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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.

  • Coral Reefs

    Their Complexity, Fragility and Future
    • 1st Edition
    • Robert Steneck
    • English
    Coral Reefs: Their Complexity, Fragility and Future offers an introduction to tropical coral reef ecosystems. It explores the combined geological, physical, chemical, and biological factors that make coral reefs among the most diverse and productive systems in the world. To unpack these complex systems, this book outlines the major players that create coral reefs, reconsiders how environmental and human forces shape reefs in the Anthropocene and identifies best practices for sustainable tourism and management of reef systems. Written by a leading expert of tropical reef systems, this book covers the biology, taxonomy, and ecological interactions of dominant reef organisms. Chapters systematically discuss the diversity of corals and the reef communities that they support, the key geological and biological factors driving their development, and critical processes of primary productivity, competition, predation, and herbivory. The book ends with a look to the future of coral reefs considering global change in the Anthropocene. Coral Reefs: Their Complexity, Fragility and Future combines fundamental concepts with novel research advances to explore the forces that shape coral reefs and predict the future of these ecosystems in the coming century. In discussing both the successes and failures of modern conservation efforts, this book offers a roadmap to guide stakeholders and industry leaders in developing policies surrounding the sustainable visitation and conservation of coral reef ecosystems. It is an indispensable resource for the next generation of marine scientists, conservationists, and policymakers concerned with the future of these critical ecosystems.
  • Plant-Induced Systemic Resistance

    Mechanisms and Applications Against Biotic and Abiotic Stressors
    • 1st Edition
    • Sengottayan Senthil-Nathan + 2 more
    • English
    Plant-Induced Systemic Resistance: Mechanisms and Applications Against Biotic and Abiotic Stressors 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.
  • New Trends in Methodological Approaches for Fish Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Ignacio Fernandez Monzón + 1 more
    • English
    New Trends in Methodological Approaches for Fish Biology provides an extensive guide on the novel tools and methodologies that are available to fish biologists across diverse sectors. The book combines a historical overview of each research area with detailed descriptions of emerging cellular and molecular tools. Sections explore recent advances in fish genomics, nutrition, development, reproduction, health, and welfare. Given the breadth of subject matter, this is an essential resource for students, academic researchers, aquaculturists and fisheries biologists, and resource managers alike. Written by a globally diverse team of experts, it is systematically structured for easy navigation by technical and nontechnical audiences. As research in this area is growing exponentially, reflecting the global economic significance of fisheries and aquaculture industries, fish as model research organisms, and aquatic ecosystem health, this book is a welcomed resource.
  • 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.
  • Insect Proteins as Sustainable Food Ingredients

    Nutrition, Processing and Consumer Acceptance
    • 1st Edition
    • Ronghai He
    • English
    In the quest for sustainable food solutions alternative to traditional proteins, insects are emerging as a compelling option. Insect Proteins as Sustainable Food Ingredients: Nutrition, Processing and Consumer Acceptance, explores the nutritional composition of various insect species from around the world such as the black soldier fly, cricket, mealworm and silkworm, and sheds light on their high protein, low-carbon, low emission, sustainable environmental benefits while providing insight into nutrition and health. With consumers more likely to eat processed insect products rather than whole body insects, Insect Proteins as Sustainable Food Ingredients: Nutrition, Processing and Consumer Acceptance, examines insect protein extract as a raw materials and how it can significantly reduce consumers’ negative perception of insects as a food source. Experts in the filed introduce readers to the production and processing of insect protein flours, concentrates, isolates and hydrolysates and highlight the defatting, grinding, purification, drying and extraction technologies for insect proteins to be used for product innovation. Also addressed are flavor and sensory properties and ways to measure consumer acceptance of insect-based products. The book concludes by reviewing potential safety and allergy concerns and provides suggestions on how to establish a food safety regulatory framework.
  • The Vitamins

    Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health
    • 7th Edition
    • Gerald F. Combs Jr. + 1 more
    • English
    The Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health, Seventh Edition presents both overviews and in-depth discussions of the sources, chemistry, metabolism, and functions of these essential nutrients in physiology and health. Further building upon previous editions of this widely used reference text, readers will gain updated information on the inclusion and interpretation of recent clinical research findings relevant to all vitamins, particularly Vitamins A, D, E, K, C, thiamin, folate and Vitamin B12. The latest information on nutritional deficiencies and ecological approaches to dealing with them along with a section on vitamin-drug interactions is also included.Readers will also find a revised table of signs of vitamin deficiencies in humans and animals, updated information on the roles of the gut microbiome in vitamin synthesis and metabolism, increased focus on vitamins as nutritional supplements, increased focus on vitamin stabilities in foods, including processing and cooking losses and a decision tree addressing the question: “Could I benefit from a vitamin supplement?.” At the end of each chapter, case studies, a quiz, and recommended reading list are included.
  • Wood-Water Interactions

    • 1st Edition
    • Samuel L. Zelinka + 3 more
    • English
    Wood-Water Interactions examines wood-water interactions in an intuitive approach to such a highly interdisciplinary topic. While wood-moisture interactions dominate nearly every facet of wood technology and wood use, many wood scientists have only a rudimentary understanding of these interactions as previous books on this topic are opaque and esoteric. Authored by experts in the field, the chapters follow a logical structure as well as case studies and vivid illustrations; the reader is motivated to understand updated information about the interaction of moisture with wood, the effect of changes in water status on the properties of wood raw material, and changes in the mechanical properties of wood during drying and humidification.
  • Plant Powered Probiotics

    Exploring Science and Health Behind Non-Dairy Fermented Beverages
    • 1st Edition
    • Pintu Choudhary + 2 more
    • English
    Plant Powered Probiotics: Exploring Science and Health Behind Non-Dairy Fermented Beverages guides readers through the scientific aspects of fermentation, including detailing microbial roles, health benefits, and quality control. The book compares health advantages to other sources while emphasizing gut health and the importance of pro-and prebiotics for a healthy microbiome. Precision fermentation, strain selection, and optimized production processes are addressed, along with the safety of agro-waste of some common plant-based ingredients. The book concludes with the next generation and emerging trends in non-dairy probiotic beverage formulations.As the demand for foods containing probiotics coupled with an increased desire for dairy alternatives has opened the door for the creation of functional non-dairy beverages that have proven track records for gut and immune health, this book highlights fermentation origins, processes, and novel plant-based ingredients while also exploring health effects and digestive benefits.
  • Cultured Meat Production

    Advances, Challenges and Opportunities
    • 1st Edition
    • Zuhaib F. Bhat + 1 more
    • English
    The ever-expanding human population calls for novel ways to produce protein of sufficient quality and quantity, however finite animal and land resources and increasing environmental concerns are already beginning to limit our capacity to produce an adequate protein supply. Novel technologies now allow for the production of cultured meat and seafood, offering a potentially lower carbon footprint and substantially eliminating animal suffering. Cultured Meat Production: Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities will discuss the existing technologies in this exciting field and the feasibility of the commercial production of fully structured cultured meat and seafood. In addition to covering the latest science, the book examines consumer perception, religious and cultural considerations, and regulatory aspects, such as quality assurance and food safety. The chapters are written by academic and industry experts from around the world at the forefront of this exciting field. Researchers, entrepreneurs, and advanced student audiences who are interested in getting up-to-speed on lab-grown meat won't want to miss this timely book.
  • 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.