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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.

  • The Triumph of Biology's Model Organisms

    How Flies, Mice, and Slime Molds Became Teachers of Biology
    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Josph Travis
    • English
    The Triumph of Biology's Model Organisms: How Flies, Mice, and Slime Molds Became Teachers of Biology provides a dynamic exploration of how seemingly ordinary organisms—flies, mice, slime molds, and more—have become central to scientific discovery. As the foundation of biological research, model organisms offer unique insights into the shared evolutionary history that unites all life. This volume addresses a longstanding need to connect the stories of these organisms to the broad advances in fundamental and biomedical science, providing readers with an appreciation for how curiosity-driven research translates into practical outcomes in the life sciences. Spanning a diverse array of species, the book’s chapters examine what makes an organism a model, the evolutionary principles underlying their utility, and the blend of wisdom and luck that led to their selection. Through compelling case studies and featured scientist reflections, chapters invite readers to critically examine how model organisms are chosen and why they matter. Readers will discover the pivotal roles of classic models like Drosophila and Neurospora, the transformation of pests into research heroes, and how extreme biological features have been harnessed to solve enduring questions. The Triumph of Biology's Model Organisms: How Flies, Mice, and Slime Molds Became Teachers of Biology equips advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and historical significance of model organisms. By weaving together fundamental concepts, real-world examples, and the human stories behind discovery, this reference inspires a deeper appreciation for biodiversity, the unpredictable pathways of research, and the enduring impact of basic science on society.
  • Cadmium Contamination in Soils and Plants

    Mechanisms and Mitigation
    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Fang-Jie Zhao + 2 more
    • English
    Cadmium Contamination in Soils and Plants presents a rigorous, up-to-date account of how this toxic metal enters agricultural landscapes, persists in soils, interacts with living systems, and ultimately affects food safety and human health. The volume synthesizes cutting-edge findings on the processes that drive Cd movement from soil to crops and clarifies the biological pathways by which plants and microorganisms respond. It translates scientific insight into practical solutions for safer agricultural production systems, drawing on recent advances in measurement, modeling, and remediation.This book is intended for researchers, graduate students, and professionals across environmental science, agronomy, and public health who need an authoritative, research-grounded reference to inform decisions in cultivation-related settings.
  • Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals of Fungal Origin

    Current Developments and Concepts
    • 1st Edition
    • August 31, 2026
    • Pragya Tiwari + 1 more
    • English
    Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals of Fungal Origin: Current Developments and Concepts discusses recent topics and relevant developments in the production of functional foods and nutraceuticals of fungal origin, along with their production technologies, nutritional components, health benefits, socioeconomic relevance, and potential for translational commercialization. The book's chapters include novel products, processes, and techniques such as microbial enzyme technologies, the use of native microbes, and renewable source of substrates and microbial engineering in the development of nutraceuticals. Omics technologies and their applications in edible fungi research and artificial intelligence-based prediction of bioactive compounds are also discussed. The book provides strategies and tools for the identification and analysis of fungi-based products while also exploring fungal pigments and colorants as food ingredients. Safety and regulatory aspects of fungal-derived food products and research innovation across the globe are also thoroughly explored. This book serves as a reference for food microbiologists, food scientists, and pharmaceutical professionals on the development of new functional foods and nutraceuticals.
  • Harnessing Plant Stimulating Molecules

    Innovations in Stress Biology and Crop Resilience
    • 1st Edition
    • August 15, 2026
    • M. Iqbal R. Khan + 1 more
    • English
    Harnessing Plant Stimulating Molecules serves as a authoritative reference on the multifaceted molecular regulators and biotechnological innovations underpinning plant resilience to environmental stressors. This volume delivers an exhaustive treatment of diverse classes of signaling entities—including phytohormones, secondary messengers, gasotransmitters, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, carbohydrates, lipids, isoprenoids, bioactive peptides, ATP, mitogenic factors, and heterotrimeric G proteins—elucidating their roles in complex stress adaptation pathways.In addition to molecular and biochemical foundations, the book explores advanced methodologies such as nanoparticle-facilit... metabolic modulation, RNA interference mechanisms to optimize nutrient utilization, and the emerging significance of biostimulants in modulating plant-microbe interactions and inter-plant signaling networks. Detailed discussions on systemic signaling mediated by mobile molecules and photoreceptor-mediat... photomorphogenic responses further enrich the scope.Integrating cutting-edge genetic engineering approaches, notably CRISPR/Cas systems, alongside computational modeling for simulating metabolic networks, the volume facilitates accelerated crop improvement strategies essential for addressing contemporary challenges in food security and agro-ecosystem sustainability.Desig... as an indispensable resource for researchers, advanced graduate students, and industry professionals, Harnessing Plant Stimulating Molecules bridges fundamental plant molecular biology with translational biotechnology to foster the development of resilient, high-performance crops tailored for a changing climate.
  • The Metallome in Motion

    Insights into Ecosystem and Food Chain Toxicodynamics
    • 1st Edition
    • August 1, 2026
    • Vandana Singh + 3 more
    • English
    The Metallome in Motion: Insights into Ecosystem and Food Chain Toxicodynamics fills a vital gap by integrating multidisciplinary research on how metals influence biological systems, food safety, and environmental health. The book’s contents span a wide range of interrelated topics, beginning with metal-mediated epigenetic modifications and toxicodynamics at the molecular and cellular levels. Other sections explore the geochemical and anthropogenic origins of contaminants, factors affecting metal bioavailability, and the synergistic effects of metal-radical interactions. In addition, detailed chapters address the roles of metalloproteins, pathways of bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, transgenerational toxicity, and hidden reservoirs such as soil microaggregates.Adva... analytical methods, the emerging field of toxicometallomics, impacts of metals in agriculture, quantum effects of nanoparticles, and global regulatory frameworks are also thoroughly discussed, making this an essential reference for postgraduate students in food science, as well as academics and researchers in agriculture, plant science, environmental science, and biotechnology.
  • Postharvest Loss and Waste Management of Horticultural Produce

    From Farm to Fork
    • 1st Edition
    • August 1, 2026
    • Zahra H. Mohammad + 2 more
    • English
    Postharvest Loss and Waste Management of Horticultural Produce: From Farm to Fork addresses the major challenges and root causes of postharvest losses while also presenting solutions to reduce losses using innovative technologies. Sections introduce an overview of postharvest challenges, such as postharvest handling, storage, and transportation of fruits, vegetables, and berries, along with the impact of COVID-19 on postharvest losses. Other sections cover postharvest biological issues and control, such as postharvest diseases and microbiology issues of produce, novel technologies for reducing postharvest loss and waste in horticulture, like biological control, packaging, MAP films, etc., and mitigation strategies. A final section explores the environmental, economic, and social impact of postharvest losses across the food supply chain. Edited by a team of experts in the field, this is an excellent resource that brings sustainable solutions to reduce postharvest losses on a global level. Attracting a wider audience in the fields of food engineering and technology, as well as professionals, researchers, and academicians working in the fields of postharvest losses and their management, this book will be a welcomed resource.
  • Aquaculture with Artificial Intelligence

    Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Industry Development
    • 1st Edition
    • August 1, 2026
    • Baskaralingam Vaseeharan + 3 more
    • English
    Aquaculture with Artificial Intelligence: Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Industry Development will play in aquaculture and aquaculture-adjacent sectors in the coming years. The aquaculture industry faces various challenges, including environmental concerns, disease management, and resource optimization, and integrating AI into aquaculture practices can improve industry efficiency, sustainability, and overall productivity. This book explores how AI technologies such as machine learning for predictive analytics, computer vision for monitoring aquatic environments, and robotics for automated tasks can streamline various aspects of aquaculture requiring monitoring, management, and decision-making. Aquaculture with Artificial Intelligence: Smart Aquaculture is co-authored by a diverse team of experts bridging disciplines in aquaculture, aquatic immunology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Early chapters provide a thorough introduction to the aquaculture industry to provide critical context for all audiences. Central chapters explore machine learning, bioimaging, drone technology, bioengineering, OMICs technologies, big data, and other AI technologies emerging in aquaculture. Global case studies highlight the practical applications of AI to various aspects of aquaculture operations, including automated feeding, water quality monitoring, disease protection, and precision aquaculture. The book concludes with a look to the future of the industry, research gaps, and opportunities for continued research. This is an essential read for aquaculturists, environmental scientists, data scientists, and roboticists interested in the intersection of aquaculture and AI.
  • Fermented Foods in Health and Disease Prevention

    • 2nd Edition
    • August 1, 2026
    • Juana Frías + 2 more
    • English
    Fermented Foods in Health and Disease Prevention, Second Edition examines the significance of fermented foods to public health. The book presents the latest scientific evidence, showing the health-promoting components produced upon fermentation from a diversity of food matrices. The content includes the definition and characterization of traditional and innovative fermented foods, their mechanisms of action, and the evidence for effects on health and disease in humans. Putative health effects associated with direct interactions between the ingested live microorganisms and the host (probiotic effect), or indirectly, through ingestion of microbial metabolites and products of fermentation (biogenic effect) are discussed.This book will provide the food industry with new insights on the development of value-added fermentation, while also presenting nutritionists and dieticians with a useful resource to help them develop strategies to assist in the prevention of disease or to slow its onset and severity.
  • Vegan Food Products

    Sources, Production Methods, Challenges and Improvement Strategies
    • 1st Edition
    • August 1, 2026
    • Tuba Esatbeyoglu + 1 more
    • English
    Vegan Food Products: Sources, Production Methods, Challenges and Improvement Strategies assembles the science related to different vegan foods in a comprehensive reference that discusses the benefits and challenges of vegan food products. Comprised of 11 chapters, the book covers the vegan alternatives of different food groups, including meat, fish, egg, and dairy. It also presents a variety of vegan protein sources, such as plant-based proteins, macro- and microalgae and single-cell proteins. Sections explore production methods and technologies, including extrusion, dry-fractionation methods for enriching proteins, 3D printing, and in vitro methods. In addition, the health aspects of vegan foods, with a specific chapter devoted to the fortification studies, are covered, as well as the vegan food market, the consumer perception, and the sensory and nutritional quality of vegan products. Edited by well-known global researchers in the field, this book provides readers with a broad review of the most recent research on the opportunities and challenges of vegan ingredients and foods.
  • Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture

    From Lab to Farm to Table
    • 1st Edition
    • August 1, 2026
    • Katarzyna Chojnacka + 1 more
    • English
    Mixed crop-livestock systems offer promising strategies for sustainable farming. Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture: From Lab to Farm to Table details solutions for mitigating agricultural waste, such as carbon emissions and chemical runoff, and creating a circular economy on mixed farms. In addition to covering potential solutions, the book will analyze the effectiveness of each strategy in protecting the environment from harm. Notable topics covered include manure management, agricultural waste valorization, wastewater and resource recovery, and even dairy cow feed for lowering methane production.While the book is based primarily on the climates and farming systems of Europe, the climactic diversity of the continent will make this a useful resource for many other parts of the world with similar climates, including North America and portions of South America, Asia, and Oceana. Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture: From Lab to Farm to Table offers practical strategies and solutions to readers and will benefit audience members ranging from students and researchers to farmers and agricultural stakeholders.