Synaptic transmission is the basis of neuronal communication and is thus the most important element in brain functions, ranging from sensory input to information processing. Changes in synaptic transmission can result in the formation or dissolution of memories, and can equally lead to neurological and psychiatric disorders. The proteins composing the synapse, and their respective functions, are getting increasingly known. One aspect that has become evident in the last years is that most synaptic functions are performed not by single proteins, but by highly organized multi-protein machineries, which interact dynamically to provide responses optimally suited to the needs of the neuronal network. To decipher synaptic and neuronal function, it is essential to understand the organisational, morphological and functional aspects of the molecular nanomachines that operate at the synapse. We discuss these aspects in 11 different chapters, focusing on the structure and function of the active zone, on the functional anatomy of the synaptic vesicle, and on some of the best known soluble protein complexes from the synapse, including those involved in endocytosis and vesicle recycling.

Nanomachines represent one of the most fascinating topics in of nanotechnology. These tiny devices provide diverse opportunities towards a wide range of important applications, ranging from targeted delivery of drug payloads to environmental remediation. This book addresses comprehensively the latest developments and discoveries in the field of nano- and microscale machines. It covers the evolution of nanomachines in general from a historical perspective, the fundamental challenges for motion at the nanoscale, different categories of biological and synthetic nano/microscale motors based on different propulsion mechanisms, ways for controlling the movement directionality and regulated speed, followed by detailed of major areas for which nanomachines has the potential to make a transformational impact. It ends with a futuristic look at nano/microscale machines and into their impact on the society. Key Features: * The only nanomachine introductory textbook currently available. * Written with college graduate level in mind to appeal to a broad interdisciplinary audience. * Covers the fundamental challenges for nanoscale motion. * Covers the latest advances in the design and operaton of a wide range of small-scale machines. * Covers diverse biomedical, environmental and technological applications of nanomachines. * Written in review format with cited articles to cover latest research and developments.

In this book, the major paradigm-shifting discoveries made in the past century on key cellular nanomachines are described in great detail: their complex yet precise and elegant design and function, as well as the diseases linked to their dysfunction and the therapeutic approaches to overcome them. The major focus of this book is the “porosome” nanomachine, the universal secretory portal in cells. This is an ideal book for students, researchers, and professionals in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

The Qumru are a peaceful alien race. They are advanced spacefaring people who never interfere with other alien races and try to avoid hostile races such as the Yoyka. For the past two centuries the two races have left each other alone in peace. This changed suddenly when the Yoyka attacked Qum without warning with a new nanotech terror weapon. The weapon was made of semi-intelligent nanomachines that are contagious upon contact. The nanomachines are designed to only attack a specific race based on their genome DNA. The nanomachines replicate inside the body, invade the mind and can be controlled over quantum transmission links (QTL). Once infected, the person becomes highly infectious and the nanomachines spread rapidly by touch or by breathing the air around them. The Yoyka use the nanomachine weapon to enslave other races for the purpose of providing materials and resources for building Yoyka warships, military forces and expanding the Yoykan Empire. The Yoyka plan to attack, capture and enslave all alien races within the galaxy if not stopped. The Qumru have two advantages the Yoyka are not fully aware of. First, the Qumru created sentient androids for providing security, military functions and other services for the people of Qum. They live on a separate planet called Holtu thirty light years away. Second, they possess an advanced scientific achievement called Onutu which can prolong their lives. These two advantages will decide the outcome of the devastating war with the Yoykan Empire. This is a Novella Prequel story that introduces several main characters in the Nanomachine War Series trilogy. Book 1 continues the saga of the first Qumru starship encounter with humans on Mars. Books 2 and 3 culminate in a space war with the Yoykan Empire to settle the question of whether or not the Yoyka will enslave the peoples of Qum, Holtu and Earth.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Selected Papers from 2017 International Conference on Micro/Nanomachines" that was published in Micromachines

The second edition of this standard-setting handbook provides and all-encompassing reference for the practicing engineer in industry, government, and academia, with relevant background and up-to-date information on the most important topics of modern mechanical engineering. These topics include modern manufacturing and design, robotics, computer engineering, environmental engineering, economics, patent law, and communication/information systems. The final chapter and appendix provide information regarding physical properties and mathematical and computational methods. New topics include nanotechnology, MEMS, electronic packaging, global climate change, electric and hybrid vehicles, and bioengineering.

By incorporating biologically-inspired functions into ICT, various types of new-generation information and communication systems can be created. Just some example of areas already benefiting from such design inspiration are network architectures, information processing, molecular communication, and complex network modeling for solving real world-problems. This book provides the theoretical basis for understanding these developments and explains their practical applications. Highlighted inserts appears throughout to help readers to understand the very latest topics in these emerging research fields. The book ends with a more philosophical discussion on how new ICT solutions can be found by looking at analogous systems in biology. This new way of thinking may help researchers and practitioners to apply innovative ideas in developing next-generation technologies.