Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health PDF Download

Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309132975
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 287

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Book Description
It's obvious why only men develop prostate cancer and why only women get ovarian cancer. But it is not obvious why women are more likely to recover language ability after a stroke than men or why women are more apt to develop autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Sex differences in health throughout the lifespan have been documented. Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health begins to snap the pieces of the puzzle into place so that this knowledge can be used to improve health for both sexes. From behavior and cognition to metabolism and response to chemicals and infectious organisms, this book explores the health impact of sex (being male or female, according to reproductive organs and chromosomes) and gender (one's sense of self as male or female in society). Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health discusses basic biochemical differences in the cells of males and females and health variability between the sexes from conception throughout life. The book identifies key research needs and opportunities and addresses barriers to research. Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health will be important to health policy makers, basic, applied, and clinical researchers, educators, providers, and journalists-while being very accessible to interested lay readers.

Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309047986
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 353

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Book Description
Raising hopes for disease treatment and prevention, but also the specter of discrimination and "designer genes," genetic testing is potentially one of the most socially explosive developments of our time. This book presents a current assessment of this rapidly evolving field, offering principles for actions and research and recommendations on key issues in genetic testing and screening. Advantages of early genetic knowledge are balanced with issues associated with such knowledge: availability of treatment, privacy and discrimination, personal decision-making, public health objectives, cost, and more. Among the important issues covered: Quality control in genetic testing. Appropriate roles for public agencies, private health practitioners, and laboratories. Value-neutral education and counseling for persons considering testing. Use of test results in insurance, employment, and other settings.

Author: Henry F. Epstein
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1468443461
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 217

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Book Description
The present volume contains the edited transcript of a collo quium sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association and held at Mountain Shadows Inn, Scottsdale, Arizona, December 14-16, 1981. The participants, geneticists, molecular biologists, bio chemists and clinicians, explored in open dialogue ways and means of identifying and characterizing the genetic alterations responsible for X-linked muscular dystrophies, especially the Duchenne type. The clinicians, who urged the use of properly diagnosed and documented case material for study, emphasized the troublesome fact that the primary phenotypic expression of the gene (or genes) involved in the muscular dystrophies is yet to be identified. Discussions centered on the applicability of recent methodol ogical advances in DNA chemistry and molecular biology, cytogenetics and cell biology to mapping the X chromosome. Despite ignorance of the basic disorder in the muscular dystrophies, DNA technologies and chromosome mapping strategies for the discovery of genetic defects and phenotypic expressions were proposed. Beyond its stimulating intellectual exchange, the colloquium yielded important benefits. The participants agreed to share needed cell lines and endonuclease restriction enzymes and to organize interlaboratory communication and collaborative efforts to accelerate progress in the quest for the genetic lesion in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The discussions were recorded, transcribed, edited and to some extent, rearranged to fit into a sequence of chapters. The editors are grateful to Joy Colarusso Lowe whose unusual skill, patience and persistence made it possible to convert a highly specialized technical discussion into a coherent manuscript.

Author: Susumu Ohno
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642881785
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 201

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Book Description
Natural selection operates among individual organisms which differ in their genetic constitution. The degree of hereditary variability within a species is greatly enhanced by cross-fertilization. Indeed, the mechanism of sexual reproduction occurred very early in evolution, for it is seen today even in bacteria. In Escherichia coli, fertilization occurs by passage of the single chromosome from the male into the female bacterium (LEDERBERG, 1959). In multicellular organisms, the separation of germ from soma, and the production of haploid gametes became mandatory. The gametes were of two types. One, extremely mobile, was designed to seek out and penetrate the other, which loaded with nutrients, received the mobile gamete and intiated the development of a new individual. The foundation for true bisexuality was thus laid. In the primitive state of bisexuality, whether an individual is to be a sperm-producing male or an egg-producing female appears to be decided rather haphazardly. In the worm, Banelia viridis, the minute males are parasites in the female. Larvae that become attached to the proboscis of an adult female become males, while unattached larvae sink to the bottom and become females (BALTZER, 1935). The more sophisticated state of bisexuality was initiated by setting aside a particular pair of chromosomes for specialization and making either the male or the female a heterogametic sex. Sex chromosomes as we know them were thus born.

Author: Sharon Moalem
Publisher: Penguin UK
ISBN: 0241396905
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
An award-winning physician and scientist makes the game-changing case that genetic females are stronger than males at every stage of life 'A powerful antidote to the myth of a "weaker sex"' Gina Rippon, author of The Gendered Brain From birth, genetic females are better at fighting viruses, infections and cancer. They do better at surviving epidemics and famines. They live longer, and even see the world in a wider variety of colours. These are the facts; they are simply stronger than men at every stage of life. Why? And why are we taught the opposite? Drawing on his wide-ranging experience and cutting-edge research as a medic, geneticist and specialist in rare diseases, Dr Sharon Moalem reveals how the answer lies in our genetics: the female's double XX chromosomes offer a powerful survival advantage. And he calls for a long-overdue reconsideration of our one-size-fits-all view of the body and medicine - a view that still frames women through the lens of men. Revolutionary, captivating and utterly persuasive, The Better Half will make you see women, men and the survival of our species anew. 'Brilliant, original and groundbreaking, highly readable and genuinely useful' Daily Mail

Author: Sarah S. Richardson
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 022608471X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 320

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Book Description
Human genomes are 99.9 percent identical—with one prominent exception. Instead of a matching pair of X chromosomes, men carry a single X, coupled with a tiny chromosome called the Y. Tracking the emergence of a new and distinctive way of thinking about sex represented by the unalterable, simple, and visually compelling binary of the X and Y chromosomes, Sex Itself examines the interaction between cultural gender norms and genetic theories of sex from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present, postgenomic age. Using methods from history, philosophy, and gender studies of science, Sarah S. Richardson uncovers how gender has helped to shape the research practices, questions asked, theories and models, and descriptive language used in sex chromosome research. From the earliest theories of chromosomal sex determination, to the mid-century hypothesis of the aggressive XYY supermale, to the debate about Y chromosome degeneration, to the recent claim that male and female genomes are more different than those of humans and chimpanzees, Richardson shows how cultural gender conceptions influence the genetic science of sex. Richardson shows how sexual science of the past continues to resonate, in ways both subtle and explicit, in contemporary research on the genetics of sex and gender. With the completion of the Human Genome Project, genes and chromosomes are moving to the center of the biology of sex. Sex Itself offers a compelling argument for the importance of ongoing critical dialogue on how cultural conceptions of gender operate within the science of sex.

Author: Hirak Ranjan Dash
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9789811643170
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1206

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Book Description
This reference book comprehensively reviews the significance of DNA technology in forensic science. After presenting the theory, basic principles, tools and techniques that are used in forensic DNA typing, it summarizes various techniques, including autosomal STR, Y-STR, X-STR, mitochondrial DNA and NGS, used in solving both criminal as and civil cases, such as paternity disputes, identification of mutilated remains, and culprit identification in sexual assault and murder cases. It also provides an overview of DNA-based genetic diagnostics for various diseases, and discusses the role of DNA typing in drug reactions, as well as the application of non-human DNA profiling of animals and plants in forensic science investigations. Lastly, the book examines the role of internal quality control in maintaining the high quality of DNA profiling.

Author: Patrick John Morrison
Publisher: Remedica
ISBN: 1901346692
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 237

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Book Description
Morrison (human genetics, University of Ulster, UK) and Spence (biomedical science, University of Ulster, UK) offer an accessible reference on the genetic disorders that surgeons can expect to meet in general surgical practice. Written in non-technical language, with a glossary, list of abbreviations, and color and b&w photos and medical images, the book supplies an introduction to the nomenclature and technology of molecular biology, and will be a useful starting point for those who wish to extend their knowledge. Annotation :2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Author: James N. Thompson, Jr
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1139465643
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 488

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Book Description
An invaluable student-tested study aid, this primer, first published in 2007, provides guided instruction for the analysis and interpretation of genetic principles and practice in problem solving. Each section is introduced with a summary of useful hints for problem solving and an overview of the topic with key terms. A series of problems, generally progressing from simple to more complex, then allows students to test their understanding of the material. Each question and answer is accompanied by detailed explanation. This third edition includes additional problems in basic areas that often challenge students, extended coverage in molecular biology and development, an expanded glossary of terms, and updated historical landmarks. Students at all levels, from beginning biologists and premedical students to graduates seeking a review of basic genetics, will find this book a valuable aid. It will complement the formal presentation in any genetics textbook or stand alone as a self-paced review manual.

Author: R. Scott Hawley
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1444313088
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Advanced Genetic Analysis brings a state-of-the-art,exciting new approach to genetic analysis. Focusing on theunderlying principles of modern genetic analysis, this bookprovides the 'how' and 'why' of the essential analytical toolsneeded. The author's vibrant, accessible style provides an easyguide to difficult genetic concepts, from mutation and genefunction to gene mapping and chromosome segregation. Throughout, abalanced range of model organisms and timely examples are used toillustrate the theoretical basics. Basic principles - Focuses students attention on the 'how' and'why' of the essential analytical tools. Vibrant, accessible style provides an easy guide throughdifficult genetic concepts and techniques. Text boxes highlight key questions and timely examples. Boxes of key information in each chapter, chapter summaries andextensive references - prompt the student to synthesise andreinforce the chapter material. Special reference section addressing a range of model organismsto help provide a particularly relevant context for students'research interests.