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For over forty years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been scrutinized and studied, garnering much attention due to their broad therapeutic efficacy. In this essential book, leaders in the field were assembled to contribute detailed methodologies for the isolation and characterization of human and rodent MSCs. Cutting edge and easy to use, this book is the perfect resource for scientists attempting to pursue this important and ever-developing field of research.

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For volume 1 alone:

A gold-standard collection of readily reproducible techniques for the molecular and genetic analysis of germ cells in a variety of different reproductive systems. Volume 1: Sperm and Oocyte Analysis focuses on sperm cells, oocyte analysis, oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preparation techniques. Highlights include in vitro maturation and fertilization of human, porcine, and canine oocytes; the cryopreservation of sperm cells; establishment of an in vitro spermatogenesis system; visualization of sperm accessory structures; and motility assays of stallion spermatozoa. Each readily reproducible protocol is described in step-by-step detail and contains an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

For both volumes:

A gold-standard collection of readily reproducible techniques for the molecular and genetic analysis of germ cells in a variety of different reproductive systems. The methods cover sperm and egg activation, motility, fertilization, nuclear development, nuclear cloning, the molecular characterization of specific events, and the imaging of cell structures. Volume 1: Sperm and Oocyte Analysis focuses on sperm cells, oocyte analysis, oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preparation techniques. Volume 2: Molecular Embryo Analysis, Live Imaging, Transgenesis, and Cloning contains methods for molecular egg analysis, live egg imaging, nuclear cloning, oocyte preservation, and nuclear transfer.
Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Germ Cell Protocols offers both novice and established researchers a gold-standard collection of hard-to-find methods of high impact research, diverse procedures that are easy-to-follow, well-illustrated, and allow a cross-species transfer of knowledge from lower vertebrates to higher mammalian systems.
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Highly experienced researchers describe in step-by-step detail methods that have proven most useful in delivering genes to mammalian cells. Volume 2: Viral Gene Transfer Techniques, details procedures for delivering genes to cells in vitro and in vivo, including the use of lentiviral vectors. An accompanying volume, Volume 1: Nonviral Gene Transfer Techniques focuses on gene delivery by a variety of chemical and physical methods, including ultrasound, biolistics, peptides, PNA clamps, liposomes, microinjection, electroporation, particle bombardment, dendrimers, and hydrodynamics. ... Read more

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When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core biology concepts -- from cellular functions, genetics, and evolution to anatomy, ecology, and reproduction -- and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase -- and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Brief and out dated
This little biology book was good a few years ago; now the information is out dated for current tests.It is also too brief for use as a study guide alone.Time to but this one in the archives.

pretty decent
I used this book to study for the Praxis Biology Content Knowledge test. This is a good little book in many respects. It explains some things well and acts as a nice guide to jog your memory and/or point out what you need to review. Unfortunately, it explains a lot of things rather poorly and lacks a lot of diagrams and flow-charts that would make concepts easier to understand. I had to go back to my class notes for those.

Excellent for Praxis Biology exam study
I disagree with the prior comment; this QuickReview was terrific preparation for the Praxis Biology exams.It will not teach you biology -- presumably that was learned elsewhere and why it is called a "review" -- but it is a great refresher, and it is hard to imagine not passing the exams if you understand what is written here.Four stars because it needs to be updated; the human genome was not yet sequenced when this was published nine years ago. Also some updated taxonomic classifications are needed.The only other thing that might be helpful for the exam would be the flash cards but I did not try them.

Not a bad deal
I bought this book to prepare for the Praxis exam. I found that after reading through it twice and doing all of the review questions I acquired a fairly deep grasp of the basics. I supplemented it with readings from Kimballs Biology pages on the web. Although I have yet to learn whether I passed or failed, I feel that I did the best I could by buying this book and studying it though roughly. Like chicken soup for a fever, it doesn't hurt.

Good general over view; lacks details.
I must agree with some of the other reviews -- this text is good for someone who wants a refresher or who only needs to know some basic biology.However, I purchased it to study for the PRAXIS II Biology Content Knowledge exam.While it covered some of the topics that actually appeared on the exam, it was no where near in depth to the extent necessary for the exam. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy this, I'm just saying you shouldn't rely solely on this book to get you through (either for the Praxis OR a bio class).I thought the book was especially limited in its description of photosynthesis and the Calvin cycle. Additionally, the practice problems do not come with explanations - just an answer key.I find that I learn more when a guide explains why answers are correct or incorrect. ... Read more

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By using an issues-oriented approach, Volume 1 ? Cell Biology and Genetics from The Unity and Diversity of Life, 12e grabs student interest with real-life issues that hit home. This text includes new coverage and pedagogy that encourages students to think critically about hot-button issues and includes outstanding new features that take students beyond memorization and encourage them to ask questions in new ways as they learn to interpret data. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Used for Class
I can't say that I was particularly intrigued but needed this book for a class.It served its purpose.

too many typos, bad editing
Book has good information, but there are too many typos, and definitions can be vague at times.Typos make it hard to read in some parts.Text often refers to figures or diagrams that have no relevance to the context, which makes it confusing and frustrating.Probably not the authors fault, but the editing is horrible. ... Read more

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Since the word microscopy was coined in 1656, the evolution of the instrument has had a long and convoluted history. Plagued with problems of chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and challenges with illumination and resolution, the microscope’s technical progression happened in a series of fits and starts until the late 19th century. After Ernst Abbe perfected the “how” of lens design, achieving the theoretical limit imposed by wavelength, there came a revolution in subject matter or “what” could be studied by microscope.
Covering the entire field of microscopy, Optical Imaging Techniques in Cell Biology provides an overview of the technical evolution of the microscope and explains how the basics of optical microscopy led to the most advanced techniques employed today. The author addresses a vast array of topics including optical contrasting techniques, fluorescence, confocal versus widefield microscopes, lasers as a light source, and digital imaging, as well as the correction of aberrations that might arise. Building on this foundation, he then examines more advanced techniques such as quantitative fluorescence, fluorescence resonant energy, three-dimensional imaging, high-speed confocal microscopy, non-linear microscopy, and stimulated emission depletion.
Delivering a truly comprehensive work encompassing the scope and breadth of the field, the author brings a new level of understanding to the student, technician, researcher, or investigator working in the fascinating realm of optical microscopy. ... Read more

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Great Biological Imaging Overview
This is a very nicely written overview of biological imaging techniques.Explanations on a few of the topics are a bit overly technical but all in all, the writing is straightforward and clear.A good option for biologists in college and beyond. ... Read more

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"This volume contains succinct, yet clear, descriptions of each of these topics and is best suited for readers who are delving into these concepts for the first time." -The Quarterly Review of Biology, 2009

This textbook provides an ideal introduction to computational cell biology for students of biology and bioinformatics. In particular the text focuses on a network-based approach to the study of cellular systems. Almost 30 carefully designed study exercises offer excellent support for those preparing for exams in these subjects, and help introduce the more technical aspects of the topic while keeping maths to a minimum. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book!
This book provides a very nice comprehensive overview of computational systems biology. Most of the state of the art computational techniques are covered by the book. It is a must read book for any new student who wants to do research in computational analysis of biological networks. ... Read more

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In Silico introduces Maya programming into one of the most fascinating application areas of 3D graphics: biological visualization. In five building-block tutorials, this book prepares animators to work with visualization problems in cell biology. The book assumes no deep knowledge of cell biology nor 3D graphics programming. An accompanying DVD-ROM includes code derived from the tutorials, the working Maya computer files, and sample animated movies. The interior of the book contains generous Maya screen captures, tables, and flowcharts to compliment the instruction and tutorials. Full 4 color illustrations rendered from the authors' working files illustrate the capacity to produce striking pictures from the rendered models being created. Throughout the text, key words are set in bold type and subsequently defined in a glossary. Page margin tips and tricks compliment the adjacent copy, and icons direct the reader to specific references within the Maya Help library. The visualizations in the book are stunning examples of the state of the art.

*Teaches artists and scientists to create realistic digital images of humans and nature with popular CG program, Maya

*This self-contained study guide includes background, foundations, and practice

*Step-by-step example programs and end-result demonstrations help readers develop thie own portfolios

*Gorgeous four color screen shots throughout ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent resource
Firstly, let's talk about the structure of the book. This book is broken into three sections:

PART 1 is an introduction to the evolution of computing and how CG has been used for medical simulations and scientific visualizations. It contains three chapters that discuss how hardware and software are progressing over the years in respect of technology. So, this first part of the book is a bit overwhelming on theory. Those who are familiar with CG concepts and terms might see interesting to skip this part.

PART 2 is a Maya crash course. Well, not so "crash" if you consider this is a ten chapters walk. It goes from Maya Interface through Dynamics ending up with two great MEL scripting chapters. Maya users may want to skip this part. However, I consider the two chapters on MEL scripting valuable even for those who are already Maya/MEL users.

PART 3 is the heart of the book. However, it is a rock-solid one. This part contains five project-based chapters. If you are an experienced Maya and MEL user, so you are at one of the most interesting playgrounds you could be. If you are not experienced with Maya/MEL, I suggest you to go back to PART 2 and consider reading it. These five projects/tutorials will make you dive deep into the world of MEL scripting. And believe me: it's rewarding.

This is not a book for the casual 3D modeler and animator. This one is for those really interested in how Maya and MEL can be used to generate 3D animations and simulations for the biology and medical fields. Almost every picture inside this book is related with biomedical applications.

Those looking for learning Maya, this book really brings a pretty descent foundation course on this software. Those looking for learning MEL, this book is a must buy. Just please keep in mind that every example and exercise is targeted to cell biology and its related fields.

Best regards,
Chris.

this book will get you thinking
Overall I think this book is a decent addition to anyone looking at science visualization if you have a good knowledge of Maya already.
The book is broken into two sections. The first half of the book is really just an intro to maya. If you need this info, then the second half will completely blow you out of the water. I found the second half to be fairly engaging- it is really an exercise in MEL scripting - and a good one.
I think the book could give a more general overview of sci-viz, and not get into specifics so much.
This book is not for the casual Maya user. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Clear, concise, interesting...
The Cell: Evolution of the First Organism by Joseph Panno, Ph.D., offers an excellent, concise and interesting introduction on the cell and its evolution. Panno opens with a brief overview of theories related to life's origin, then moves to prokaryotes and how they laid a foundation for eukaryotes. Next, he offers an examination of the cell cycle, followed by genes, multicellular organisms, and neurons. Panno does a stellar job of communicating a complex subject clearly (better than many texts as I see it) and sans oversimplification. The black-and-white graphics and glossary are exemplary and useful to the student.
This is my first experience with Panno and the publisher Facts On File, Inc. I am most intrigued. Highly recommended.
The book professes to be targeted at high school or first-year biology students. As I see it, those students would be serious. While it may not be enough for someone with a good deal of biology education, it is excellent orientation for newcomers.
Another wonderful book that offers more of a prose take on biology and is very rich in a wholly different way is The Epic History of Biology by Anthony Serafini. ... Read more

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As a modern composite scientific discipline, Cell Biology has expanded and moved forward rapidly in recent years. Cell Biologists now require a wide range of techniques, including those of analytical biochemistry and microscopy in all its diverse forms. These are often used alongside the techniques of molecular biology and molecular genetics. This book contains numerous useful protocols, covering light and electron microscopy, cell culture, cell separation, subcellular fractionation, organelle and membrane isolation, and the use of in vitro reassembly systems in Cell Biology. Many of these protocols feature helpful notes and safety information for practical application. The format favours easy use at the bench with space for notes and important safety information. An appendix contains essential analytical information that will prove invaluable to those working on all aspects of cell biology.

This book will be of interest to students and more experienced cell biologists, as well as molecular biologists and those working in genomics and proteomics who are looking for cellular techniques to validate their findings within intact cells. ... Read more

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Between 1940 and 1970, pioneers in the new field of cell biology discovered the operative parts of cells and their contributions to cell life. Cell biology was a revolutionary science in its own right, but in this book, it also provides fuel for yet another revolution, one that focuses on the very conception of science itself. Laws have traditionally been regarded as the primary vehicle of explanation, but in the emerging philosophy of science it is mechanisms that do the explanatory work. William Bechtel emphasizes how mechanisms were discovered by cell biologists. ... Read more

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Providing condensed descriptions of more than 500 methods compiled from Current Protocols in Cell Biology, this text thoroughly explores cell biology in an easily accessible, hands-on format. Short Protocols in Cell Biology is an authoritative and indispensable guide for all life scientists and researchers who are looking to improve their understanding of cell biology methods.

Key Features:

• Designed to provide quick access to step-by-step instructions for the essential methods used in every major area of cell biological research
• Contains methods from every aspect of cell biology—everything needed to study the basic structure and functions of cells at both the molecular and cellular levels

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“... This book provides the essentials in a simple and easy to understand way, suitable for use as a primer for researchers new to this highly studied microbe, especially if coming to yeast from another organism... very well referenced, providing both classic seminal studies as well as more recent publications, making it a useful text for those starting out in the field...” – Phenotype, 2010

Yeast is one of the oldest domesticated organisms and has both industrial and domestic applications. In addition, it is very widely used as a eukaryotic model organism in biological research and has offered valuable knowledge of genetics and basic cellular processes. In fact, studies in yeast have offered insight in mechanisms underlying ageing and diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons and cancer. Yeast is also widely used in the lab as a tool for many technologies such as two-hybrid analysis, high throughput protein purification and localization and gene expression profiling. The broad range of uses and applications of this organism undoubtedly shows that it is invalubale in research, technology and industry.

This book is an up-to date resource providing a comprehensive account of yeast biology and its use as a tool and model organism for understanding cellular and molecular processes of eukaryotes. Topics covered range from the fundamentals of yeast biology such as cell structure, biochemistry, genetics and signaling, to current approaches and applications such as metabolomics, disease models and uses in biotechnology.  Written by a top expert in the field, this book offers an invaluable companion to beginners and experts in yeast research. ... Read more

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Navigating safely through a wealth of genome, protein and metabolite information, as well as a host of information processing tools, without getting lost is crucial for successful research in – and teaching of - molecular biology.

This concise, easy-to-follow textbook/guide serves as a valuable introduction to contemporary cell biology for readers and offers insight into the key research directions in the field. It begins with an overview of existing tools for finding, designing and investigating metabolic, genetic, signalling and other network databases. This practical guide then introduces Cell Illustrator, a software tool for biological pathway modelling and simulation, developed by the authors. In-depth discussion reveals how this tool can be used for creating, analysing and simulating biological models, thereby explicating and testing current understanding of basic biological processes. Readers do not require prior knowledge of differential equations or programming.

Features:

• Provides many helpful learning aids, such as detailed examples throughout, and exercises and solutions

• Designed and structured to be part of a semester-long course

• Discusses the computational functionalities required for Systems Biology

• Addresses practical issues surrounding software tools

• Introduces the current big bio-databases such as TRANSPATH^® by Biobase, and explains why and how they can be used to develop and support systems biology research

• Includes a CDrom containing Cell Illustrator that allows readers to create highly complex pathways and simulations

• Explains important pathway databases and software tools, together with their related concepts

• Guides the reader to model pathways in a step-by-step and clear manner

• Contains a Foreword written by Professor Andreas Dress, Director CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Written for undergraduates, this reader-friendly introduction to the field of Systems Biology offers insight and teaches sound expertise in the subject. It will also prove valuable to graduate students and professionals wishing to develop and support their systems-biology research.

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Children look within a cell's nucleus and learn about the double-helix structure of DNA, as they learn how cells communicate with other cells, form living tissues, make fresh cells, and build into the organs and organisms that all living beings consist of, according to their gene patterns. Cartoon-style, full-color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Teaches & Helps!
This book is GREAT.I'm Elizabeth Cox, a seventh grader at Alvarado Middle School and had to do a comic strip on protein synthesis.It realy helped me think of creative ways to show what I had learned!And to topthat off, I got an A on the project ... Read more

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According to David Jubb, who has done the breakthrough work in this realm, life extension and health optimization require protein and antioxidant synthesis. Colloids of life and lifecolloids (spores), he says, are the real primordial building blocks of life, not the body cells. These colloids comprise the body's flora, whose vitality is crucial in creating sustained good health and long life. Jubb's Cell Rejuvenation focuses on how to optimize this bio-terrain, giving readers solid information about the science and techniques for reclaiming that inner terrain in relationship to protein and antioxidant synthesis. In a world of health practitioners who talk only in terms of disease, Dr. Jubb's focus is on the forces that allow health to flourish. This work represents a nontoxic, natural approach that gently creates a symbiotic relationship among body functions that contributes to overall health. Chronic fatigue, digestive insufficiency, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune challenge are all demystified in this important work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Is your mind open to new truths?If so venture into this book...
Good combination of practical and theoretical.The topic of health is of course quite contentious, but from my (good) personal experience with Jubb, his perspective and methods - and I can say that you owe it to yourself to read this book.

From Urine Drinking to Enemas
Urine drinking and enemas (just to mention a few parts of the book) have been around for a long time but Jubbs uses cutting edge research to help us understand exactly why practices like these are so critical to restoring our bodies' full health. My only disappointments are he spends alot of time talking about what foods are bad but not enough on which ones are good. I assume his others books have that info. And there is no explanation on how he reportedly lives on tea and honey (far less than the 2,000 calories a day doctors say we need to maintain ourselves)

Awsome book
If you are interested in pleomorphic theory of disease with an inclination to natural medicine, this is what is all about. Excellent book except from the part about urine therapy (drinking, bathing and injecting urine) disgusting.

Medicine of the future starts right here !!
It's about time for everyone to tune into what is really happening at the quantum level !This book is the best if you want to understand colloidal electronics and the miracle that is within our bodies !Terrain optimization and the science behind life (live) food cleansing is where true healing takes place.Sure, this is not a quick read by any means ! This profound information is so compelling and fascinating and where medicine needs to/and will go... when enough people realize how poisoned and practically dead inside they really are.I love this guy and his wife Annie; wish I had been more aware of their knowledge in my early days!This is another strangely kept secret that needs to be exposed. Check out their other books, Secret of an Alkaline Body and LifeFood Recipes.Just think what our world would be like if allopathic doctors were trained with this information !I read this over and over and learn more each time.. thank you for taking the time to explain this to us.

Welcome to the secrets of the Universe
I definitely agree with the previous review. The book is scientific and very technical, however David was compelled to explain things as they are, and not to "dumb things down". A book like this usually takes time to fully comprehend, and invites the reader to research more, even if it's starting with finding out the definitions of the terms used.

I HIGHLY recommend this book above any other book in the health/nutrition/cleansing field. Dr. Jubb has spent decades summarizing the most advanced information about the human body.

Cell Rejuvenation is a must read for anyone wanting to be on the cutting-edge of Health and Biology. It is a life changing book. ... Read more

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Plant Cell Biology is a semester long course for undergraduates and graduate students which integrates mathematics and physics, two years of chemistry, genetics, biochemistry and evolution disciplines. Having taught this course for over ten years, the author uses his expertise to relate the background established in plant anatomy, plant physiology, plant growth and development, plant taxonomy, plant biochemistry, and plant molecular biology courses to plant cell biology. This integration attempts to break down the barrier so plant cell biology is seen as an entrée into higher science.

Distinguishing this book from papers that are often used for teaching the subject which use a single plant to demonstrate the techniques of molecular biology, this book covers all aspects of plant cell biology without emphasizing any one plant, organelle, molecule, or technique. Although most examples are biased towards plants, basic similarities between all living eukaryotic cells (animal and plant) are recognized and used to best illustrate for students cell processes.

•  Thoroughly explains the physiological underpinnings of biological processes to bring original insight related to plants


• Includes examples throughout from physics, chemistry, geology, and biology to bring understanding to plant cell development, growth, chemistry and diseases


• Provides the essential tools for students to be able to evaluate and assess the mechanisms involved in cell growth, chromosome motion, membrane trafficking, and energy exchange


• Companion Web site provides support for all plant cell biology courses