Neuroscience in space

Clément, Gilles, Ph.D. RC1151 .C45 C54 2008

Clément (CNRS, Toulouse, France) and Reschke (senior neuroscientist, NASA, Johnson Space Center) present a comprehensive review of animal and human neuroscience research conducted either in space or with subjects who just returned from space. The information is presented with the detail that scientists require, clearly outlining the complicated issues involved in sending humans on brief and extended space journeys. Researchers working on space programs will benefit from the extensive discussion of space motion sickness, sensory changes, postural adaptation, spatial orientation, sleep challenges, and possible measures to counter the effects of microgravity in space. However, the impact of the research reviewed in this volume extends well beyond space science and has a significant impact on an understanding of neural adaptation and the effect of gravity on a multitude of neural processes. Sending animals and humans into space offers neuroscientists the unique opportunity to study mechanisms underlying neural adaptation to changing environments. Clément and Reschke conclude the work by laying out an agenda for neuroscience research in space that addresses gravity-sensing receptors, motor systems, spatial orientation, and cognition in the microgravity environment. They also recommend the study of general concepts such as the time course of neural adaptation. (from Choice March, 2009)

Grasses and grassland ecology

Gibson, David J. QH541.5 .P7 G53 2009

Grasslands, in particular managed pastures and rangelands, are widespread, covering approximately 40% (52 million km2) of the Earth's land surface. They are dominated by members of the Poaceae - the fourth largest plant family with over 7,500 species, and also the most widespread. Grasslands constitute a major biome on all continents except Antarctica and also represent the most important food crop on Earth with corn, wheat, maize, rice and millet accounting for the majority of our agricultural output.

Grasses and Grassland Ecology provides an ecologically orientated introduction to this influential group of plants, summarizing the most recent scientific research in ecology and agriculture in the context of the older, classic literature. Ten chapters cover the morphology, anatomy, physiology and systematics of grasses, their population, community and ecosystem ecology, their global distribution, and the effects of disturbance and grassland management.

Natural experiments: ecosystem-based management and the environment

Layzer, Judith A. [Ebook]

http://cowles-proxy.drake.edu/login?url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/drake/Top?layout=document&id=10240754

Landscape-scale ecosystem management is increasingly recognized as the appropriate scale for understanding and resolving ecological problems. This is especially the case when problems stem from uncoordinated local planning and urban sprawl. Layzer (environmental policy, MIT) investigates problems through seven case studies, which highlight similarities and differences between regions in a rigorous fashion. They include Austin, Texas; San Diego; the Everglades; Sacramento delta; Sonora Desert; central Florida; and Mono Lake. The cases are sufficiently different that they provide readers with an understanding of the national implications of both regional and local planning decisions, while clearly maintaining focus on the unique character of each ecosystem. When landscape-scale management is adopted, regional governance tends to select one of two planning models. One aligns planning with the largely economic interests of stakeholders and resource users, generally undermining planning based in science. The other tends to see science involved in resource assessments and planning decisions. Layzer's findings should be very helpful to regional planners starting the process of planning at the landscape or whole ecosystem scale. This is a timely, compelling contribution to the literature on regional and environmental planning. (from Choice March 2009)

Photobiology: the science of life and light

Björn, Lars Olof, 1936- QH515 .P467 2008

This unique volume addresses the biological diversity and interdisciplinarity of photobiology in a current, comprehensive way. General material about photobiological techniques and the nature of light connects with more specialized chapters on topics including photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis, photoperiodism, bioluminescence, and vision. Four chapters explore photomedical topics. This edition expands extensively on the 2002 edition. All chapters include appropriate references, and new chapters present emerging areas of photobiology, such as the role of the light-dependent magnetic compass in animal orientation. Teachers will appreciate a chapter that provides hints for laboratory experiments and demonstrations. The expertise of leading photobiologist Björn (emer., Lund Univ., Sweden) and the other authors is evident throughout the book. Though the chapters are authoritative, the writing is telegraphic in places and may discourage beginning students. Illustrations are well chosen, but the resolution of some graphs is poor; e.g., curves appear jagged. In comparing this work to related resources, the Digital Photobiology Compendium http://www.photobiology.info/ presents an introduction to photobiology, but Björn's book is more detailed, cohesive, and up-to-date. The excellent Handbook of Photosensory Receptors (2005) edited by Winslow Briggs and John Spudich is taxonomically broad, but it focuses on photoreceptors, omitting some general photobiology. (from Choice July 2008)

Ecology of insects: concepts and applications

Speight, Martin R. QL496.4 .S66 2008

For entomologists conducting research during the last 50 years, the landmark 1975 book Insect Ecology by P. W. Price (CH, Mar'76; 2nd ed., 1984; 3rd ed., 1997) was the first to provide a modern synthesis of this burgeoning area of biological investigation. Since that time, similar works have appeared, each considering recent advances and presenting unique perspectives. Using an evolutionary approach, Speight (Univ. of Oxford, UK), Hunter (Univ. of Michigan), and Watt (Center for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh, UK), well-respected international insect ecologists, here consider the general ecological topics one would normally expect, incorporating the most up-to-date information available. The book is filled from cover to cover with intriguing examples and case studies; it also includes an interesting array of topics that might surprise the reader. This reviewer found the chapters "Biodiversity" and "Insect Conservation" particularly interesting. "Insects and Diseases" and "Insect Pest Management" offer insightful consideration into these complex, important topics. Eminently readable, this volume undoubtedly will be used as a course resource in many classrooms. It will prove to be an invaluable reference for a wide variety of entomologists and ecologists, and should be in all libraries with significant biological holdings. (from Choice January 2009)

How the immune system works

Sompayrac, Lauren. QR181 .S65 2008

Understanding the immune system is crucial for both medical and bioscience students, with new research revealing yet more secrets year on year. Many books offer in-depth introductions to the subject, but How the Immune System Works remains uniquely popular for its personable and practical overview of the nuts and bolts of the immune system.

This third edition provides a perfect introduction to the essential principles of the immune system, covered in humorous but highly informative 'lectures' accompanied by clear and accessible illustrations. It is perfect for exam preparation or as an enjoyable overview of a difficult subject. Both students and instructors will welcome the clarity and authority that Lauren Sompayrac brings to this timely revision.

Neuroscience of birdsong

Zeigler, H. Philip (Harris Philip), 1931- QL698.5 .N48 2008

Speech has long been thought of as a uniquely defining characteristic of humans. Yet song birds, like humans, communicate using learned signals (song, speech) that are acquired from their parents by a process of vocal imitation. Both song and speech begin as amorphous vocalizations (subsong, babble) that are gradually transformed into an individualized version of the parent’s speech, including dialects. With contributions from both the founding forefathers and younger researchers who represent the future of this field, this book provides a comprehensive summary of birdsong neurobiology, and identifies the common brain mechanisms underlying this achievement in both birds and humans. Written primarily for advanced graduates and researchers, there is an introductory overview covering song learning, the parallels between language and birdsong and the relationship between the brains of birds and mammals; subsequent sections deal with producing, processing, learning and recognizing song, as well as with hormonal and genomic mechanisms.

Stalking the plumed serpent and other adventures in herpetology

Means, D. Bruce. QL641 .M39 2007

The "plumed serpent" may actually represent the next new creature and accompanying new adventure sought by Means, a scientist, explorer, and conservationist. Here he relates his experiences with a large earthworm in Arkansas, a salamander in the Alabama hills, the majestic bushmaster snake of Central and South America, the taipan of Australia, and numerous others. As one reads these stories, one begins to feel the author's love of nature, even though he is writing of animals that are not most people's favorites. A major highlight of the book is Means's discussion of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, of which he is an expert. His travels and adventures in Australia are delightful and informative. This reviewer had trouble putting the book down once he started. The work includes outstanding photographs and an excellent index. Valuable for anyone interested in natural history, herpetology, adventure, or a combination of these. (from Choice February 2009)