Learning Materials in Biosciences – serie

This open access textbook provides the background needed to correctly use, interpret and understand statistics and statistical data in diverse settings.  Part I makes key concepts in statistics readily clear. Parts I and II give an overview of the most common tests (t-test, ANOVA, correlations) and work out their statistical principles. Part III provides insight into meta-statistics (statistics of statistics) and demonstrates why experiments often do not replicate. Finally, the textbook shows how complex statistics can be avoided by using clever experimental design.  Both non-scientists and students in Biology, Biomedicine and Engineering will benefit from the book by learning the statistical basis of scientific claims and by discovering ways to evaluate the quality of scientific reports in academic journals and news outlets.

This textbook takes you on a journey to the basic concepts of cancer biology. It combines developmental, evolutionary and cell biology perspectives, to then wrap-up with an integrated clinical approach.The book starts with an introductory chapter, looking at cancer in a nut shell. The subsequent chapters are detailed and the idea of cancer as a mass of somatic cells undergoing a micro-evolutionary Darwinian process is explored. Further, the main Hanahan and Weinberg “Hallmarks of Cancer” are revisited.  In most chapters, the fundamental experiments that led to key concepts, connecting basic biology and biomedicine are highlighted. In the book’s closing section all of these concepts are integrated in clinical studies, where molecular diagnosis as well as the various classical and modern therapeutic strategies are addressed.The book is written in an easy-to-read language, like a one-on-one conversation between the writer and the reader, without compromising the scientific accuracy. Therefore, this book is suited not only for advanced undergraduates and master students but also for patients or curious lay people looking for a further understanding of this shattering disease

This textbook teaches the principles and applications of fermentation technology, bioreactors, bioprocess variables and their measurement, key product separation and purification techniques as well as bioprocess economics in an easy to understand way. The multidisciplinary science of fermentation applies scientific and engineering principles to living organisms or their useful components to produce products and services beneficial for our society. Successful exploitation of fermentation technology involves knowledge of microbiology and engineering. Thus the book serves as a must-have guide for undergraduates and graduate students interested in Biochemical Engineering and Microbial Biotechnology

This textbook takes you from the very first time you open MATLAB® through to a position where you can comfortably integrate this computer language into your research or studies. The book will familiarise you with the MATLAB interface, show you how to use the program´s built-in functions and carefully guide you towards creating your own functions and scripts so that you can use MATLAB as a sophisticated tool to support your own research.  A central aim of this book is to provide you with the core knowledge and skills required to become a confident MATLAB user so that you can find and make use of the many specialist functions and toolboxes that have been developed to support a wide range of biological applications.Examples presented within the book are selected to be relevant to biological scientists and they illustrate some of the many ways the program can be incorporated into, and used to enhance, your own research and studies.The textbook is a must-have for students and researchers in the biological sciences. It will also appeal to readers of all backgrounds who are looking for an introduction to MATLAB which is suitable for those with little or no experience of programming.

This Open Access textbook provides students and researchers in the life sciences with essential practical information on how to quantitatively analyze data images. It refrains from focusing on theory, and instead uses practical examples and step-by step protocols to familiarize readers with the most commonly used image processing and analysis platforms such as ImageJ, MatLab and Python. Besides gaining knowhow on algorithm usage, readers will learn how to create an analysis pipeline by scripting language; these skills are important in order to document reproducible image analysis workflows.The textbook is chiefly intended for advanced undergraduates in the life sciences and biomedicine without a theoretical background in data analysis, as well as for postdocs, staff scientists and faculty members who need to perform regular quantitative analyses of microscopy images.

This textbook introduces readers to the scientific basics of cardiovascular medicine and biology. It covers not only developmental but also cellular and molecular aspects of normally functioning vasculature and the heart; importantly, it also addresses the mechanisms leading to and involved in specific cardiovascular diseases. Though the main emphasis is on novel therapies and potential therapeutic targets, specific controversial topics like cardiac remodeling and regenerative capacities are also addressed.All chapters were written by lecturers from the Imperial College London, in collaboration with their students from the College’s BSc Programme in Medical Sciences with Cardiovascular Science. Bridging the gap between clinics and basic biology, the book offers a valuable guide for medical students, and for Master and PhD students in Cardiovascular Biomedicine.

This textbook presents solid tools for in silico engineering biology, offering students a step-by-step guide to mastering the smart design of metabolic pathways. The first part explains the Design-Build-Test-Learn-cycle engineering approach to biology, discussing the basic tools to model biological and chemistry-based systems. Using these basic tools, the second part focuses on various computational protocols for metabolic pathway design, from enzyme selection to pathway discovery and enumeration. In the context of industrial biotechnology, the final part helps readers understand the challenges of scaling up and optimisation. By working with the free programming language Scientific Python, this book provides easily accessible tools for studying and learning the principles of modern in silico metabolic pathway design. Intended for advanced undergraduates and master’s students in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, bioinformatics and systems biology students, the introductory sections make it also useful for beginners wanting to learn the basics of scientific coding and find real-world, hands-on examples.

This textbook describes the biology of different adult stem cell types and outlines the current level of knowledge in the field. It clearly explains the basics of hematopoietic, mesenchymal and cord blood stem cells and also covers induced pluripotent stem cells. Further, it includes a chapter on ethical aspects of human stem cell research, which promotes critical thinking and responsible handling of the material.Based on the international masters program Molecular and Developmental Stem Cell Biology taught at Ruhr-University Bochum and Tongji University Shanghai, the book is a valuable source for postdocs and researchers working with stems cells and also offers essential insights for physicians and dentists wishing to expand their knowledge.This textbook is a valuable complement to Concepts and Applications of Stem Cell Biology, also published in the Learning Materials in Biosciences textbook series.

This textbook covers all the steps in manufacturing a biomedical product from bench to bedside. It specifically focuses on quality assurance and management and explains the different good practice principles in the various phases of product development as well as how to fulfill them: Good laboratory practice, good manufacturing practice and good clinical practice.  It provides readers with the know-how to design biomedical experiments to ensure quality and integrity, to plan and conduct standard preclinical studies and to assure the quality of the final manufactured biomedical products.  Importantly, it also addresses ethical concerns and considerations.The book discusses the guidelines and ethical considerations for preclinical and clinical studies, to allow readers to identify safety concerns regarding biomedical products and to improve pre-clinical studies for the development of better products.This textbook is a valuable guide for biomedical students (B.Sc., M.S., and Ph.D. students) in the field of molecular medicine, medical biotechnology, stem cell research and related areas, as well as for professionals such as quality control staff, tissue bankers, policy-makers and health professionals.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is a new, interdisciplinary branch of science that combines knowledge from numerous scientific fields including biology, biochemistry, physics, chemistry, applied engineering, and medicine. It aims to restore damaged parts of the human body by rebuilding them in vitro using individual building blocks of biological tissues such as cells and the extracellular matrix that surrounds them. The authors hope to spark students’ interest in this exciting new field of science as well as give them a basic knowledge of its terminology.This book is based on a hands-on practical course in tissue engineering conducted by the Fulbright US Scholar recipient, Dr. Narine Sarvazyan (George Washington University, Washington USA). It provides an overview of the core topics of the tissue engineering field, including stem cell differentiation, the role of extracellular matrix and attachment proteins, scaffolds, and culturing of engineered tissues.Each chapter is accompanied by hands-on demonstrations and self-check questions. The text is easily readable for students of all backgrounds and the described protocols can be conducted using common lab equipment. This textbook is also useful for developing undergraduate and graduate courses that teach basic methods and approaches in this promising and rapidly developing field.

This textbook will support graduate students with learning materials rich in the basic concepts of stem cell biology, in its most widespread and updated perspective. The chapters are conceived in a way for students to understand the meaning of pluripotency, the definition of embryonic stem cells and the formation of multicellular structures such as organoids together with the underlying principles of their epigenetic. This textbook also discusses adult stem cells and the potential use of these cells, in particular neural, mesenchymal,  and several types of muscular cells, in biomedical research and clinical applications.This textbook represents a vital complement to the text on Essential Current Concepts of Stem Cell Biology, also published in the Learning Materials in Biosciences textbook series.

This highly readable textbook serves as a concise and engaging primer to the emerging field of antibody engineering and its various applications. It introduces readers to the basic science and molecular structure of antibodies, and explores how to characterize and engineer them. Readers will find an overview of the latest methods in antibody identification, improvement and biochemical engineering. Furthermore, alternative antibody formats and bispecific antibodies are discussed.The book’s content is based on lectures for the specializations “Protein Engineering” and “Medical Biotechnology” within the Master’s curriculum in “Biotechnology.” The lectures have been held at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, in cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna, since 2012 and are continuously adapted to reflect the latest developments in the field.The book addresses Master- and PhD students in biotechnology, molecular biology and immunology, and all those who are interested in antibody engineering.

This textbook covers the basic aspects of stem cell research and applications in regenerative medicine. Each chapter includes a didactic component and a practical section. The book offers readers insights into:How to identify the basic concepts of stem cell biology and the molecular regulation of pluripotency and stem cell development.How to produce induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the basics of transfection.The biology of adult stem cells, with particular emphasis on mesenchymal stromal cells and hematopoietic stem cells, and the basic mechanisms that regulate them. How cancer stem cells arise and metastasize, and their properties.How to develop the skills needed to isolate, differentiate and characterize adult stem The clinical significance of stem cell research and the potential problems that need to be overcome. Evaluating the use of stem cells for tissue engineering and therapies (the amniotic membrane) The applications of bio-nanotechnology in stem cell research.How epigenetic mechanisms, including various DNA modifications and histone dynamics, are involved in regulating the potentiality and differentiation of stem cells.The scientific methods, ethical considerations and implications of stem cell research.

This textbook introduces readers in an accessible and engaging way to the nuts and bolts of protein expression and engineering. Various case studies illustrate each step from the early sequence searches in online databases over plasmid design and molecular cloning techniques to protein purification and characterization. Furthermore, readers are provided with practical tips to successfully pursue a career as a protein engineer. With protein engineering being a fundamental technique in almost all molecular biology labs, the book targets advanced undergraduates and graduate students working in molecular biology, biotechnology and related scientific fields.

This textbook provides step-by-step protocols and detailed explanations for RNA Sequencing, ChIP-Sequencing and Epigenetic Sequencing applications. The reader learns how to perform Next Generation Sequencing data analysis, how to interpret and visualize the data, and acquires knowledge on the statistical background of the used software tools. Written for biomedical scientists and medical students, this textbook enables the end user to perform and comprehend various Next Generation Sequencing applications and their analytics without prior understanding in bioinformatics or computer sciences.

This textbook shall introduce the students to 3D cell culture approaches and applications. An overview on existing techniques and equipment is provided and insight into various aspects and challenges that researchers need to consider and face during culture of 3D cells is given.The reader will learn the importance of physiological cell, tissue and organ models and gains important knowledge on 3D analytics.This textbook deepens selected aspects of the textbook “Cell Culture Technology”, which also is published in this series, while offering extended insight into 3D cell culture. The concept of the textbook encompasses various lectures ranging from basics in cell cultivation, tissue engineering, biomaterials and biocompatibility, in vitro test systems and regenerative medicine. The textbook addresses Master- and PhD students interested and/or working in the field of modern cell culture applications and will support the understanding of theessential strategies in 3D cell culture and waken awareness for the potentials and challenges of this application.

This open access textbook leads the reader from basic concepts of chromatin structure and function and RNA mechanisms to the understanding of epigenetics, imprinting, regeneration and reprogramming. The textbook treats epigenetic phenomena in animals, as well as plants. Written by four internationally known experts and senior lecturers in this field, it provides a valuable tool for Master- and PhD- students who need to comprehend the principles of epigenetics, or wish to gain a deeper knowledge in this field. After reading this book, the student will:Have an understanding of the basic toolbox of epigenetic regulationKnow how genetic and epigenetic information layers are interconnectedBe able to explain complex epigenetic phenomena by understanding the structures and principles of the underlying molecular mechanismsUnderstand how misregulated epigenetic mechanisms can lead to disease

This open access textbook aims at providing detailed explanations on how to design and construct image analysis workflows to successfully conduct bioimage analysis. Addressing the main challenges in image data analysis, where acquisition by powerful imaging devices results in very large amounts of collected image data, the book discusses techniques relying on batch and GPU programming, as well as on powerful deep learning-based algorithms. In addition, downstream data processing techniques are introduced, such as Python libraries for data organization, plotting, and visualizations. Finally, by studying the way individual unique ideas are implemented in the workflows, readers are carefully guided through how the parameters driving biological systems are revealed by analyzing image data. These studies include segmentation of plant tissue epidermis, analysis of the spatial pattern of the eye development in fruit flies, and the analysis of collective cell migration dynamics. The presented content extends the Bioimage Data Analysis Workflows textbook (Miura, Sladoje, 2020), published in this same series, with new contributions and advanced material, while preserving the well-appreciated pedagogical approach adopted and promoted during the training schools for bioimage analysis organized within NEUBIAS – the Network of European Bioimage Analysts.  This textbook is intended for advanced students in various fields of the life sciences and biomedicine, as well as staff scientists and faculty members who conduct regular quantitative analyses of microscopy images.

This textbook describes the basic principles and mechanism of action of biosensor systems, and introduces readers to the various types of biosensors; from affinity biosensors to catalytic, optical and label-free biosensors, the most common systems are explained in detail. Dedicated advanced sections focus on biochips and genome sequencing methods as well as organs-on-a-chip. The textbook helps readers to understand the elementary components of biosensors, and to identify and illustrate each function in the biosensor information flow, from recognition to transduction and transmission. Furthermore, readers will receive guidance in critically analyzing published studies on biosensor research, helping them to develop appropriate concepts and independently propose their own solutions.The textbook is intended for master’s students in bioengineering, biophysics, biotechnology and pharmacology that need a solid grasp of biosensor system technologies and applications,as well as students in related medical technological fields.

This highly illustrated textbook provides an essential overview on RNA architecture and function, it offers insights into the RNA basics and also explains novel RNA technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas and their applications. In addition, the mRNA based vaccine technology, which has long been tested, also before the COVID-19 pandemic, is discussed and students receive a basic understanding of this important medical application.The textbook is written by Prof. Grover in collaboration with her students and has an easily accessible style. The book provides a great tool for young researchers and students in biology, biomedical engineering or biochemistry, looking for a compact introduction or refresher work on RNA, including the newest findings and technologies. It is an ideal starter to learn about several RNA specific topics and to research them further.

This textbook provides students with knowledge of neurogenetics, neurogenesis, neuronal specification and function, neuronal networks, learning and memory formation, brain evolution, and neurodegenerative diseases.Students are introduced to topics of classical developmental genetics as well as modern molecular and neurogenetic methods. Using a wealth of examples from current research, the textbook takes a strong applied approach. Using animal models such as Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans as well as mammalian systems, the interrelationships between genes, neurons, nervous systems, and behaviour under normal and pathological conditions are illustrated. The textbook aims encourage students to address biological questions in neurogenetics and to think about the design of their own experiments. It targets primarily master and graduate students in neurobiology, but is also a valuable teaching tool for instructors in these fields.

This textbook introduces to the fundamentals and applications of insect biotechnology in a concise manner. Global economically important insects such as silkworm, lac or honey bee are in the focus of this text. The book attempts to address all of the latest developments in this growing field such as application of metagenomics and proteomics in mining for genes and enzymes that could be beneficial in diverse industrial and biomedical applications. Further, insects have been established as suitable tool for the production of transgenic products which is discussed in one dedicated chapter. The book targets students and researchers in molecular biology, biotechnology or entomology who want to get familiar with the emerging field of insect biotechnology.

This textbook provides an introduction to common concepts in biosignal acquisition and processing, rooted in a Project-Based Learning (PBL). A series of exercises and corresponding solutions is described, with a focus on common problems that new entrants encounter in the undergraduate and graduate curriculums in biomedical engineering, psychophysiology, human-computer interaction, physiotherapy, and others developing work in the boundary between biosignal acquisition and other disciplines. Solutions include both hardware and software components, encompassing sensor design, biosignals acquisition using the Arduino and BITalino platforms, Python for signal processing, analysis, and knowledge extraction, including also HTML/CSS/JavaScript for user interface design. All the content is supported with rich graphics, source code, and other useful resources made available to the interested reader. This is an ideal book for undergraduate students and practitioners (across disciplines) who are studying or working in the field of biomedical signal acquisition, processing, and analysis.

This interdisciplinary textbook provides an easy-to-understand and highly topical introduction to all the specialist areas of modern enzyme technology.In the first part of this three-part textbook, the reader is introduced to the fundamentals of enzyme structure, reaction mechanisms, enzyme kinetics, enzyme modeling, and process control. In the second part, methods for finding, expressing, optimizing, purifying, immobilizing, and using enzymes in unusual reaction media are presented. In the third part, leading experts use examples to describe current applications of enzymes in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, for biomass degradation, food production and processing, as additives in detergents and cleaning agents, for constructing biosensors, and as therapeutics.Students of bachelor and master programs in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and bioprocess engineering will gain up-to-date access to practical applications and developing industries. However, the fluent writing style makes the work suitable for all readers, who want to gain an easy-to-understand insight into the production and application of enzymes.This book is a translation of an original German edition. The translation was done with the help of artificial intelligence (machine translation by the service DeepL.com). A subsequent human revision was done primarily in terms of content, so that the book will read stylistically differently from a conventional translation.

This well-accessible textbook constitutes a practical guide to metabolomics approaches and applications in an integrative manner. Illustrated by numerous real-life examples and case studies the book teaches how to set up and carry out metabolomics experiments, from sample collection to storage techniques, and guides the reader through the potentials and challenges of metabolite analysis. In addition, this textbook shows how to obtain insights into molecular mechanisms deployed in different physiological contexts (e.g., exercise, healthy ageing) as well as in different (metabolic) diseases, be it Diabetes, Cancer, Alzheimer´s Disease, Asthma or others. The book brings together knowledge from biochemical, biological, and medical aspects, and further equips the reader with know-how from sample collection and handling to data processing, analysis and interpretation. This textbook is a must-have for advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in applied biochemistry and metabolomics, as well as for instructors who teach courses in biomedicine, physiology or biochemistry.

This well-accessible textbook constitutes a practical guide to metabolomics approaches and applications in an integrative manner. Illustrated by numerous real-life examples and case studies the book teaches how to set up and carry out metabolomics experiments, from sample collection to storage techniques, and guides the reader through the potentials and challenges of metabolite analysis. In addition, this textbook shows how to obtain insights into molecular mechanisms deployed in different physiological contexts (e.g., exercise, healthy ageing) as well as in different (metabolic) diseases, be it Diabetes, Cancer, Alzheimer´s Disease, Asthma or others. The book brings together knowledge from biochemical, biological, and medical aspects, and further equips the reader with know-how from sample collection and handling to data processing, analysis and interpretation. This textbook is a must-have for advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in applied biochemistry and metabolomics, as well as for instructors who teach courses in biomedicine, physiology or biochemistry.

This updated and extended second edition of the textbook introduces the basic concepts of bioinformatics and enhances students' skills in the use of software and tools relevant to microbiology research. It discusses the most relevant methods for analysing data and teaches readers how to draw valid conclusions from the observations obtained. Free software and servers available on the Internet are presented in an updated version of 2023 and more advanced stand-alone software is proposed as a second option. In addition, new tools for microbial genome analysis and new flowcharts that complement the didactic elements have been added. Exercises and training questionnaires are included at the end of each chapter to facilitate learning.  The book is aimed at Ph.D. students and advanced undergraduate students in microbiology, biotechnology, and (veterinary) medicine with little or basic knowledge of bioinformatics.

This textbook gives an insight into the importance of cell migration in health during development, wound healing and immune responses as well as in disease with particular focus on cancer. The reader will learn about the different ways cells migrate to allow cellular changes during development to occur, as well as responses to injury and threat by foreign invaders. Cell migration is a driver of invasion and ultimately metastasis in cancer and as such we will give examples from highly aggressive cancer such as brain tumours. The book also includes an introduction to mathematical modelling to predict cell migration, information on the development of software for analysis of data generated in 2D and 3D as well as recent developments in the investigations into cell migration using 3D bioprinting.This textbook will be a great learning tool for advanced undergraduate students and Master students with the relevant science degrees such as in cell biology, developmental biology, cancer research, and tumour biology.

This is a fully revised Second Edition of a well-structured textbook that offers essential knowledge on the vascular system.The reader will learn the properties, basic cellular mechanisms, and development of the different parts of the vascular system (including the heart and lung), gain knowledge on vascular and related diseases, and will be made familiar with common and most current methods and techniques applied to analyze the vascular system in patients, animal models, and ex vivo.This book is based on a Ph.D. Course for students from various scientific backgrounds given at the Medical University of Vienna, and it will be a valuable resource for Master´s Students in vascular biology and biomedicine in general and a helpful tool for young researchers worldwide wishing to gain or refresh their knowledge in this field.