microbiology

"Few people stop to consider they're not alone in their body. It's thought that the human body contains 10 times more bacteria than cells, in fact. Luckily, many of these microorganisms are harmless to us, and some are even very helpful. This...look at nature's smallest life-forms is a high-interest introduction to the world of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes"--Amazon.com.

Highlights the basics of why and how foods spoil. Includes a glossary, resources for further information, and color photographs.

"Breaks down common misconceptions that fuel weight-loss fads by exploring the hidden world of the microbiome"--Dust jacket.

"This book explores the human microbiome--the trillions of microbes that share our bodies--and why it has become one of the hottest areas of research in human health. The book discusses the microbes that live on us and in us, how scientists study them, and how they relate to health issues such as infections, obesity, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. The book delves into the Human Microbiome Project (HMP), a US government/National Institutes of Health initiative launched in 2007, in which scientists are working to identify and study all of the microbes associated with human health and disease. The book also takes readers into stores to make informed choices about the many anti-microbial and probiotic products that line the shelves."--.

Argues for the notion of a "new biology," identifying microbes, superorganisms, and ancient foods as a means of self-care and as a revolution in public health.

The search for life in other worlds begins with the search for a habitable planet. This book explores the (3z(BGoldilocks Zone,(3y (Ba defined area that is perfect for harboring life in our universe. Readers will find out how scientists are finding habitable planets by using terrestrial and orbiting telescopes to search these regions. Readers will also get to know how extreme zones on Earth are helping scientists redefine their concept of (3z(Bhabitable(3y (Band what kind of life we might find. Fascinating full-color photographs and artist renderings from NASA illustrate this fascinating hunt.

Short of intergalactic travel or aliens landing on Earth, it may seem there is no way for us to learn about extraterrestrial life. However, as this captivating volume details, we may know more than we think. Science and sci-fi enthusiasts will be fascinated to discover that the conditions of various extreme environments on Earth—the Arctic, deep underground, and deep sea, to name a few—are analogous to those of various regions of space. By examining the terrestrial species—or extremophiles—that thrive in these conditions and their survival mechanisms, we can begin to understand extraterrestrial life before ever making contact.

Draws from interviews to tell the stories of the scientists whose research changed the way cancer is viewed.

The author describes his experiences as a member of several scientific expeditions in search of never-before-seen, underground life-forms, and discusses the debates that have arisen in the scientific community over some of the discoveries.