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This is a wide ranging and deeply learned examination of evolutionary developmental biology, and the foundations of life from the perspective of information theory. Hermeneutics was a method developed in the humanities to achieve understanding, in a given context, of texts, history, and artwork. In Readers of the Book of Life, the author shows that living beings are also hermeneutical interpreters of genetics texts saved in DNA; an interpretation based on the past experience of the cell (cell lineage, species), confronted with and incorporating present environmental clues. This approach stresses the history, not only of the digital record saved in the DNA, but also of the flesh - the cellular organization which has a direct time-continuity with the very origins of life.This book is aimed at reconciling two opposite approaches to life. The first strictly sticking to a belief that all phenomena observed in the realm of the living can be explained from laws of physics. The opposite stressing the importance of features characteristic for a given level of description. To bring both views into a common understanding, the first part gives a comparison of the two problem solving strategies. The second part surveys the development of 20th century biology, bringing to light branches that never became part of the research mainstream. The third section of the book reviews a large body of recent evidence that can be interpreted in favor of the hermeneutic arguments. ... Read more

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Due to its prolific reproduction and the external development of the transparent embryo, the zebrafish is the prime model for genetic and developmental studies, as well as research in genomics.While genetically distant from humans, nonetheless the vertebrate zebrafish has comparable organs and tissues which make it the model organism for study of vertebrate development.This book will provide overview of commonly used methods and a comprehensive collection of protocols describing the most powerful techniques. The methods and techniques in this volume were chosen by the editors of Methods in Cell Biology, whose goal was to provide fail-safe methods, tips, and "tricks of the trade" to experienced researchers and more junior members in the lab.

* Provides busy researchers a quick reference for time-tested methods and protocols that really work.
* Includes "quick tips and tricks" for each method.
* Provides pragmatic wisdom to the non-specialist from experts in the field with years of experience with trial and error. ... Read more

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Developmental Biology has been revolutionized by the flood of methods and insights from molecular biology and genetics, as well as a resurgence of interest in developmental pathways and fields. This concise, readable, and splendidly illustrated textbook describes the organizational, cellular, biochemical and molecular processes by which a fertilized egg is transformed in an adult animal. The book is noteworthy for its treatment of development in model organisms, whose contributions to modern biology were recognized in the 1995 Nobel Prize for physiology and medicine. The reader will also find overviews of major themes such as fertilization, developmental genetics, and sexual development. An outstanding feature of Developmental Biology is a wealth of exceptionally clear and vivid illustrations that complement the text, resulting in a succinct yet fully up-to-date treatment of this rapidly changing field. ... Read more

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Designed for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, A Practical Guide to Developmental Biology provides a solid foundation in classic developmental biology and modern techniques in immunohistochemistry and homeobox gene expression. It also covers plant development, allowing students to see the differences and commonalities among animal and plant life. In addition, the book includes a wide variety of organisms-not only the most popular ones-making it an ideal companion for Wolpert: The Principles of Development, 2/e or other texts in developmental biology. ... Read more

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This description of a model system for cell differentiation and organogenesis is written by one of the foremost researchers in the area. The main emphasis is on the mammalian kidney, but the book also deals with the development of the transien excretory organs. It includes discussions of induction, proliferation, early cytodifferentiation and morphogenesis and organogenesis. This authoritative account will be valuable to developmental biologists and also to scientists working in paediatric nephrology. As it gives the background of normal development and of control systems, it will also be of use to nephrologists working on abnormalities in the urinary tract. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a classic
This wonderful book is still referenced in almost every scientific paper published on kidney development some 15 years after it was written. The subject matter is essential background reading for anyone interested in induction of the kidney. Due to the timeless nature of the experiments described and the fundamental insights into organogenesis that they provide this will probably hold true in another 15 years. There are few scientific texts that one can read from cover to cover without becoming distracted, saturated or simply bored but this is an exception. The writing is extremely lucid and while addressing all key points remains concise and interesting throughout.

The best source for mammalian kidney development
Excellent text covering nephrogenesis: in vivo and transfilter culture. Includes useful illustrations, photos of phase, brightfield and electron microscopy, lectin and antibody fluorescence staining and experimentaldata. Only downside: 1987 edition begging for update. ... Read more

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Evolutionary developmental biology, or 'evo-devo', is the study of the relationship between evolution and development. Dealing specifically with the generative mechanisms of organismal form, evo-devo goes straight to the core of the developmental origin of variation, the raw material on which natural selection (and random drift) can work. Evolving Pathways responds to the growing volume of data in this field, and its potential to answer fundamental questions in biology, by bringing together contributions that represent a diversity of approaches. Topics range from developmental genetics to comparative morphology of animals and plants alike, and also include botany and palaeontology, two disciplines for which the potential to be examined from an evo-devo perspective has largely been ignored until now. Researchers and graduate students will find this book a valuable overview of current research as we begin to fill a major gap in our perception of evolutionary change. ... Read more

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Drawing on state-of-the-art cellular and molecular techniques as well as new and sophisticated imaging and information technologies, this comprehensive, three-volume collection of cutting-edge protocols provides readily reproducible methods for studying and analyzing the events of embryonic development. Volume 1 (ISBN: 089603-574-3) contains techniques for establishing and characterizing several widely used experimental model systems, for the study of developmental patterns and morphogenesis, and for the examination of embryo structure and function. There are also step-by-step methods for the analaysis of cell lineage, the production and use of chimeras, and the experimental and molecular manipulation of embryos, including the application of viral vectors. Volume 2 (ISBN: 0-89603-575-1) describes state-of-the-art methods for the study of organogenesis, the analysis of abnormal development and teratology, the screening and mapping of novel genes and mutations, and the application of transgenesis, including the production of transgenic animals and gene knockouts. No less innovative, volume 3 (ISBN: 0-89603-576-X) introduces powerful techniques for the manipulation of developmental gene expression and function, the analysis of gene expression, the characterization of tissue morphogenesis and development, the in vitro study of differentiation and development, and the genetic analysis of developmental models of diseases. Highly practical and richly annotated, the three volumes of Developmental Biology Protocols describe multiple experimental systems and details techniques adopted from the broadest array of biomedical disciplines. ... Read more

Product Description
Drawing on state-of-the-art cellular and molecular techniques as well as new and sophisticated imaging and information technologies, this comprehensive, three-volume collection of cutting-edge protocols provides readily reproducible methods for studying and analyzing the events of embryonic development. Volume 1 (ISBN: 089603-574-3) contains techniques for establishing and characterizing several widely used experimental model systems, for the study of developmental patterns and morphogenesis, and for the examination of embryo structure and function. There are also step-by-step methods for the analaysis of cell lineage, the production and use of chimeras, and the experimental and molecular manipulation of embryos, including the application of viral vectors. Volume 2 (ISBN: 0-89603-575-1) describes state-of-the-art methods for the study of organogenesis, the analysis of abnormal development and teratology, the screening and mapping of novel genes and mutations, and the application of transgenesis, including the production of transgenic animals and gene knockouts. No less innovative, Volume 3 (ISBN: 0-89603-576-X) introduces powerful techniques for the manipulation of developmental gene expression and function, the analysis of gene expression, the characterization of tissue morphogenesis and development, the in vitro study of differentiation and development, and the genetic analysis of developmental models of diseases. Highly practical and richly annotated, the three volumes of Developmental Biology Protocols describe multiple experimental systems and details techniques adopted from the broadest array of biomedical disciplines.

... Read more

Product Description
Drawing on state-of-the-art cellular and molecular techniques as well as new and sophisticated imaging and information technologies, this comprehensive, three-volume collection of cutting-edge protocols provides readily reproducible methods for studying and analyzing the events of embryonic development. Volume 1 (ISBN: 089603-574-3) contains techniques for establishing and characterizing several widely used experimental model systems, for the study of developmental patterns and morphogenesis, and for the examination of embryo structure and function. There are also step-by-step methods for the analaysis of cell lineage, the production and use of chimeras, and the experimental and molecular manipulation of embryos, including the application of viral vectors. Volume 2 (ISBN: 0-89603-575-1) describes state-of-the-art methods for the study of organogenesis, the analysis of abnormal development and teratology, the screening and mapping of novel genes and mutations, and the application of transgenesis, including the production of transgenic animals and gene knockouts. No less innovative, Volume 3 (ISBN: 0-89603-576-X) introduces powerful techniques for the manipulation of developmental gene expression and function, the analysis of gene expression, the characterization of tissue morphogenesis and development, the in vitro study of differentiation and development, and the genetic analysis of developmental models of diseases. Highly practical and richly annotated, the three volumes of Developmental Biology Protocols describe multiple experimental systems and details techniques adopted from the broadest array of biomedical disciplines.
... Read more

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Discover Biology helpsstudents become biologically literatestudents—to progress from science to scientificliteracy.Written from the ground up for nonmajors,Discover Biology is the onlyintroductory biology textbook to presentconsistently applied features in each chapterthat not only demonstrate biology’s everydayrelevance, but teach students how to move fromsimply understanding core biological concepts to actively applying those concepts to our rapidlychanging world. 

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Bones and Cartilage provides the most in-depth review ever assembled on the topic. It examines the function, development and evolution of bone and cartilage as tissues, organs and skeletal systems. It describes how bone and cartilage is developed in embryos and are maintained in adults, how bone reappears when we break a leg, or even regenerates when a newt grows a new limb, or a lizard a tail.

This book also looks at the molecules and cells that make bones and cartilages and how they differ in various parts of the body and across species. It answers such questions as "Is bone always bone?" "Do bones that develop indirectly by replacing other tissues, such as marrow, tendons or ligaments, differ from one another?" "Is fish bone the same as human bone?" "Can sharks even make bone?" and many more.

* Complete coverage of every aspect of bone and cartilage
* Full of interesting and unusual facts
* The only book available that integrates development and evolution of the skeleton
* Treats all levels from molecular to clinical, embryos to evolution
* Written in a lively, accessible style
* Extensively illustrated and referenced
* Integrates analysis of differentiation, growth and patterning
* Covers all the vertebrates as well as invertebrate cartilages
* Identifies the stem cells in embryos and adults that can make skeletal tissues ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice and comprehensive review in the field of developmental skeletal biology
It is nicely written and comprehensive book for readers, who want to go deep in the field of developmental skeletal biology. It provides impressive information about basic processes of skeletongenesis and interspecies' evolution. Unfortunately there is no too much about the last news of the underlying molecular bases but obviously this was not the major aim of the authors. However, as compensation they always refer to appropriate titles for further information.

... Read more

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By combining excerpts from key historical writings with editors’ introductions and further reading material, Philosophy of Biology: An Anthology offers a comprehensive, accessible, and up-to-date collection of the field’s most significant works.

• Addresses central questions such as ‘What is life?’ and ‘How did it begin?’, and the most current research and arguments on evolution and developmental biology
• Editorial notes throughout the text define, clarify, and qualify ideas, concepts and arguments
• Includes material on evolutionary psychology and evolutionary developmental biology not found in other standard philosophy of biology anthologies
• Further reading material assists novices in delving deeper into research in philosophy of biology

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent with only a few carps
Wouold have liked brief particulars on the authors in one place (where they teach; their websites to consult for further reading, etc.) Some articles, like the last one on units of selection, seem a little pushy about where this particular field is going as if saying "Jump on board [e.g., the reaction train pulling out of the gene-based selection station] we're leaving." On the other hand, the selection of articles neither slights points of view nor soft-pedals the tendencies of this field to de jour theory modifications. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book
Sorry that my review is so small.This is a great book about the dichotomy of genes and environment and how there is no real line dividing the 2.It speaks of some of the misconceptions that way of thinking produces.It also discusses some of the common metaphors that have been used in the past relating genes to "blue prints" and the such and how these metaphors should be gotton rid of.The ingredients that go into an oransismand inheritance are many which includes genes, atmosphere, culture, and many more that she discuses.All are important in the construction of an organism and none are more important then any other.She also discuses the silliness of the nature nurture debate.I think this book and way of thinking is very important for science, social sciences and just the everyday [mis]conceptions most people in the western world have of the dualism of genetics and environment. ... Read more

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This volume highlights major contributions that identify newdevelopments and directions in the field over the past decade, as wellas challenges for the foreseeable future. An integration ofinformation from laboratory and epidemiological studies, malereproduction and teratology can be found throughout the volume. Therange of topics include parental legacies and genomics, lifestyle,occupational and therapeutic paternal exposures and effects; effectson the gamete-packaging of human sperm; role of DNA repair and germcell apoptosis; stem cells, epigenetics and closing; model systems andimplications to clinicians and general counselors. ... Read more

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This book uses evolution as the unifying theme to trace the connections between levels of biological complexity from genes through nervous systems, animal societies, and human cultures. It examines the history of evolutionary theory from Darwin to the present, including: the impact of molecular biology and the emergence of evolutionary social theory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

SUPER!
A fascinating overview of evolution, and of the evolution of human behavior and society in particular. The writing is accessible to everybody, and I highly recommend it to all people regardless of their scientific background. Well-written, with many helpful charts, etc. A real eye-opener! ... Read more

Product Description
Drawing on state-of-the-art cellular and molecular techniques as well as new and sophisticated imaging and information technologies, this comprehensive, three-volume collection of cutting-edge protocols provides readily reproducible methods for studying and analyzing the events of embryonic development. Volume 1 (ISBN: 089603-574-3) contains techniques for establishing and characterizing several widely used experimental model systems, for the study of developmental patterns and morphogenesis, and for the examination of embryo structure and function. There are also step-by-step methods for the analaysis of cell lineage, the production and use of chimeras, and the experimental and molecular manipulation of embryos, including the application of viral vectors. Volume 2 (ISBN: 0-89603-575-1) describes state-of-the-art methods for the study of organogenesis, the analysis of abnormal development and teratology, the screening and mapping of novel genes and mutations, and the application of transgenesis, including the production of transgenic animals and gene knockouts. No less innovative, volume 3 (ISBN: 0-89603-576-X) introduces powerful techniques for the manipulation of developmental gene expression and function, the analysis of gene expression, the characterization of tissue morphogenesis and development, the in vitro study of differentiation and development, and the genetic analysis of developmental models of diseases. Highly practical and richly annotated, the three volumes of Developmental Biology Protocols describe multiple experimental systems and details techniques adopted from the broadest array of biomedical disciplines. ... Read more

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International authors provide researchers with an overview and synthesis of the latest research findings and contemporary thought in the area of Notch Signaling.

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The Handbook of the Biology of Aging, Sixth Edition, provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research findings in the biology of aging. Intended as a summary for researchers, it is also adopted as a high level textbook for graduate and upper level undergraduate courses.

The Sixth Edition is 20% larger than the Fifth Edition, with 21 chapters summarizing the latest findings in research on the biology of aging. The content of the work is virtually 100% new. Though a selected few topics are similar to the Fifth Edition, these chapters are authored by new contributors with new information. The majority of the chapters are completely new in both content and authorship.

The Sixth Edition places greater emphasis and coverage on competing and complementary theories of aging, broadening the discussion of conceptual issues. Greater coverage of techniques used to study biological issues of aging include computer modeling, gene profiling, and demographic analyses. Coverage of research on Drosophilia is expanded from one chapter to four. New chapters on mammalian models discuss aging in relation to skeletal muscles, body fat and carbohydrate metabolism, growth hormone, and the human female reproductive system. Additional new chapters summarize exciting research on stem cells and cancer, dietary restriction, and whether age related diseases are an integral part of aging.

The Handbook of the Biology of Aging, Sixth Edition is part of the Handbooks on Aging series, including Handbook of the Psychology of Aging and Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences, also in their 6th editions. ... Read more

Product Description
Abstract and conceptual models have become an indispensable tool for analyzing the flood of highly detailed empirical data generated in recent years by advanced techniques in the biosciences. Scientists are developing new modeling strategies for analyzing data, integrating results into the conceptual framework of theoretical biology, and formulating new hypotheses. In Modeling Biology, leading scholars investigate new modeling strategies in the domains of morphology, development, behavior, and evolution.

The emphasis on models in the biological sciences has been accompanied by a new focus on conceptual issues and a more complex understanding of epistemological concepts. Contributors to Modeling Biology discuss models and modeling strategies from the perspectives of philosophy, history, and applied mathematics. Individual chapters discuss specific approaches to modeling in such domains as biological form, development, and behavior. Finally, the book addresses the modeling of these properties in the context of evolution, with a particular emphasis on the emerging field of evolutionary developmental biology (or evo-devo).

Contributors:
Giorgio A. Ascoli, Chandrajit Bajaj, James P. Collins, Luciano da Fontoura Costa, Kerstin Dautenhahn, Nigel R. Franks, Scott Gilbert, Marta Ibañes Miguez, Juan Carlos Izpisúa-Belmonte, Alexander S. Klyubin, Thomas J. Koehnle, Manfred D. Laubichler, Sabina Leonelli, James A. R. Marshall, George R. McGhee Jr., Gerd B. Müller, Chrystopher L. Nehaniv, Karl J. Niklas, Lars Olsson, Eirikur Palsson, Daniel Polani, Diego Rasskin Gutman, Hans-Jörg Rheinberger, Alexei V. Samsonovich, Jeffrey C. Schank, Harry B. M. Uylings, Jaap van Pelt, and Iain Werry ... Read more