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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.

  • Aquatic Food Webs in the Anthropocene

    Impact of Stressors of Emerging Concern
    • 1st Edition
    • Mirco Bundschuh
    • English
    Aquatic Food Webs in the Anthropocene: Impact of Stressors of Emerging Concern addresses a variety of anthropogenic factors and their impacts on aquatic food webs. It provides readers with an overview of cutting-edge research on known and emerging anthropogenic drivers of trophic transfers in aquatic ecosystems, bringing diverse topics together to offer new perspectives on food web dynamics. Each chapter has been written by a leading expert on the pollutant or stressor in question, ensuring global coverage of emerging contaminants, light pollution, pesticides, wastewater, brownification, salinization, changing temperatures, invasive species, and their relative impacts to aquatic food webs. The concluding chapter discusses the applications of emerging research covered in this work, including the potential for effective resource management and restoration of food webs under stress. Aquatic Food Webs in the Anthropocene: Impact of Stressors of Emerging Concern provides a critical reflection on current knowledge of how anthropogenic drivers affect aquatic food webs. It is a unique resource for researchers, academics, and the wider set of stakeholders that deal with aquatic community ecology. This book is an indispensable “go-to” resource for those who would like to develop and refresh their knowledge on aquatic ecology and food web dynamics and drivers.
  • Algae Classification and Species

    • 1st Edition
    • Pau Loke Show + 3 more
    • English
    Algae Classification and Species delivers a detailed overview of freshwater and marine algal diversity. It provides an essential introduction to the study of phycology with broad applications in diverse biological and biotechnological fields. Written and edited by a global team of experts in the field of phycology, this book is organized according to major algal taxa, including green, red, and brown macroalgae, benthic and planktonic algae, blue-green algae, diatoms, cyanobacteria, and microalgae. Chapters are structured to provide readers with a sweeping understanding of the breadth of marine algae, including their principal characteristics, evolution, phylogeny, distribution, preservation, and more.This book is designed to provide a complete, legible review of algal diversity. It is a valuable resource for researchers, biotechnologists, and students interested in developing their understanding of basic algal biology.
  • Starch Conjugates

    Properties and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Aayushi Deepak Kadam + 1 more
    • English
    Starch Conjugates: Properties and Applications a volume in the Applications of Starches in Food and Packaging Series, compiles the latest research findings, methodologies, and case studies of starch conjugates synthesis techniques and applications across different industries, such as Food, Agriculture, Pharmaceutical, and Biomedical Engineering. The book brings detailed analysis and practical insights into the synthesis, characterization, and utilization of starch conjugates, ultimately fostering innovation and an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials, driving advancements in materials science and technology. Practical case studies and real-world examples offer practical guidance to researchers and industry professionals, aiding them in developing and implementing starch conjugate-based solutions. The book also serves as a problem-solving resource for those facing challenges in utilizing starch conjugates, offering strategies, best practices, and expert advice to overcome obstacles and optimize outcomes. With contributions from experts across various disciplines, the book provides an interdisciplinary perspective, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers and professionals from different backgrounds.
  • Non-Native Species

    Understanding the Impacts on Ecosystems and Societies
    • 1st Edition
    • Andrei Alyokhin
    • English
    Presently, virtually no areas on Earth remain sheltered from the arrival and establishment of non-native plants, insects, and animals, in large part due to human activities. Failure to address this issue may have dire consequences, including disruption of vital ecological processes, loss of agricultural, forestry, and fishery resources, and even serious disease epidemics within human populations. At the same time, most non-native species are not invasive, and attempts to eradicate them may themselves result in environmental, economic, and even social damage. Non-Native Species: Understanding the Impacts on Ecosystems and Societies provides a comprehensive introduction to the issues surrounding invasion biology, which is a prominent, but sometimes controversial, area of applied biology. It will cover the mechanisms of natural and human-mediated biological invasions, their consequences from ecological, economic, political, and ethical perspectives, and discuss management options available for prevention and/or mitigation of the negative impacts of invasive species.Written by an entomologist who studies invasive insects and plants and has spent over 20 years teaching a course on biological invasions, Non-Native Species: Understanding the Impacts on Ecosystems and Societies offers anecdotes, insights, and case studies from the author’s own work and research. This book is an ideal reference for early career researchers with an interest in invasion ecology, or an ideal course companion for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels enrolled in courses on invasive species, non-native species, or biological invasions, particularly those who plan to major, minor, or concentrate in entomology.
  • Geomicrobiology of Río Tinto

    A Terrestrial Mars Analogue
    • 1st Edition
    • Ricardo Amils
    • English
    Geomicrobiology of Río Tinto: A Terrestrial Mars Analogue provides the most detailed biological and geological characterizations of one of Earth's best terrestrial Mars analogues. The acidic waters of Río Tinto and the high metal content of its sediments have given rise to a unique biodiversity. Understanding the geochemical and mineralogical conditions that have shaped the evolution of these extremophiles is essential to guiding the selection of sites for meaningful missions to Mars. Edited by a renowned astrobiologist with contributions from global experts with applied experience in Mars exploration missions, this book is systematically structured for a wide audience. Sections delve into the physical characteristics and biological diversity of Río Tinto, its suitability as a terrestrial Mars analogue, and the fundamentals and applications of geomicrobiology. Geomicrobiology of Río Tinto: A Terrestrial Mars Analogue provides its interdisciplinary audiences with the fundamentals to understand the paleontological record of the system, the diversity existing in its water column, the biological activities responsible for its extreme conditions, and their biotechnological applications and relevance to future exploration missions to the red planet. This is an essential read for astrobiologists, aquatic biologists, geomicrobiologists, paleontologists, and biotechnologists alike.
  • Cerebellum Development and Disease

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 167
    • English
    Cerebellum Development and Disease offers a comprehensive overview of the intricate processes underlying the formation, maturation, and function of the cerebellum, as well as the wide spectrum of disorders that can affect this essential brain region. The book brings together leading experts in neurodevelopment, neurobiology, genetics, and clinical neurosciences to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms guiding cerebellar development, from embryogenesis to adulthood.
  • Sustainable Cropping Systems Under a Changing Climate

    • 1st Edition
    • Mukhtar Ahmed
    • English
    Sustainable Cropping Systems Under a Changing Climate explores how climate change is reshaping agriculture and highlights the urgent need for resilient, adaptive, and sustainable farming practices. As extreme weather, rising temperatures, and resource pressures threaten food security, this volume offers practical pathways to transform agricultural systems.Bringing together leading research, real-world case studies, and innovative strategies, this book addresses vulnerabilities and opportunities in modern farming. It covers sustainability principles, climate-smart practices, and the roles of soil health, biodiversity, conservation agriculture, organic farming, agroforestry, regenerative approaches, and plant–microbe interactions in enhancing resilience. Special focus is given to intensive systems such as rice–wheat and rainfed agriculture, particularly in the Global South.With an interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on both scientific evidence and practical application, this volume bridges a critical gap by supporting informed decision-making at farm, institutional, and policy levels. It is a timely resource for researchers, agronomists, extension professionals, and others seeking to future-proof agriculture through nature-based and technological solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation.
  • Fruit Seeds and Peels for Sustainable Biomaterials

    • 1st Edition
    • Sneh Punia Bangar + 1 more
    • English
    Fruit Seeds and Peels for Sustainable Biomaterials covers how to use fruit and vegetable waste to produce bioplastics, which are environmentally-frie... alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics. The book offers promising opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of the packaging industry while promoting recyclability, sustainability, and a circular economy. Chapters encompass different methods of waste valorization, providing a compilation of global research investigations regarding different fruit processing waste. The book showcases how to use these products in packaging applications to give food professionals and society improved, green, sustainable packaging as a suitable replacement for plastic polymers. The book gives readers comprehensive insights into the potential of fruit seeds as a sustainable source of biomaterials, offering valuable scientific information on the concept of technologies and knowledge on the utilization of bio-based materials in food preservation that can help them minimize the use of traditional non-biodegradable plastic packaging materials.
  • Plant Proteins

    Nutritional Aspects and Processing Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Nisar Ahmad Mir + 1 more
    • English
    Plant Proteins: Nutritional Aspects and Processing Applications covers various methods used to extract and purify plant proteins for nutrition, health, and new product development. The book identifies techniques and modifications such as fermentation, radiation, and ball-milling to characterize plant protein structure and functionality. Readers will learn how each method serves a different purpose in enhancing flavor, texture, and/or shelf-life. A special focus on plant-based meat is discussed, along with insights on how plant-based proteins effect digestive wellness and the microbiome. Additional sections address the nano-reduction of plant-based proteins and their role in the delivery of different bioactive compounds and health benefits.
  • Innovations in the Blue Economy

    Sustainable Practices in Marine Macro- and Microalgae Cultivation
    • 1st Edition
    • José Carlos Magalhães Pires
    • English
    Innovations in the Blue Economy: Sustainable Practices in Marine Macro- and Microalgae Cultivation explores the latest technologies, advancements, and ongoing research surrounding the sustainable cultivation of microalgae and seaweed. Cultivation strategies, challenges, applications, products, and regulatory considerations are covered through an interdisciplinary lens to provide readers with a holistic understanding. Written by a globally diverse network of experts, the book is systematically structured to be accessible to readers across multiple sectors. Chapters describe the biology, diversity, and vital ecological roles of various microalgal and seaweed species and explore differing cultivation systems, emphasizing the critical aspects of site selection and ecosystem compatibility. Cultivation strategies are also described and illustrated through applied case studies that showcase successful large-scale cultivation initiatives. Final chapters consider regulatory landscapes and multifaceted hurdles to sustainable industry scale-up and provide innovative solutions and research gaps for industry consideration. This is an essential read for algal aquaculturists, bioengineers, and students of marine biology and biotechnology.