Friday, November 11, 2011

A Student Handbook : Techniques in Microbiology by John M. Lammert

by John M. Lammert


A Student Handbook : Techniques in Microbiology by John M. Lammert

A Student Handbook : Techniques in Microbiology by John M. Lammert Overview

          This vivid, full-color laboratory techniques handbook is an instructive, concise, graphical presentation of the skills and techniques required in an introductory microbiology lab. Clear visual instructions enable readers to carry out fundamental manipulations and procedures effectively and safely. Demonstrates those techniques that will be used frequently for studying microbes in the laboratory. Has a safety section and frequent safety cautions throughout. Has a convenient, portable 6” x 9” trim size, a spiral binding and soft cover, making it ideal for use on the lab bench surface. It is priced inexpensively so that it will be suitable as a supplement to an in-house or commercial manual. Companion to any introductory laboratory whether for biology majors or allied health majors.

A Student Handbook : Techniques in Microbiology by John M. Lammert Review

          Proper procedures clearly presented to refresh operational abilities in the Laboratory. Essential for the professional that desires to do the job precisely and with complete understanding of the process.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Intermolecular and Surface Forces by Jacob N. Israelachvili

by Jacob N. Israelachvili


Intermolecular and Surface Forces by Jacob N. Israelachvili

Intermolecular and Surface Forces by Jacob N. Israelachvili Overview

This reference describes the role of various intermolecular and interparticle forces in determining the properties of simple systems such as gases, liquids and solids, with a special focus on more complex colloidal, polymeric and biological systems. The book provides a thorough foundation in theories and concepts of intermolecular forces, allowing researchers and students to recognize which forces are important in any particular system, as well as how to control these forces. This third edition is expanded into three sections and contains five new chapters over the previous edition.

· starts from the basics and builds up to more complex systems
· covers all aspects of intermolecular and interparticle forces both at the fundamental and applied levels
· multidisciplinary approach: bringing together and unifying phenomena from different fields
· This new edition has an expanded Part III and new chapters on non-equilibrium (dynamic) interactions, and tribology (friction forces)

Intermolecular and Surface Forces by Jacob N. Israelachvili Review

          Intermolecular and Surface Forces by Israelachvili is a fantastic work. It is certainly the best on the subject. The material is presented in a very logical sequence. There are two important aspects to the success of this book. First it is a great reference to the forces of micro and nano scales; all forces. Secondly it includes key explanations to matters that are generally difficult to understand, at least in other books on the subject. However, an area for potential improvement would be to provide the reader with more description and explanations of the nature of these forces without the reference to their mathematical representations. Nature is not based on mathematics, it supersedes it. Nevertheless the book is the best in the field and is an essential tool for all research in the micro and nano scales. It does include many comments on the nature of the intermolecular forces but not sufficient.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Fundamentals of Molecular Virology by Nicholas H. Acheson

by Nicholas H. Acheson


Fundamentals of Molecular Virology by Nicholas H. Acheson

Fundamentals of Molecular Virology by Nicholas H. Acheson Overview

Designed for students learning about viruses for the first time(t the undergraduate or graduate level), Fundamentals of Molecular Virology is presented in a style which relates to today's students and professors. The text approaches learning about virology by presenting a set of chapters each of which covers a specific virus family, using one or two well-studied viruses as examples. Each chapter is designed to tell a story about the virus under discussion, and to portray the "personality" of that virus. The text incorporates lessons from classic and contemporary concepts providing a well-rounded presentation on the subject of virology.

FEATURES OF FUNDAMENTALS OF MOLECULAR VIROLOGY
  • Unique, Applied Chapter Stories. Each chapter presents a unique example or case to help introduce the students to the different viruses that will be studied or examined in that chapter.
  • Evolutionary Boxes. Feature exciting and current developments in molecular virology. These are integrated throughout the entire book and can be found in every chapter. These help students understand the importance of currency and application of virology.
  • Comprehensive, Illustrative Art Program. The text contains a number of two-color figures which focus on the individual steps in virus replication and helps draw student's attention to important concepts and details.
  • Coverage of Human Pathogens. Includes chapters that cover important human pathogens such as smallpox virus, measles virus, poliovirus, herpes viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, Ebola virus, SARS corona virus, West Nile virus, and others.
What instructors are saying about Fundamentals of Molecular Virology
"I like the structured treatment that is presented in Acheson. Overall, it is one of the best written and clearly organized texts on the subject I have seen." - Jeannine Williams, College of Marin

"I found the text very readable and believe it will appeal to a wide audience of students...I believe this text will have broad appeal in a field where few texts exist." - Michael Roner, The University of Texas at Arlington

"The main strength of the book is the great molecular detail the author achieves, but still at a level that an undergraduate student should be able to master. I like the blend of molecular with medical; this has been lacking in most virology books that I have considered using." - Darlene Walro, Walsh University

Fundamentals of Molecular Virology by Nicholas H. Acheson Review

This text was used as more of a supplement for my virology class, as it had much more detail than was expected of us. The writing style is very concise, sometimes to the point where a few extra sentences would have made the difference between understanding the material better. It did encompass a large number of viruses, which was great. The beginning of every chapter had "specs", if you may, of important and distinguishing characteristics of the viral family which serves as a good review.

Overall very through, but a bit dense until you've absorbed enough material.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The Machinery of Life by David S. Goodsell

by David S. Goodsell


The Machinery of Life by David S. Goodsell

The Machinery of Life by David S. Goodsell Overview

          The Machinery of Life is a journey into the sub-microscopic world of molecular machines. Readers are introduced to the types of molecules built by cells, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides; then, in a series of full-color "watercolor" illustrations, which show a portion of a living cell magnified by 1,000,000 times, the reader is guided through the interior world of cells. The book explores the ways in which molecules work in concert to perform the processes of living, and how vitamins, viruses, poisons, and drugs each have their effects on the molecules in our bodies. The book is a fascinating introduction to biochemistry for the non-specialist, and combines a lucid text with an abundance of drawings and computer graphics that present the world of cells and their components in a truly unique way. This new edition has been updated to include the many major advances of the past decade, and is richly illustrated in full color throughout.

The Machinery of Life by David S. Goodsell Review

I was in school back when all that students knew about DNA was four chemicals and what we knew about an archetypal cell could be drawn on a single sheet of homework paper. This book is bringing me into the twenty-first century with ease. It is extremely clearly written although it deals with unbelievably complicated goings-on at the molecular/cell level. Every page seems to contain an "aha so that's how it works" or "aha then it really boils down to ..." moment. I'm having a ball with it. I bought it for my daughter, who works in a genetics lab, and after glancing through it I bought another copy for us parents. I'll probably buy another for my programmer cubical-mate where I work.

The illustrations get the most attention but, truthfully, they just serve as quick illustrations of what the text is saying in detail. Probably some readers can "read" the illustrations but IMHO it isn't necessary to examine them.

It has been a long time since I've bought multiple copies of a book, let alone a science book, and I really feel this one is a bargain at ten times the price for people who want to educate themselves.

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Monday, November 7, 2011

Random Walks in Biology by Howard C. Berg

by Howard C. Berg


Random Walks in Biology by Howard C. Berg

Random Walks in Biology by Howard C. Berg Overview

          This book is a lucid, straightforward introduction to the concepts and techniques of statistical physics that students of biology, biochemistry, and biophysics must know. It provides a sound basis for understanding random motions of molecules, subcellular particles, or cells, or of processes that depend on such motion or are markedly affected by it. Readers do not need to understand thermodynamics in order to acquire a knowledge of the physics involved in diffusion, sedimentation, electrophoresis, chromatography, and cell motility--subjects that become lively and immediate when the author discusses them in terms of random walks of individual particles.

Random Walks in Biology by Howard C. Berg Review

I bought this book in 1995 to get an understanding of random walk phenomena.
The random walk equations are mostly biologically based.
That is equations that describe the motion of biological things.

Type of things covered ( including but not limited to)
Ficks equations
Diffusion
Drift
drag
Diffusion at Equilibrium
Derivation of Boltzman equation
Importance of KT
Mean Square Velocity
Einstien-Scmoluchowski relation

Flagellar propulsion
Motility of Escherichia Coli
Probability Distributions (Gaussian , Binomial , Poisson)

etc

The book is a fairly easy read.
You'll need at least high school to uni maths background.
The maths is fairly practical stuff ( translatable to s/w code )

There are plenty of graphs and diagrams.

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Lewin's Genes X by Jocelyn E. Krebs, Elliott S. Goldstein, Stephen T. Kilpatrick

by Jocelyn E. Krebs, Elliott S. Goldstein, Stephen T. Kilpatrick


Lewin's Genes X by Jocelyn E. Krebs, Elliott S. Goldstein, Stephen T. Kilpatrick

Lewin's Genes X by Jocelyn E. Krebs, Elliott S. Goldstein, Stephen T. Kilpatrick Overview

          The field of molecular biology and molecular genetics is rapidly changing with new data acquired daily and new insights into well-studied processes presented on a scale of weeks or months rather than years. For decades Lewin's GENES has provided the teaching community with the most cutting edge presentation of molecular biology and molecular genetics, covering gene structure, sequencing, organization, and expression. The latest edition, with a knowledgeable new author team, has enlisted 21 scientists to provide revisions and content updates in their individual fields of expertise, ensuring that Lewin's GENES X is the most current and comprehensive text in the field. Informative new chapters, as well as a reorganization of material, provide a more logical flow of topics and many chapters have been renamed to better indicate their contents. Lewin's GENES X also contains new pedagogical features to help students learn as they read and an online student study guide allows students to test themselves on key material.

Lewin's Genes X by Jocelyn E. Krebs, Elliott S. Goldstein, Stephen T. Kilpatrick Review

This book is a great book for those who seek a better knowledge on molecular biology! If you already read molecular biology of the cell by Albert's you'll see that there's a lot of new information in Genes X!

Since I'm passioned by this subject, it's been an awesome purchase! And also, it was delivered in less than a week...

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Student Solutions Manual for Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish

by Harvey Lodish


Student Solutions Manual for Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish

Student Solutions Manual for Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish Overview

          The manual provides complete step-by-step solutions to all textbook problems.

Student Solutions Manual for Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish Review

          I keep this one with me at all times in lab if I ever need to look up some basic mechanisms or pathways in the cell. This is my favorite Cellular biology book because it is not simplified like the Cell books.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Molecular Driving Forces [Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry and Biology] by Ken A. Dill, Sarina Bromberg

by Ken A. Dill, Sarina Bromberg


Molecular Driving Forces [Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry and Biology] by Ken A. Dill, Sarina Bromberg

Molecular Driving Forces [Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry and Biology] by Ken A. Dill, Sarina Bromberg Overview

Molecular Driving Forces is an introductory statistical thermodynamics text that describes the principles and forces that drive chemical and biological processes. It shows how the complex behaviors of molecules can result from a few simple physical processes, and a central theme is how simple models can give surprisingly accurate insights into the workings of the molecular world.


Written in a clear and reader-friendly style, the book gives an excellent introduction to the subject for novices. It should be useful to those who want to develop their understanding of this important field, seeing how physical principles can be applied to the study of modern problems in the chemical, biological, and materials sciences.

About the Author

KEN A. DILL is Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco. He received his undergraduate training at MIT, his PhD from the University of California, San Diego, and did postdoctoral work at Stanford. A leading researcher in biopolymer statistical mechanics and protein folding, he has been the President of the Biophysical Society and received the Hans Neurath Award from the Protein Society in 1998.

SARINA BROMBERG received her BFA at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, her PhD in molecular biophysics from Wesleyan University, and her postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco. She writes, edits and illustrates scientific textbooks.

Molecular Driving Forces [Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry and Biology] by Ken A. Dill, Sarina Bromberg Review

This book is a triumph of technical writing. Ken Dill possesses an extraordinary ability to distill complex technical concepts down to the cogent bits necessary to understand the physics of the situation. The maxim, "make it as simple as possible, but not simpler" definitely applies here. The only major challenge with this book is that a reader may come away with a notion of inflated comprehension. This is not a fault...just a byproduct of the big contrast between the clarity of the Dill (and Bromberg) text and the other, technically obfuscated, textbooks and articles in the field.

Easily the best (introductory) textbook on statistical physics that I have encountered, and the only one that I can heartily recommend to a student or non-specialist.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Microbiology Principles and Explorations by Jacquelyn G. Black

by Jacquelyn G. Black


Microbiology Principles and Explorations

Microbiology Principles and Explorations Overview

Microbiology Principles and Explorations has been a best-selling textbook for several editions due to the author's engaging writing style where her passion for the subject shines through the narrative. The text's student-friendly approach provides readers with an excellent introduction to the study of Microbiology. This text is appropriate for non-major and mixed major microbiology courses, allied health, agriculture and food sciences courses too.

The image shows two T4 bacteriophage viruses attaching to, and injecting DNA into, a bacterium. Like alien invaders, they are going to consume the contents of the bacterial cell, using the materials to make hundreds of copies of themselves, finally rupturing open the cell wall of the now dead bacterium, liberating the hundreds of offspring to attack more bacteria. Using bacteriophages (bacteriophage therapy) gets around the problems of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. And, since a given bacteriophage will target and kill only one specific strain of bacterium, the normal bacterial flora will not be disturbed, thus preventing side effects such as diarrhea and vaginal yeast infections.

Microbiology Principles and Explorations Review

          This was a loose leaf version of the text, it was a lot cheaper than the bound version, and less bulky/more convenient in that you didn't have to carry the whole book around, you could just bring the chapter you were learning that that time.
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

BRS Board Review Series Microbiology and Immunology by Arthur G. Johnson, Richard J. Ziegler, Louise Hawley

by Arthur G. Johnson, Richard J. Ziegler, Louise Hawley


BRS Board Review Series Microbiology and Immunology

BRS Board Review Series Microbiology and Immunology Overview

BRS Microbiology and Immunology is designed specifically for medical and graduate students for successful preparation for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This newest edition features a full-color design and illustrations throughout. The book is divided into 12 chapters and presents both a "bug" approach followed by an organ systems approach. It remains a succinct description of the most important microbiological and immunological concepts and critical details needed to understand important human infections and the immune system function and malfunction. End-of-chapter review tests feature updated USMLE-style questions with rationales and four USMLE comprehensive examinations (in 50 question blocks like Step 1) help test memorization and mastery of the subject.

A companion website offers the fully searchable text and an online question bank.

BRS Board Review Series Microbiology and Immunology Review

          This book is an excellent review for both COMLEX and USMLE micro section. It fills a lot of the missing pieces that you may not see on First Aid. Although I think this book is a little overkill for boards, the advantage is that you will most likely be able to answer those "odd ball" questions thrown to you on the actual board exam. Also, Just as one of the earlier reviewers stated, one chapter has provided a very nice flow chart that served me well for quickly narrowing down my bugs on board based on symptoms like "bloody diarrhea with/without vomit...with/without fever...with/without PMN...etc...". There are four 50-questions exams at the very end that will really test how much you know and help prepare you well for board. Since micro is usually the second most high yield on board after path, I would recommend this book only if you either want a better grasp of micro or feel uncomfortable understanding thoroughly the micro section covered in first aid (which happened to me in the latter case). I will give this a 4 star rating only because there are some flaws in the answer keys for the exams in the back of book. Otherwise, I will recommend to anyone who wanna kill the micro section on boards.