FROM DAY ONE . . . TO THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR EXAMS The A-Z Handbook explains all the key terms in Advanced Level Biology. Each entry begins with a clear definition and is followed by explanation and worked examples where relevant. The more important the term, the more detailed the entry. The A-Z format makes it exceptionally easy to use. The Complete A-Z Biology Handbook has been written to familiarise you with the language and terminology of Biology. It is useful from the first day of studying advanced Biology and Human Biology right through to the night before your exams. The Handbook is invaluable for students of all AS and A2 courses and will also be invaluable to University students. For new students - Biology terms and concepts are explained clearly During the course - the fuller explanation of more important or challenging concepts helps in tackling homework or coursework assignments For exam revision - detailed revision lists are provided to help focus your efforts, plus advice from a leading examiner Additional features include: ·Getting a Grade A ·hints on learning difficult terms and concepts ·revision tips ·revision lists for all core topics

Scientists act within a social context and from a philosophical perspective that is inherently political. Whether they realize it or not, scientists always choose sides. The Dialectical Biologist explores this political nature of scientific inquiry, advancing its argument within the framework of Marxist dialectic. These essays stress the concepts of continual change and codetermination between organism and environment, part and whole, structure and process, science and politics. Throughout, this book questions our accepted definitions and biases, showing the self-reflective nature of scientific activity within society.

“Essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the current state of biotechnology and the opportunities and dangers it may create.” —American Scientist Technology is a process and a body of knowledge as much as a collection of artifacts. Biology is no different—and we are just beginning to comprehend the challenges inherent in the next stage of biology as a human technology. It is this critical moment, with its wide-ranging implications, that Robert Carlson considers in Biology Is Technology. He offers a uniquely informed perspective on the endeavors that contribute to current progress in this area—the science of biological systems and the technology used to manipulate them. In a number of case studies, Carlson demonstrates that the development of new mathematical, computational, and laboratory tools will facilitate the engineering of biological artifacts—up to and including organisms and ecosystems. Exploring how this will happen, with reference to past technological advances, he explains how objects are constructed virtually, tested using sophisticated mathematical models, and finally constructed in the real world. Such rapid increases in the power, availability, and application of biotechnology raise obvious questions about who gets to use it, and to what end. Carlson’s thoughtful analysis offers rare insight into our choices about how to develop biological technologies and how these choices will determine the pace and effectiveness of innovation as a public good.

An essential introduction to the philosophy of biology This is a concise, comprehensive, and accessible introduction to the philosophy of biology written by a leading authority on the subject. Geared to philosophers, biologists, and students of both, the book provides sophisticated and innovative coverage of the central topics and many of the latest developments in the field. Emphasizing connections between biological theories and other areas of philosophy, and carefully explaining both philosophical and biological terms, Peter Godfrey-Smith discusses the relation between philosophy and science; examines the role of laws, mechanistic explanation, and idealized models in biological theories; describes evolution by natural selection; and assesses attempts to extend Darwin's mechanism to explain changes in ideas, culture, and other phenomena. Further topics include functions and teleology, individuality and organisms, species, the tree of life, and human nature. The book closes with detailed, cutting-edge treatments of the evolution of cooperation, of information in biology, and of the role of communication in living systems at all scales. Authoritative and up-to-date, this is an essential guide for anyone interested in the important philosophical issues raised by the biological sciences.

This book presents essential studies and cutting-edge research results on tau, which is attracting increasing interest as a target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Tau is well known as a microtubule-associated protein that is predominantly localized in the axons of neurons. In various forms of brain disease, neuronal loss occurs, with deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau in the remaining neurons. Important questions remain regarding the way in which tau forms hyperphosphorylated and fibrillar deposits in neurons, and whether tau aggregation represents the toxic pathway leading to neuronal death. With the help of new technologies, researchers are now solving these long-standing questions. In this book, readers will find the latest expert knowledge on all aspects of tau biology, including the structure and role of the tau molecule, tau localization and function, the pathology, drivers, and markers of tauopathies, tau aggregation, and treatments targeting tau. Tau Biology will be an invaluable source of information and fresh ideas for those involved in the development of more effective therapies and for all who seek a better understanding of the biology of the aging brain.

Praise for the previous edition: "...the coverage of women, races, and international history in general make it a good source for exploring the many faces of biologists..."—American Reference Books Annual "...useful..."—School Library Journal "Recommended."—Choice A to Z of Biologists, Updated Edition uses the device of biography to put a human face on science-a method that adds immediacy for the high school student who might have an interest in pursuing a career in biology. This comprehensive survey features more than 150 entries and 50 black-and-white photographs. Each profile focuses on a biologist's research and contributions to the field and their effect on scientists whose work followed. Their lives and personalities are also discussed through incidents, quotations, and photographs. The profiles are culturally inclusive and span a range of biologists from ancient times to the present day. The entries on women and minority biologists especially articulate the obstacles that these biologists overcame in the process of reaching their goals. This title is an ideal resource for students and general readers interested in the history of biology or the personal and professional lives of significant biologists. People covered include: Rachel Louise Carson (1907–1964) Paul Ehrlich (1854–1915) Dian Fossey (1932–1985) Galen (c. 130–c. 201) Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859) Shibasaburo Kitasato (1852–1931) Severo Ochoa (1905–1993) Linus Carl Pauling (1901–1994) Rosalyn Sussman Yalow (1921–2011) Lap-Chee Tsui (1950–present) Pamela Silver (1952–present)

Since Darwin, Biology has been framed on the idea of evolution by natural selection, which has profoundly influenced the scientific and philosophical comprehension of biological phenomena and of our place in Nature. This book argues that contemporary biology should progress towards and revolve around an even more fundamental idea, that of autonomy. Biological autonomy describes living organisms as organised systems, which are able to self-produce and self-maintain as integrated entities, to establish their own goals and norms, and to promote the conditions of their existence through their interactions with the environment. Topics covered in this book include organisation and biological emergence, organisms, agency, levels of autonomy, cognition, and a look at the historical dimension of autonomy. The current development of scientific investigations on autonomous organisation calls for a theoretical and philosophical analysis. This can contribute to the elaboration of an original understanding of life - including human life - on Earth, opening new perspectives and enabling fecund interactions with other existing theories and approaches. This book takes up the challenge.