Download or read book Microbes The Foundation Stone of the Biosphere written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-05-01 with total page 684 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This collection of essays discusses fascinating aspects of the concept that microbes are at the root of all ecosystems. The content is divided into seven parts, the first of those emphasizes that microbes not only were the starting point, but sustain the rest of the biosphere and shows how life evolves through a perpetual struggle for habitats and niches. Part II explains the ways in which microbial life persists in some of the most extreme environments, while Part III presents our understanding of the core aspects of microbial metabolism. Part IV examines the duality of the microbial world, acknowledging that life exists as a balance between certain processes that we perceive as being environmentally supportive and others that seem environmentally destructive. In turn, Part V discusses basic aspects of microbial symbioses, including interactions with other microorganisms, plants and animals. The concept of microbial symbiosis as a driving force in evolution is covered in Part VI. In closing, Part VII explores the adventure of microbiological research, including some reminiscences from and perspectives on the lives and careers of microbe hunters. Given its mixture of science and philosophy, the book will appeal to scientists and advanced students of microbiology, evolution and ecology alike.
Download or read book Microbial Fermentations in Nature and as Designed Processes written by Christon J. Hurst and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2023-07-17 with total page 456 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: MICROBIAL FERMENTATIONS IN NATURE AND AS DESIGNED PROCESSES Fermentation is one of the most important metabolic tools that biology has developed and microorganisms in many ways seem to have become the true masters of fermentative metabolism. Each of the fermentative microbial functions evolved to fit an energetic opportunity, and each function has ecological value. This book provides its readers with: Understanding regarding the commonalities and distinctions between aerobic and anaerobic fermentations as performed by microorganisms. A summary of knowledge regarding the ways in which animals and plants depend upon symbiotic interactions with their fermenting microbial partners including the deconstruction of complex polysaccharides. Information is also included about how those natural technologies constitute adaptation into designed processes for anaerobic degradation of lignocellulosic materials. The important role of rhizosphere microbes that facilitate availability of inorganic and organic phosphates for plants. These phosphates get stored in the plant’s seeds. After ruminant animals ingest the seeds, enzymes produced by gastrointestinal microbial fermentation allow the animals to utilize their dietary phosphates. History of how microbial fermentation has been harnessed from prehistoric times to the present for processing and preserving food products for humans and fodder for our domesticated animals. Insight into the ways that microbial fermentations are used as an engineering tool for producing chemicals, including enzymes and pharmaceuticals, which improve the health of ourselves and our domesticated animals. Perspectives on possible future research directions for the field of applied microbial fermentation that will help to advance agriculture and industry.
Download or read book Ecophysiology and Ocean Acidification in Marine Mollusks written by Youji Wang and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2024-08-10 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ecophysiology and Ocean Acidification in Marine Mollusks: From Molecule to Behavior provides an extensive overview of the latest research on the various ecophysiological effects of ocean acidification on marine mollusks. This book synthesizes historical information and recent findings on the effects of environmental change, ocean warming, and acidification on key mollusks and their life-history. It also discusses the underlying mechanisms underpinning the effects of ocean warming and acidification. Written by internationally recognized experts in the field of marine biology, this book systematically examines the effects of ocean acidification on the reproduction, growth and development, physiological metabolism, immunity, and behavior of marine mollusks. The book concludes by discussing the implications of current research, acknowledging data limitations in the field, and proposing future research directions, providing a better understanding of the potential impacts of ocean acidification on mollusks and the global aquaculture industry and inspiring new thinking for future research practices. It will be an indispensable resource for researchers, practitioners, undergraduate and graduate students, conservationists, and aquaculturists alike who are interested in marine environmental change, ecology, physiology, and marine biology. - Describes the causes and consequences of ocean acidification in the marine environment - Summarizes our modern understanding of the impact of ocean acidification on the physiology and behavior of marine mollusks - Discusses the limitations of existing studies - Proposes future research directions on ocean acidification and marine mollusks
Download or read book Handbook of Research on Green Circular and Digital Economies as Tools for Recovery and Sustainability written by Ordóñez de Pablos, Patricia and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2022-03-11 with total page 418 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Global society has simultaneously faced several unprecedented health, social, and economic challenges. Countries need to recover economic growth quickly, boost productivity and job creation, invest in smart healthcare systems and services, and work toward a climate-neutral and circular economy. The Handbook of Research on Green, Circular, and Digital Economies as Tools for Recovery and Sustainability explores new and emerging frameworks, tools, and strategies to support companies and economies toward a green and digital transformation. It analyzes the role of disruptive technologies, innovative green technologies, and emerging practices all over the world. Covering topics such as corporate sustainability, digital banking, and national innovation systems, this major reference work is an essential resource for educational administration, politicians, government officials, global business leaders, managing directors, libraries, researchers, academicians, educators, and students.
Download or read book Assessing the Microbiological Health of Ecosystems written by Christon J. Hurst and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2022-11-04 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Assessing the Microbiological A timely exploration of the coordinated functions of microbiological communities and the impacts of global climate change on microbial life Ecosystems function like interlocking puzzles and ultimately the health of an ecosystem depends upon the niche activities of its microbial communities. Assessing the Microbiological Health of Ecosystems summarizes our understanding of how microbial community processes are organized and the mechanisms by which activities of their constituent species are coordinated. The authors collectively present a basis for understanding what produces healthy microbial components of an ecosystem, thereby supplying a foundation for achieving one of the eventual future goals of environmental microbiology: to diagnose and correct the integrative nature of microbial activities when ecosystems fail. Assessing the Microbiological Health of Ecosystems will prove to be a valuable resource to environmental microbiologists, ecologists and integrative biologists. The book will: help researchers and students to understand the commonalities of processes, techniques, and discoveries in the study of microbial communities contribute to understandings of how microbial communities coordinate their function, discussing how the relative rates and effective integration of community microbial processes are currently measured provide insights into the composition of a healthy microbial ecosystem By learning to recognize what constitutes and produces a healthy microbial ecosystem, we gain significant ground on the path towards being able to diagnose and correct the health of ailing microbial ecosystems. Assessing the Microbiological Health of Ecosystems will help new generations of scientists discern new ways to carry these efforts forward.
Download or read book The Connections Between Ecology and Infectious Disease written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-08-30 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book summarizes current advances in our understanding of how infectious disease represents an ecological interaction between a pathogenic microorganism and the host species in which that microbe causes illness. The contributing authors explain that pathogenic microorganisms often also have broader ecological connections, which can include a natural environmental presence; possible transmission by vehicles such as air, water, and food; and interactions with other host species, including vectors for which the microbe either may or may not be pathogenic. This field of science has been dubbed disease ecology, and the chapters that examine it have been grouped into three sections. The first section introduces both the role of biological community interactions and the impact of biodiversity on infectious disease. In turn, the second section considers those diseases directly affecting humans, with a focus on waterborne and foodborne illnesses, while also examining the critical aspect of microbial biofilms. Lastly, the third section presents the ecology of infectious diseases from the perspective of their impact on mammalian livestock and wildlife as well as on humans. Given its breadth of coverage, the volume offers a valuable resource for microbial ecologists and biomedical scientists alike.
Download or read book Understanding Terrestrial Microbial Communities written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-03-27 with total page 414 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents a summary of terrestrial microbial processes, which are a key factor in supporting healthy life on our planet. The authors explain how microorganisms maintain the soil ecosystem through recycling carbon and nitrogen and then provide insights into how soil microbiology processes integrate into ecosystem science, helping to achieve successful bioremediation as well as safe and effective operation of landfills, and enabling the design of composting processes that reduce the amount of waste that is placed in landfills. The book also explores the effect of human land use, including restoration on soil microbial communities and the response of wetland microbial communities to anthropogenic pollutants. Lastly it discusses the role of fungi in causing damaging, and often lethal, infectious diseases in plants and animals.
Download or read book Modeling the Transmission and Prevention of Infectious Disease written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-08-31 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume focuses on blocking disease transmission and the ecological perspective of pathogens and pathogenic processes. The chapters on blocking transmission cover the environmental safety of space flight, biocides and biocide resistance, as well as infection control in healthcare facilities. The book also offers insights into the ecological aspects of infectious disease, introducing the reader to the role of indigenous gut microbiota in maintaining human health and current discussions on environmentally encountered bacterial and fungal pathogens including species that variously cause the necrotizing skin disease Buruli ulcer and coccidioidomycosis. Further, it explores the influenza A virus as an example for understanding zoonosis. It is a valuable resource for microbiologists and biomedical scientists alike.
Download or read book Microbial Metabolism of Metals and Metalloids written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-04-24 with total page 671 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explains the metabolic processes by which microbes obtain and control the intracellular availability of their required metal and metalloid ions. The book also describes how intracellular concentrations of unwanted metal and metalloid ions successfully are limited. Its authors additionally provide information about the ways that microbes derive metabolic energy by changing the charge states of metal and metalloid ions. Part one of this book provides an introduction to microbes, metals and metalloids. It also helps our readers to understand the chemical constraints for transition metal cation allocation. Part two explains the basic processes which microbes use for metal transport. That section also explains the uses, as well as the challenges, associated with metal-based antimicrobials. Part three gives our readers an understanding that because of microbial capabilities to process metals and metalloids, the microbes have become our best tools for accomplishing many jobs. Their applications in chemical technology include the design of microbial consortia for use in bioleaching processes that recover metal and metalloid ions from industrial wastes. Many biological engineering tasks, including the synthesis of metal nanoparticles and similar metalloid structures, also are ideally suited for the microbes. Part four describes unique attributes associated with the microbiology of these elements, progressing through the alphabet from antimony and arsenic to zinc.
Download or read book The Structure and Function of Aquatic Microbial Communities written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-05-13 with total page 363 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book discusses how aquatic microbial communities develop interactive metabolic coordination both within and between species to optimize their energetics. It explains that microbial community structuration often includes functional stratification among a multitude of organisms that variously exist either suspended in the water, lodged in sediments, or bound to one another as biofilms on solid surfaces. The authors describe techniques that can be used for preparing and distributing microbiologically safe drinking water, which presents the challenge of successfully removing the pathogenic members of the aquatic microbial community and then safely delivering that water to consumers. Drinking water distribution systems have their own microbial ecology, which we must both understand and control in order to maintain the safety of the water supply. Since studying aquatic microorganisms often entails identifying them, the book also discusses techniques for successfully isolating and cultivating bacteria. As such, it appeals to microbiologists, microbial ecologists and water quality scientists.
Download or read book Advanced Microbial Technology for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment written by Saurabh Gangola and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2023-05-18 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Advanced Microbial Technology for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment focuses on plant-microbe interactions in respect to bioremediation and plant growth promotion, providing insights on diverse approaches such as genomics, metagenomics, proteomics, bioinformatics and other high-throughput analyses of environmentally relevant microorganisms. The impact of frequent applications of potentially toxic chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) and increased industrialization processes on microbial diversity emphasizes the potential threat to microbial biodiversity in ecosystems. This is an ideal resource on current trends and the future of PGPR developments with bioremediation potential.Moreover, it gives a deep understanding of the genetics of microbial biodegradation and different remediation mechanisms that help to re-establish the natural environment. - Helps readers find sustainable ways for environmental clean-up and increased agricultural productivity - Gives a systematic overview of the role of PGPR in bioremediation, selection and preparation of potential PGPR microbial inoculum for bioremediation, biodegradation and plant growth promotion - Illustrates the importance of PGPR in the bioremediation of potentially hazardous and relatively novel compounds with the maintenance of sustainable agricultural productivity - Addresses emerging novel approaches of PGPR-based biodegradation of toxic compounds and highlights key developments and challenges associated with the processes
Download or read book Microbial Enzymes written by Dinesh Yadav and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2024-10-17 with total page 885 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Comprehensive discussion of production and purification strategies for microbial enzymes important to various industries, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals Microbial Enzymes provides expert insight into diverse aspects of microbial enzymes, highlighting strategies for their production, purification, and manipulation, elucidating eco-friendly industrial applications, and discussing several production processes, such as the production of cellulose and non-synthetic indigo dye. This book emphasizes recent technological interventions in microbial enzyme technology like metagenomics, system biology, molecular biology, genomics, directed evolution, and bioinformatics. The important microbial enzymes highlighted in this book include xylanases, ureases, methane monooxygenase, polyhydroxyalkanoates, pectinases, peroxidases, α-L-rhamnosidase, alkane hydroxylases, laccases, proteases, gallic acid decarboxylase, chitinases, beta-glucosidase, lipases, inulinases, tannase, mycozyme, ACC deaminase, ligninolytic enzymes, and many more. Novel treatment methods involving strains of microorganisms with desirable properties applicable in the process of bioremediation through mitigating climate concern, increasing green production technology, improving agriculture productivity, and providing a means of earning a livelihood are discussed. Readers will also gain state-of-the-art background knowledge on existing technologies and their current challenges and future prospects. Contributed to by leading experts in the field and edited by four highly qualified academics, Microbial Enzymes explores important topics including: Strategies for the discovery and enhancement of enzyme function, and potentials of system biology to better understand the kinetics of industrially important enzymes Production and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies in cancer and other diseases, and characterization of tannase as a virulence factor Opportunities to produce enzymes through food waste and byproducts, and recent developments in computational tools Use of Omics tools in the discovery of fungal enzymes and secondary metabolites Microbial Enzymes is a thorough and highly practical reference on the subject for students, scientists, biotechnologists, microbiologists, and policymakers working in environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.
Download or read book The Rasputin Effect When Commensals and Symbionts Become Parasitic written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-07-05 with total page 364 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume focuses on those instances when benign and even beneficial relationships between microbes and their hosts opportunistically change and become detrimental toward the host. It examines the triggering events which can factor into these changes, such as reduction in the host’s capacity for mounting an effective defensive response due to nutritional deprivation, coinfections and seemingly subtle environmental influences like the amounts of sunlight, temperature, and either water or air quality. The effects of environmental changes can be compounded when they necessitate a physical relocation of species, in turn changing the probability of encounter between microbe and host. The change also can result when pathogens, including virus species, either have modified the opportunist or attacked the host’s protective natural microflora. The authors discuss these opportunistic interactions and assess their outcomes in both aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems, highlighting the impact on plant, invertebrate and vertebrate hosts.
Download or read book The Mechanistic Benefits of Microbial Symbionts written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-05-24 with total page 319 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that produce successful symbiotic partnerships involving microorganisms. It begins with a basic introduction to the nature of and mechanistic benefits derived from symbiotic associations. Taking that background knowledge as the starting point, the next sections include chapters that examine representative examples of coevolutionary associations that have developed between species of microbes, as well as associations between microbes and plants. The authors conclude with a section covering a broad range of associations between microbes and invertebrate animals, in which they discuss the spectrum of hosts, with examples ranging from bryozoans and corals to nematodes, arthropods, and cephalopods. Join the authors on this journey of understanding!
Download or read book Their World A Diversity of Microbial Environments written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-05-02 with total page 391 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume summarizes recent advances in environmental microbiology by providing fascinating insights into the diversity of microbial life that exists on our planet. The first two chapters present theoretical perspectives that help to consolidate our understanding of evolution as an adaptive process by which the niche and habitat of each species develop in a manner that interconnects individual components of an ecosystem. This results in communities that function by simultaneously coordinating their metabolic and physiologic actions. The third contribution addresses the fossil record of microorganisms, and the subsequent chapters then introduce the microbial life that currently exists in various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Coverage of the geosphere addresses endolithic organisms, life in caves and the deep continental biosphere, including how subsurface microbial life may impact spent nuclear fuel repositories. The discussion of the hydrosphere includes hypersaline environments and arctic food chains. By better understanding examples from the micro biosphere, we can elucidate the many ways in which the niches of different species, both large and small, interconnect within the overlapping habitats of this world, which is governed by its microorganisms.
Download or read book The Biological Role of a Virus written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-02-12 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book answers the question “What is it that viruses do?” by presenting three aspects of viral ecology. The first aspect explains how viruses affect the population diversity and energetics of their host communities. Perhaps the most notable example of this concept is our understanding that primary production within ecosystems often depends upon those viruses which serve as controllers of nutrient recycling, connecting the aquatic and terrestrial realms in ways that can be assessed locally and globally. The second aspect describes genetic partnerships which exist between hosts and their viruses. These include processes termed endogeny and lysogeny by which the host carries at least a partial genomic copy of the virus. Fluidity of these collective genomes is expressed on an evolutionary time scale and the mutual life cycles which they produce represent a forging of shared genomic fate that obligates partnership of the virus and its host. The viral sequences represent a source of potential benefit as well as potential peril for the host and can implement phenotypic changes in the host. Hosts often use those changes as tools. As humans, the most notable example would be that mammals rely upon temporary activation of their endogenous viral genes in order to successfully develop a placenta. The third aspect is defending the health of a host, which relies upon activity in two directions. Hosts often use their captured viral genes to identify and subsequently direct battle against invading viruses. This natural concept has been engineered for combating cancer, is useful for suppressing the detrimental consequences of genetic diseases, and has been developed to create targeted antiviral vaccines. But, the defense has to work in two directions and the host can use other symbiotic microorganisms as protection against its viruses. This book will appeal to a wide readership by providing a broad perspective of viral ecology, and all scientists will find it helpful for gaining a view of fields beyond their specialization.
Download or read book Microorganisms in the Deterioration and Preservation of Cultural Heritage written by Edith Joseph and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-05-05 with total page 367 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book offers a comprehensive overview of the role and potential of microorganisms in the degradation and preservation of cultural materials (e.g. stone, metals, graphic documents, textiles, paintings, glass, etc.). Microorganisms are a major cause of deterioration in cultural artefacts, both in the case of outdoor monuments and archaeological finds. This book covers the microorganisms involved in biodeterioration and control methods used to reduce their impact on cultural artefacts. Additionally, the reader will learn more about how microorganisms can be used for the preservation and protection of cultural artefacts through bio-based and eco-friendly materials. New avenues for developing methods and materials for the conservation of cultural artefacts are discussed, together with concrete advances in terms of sustainability, effectiveness and toxicity, making the book essential reading for anyone interested in microbiology and the preservation of cultural heritage.
