, along with possible therapeutic alternatives under different drug development phases. Chapter Two explains the difficulties associated with correctly diagnosing neurocysticercosis, resulting from its varied clinical presentation, and mentions current guidelines of diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis. Chapter Three describes the various merits and demerits of techniques for detecting the parasites associated with neurocysticercosis, which include radioimaging, genotyping of cysts, and antibody, antigen, and nucleic acid detection in body fluids.Table of ContentsPreface; Treatment of Neurocysticercosis: Current and Future Options; The Challenge of Deciphering Certainty from Ambiguity for the Laboratory Diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis; Trends in the Diagnosis of Human Neurocysticercosis: Issues and Challenges; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents topical research in the study of E. coli infections, including urinary tract infections caused by E. coli; aptamer-based detection and therapeutics to prevent and treat E. coli infections; Lactoferrin as a novel natural host defence protein; enterotoxigenic escherichia coli colonisation factors and the prevention of E. coli using organic acids.

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Book SynopsisToday, local, state, and federal funding agencies have recognised the importance of the role the community plays in assuring a healthy population. As a result, these funding sources have mandated that the community which is primarily affected by these persistent public health issues, be present at the working table with academicians, researchers, public health practitioners, and policymakers so their "voice" may be heard and they may contribute to effective solutions. For sustainability purposes, we need to help these communities build their capacity to address the episodic, as well as the persistent, public health issues that affect their health. How do we, as public health professionals, do that? How do we learn the skills and principles necessary to establish partnerships with our communities? How do we then teach our community partners to continue to improve the health status of their neighbourhoods when the funding expires? This book explores this topic in greater detail.

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Book SynopsisThis important book discusses the ethical code regarding possible introduction of exogenous bacterial species into the environment, as well as various other applications of bacteria in environmental biotechnology.

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Book SynopsisBiotechnology has proven to be one of the more fruitful technological approaches in science today; being both very powerful, and able to generate valuable intellectual property. This book aims to present examples in the applications of molecular biology and genetic engineering. This book shows how areas as diverse as agrofood technology, fine chemistry, detergents, bioremediation and biosensors are receiving significant contributions from biotechnology approaches. The fundamental principles that underpin all biotechnologies are explained and a full range of examples are discussed to show how these principles are applied; from starting substrates to the final product. The challenges on these aspects and methodologies inspired us to edit this book.

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Book SynopsisThe information age came with the promise of transparency greater than anything witnessed heretofore by humanity. Of course, transparency is the essence of foresight and knowledge. The hope was for a greater accountability that would follow increased transparency, compelling policy makers to depend on knowledge and foresight rather than disinformation and hidden agendas. Recent events of the new millennium indicate that the increase has been in opacity and disinformation. The information age, often dubbed as the knowledge era'', has become the antithesis of knowledge, however; even its most ardent proponents admit that. Despite globalisation, the information age has failed to generate knowledge-based decision-making tools.

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Book SynopsisMicro-organisms are highly ubiquitous in nature and manifold in their activity. Interest in microbiology increased quite significantly due to wide application of micro-organisms in studying different biological processes. An attempt has been made to introduce the readers to several areas of microbiology and microbial biotechnology and to provide insight into basic concepts of biology and practical applications of micro-organisms. To assist the readers in understanding the text, several illustrations and figures have been incorporated in the current volume. The topics covered in this volume are arranged in such a way as to maintain the thread of continuity with Volume One as well as to make it easy for those who are not acquainted with Volume One of the series. The editors believe that the previous book of the series, "Recent Advances in Microbiology Volume-1", would also be helpful to readers in strengthening their concepts about different areas of microbiology and microbial biotechnology.

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Book SynopsisEnterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive, coccus shaped, lactic acid bacterium, with demonstrated ubiquity across multiple anatomical sites. Enterococcus faecalis isolates have been isolated from clinical samples as the etiological agent in patients with overt infections, and from body sites previously thought to be sterile but absent of signs and symptoms of infection. E. faecalis is implicated in both human health and disease, recognised as a commensal, a probiotic and an opportunistic multiply resistant pathogen. E faecalis has emerged as a key pathogen in nosocomial infections. Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium inhabiting the gastro-intestinal tract of humans. Interestingly, although it is not clear whether E faecalis is part of the oral cavity microbiome, it is frequently recovered from root canal infections. Specifically, it is the major pathogen found in persistent infections associated with root canal treatment failure. Moreover, E faecalis is one of the leading multidrug resistant nosocomial pathogens, causing infective endocarditis, and participating in urinary tract, wound, and device- device-related infections. This book discusses the molecular characteristics, its role in nonsocomial infections and the antibacterial effects of Enterococcus faecalis. It begins by discussing the virulence factors of enterococcus faecalis and concludes with E faecalis in dental infections.

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Book SynopsisThis is the only book that tells both sides of the story of germs: that they are critically important for our health and that the dangers of emerging pathogens continue to wreak havoc in our bodies and around the world. With straight-forward and engaging writing, infectious diseases physician Phillip Peterson surveys how our understanding of viruses has changed throughout history, from early plagues and pandemics to more recent outbreaks like HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and the Zika virus. Microbes also takes on contemporary issues like the importance of vaccinations in the face of the growing anti-vaxxer movement, as well as the rise of cutting-edge health treatments like fecal transplants. Peterson relays his first-hand experience dealing with an unprecedented emergence of new microbial threats. Yet at the same time he has witnessed the astounding recent discoveries of the crucial role of the microbes that colonize our body surfaces in human health. Microbes explains for general readers where these germs came from, what they do to and for us, and what can be done to stop the bad actors and foster the benefactors.

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Book SynopsisFor as long as humans have been on Earth, we have looked up to the stars for clues to our own existence. Medical doctor and evolutionary biologist William B. Miller, Jr. suggests that we may find more meaningful solutions at the end of a microscope rather than a telescope. Using powerful analogies and exacting science, Bioverse explores the wonders of the perpetual partnership between our personal cells and the microbial world, resulting in an entirely new view of our living planet. To understand life in all its varieties, we must undertake to understand our cells. While the partnership between our cells and our microbes has largely been thought of as that of “host” and “guest,” Miller reveals the true partnership under which both our microbial fraction and our own personal cells conduct a life-long dialogue, redefining our traditional conceptions of intelligence and problem-solving. This radical new approach explains exactly how our human choices are centered within the same cellular rules that enable our cells to seamlessly sustain our lives. We are now entering the “Era of the Cell,” a time in history during which medical and scientific innovations have spurred growth far beyond ever imagined by our ancestors. For the first time, we are not only building machines to enhance our lives but engineering living organisms to assist our futures. From the biological origins of evolution to the invention of the compound microscope by a Dutch lens maker in the 17th century, to new research that reveals surprising links between our microbiome and our moods and behavior, and surprising stories of the cellular world from the deepest oceans, wildest jungles, and outer reaches of our solar system, Miller introduces readers to a greater understanding of our impact on the planet and the world’s reciprocal impact on each of us. By exploring the extent of our deeply integrated cellular world, Bioverse provides profound insights about ourselves, our health and well-being, our social systems, and our permanent relationship to the planet and the cosmos.

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Book SynopsisThe ability of various microorganisms to attach to surfaces and create biofilms on them is rather a cause of concern for many industries, including for those occupied with food production and processing. Thus, the attachment of bacterial pathogens to food processing equipment is considered as an essential contributing factor in foodborne disease outbreaks, since this may ultimately lead to the contamination of food products. Improperly cleaned surfaces promote soil build-up, and, in the presence of water, contribute to the development of microbial biofilms which may contain pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella. Salmonella enterica is one of the most significant enteric foodborne bacterial pathogens, with host-adapted strains able to cause systemic human infections and persist for long periods of time, posing significant public health problems. This book discusses the prevalence, risk factors and treatment options of Salmonella.

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Book SynopsisAvian influenza (AI) is caused by Influenza A viruses, and are single stranded, segmented RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae. Influenza A viruses continue to pose a major threat to the poultry industry and to the public. Wild aquatic birds are considered the primary hosts of influenza A, in which the virus is enzootic. In these birds, influenza viruses usually replicate in the intestinal tract, cause no disease, and spread by fecal contamination of the water habitat. This book discusses the epidemiology, global patters, and clinical management of Avian Influenza. It also examines the symptoms, treatment and clinical outcomes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a SARS coronavirus.

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Book SynopsisOver fifty years of scientific and industrial developments focused on the amino acid producer bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum has successfully yielded up to 2.93 and 1.95 million tons/year of L glutamic acid and L-lysine, respectively. As a result of this biotechnological effort, a massive amount of knowledge decidedly applicable to the development of new products has been gained. Nowadays, this knowledge is used to enlarge the portfolio of C. glutamicum industrial products, since they are highly relevant as chemicals, biodegradable polymers, ingredients, or additives in food, feed, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This book addresses production of these new metabolites (C. glutamicum applications) and their potential under the expert point of view of those groups directly involved in their developments. Thus, amino acids out of the traditional glutamic acid or lysine, as L valine; food colorants such as carotenoids; dicarboxylic acids used as building blocks (e.g: succinate); alpha hydroxy acids as L lactate, D lactate or glycolate; biodegradable polyester (eg.: polyhydroxybutyrate); alcohols for biofuel as isobutanol as well as bioremediation applications of the new developments around C. glutamicum described in this book. Those industrial relevant compounds come to the market parallel with the developing application of new technologies. Hence, cell activity as a whole by means of the Proteomics or Transcriptomics approaches, as well as the methodologies that mimic the large fermetor conditions in a scale-down format are also reviewed in the book. Additionally, a historical description and an updated review of the taxonomical environment of Corynebacterium genus open an essential manual for enterprises, researchers and academia involved in Actinobacteria, secondary metabolite production and industrial applications. This book reviews the evolution of almost sixty years of development, initially focused on amino acid production, which unleashes the idea of C. glutamicum as a biorefinery due to its ability to generate hundreds of products demanded by the market.

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Book SynopsisThis current book provides an overview of current research on bacteriophages. Chapter One discusses bacteriophages of pathogenic vibrios, identification and differentiation. Chapter Two reviews recent literature about the application of phages for the biocontrol of microorganisms in meat and meat products, with a particular emphasis on chicken, beef and pork in order to shed light on the efficacy of such strategy for the prevention and/or eradication of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in foods and food processing environments. Chapter Three studies the synthesis of the divalent cation requirements for efficient adsorption of bacteriophage onto bacterial cells. Chapter Four focuses on the isolation and evaluation of the lytic spectrum of bacteriophages active against food-borne bacteria. Chapter Five presents data about the history and present-day of using bacteriophage preparations in treatment and prevention of various infectious diseases, in particular of suppurative-inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs. Chapter Six reviews phagebiotics in treatment and prophylaxis of healthcare-associated infections.

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