Biophysical Society-IOP Series – serie

This book discusses the cellular and molecular basisfor the regulation of calcium changes in cells and, in turn, the impact ofchanges in cell calcium on physiological function.

An Introduction to Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy represents a comprehensive introduction to fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), a biophysical experimental technique increasingly used to study and quantify molecular mobility, concentrations and interactions in vitro, as well as in living cells and multicellular organisms. Students and researchers who are new to FCS can use the book as the first introduction to the technique, while those who are already using FCS regularly in their research may find it useful to deepen their understanding of the technique, its possibilities, limitations, and potential pitfalls as well as ways to avoid them.

This book introduces the reader to all aspects of FCS needed for practical usage of the technique in their research. In the beginning the concept of fluorescence intensity fluctuations and their auto- and cross-correlation functions are explained to give readers an understanding of the underlying principles. This is followed by an overview of instrumental FCS setups and various ways of data collection and processing, the derivations of theoretical models relating the experimentally obtained correlation functions to the underlying molecular processes, and the description of the fitting of experimental data with those models. Mathematically more involved portions are separated from the rest of the text and can be easily skipped by readers more interested in the conceptual and practical aspects of FCS. The book contains interactive graphics and is accompanied by an interactive computable document file allowing the reader to test the dependence of FCS results on a variety of experimental parameters, and to gain practical insights into FCS data fitting.

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Collagen has proved to be a safe and effective biomedical material. Clinicians have used collagen-based devices in a wide range of applications with successful patient outcomes. This book gives an understanding of how present devices work, how they could be improved, and the development of new devices where a knowledge of collagen structure, chemistry and biology is required. The purification of collagen materials and the fabrication of a range of collagen products and their applications are covered within. Written by experts in the field, this text will be of interest for researchers as well as lecturers and students.

This book describes the methodology and applications of solid-state NMR spectroscopy to studies of membrane proteins, membrane-active peptides and model biological membranes. As well as structural studies it contains coverage of membrane interactions and molecular motions. Advances in biological solid-state NMR are very pertinent with high-field developments seeing applications in biological membranes and whole cells. Many of the chapter authors and contributors are world-class experts and leaders in the development and application of biological solid-state NMR.

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This edited book is written for students, postdocs and established investigators who want to enter the field of single-particle cryo-EM. This is a recently developed method to determine high-resolution structures of biological macromolecules. A major strength is the fact that cryo-EM does not require prior crystallization of protein complexes. Furthermore, it is especially well suited for larger complexes and molecular machines, although it can also be used for macromolecules as small as 40 kDa or less. It also is especially well-suited to deliver high-resolution structural information about multiple conformational states.Key Features

This is the third volume in the Physics of Cancer (Second Edition) set. The book introduces and discusses novel and advanced applications for probing and sensing mechanical properties of cells and their microenvironment. In addition, biophysical techniques for analysing combined biophysical techniques and cellular functions are presented and discussed. However, the major scope of the book is the presentation of biophysical approaches in cancer and its major findings that contribute significantly to the field of physics of cancer from a biophysical point of view. Each chapter is a closed unit and at its end references allow the reader to step more deeply into each topic. When possible, videos will be provided as a special feature to enhance the topics.Key Features

Diabetes Systems Biology provides senior undergraduate students and junior scientists, interested in diabetes systems biology, with a tool to learn more about the mathematical models and methods used to understand macroscopically and microscopically beta-cell behaviour in health and disease. The book introduces readers to the quantitative methods used to examine beta-cell dynamics, islet biology and architecture, as well as diabetes etiology and implications. The goal is to allow junior researchers in the fields of mathematical biology and biophysics to obtain a broad understanding of these quantitative methods, and guide them into taking the first steps into the field of diabetes systems biology. At the end of each chapter, several problem-solving exercises (that require both analytical and computational skills) are provided for the readers to help them become more proficient in this field.

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This book presents recent advances in spectral analysis techniques for biological applications, with a strong emphasis on cancer detection, including microparticle detection in blood and urine. While metastatic cancer remains incurable, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly enhance survival outcomes. The book explores modern non-invasive spectroscopic and imaging techniques such as thermal imaging, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, photothermal spectroscopy, Raman imaging, photoacoustic microscopy and tomography, and hyperspectral imaging and highlighting their technological developments, diagnostic potential, and current challenges. It also discusses future research directions aimed at improving sensitivity, accuracy, and clinical translation. Intended for researchers, clinicians, and graduate students, this volume provides fundamental knowledge, practical insights, and awareness of emerging diagnostic approaches in cancer detection.

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