Jonathan Pevsner Boeken

This humbling and revelatory book shows how infectious disease has shaped humanity at every stage, from the first success of Homo sapiens over the equally intelligent Neanderthals to the fall of Rome and the rise of Islam. How did the Black Death lead to the birth of capitalism? And how did the Industrial Revolution lead to the birth of the welfare state? Infectious diseases are not just something that happens to us, but a part of who we are. The only reason humans don't lay eggs is that a virus long ago inserted itself into our DNA. In fact, 8% of the human genome was put there by viruses. We have been thinking about the survival of the fittest all wrong- human evolution is not simply about our strength and intelligence, but about what viruses can and can't use for their benefit. By confronting our ongoing battle with infectious diseases globally, Dr Jonathan Kennedy shows how germs have been responsible for some of the seismic revolutions in human history, and how the crises they precipitate offer vital opportunities to change course.

The eagerly awaited second edition of this best-selling text has been thoroughly updated and enhanced, continuing to provide a broad-based introduction to the dynamic field of bioinformatics and functional genomics. This textbook is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those engaged in biomedical research. The initial third covers bioinformatics, focusing on the intersection of molecular biology and computing, emphasizing computer databases and algorithms for studying proteins and genes, including sequence alignment and phylogeny. The middle section delves into functional genomics, exploring techniques like gene expression profiling and proteomics to analyze cellular functions. The final third addresses genomics, examining the entire DNA collection of organisms, utilizing bioinformatics tools, and spanning the tree of life from viruses to eukaryotes, with insights into the human genome in health and disease. Key features include an attractive two-color design with full-color figures, over 500 illustrations (including 50 new ones), and a strong emphasis on how bioinformatics tools enhance our understanding of cell and molecular biology and genomics. The second edition introduces several crucial proteins to demonstrate the application of bioinformatics tools in addressing biological questions. Each chapter is equipped with a Problem Set, Pitfalls section, Boxes for key techniques and math/statistical princ

A BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK, TIMES SCIENCE BOOK OF THE YEAR, and SUNDAY TIMES SCIENCE BOOK OF THE YEAR, this work presents a powerful argument about the profound impact of germs on humanity throughout history. Praised for its engaging narrative and insightful analysis, it challenges long-held beliefs about colonialism and human evolution. Dr. Jonathan Kennedy reveals how infectious diseases have been pivotal in shaping key historical events, from the triumph of Homo sapiens over Neanderthals to the fall of Rome and the rise of Islam. The book poses intriguing questions, such as how an Indonesian volcano contributed to the Black Death and why the Industrial Revolution spurred the modern welfare state. Kennedy emphasizes that infectious diseases are integral to our identity, influencing our biology and societal structures. He highlights that the reason humans do not lay eggs is due to a virus that integrated into our DNA, and that our bodies host as many bacteria as human cells. By reframing the concept of evolution, he argues that it is not solely about human strength but our adaptability in a microbe-dominated world. Through this exploration, the text offers a transformative perspective on the human story, revealing the intimate relationship between humanity and infectious diseases over the past 50,000 years.