Search results for "tag:"Author Susan Aldridge""

Book SynopsisAll of us are drug users, in the broadest sense of the word. Drugs can be medicines, they can be used for pleasure, and they can also be used to protect our long-term health. It is important that we are well informed about the drugs we use - how they work, their benefits and their risks. This book is a unique guide for the general science reader to the drugs of everyday life - from the main types of medicine through to recreational drugs and food supplements. It looks at how drugs interact with their targets in the body, where they come from, how they are developed and what drugs to expect in the future. All the major pharmaceutical medicines are reviewed - painkillers, antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti depressants, heart drugs, tranquillizers and hormones. However this book is much more than a consumer handbook - it also conveys the fascinating science of drug discovery in an easily accessible way.Trade Review'… this book flows like a river, uncovering the delicate dance between drugs and health and filling in the background … Magic Molecules really hits the spot.' Ben Crystall, New Scientist'I wish that this book had been available a few years ago … Magic Molecules presents some of the great stories about past and present drug discovery and development. It provides accessible information about the drugs that we take and the fascinating science behind them, with all of the hype and confusion cut away. Everyone will find something gripping in this book.' Martin Westwell, The Times Higher Education Supplement'… very informative and well written … this book is well worth reading and deserves to reach a wide audience.' Rob Kingston, Chemistry in Britain'… an elegant book … an admirable book. One can sense the enjoyment of the author in writing it. I wonder what she was on.' Paul Wymer, Chemistry and IndustryTable of ContentsList of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. How drugs work; 2. From penicillin to Prozac: introducing pharmaceutical drugs; 3. Fighting infection; 4. The hormonal revolution; 5. Cardiovascular drugs: protecting the heart and brain; 6. The problem of pain; 7. The cancer challenge; 8. Drugs for the mind; 9. Drugs of recreation and addiction; 10. Natural alternatives: vitamins, minerals and herbs; 11. In the pipeline: gene-based medicine; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisSusan Aldridge gives an accessible guide to the world of DNA and also explores the applications of genetic engineering in biotechnology. She takes the reader, step by step, through the fascinating study of molecular biology. The first part of the book describes DNA and its function within living organisms. The second part explores genetic engineering and its applications to humans such as gene therapy, genetic screening and DNA fingerprinting. The third looks at the wider world of biotechnology and how genetic engineering can be applied to such problems as producing vegetarian cheese or cleaning up the environment. The final part explains how knowledge of the structure and functioning of genes sheds light on evolution and our place in the world. Although easy to read, this book faces up to the science involved and should be read by anyone who wants to know about DNA and genetic engineering.Trade Review'A well-paced, elegant and imaginative ride through the story of genes and genetic engineering.' Focus'This book should provide anyone with a little prior knowledge of genetic engineering with a good insight in to this field.' E. Green, Endeavour'Everything you could want to know about the science of DNA.' Focus'Susan Aldridge's volume is one of the best … an extremely clear writer, and refreshingly free of the bombast that often marks books in this field … her knowledge and skill make her an excellent guide.' Jon Turney, The Times Higher Education Supplement'This is an informative and entertaining book which explains simply but without trivializing and is of interest both to specialist and layman … a comprehensive, up-to-date and, above all, highly enjoyable account of a fascinating area of science.' C. F. Taylor, Annals of Human Biology'… a dependable insight into the applications and implications of molecular genetics.' Bernard Dixon, New Scientist'… begins with a concise but clear and accurate account of what genes are and how they were discovered … The author writes clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon by using homely analogies and simple explanations, but without compromising scientific accuracy … Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand more about the genetic revolution.' James W. Goding, Medical Journal of AustraliaTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Part I. What Is DNA?: 1. DNA is life's blueprint; 2. DNA in action; 3. A close up of the genome; 4. Where did DNA come from?; Part II. Engineering Genes: 5. Genetic engineering; 6. Creating new life forms; 7. Genes: the human angle; 8. New genes for old; Part III. Biotechnology: 9. The wide world of biotechnology; 10. Plant power; 11. Environmental solutions; Part IV. The Final Frontier?: 12. Beyond DNA; Further reading; Index.

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Book SynopsisWe are all drugs users. From caffeine to cocaine and Prozac to penicillin, drugs play an important part in our lives, both medically and recreationally. In clear and accessible language for the popular science reader, Susan Aldridge describes the science of how drugs work.Trade Review'… this book flows like a river, uncovering the delicate dance between drugs and health and filling in the background … Magic Molecules really hits the spot.' Ben Crystall, New Scientist'I wish that this book had been available a few years ago … Magic Molecules presents some of the great stories about past and present drug discovery and development. It provides accessible information about the drugs that we take and the fascinating science behind them, with all of the hype and confusion cut away. Everyone will find something gripping in this book.' Martin Westwell, The Times Higher Education Supplement'… very informative and well written … this book is well worth reading and deserves to reach a wide audience.' Rob Kingston, Chemistry in Britain'… an elegant book … an admirable book. One can sense the enjoyment of the author in writing it. I wonder what she was on.' Paul Wymer, Chemistry and IndustryTable of ContentsList of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. How drugs work; 2. From penicillin to Prozac: introducing pharmaceutical drugs; 3. Fighting infection; 4. The hormonal revolution; 5. Cardiovascular drugs: protecting the heart and brain; 6. The problem of pain; 7. The cancer challenge; 8. Drugs for the mind; 9. Drugs of recreation and addiction; 10. Natural alternatives: vitamins, minerals and herbs; 11. In the pipeline: gene-based medicine; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisSusan Aldridge gives an accessible guide to the world of DNA and also explores the applications of genetic engineering in biotechnology. She takes the reader, step by step, through the fascinating study of molecular biology. Aldridge also looks at the wider world of biotechnology and how genetic engineering can be applied to such problems as producing vegetarian cheese or cleaning up the environment. Although easy to read, this book does not avoid the science and provides a stimulating introduction to this enigmatic part of nature.Trade Review'A well-paced, elegant and imaginative ride through the story of genes and genetic engineering.' Focus'Susan Aldridge has written a fine book. It can be confidently recommended both to students and scientists in other fields, and to general readers ...'. Science Spectra'Susan Aldridge's volume is one of the best ... an extremely clear writer, and refreshingly free of the bombast that often marks books in this field … her knowledge and skill make her an excellent guide.' Jon Turney, The Times Higher Education Supplement'This is an informative and entertaining book which explains simply but without trivializing and is of interest both to specialist and layman … a comprehensive, up-to-date and, above all, highly enjoyable account of a fascinating area of science.' C. F. Taylor, Annals of Human Biology'… a dependable insight into the applications and implications of molecular genetics'. Bernard Dixon, New Scientist'Everything you could want to know about the science of DNA.' Focus'This book should provide anyone with a little prior knowledge of genetic engineering with a good insight in to this field.' E. Green, EndeavourTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Illustration credits; Part I. What is DNA?: 1. DNA is life's blueprint; 2. DNA in action; 3. A close up of the genome; 4. Where did DNA come from?; Part II. Engineering Genes: 5. Genetic engineering; 6. Creating new life forms; 7. Genes – the human angle; 8. New genes for old; Part III. Biotechnology: 9. The wide world of biotechnology; 10. Plant power; 11. Environmental solutions; Part IV. The Final Frontier: 12. Beyond DNA; Further reading; Index.

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Book SynopsisA dynamic look at the vast creative production of contemporary women artists from around the globe

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