This volume focuses on stem cell research and disease modeling in non-murine species. The book is divided into three parts: Stem Cells for Pre-Clinical Models, Stem Cells in Non-Conventional Species, and Stem Cell Banking for the Future. The first section presents an overview of the different pre-clinical stem cell models recently created in animal species, including the porcine model for heart failure, iPSC in large animal species, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and canine embryo-derived stem cells and modeling for human diseases. This section also discusses the potential advantages and applications of these models. The second part of this book describes recent efforts to use stem cells for preserving endangered species, including the snow leopard and coral reefs. From this perspective, stem cells are an invaluable tool to preserve bio-diversities. Frozen cells and gametes can be obtained from animals at risk of extinction and even from microorganisms and corals suffering from heavy changes in the eco-system; this may allow the cultivation of a generation of stem cell lines and represents an exciting opportunity to support and ensure the conservation of precious varieties of living creatures. This discussion leads easily into the third section, which discusses stem cell banking as a way of safeguarding these endangered species.

In this book, the editors have reviewed the scientific articles from diverse group of scientists from all over the world who are actively participating in the wildlife conservation. Some of the important divisions incorporated in the book are conservation and population genetics, biodiversity, ecology, conservation physiology and evolution of big cats. The different chapters written by eminent scientists with their experience will provide an overview of the current information on conservation strategies and survival of big cats in different geographical zones around the world. The articles will also provide valuable information, on both free range and captive felines, to understand the present and future of the majestic species. The book will be useful to biologists, veterinary students, wildlife managers, researchers and also wildlife conservationists.

The implications of biodiversity loss for the global environment have been widely discussed, but only recently has attention been paid to its direct and serious effects on human health. Biodiversity loss affects the spread of human diseases, causes a loss of medical models, diminishes the supplies of raw materials for drug discovery and biotechnology, and threatens food production and water quality. Biodiversity and Human Health brings together leading thinkers on the global environment and biomedicine to explore the human health consequences of the loss of biological diversity. Based on a two-day conference sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Smithsonian Institution, the book opens a dialogue among experts from the fields of public health, biology, epidemiology, botany, ecology, demography, and pharmacology on this vital but often neglected concern. Contributors discuss the uses and significance of biodiversity to the practice of medicine today, and develop strategies for conservation of these critical resources. Topics examined include: the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss emerging infectious diseases and the loss of biodiversity the significance and use of both prescription and herbal biodiversity-derived remedies indigenous and local peoples and their health care systems sustainable use of biodiversity for medicine an agenda for the future In addition to the editors, contributors include Anthony Artuso, Byron Bailey, Jensa Bell, Bhaswati Bhattacharya, Michael Boyd, Mary S. Campbell, Eric Chivian, Paul Cox, Gordon Cragg, Andrew Dobson, Kate Duffy-Mazan, Robert Engelman, Paul Epstein, Alexandra S. Fairfield, John Grupenhoff, Daniel Janzen, Catherine A. Laughin, Katy Moran, Robert McCaleb, Thomas Mays, David Newman, Charles Peters, Walter Reid, and John Vandermeer. The book provides a common framework for physicians and biomedical researchers who wish to learn more about environmental concerns, and for members of the environmental community who desire a greater understanding of biomedical issues.

There is a growing awareness of a worldwide reduction in biodiversity and the urgent need to develop ways to redress the problem. This is the first major book devoted to the subject of genetic resource banking (GRB) and its role in preserving global animal biodiversity. In Cryobanking the Genetic Resource, expert contributors provide the non-specialist with an overview of the subject and the practical techniques associated with GRB. The book presents a basic introduction to the concepts, and then points the way to relevant literature for those who wish to develop practical applications. The first section deals with the potential contribution of GRB to biodiversity protection, while the second section offers an introduction to the basic cryobiology of gametes and embryos. In the first section, genetic considerations for planning interventions are discussed, together with disease control measures. This section explores related reproductive technologies necessary for the use of cryopreserved gametes and embryos, as well as a range of other issues such as ownership and security of stored material, and the size and location of cryopreserved material. The second section offers a thorough review of the literature on cryopreservation of spermatozoa, oocytes, and embryos. It gathers species into related groups for ease of reference, and does not assume extensive specialist knowledge so that newcomers to the field can make the best use of the available research. This book is an essential resource for zoologists and conservationists with an interest in genetic management and captive breeding, and also for students involved in biodiversity issues, conservation, and assisted reproduction.

The commercialization of biotechnology has resulted in an intensive search for new biological resources for the purposes of increasing food productivity, medicinal applications, energy production, and various other applications. Although biotechnology has produced many benefits for humanity, the exploitation of the planet's natural resources has also resulted in some undesirable consequences such as diminished species biodiversity, climate change, environmental contamination, and intellectual property right and patent concerns.This book discusses the role of biological, ecological, environmental, ethical, and economic issues in the interaction between biotechnology and biodiversity, using different contexts. No other book has discussed all of these issues in a comprehensive manner. Of special interest is their impact when biotechnology is shared between developed and developing countries, and the lack of recognition of the rights of indigenous populations and traditional farmers in developing countries by large multinational corporations.

A respected resource for decades, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals has been updated by a committee of experts, taking into consideration input from the scientific and laboratory animal communities and the public at large. The Guide incorporates new scientific information on common laboratory animals, including aquatic species, and includes extensive references. It is organized around major components of animal use: Key concepts of animal care and use. The Guide sets the framework for the humane care and use of laboratory animals. Animal care and use program. The Guide discusses the concept of a broad Program of Animal Care and Use, including roles and responsibilities of the Institutional Official, Attending Veterinarian and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Animal environment, husbandry, and management. A chapter on this topic is now divided into sections on terrestrial and aquatic animals and provides recommendations for housing and environment, husbandry, behavioral and population management, and more. Veterinary care. The Guide discusses veterinary care and the responsibilities of the Attending Veterinarian. It includes recommendations on animal procurement and transportation, preventive medicine (including animal biosecurity), and clinical care and management. The Guide addresses distress and pain recognition and relief, and issues surrounding euthanasia. Physical plant. The Guide identifies design issues, providing construction guidelines for functional areas; considerations such as drainage, vibration and noise control, and environmental monitoring; and specialized facilities for animal housing and research needs. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals provides a framework for the judgments required in the management of animal facilities. This updated and expanded resource of proven value will be important to scientists and researchers, veterinarians, animal care personnel, facilities managers, institutional administrators, policy makers involved in research issues, and animal welfare advocates.