For over half a century, DNA has dominated science and the popular imagination as the secret of life. But over the last several decades, a quiet revolution has taken place. In a series of breathtaking discoveries, the biochemist Thomas R. Cech and a diverse cast of brilliant scientists have revealed that RNA--long overlooked as the passive servant of DNA--sits at the center of biology's greatest mysteries: How did life begin? What makes us human? Why do we get sick and grow old? In The Catalyst, Cech finally brings together years of research to demonstrate that RNA is the true key to understanding life on Earth, from its very origins to our future in the twenty-first century.

A gripping journey of discovery, The Catalyst moves from the early experiments that first hinted at RNA's spectacular powers, to Cech's own paradigm-shifting finding that it can catalyze cellular reactions, to the cutting-edge biotechnologies poised to reshape our health. We learn how RNA--once thought merely to transmit DNA's genetic instructions to the cell's protein-making machinery--may have jump-started life itself, and how, at the same time, it can cut our individual lives short through viral diseases and cancer. We see how RNA is implicated in the aging process and explore the darker depths of the supposed fountain of youth, telomerase. And we catch a thrilling glimpse into how RNA-powered therapies--from CRISPR, the revolutionary tool that uses RNA to rewrite the code of life, to the groundbreaking mRNA vaccines that have saved millions during the pandemic, and more--may enable us to improve and even extend life beyond nature's current limits.

Written by one of our foremost scientists, The Catalyst is a must-read guide to the present and future of biology and medicine.

A New York Times-bestselling astrophysicist and a Nobel laureate take us on a mesmerizing exploration (Jennifer Doudna) to discover how and where the universe breathed itself into life

For a long time, scientists have wondered how life has emerged from inanimate chemistry, and whether Earth is the only place where it exists. Charles Darwin speculated about life on Earth beginning in a warm little pond. Some of his contemporaries believed that life existed on Mars. It once seemed inevitable that the truth would be known by now.

It is not. For more than a century, the origins and extent of life have remained shrouded in mystery. But, as Mario Livio and Jack Szostak reveal in Is Earth Exceptional?, the veil is finally lifting. The authors describe how life's building blocks--from RNA to amino acids and cells--could have emerged from the chaos of Earth's early existence. They then apply the knowledge gathered from cutting-edge research across the sciences to the search for life in the cosmos: both life as we know it and life as we don't.

Why and where life exists are two of the biggest unsolved problems in science. Is Earth Exceptional? is the ultimate exploration of the question of whether life is a freak accident or a chemical imperative.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a big, brainy STEM board book. Satisfy your baby's growing curiosity of their world, with the science behind it!

On St. Patrick's Day, Baby learns why plants like clovers are green: photosynthesis! Accurate enough to satisfy an expert, yet simple enough for Baby, this clever board book explores the science of photosynthesis, leaf anatomy, and traditions surrounding St. Patrick's Day.

Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage Baby's sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two as well.

Herbal Constituents, 2nd Edition, is a concise yet thorough textbook for students and practitioners of botanical medicine (e.g., medical herbalists, naturopaths, holistic practitioners, pharmacists, physicians). Using examples from commonly employed herbs, it explains concepts from phytochemistry and pharmacognosy that are important for understanding the characteristics and functions of botanical medicines. Illustrated with structure drawings, and written by an clinical herbalist with extensive training in botany and chemistry, this unique book brings together the wisdom of traditional practice and contemporary science. New in this edition are sections on Cannabis pharmacy; integration of current research; and expanded content in every chapter.

What brings the Earth to life, and our own lives to an end?

For decades, biology has been dominated by the study of genetic information. Information is important, but it is only part of what makes us alive. Our inheritance also includes our living metabolic network, a flame passed from generation to generation, right back to the origin of life. In Transformer, biochemist Nick Lane reveals a scientific renaissance that is hiding in plain sight --how the same simple chemistry gives rise to life and causes our demise.

Lane is among the vanguard of researchers asking why the Krebs cycle, the perfect circle at the heart of metabolism, remains so elusive more than eighty years after its discovery. Transformer is Lane's voyage, as a biochemist, to find the inner meaning of the Krebs cycle--and its reverse--why it is still spinning at the heart of life and death today.

Lane reveals the beautiful, violent world within our cells, where hydrogen atoms are stripped from the carbon skeletons of food and fed to the ravenous beast of oxygen. Yet this same cycle, spinning in reverse, also created the chemical building blocks that enabled the emergence of life on our planet. Now it does both. How can the same pathway create and destroy? What might our study of the Krebs cycle teach us about the mysteries of aging and the hardest problem of all, consciousness?

Transformer unites the story of our planet with the story of our cells--what makes us the way we are, and how it connects us to the origin of life. Enlivened by Lane's talent for distilling and humanizing complex research, Transformer offers an essential read for anyone fascinated by biology's great mysteries. Life is at root a chemical phenomenon: this is its deep logic.

An awe-inspiring journey into the world of proteins--how they shape life, and their remarkable potential to heal our bodies and our planet.

Each fall, a robin begins the long trek north from Gibraltar to her summer home in Central Europe. Nestled deep in her optic nerve, a tiny protein turns a lone electron into a compass, allowing her to see north in colors we can only dream of perceiving.

Taking us beyond the confines of our own experiences, The Color of North traverses the kingdom of life to uncover the myriad ways that proteins shape us and all organisms on the planet. Inside every cell, a tight-knit community of millions of proteins skillfully contorts into unique shapes to give fireflies their ghostly glow, enable the octopus to see predators with its skin, and make humans fall in love. Collectively, proteins orchestrate the intricate relationships within ecosystems and forge the trajectory of life. And yet, nature has exploited just a fraction of their immense potential. Shahir S. Rizk and Maggie M. Fink show how breathtaking advances in protein engineering are expanding on nature's repertoire, introducing proteins that can detect environmental pollutants, capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and treat diseases from cancer to COVID-19.

Weaving together themes of memory, migration, and family with cutting-edge research, The Color of North unveils a molecular world in which proteins are the pulsing heart of life. Ultimately, we gain a new appreciation for our intimate connections to the world around us and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Una historia de placer y euforia, amor y adicciones, locura y creatividad a través del prisma de la molécula que domina el mundo.

Por qué nos obsesionamos con las cosas que queremos y nos aburrimos cuando las conseguimos? Por qué la adicción no es una cuestión moral? Por qué el amor pasional se convierte tan rápidamente en desinterés? Por qué casi todas las dietas fracasan? Por qué vivimos pegados a las redes sociales? Por qué algunas personas son liberales acérrimos y otras, conservadores extremos? Cómo logramos mantener la esperanza, incluso en los tiempos más oscuros? La respuesta reside en una simple sustancia química de nuestro cerebro: la dopamina.

La dopamina es la sustancia que permitió que nuestros ancestros pervivieran. Hoy en cambio, es la responsable de nuestro comportamiento, adicciones y del progreso humano. Es la molécula del deseo, la que controla nuestros impulsos y la que nos incita a buscar siempre nuevos estímulos. La dopamina es la causante de que un trabajador ambicioso lo sacrifique todo en pos del éxito, o que pongamos en riesgo nuestra relación más preciada por una noche de sexo con un desconocido. Por un lado nos sirve de motivación para superarnos a nosotros mismos. Por el otro, nos lleva a arriesgarlo todo y fracasar en el intento.

Para la dopamina lo importante es conseguir algo, cualquier cosa, con tal de que sea nueva. Una vez tenemos claro el papel que juega en nuestra vida, podremos entender de una manera revolucionaria por qué nos comportamos como lo hacemos en el amor, los negocios, la política o la religión. Entender la dopamina nos ayudará a predecir nuestro comportamiento. Pero también el de los demás.

ENGLISH DESCRIPTION

A story of pleasure and euphoria, love and addictions, madness and creativity through the prism of the molecule that dominates the world.

Why do we obsess over the things we want and get bored when we get them? Why is addiction not a moral issue? Why does passionate love so quickly turn into selflessness? Why do almost all diets fail? Why do we live glued to social networks? Why are some people staunch liberals and others extreme conservatives? How do we manage to maintain hope, even in the darkest of times? The answer lies in a simple chemical in our brain: dopamine.

Dopamine is the substance that allowed our ancestors to survive. Today, on the other hand, it is responsible for our behavior, addictions and human progress. It is the molecule of desire, the one that controls our impulses and the one that incites us to always seek new stimuli. Dopamine is the cause of an ambitious worker sacrificing everything in pursuit of success, or that we put our most precious relationship at risk for a night of sex with a stranger. On the one hand, it serves as motivation to improve ourselves. On the other, it leads us to risk everything and fail in the attempt.

For dopamine, the important thing is to get something, anything, as long as it's new. Once we are clear about the role it plays in our lives, we will be able to understand in a revolutionary way why we behave as we do in love, business, politics or religion. Understanding dopamine will help us predict our behavior. But also that of others.

The revolution in science that is transforming our understanding of extinct life

We used to think of fossils as being composed of nothing but rock and minerals, all molecular traces of life having vanished long ago. We were wrong. Remnants of Ancient Life reveals how the new science of ancient biomolecules--pigments, proteins, and DNA that once functioned in living organisms tens of millions of years ago--is opening a new window onto the evolution of life on Earth.

Paleobiologists are now uncovering these ancient remnants in the fossil record with increasing frequency, shedding vital new light on long-extinct creatures and the lost world they inhabited. Dale Greenwalt is your guide to these astonishing breakthroughs. He explains how ancient biomolecules hold the secrets to how mammoths dealt with the bitter cold, what colors dinosaurs exhibited in mating displays, how ancient viruses evolved to become more dangerous, and much more. Each chapter discusses different types of biomolecules and the insights they provide about the physiology, behavior, and evolution of extinct organisms, many of which existed long before the age of dinosaurs.

A marvelous adventure of discovery, Remnants of Ancient Life offers an unparalleled look at an emerging science that is transforming our picture of the remote past. You will never think of fossils in the same way again.

This three-part treatment translates the technical language of research monographs on the theory of free energy transfer in biology, making the subject more accessible to novices. 1989 edition.

Despite competition from an ever-growing range of alternative adult beverages, beer remains a vastly important beverage globally. There is a huge diversity of beer styles, drinks suited not only to refreshment and delight in themselves, but also to suit any drinking occasion, including alongside food of all types. There is nutritional value in beer and evidence that, consumed responsibly, it can be a valuable part of a well-balanced diet. This relates to the wholesomeness of the basic materials employed for the brewing of beer, notably malt and hops, but also the nature of the longstanding processes that are employed in converting cereals such as barley and wheat into malt and thence through the time-honored stages of brewing. This book explains these issues- history, nature and complexity of the modern brewing business, types of beer, quality attributes of beer, the underpinning processes, and much more. Any reader, from those who know little about the subject through to the beer aficionado, will gain a meaningful understanding of beer: the science and technology that are involved in its production and properties but also the art that is at the heart of producing the world's favorite alcoholic drink.

This book is intended to be used by students taking Biochemistry 101 with Dr. David R. Khan. It has been formatted to contain a summary of each chapter covered in the course, a slide-by-slide lecture series, and answers to assigned homework problems. This book also contains additional multiple choice (test format) problem sets along with the answers to those questions.

Royal Lee's classic work on the discoveries being unearthed at the beginning of the last century in medical and biological research. Many of these investigations still challenge the status quo, and all of them are a valuable part of the basic repertoire of the researcher. This edition has been painstakingly retyped from the original.

Tyrosinase, Volume 56 in The Enzymes series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of timely topics, including Overview on tyrosinases (genetics, molecular biology, phylogenetic relationship), Catalytic mechanism of tyrosinases, Structural characterization of tyrosinases, Assay methods of tyrosinase activity and inhibition, Natural products as tyrosinase inhibitors, Drug design of tyrosinase inhibitors, Peptide and peptidomimetic tyrosinase inhibitors, Computational studies of tyrosinase inhibitors, Bacterial tyrosinases and their inhibitors, and Biomedical applications of tyrosinases and tyrosinase inhibitors.

5-MeO-DMT Source and extraction
A Complete Guide to Finding and extracting 5-MeO-DMT
This guide provides detailed insights into the processes of locating natural sources of this potent psychoactive compound and extracting it responsibly. The guide covers identifying plants and animals that contain 5-MeO-DMT, such as Anadenanthera peregrina and Bufo alvarius, respectively. It outlines extraction methods from these sources, including detailed step-by-step procedures for both plant materials and toad venom. Safety considerations, legal aspects, and ethical practices are emphasized throughout to ensure safe handling and compliance with regulations. This guide serves as a valuable resource for individuals interested in understanding and undertaking the extraction of 5-MeO-DMT for various purposes, while promoting environmental stewardship and responsible use.

Dr. Kyren Steven delves into the multifaceted applications and benefits of methylene blue, a compound with a rich history and diverse medical applications. This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth exploration of methylene blue's pharmacological properties, clinical applications, and therapeutic potential across various medical disciplines.
Dr. Steven, a renowned expert in pharmacology and clinical research, provides a thorough analysis of methylene blue's mechanism of action, including its role as a redox agent, its antimicrobial properties, and its potential in treating a wide array of conditions ranging from methemoglobinemia to neurodegenerative diseases. The book also covers its emerging use in photodynamic therapy and as a diagnostic tool.
Key features of this essential resource include:

• Historical Context and Development: An overview of methylene blue's discovery and evolution as a therapeutic agent.
• Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics: Detailed insights into the biochemical interactions and metabolic pathways of methylene blue.
• Clinical Applications: Comprehensive coverage of its use in various medical fields, including psychiatry, cardiology, neurology, and infectious diseases.
• Therapeutic Potential: Exploration of new and emerging uses, supported by the latest clinical trials and research findings.
• Safety and Efficacy: An evidence-based discussion on the safety profile, dosage considerations, and potential side effects.

With contributions from leading researchers and clinicians, Methylene Blue: Clinical and Therapeutic Uses serves as an invaluable reference for healthcare professionals, researchers, and students. Dr. Steven's authoritative text not only underscores the historical significance of methylene blue but also highlights its potential to revolutionize modern medical practice.
Whether you are a seasoned clinician or a curious researcher, this book provides the knowledge and insights necessary to understand and harness the full potential of methylene blue in clinical settings.

For over half a century, DNA has dominated science and the popular imagination as the secret of life. But over the last several decades, a quiet revolution has taken place. In a series of breathtaking discoveries, the biochemist Thomas R. Cech and a diverse cast of brilliant scientists have revealed that RNA--long overlooked as the passive servant of DNA--sits at the center of biology's greatest mysteries: How did life begin? What makes us human? Why do we get sick and grow old? In The Catalyst, Cech finally brings together years of research to demonstrate that RNA is the true key to understanding life on Earth, from its very origins to our future in the twenty-first century.

A gripping journey of discovery, The Catalyst moves from the early experiments that first hinted at RNA's spectacular powers, to Cech's own paradigm-shifting finding that it can catalyze cellular reactions, to the cutting-edge biotechnologies poised to reshape our health. We learn how RNA--once thought merely to transmit DNA's genetic instructions to the cell's protein-making machinery--may have jump-started life itself, and how, at the same time, it can cut our individual lives short through viral diseases and cancer. We see how RNA is implicated in the aging process and explore the darker depths of the supposed fountain of youth, telomerase. And we catch a thrilling glimpse into how RNA-powered therapies--from CRISPR, the revolutionary tool that uses RNA to rewrite the code of life, to the groundbreaking mRNA vaccines that have saved millions during the pandemic, and more--may enable us to improve and even extend life beyond nature's current limits.

Written by one of our foremost scientists, The Catalyst is a must-read guide to the present and future of biology and medicine.

Learn BIOCHEMISTRY without stressing out your brain CELLS

Trying to understand the chemical processes of living organisms but having trouble metabolizing the complex concepts? Here's your lifeline! Biochemistry Demystified helps synthesize your understanding of this important topic.

You'll start with a review of basic chemical concepts and a look at cell structures and cell division. Next, you'll study carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, nucleotides, and enzymes. Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and the control of chemical processes round out the coverage. Hundreds of examples and illustrations make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter questions and a final exam help reinforce learning.

This fast and easy guide offers:

• Numerous figures to illustrate key concepts
  
• Details on DNA and RNA
  
• Coverage of hormones and neurotransmitters
  
• A chapter on analytical techniques and bioinformatics
  
• A time-saving approach to performing better on an exam or at work

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Biochemistry Demystified is your key to mastering this vital life sciences subject.

ADARs, Volume 710 in this ongoing series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters written by an international board of authors. Updates in this new release include Yeast as a discovery tool for hyperactive ADARs, X-ray crystallography of ADAR-RNA complexes, Enrichment capture enhances the ability to detect A-to-I editing, Editing specificity of ADAR isoforms, Novel chemical tools for detection methods of A to I sites, En Masse Evaluation of RNA Guides (EMERGe) for ADARs, Mouse models for defining physiological functions of ADARs, Nanopore sequencing to detect A-to-I editing sites, CellREADR: An ADAR-based RNA sensor, and more.

Additional sections cover Site-directed RNA editing with MS2-ADAR systems, Sequencing and Bioinformatic Tools for Accurate Assessment of A to I editing in Complete Transcriptomes, Aptazyme-directed A to I RNA editing, and Obstacles in quantifying A-to-I editing by Sanger Sequencing.

Mitochondrial Translocases Part A series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.