This book discusses a particular aspect of brain function, that of storage and retrieval of memory of past experience, in terms of neuronal plasticity. In discussing this aspect of brain functions, however, it discusses brain mecha nisms in their wider sense as well. Clearly, the central nervous system is a highly interconnected system from all points of view, and it would not be possible to understand function in terms of only a single event or only a sin gle neurotransmitter. This is true for any biochemical activity that accompanies neuronal functional activity and accompanies behavior. The authors have commendably recognized this complexity, and recognize still more the need to present information in a compact and uniform manner in spite of the tremendous expansion of our knowledge in recent years. It is a somewhat easier task to gather a set of authors and record their results for a multiauthor symposium, but it is a most admirable endeavor for two authors to summarize a field that encompasses subjects such as transmission barri ers, lipids, proteins, energy, hormones, to name a few that this book covers so well in a compact manner, and in such depth as well. Metabolism and func tion cannot really be understood without understanding structural factors, changes in membrane properties, and changes in metabolism.

This book discusses a particular aspect of brain function, that of storage and retrieval of memory of past experience, in terms of neuronal plasticity. In discussing this aspect of brain functions, however, it discusses brain mecha nisms in their wider sense as well. Clearly, the central nervous system is a highly interconnected system from all points of view, and it would not be possible to understand function in terms of only a single event or only a sin gle neurotransmitter. This is true for any biochemical activity that accompanies neuronal functional activity and accompanies behavior. The authors have commendably recognized this complexity, and recognize still more the need to present information in a compact and uniform manner in spite of the tremendous expansion of our knowledge in recent years. It is a somewhat easier task to gather a set of authors and record their results for a multiauthor symposium, but it is a most admirable endeavor for two authors to summarize a field that encompasses subjects such as transmission barri ers, lipids, proteins, energy, hormones, to name a few that this book covers so well in a compact manner, and in such depth as well. Metabolism and func tion cannot really be understood without understanding structural factors, changes in membrane properties, and changes in metabolism.

Intraspecific communication involves the activation of chemoreceptors and subsequent activation of different central areas that coordinate the responses of the entire organism—ranging from behavioral modification to modulation of hormones release. Animals emit intraspecific chemical signals, often referred to as pheromones, to advertise their presence to members of the same species and to regulate interactions aimed at establishing and regulating social and reproductive bonds. In the last two decades, scientists have developed a greater understanding of the neural processing of these chemical signals. Neurobiology of Chemical Communication explores the role of the chemical senses in mediating intraspecific communication. Providing an up-to-date outline of the most recent advances in the field, it presents data from laboratory and wild species, ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates, from insects to humans. The book examines the structure, anatomy, electrophysiology, and molecular biology of pheromones. It discusses how chemical signals work on different mammalian and non-mammalian species and includes chapters on insects, Drosophila, honey bees, amphibians, mice, tigers, and cattle. It also explores the controversial topic of human pheromones. An essential reference for students and researchers in the field of pheromones, this is also an ideal resource for those working on behavioral phenotyping of animal models and persons interested in the biology/ecology of wild and domestic species.

Human hair is the subject of a wide range of scientific investigations. Its chemical and physical properties are of importance to the cosmetics industry, forensic scientists, and to biomedical researchers. This updated and enlarged fourth edition continues the tradition of its predecessor as being the definitive monograph on the subject. It now contains new information on various topics including: chemical hair damage, the cause of dandruff, skin and eye irritation, hair straightening, and others. Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair is a teaching guide and reference volume for cosmetic chemists and other scientists in the hair products industry, academic researchers studying hair and hair growth, textile scientists, and forensic specialists.

Draws on new research to answer questions about the effects of specific drugs and foods on the brain, in an updated edition that discusses the role of biorhythms and how drugs interact with the body's biochemistry. --Publisher's description.

How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.