Envirogenomics

Unlocking Earth's Secrets: A Deep Dive into Envirogenomics

Introduction:

Are you curious about the intricate dance between genes and the environment? Have you ever wondered how organisms adapt to pollution, climate change, or other environmental pressures? Then welcome to the fascinating world of envirogenomics! This comprehensive guide will unravel the mysteries of this emerging field, exploring its core principles, methodologies, and groundbreaking applications. We'll delve into the power of envirogenomics to understand and address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet, from pollution remediation to conservation efforts. Prepare to be amazed by the potential of this rapidly evolving scientific discipline.


What is Envirogenomics?

Envirogenomics is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that integrates genomics with environmental science. It uses genomic tools and techniques – such as DNA sequencing, microarray analysis, and bioinformatics – to investigate the relationship between the environment and the genomes of organisms. This encompasses a broad spectrum of organisms, from microorganisms like bacteria and archaea, to plants, animals, and even humans. Instead of focusing on a single gene or protein, envirogenomics examines the entire genome (or a significant portion thereof) and how it interacts with its surrounding environment. This holistic approach provides a far richer understanding of how organisms respond to environmental stressors and adapt to changing conditions.

Key Applications of Envirogenomics:

1. Understanding Microbial Communities and their Environmental Roles:

Envirogenomics plays a crucial role in characterizing the vast diversity of microbial communities in various environments, such as soil, water, and the human gut. By sequencing the DNA extracted from environmental samples (metagenomics), researchers can identify the species present, their abundance, and even predict their functional capabilities. This knowledge is vital for understanding nutrient cycling, bioremediation (the use of organisms to clean up pollution), and the overall health of ecosystems.

2. Assessing the Impact of Pollutants on Organisms:

Envirogenomics is invaluable for assessing the impact of environmental pollutants on living organisms. By comparing the genomes of organisms exposed to pollutants with those of unexposed controls, researchers can identify genes and pathways affected by the pollutants. This can help determine the mechanisms of toxicity and predict the potential risks to human health and the environment. For example, envirogenomics helps us understand how heavy metals affect gene expression in plants and how this influences their growth and survival.

3. Studying Adaptation to Climate Change:

Climate change is arguably the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. Envirogenomics provides a powerful tool to understand how organisms are adapting to changing temperatures, precipitation patterns, and other climate-related factors. By analyzing genomic variations within populations, scientists can identify genes that contribute to climate resilience and predict how species might respond to future climate scenarios. This information is crucial for conservation efforts and the development of strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

4. Developing Bioremediation Strategies:

Bioremediation leverages the power of microorganisms to clean up pollution. Envirogenomics helps identify microorganisms with the potential to degrade specific pollutants. By understanding the genes involved in the degradation process, scientists can develop more efficient and targeted bioremediation strategies. This is crucial for cleaning up contaminated sites and reducing the environmental burden of pollution.

5. Monitoring and Predicting Disease Outbreaks:

Envirogenomics can help monitor and predict disease outbreaks, particularly those linked to environmental factors. By analyzing the genomes of pathogens and their hosts, researchers can identify factors that influence disease transmission and virulence. This can inform public health strategies and help prevent or mitigate the impact of infectious diseases.


Methodologies in Envirogenomics:

Several key methodologies are crucial to envirogenomics research. These include:

Metagenomics: Analyzing the collective genomes of microorganisms in an environmental sample.
Metatranscriptomics: Studying the RNA transcripts of microbial communities to understand gene expression patterns.
Metaproteomics: Analyzing the proteins produced by microbial communities to understand their functional activities.
Comparative Genomics: Comparing the genomes of different organisms to identify genes and pathways associated with environmental adaptation.
Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): Identifying genetic variations associated with specific environmental traits or responses.

Challenges and Future Directions:

Despite its immense potential, envirogenomics faces several challenges. Analyzing vast datasets generated by high-throughput sequencing requires significant computational resources and expertise in bioinformatics. Furthermore, interpreting the complex interactions between genes and the environment remains a significant hurdle. Future research will likely focus on:

Developing more sophisticated bioinformatic tools to analyze complex genomic data.
Integrating envirogenomic data with other environmental datasets (e.g., climate data, pollution monitoring data).
Applying envirogenomics to address emerging environmental challenges, such as microplastic pollution and the spread of antibiotic resistance.


Book Outline: "Envirogenomics: Unlocking the Secrets of Life and Environment"

I. Introduction:
What is Envirogenomics?
The Importance of Envirogenomics
Brief History of Envirogenomics
Scope and Applications

II. Core Principles and Methodologies:
Genomics and its application in Environmental Studies
Metagenomics and its significance
Metatranscriptomics and Metaproteomics
Bioinformatics and Data Analysis

III. Applications in Environmental Monitoring and Remediation:
Monitoring Pollution and its impact using envirogenomics
Bioremediation Strategies guided by Envirogenomics
Assessing the impact of climate change on ecosystems

IV. Applications in Human and Ecosystem Health:
Studying the impact of environmental factors on human health
Predicting and Preventing Disease Outbreaks
Conservation efforts guided by envirogenomics

V. Future Directions and Challenges:
Emerging technologies in envirogenomics
Ethical considerations and data management
The role of envirogenomics in sustainable development


(Detailed explanation of each point in the outline would constitute a full-length book. The information above provides sufficient detail for a blog post.)


FAQs:

1. What is the difference between genomics and envirogenomics? Genomics studies the entire genome of an organism, while envirogenomics specifically focuses on the interaction between the genome and the environment.

2. How is envirogenomics used in bioremediation? Envirogenomics helps identify microorganisms with genes capable of degrading pollutants, leading to more efficient cleanup strategies.

3. What role does bioinformatics play in envirogenomics? Bioinformatics is crucial for analyzing the massive datasets generated by envirogenomic studies, identifying patterns, and making predictions.

4. Can envirogenomics predict the impacts of climate change? Yes, by analyzing genetic variations within populations, envirogenomics can help predict how species might respond to changing climate conditions.

5. What are some ethical considerations in envirogenomics research? Data privacy, access to resources, and responsible use of genetic information are important ethical concerns.

6. How is metagenomics applied in envirogenomics? Metagenomics analyzes the collective genomes of microbial communities in environmental samples, providing insights into their diversity and function.

7. What are some limitations of envirogenomics? Data analysis can be computationally intensive, and interpreting complex gene-environment interactions remains challenging.

8. How can envirogenomics contribute to conservation efforts? By identifying genes associated with resilience to environmental stress, envirogenomics can inform conservation strategies.

9. What are the future prospects of envirogenomics? Future research will focus on developing more advanced technologies, integrating different datasets, and addressing emerging environmental challenges.


Related Articles:

1. Metagenomics and its Applications in Environmental Microbiology: This article explores the powerful technique of metagenomics and its applications in understanding microbial communities and their roles in various environments.

2. Bioremediation: A Genomic Perspective: This article focuses on the use of genomics to enhance bioremediation efforts, improving the efficiency of cleaning up polluted sites.

3. The Impact of Climate Change on Microbial Communities: This article explores the effects of climate change on microbial communities and how envirogenomics can help us understand and predict these impacts.

4. Envirogenomics and Human Health: The Link Between Genes and Environment: This article investigates the connection between environmental exposures and human health, focusing on how genomics helps us understand the risks.

5. Comparative Genomics in Environmental Adaptation: This article delves into how comparing genomes of different organisms helps scientists understand adaptation to environmental stressors.

6. Metatranscriptomics: Unraveling Gene Expression in Environmental Samples: This article explains the technique of metatranscriptomics and how it helps us understand gene expression patterns in microbial communities.

7. Bioinformatics Tools for Envirogenomics Data Analysis: This article explores the various bioinformatic tools used to analyze and interpret the vast amounts of data generated in envirogenomics studies.

8. Ethical Considerations in Envirogenomics Research: This article discusses the ethical challenges and considerations associated with envirogenomics research, emphasizing responsible data handling and use.

9. Envirogenomics and Sustainable Development: A Path Towards a Healthier Planet: This article highlights the role of envirogenomics in achieving sustainable development goals, focusing on its applications in pollution control, resource management, and conservation.


  envirogenomics: Hungry Ghosts Peggy Blair, 2015-06-02 Inspector Ricardo Ramirez investigates a string of dead prostitutes from Cuba to Canada in this carefully constructed mystery from award-winning author Peggy Blair. Murders always multiply when there’s a full moon, Inspector Ricardo Ramirez knows. As he’s investigating a vandal in the art world, a ghost appears by Ramirez’s side…a sure sign that another murder victim is on the way. Ramirez’s fears are confirmed when a dead prostitute is found in Havana with nylons wrapped tightly around her neck, an MO that connects to his only cold case. When another woman’s body is discovered in a similar condition on a First Nation reserve in Northern Ontario, Detective Charlie Pike struggles to determine whether the murder is a standalone crime or if the Highway Strangler has struck again. Before long, both detectives find themselves tracking a killer whose reach extends further than they could have imagined. As the pressure mounts, Inspector Ramirez has to piece together the clues and track down an international serial killer before his government silences him.
  envirogenomics: Biomapping Indigenous Peoples , 2012-01-01 Where do our distant ancestors come from, and which routes did they travel around the globe as hunter–gatherers in prehistoric times? Genomics provides a fascinating insight into these questions and unlocks a mass of information carried by strands of DNA in each cell of the human body. For Indigenous peoples, scientific research of any kind evokes past – and not forgotten – suffering, racial and racist taxonomy, and, finally, dispossession. Survival of human cell lines outside the body clashes with traditional beliefs, as does the notion that DNA may tell a story different from their own creation story. Extracting and analysing DNA is a new science, barely a few decades old. In the medical field, it carries the promise of genetically adapted health-care. However, if this is to be done, genetic identity has to be defined first. While a narrow genetic definition might be usable by medical science, it does not do justice to Indigenous peoples’ cultural identity and raises the question of governmental benefits where their genetic identity is not strong enough. People migrate and intermix, and have always done so. Genomics trace the genes but not the cultures. Cultural survival – or revival – and Indigenous group cohesion are unrelated to DNA, explaining why Indigenous leaders adamantly refuse genetic testing. This book deals with the issues surrounding ‘biomapping’ the Indigenous, seen from the viewpoints of discourse analysts, historians, lawyers, anthropologists, sociologists, museum curators, health-care specialists, and Native researchers.
  envirogenomics: The Philosopher's Index , 2008 Vols. for 1969- include a section of abstracts.
  envirogenomics: Just Genes Carol Isaacson Barash, 2007-12-30 Advances in genetics research, largely, though not entirely, spawned by the Human Genome Project, have led to a broad array of new technologies that promise to revolutionize life as we have known it. Medicine and agriculture are already starting to utilize new technologies to greatly improve disease prevention and treatment and food production. Yet, these improvements often raise ethical questions that are not easy to untangle. Some have gone as far to as to argue that certain applications, such as embryonic stem cell research, threaten the very fiber of our moral compass. While the application of scientific advances to better humankind has always raised thorny ethical issues, the ethical impact of genetic advances arguably reaches a new height because the applicability of advances is exceptionally broad, deep, and potentially irreversible. To utilize such technologies could mean saving thousands of lives, but where and how do we draw the line? Here, Barash sheds light on the actual ethical concerns surrounding various types of genetic technologies, introducing readers to the competing issues at stake in the arguments about the scientific application of the new technologies available and those on the horizon. She begins by illustrating the history of genetic advances, their societal applications, and the ethical issues that have arisen from those applications. Using case studies and examples throughout, she walks readers through the various considerations involved in a variety of areas related to the application of genetic technologies currently available and possible in the future. Covering topics ranging from stem cell research to genetically modified food, genetic mapping to cloning, this book offers a thoughtful approach to the complex issues at play in the various fields of genetic technologies.
  envirogenomics: Modern Biopharmaceuticals, 4 Volume Set Jörg Knäblein, 2005-10-28 The biopharmaceutical market has come along way since 1982 when the first biopharmaceutical product, recombinant human insulin, was launched. Over 120 such products are currently being marketed around the world including nine blockbuster drugs. The global market for biopharmaceuticals, which is currently valued at US$41 billion, has been growing at an impressive compound annual growth rate of 21% over the previous five years. With over one third of all pipe-line products in active development are biopharmaceuticals, this segment is set to continue outperforming the total pharmaceutical market and could easily reach US$100 billion by the end of this decade.
  envirogenomics: Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction C.J. van Leeuwen, T.G. Vermeire, 2007-09-18 At last – a second edition of this hugely important text that reflects the progress and experience gained in the last decade and aims at providing background and training material for a new generation of risk assessors. The authors offer an introduction to risk assessment of chemicals as well as basic background information on sources, emissions, distribution and fate processes for the estimation of exposure of plant and animal species in the environment and humans exposed via the environment, consumer products, and at the workplace. The coverage describes the basic principles and methods of risk assessment within their legislative frameworks (EU, USA, Japan and Canada).
  envirogenomics: Environmental Health Perspectives , 2003
  envirogenomics: Eco-Engineered Bioreactors James Higgins, Al Mattes, William Stiebel, Brent Wootton, 2017-11-22 This book provides a comprehensive understanding of a highly innovative method of natural wastewater treatment using advanced in-groundbioreactors called Eco-Engineered Bioreactors (EEBs), and traces their evolution from the earliest aerated gravel bed versions once known as Engineered Wetlands (EWs) and now known as BREW Bioreactors (BBRs) all the way to today’s wide slate of aerobic and anaerobic varieties. Treatment using EEBs involves passing wastewaters through excavated basins in which they contact fixed films of microbial consortia on permeable substrate media. Written from the perspective of ecological engineers designing EEBs, this guide covers updated information on the state-of-the-art for EEBs, covering their morphologies, testing methods, designs, operations, and microbiology.
  envirogenomics: Genomics and Public Health Bartha Maria Knoppers, 2006-12-01 When genomics and public health are integrated into society, it will create as many responsibilities as rights for citizens, researchers, and decision makers. Indeed, the expression of genetic risk factors in both common and infectious diseases is of great interest to public health. Policy development in this area then needs to tackle crucial themes such as: research and its application to public health and genomic medicine, the authority of the state, the right to privacy, and the roles and responsibilities of citizens and the State. Considering the current fears of a world-wide pandemic, this book is a timely and insightful exploration of both research possibilities and the role of the state. It will help to understand the limits of possible state access to biobanks and data. It examines the issue of the possible use of newborn screening programmes by public health authorities. It also attempts to understand the protection of individual privacy and the public interest in the promotion of health and the prevention of disease. Moreover, do citizens have a say? Will public attitudes be different towards research in public health genomics compared to genetic testing?
  envirogenomics: Experimental Man David Ewing Duncan, 2010-11-17 Bestselling author David Ewing Duncan takes the ultimate high-tech medical exam, investigating the future impact of what's hidden deep inside all of us David Ewing Duncan takes guinea pig journalism to the cutting edge of science, building on award-winning articles he wrote for Wired and National Geographic, in which he was tested for hundreds of chemicals and genes associated with disease, emotions, and other traits. Expanding on these tests, he examines his genes, environment, brain, and body, exploring what they reveal about his and his family's future health, traits, and ancestry, as well as the profound impact of this new self-knowledge on what it means to be human. David Ewing Duncan (San Francisco, CA) is the Chief Correspondent of public radio's Biotech Nation and a frequent commentator on NPR's Morning Edition. He is a contributing editor to Portfolio, Discover, and Wired and a columnist for Portfolio. His books include the international bestseller Calendar: Humanity's Epic Struggle to Determine a True and Accurate Year (978-0-380-79324-2). He is a former special producer and correspondent for ABC's Nightline, and appears regularly on CNN and programs such as Today and Good Morning America.
  envirogenomics: NERC News , 1997
  envirogenomics: Biology of Rhodococcus Héctor M. Alvarez, 2010-09-07 Rhodococcus, a metabolically versatile actinobacteria which is frequently found in the environment, has gained increasing interest due to its potential biotechnological applications. This Microbiology Monographs volume provides a thorough review of the various aspects of the biochemistry, physiology and genetics of the Genus Rhodococcus. Following an overview of its taxonomy, chapters cover the structural aspects of rhodococcal cellular envelope, genomes and plasmids, metabolic and catabolic pathways, such as those of aromatic compounds, steroids and nitriles, and desulfurization pathways, as well as the adaption to organic solvents. Further reviews discuss applications of Rhodococcus in the bioremediation of contaminated environments, in triacylglycerol accumulation, and in phytopathogenic strategies, as well as the potential of biosurfactants. A final chapter describes the sole pathogenic Rhodococcus member, R. equi.
  envirogenomics: Microbial Taxonomy, Phylogeny and Biodiversity Jesús L. Romalde, Sabela Balboa, Antonio Ventosa, 2019-12-31 The great diversity of microbial life is the remaining major reservoir of unknown biological diversity on earth. To understand this vast, but largely unperceived diversity with its untapped genetic, enzymatic and industrial potential, microbial systematics is undergoing a revolutionary change in its approach to describe novel taxa based on genomic/envirogenomic information. The characterization of an organism is no longer bounded by methodological barriers, and it is now possible to fully sequence the whole genome of a strain to study individual genes, or to examine the genetic information by using different techniques. In fact, application of genomics is helping not only to provide a better understanding of the boundaries of genera and higher levels of classification, but also to refine our definition of the species concept. In addition, increased understanding of phylogeny is allowing to predict the genetic potential of microorganisms for biotechnological applications and adaptation to environmental changes. The present Research Topic on “Microbial Taxonomy, Phylogeny and Biodiversity” compiles a collection of papers covering the use of genomic sequence data in microbial taxonomy and systematics, including evolutionary relatedness of microorganisms; application of comparative genomics in systematic studies; or metagenomic approaches for biodiversity studies. We hope that this eBook incentives and encourages researchers for future discussions on microbial taxonomy and phylogenetics.
  envirogenomics: The Facts on File Dictionary of Environmental Science Bruce C. Wyman, L. Harold Stevenson, 2007 Defines more than 5,000 terms used in the field of environmental science.
  envirogenomics: Environmental Genomics C. Cristofre Martin, 2008-01-18 Here is a manual for an environmental scientist who wishes to embrace genomics to answer environmental questions. The volume covers: gene expression profiling, whole genome and chromosome mutation detection, and methods to assay genome diversity and polymorphisms within a particular environment. This book provides a systematic framework for determining environmental impact and ensuring human health and the sustainability of natural populations.
  envirogenomics: Nature Sir Norman Lockyer, 2004
  envirogenomics: Public Understanding of Science , 2008 A forum for the emerging interdisciplinary field of public understanding of science, this journal encourages open debate of contrasting and even conflicting viewpoints on all aspects of the interrelationships between science and the public.
  envirogenomics: Annual Report JRC European Commission. Joint Research Centre, 2005
  envirogenomics: Health Information Systems Alfred Winter, Reinhold Haux, Elske Ammenwerth, Birgit Brigl, Nils Hellrung, Franziska Jahn, 2011-01-18 Previously published as Strategic Information Management in Hospitals; An Introduction to Hospital Information Systems, Health Information Systems Architectures and Strategies is a definitive volume written by four authoritative voices in medical informatics. Illustrating the importance of hospital information management in delivering high quality health care at the lowest possible cost, this book provides the essential resources needed by the medical informatics specialist to understand and successfully manage the complex nature of hospital information systems. Author of the first edition's Foreword, Reed M. Gardner, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Medical Informatics, University of Utah and LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, applauded the text's focus on the underlying administrative systems that are in place in hospitals throughout the world. He wrote, These challenging systems that acquire, process and manage the patient's clinical information. Hospital information systems provide a major part of the information needed by those paying for health care. their components; health information systems; architectures of hospital information systems; and organizational structures for information management.
  envirogenomics: Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene , 2017-11-27 Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene, Five Volume Set presents a currency-based, global synthesis cataloguing the impact of humanity’s global ecological footprint. Covering a multitude of aspects related to Climate Change, Biodiversity, Contaminants, Geological, Energy and Ethics, leading scientists provide foundational essays that enable researchers to define and scrutinize information, ideas, relationships, meanings and ideas within the Anthropocene concept. Questions widely debated among scientists, humanists, conservationists, politicians and others are included, providing discussion on when the Anthropocene began, what to call it, whether it should be considered an official geological epoch, whether it can be contained in time, and how it will affect future generations. Although the idea that humanity has driven the planet into a new geological epoch has been around since the dawn of the 20th century, the term ‘Anthropocene’ was only first used by ecologist Eugene Stoermer in the 1980s, and hence popularized in its current meaning by atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000. Presents comprehensive and systematic coverage of topics related to the Anthropocene, with a focus on the Geosciences and Environmental science Includes point-counterpoint articles debating key aspects of the Anthropocene, giving users an even-handed navigation of this complex area Provides historic, seminal papers and essays from leading scientists and philosophers who demonstrate changes in the Anthropocene concept over time
  envirogenomics: International Environmental Law , 2007
  envirogenomics: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Daan J. A. Crommelin, Robert D. Sindelar, 2002-11-14 The field of pharmaceutical biotechnology is evolving rapidly. A whole new arsenal of protein pharmaceuticals is being produced by recombinant techniques for cancer, viral infections, cardiovascular and hereditary disorders, and other diseases. In addition, scientists are confronted with new technologies such as polymerase chain reactions, combinatorial chemistry and gene therapy. This introductory textbook provides extensive coverage of both the basic science and the applications of biotechnology-produced pharmaceuticals, with special emphasis on their clinical use. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology serves as a complete one-stop source for undergraduate pharmacists, and it is valuable for researchers and professionals in the pharmaceutical industry as well.
  envirogenomics: Annual report 2001 European Commission. Joint Research Centre, 2002 The mission of the Joint Research Centre is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of European Union policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a refrence centre of science and technology for the Community. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of commercial or national interests.
  envirogenomics: Big Data and Internet of Things: A Roadmap for Smart Environments Nik Bessis, Ciprian Dobre, 2014-03-11 This book presents current progress on challenges related to Big Data management by focusing on the particular challenges associated with context-aware data-intensive applications and services. The book is a state-of-the-art reference discussing progress made, as well as prompting future directions on the theories, practices, standards and strategies that are related to the emerging computational technologies and their association with supporting the Internet of Things advanced functioning for organizational settings including both business and e-science. Apart from inter-operable and inter-cooperative aspects, the book deals with a notable opportunity namely, the current trend in which a collectively shared and generated content is emerged from Internet end-users. Specifically, the book presents advances on managing and exploiting the vast size of data generated from within the smart environment (i.e. smart cities) towards an integrated, collective intelligence approach. The book also presents methods and practices to improve large storage infrastructures in response to increasing demands of the data intensive applications. The book contains 19 self-contained chapters that were very carefully selected based on peer review by at least two expert and independent reviewers and is organized into the three sections reflecting the general themes of interest to the IoT and Big Data communities: Section I: Foundations and Principles Section II: Advanced Models and Architectures Section III: Advanced Applications and Future Trends The book is intended for researchers interested in joining interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary works in the areas of Smart Environments, Internet of Things and various computational technologies for the purpose of an integrated collective computational intelligence approach into the Big Data era.
  envirogenomics: ASM News , 2001
  envirogenomics: Science John Michels (Journalist), 2004 A weekly record of scientific progress.
  envirogenomics: OECD Biotechnology Statistics 2009 OECD, 2009-07-15 This book contains government survey data for 22 OECD countries and additional data for four non-member countries. The survey data provide results on the number of biotechnology firms, business expenditures on R&D, biotechnology employment, and sales of biotechnology goods and services.
  envirogenomics: Verbaal inzicht Triene-Mie Le Compte, Annik Meulemans, 2004
  envirogenomics: Jake's Long Shadow Alan Duff, 2013-12-16 The third volume in the hard-hitting, best-selling Once Were Warriors trilogy. The millennium has changed but have the Hekes? Where are they now, Beth, Jake, and what of their other children? Son Abe who has rejected violence but violence finds him. Polly, as beautiful as her sister Grace, who committed suicide; is that a Heke running around with the wealthy polo-playing set and growing rich herself? And the gang leader, Apeman, who killed Tania, what's prison like, does it change a man, grow him or not? We meet another tragic female figure, Sharneeta. And Alistair Trambert, a middle-class white boy sunk into the same welfare dependency trap as the Maoris his class criticises. Meet Charlie Bennett, Beth's husband, a fine man, and yet . . . And yet there's Jake Heke, casting his long shadow over everyone. Has he really grown up?
  envirogenomics: Genome Matt Ridley, 2013-03-26 “Ridley leaps from chromosome to chromosome in a handy summation of our ever increasing understanding of the roles that genes play in disease, behavior, sexual differences, and even intelligence. . . . . He addresses not only the ethical quandaries faced by contemporary scientists but the reductionist danger in equating inheritability with inevitability.” — The New Yorker The genome's been mapped. But what does it mean? Matt Ridley’s Genome is the book that explains it all: what it is, how it works, and what it portends for the future Arguably the most significant scientific discovery of the new century, the mapping of the twenty-three pairs of chromosomes that make up the human genome raises almost as many questions as it answers. Questions that will profoundly impact the way we think about disease, about longevity, and about free will. Questions that will affect the rest of your life. Genome offers extraordinary insight into the ramifications of this incredible breakthrough. By picking one newly discovered gene from each pair of chromosomes and telling its story, Matt Ridley recounts the history of our species and its ancestors from the dawn of life to the brink of future medicine. From Huntington's disease to cancer, from the applications of gene therapy to the horrors of eugenics, Ridley probes the scientific, philosophical, and moral issues arising as a result of the mapping of the genome. It will help you understand what this scientific milestone means for you, for your children, and for humankind.
  envirogenomics: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , 2006
  envirogenomics: Textbook of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Chandrakant Kokate, Pramod H.J, SS Jalalpure, 2012-05-14 Textbook of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
  envirogenomics: Microbial Biodegradation and Bioremediation Surajit Das, 2014-07-01 Microbial Biodegradation and Bioremediation brings together experts in relevant fields to describe the successful application of microbes and their derivatives for bioremediation of potentially toxic and relatively novel compounds. This single-source reference encompasses all categories of pollutants and their applications in a convenient, comprehensive package. Our natural biodiversity and environment is in danger due to the release of continuously emerging potential pollutants by anthropogenic activities. Though many attempts have been made to eradicate and remediate these noxious elements, every day thousands of xenobiotics of relatively new entities emerge, thus worsening the situation. Primitive microorganisms are highly adaptable to toxic environments, and can reduce the load of toxic elements by their successful transformation and remediation. - Describes many novel approaches of microbial bioremediation including genetic engineering, metagenomics, microbial fuel cell technology, biosurfactants and biofilm-based bioremediation - Introduces relatively new hazardous elements and their bioremediation practices including oil spills, military waste water, greenhouse gases, polythene wastes, and more - Provides the most advanced techniques in the field of bioremediation, including insilico approach, microbes as pollution indicators, use of bioreactors, techniques of pollution monitoring, and more
  envirogenomics: Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry Eldor Paul, 2014-11-14 The fourth edition of Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry updates this widely used reference as the study and understanding of soil biota, their function, and the dynamics of soil organic matter has been revolutionized by molecular and instrumental techniques, and information technology. Knowledge of soil microbiology, ecology and biochemistry is central to our understanding of organisms and their processes and interactions with their environment. In a time of great global change and increased emphasis on biodiversity and food security, soil microbiology and ecology has become an increasingly important topic. Revised by a group of world-renowned authors in many institutions and disciplines, this work relates the breakthroughs in knowledge in this important field to its history as well as future applications. The new edition provides readable, practical, impactful information for its many applied and fundamental disciplines. Professionals turn to this text as a reference for fundamental knowledge in their field or to inform management practices. - New section on Methods in Studying Soil Organic Matter Formation and Nutrient Dynamics to balance the two successful chapters on microbial and physiological methodology - Includes expanded information on soil interactions with organisms involved in human and plant disease - Improved readability and integration for an ever-widening audience in his field - Integrated concepts related to soil biota, diversity, and function allow readers in multiple disciplines to understand the complex soil biota and their function
  envirogenomics: The Challenge of Obesity in the WHO European Region and the Strategies for Response World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe, 2007 In a brief, clear and easily accessible way, this summary illustrates the dynamics of the obesity epidemic and its impact on public health throughout the WHO European Region, particularly in eastern countries. It describes how factors that increase the risk of obesity are shaped in different settings, such as the family, school, community and workplace. It makes both ethical and economic arguments for accelerating action against obesity, and analyses effective programs and policies in different government sectors, such as education, health, agriculture and trade, urban planning and transport. The summary also describes how to design policies and programs to prevent obesity and how to monitor progress, and calls for specific action by stakeholders: not only government sectors but also the private sector - including food manufacturers, advertisers and traders - and professional consumers' and international and intergovernmental organizations such as the European Union.
  envirogenomics: Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science Kathleen C. Weathers, David L. Strayer, Gene E. Likens, 2021-07-23 Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science, Second Edition provides a comprehensive introduction to modern ecosystem science covering land, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Featuring full color images to support learning and written by a group of experts, this updated edition covers major concepts of ecosystem science, biogeochemistry, and energetics. Case studies of important environmental problems offer personal insights into how adopting an ecosystem approach has helped solve important intellectual and practical problems. For those choosing to use the book in a classroom environment, or who want to enrich further their reading experience, teaching and learning assets are available at Elsevier.com. - Covers both aquatic (freshwater and marine) and terrestrial ecosystems with updated information - Includes a new chapter on microbial biogeochemistry - Features vignettes throughout the book with real examples of how an ecosystem approach has led to important change in policy, management, and ecological understanding - Demonstrates the application of an ecosystem approach in synthesis chapters and case studies - Contains new coverage of human-environment interactions
  envirogenomics: The Postgenomic Condition Jenny Reardon, 2017-12-29 The postgenomic condition: an introduction -- The information of life or the life of information? -- Inclusion: can genomics be antiracist? -- Who represents the human genome? What is the human genome? -- Genomics for the people or the rise of the machines? -- Genomics for the 98 percent? -- The genomic open 2.0: the public v. the public -- Life on Third: knowledge and justice after the genome -- Epilogue
  envirogenomics: 三联生活周刊 , 2009
  envirogenomics: Culture Counts Russell Bishop, Ted Glynn, 2003 This is a study of the experience of Maori people in the school system and the pedagogical response. It presents a model for addressing cultural diversity in the classroom which is based on a traditionalist Maori response to the dominant discourse within New Zealand.
  envirogenomics: Tribal Epistemologies Helmut Wautischer, 2019-01-15 First published in 1998, this collection of ten essays transforms our understanding of both the role of philosophical anthropology in modern world philosophy and the origins of tribal knowledge in their relation to contemporary assessments of cognition and consciousness. Ethnographic data from geographically distant cultures - such as the Maori of New Zealand, the Fore of New Guinea, the Sea Nomads of the Andaman, the Cowlitz of North America, the Maya, Australian Aborigines, Siberian Shamans - are carefully crafted toward an empirical basis for discussing a variety of phenomena traditional labelled in Western thought as transcendent or metaphysical. This anthology is a valuable source of information relevant for any theories of knowledge and a solid challenge for reductionist models of consciousness. The essays enhance our recognition and appreciation of fundamental similarities as well as differences in world views and cultural perspectives related to knowledge claims. This anthology illustrates unplumbed depths of human consciousness, reveals experiential understandings beyond linguistic thought, and stands aside from the view that behaviour and intelligence can be understood by deterministic principles. This volume of essays should be read with stereoscopic vision: one lens focusing on the rich ethnographic material of folk societies, the other focusing on the wider awareness of how we come to know what we know. It features specialists in philosophy, ethnology and comparative sociology, comparative religion, cross-cultural psychology, physical anthropology, environmental and marine scientists, Indian affairs, anthropology, comparative literature, shamanism and theoretical biology. These contributors explore issues including individuality in relational cultures, Maori epistemology, shamanistic knowledge and cosmology and images of conduct, character and personhood in the Native American tradition.