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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.

  • Plant Polyphenols in the Food and Cosmetic Industries

    Extraction and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • José Manuel Lorenzo
    • English
    Plant Polyphenols in the Food and Cosmetic Industries: Extraction and Applications explores the use of polyphenols in food and cosmetics. Broken into three parts, the book begins with coverage of extraction and purification processes before delving into specific food and cosmetic applications. Plant Polyphenols in the Food and Cosmetic Industries: Extraction and Applications provides nutrition researchers, food scientists, and plant scientists an opportunity to better understand the use of polyphenols in their industries.
  • Meat Preservation and Packaging Techniques

    • 1st Edition
    • Lin Lin
    • English
    Meat Preservation and Packaging Techniques covers a range of conventional and state-of-the-art techniques for preservation of meat and meat products to reduce spoilage and waste. Packaging, which plays a key role in preservation, is covered in-depth, including novel intelligent meat packaging materials, such as biopolymer-based edible coating and films. This interdisciplinary work will cover food quality assurance, safety, shelf-life extension, nanotechnologies, nano and biomaterials, and more. Written and edited by experts at the forefront of this field and its technology, this book is a key resource for researchers in both industry and academic settings.
  • Evaluating Oral Probiotics and Prebiotics

    • 1st Edition
    • Amir M. Mortazavian + 2 more
    • English
    Evaluating Oral Probiotics and Prebiotics reviews emerging applications of new probiotic strains, postbiotics, and production of key synbiotic generations. The book discusses successes and failures of viable probiotic ingestion, new trends and strains including genetically engineered probiotics, assessment of nonviable probiotics (postbiotics) and microflora benefits of prebiotic and synbiotic ingestion over probiotics.
  • The Triumph of Biology's Model Organisms

    How Flies, Mice, and Slime Molds Became Teachers of Biology
    • 1st Edition
    • Joseph Travis
    • English
    The Triumph of Biology's Model Organisms: How Flies, Mice, and Slime Molds Became Teachers of Biology provides an exploration on how seemingly ordinary organisms—flies, mice, slime molds, and more—have become central to scientific discovery. The book addresses the need to connect the stories of these organisms to broad advances in fundamental and biomedical science, providing readers with an appreciation for how curiosity-driven research translates into practical outcomes. Spanning a diverse array of species, it examines 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. This book equips advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and historical significance of model organisms.
  • Cadmium Contamination in Soils and Plants

    Mechanisms and Mitigation
    • 1st Edition
    • 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.
  • Starches in Smart Packaging

    • 1st Edition
    • Swarup Roy + 1 more
    • English
    Starches in Smart Packaging explores the innovative use of biodegradable, starch-based polymers in developing sustainable packaging solutions. Derived from natural resources such as maize, rice, and tubers, starch is a non-toxic, eco-friendly material with great potential to replace conventional plastics. This book addresses the growing need for environmentally responsible packaging by covering research from laboratory studies to industrial applications, focusing on smart packaging for food preservation, quality monitoring, and active packaging functionalities. The content includes detailed discussions on starch extraction processes, fabrication techniques, and methods to enhance properties like barrier, thermal, and mechanical performance. It also examines the incorporation of bioactives, nanomaterials, natural colorants, and cross-linkers to create advanced packaging materials. The book highlights applications in extending shelf life, monitoring food freshness, and ensuring safety, alongside considerations for large-scale production, biodegradability, and sustainability. Additionally, it discusses regulatory frameworks, consumer acceptance, and future challenges in the field. Designed for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers, Starches in Smart Packaging provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements, environmental benefits, and potential hurdles. It is an essential resource for promoting eco-friendly, innovative packaging solutions aligned with sustainability goals.
  • Medicinal Plant Biotechnology for Ameliorated Secondary Metabolite Production

    • 1st Edition
    • Saikat Gantait + 3 more
    • English
    Medicinal Plant Biotechnology for Ameliorated Secondary Metabolite Production delivers a cutting-edge perspective on how biotechnology is reshaping the way medicinal plants are studied and utilized. By integrating advanced molecular techniques, precision genetic tools, bioprocessing strategies, and analytical platforms, this volume addresses the critical challenge of enhancing the biosynthesis and optimization of high-value bioactive compounds.The book moves beyond technical innovation to emphasize its role in meeting global demand for plant-derived therapeutics while ensuring ecological balance. It highlights how advancements can drive sustainability, reduce reliance on synthetic alternatives, and open new pathways to ensure the long-term viability of plant genetic material and biodiversity preservation. This future-oriented approach makes the volume not just a specialized reference, but a strategic guide for shaping the next generation of plant-based functional solutions.Part of the Medicinal and Industrial Plants and Products series, this state-of-the-art resource boasts a holistic approach with relevance across stakeholders in academic and industrial contexts seeking practical insights that can be adapted to diverse plant species and scaled for real-world industrial and commercial uses.
  • Precision Technologies for Digital Agriculture

    Harnessing IoT, Big Data, Crop Modeling, and AI for Agricultural Production
    • 1st Edition
    • Sushil Kumar Himanshu + 2 more
    • English
    Precision Technologies for Digital Agriculture investigates the growing role of computational and connected approaches in contemporary agricultural environments, bringing together recent findings in artificial intelligence, sensing infrastructures, agroecosystem modeling, and data analytics to illustrate decisive shifts toward more accurate, forward-looking, and responsive decision-making.Earl... chapters set out the theoretical and technical underpinnings of digital and precision agriculture, addressing automation, data stewardship, privacy, and the development of dependable AI‑based tools. These foundations support a detailed overview of key technological building blocks, including remote and proximal sensing, geospatial platforms, machine vision, digital twins, and the Internet of Living Things, with emphasis on their contribution to integrated system management and optimized resource allocation.Later sections concentrate on applied methods across field operations. Topics include climate‑adaptive, smart irrigation, soil and microbial diagnostics, UAV‑enabled monitoring, and algorithmic frameworks to yield estimation and nutrient regulation. Across these chapters, attention is given to both implementation constraints and enabling factors, including interoperability, data security, and scalability.The volume concludes with regionally grounded case studies and economic assessments that explore adoption strategies, governance arrangements, and cost–benefit considerations across diverse crops and production settings. Together, these cutting-edge analyses provide a structured assessment of how digital technologies are being translated into transformative agricultural practice, and of the contextual conditions under which their effective use can be fully realized.
  • Harvesting the Sea

    Unveiling Marine Bioresources for Functional Foods and Human Health Enhancement
    • 1st Edition
    • Thilina Uduwaka Jayawardena + 2 more
    • English
    Harvesting the Sea: Unveiling Marine Bioresources for Functional Foods and Human Health Enhancement explores the remarkable potential hidden within the depths of our oceans. Encompassing over two-thirds of the Earth's surface, the marine ecosystem possesses an astonishing array of biodiversity and contains a trove of bioactive compounds that can revolutionize human health and wellbeing. In a world where functional foods are gaining prominence for their ability to provide targeted health benefits, this book delves into the untapped potential of marine bioresources and reveals the captivating journey of their discovery, sustainable utilization, and prospects. Written by a global team of experts, this book underscores the pressing need for innovative solutions in nutrition and healthcare. Modern lifestyles, stress, and the rise of chronic diseases demand a shift toward functional foods that promote well-being and disease prevention. Organized by marine bioresources, nutritional and bioactive compounds, functional food types, and therapeutic properties, chapters highlight the potential of marine-derived bioactive compounds and offer insights into their integration into functional foods. Through a meticulously researched exploration, readers are invited to understand how these compounds can contribute to a more vibrant and fulfilling life. With its interdisciplinary approach, Harvesting the Sea: Unveiling Marine Bioresources for Functional Foods and Human Health Enhancement is a valuable resource for nutritionists, food scientists, biotechnologists, researchers, and anyone intrigued by the profound relationship between our oceans and human health. As a bridge between conventional foods and dietary supplements, this book illuminates the path toward a healthier, more functional future through the wonders of marine bioresources.
  • 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.