Bioinformatics Basics: Applications in Biological Science and Medicine

Every researcher in genomics and proteomics now has access to public domain databases containing literally billions of data entries. However, without the right analytical tools, and an understanding of the biological significance of the data, cataloging and interpreting the molecular evolutionary processes buried in those databases is difficult, if not impossible.

The first editon of Bioinformatics Basics: Applications in Biological Science and Medicine answered the scientific community’s need to learn about the bioinformatic tools available to them. That the book continues to be a best seller clearly demonstrates the authors’ ability to provide scientists with the understanding to apply those tools to their research. Currently, it is being used as a reference text at MIT and other prestigious institutions.

Recognizing the important advances in bioinformatices since their last edition, Buehler and Rashidi have produced a completely revised and updated version of their pioneering work. To allow scientists to utilize significant databases from around the world, the authors consider some fresh approaches to data analysis while identifying computing techniques that will help them manage the massive flow of information their science requires.

New to the second edition:

• Provides a more detailed view of the field while continuing to focus on the global concept approach that popularized the first edition.
• Offers the latest approaches to data analysis
• Introduces recent developments in genomics, microarrays, proteomics, genome mapping, and more.
• Adds two new sections offering insights from other experts in bioinformatics.

Bioinformatics Basics is not intended to serve as a training manual for bioinformaticians. Instead, it’s designed to help the general scientific community gain a thorough understanding of what bioinformatics tools are available to them and the best ways these tools can be utilized and adapted to meet the needs of their specific interests and projects.

The book contains predominantly black-and-white illustrations, with some color illustrations.

Bioinformatics Basics: Applications in Biological Science and Medicine examines the way computers are taking life scientists into the next generation of biological research through new technologies used in drug design, gene research, and advanced medical procedures. This comprehensive book examines the role computers play in everything from biology and medicine, databases and search tools, to genome and proteome analysis, and even the mapping of the human brain. Internet accessible public databases are covered, as well as new approaches to scientific research with computers.

• Explores the use of computers in the life and medical sciences
• Provides Internet accessible public databases
• Examines bio-computing
• Covers new approaches to scientific research with computers
• Nine illustrations in full color

Booknews

This work describes the field of bioinformatics in relatively simple terms, examining new technologies used in drug design, gene research, and advanced medical procedures. It describes the organization of public domain databases and gives a tutorial for their use, concentrating on three major database clusters and relevant software tools. The volume includes color images. Rashidi is a researcher working on computational modeling projects for rational drug design. Buehler teaches biology at the University of California-San Diego. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Rashidi, Hooman H., MS; Buehler, Lukas K., PhD