Biosignal and Medical Image Processing, Second Edition (Semmlow, J. L.; 2008) [Book Reveiw]

includes some techniques employed to characterize large protein molecules: the use of microarrays, enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA) tests, and X-ray crystallography. In Chapter 10, GMOs are defined, along with some interesting examples of transgenic plants, transgenic animals, and animal cells, and the explanation of the recombinant DNA technology used to produce them. The different techniques employed in animal reproductive cloning are described. This chapter also provides the definition, classification, and sources of stem cells, with an emphasis on their future potential in regenerative medicine. Chapter 11 offers a summary of the theoretical framework to guide ethical decisions. In this context, the text deals with controversial features in genetic research today: the production of genetically modified food crops, the development and use of chimeras, and finally the use of pluripotent stem cells from human embryos. This book can be useful as supplementary material for students and scientists, and as an excellent resource for academics teaching in the area (its plenty of sketches illustrating the text). It succeeds in motivating anyone interested in molecular biology. Ana Vallés-Lluch Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain