C. Graham Clark, Patricia J. Johnson and Rodney D. Adam present a new publication Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa: Genomics and Molecular Biology. Internationally acclaimed researchers critically review the most important aspects of research on anaerobic parasitic protozoa, providing the first coherent picture of their genomics and molecular biology since the publication of the genomes. Chapters are written from a molecular and genomic perspective and contain speculative models upon which future research efforts can be based. Topics include: the genomes of Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia and other diplomonads; the cytoskeletons of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis; genomic analyses and manipulation of gene expression in Entamoeba histolytica; nuclear and chromosomal structure and replication in Giardia; and the mitochondrion-like organelles of Blastocystis read more ....

Key words: Entamoeba | Giardia | Giardia lamblia | Trichomonas | Anaerobic Parasites | Entamoeba histolytica | Blastocystis | Trichomonas vaginalis

The following excerpt is from a recent book review of Metagenomics: Theory, Methods and Applications:

"an excellent resource for students, researchers, and scientists ... a valuable resource on the newly evolving biological field of metagenomics, making contributions to ecology, biodiversity, bioremediation, bioprospection of natural products, medicine, and other disciplines." from Omer Iqbal (Loyola University Medical Center) writing in Doodys read more ...

Metagenomics: Theory, Methods and Applications Edited by: Diana Marco ISBN: 978-1-904455-54-7 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: January 2010 Cover: Hardback read more ...

Key words: Metagenomics | Ecology | Biodiversity | Bioremediation | Bioprospection | Environmental Microbiology

from William M. Shafer, Jason P. Folster and Robert A. Nicholas in Neisseria: Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis
Diseases caused by the pathogenic Neisseria (N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis) have been successfully treated with antibiotics for the past 70 years. However, a disturbing trend worldwide is the increasing prevalence of strains with resistance to inexpensive and widely available antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin) and the emergence of strains exhibiting decreased susceptibility to effective antibiotics that are expensive and not always available (e.g. third-generation cephalosporins and the newer macrolides).

A recent publication reports that the global problem of antibiotic resistance will continue (and worsen) in the foreseeable future. By understanding the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in gonococci and meningococci, resistance to antibiotics currently in clinical practice can be anticipated and the design of novel antimicrobials to circumvent this problem can be undertaken more rationally. The authors review the genetic and physiologic basis by which the pathogenic Neisseria developed resistance to historically important antibiotics and how resistance to newer antibiotics is emerging.

Neisseria: Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis

Key words: Gonorrhoeae | Meningitidis | Resistance to Antibiotics | Neisseria | N. gonorrhoeae | N. meningitidis

A new book entitled Salmonella: From Genome to Function has just been announced:

Salmonella: From Genome to Function Edited by: Steffen Porwollik ISBN: 978-1-904455-73-8 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: January 2011 Cover: Hardback read more ...

More information ...

Key words: Salmonella Book | Salmonella Genomics

New PCR book announced:
The book describes and discusses strategies for preparing effective controls and standards for PCR, when they should be employed and how to interpret the information they provide. The significance of optimization for efficiency, precision and sensitivity of PCR methodology and essential guidance on how to troubleshoot inefficient reactions. Design and optimization techniques, the use of appropriate controls, the significance of standard curves and the principles and strategies required for effective troubleshooting. The importance of sample preparation and quality, primer design, controlling inhibitors, avoiding amplicon and environmental contamination, optimizing reagent quality and concentration, and modifying the thermal cycling protocol for optimal sensitivity and specificity read more.

PCR Troubleshooting and Optimization: The Essential Guide Edited by: Suzanne Kennedy and Nick Oswald ISBN: 978-1-904455-72-1 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: January 2011 Cover: Hardback read more ...

Key words: PCR book | PCR Optimization | PCR in Microbiology | PCR Troubleshooting

Excerpt from a recent book review of Helicobacter pylori: Molecular Genetics and Cellular Biology.

"contains 12 chapters that update key areas of basic research ... this book should be useful for researchers in the H. pylori field as well as anyone working in closely related organisms." from D. Scott Merrell (Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA) writing in The Quarterly Review of Biology (2010) 85: 110. read more ...

Key words: Helicobacter | H pylori | Helicobacter pylori

Excerpt from a recent book review of Frontiers in Dengue Virus Research.

"a reference for scientists studying arboviruses and infections. Chapters are well written with very little overlap. It would be a good investment for laboratories interested in arboviral diseases" from Doodys (2010) read more ...

Key words: Dengue | DENV

The following excerpt is from a recent book review of Retroviruses: Molecular Biology, Genomics and Pathogenesis.

"excellent chapters on non-primate mammalian retroviruses, simian retroviruses, fish retroviruses, use of retoviral vectors, and cellular factors that restrict retroviral infection. All the chapters are beautifully illustrated and written by some of the most respected authorities in the field. I highly recommend K&B's "Retroviruses" book to both students and expert colleagues."


from Kuan-Teh Jeang (Head, Molecular Virology Section LMM, NIAID, USA) writing in Retrovirology read more ...

Retroviruses: Molecular Biology, Genomics and Pathogenesis Edited by: Reinhard Kurth and Norbert Bannert ISBN: 978-1-904455-55-4 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: January 2010 Cover: Hardback read more ...

Key words: Retrovirus | Retroviruses | Retrovirology

We are proud to note that the Microbiology Blog has been listed in the Top 50 Biology Research Blogs.

Key words: Best Biology Blog

The following book on the spirochete Borrelia has just been published (March 15, 2010).

Borrelia: Molecular Biology, Host Interaction and Pathogenesis Edited by: D. Scott Samuels and Justin D. Radolf ISBN: 978-1-904455-58-5 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: March 2010 Cover: Hardback read more ...

Key words: Borrelia | Spirochete

May 26 - 28, 2010 20th Anniversary World Congress on Biosensors
Glasgow, UK Further information
Biosensors 2010. Top plenary speakers, parallel symposia outlining the latest research in biosensors and related technologies supported by extensive poster sessions and an exhibition.
Suggested reading: Molecular Biology Books

Key words: Biosensors | World Congress on Biosensors | Biosensors 2010

"The use of RNA interference to control gene expression is emerging as an exciting new technology. The potential of this mechanism depends on the ability to find a competent way to deliver the RNA. This compact book reviews all of these issues in a comprehensive manner." from Doodys (2010)

Further reading: RNA Interference and Viruses: Current Innovations and Future Trends

Key words: RNA interference | RNA Interference and Viruses

November 24 - 28, 2010 Microcon 2010. Microbes. Its past, present and future
Kolkata, India Further information
Microcon 2010. XXXIV National Conference of the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists
Suggested reading: Microbiology Books

Key words: Microcon 2010 | Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists

RNA Interference and Viruses
"a timely and well-compiled book, authored by several distinguished scientists who have made significant contributions to this important area of emerging research. The book consists of 11 chapters dealing with various aspects of the relevance of RNAi to viral infections in plant, insect and mammalian cells ... the book addresses a range of important fundamental issues that may impact on the development of RNAi-based therapies against several human diseases. It provides a solid introduction to the general concepts in the field of RNAi, how viruses modulate RNAi responses as well as issues involved in using RNAi as antiviral therapy. Thus, this book will be useful to a wide range of readership- from basic science students, to RNAi researchers, to virologists, to investors in drug development companies."

from Manjunath N Swamy (Center of Excellence in Infectious Diseases, Texas) writing in Expert Review of Vaccines (2010) read more ...

RNA Interference and Viruses: Current Innovations and Future Trends Edited by: Miguel Angel Martínez ISBN: 978-1-904455-56-1 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: February 2010 Cover: Hardback read more ...

Key words: RNAi | RNAi-based therapies | Antiviral therapy | RNAi research

A new book on Lentiviruses edited by Moira Desport has been has been published today read more ...

Lentiviruses and Macrophages: Molecular and Cellular Interactions Edited by: Moira Desport ISBN: 978-1-904455-60-8 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: March 2010 Cover: Hardback

Key words: Lentiviruses | Lentivirus | Macrophages | Lentiviruses and Macrophages