Samuel I. Zeveloff – författare

A comprehensive review of the latest thinking about the molecular processes underlying conformational diseases, combined with a remarkable set of biochemical, genomic cellular, and chemical laboratory techniques for studying their genesis and pathologies. The authors apply their carefully refined methods to a variety of metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as to the aging process. The techniques presented are broadly applicable in many diverse disease contexts and may be used in both diagnosis and research on new treatment strategies.

The word raccoon is drawn from the Native American Algonquian language. Their term arakun roughly translates to "he who scratches with his hands." Anyone who has found a raccoon rummaging around in a once securely closed trash container can attest to how skilful raccoons are with their front paws. In fact, they have four times as many sensory receptors in their forepaw skin as they do in their hindpaws, a ratio similar to that of human hands and feet. Samuel Zeveloff explores this trait and much more in his accessible natural history of raccoons. Written with the general reader in mind, Raccoons presents detailed information on raccoon evolution, physical characteristics, social behaviour, habitats, food habits, reproduction and conservation, as well as their relationship with humans and many other topics. The section on distribution and subspecies focuses on the raccoon's current range expansion, and the material on their cultural significance demonstrates this mammal's unique status in different North American cultures.