Since the late 1800s, the discovery of new viruses was a gradual process. Viruses were described one by one using a suite of techniques such as (electron) microscopy and viral culture. Investigators were usually interested in a disease state within an organism, and expeditions in viral ecology were rare. The advent of metagenomics using high-throughput sequencing has revolutionized not only the rate of virus discovery, but also the nature of the discoveries. For example, the viral ecology and etiology of many human diseases are being characterized, non-pathogenic viral commensals are ubiquitous, and the description of environmental viromes is making progress. This Frontiers in Virology Research Topic showcases how metagenomic and bioinformatic approaches have been combined to discover, classify and characterize novel viruses.

The Desk Encyclopedia of Microbiology, Second Edition is a single-volume comprehensive guide to microbiology for the advanced reader. Derived from the six volume e-only Encyclopedia of Microbiology, Third Edition, it bridges the gap between introductory texts and specialized reviews. Covering topics ranging from the basic science of microbiology to the current "hot" topics in the field, it will be invaluable for obtaining background information on a broad range of microbiological topics, preparing lectures and preparing grant applications and reports. - The most comprehensive single-volume source providing an overview of microbiology to non-specialists - Bridges the gap between introductory texts and specialized reviews - Provides concise and general overviews of important topics within the field making it a helpful resource when preparing for lectures, writing reports, or drafting grant applications

Contracts relating to scientific/technical development are effective only where they are enforceable or valid under relevant law, can be practically implemented by the parties, and address matters arising from the relevant scientific/technical issues and practices. Negotiators are often hampered by their lack of knowledge of contract law and of the biotechnological techniques used to derive new molecules and genes or genetic or biochemical formulas from biological samples. This lack of knowledge means they may not make the best choices. This book examines the special issues in applying contract law to the rights to take and utilize genetic resources; and the scientific issues and the manner in which they affect the negotiation of ABS agreements.

A renaissance of virus research is taking centre stage in biology. Empirical data from the last decade indicate the important roles of viruses, both in the evolution of all life and as symbionts of host organisms. There is increasing evidence that all cellular life is colonized by exogenous and/or endogenous viruses in a non-lytic but persistent lifestyle. Viruses and viral parts form the most numerous genetic matter on this planet.

Concisely discussing the application of high throughput analysis to move forward our understanding of microbial principles, Metagenomics for Microbiology provides a solid base for the design and analysis of omics studies for the characterization of microbial consortia. The intended audience includes clinical and environmental microbiologists, molecular biologists, infectious disease experts, statisticians, biostatisticians, and public health scientists. This book focuses on the technological underpinnings of metagenomic approaches and their conceptual and practical applications. With the next-generation genomic sequencing revolution increasingly permitting researchers to decipher the coding information of the microbes living with us, we now have a unique capacity to compare multiple sites within individuals and at higher resolution and greater throughput than hitherto possible. The recent articulation of this paradigm points to unique possibilities for investigation of our dynamic relationship with these cellular communities, and excitingly the probing of their therapeutic potential in disease prevention or treatment of the future. - Expertly describes the latest metagenomic methodologies and best-practices, from sample collection to data analysis for taxonomic, whole shotgun metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic studies - Includes clear-headed pointers and quick starts to direct research efforts and increase study efficacy, eschewing ponderous prose - Presented topics include sample collection and preparation, data generation and quality control, third generation sequencing, advances in computational analyses of shotgun metagenomic sequence data, taxonomic profiling of shotgun data, hypothesis testing, and mathematical and computational analysis of longitudinal data and time series. Past-examples and prospects are provided to contextualize the applications.

The authors also provide a comparative survey of the properties of genomes (genome size, gene families, synteny, and polymorphism) for prokaryotes as well as the main eukaryotic models.

The book compiles the latest studies on microorganisms thriving in extreme conditions. Microbes have been found in extremely high and low temperatures, highly acidic to saline conditions, from deserts to the Dead sea, from hot-springs to underwater hydrothermal vents- the diversity is incredible. The various chapters highlight the microbial life and describe the mechanisms of tolerance to these harsh conditions, and show how an understanding of these phenomena can help us exploit the microbes in biotechnology. The theme of the book is highly significant since life in these environments can give vital clues about the origin and evolution of life on earth, as a lot of these conditions simulate the environment present billions of years ago. Additionally, the study of adaptation and survival of organisms in such environments can be important for finding life on other planets. This book shall be useful for students, researchers and course instructors interested in evolution, microbial adaptations and ecology in varied environments.