Andrew P. Jarman – författare

Provides a highly visual, readily accessible introduction to the main events that occur during neural development and their mechanisms

Building Brains: An Introduction to Neural Development, 2nd Edition describes how brains construct themselves, from simple beginnings in the early embryo to become the most complex living structures on the planet. It explains how cells first become neural, how their proliferation is controlled, what regulates the types of neural cells they become, how neurons connect to each other, how these connections are later refined under the influence of neural activity, and why some neurons normally die. This student-friendly guide stresses and justifies the generally-held belief that a greater knowledge of how nervous systems construct themselves will help us find new ways of treating diseases of the nervous system that are thought to originate from faulty development, such as autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.

Filled with full-colorartwork that reinforces important concepts; an extensive glossary and definitions that help readers from different backgrounds; and chapter summaries that stress important points and aid revision, Building Brains: An Introduction to Neural Development, 2nd Edition is perfect for undergraduate students and postgraduates who may not have a background in neuroscience and/or molecular genetics.

“This elegant book ranges with ease and authority over the vast field of developmental neuroscience. This excellent textbook should be on the shelf of every neuroscientist, as well as on the reading list of every neuroscience student.”—Sir Colin Blakemore, Oxford University

“With an extensive use of clear and colorful illustrations, this book makes accessible to undergraduates the beauty and complexity of neural development. The book fills a void in undergraduate neuroscience curricula.”—Professor Mark Bear, Picower Institute, MIT.

Highly Commended, British Medical Association Medical Book Awards 2012

Published with the New York Academy of Sciences

Provides a highly visual, readily accessible introduction to the main events that occur during neural development and their mechanisms

Building Brains: An Introduction to Neural Development, 2nd Edition describes how brains construct themselves, from simple beginnings in the early embryo to become the most complex living structures on the planet. It explains how cells first become neural, how their proliferation is controlled, what regulates the types of neural cells they become, how neurons connect to each other, how these connections are later refined under the influence of neural activity, and why some neurons normally die. This student-friendly guide stresses and justifies the generally-held belief that a greater knowledge of how nervous systems construct themselves will help us find new ways of treating diseases of the nervous system that are thought to originate from faulty development, such as autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.

Filled with full-colorartwork that reinforces important concepts; an extensive glossary and definitions that help readers from different backgrounds; and chapter summaries that stress important points and aid revision, Building Brains: An Introduction to Neural Development, 2nd Edition is perfect for undergraduate students and postgraduates who may not have a background in neuroscience and/or molecular genetics.

“This elegant book ranges with ease and authority over the vast field of developmental neuroscience. This excellent textbook should be on the shelf of every neuroscientist, as well as on the reading list of every neuroscience student.” —Sir Colin Blakemore, Oxford University

“With an extensive use of clear and colorful illustrations, this book makes accessible to undergraduates the beauty and complexity of neural development. The book fills a void in undergraduate neuroscience curricula.”—Professor Mark Bear, Picower Institute, MIT.

Highly Commended, British Medical Association Medical Book Awards 2012

Published with the New York Academy of Sciences

Ants are found everywhere from garden to mountaintop. They are at their most diverse in the tropics, but that does not make the 60 or so species in our part of the world any less intriguing or significant. As social insects, ants have fascinating life histories. Ecologically, they are highly important and influential. From tiny guest ants living in the nests of bigger species to gigantic wood-ant mounds with hundreds of thousands of workers, there is a lifetime of possibility for study.

This edition of Ants covers the general biology and ecology of species occurring in Britain and Ireland, including the Channel Islands. The book presents photographs and descriptions for all the species on the regional list, together with distribution maps. There is also an account of some of the exotic species that may turn up in heated buildings. The extensively illustrated keys deal with workers, queens and males of all the species. These have been specially written and are the first comprehensive keys since those of the original edition 30 years ago. There are also quick-check keys to workers and nests, as well as a detailed list of kit suppliers and extensive references.

Ants are among the most familiar of insects and can form a crucial part of their ecosystem, having an impact far greater than their small individual size would lead us to expect. This book is for anyone wanting to learn more about these endlessly interesting insects, by reading and by applying some of the methods discussed to make new discoveries.