In both experimental techniques and basic understanding of process and function, physics is integral to most areas of modern life science. This text, filled with beautiful photographs and illustrations, explores those connections of fundamental physics to biology, biophysics and medicine.
Biophysical Techniques explains in a readily-accessible way the basics of the various biophysical methods available so students can understand the principles behind the different methods used, and begin to appreciate which tools can be used to probe different biological questions, and the pros and cons of each.
Framed by a statistical physics perspective, this volume describes both the process of self-assembly and the impact of spatial organization on the function of membrane proteins. Using methods from equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, the text demonstrates the importance of the protein-protein interactions.
This volume offers a biophysical perspective on non-protein coding RNAs. The book provides an overview on how non-protein coding RNAs work and how biophysical techniques and other probing techniques help delineate the molecular underpinnings of RNA function.
Polymeric materials have a profound presence in chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, manufacturing, infrastructure, electronic, optical and information technologies. This book provides a comprehensive coverage of thermodynamic and thermal behaviours of various polymeric materials as well as methodologies of thermal analysis and calorimetry.
Presents a pedagogical introduction to the physics of complex systems driven far from equilibrium. This book discusses the basic concepts and theoretical techniques which are commonly used to study classical stochastic transport in systems of interacting driven particles.
Designed especially for students from non-physics and non-chemistry backgrounds, this book covers elementary statistical mechanics and the thermodynamics necessary to understand fundamental biophysical phenomena, maintaining a probabilistic view throughout. It explains the theory behind interpreting the physics and statistics of many experiments.
Biophysics (also biological physics) is an interdisciplinary science that applies theories and methods of the physical sciences to questions of biology. The field of Biophysics counts a large number of journals that are directly and indirectly concerned with the field. This work covers the entire field and unites the different areas of research.
Presents a description of the fundamental physical and chemical phenomena that form the basis of molecular biology. This title includes topics such as the fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic properties of biochemical reactions in solution; the physical properties of aqueous solutions, including the hydrophobic effect; and radioactivity.
Bioelectricity (or bioelectromagnetism) relates to the study of biological electrical currents. Bioimpedance deals with the measurement of electrical conductivity. This work discusses dielectric and electrochemical aspects, and electrical engineering concepts of network theory. It focuses on bioelectricity and potential clinical applications.
Biophysics is the bridge between the physical and natural sciences. This book presents topics that can be classified as essential to biophysics: chemical bonding, cellular, molecular and membrane biophysics, biophysical chemistry of biomolecules, physiochemical techniques, bioenergetics, biomechanics, and photo-chemo- and radiation biophysics.
Organized from small-scale (DNA, RNA, and hydrogen bonds) to large-scale systems (basal bodies, mitochondria, and vesicles), this book provides comprehensive coverage of both molecular and cellular biophysics using a quantitative approach. It discusses the characteristics of living things and the evolution of life.
Biological membranes have long been identified as key elements in a wide variety of cellular processes including cell defense communication, photosynthesis, signal transduction, and motility; thus they emerge as primary targets in both basic and applied research. This book provides an overview of the advances that have been achieved in the field.
This text covers the theoretical and experimental perspective of biophysics and offers current developments of practical applications. Topics include cell dynamics, the evolution of multicellularity and conscious versus non-conscious evidence accumulation.
This text focuses on new results in molecular motors, self-assembly, and single-molecule manipulation that have revolutionized the field in recent years. Now in paperback, this updated edition has new end-of-chapter problems giving fresh options for assignments and exams; and an updated Chapter on Enzymes and Molecular Machines.
Covers various theoretical concepts and empirical results in molecular dynamics, solid-state physics, neuroscience, fluid dynamics, and biophysics. With over 350 problems, including hints and solutions, this is a useful resource for graduate students and researchers in the applied sciences.
Concerned with analysis of radiation damage to living matter at different levels of its organisation, beginning from the molecular level. This book also presents the general theory of the mechanisms of biological action of radiation based on four logically connected principles of radiation biology.
Brings into focus a variety of information on energy medicine, and explores mechanisms by which mind and body processes influence the body's healing and performance potential. This book is useful for both readers with no previous knowledge of this subject area and those who have studied it in some detail.
Considering the effects of electromagnetic fields on living organisms, this book provides a comprehensive review of experimental data and theoretical concepts, and discusses the major modern hypotheses on the physical nature of magnetobiological effects. It also explains the various effects of magnetic fields on the human body.
Takes the reader on a voyage of discovery through many areas of contemporary physics, from non-equilibrium thermodynamics and quantum optics to liquid crystals and fractals, all necessary for illuminating the problem of life. This third edition includes findings on the central role of biological water in organizing living processes.
DNA, RNA and proteins are the most important biological molecules. Being large macromolecules, their physical, chemical and biological properties can differ dramatically from those of the monomers from which they are made. This book also describes their primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures, as well as their evolutionary origins.
Caveolae are small structures found at the surface of cells. They are responsible for the regulation of important metabolic pathway. As a consequence, they may play a critical role in several human diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, and muscular dystrophies. This book analyzes the role and function of caveolae in these aspects.
Provides an introduction to modern biophysical methods. This book surveys and explains the ten key biophysical methods, including those related to biophysical nanotechnology, scanning probe microscopy, X-ray crystallography, ion mobility spectrometry, mass spectrometry, proteomics, and protein folding and structure.
A description of external shape otimization in nature and how these laws of biological design can be transferred for use in engineering. It examines issues such as the axiom of uniform stress and tree shape; biological shells; design target and realization; and close-to-nature computer empiricism.
This book presents the biophysics of hair. It covers the structure of hair, its mechanical properties, nanomechanical characterization, tensile deformation, tribological characterization, the thickness distribution and binding interactions on hair surface.
Presents a quantitative physical description of different aspects of cellular and organ performance and methods used to measure these functions. This title covers the physics necessary to understand the theoretical and practical basis for development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Mass spectrometry is fast becoming an indispensable field for medical professionals. The mass spectrometric analysis of metabolites and proteins promises to revolutionize medical research and clinical diagnostics. This book addresses the key issues in the medical applications of mass spectrometry at the level for the intended readership.
Photobiology is the scientific study of the interactions of light and living organisms. This book summarises the knowledge about the risks of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on infant skin, including epidemiologic evidence regarding sun exposure in this age group.
A description of dissipative phenomena, taking place in biology, and non-dissipative (conservative) phenomena which is more relevant to physics. It extends our understanding of nonlinear phenomena in biology and physics from the extreme/optimal perspective.