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Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures 2024: Proceedings of the 15th Annual Meeting of the BICA Society (Studies in Computational Intelligence #477)
by Alexei V. Samsonovich Tingting LiuThis book reports on original approaches intended to support the development of biologically inspired cognitive architectures. It bridges together different disciplines, including artificial intelligence, linguistics, neuro- and social sciences, psychology and philosophy of mind, among others. The chapters are based on contributions presented at the 2024 Annual International Conference on Brain-Inspired Cognitive Architectures for Artificial Intelligence (the 15th Annual Meeting of the BICA Society, BICA*AI 2024), organized in collaboration with the 17th Conference on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI 2024) and held on August 13-16, 2024, in Seattle, WA, USA. They cover emerging methods, theories and ideas towards the realization of general-purpose humanlike artificial intelligence or fostering a better understanding of the ways the human mind works. All in all, this book provides engineers, mathematicians, psychologists, computer scientists and other experts with a timely snapshot of recent research and a source of inspiration for future developments in the broadly intended areas of artificial intelligence and biological inspiration.
Biologically-inspired Computer Vision
by Gabriel Cristobal Matthias S. Keil Laurent PerrinetAs the state-of-the-art imaging technologies became more and more advanced, yielding scientific data at unprecedented detail and volume, the need to process and interpret all the data has made image processing and computer vision increasingly important. Sources of data that have to be routinely dealt with today's applications include video transmission, wireless communication, automatic fingerprint processing, massive databanks, non-weary and accurate automatic airport screening, robust night vision, just to name a few. Multidisciplinary inputs from other disciplines such as physics, computational neuroscience, cognitive science, mathematics, and biology will have a fundamental impact in the progress of imaging and vision sciences. One of the advantages of the study of biological organisms is to devise very different type of computational paradigms by implementing a neural network with a high degree of local connectivity. This is a comprehensive and rigorous reference in the area of biologically motivated vision sensors. The study of biologically visual systems can be considered as a two way avenue. On the one hand, biological organisms can provide a source of inspiration for new computational efficient and robust vision models and on the other hand machine vision approaches can provide new insights for understanding biological visual systems. Along the different chapters, this book covers a wide range of topics from fundamental to more specialized topics, including visual analysis based on a computational level, hardware implementation, and the design of new more advanced vision sensors. The last two sections of the book provide an overview of a few representative applications and current state of the art of the research in this area. This makes it a valuable book for graduate, Master, PhD students and also researchers in the field.
Biologically Inspired Control of Humanoid Robot Arms: Robust and Adaptive Approaches
by Adam Spiers Said Ghani Khan Guido HerrmannThis book investigates a biologically inspired method of robot arm control, developed with the objective of synthesising human-like motion dynamically, using nonlinear, robust and adaptive control techniques in practical robot systems. The control method caters to a rising interest in humanoid robots and the need for appropriate control schemes to match these systems. Unlike the classic kinematic schemes used in industrial manipulators, the dynamic approaches proposed here promote human-like motion with better exploitation of the robot's physical structure. This also benefits human-robot interaction. The control schemes proposed in this book are inspired by a wealth of human-motion literature that indicates the drivers of motion to be dynamic, model-based and optimal. Such considerations lend themselves nicely to achievement via nonlinear control techniques without the necessity for extensive and complex biological models. The operational-space method of robot control forms the basis of many of the techniques investigated in this book. The method includes attractive features such as the decoupling of motion into task and posture components. Various developments are made in each of these elements. Simple cost functions inspired by biomechanical "effort" and "discomfort" generate realistic posture motion. Sliding-mode techniques overcome robustness shortcomings for practical implementation. Arm compliance is achieved via a method of model-free adaptive control that also deals with actuator saturation via anti-windup compensation. A neural-network-centered learning-by-observation scheme generates new task motions, based on motion-capture data recorded from human volunteers. In other parts of the book, motion capture is used to test theories of human movement. All developed controllers are applied to the reaching motion of a humanoid robot arm and are demonstrated to be practically realisable. This book is designed to be of interest to those wishing to achieve dynamics-based human-like robot-arm motion in academic research, advanced study or certain industrial environments. The book provides motivations, extensive reviews, research results and detailed explanations. It is not only suited to practising control engineers, but also applicable for general roboticists who wish to develop control systems expertise in this area.
Biologically Inspired Design: Computational Methods and Tools
by Robert B. Stone Daniel A Mcadams Ashok K GoelFrom simple cases such as hook and latch attachments found in Velcro to articulated-wing flying vehicles, biology often has been used to inspire many creative design ideas. The scientific challenge now is to transform the paradigm into a repeatable and scalable methodology. Biologically Inspired Design explores computational techniques and tools that can help integrate the method into design practice. With an inspiring foreword from Janine Benyus, Biologically Inspired Design contains a dozen chapters written by some of the leading scholars in the transdisciplinary field of bioinspired design, such as Frank Fish, Julian Vincent and Jeannette Yen from biology, and Amaresk Chakrabarti, Satyandra Gupta and Li Shu from engineering. Based in part on discussions at two workshops sponsored by the United States National Science Foundation, this volume introduces and develops several methods and tools for bioinspired design including: Information-processing theories, Natural language techniques, Knowledge-based tools, and Functional approaches and Pedagogical techniques. By exploring these fundamental theories, techniques and tools for supporting biologically inspired design, this volume provides a comprehensive resource for design practitioners wishing to explore the paradigm, an invaluable guide to design educators interested in teaching the method, and a preliminary reading for design researchers wanting to investigate bioinspired design.
Biologically Inspired Robotics
by Yunhui Liu Dong SunRobotic engineering inspired by biology—biomimetics—has many potential applications: robot snakes can be used for rescue operations in disasters, snake-like endoscopes can be used in medical diagnosis, and artificial muscles can replace damaged muscles to recover the motor functions of human limbs. Conversely, the application of robotics technology to our understanding of biological systems and behaviors—biorobotic modeling and analysis—provides unique research opportunities: robotic manipulation technology with optical tweezers can be used to study the cell mechanics of human red blood cells, a surface electromyography sensing system can help us identify the relation between muscle forces and hand movements, and mathematical models of brain circuitry may help us understand how the cerebellum achieves movement control. Biologically Inspired Robotics contains cutting-edge material—considerably expanded and with additional analysis—from the 2009 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO). These 16 chapters cover both biomimetics and biorobotic modeling/analysis, taking readers through an exploration of biologically inspired robot design and control, micro/nano bio-robotic systems, biological measurement and actuation, and applications of robotics technology to biological problems. Contributors examine a wide range of topics, including:A method for controlling the motion of a robotic snakeThe design of a bionic fitness cycle inspired by the jaguarThe use of autonomous robotic fish to detect pollutionA noninvasive brain-activity scanning method using a hybrid sensorA rehabilitation system for recovering motor function in human hands after injuryHuman-like robotic eye and head movements in human–machine interactions A state-of-the-art resource for graduate students and researchers in th
Biologically Inspired Techniques in Many-Criteria Decision Making: International Conference on Biologically Inspired Techniques in Many-Criteria Decision Making (BITMDM-2019) (Learning and Analytics in Intelligent Systems #10)
by Bhabani Shankar Prasad Mishra Satchidananda Dehuri Margarita N. Favorskaya Pradeep Kumar Mallick Sung-Bae ChoThis book addresses many-criteria decision-making (MCDM), a process used to find a solution in an environment with several criteria. In many real-world problems, there are several different objectives that need to be taken into account. Solving these problems is a challenging task and requires careful consideration. In real applications, often simple and easy to understand methods are used; as a result, the solutions accepted by decision makers are not always optimal solutions. On the other hand, algorithms that would provide better outcomes are very time consuming. The greatest challenge facing researchers is how to create effective algorithms that will yield optimal solutions with low time complexity. Accordingly, many current research efforts are focused on the implementation of biologically inspired algorithms (BIAs), which are well suited to solving uni-objective problems. This book introduces readers to state-of-the-art developments in biologically inspired techniques and their applications, with a major emphasis on the MCDM process. To do so, it presents a wide range of contributions on e.g. BIAs, MCDM, nature-inspired algorithms, multi-criteria optimization, machine learning and soft computing.
Biologically Inspired Techniques in Many Criteria Decision Making: Proceedings of BITMDM 2021 (Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies #271)
by Satchidananda Dehuri Bhabani Shankar Prasad Mishra Pradeep Kumar Mallick Sung-Bae ChoThis book includes best-selected, high-quality research papers presented at Second International Conference on Biologically Inspired Techniques in Many Criteria Decision Making (BITMDM 2021) organized by Department of Information & Communication Technology, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha, India, during December 20-21, 2021. This proceeding presents the recent advances in techniques which are biologically inspired and their usage in the field of many criteria decision making. The topics covered are biologically inspired algorithms, nature-inspired algorithms, multi-criteria optimization, multi-criteria decision making, data mining, big-data analysis, cloud computing, IOT, machine learning and soft computing, smart technologies, crypt-analysis, cognitive informatics, computational intelligence, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data management exploration and mining, computational intelligence, and signal and image processing.
Biologically Inspired Techniques in Many Criteria Decision-Making: Proceedings of BITMDM 2024 (Learning and Analytics in Intelligent Systems #45)
by Satchidananda Dehuri Sujata Dash Ruppa K. Thulasiram Rohen H. Singh Margarita FavorskayaThis book includes selected high-quality research papers presented at 3rd International Conference on Biologically Inspired Techniques in Many Criteria Decision Making (BITMDM 2024) organized by School of Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University, Dimapur, India on 6th and 7th December 2024. This book presents the recent advances in techniques which are biologically inspired and their usage in the field of single and many criteria decision making. Further, the topics covered in this book are divided into different sections like: i) healthcare and biomedical applications, ii) security, fraud detection, and cybersecurity, iii) intelligent systems and decision support, iv) agriculture and environment, v) image processing and multi-media analysis, and vi) emerging technologies and applications.
Biologically Rationalized Computing Techniques For Image Processing Applications (Lecture Notes in Computational Vision and Biomechanics #25)
by Valentina Emilia Balas Jude HemanthThis book introduces readers to innovative bio-inspired computing techniques for image processing applications. It demonstrates how a significant drawback of image processing - not providing the simultaneous benefits of high accuracy and less complexity - can be overcome, proposing bio-inspired methodologies to help do so. Besides computing techniques, the book also sheds light on the various application areas related to image processing, and weighs the pros and cons of specific methodologies. Even though several such methodologies are available, most of them do not provide the simultaneous benefits of high accuracy and less complexity, which explains their low usage in connection with practical imaging applications, such as the medical scenario. Lastly, the book illustrates the methodologies in detail, making it suitable for newcomers to the field and advanced researchers alike.
Biologically Responsive Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering (Springer Series in Biomaterials Science and Engineering #1)
by Iulian AntoniacDevelopments in the area of biomaterials, bionanotechnology, tissue engineering, and medical devices are becoming the core of health care. Almost all medical specialties involve the use of biomaterials, and research plays a key role in the development of new and improved treatment modalities. This volume focuses on several current trends in tissue engineering, remodelling and regeneration. Leading researchers describe the use of nanomaterials to create new functionalities when interfaced with biological molecules or structures. In addition to coverage of basic science and engineering aspects, a range of applications in bionanotechnology are presented, including diagnostic devices, contrast agents, analytical tools, physical therapy applications, and vehicles for targeted drug delivery. The use of polymers, alloys, and composites, or a combination of these, for biomaterials applications in orthopaedics is also explored. These contributions represent essential reading for the biomaterials and biomedical engineering communities, and can serve as instructional course lectures targeted at graduate and post-graduate students.
Biologische Sicherheit im Labor: Ein kompakter Überblick für Studierende und Technische Assistenzen (essentials)
by Thomas BinzIn kurzer und anschaulicher Weise gibt Thomas Binz einen Überblick über die biologische Sicherheit im Laborbereich. Die wichtigsten Elemente, wie die Zuteilung der Mikroorganismen zu Risikogruppen, die Bewertung der Risiken bei der Erzeugung von genetisch veränderten Mikroorganismen und die Elemente des Laboratoriums, die im Hinblick auf die biologische Sicherheit besonders relevant sind, werden unter Berücksichtigung der europäischen gesetzlichen Grundlagen dargestellt. Aufgrund des hohen Stellenwerts der Risikobewertung wird detailliert auf dieses Verfahren einschließlich anschaulicher Beispiele eingegangen. Das Buch soll nicht nur einen Überblick über die biologische Sicherheit geben, sondern auch zu ihrem Verständnis beitragen.Der AutorDr. Thomas Binz geht einer behördlichen Tätigkeit im Bereich Biologische Sicherheit nach (Bewilligungswesen, Abschätzung biologischer Risiken gentechnisch veränderter Organismen, nationale und internationale Rechtssetzung, Biowaffenkonvention). Er ist in verschiedenen nationalen und internationalen Ausbildungsprogrammen (Schweizerisches Biosafety Curriculum, Europäische Gesellschaft für Biosicherheit) eingebunden und unterrichtet im Rahmen des französischen 'Diplôme universitaire' für Biosicherheit der Universität Lille.
Biologische Wirkung von Licht im Kraftfahrzeug: Potenzialbewertung und Gestaltungsempfehlung für Lichtanwendungen zur Unterstützung von Passagieren im automobilen Innenraum (AutoUni – Schriftenreihe #163)
by Michael WengDas vorliegende Buch liefert einen empirischen Beitrag dazu, das Potenzial für den Einsatz biologisch wirksamer Lichtapplikationen im Innenraum von Kraftfahrzeugen besser beurteilen zu können und gibt Hinweise für die Gestaltung entsprechender Anwendungen. Die Ergebnisse aus drei Probandenstudien zeigen große individuelle Unterschiede in der Wirksamkeit solcher Lichtexpositionen auf die Physiologie von Menschen auf, bekräftigen aber zumindest für einen Teil der Probanden eine biologische Einflussnahme und Steigerung der Wachsamkeit. Dabei sollten automobile Lichtapplikationen möglichst großflächig dargeboten werden, um einen ausreichenden visuellen Komfort zu gewährleisten.
Biology and Aquaculture of Tilapia
by José Fernando López-OlmedaThis book reviews up-to-date knowledge on the biology and aquaculture of tilapia, with special focus on the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Tilapia are a group of fish species that have become one of the most cultured worldwide, currently having a big economic impact on both developed and developing countries. The first 12 chapters of the present book cover different aspects of tilapia biology such as genetics, nutrition, osmoregulation, pathology, reproduction and development. Each chapter includes both basic knowledge and its application to tilapia culture. The last 3 chapters are devoted to cutting-edge techniques for the industry of tilapia aquaculture. Experts from both academia and research institutes provide their expertise on the present book.
Biology and Biotechnology of Quinoa: Super Grain for Food Security
by Ajit VarmaThis book is designed to popularize Quinoa cereal among both scientific and food industry. Quinoa is an attractive candidate for protein replacement, has potential for futuristic biotechnological modifications, and is able to grow under many different abiotic stresses. To save the world from animal cruelty, quinoa emerges as a hero for vegans and vegetarians. This book deals with morphological features, life cycle, nutritional qualities, genetics, agronomic manipulations, ecological communications, stress tolerance mechanisms, and food applications of Chenopodium quinoa. Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal native to Andes Region in South America. Over time, it spread to many different regions worldwide and is emerging as protein-rich vegetarian food source. In order to cure malnutrition globally, it is important to channel this lesser-known grain to local cultivators. This can only be done through well-proven scientific data that supports its qualities. This book aims to do the same, while also giving an insight into the vast scope quinoa posses as an experimental crop. Its stress-tolerant abilities can inspire scientists to understand those mechanisms, further exploit them, and even introduce them into other stress-sensitive crops. In future, quinoa can be among the top sources that offer food security. Due to its adaptability, ease of cultivation, and rich output, sustainability can be achieved by regulating its breeding and growth. This book is of interest to researchers, teachers, agronomic cultivators, environmentalists, botanists, microbiologists, geneticists and food technologists. This book covers recent advances, challenges in cultivation, biology, nutrition, and agricultural science topics, suitable for both young learners and advanced scientists. Cultivators who want to know more about quinoa and introduce it into their agronomic applications will find helpful information from the text.
Biology and Breeding of Camels: Focus on Pakistan Camels
by Masroor Ellahi Babar Muhammad AshrafThis book discusses the biology, breeding, care, and management of camels, with a focus on camels from Pakistan. The book provides a sound understanding of how to look after camels, their senses, behavior, and adaptations. The chapters describe the practical aspects of camel husbandry such as how to maintain their body condition, feet, and cleanliness. It covers the types of feeds, feeding methods, and their needs at different stages of life. The book provides a detailed account of camel husbandry, breeding, and reproduction. It is meant for camel breeders, veterinarians, livestock advisers, students, and researchers working on animal sciences, camel rearing, feeding, and management. FEATURES Includes information about different species of camels present in Pakistan and their importance to humans Discusses the nutrition and feeding of camels, the medicinal qualities of camel milk, and the peculiar immunity-enhancing properties of their nutritious meat Describes the features of camels that help them survive and thrive in deserts and make them the animals of the future Covers the range of unique products obtained from camels and their economic value Explores the management, types of diseases in camels, causes of their spread, their control, and therapeutic measures for successful and productive farming
Biology and Breeding of Crucifers
by Surinder Kumar GuptaConsiderable interest has developed in recent years in crucifers and particularly in their wild relatives, as they contain genetic material that may be utilized for further evolution of superior crop varieties through introgression and distant hybridization. Until now, there has been no single volume that focuses exclusively on the biology and bree
Biology and Chemistry of Jerusalem Artichoke: Helianthus tuberosus L.
by Stanley J. Kays Stephen F. NottinghamA unique plant on many levels, the distinctive properties of the Jerusalem artichoke, or Helianthus tuberosus L., present novel answers to some of today's most pressing problems. The potential of Jerusalem artichoke as a source for inulin, a fructose polymer that may provide dietary health benefits for obesity, diabetes, and several other health is
Biology and Ecology of Antarctic Krill (Advances in Polar Ecology #1)
by Volker SiegelThis book gives a unique insight into the current knowledge of krill population dynamics including distribution, biomass, production, recruitment, growth and mortality rates. Detailed analysis is provided on food and feeding, reproduction and krill behaviour. The volume provides an overview on the aspects of natural challenges to the species, which involve predation, parasites and the commercial exploitation of the resource and its management. A chapter on genetics shows the results of population subdivision and summarizes recent work on sequencing transcriptomes for studying gene function as part of the physiology of live krill. The focus of Chapter 4 is on physiological functions such as biochemical composition, metabolic activity and growth change with ontogeny and season; and will demonstrate which environmental factors are the main drivers for variability. Further discussed in this chapter are the bottle necks which occur in the annual life cycle of krill, and the mechanisms krill have adapted to cope with severe environmental condition.
Biology and Ecology of Earthworms
by Clive A. Edwards Norman Q. AranconBiology and Ecology of Earthworms is established as a key valuable text for students of agriculture, soil science, and soil invertebrate zoology and ecology. This is the 4th Edition of the popular textbook which reviews all aspects of earthworm biology and ecology. The book has been fully revised and updated throughout. Particular changes include: new treatments of earthworm taxonomy, diversity, migration and geographical distribution; interactions between earthworms and other soil organisms, especially microorganisms and soil-borne pests and diseases; as well as the importance of earthworms in organic waste management.
Biology and Ecology of Fishes
by James S. Diana Tomas O. HöökBiology and Ecology of Fishes Immerse yourself in the world of fish ecology with the newest edition of this essential introduction The study of fish ecology has traditionally proceeded along two tracks: the first is more basic, concerned with the anatomy, physiology and theoretical ecology of fish, and the second is more practical, concerning itself with fish populations, management, and habitats. Many fish researchers have come to view this distinction as artificial, and to develop a new study of fish that combines both tracks in a single holistic approach. It has never been more critical for introductory textbooks to represent this combined study in order to prepare the next generation of fish biologists and fishery scientists. Biology and Ecology of Fishes meets this need with a textbook that incorporates both biology and population management. Beginning with a general introduction to aquatic life and ecosystems, this book covers anatomical, environmental, and ethological topics to give a thoroughly rounded view of its subject, promising to serve as the fundamental introduction to multidisciplinary fish studies. Readers of the third edition of Biology and Ecology of Fishes will also find: Detailed coverage of subjects including growth and bioenergetics, feeding and predation, mortality and recruitment and more Increased attention to stressors of fish populations and communities New and revised chapters that introduce quantitative methods and present emerging issues facing fish populations and communities Biology and Ecology of Fishes is a useful overview for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying fish ecology or fishery biology, as well as a reference for researchers and professionals in fish ecology, fish population management, and related fields.
Biology and Management of Invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussels in the Western United States
by Wai Hing Wong Shawn L. GerstenbergerBiology and Management of Invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussels in the Western United States is a synthesis of the biology and management of invasive mussels from scientists and managers working on invasive quagga and zebra mussels in the western United States. Invasive dreissenid mussels have spread throughout southwestern United States at unprecedent
Biology and Management of the Formosan Subterranean Termite and Related Species
by Thomas Chouvenc J. Kenneth Grace Claudia Husseneder Shuji Itakura Hou-Feng Li Nathan Lo Kok-Boon Neoh Wakako Ohmura Faith M. Oi Rudolf H. Scheffrahn Qian Sun Gaku Tokuda Edward L. Vargo Chia-Chien Wu Koichi YamamotoThe Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is the most destructive and invasive termite species globally. It is also the only termite species listed in the world's 100 worst invasive alien species of the Global Invasive Species Database. Annually, its infestation costs more than $4 billion in control and damage repairs in the USA alone. This book is the first comprehensive resource drawing on all the literature on C. formosanus since Tokuichi Shiraki first described the species in 1909. The book covers the worldwide distribution of this species, its biogeography, and how it has dispersed from its native range in southern China and Taiwan to different parts of the world. It describes its present taxonomic status and discusses the species' biology, ecology, foraging behavior, physiology, chemical ecology and its association with symbionts. From a practical standpoint, the authors address all of the various management options for this species, such as baits, soil termiticides, wood preservatives, inspection and detection technologies, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Lastly, there are chapters dedicated to another important destructive species, Coptotermes gestroi (the Asian subterranean termite), and the recently discovered C. formosanus/C. gestroi hybrids. This important book is an essential and valuable reference for researchers, graduate students, pest management professionals, chemical manufacturer personnel, building and property managers, and others. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the biology and management of the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite.
Biology, Biomimetics and Natural Design: Innovative Technologies and Sustainable Materials (Environmental Footprints and Eco-design of Products and Processes)
by Felipe Luis Palombini Amilton José Vieira de ArrudaFor billions of years, nature has provided efficient solutions to complex problems, by means of natural selection, in a harsh environment that only the fittest organisms survived. Such sustainable – still ruthless – driven evolution can be explored by designers, architects, engineers and more for the development of innovative projects. Biomimetics makes the link between Biology and Design, where features like shapes, mechanisms, colors, structures, and more can be analyzed, organized, modeled, and simulated for application in multiple creations. Therefore, such knowledge can contribute to more efficient and innovative solutions to many fields of applied science. This project aims to highlight some of the recent technological breakthroughs in Biology, Biomimetics and Natural Design that contribute to the development of sustainable and innovative materials and projects. This work consists of contributions from some of the main international groups of Biomimetics, exhibiting exciting cases of how technological advancements are leading to improved design solutions as well as shaping our very comprehension of nature and its complex organization.
Biology, Computing, and the History of Molecular Sequencing: From Proteins to DNA, 1945-2000 (Science, Technology and Medicine in Modern History)
by Miguel García-SanchoSequencing is often associated with the Human Genome Project and celebrated achievements concerning the DNA molecule. However, the history of this practice comprises not only academic biology, but also the world of computer-assisted information management. The book uncovers this history, qualifying the hype and expectations around genomics.
Biology, Cultivation and Applications of Mushrooms
by Arun Arya Katerina RusevskaThe edited book consolidates information for profitable commercial cultivation of medicinal mushrooms. The book suggests a large number of substrates to the growers for use in commercial cultivation of Mushrooms. It also elucidates the conservation of wild endangered medicinal mushrooms. Mushrooms are the fungal fruiting bodies which can be seen by naked eyes and collected by hands. These are extremely heterogeneous organisms characterized by high levels of species diversity and are widespread in all environments. Researches conducted by score of mycologists and biotechnologists, have resulted in the continuous discovery of new species and the variability of environments where fungi can be harvested, including air, space the seabed. The fields of applications are unfolding a panorama of uses in varied fields, ranging from agriculture, bioremediation, forestry, food, cosmetics, medical, and in pharmaceutical sectors. The book comprises of three parts, first mentions their applications in Ayurvedic and traditional system of Chinese medicine for the cure of ailments. The truffles are delicious, while many others are recommended, as cure in deadly diseases like cancer, COVID-19, and HIV, as well as memory and longevity enhancer. Lentinus, Ganoderma, and Cordyceps are considered good as antioxidant and cure for inflammation. Second part deals with their occurrence in different habitats and seasons and their biology. Enzymes and mechanisms involved in biodegradation and anatomical details of rotting wood. The third part brings about the need of mushroom technology in improving rural economy. This book is a useful read for researchers and students in agriculture, agronomy and researchers working on mushrooms.