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Books in Agricultural and biological sciences

The Agricultural and Biological Sciences collection advances science-based knowledge for the improvement of animal and plant life and for secure food systems that produce nutritious, novel, sustainable foods with minimal environmental impact. Food Science titles include not only those products from agriculture but all other aspects from food production to nutrition, health and safety, chemistry to security, policy, law and regulation. Biological Sciences address animal behaviour and biodiversity, organismal and evolutionary biology, entomology, marine biology and aquaculture, plant science and forestry.

  • Resource Evaluation and Deep Processing of Edible Insects

    • 1st Edition
    • Jun Wang + 2 more
    • English
    Resource Evaluation and Deep Processing of Edible Insects: Silk peptide and protein for advanced applications presents the latest progress in the processing, analysis, and application of edible insect resources, mainly focusing on the resource evaluation and deep processing methods to retrieve valuable products from the constituents of the by-products of edible insects. The book combines discursive chapters that bring the latest in resource evaluation, with discussions on novel extraction techniques, biological approaches, microbial transformations, green chemistry and microfluidic technologies. It also covers analytical and biological systems, step-by-step and readily reproducible biological and chemical protocols for analyzing edible insect resources.Edible insect resources as raw materials for the food industry for sustainability are also outlined in this book. These techniques support the latest progress in cross-disciplinary research that integrates the different scales of biotechnological and biological complexity. Edited by a team of experts in the field, this book is an excellent resource for researchers with a background in biotechnology, biological and chemical engineering, agriculture, and food chemistry, and covers a broad range of topics in agriculture sustainability and food production.
  • Beer and Brewing

    Current Advances and Future Outlook
    • 1st Edition
    • Charles W. Bamforth
    • English
    Beer and Brewing: Current Advances and Future Outlook addresses key changes and challenges facing breweries today, and with an eye to the future. The book offers the latest in scientific research and technology for novel methods and ingredients, such as genetically modified yeasts. In response to the climate crisis and consumer demand for sustainable products, information on brewing process changes for lower waste and reduced impact will also be covered. Due to shifting consumer preferences, new product types such as spiked cider, low-alcohol, and alcohol-free beers will be discussed in addition to traditional beer.Edited by a true pillar of the field, the book approaches brewing on the basis of driving forces that are impacting the industry now and into the future. Researchers interested in applied brewing science, skilled small-scale brewers and other industry stakeholders will gain invaluable insight from Dr. Bamforth's latest work.
  • Novel Plant Proteins as Mainstream Ingredients for Future Foods

    • 1st Edition
    • Khetan Shevkani
    • English
    Novel Plant Proteins as Mainstream Ingredients for Future Foods addresses techno-functionality... health benefits and sustainability of alternative proteins from familiar plant sources such as quinoa and other pseudocereals, rice bran and hempseeds, along with more novel sources such as nigella seeds, fenugreek, moringa leaves, and the aquatic plant duckweed. It provides a concise overview of the techno-functional, nutritional and nutraceutical properties of these proteins which are essential for their application in functional foods, dietary supplements and the creation of healthier foods. Novel Plant Proteins as Mainstream Ingredients for Future Foods also discusses advanced processing technologies capable of overcoming the limitations of conventional protein extraction methods. It highlights the composition and nutritional value of fruits and vegetable by-products, elaborating on the quality and techno-functionality of fruit and vegetable seed protein isolates to critically examine their adoption by the food industry. The book concludes by analyzing the challenges associated with plant proteins such as allergens, antinutrient presence, compositional inconsistencies, poor nutritional quality compared to animal proteins and undesirable sensory effects and suggests promising solutions to enhance future applications.
  • Animals and Human Society

    Impacts of Animals on People and People on Animals
    • 2nd Edition
    • Colin G. Scanes + 1 more
    • English
    Animals and Human Society: Impacts of Animals on People and People on Animals, Second editon provides a solid, scientific, research-based background to advance our understanding of how animals and humans interact and impact each other. Animals and humans have had profound effects on each other throughout human history, spanning all aspects of human society from agriculture, disease, culture, religion, companionship, entertainment, environment, and more. Developed by renowned experts Colin Scanes and Samia Toukhsati, this second edition features a new introductory chapter covering the biological concepts necessary for technical and non-technical audiences of this book. All first edition chapters have been revised to bring readers up to date on research advancements from the last decade, and novel chapters cover animal ethics, welfare, the basis of anthrozoology, zooarchaeology, and more. Guest essays further supplement updated chapter content by providing broad interdisciplinary and geographically diverse perspectives in the field. Animals and Human Society, Second Edition is an excellent resource for academics and industry professionals requiring fundamental information on the history and biology behind human-animal interactions, as well as interested laypersons looking to augment their knowledge on the many impacts of animals in human society.
  • Advancing Sustainable Agriculture Through Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

    • 1st Edition
    • Allah Ditta + 2 more
    • English
    Advancing Sustainable Agriculture Through Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi provides a comprehensive view of AMF-focused approaches that support biodiversity, ecosystem services, and soil health. The book addresses the topic from the basis of symbiosis to the latest research and future directions of AMF use in agriculture. It provides a thorough overview of the role that AM fungi play in promoting agricultural sustainability and synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, ecology, and applications of AM fungi in sustainable agriculture, highlighting best practices for promoting AM fungi in agricultural ecosystems, such as crop selection, soil management, and fertilizer use. In addition, the book identifies research gaps and priorities for the advancement of the understanding of AM fungi in sustainable agriculture. Among the major issues confronting agriculture are soil erosion, water shortages, climate change, and dwindling biodiversity. In response to these issues, the need for sustainable farming methods that support ecosystem services, biodiversity, and soil health is rising. As the soil microbiome is largely composed of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which are essential for preserving soil health and encouraging plant development, this book is a welcomed resource.
  • Kefir

    Properties, Functionality, and Health Benefits
    • 1st Edition
    • Carlos Adam Conte Junior + 1 more
    • English
    Kefir: Properties, Functionality, and Health Benefits covers the more practical side of kefir production, technology, and product development. It focuses on the scientifically demonstrated benefits of this beverage, especially antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, intestinal microbiota modulation, immune response modulation, and anticancer properties. Bioactive compounds responsible for these effects are also explored to provide a theoretical basis for developing new food and pharmaceutical formulations. In addition, the book covers kefir’s potential role in neurodegenerative disease prevention. Finally, the readers will find strategies for product diversification, quality control, and biotechnological applications.Kefir is a fermented milk beverage that is growing in popularity among both researchers and consumers for its proven and potential health benefits. Companies interested in developing new fermented beverage products will find this work of interest.
  • Agricultural Pollination

    The Role of Beneficial Insects in Food Security and Sustainability
    • 1st Edition
    • Habib Ali
    • English
    Agricultural Pollination: The Role of Beneficial Insects in Food Security and Sustainability delves into the intricate relationship between farming and pollinators, as well as other beneficial insects, examining the ways in which their ecological roles can improve crop health and yield, ultimately bolstering food security without environmentally harmful chemical interventions. The book begins with coverage of foundational topics, such as types of key pollinators and their behaviors, and moves into more practical topics, such as creating pollinator-friendly landscapes and emerging technologies in pollination services.Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the book also covers conservation strategies, economic impacts of pollinators, policy recommendations, and community engagement. This timely reference will offer invaluable insights for researchers, students, agricultural industry professionals, and policymakers alike, contributing to the advancement of environmentally-frie... and economically viable agricultural practices.
  • Plant-Induced Systemic Resistance

    Mechanisms and Applications Against Biotic and Abiotic Stressors
    • 1st Edition
    • Sengottayan Senthil-Nathan + 2 more
    • English
    Plant-Induced Systemic Resistance examines how intrinsic defense signaling and state-of-the-art biotechnologies can fortify crops while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. This rigorous treatment unpacks the biochemical circuitry of induced immunity, the networks coordinating defense, and the innovative molecular biology tools that empower durable protection under a variety of stress triggers. Against the backdrop of rising pest pressures, evolving resistance patterns, and environmental concerns, it presents a forward-looking framework for integrating host defenses within comprehensive crop protection initiatives.This volume traces a clear trajectory from foundational concepts to precision management solutions, delivering data-driven methodologies, decision support tools, and scalable practices for sustainable agriculture, enriched by real-world case studies that illustrate adoption across research, extension, and industry contexts. Governance, regulatory considerations, and societal implications are woven throughout to ensure responsible innovation.Bridging lab-derived knowledge with field-ready interventions, this essential resource opens avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration to bolster plant resilience against various biotic and abiotic stressors, expanding the toolkit for integrated crop protection.
  • Intelligent Food Packaging

    Pioneering Strategies for Sustainability, Nutrition and Food Safety
    • 1st Edition
    • Muyideen Olaitan Bamidele + 2 more
    • English
    Intelligent Food Packaging: Pioneering Strategies for Sustainability, Nutrition and Food Safety addresses smart packaging technologies, including active and intelligent packaging, antimicrobial packaging, time-temperature indicators, freshness sensors, and barrier materials and shows their ability to extend shelf-life, maximize nutrition, and promote environmental sustainability. With contributions from over 35 experts in the food sciences and divided into six sections, the book tackles the latest research, highlighting how smart packaging enhances food safety and nutrition, extends shelf-life for consumer product goods, and promotes environmental sustainability while addressing opportunities for innovation in response to changing regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences.Chapter highlights include Edible Films and Coatings, Trends in Biodegradable Nutrient Sensors in Food Packaging, Macronutrient Release Systems, Bio-Based Packaging Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems, Waste Management Strategies for Sustainable Food Packaging, Advances in Smart Packing Materials, and more. Case studies that highlight the latest developments for both perishable and shelf-stable foods are also included.
  • Starch and Health

    Nutrition, Metabolism and Medical Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Monica Trif + 3 more
    • English
    Starch and Health: Nutrition, Metabolism and Medical Applications, a volume in the Applications of Starches in Food and Packaging series, discusses the use of starch and its role in human health. The book provides detailed information on the glycemic index of various starches, the role of resistant starch in gut health, and practical starch usage in managing disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Chapters deal with digestive metabolism of starch, different types of resistant starches and its health benefits, starch in gut, cardiovascular, and mental health, innovations in starch-based medical applications, and its implications in food allergies and intolerances.This comprehensive approach ensures that the volume serves as both an informative guide and a practical tool for those in the field. By compiling the latest research findings, methodologies, and case studies, this book serves as a valuable resource for scientists, researchers, and industry professionals seeking to harness the potential of starch in human health.