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Books in Life sciences

  • Consciousness

    A Comprehensive Reference
    • 2nd Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Antonino Raffone
    • English
    The field of consciousness research has developed over the last decades by interdisciplinary and multi-method investigations, through the integration of theoretical, empirical and clinical studies. Consciousness research is relevant across philosophy, psychology, neurology, cognitive and affective neurosciences, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence, among other disciplines. The implicated research methods include psychophysical, psychophysiological and behavioral methods, subjective reporting (with or without trained introspection), electrophysiology and neuroimaging, the brain lesion method, and computational modelling. Consciousness has also been studied in developmental, lifespan, comparative, and evolutionary perspectives. Insights have also been gained by deficient consciousness (e.g., due to brain lesions) and enhanced awareness (e.g., related to meditation states and traits). Research that once was separate inquiries in discreet disciplines is converging. List serves and conferences focused on consciousness are proliferating. New journals have emerged in this field. A huge number of monographs and edited treatises have recently been published on consciousness, but there is no recognized entry point to the field, no comprehensive summary. This encyclopedia is that reference, from the first edition to the second one. Organized thematically, coverage encompasses a summary of major research and scientific thought regarding the nature of consciousness, the neural circuitry involved, how the brain, body, and world interact, and our understanding of subjective states. The work includes contributions covering neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and artificial intelligence to provide a comprehensive backdrop to recent and ongoing investigations into the nature of conscious experience from a philosophical, psychological, and biological perspective. Sections are: 1. Philosophy and History - Philosophy - History 2. Concepts, methodological principles and theories - Paradigms and Perspectives - Core Concepts - Methodological Principles - Theories 3. Psychology of consciousness - Memory - Action - Emotion - Self - States of Consciousness - Higher Level Cognition - Social Psychology 4. Psychology of consciousness, perception and attention - Perception - Attention 5. Neuroscience of consciousness - Cognitive neuroscience and neurobiology - Neurology
  • Marination

    A Novel Technology to Improve the Quality and Safety of Foods
    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Ioannis Savvaidis + 1 more
    • English
    Marination: A Novel Technology to Improve the Quality and Safety of Foods presents the latest developments in marination as a method of intervention in providing an improvement in food quality and assuring the safety of perishable foods. Composed of 12 chapters, the title covers marination types and their applicability in various food types (fish/seafood, meats, plant-based fresh produce, dairy-based products). Besides presenting existing technologies to improve the quality of foods and extend shelf-life, the book also discusses marination as both a preservation technique and a technology to produce novel foods to consumers.Edited by a team of experts in the field, this book is a unique resource for researchers, scientists and industry personnel interested in natural techniques for preserving food and preventing the growth of food pathogens.
  • Alternatives to Antibiotics for Sustainable Aquaculture

    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Baskaralingam Vaseeharan + 2 more
    • English
    Alternatives to Antibiotics in Sustainable Aquaculture explores issues associated with antimicrobial use and available alternatives to support aquatic animal health. The book unveils the issues related to antimicrobial use and offers alternative approaches to foster a more sustainable global aquaculture industry. These approaches encompass natural-based antibiotic substitutes, antimicrobial peptides, probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, as well as immunostimulants and feed additives. Additionally, chemical alternatives, vaccines, bacteriophages, quorum quenching, and antibiofilm approaches are explored. The future of aquatic animal health is covered through the lens of novel technologies, including genomic and metabolomic approaches, nanotechnology, and nanobubble methods.This book provides insightful knowledge for individuals from both academic and private sectors, as well as policymakers and regulators. The knowledge gathered in this book is intended to positively guide aquaculture supply chains toward a sustainable transformation of the industry.
  • Optimizing the Plant Endosphere for Stress Management

    Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture
    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Sankalp Misra + 2 more
    • English
    Optimizing the Plant Endosphere for Stress Management: Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture presents the latest insights on how plants manage various abiotic and biotic stresses by the interaction between plants and endophytes. The book explores the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying plant-endophyte interactions, the contribution to stress mitigation, the identification of key traits that improve plant resilience, and the potential for using these beneficial endophytes to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By deepening our understanding of these relationships, this book can help bring about innovative strategies that contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security while also confronting environmental challenges.These complex and multifaceted interactions influence plant health, growth, and resilience. Endophytes, primarily bacteria and fungi, inhabit the internal tissues of plants without causing harm. They play vital roles in enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance through various mechanisms including nutrient acquisition, pathogen resistance, and the production of bioactive compounds. As environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and disease become increasingly prevalent due to climate change and agricultural intensification, understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective stress management strategies.
  • 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.
  • The Renaissance in GPCR Research and Drug Discovery

    Receptor Function, Receptor Structure, New Techniques, and Characterization of Drug Activity
    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Terry P. Kenakin
    • English
    The Renaissance in GPCR Research and Drug Discovery: Receptor Function, Receptor Structure, New Techniques, Characterization of Drug Activity, Drug Discovery is a comprehensive reference for pharmacology researchers. It focuses on utilizing novel aspects of GPCR function for therapeutic advantage and applying new chemical types to modify GPCR behavior. Recent advancements have revitalized GPCR discovery, opening unexplored avenues for new drug development. The book's content is meticulously divided into five distinct parts, covering evolutionary perspectives, novel functions, investigative technologies, therapeutic modalities, and a broad range of GPCR ligands.Beyond these key topics, the book delves into the evolution of GPCRs as drug targets, the mechanisms behind their novel functions, and the latest technologies driving research and discovery. It also highlights new and recently approved therapeutic modalities and provides a broad coverage of GPCR ligands. Edited and authored by leading researchers, this book serves as an essential reference for drug discovery researchers and medicinal chemists, as well as AI researchers exploring this drug discovery space.
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors

    The Promise of Natural Products in Cancer Therapeutics
    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan + 1 more
    • English
    Protein Kinase Inhibitors: The Promise of Natural Products in Cancer Therapeutics explores a novel therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment through nutraceutical-based kinase inhibitors. The book covers their historical background, outlook, mechanistic pathways, and clinical aspects, highlighting their relevance in cancer therapy. It also examines the potential of polyphenolic derivatives and other natural compounds in inhibiting key kinases involved in major cancer signaling pathways, focusing on their application in clinical trials and marketed drugs. Sections explore the implications of polyphenols in cancer management, novel sources of breast cancer inhibitors, the role of natural products in lymphoma therapy, and the multitarget potential of phytochemicals. Each chapter is designed to provide a thorough understanding of how natural products can be harnessed to develop innovative cancer therapeutics. It will serve as a valuable resource for academics, scientists, young researchers, students, and pharmacists working or interested in kinase biology and cancer therapeutics with its unique perspective on using nature's own arsenal to combat cancer.
  • Marine Mercury Bioaccumulation

    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Luiz Drude de Lacerda
    • English
    Marine Mercury Bioaccumulation presents state-of-the-art research on mercury bioaccumulation in marine life. Written by leading experts in marine toxicology, this book delivers the latest information on monitoring and modeling mercury biomagnification in key marine taxa. Early chapters introduce the basic biology and ecology of how mercury travels through marine organisms and accumulates within marine food webs. Central chapters discuss the current status and exposure risks of key taxa, including marine vegetation, invertebrates, fishes, mammals, and birds. The book concludes with an assessment of human exposure to mercury through seafood products and novel modeling tools to assess environmental exposure risks and bioaccumulation.User... will find this to be a great resource for a global assessment of mercury contamination in the ocean, including biological resources, monitoring and modeling, current tools, existing research gaps, and suggestions on how to improve our monitoring and policy tools for improved safety of marine life and human consumption. This is an indispensable tool for researchers, resource managers, fisheries stakeholders, and students alike.
  • Smart Healthcare 2.0

    Integrating Digital Twins with AI-Driven Predictive Analytics
    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • Ramesh Chandra Poonia + 1 more
    • English
    Smart Healthcare 2.0: Integrating Digital Twins with AI-Driven Predictive Analytics offers a ground-breaking exploration of how digital twin technology, combined with real-time sensing and predictive analytics, is transforming healthcare delivery. As the global healthcare landscape shifts toward proactive, personalized care, this book addresses the urgent need for comprehensive resources that unify artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and biomedical engineering within the digital twin framework. It provides an essential guide for researchers, engineers, and clinicians aiming to harness virtual patient models and data-driven insights to improve health outcomes and system efficiency in the era of ubiquitous healthcare.This volume covers a wide spectrum of topics, starting with foundational concepts of digital twins in precision health and advancing through smart sensing technologies, scalable system architectures, and AI-powered predictive analytics. Readers will explore detailed discussions on edge-cloud computing, secure communication protocols including blockchain, and simulation platforms that enable virtual patient modeling. The book also addresses critical themes such as chronic disease management, emergency response optimization, ethical AI deployment, interoperability standards, and workforce readiness. Real-world case studies and future-focused chapters on cognitive twins and quantum simulation provide a rich, multidisciplinary perspective. Each chapter is complemented by pedagogical tools and supported by a companion website offering extended resources for teaching and applied research. Researchers and academics will find a consolidated, interdisciplinary framework linking theory with practical healthcare applications, ideal for advancing scholarship and innovation.Biomedica... and clinical engineers gain actionable insights into system design, sensor integration, and clinical validation for building reliable, patient-centered solutions. Healthcare AI engineers and data scientists will benefit from specialized guidance on deploying predictive models, managing multi-sensor data fusion, and ensuring privacy-compliant, real-time analytics. This book empowers stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem to drive the next generation of intelligent, adaptive, and trustworthy digital health systems.
  • Plant-Induced Systemic Resistance

    Mechanisms and Applications Against Biotic and Abiotic Stressors
    • 1st Edition
    • September 1, 2026
    • 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.