New Books
Bioresources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future
This volume reviews achievements in bioprocess and biosystems engineering, biosynthesis, food, agriculture, and biotechnology-related issues. Considering the fact that biological alternatives can replace harmful chemical products in order to maintain ecosystems for a sustainable future, the book covers the role of biotechnology in industrial products, environmental remediation, and agriculture biotechnology, with updated research and case studies.
Trends in Plant Biotechnology
This book offers a comprehensive overview of plant biotechnology advancements, focusing on molecular biology techniques that enhance conventional breeding methods. It explores tools for developing resilient and biofortified plants, and covers various aspects of secondary metabolite production in medicinal plants. The text delves into topics such as pathway engineering, transformation, elicitation, and bioreactor scaling. It also addresses often-overlooked factors in developing stress-tolerant plants and specialized plant products. This resource serves as an up-to-date reference for researchers, students, and professionals in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, providing valuable insights into modern plant biotechnology applications.
Algal Biotechnology: Current Trends, Challenges and Future Prospects for a Sustainable Environment
This comprehensive book explores the multifaceted world of microalgae and algal biotechnology. It covers key topics such as bioremediation, nanotechnology applications, and the use of algae as biofertilizers and sources of bioactive compounds. The text delves into algal-omics, large-scale bioprocesses, and environmental impacts. It highlights algae's potential in sustainable practices, including bioplastic production and phycoremediation. The book addresses cultivation challenges and is tailored for graduate students and researchers in fields like biotechnology, renewable energy, and environmental science.
Medicinal Plants: Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Conservation
This comprehensive volume explores the current status, sustainable use, and conservation of endangered medicinal plants. It covers conventional and biotechnological approaches to biodiversity preservation, addressing the decline in plant diversity due to human activities and environmental factors. The book provides in-depth reviews on ecology, species diversity, and genetic diversity, as well as assessments of threats to medicinal plants. It also discusses advancements in conservation research and future perspectives. With contributions from recognized scientists, this 25-chapter work is valuable for students, researchers, policymakers, and industries involved in medicinal plant research and biodiversity conservation.
Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform Our Lives, Work, and World
In "Superconvergence," futurist Jamie Metzl explores the transformative impact of emerging technologies like AI, genome sequencing, and gene editing on our world. Metzl argues that these rapidly advancing and interconnected technologies have immense potential to improve lives but also pose significant risks. He highlights the critical challenge of our time: the gap between our exponentially growing technological capabilities and our limited ability to understand and manage their implications. Metzl's interdisciplinary approach offers a unique perspective on our technological future, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Mutant Ecologies: Manufacturing Life in the Age of Genomic Capital
Mutant Ecologies explores how capitalism is reshaping life through advancements in genomic science and biotechnology. The book maps the changing landscapes of capital accumulation driven by innovations like CRISPR crops, genetically modified animals, and humanized organisms. These developments, emerging from corporate and academic labs, aim to enhance capital flows across sectors such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals. While hailed as a new epoch in life sciences, the authors argue these technologies perpetuate capitalist competition and exploitation. Capitalism now designs the internal metabolism of living organisms, driving a biological revolution that impacts global ecosystems and everyday life.
The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race
Walter Isaacson's book chronicles Jennifer Doudna's journey from a curious sixth-grader to a Nobel Prize-winning scientist who co-discovered CRISPR, a revolutionary gene-editing tool. Despite discouragement, Doudna pursued her passion for understanding nature and making groundbreaking discoveries. The book explores the intense competition in scientific research and the moral implications of CRISPR technology. Isaacson highlights how this innovation marks the beginning of a life-science revolution, potentially allowing us to cure diseases, create vaccines, and even enhance human traits. The author also delves into the ethical questions surrounding these advancements, making it a compelling read about science and its impact on society.
Building Backwards to Biotech: The Power of Entrepreneurship to Drive Cutting-Edge Science to Market
"Building Backwards to Biotech" by Stephanie A. Wisner demystifies the process of creating successful biotechnology startups. Wisner introduces the concept of "Building Backwards," a strategy that increases the likelihood of success, guides capital raising, strengthens clinical and scientific strategies, and mitigates risks from the outset. The book explains how medicines and vaccines enter the market, why they're expensive, and how biotech startups can thrive. Wisner emphasizes the potential of entrepreneurship to drive cutting-edge science to market, ultimately saving and enriching lives by addressing previously untreatable diseases. This guide aims to make biotech entrepreneurship more accessible to those interested in bringing innovative medical solutions to the world.
Breaking Through: My Life in Science
Katalin Karikó's memoir "Breaking Through" chronicles her remarkable journey from a humble upbringing in communist Hungary to becoming a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including derision from colleagues and threats of deportation, Karikó persevered in her research on messenger RNA. Her unwavering belief in mRNA's potential led to the development of COVID-19 vaccines, saving millions of lives. The book highlights Karikó's determination, resilience, and dedication to science in the face of adversity. It serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of perseverance in scientific research, while also critiquing the culture of prestige and privilege in academia.
Editing Humanity: The CRISPR Revolution and the New Era of Genome Editing
Kevin Davies' "Editing Humanity" explores the revolutionary gene-editing technology CRISPR, which allows scientists to modify DNA with unprecedented precision. The book delves into CRISPR's potential to eradicate hereditary diseases and disabilities, while also addressing the ethical concerns and risks of misuse. Davies provides an engaging narrative that follows scientists at the forefront of CRISPR research and patients whose lives could be transformed by this breakthrough. He examines the far-reaching implications of this technology, from the controversial "CRISPR babies" in China to its potential impact on future generations.
The SAGE Encyclopedia of Theory in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
This encyclopedia explores the role of theories in STEM disciplines, examining how they shape understanding and learning in these fields. It delves into the construction, evolution, and significance of theories, highlighting their importance in unlocking the mysteries of the world. The work features over 200 expert-authored articles, organized thematically with a Reader's Guide. Each entry includes further readings, cross-references, and a Resource Guide listing key books, journals, associations, and websites. This comprehensive reference provides valuable insights into the theoretical foundations of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Being Human in STEM: Partnering with Students to Shape Inclusive Practices and Communities
This book presents the Being Human in STEM Initiative (HSTEM), a model for creating inclusive environments in undergraduate STEM education. Born from student protests at Amherst College, HSTEM challenges assumptions about who belongs in STEM fields. The authors provide a framework for developing HSTEM courses, evaluating inclusive change initiatives, and adapting the model to various institutions. The book offers strategies for making any course more inclusive through active listening, validation, and reflective practice. It emphasizes the importance of institutional culture shifts and provides resources for educators to implement these changes. Each chapter includes reflective questions and practical exercises to foster inclusivity in STEM classrooms and laboratories.