Matthew Sims – författare

Physarum polycephalum, also known more colloquially as 'the blob', 'acellular slime mould', or just 'slime mould', is a unicellular multinucleate protist that has continued to attract the interest of biologists over the past century because of its complex life cycle, unique physiology, morphology, and behaviour. More recently, attention has shifted to Physarum as a model organism for investigating putative cognitive capacities such as decision making, learning, and memory in organisms without nervous systems. The aim of this Element is to illustrate how Physarum can be used as a valuable tool for approaching various topics in the philosophy of biology. Physarum and its behaviour not only pose a challenge to some of the received views of biological processes but also, I shall argue, provide an opportunity to clarify and appropriately sharpen the concepts underlying such received views.

Physarum polycephalum, also known more colloquially as 'the blob', 'acellular slime mould', or just 'slime mould', is a unicellular multinucleate protist that has continued to attract the interest of biologists over the past century because of its complex life cycle, unique physiology, morphology, and behaviour. More recently, attention has shifted to Physarum as a model organism for investigating putative cognitive capacities such as decision making, learning, and memory in organisms without nervous systems. The aim of this Element is to illustrate how Physarum can be used as a valuable tool for approaching various topics in the philosophy of biology. Physarum and its behaviour not only pose a challenge to some of the received views of biological processes but also, I shall argue, provide an opportunity to clarify and appropriately sharpen the concepts underlying such received views.

This book examines the writings of four ancient Greeks-Homer, Thucydides, Euripides, and Aristophanes. Each of these four individuals represents a different approach toward the human condition, ranging from the heroic and tragic to the comic and absurd. This book focuses on how the human condition can best be understood within the framework of these four perspectives by examining the major contributions of these Greek writers, whether in the form of epic (Homer's Iliad), history (Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War), or drama (the plays of Euripides and Aristophanes). These various perceptions of Greek thought illuminate our understanding of what it means to be fully human. By focusing on the concepts of the heroic, tragic, comic, and absurd, we can see how these ancient Greek authors still provide key insights for us today as they clarify those timeless features that define the human condition.

High-yield microbiology cases help students apply knowledge and prepare for board examsLearning Microbiology and Infectious Diseases: Clinical Case Prep for the USMLE® by Tracey A. H. Taylor, Dwayne Baxa, and Matthew Sims presents diverse cases that encourage problem-based learning, which is key to building diagnostic skills. Each case portrays a real-life scenario, promoting a bridge from foundational knowledge to its application. A series of USMLE-style questions with thorough explanations provide an understanding of microbiology and infectious diseases, an ability to differentiate between infections and viruses, and identify bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Questions cover causative agents, disease transmission, mechanism of pathogenesis action, and pharmacotherapy.Key Features50 case studies with images mirror situations seen in everyday practiceAn intermingling of bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology cases, and organ systems reflect real-world patient scenarios and encourage critical thinkingComprehensive cases encompass symptoms and duration, medical and family history, physical exam and lab findings, differential diagnosis, and treatment and preventionThis essential, highly practical resource will help medical students build problem-solving skills, assess microbiology and infectious disease knowledge, and fully prepare for the boards.