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The Virus in the Age of Madness
by Bernard-Henri LevyAs seen on CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS Forget the world that came before. The author of American Vertigo serves up an incisive look at how COVID-19 reveals the dangerous fault lines of contemporary society. With medical mysteries, rising death tolls, and conspiracy theories beamed minute by minute through the vast web universe, the coronavirus pandemic has irrevocably altered societies around the world. In this sharp essay, world-renowned philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy interrogates the many meanings and metaphors we have assigned to the pandemic—and what they tell us about ourselves. Drawing on the philosophical tradition from Plato and Aristotle to Lacan and Foucault, Lévy asks uncomfortable questions about reality and mythology: he rejects the idea that the virus is a warning from nature, the inevitable result of global capitalism; he questions the heroic status of doctors, asking us to think critically about the loci of authority and power; he challenges the panicked polarization that dominates online discourse. Lucid, incisive, and always original, Lévy takes a bird&’s-eye view of the most consequential historical event of our time and proposes a way to defend human society from threats to our collective future.
Virus-Induced Gene Silencing
by Annette BeckerPlants are amazing organisms to study, some are important sources for pharmaceuticals, and others can help to elucidate molecular mechanisms required for a plant's development and its interactions with the biotic or abiotic environment. Functional genomics is vastly lagging behind the speed of genome sequencing as high-throughput gene function assays are difficult to design, specifically for non-model plants. Bioinformatics tools are useful for gene identification and annotation but are of limited value for predictions concerning gene functions as gene functions are uncovered best by experimental approaches. Virus-Induced-Gene-Silencing (VIGS) is an easy to use, fast, and reliable method to achieve down regulation of target gene expression. Virus-Induced Gene Silencing: Methods and Protocols provides detailed protocols for VIGS experiments in several plant species including model and non-model plants. Also included in this book are recently developed protocols for VIGS-derived microRNA production in the plant or protein over expression, as well as chapters devoted to summarizing the molecular mechanisms of VIGS action and the vector systems developed so far. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Virus-Induced Gene Silencing: Methods and Protocols serves as a valuable resource for researchers from diverse fields of plant biology interested in experimental approaches to analyzing gene functions.
Virus Infected Cells (Subcellular Biochemistry #106)
by Swetha Vijayakrishnan Yaming Jiu J. Robin HarrisVirus-infected Cells is a comprehensive and technical exploration of the intricate interactions between viruses and host cells. This book delves into the molecular and cellular aspects of viral infections, providing a wealth of knowledge about various viruses and their effects on cellular mechanisms. The first part of the book covers general/technical aspects, introducing the reader to the field of virology and providing an overview of the techniques used to study virus-infected cells. It covers topics such as the visualisation of virus-infected cells by cryo-electron tomography and the assessment of necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in virus-infected cells. In addition, the book explores the role of apoptosis and phagocytosis as antiviral mechanisms, as well as the intricate process of viral membrane fusion and penetration. It also discusses the tracking of viral entry into living cells and the use of correlative cryo-imaging to study the biology of viruses in cells and tissues. Finally, the book examines the cytopathic effect induced by viruses, shedding light on the damage caused to infected cells. The second section of the book explores specific viruses and their interactions with host cells. Each chapter focuses on a specific virus and provides an in-depth look at its behaviour within infected cells. The book covers a wide range of viruses, including human papillomavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, African swine fever virus, coronavirus, influenza A virus and human endogenous retroviruses. Each chapter examines unique aspects of virus-host interactions, such as viral assembly, impact on the cytoskeleton, critical host-virus interactions mediated by viral RNA, mechanisms of cell entry, and the involvement of cholesterol in virus budding and scission. This volume in the Subcellular Biochemistry series is a valuable resource for researchers, virologists and students interested in understanding the complex dynamics between viruses and the cells they infect. With its detailed exploration of general and specific aspects of virus-host interactions, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in viral infections.
Virus Infection and Tumorigenesis: Hints from Marine Hosts’ Stress Responses
by Xiaobo ZhangThis book reviews the latest research on the molecules and mechanisms of marine host stress responses to viral infections and tumorigenesis. It offers an overview of the state of the art in the field as well as future directions. Metabolism disorder is a characteristic of tumorigenesis. Since viruses complete their life cycle in host cells, such infections cause metabolic disorders in the host. As such, the mechanisms of virus pathogenesis and tumor progression are similar or even identical. In essence, the role of antiviral molecules is to maintain the metabolic homeostasis of infected host cells, and the antiviral molecules induced by virus infection may play an important role in antitumor pathways, resulting in cancer cell death or restoring the disordered metabolism of cancer cells. The molecules generated during host stress responses to viruses can also contribute to the antitumor mechanisms in humans. However, the relationship between host stress responses to virus infection and tumorigenesis has not been extensively explored. In recent years, studies have shown that marine host stress responses to viral invasion can be good models for exploring human antitumor mechanisms. Stimulating further research in the field, this book offers graduate students and researchers with comprehensive insights into host stress responses to viral invasion and tumor progression. It is also a valuable resource for those working in the pharmaceutical industry interested in drug discovery based on molecules derived from host stress responses to viral infection.
Virus-Like Particles: A Comprehensive Guide
by Paul Pumpens Peter PushkoThis book represents the first complete and systematic guide to the virus-like particles (VLPs) and their applications as vaccines, therapeutic tools, nanomaterials, and nanodevices. The grouping of the VLPs follows the most recent virus taxonomy and the traditional Baltimore classification of viruses, which are based on the genome structure and mechanism of mRNA synthesis. Within each of the seven Baltimore classes, the order taxon serves as a framework of the chapter’s arrangement. The term "VLP" is used as a universal designation for the virus-, core-, or capsid-like structures, which became an important part of the modern molecular virology. The 3D structures, expression systems, and nanotechnological applications are described for VLPs in the context of the original viruses and uncover their evolving potential as novel vaccines and medical interventions. Key Features Presents the first full guide to the VLP nanotechnology, classified by current viral taxonomy Outlines specific structural properties and interconnection of the virions and VLPs Explains generation and characteristics of VLPs produced by various expression systems Offers up-to-date summary of VLPs designed as vaccines and delivery tools Unveils interconnection of VLPs with novel organic and inorganic nanomaterials
Virus Thirteen: A Novel
by Joshua Alan ParryVirus Thirteen is an irreverent and contagious thriller from debut author Joshua Alan Parry.Scientists James Logan and his wife, Linda, have their dream careers at the world's leading biotech company, GeneFirm, Inc. But their happiness is interrupted by a devastating bioterrorist attack: a deadly superflu that quickly becomes a global pandemic. The GeneFirm complex goes into lockdown and Linda's research team is sent to high-security underground labs to develop a vaccine. Above ground, James learns that GeneFirm security has been breached and Linda is in danger. To save her he must confront a desperate terrorist, armed government agents, and an invisible killer: Virus Thirteen.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Viruses: Agents of Evolutionary Invention
by Michael G. CordingleyWhile viruses—the world’s most abundant biological entities—are not technically alive, they invade, replicate, and evolve within living cells. Michael Cordingley goes beyond our familiarity with infections to show how viruses spur evolutionary change in their hosts and shape global ecosystems, from ocean photosynthesis to drug-resistant bacteria.
Viruses: Biology, Applications, and Control
by David HarperViruses: Biology, Application, and Control is a concise advanced undergraduate and graduate textbook covering the essential aspects of virology included in biomedical science courses. It is an updated and expanded version of David Harper‘s Molecular Virology 2e from the Medical Perspectives series. Selected Contents: 1. Virus Structure and Infection 2. Virus classification and evolution 3. Virus Replication 4. Viral Interaction with the Immune System 5. Vaccines and vaccination 6. Antiviral Drugs 7. Beneficial Use of Viruses 8. Emergence, transmission, and extinction 9. Viruses, vectors, and genomics 10. Virus Culture, Detection and Diagnosis Viral Replication Strategies Appe
Viruses: Essential Agents of Life
by Günther WitzanyA renaissance of virus research is taking centre stage in biology. Empirical data from the last decade indicate the important roles of viruses, both in the evolution of all life and as symbionts of host organisms. There is increasing evidence that all cellular life is colonized by exogenous and/or endogenous viruses in a non-lytic but persistent lifestyle. Viruses and viral parts form the most numerous genetic matter on this planet.
Viruses, Allergies and the Immune System
by Jan de VriesWhy are problems such as viruses, allergies and post-viral syndrome increasingly prevalent today? Is it true that a simple allergy might develop into a serious degenerative disease? What part does the immune system play in these processes - and how can it be affected by lifestyle?Jan de Vries places a strong emphasis on the importance of diet, and the effects of food additives and drugs. Did you know that schizophrenia can be treated through diet? Or that the lives of hyperactive children - and their parents - can be returned to normal by eliminating even a single item from their food intake? It has even been proven that diet and allergies can have an influence on crime. Together with other well-known nutritionists from around the world, the author has studied this phenomenon in detail and includes some illuminating case histories in this book.
Viruses and Atherosclerosis
by Anton Kutikhin Elena Brusina Arseniy E. YuzhalinWill address an important, yet underrepresented, topic. The correlation between viruses and atherosclerosis has been a focal point of the authors' work, for a number of years. This volume will explore the relationship between different viral strains and atherosclerosis. It will begin by describing the hypothesis and denoting the mechanisms of virus-driven atherosclerosis, then expanding on the subject by focusing on different virus strains--from Herpes, to Epstein-Barr, to the triad of Hepatitis viruses, et al--on a chapter-by-chapter basis. While there are books, albeit few, that cover particular viral strains and their relationship to cardiovascular diseases, this work will be unique in its scope by considering multiple strains of viruses, making it a repository of information on the topic; a truly comprehensive volume.
Viruses and Human Cancer: From Basic Science to Clinical Prevention
by Mei Hwei Chang Kuan-Teh JeangResearch on oncogenic viruses and related human cancers has advanced rapidly in the past decade. Most articles, however, focus on a specific oncogenic virus and cancer. There is consequently a need for a comprehensive, up-to-date monograph that offers broad and integrated knowledge. Viruses and Human Cancer - From Basic Science to Clinical Prevention is designed to meet this need by providing an advanced overview on the basic and clinical aspects of oncogenic viruses and the human cancers that they cause. Virology, virus-induced inflammation and tissue injuries, oncogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, and current and emerging preventive and therapeutic strategies are all discussed in detail. In addition, the book covers the individual aspects of seven oncogenic viruses, i.e., hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus, and the related human cancers.
Viruses and Human Cancer
by S. David HudnallViruses and Human Cancer provides a comprehensive review of the seven currently known human tumor viruses and their associated cancers with an emphasis on epidemiology, clinicopathologic features, and pathogenesis. Chapters are written by internationally recognized experts and all are generously illustrated with tables, diagrams and photographic images. Viruses and Human Cancer is designed to serve as a concise review of the field of human tumor virology for pathologists, oncologists and infectious disease specialists. It will also be of great value to practicing physicians, residents and clinical fellows in these specialties.
Viruses and Human Cancer: From Basic Science to Clinical Prevention (Recent Results in Cancer Research #217)
by T. C. Wu Mei-Hwei Chang Kuan-Teh JeangThis book, in a new, extensively updated edition, covers viral infection, virus-induced inflammation and tissue injuries, viral epidemiology, oncogenic mechanisms, and current and emerging preventive and therapeutic strategies in detail. Readers will also find information on the individual aspects of a number of oncogenic viruses, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human papillomavirus, Epstein–Barr virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes, and Merkel cell polyomavirus, as well as associated human cancers. The book will benefit all those who are seeking a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the basic and clinical aspects of oncogenic viruses and associated human cancers. Following its original publication in 2014, the first edition of this book quickly became an influential text in the field. This second edition duly reflects the significant advances in knowledge and research that have been achieved in the years since.
Viruses and Man: A History of Interactions
by Milton W. TaylorMilton Taylor, Indiana University, offers an easy-to-read and fascinating text describing the impact of viruses on human society. The book starts with an analysis of the profound effect that viral epidemics had on world history resulting in demographic upheavals by destroying total populations. It also provides a brief history of virology and immunology. Furthermore, the use of viruses for the treatment of cancer (viral oncolysis or virotherapy) and bacterial diseases (phage therapy) and as vectors in gene therapy is discussed in detail. Several chapters focus on viral diseases such as smallpox, influenza, polio, hepatitis and their control, as well as on HIV and AIDS and on some emerging viruses with an interesting story attached to their discovery or vaccine development. The book closes with a chapter on biological weapons. It will serve as an invaluable source of information for beginners in the field of virology as well as for experienced virologists, other academics, students, and readers without prior knowledge of virology or molecular biology.
Viruses and Society
by Patricia G. MelloyViruses and Society is geared towards professionals and students in college-level introductory biology courses devoted to understanding viruses, vaccines, and their global impact. The beginning of the book introduces cells, DNA, and viruses themselves. There follows a review of how the immune system works and how scientists and physicians harness the immune system to protect people through vaccines. Specific chapters will focus on the 1918 influenza pandemic, the fight to eradicate polio, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and our current COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, the book reviews the uses of viruses in genetic engineering and in gene therapy as well. The book will conclude by describing public health initiatives to keep emerging viruses in check and the role of scientific communication in how viruses are perceived and have an impact on our society. Key Features 1) The text employs approachable and simplified language 2) Provides all the essential elements for understanding virus biology 3) Includes details on how viruses affect individuals 4) Describes the ways public health decisions are made in light of how viral pathogens spread 5) Highlights up to date scientific findings on the features of emerging viruses that will always be with us
Viruses and the Lung
by Armando E. Fraire Bruce A. Woda Raymond M. Welsh Richard L. KradinViruses that primarily target the lung are very significant causes of death and in the past decade have been responsible for major outbreaks of severe adult respiratory distress syndrome and H1N1 influenza. This book is distinctive in that the entire spectrum of viral disease of the lung is conveniently compiled within a single volume. The epidemiologic, ultrastructural, immunologic, and clinicopathologic features of well-known viral pathogens and newer emergent infectious agents are discussed in detail. After sections on lung defenses and the taxonomic classification of pneumotropic viruses, the various acute viral infections are considered in a standard format in the main body of the book. Subsequent sections are devoted to the human immunodeficiency virus, viral disease in the neonate and infant, viral infections in the setting of transplantation, and viral-linked tumoral and nontumoral lung conditions. The text is supplemented by numerous color images.
Viruses as Therapeutics: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology #2225)
by Alexandra R. LucasThis detailed volume explores methods and techniques reflecting how viruses can be a beneficial force for all levels of life as well as the mammalian microbiota. Beginning with methods for the development and study of viruses, the book continues with current techniques and approaches used to develop new treatments from virus-derived vaccines to vectors and proteins, such as a range of models and methods designed to measure therapeutic efficacy of virus-derived biologics and therapeutic proteins. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Viruses as Therapeutics: Methods and Protocols is an ideal guide for researchers working to further understand how viruses can benefit lifeforms and even prevent damage from other viruses.
Viruses, Genes, and Cancer (Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology #407)
by Eric Hunter Klaus BisterThis volume focuses on virus-host cell interactions, cellular genes acquired or modulated by viruses, the pathological effects of these interactions, and therapeutic interventions. Several chapters specifically address the role of viruses and genes - such as oncogenes, proto-oncogenes, or tumor suppressor genes - in the etiology of human cancer. Oncogenic signaling by PI3 kinase, mTOR, Akt, or the major cancer drivers MYC and RAF, and the role of tumor suppressors like p53, are discussed in detail. The volume also explores the emerging role of noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs in tumorigenesis and cancer therapeutics, and offers new insights into the role of HIV-host interactions relevant to pathogenesis and treatment. Gathering contributions written by leading scientists in their respective fields, the volume offers a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians alike.
Viruses in all Dimensions: How an Information Code Controls Viruses, Software and Microorganisms
by Rafael BallMicroorganisms, viruses, and computer programs encode all the information necessary to reproduce and spread themselves. Yet these mechanisms are amazingly similar in the animate world, in the world of viruses, and even in the world of technical systems. The book shows how great the parallels are between these various animate and inanimate replicating systems and what they are based on.The excursion also leads into the fascinating world of genetics, to the question of what defines life and into the programming of software that multiplies itself independently. Finally, the question is derived whether and to what extent such self-replicating technical systems can become as dangerous as infectious viruses in triggering pandemics, such as the Corona pandemic in 2020.
Viruses in Foods
by Sagar M. Goyal Jennifer L. CannonFoodborne viruses are an important group of pathogens recognizedto cause significant disease globally, in terms of both number ofillnesses and severity of disease. Contamination of foods by enteric viruses, such ashuman norovirus and hepatitis A and E viruses, is a major concern to publichealth and food safety. Food Virology is a burgeoning field of emphasis for scientificresearch. Many developments in foodborne virus detection, prevention and control havebeen made in recent years and are the basis of this publication. This second edition of Viruses in Foods provides anup-to-date description of foodborne viruses of public health importance, including theirepidemiology and methods for detection, prevention and control. It uniquely includes casereports of past outbreaks with implications for better control of future outbreaks, asection that can be considered a handbook for foodborne virus detection, and updated andexpanded information on virus prevention and control, with chapters on naturalvirucidal compounds in foods and risk assessment of foodborne viruses.
Viruses: Intimate Invaders
by Van G. WilsonThis book guides through the fascinating world of viruses and makes readers enjoy science in an accessible way. Virologist and author Professor Van Wilson imparts knowledge about what viruses are, how they work, and how much they impact life on Earth. The book equips the reader with the scientific basics behind virus function and presents the historic milestones of virus research and discovery. Well-known viruses such as HIV or Influenza are tackled alongside novel pathogens like coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Professor Wilson explores where they come from and how they impact our society. Last but not least the book provides exciting insights into how our immune system reacts to different viruses and how vaccines contribute to conquer pandemics. While scientifically informative, this book makes the field of virology understandable to a lay audience and encourages readers to further thinking. And more importantly, it conveys the wonder, beauty, and mystery of these ubiquitous, microscopic marvels. This book addresses anyone interested in understanding the principles of virology, viral diseases, or the impact of viruses on human societies.
Viruses, Pandemics, and Immunity (MIT Press First Reads)
by Arup K. Chakraborty Andrey ShawHow viruses emerge to cause pandemics, how our immune system combats them, and how diagnostic tests, vaccines, and antiviral therapies work.Throughout history, humans have contended with pandemics. History is replete with references to plagues, pestilence, and contagion, but the devastation wrought by pandemics had been largely forgotten by the twenty-first century. Now, the enormous human and economic toll of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 disease offers a vivid reminder that infectious disease pandemics are one of the greatest existential threats to humanity. This book provides an accessible explanation of how viruses emerge to cause pandemics, how our immune system combats them, and how diagnostic tests, vaccines, and antiviral therapies work-- concepts that are a foundation for our public health policies.
Viruses, Pandemics, and Immunity
by Arup K. Chakraborty Andrey ShawHow viruses emerge to cause pandemics, how our immune system combats them, and how diagnostic tests, vaccines, and antiviral therapies work.Throughout history, humans have contended with pandemics. History is replete with references to plagues, pestilence, and contagion, but the devastation wrought by pandemics had been largely forgotten by the twenty-first century. Now, the enormous human and economic toll of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 disease offers a vivid reminder that infectious disease pandemics are one of the greatest existential threats to humanity. This book provides an accessible explanation of how viruses emerge to cause pandemics, how our immune system combats them, and how diagnostic tests, vaccines, and antiviral therapies work-- concepts that are a foundation for our public health policies.
Viruses, Plagues, And History: Past, Present, And Future
by Michael B. A. OldstoneMore people were killed by smallpox during the twentieth century--over 300 million--than by all of the wars of that period combined. In 1918 and 1919, influenza virus claimed over 50 million lives. A century later, influenza is poised to return, ongoing plagues of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis infect millions, and Ebola, Zika, and West Nile viruses cause new concern and panic. The overlapping histories of humans and viruses are ancient. Earliest cities became both the cradle of civilization and breeding grounds for the first viral epidemics. This overlap is the focus of virologist/immunologist Michael Oldstone in Viruses, Plagues and History. Oldstone explains principles of viruses and epidemics while recounting stories of viruses and their impact on human history. This fully updated second edition includes engrossing new chapters on hepatitis, Zika, and contemporary threats such as the possible return of a catastrophic influenza, and the impact of fear of autism on vaccination efforts. This is a fascinating panorama of humankind's longstanding conflict with unseen viral enemies, both human successes--such as control of poliomyelitis, measles, smallpox and yellow fever, and continued dangers--such as HIV and Ebola. Impeccably researched and accessibly written, Viruses, Plagues and History will fascinate all with an interest in how viral illnesses alter the course of human history.