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48 results in Biological Physics and Soft Matter Physics

Page 1 of 3

Universal Biology
  • The Physics of Life through the Macro-Micro Consistency Principle
  • Kunihiko Kaneko
  • Coming soon
  • Expected online publication date:
    September 2025
    Print publication:
    30 September 2025
  • Living systems consist of diverse components and constitute a hierarchy, from molecules to cells to organisms, which adapt to external perturbations and reproduce stably. This book describes the statistical and physical principles governing cell growth and reproduction, and the mechanisms for adaptation through noise, kinetic memory, and robust cell differentiation through cell to cell interaction and epigenetics. The laws governing rate, direction, and constraints of phenotypic evolution are examined from the perspective of microscopic units (molecules) and macroscopic states (cells), with a focus on maintaining consistency between these length and temporal scales. By integrating theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches, this book offers novel insights into biology from a physicist's perspective and provides a detailed picture of the universal characteristics of living systems. It is indispensable for students and researchers in physics, biology and mathematics interested in understanding the nature of life and the physical principles it is based upon.

Theoretical Biology of the Cell
  • A Dynamical-Systems Perspective
  • Hiroaki Takagi, Chikara Furusawa, Satoshi Sawai, Kunihiko Kaneko
  • Coming soon
  • Expected online publication date:
    May 2025
    Print publication:
    30 June 2025
  • To understand life phenomena, we must consider form, structure, organization, motion, and the roles they play in “living” functions. This book explores such elements through mathematical methods. Beginning with an overview of dynamical systems and stochastic processes, the chapters that follow build on experimental advances in quantitative data in cellular processes to demonstrate the applications of these mathematical methods to characterize living organisms. The topics covered include not only cellular motions but also temporal changes in metabolic components, protein levels, membrane potentials, cell types, and multicellular patterns, which are linked to functions such as cellular responses, adaptation, and morphogenesis. This book is intended for undergraduates, graduates, and researchers interested in theory and modeling in biology, in particular cell, developmental, and systems biology, also those in the fields of mathematics and physics who are interested in these topics.

The Physics of Bacteria
  • From Cells to Biofilms
  • Thomas Andrew Waigh
  • Published online:
    12 December 2024
    Print publication:
    19 December 2024
  • Bacteria are the most ubiquitous life-forms on Earth, and are studied extensively to gain insight into their function and understand how they interact with their environment. In recent years, bacterial biophysics has added a new dimension to this research by using the tools of physics to investigate the quantitative principles that underpin these cellular systems. This book provides a modern and cohesive introduction to bacterial biophysics, with a focus on biofilms, slimes and capsules. In the first of three sections, key techniques and models from the physical sciences that can be applied to bacterial problems are presented. Section 2 then provides a bacterial microbiology primer for physical scientists and an examination of single-cell phenomena. The final section explores interacting bacteria and biofilms from a physical perspective. Ideal for physics graduates interested in this important field, this book is also relevant for researchers in physical chemistry, bioengineering, mathematics and microbiology.

Electric Brain Signals
  • Foundations and Applications of Biophysical Modeling
  • Geir Halnes, Torbjørn V. Ness, Solveig Næss, Espen Hagen, Klas H. Pettersen, Gaute T. Einevoll
  • Published online:
    30 May 2024
    Print publication:
    06 June 2024
  • It is common to study the electric activity of neurons by measuring the electric potential in the extracellular space of the brain. However, interpreting such measurements requires knowledge of the biophysics underlying the electric signals. Written by leading experts in the field, this volume presents the biophysical foundations of the signals as well as results from long-term research into biophysics-based forward-modeling of extracellular brain signals. This includes applications using the open-source simulation tool LFPy, developed and provided by the authors. Starting with the physical theory of electricity in the brain, this book explains how this theory is used to simulate neuronal activity and the resulting extracellular potentials. Example applications of the theory to model representations of real neural systems are included throughout, making this an invaluable resource for students and scientists who wish to understand the brain through analysis of electric brain signals, using biophysics-based modeling.

Physicochemical Mechanics
  • With Applications in Physics, Chemistry, Membranology and Biology
  • Nikolai Kocherginsky
  • Published online:
    30 November 2023
    Print publication:
    14 December 2023
  • Physicochemical mechanics is a self-contained theoretical framework that can be used to study and model physicochemical processes, based on well-known concepts taken from classical mechanics. This intuitive approach exploits the principles of Newtonian mechanics alongside Einstein's theory of Brownian motion in order to accurately describe complex biochemical systems, and can be used to model a broad range of phenomena including thermodiffusion, transmembrane transport and protein folding. The book begins by presenting the basic principles of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, before introducing the two new postulates of physicochemical mechanics. It is shown that these foundational concepts can be applied to systematically describe all major mass transport and equilibrium equations, and many practical applications of the theory are discussed. This text will be of interest to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in biological physics, biochemistry and chemical engineering, and a useful resource for researchers seeking an introduction to this modern theoretical approach.

Optimal Fractionation in Radiotherapy
  • Archis Ghate
  • Published online:
    05 October 2023
    Print publication:
    19 October 2023
  • This monograph provides a mathematically rigorous overview of optimal fractionation in cancer radiotherapy, which seeks to address the fundamental tradeoff of maximizing tumor-kill while protecting nearby healthy tissue from toxic effects. Most mathematical research on exact solutions to this problem is scattered across journals in applied mathematics, operations research, radiobiology, medicine, and medical physics. These works rarely include rigorous proofs or detailed derivations of their methodologies. Moreover, computer programs utilized for conducting numerical experiments seldom accompany these publications, thereby jeopardizing reproducibility. This monograph aims to provide a comprehensive pedagogical reference that brings researchers up to speed on optimal fractionation, utilizing and illustrating analytical techniques from linear algebra, calculus, linear programming, quadratic and nonlinear programming, robust optimization, and inverse optimization. Its purpose is to help readers understand the mathematics behind the optimal fractionation problem, empowering them to contribute original work to this field.

Physics of Charged Macromolecules
  • Synthetic and Biological Systems
  • Murugappan Muthukumar
  • Published online:
    16 February 2023
    Print publication:
    23 February 2023
  • A concise introduction to the physics of charged macromolecules, from the basics of electrostatics to cutting-edge modern research developments. This accessible book provides a clear and intuitive view of concepts and theory, and features appendices detailing mathematical methodology. Supported by results from real-world experiments and simulations, this book equips the reader with a vital foundation for performing experimental research. Topics include living matter and synthetic materials including polyelectrolytes, polyzwitterions, polyampholytes, proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins, and DNA/RNA. Serving as a gateway to the growing field of charged macromolecules and their applications, this concept-driven book is a perfect guide for students beginning their studies in charged macromolecules, providing new opportunities for research and discovery.

Single-Molecule Science
  • From Super-Resolution Microscopy to DNA Mapping and Diagnostics
  • Edited by Krishnarao Appasani, Raghu Kiran Appasani
  • Published online:
    05 May 2022
    Print publication:
    26 May 2022
  • Single Molecule Science (SMS) has emerged from developing, using and combining technologies such as super-resolution microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and optical and magnetic tweezers, alongside sophisticated computational and modelling techniques. This comprehensive, edited volume brings together authoritative overviews of these methods from a biological perspective, and highlights how they can be used to observe and track individual molecules and monitor molecular interactions in living cells. Pioneers in this fast-moving field cover topics such as single molecule optical maps, nanomachines, and protein folding and dynamics. A particular emphasis is also given to mapping DNA molecules for diagnostic purposes, and the study of gene expression. With numerous illustrations, this book reveals how SMS has presented us with a new way of understanding life processes. A must-have for researchers and graduate students, as well as those working in industry, primarily in the areas of biophysics, biological imaging, genomics and structural biology.

Quantum Chemistry Simulation of Biological Molecules
  • Eudenilson L. Albuquerque, Umberto L. Fulco, Ewerton W. S. Caetano, Valder N. Freire
  • Published online:
    21 January 2021
    Print publication:
    11 February 2021
  • Nano-biotechnology crosses the boundaries between physics, biochemistry and bioengineering, and has profound implications for the biomedical engineering industry. This book describes the quantum chemical simulation of a wide variety of molecular systems, with detailed analysis of their quantum chemical properties, individual molecular configurations, and cutting-edge biomedical applications. Topics covered include the basic properties of quantum chemistry and its conceptual foundations, the nanoelectronics and thermodynamics of DNA, the optoelectronic properties of the five DNA/RNA nucleobase anhydrous crystals, and key examples of molecular diode prototypes. A wide range of important applications are described, including protein binding of drugs such as cholesterol-lowering, anti-Parkinson and anti-migraine drugs, and recent developments in cancer biology are also discussed. This modern and comprehensive text is essential reading for graduate students and researchers in multidisciplinary areas of biological physics, chemical physics, chemical engineering, biochemistry and bioengineering.

Theory of the Spread of Epidemics and Movement Ecology of Animals
  • An Interdisciplinary Approach using Methodologies of Physics and Mathematics
  • V. M. (Nitant) Kenkre, Luca Giuggioli
  • Published online:
    14 January 2021
    Print publication:
    28 January 2021
  • Exploiting powerful techniques from physics and mathematics, this book studies animal movement in ecology, with a focus on epidemic spread. Pulmonary syndrome is not only feared in epidemics of recent times, such as COVID-19, but is also characteristic of epidemics studied earlier such as Hantavirus. The Hantavirus is one of the book's central topics. Correlations between epidemic outbreaks and precipitation events like El Niño are analyzed and spatial reservoirs of infection in off-period of the epidemic, known as refugia, are studied. Predicted traveling waves of infection are successfully compared to field observations. Territoriality in scent-marking animals is presented, with parallels drawn with the theory of melting. The flocking and herding of birds and mammals are described in terms of collective excitations. For scientists interested in movement ecology and epidemic spread, this book provides effective solutions to long-standing problems.

The Fluid Dynamics of Cell Motility
  • Eric Lauga
  • Published online:
    09 September 2020
    Print publication:
    05 November 2020
  • Fluid dynamics plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including the locomotion of cells such as bacteria and spermatozoa. These organisms possess flagella, slender organelles whose time periodic motion in a fluid environment gives rise to motility. Sitting at the intersection of applied mathematics, physics and biology, the fluid dynamics of cell motility is one of the most successful applications of mathematical tools to the understanding of the biological world. Based on courses taught over several years, it details the mathematical modelling necessary to understand cell motility in fluids, covering phenomena ranging from single-cell motion to instabilities in cell populations. Each chapter introduces mathematical models to rationalise experiments, uses physical intuition to interpret mathematical results, highlights the history of the field and discusses notable current research questions. All mathematical derivations are included for students new to the field, and end-of-chapter exercises help consolidate understanding and practise applying the concepts.

Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biosensing and Medicine
  • Edited by Nicholas J. Darton, Adrian Ionescu, Justin Llandro
  • Published online:
    10 February 2019
    Print publication:
    14 February 2019
  • Drawing together topics from a wide range of disciplines, this text provides a comprehensive insight into the fundamentals of magnetic biosensors and the applications of magnetic nanoparticles in medicine. Internationally renowned researchers showcase topics ranging from the basic physical principles of magnetism to the detection and manipulation, synthesis protocols and natural occurrence of magnetic nanoparticles. Up-to-date examples of their clinical usage and research applications in the biomedical fields of sensing by diverse magnetic detection methods, in imaging by MRI and in therapeutic strategies such as hyperthermia, are also discussed, providing a thorough introduction to this rapidly developing field. Each chapter features questions with answers, highlighted definition boxes, and numerous illustrations which help readers grasp key concepts. Mathematical tools, together with key literature references, provide a strong underpinning for the material, making it ideal for graduate students, lecturers, medical researchers and industrial scientific strategists.

The Handbook of Medical Image Perception and Techniques
  • 2nd edition
  • Edited by Ehsan Samei, Elizabeth A. Krupinski
  • Published online:
    20 December 2018
    Print publication:
    13 December 2018
  • A state-of-the-art review of key topics in medical image perception science and practice, including associated techniques, illustrations and examples. This second edition contains extensive updates and substantial new content. Written by key figures in the field, it covers a wide range of topics including signal detection, image interpretation and advanced image analysis (e.g. deep learning) techniques for interpretive and computational perception. It provides an overview of the key techniques of medical image perception and observer performance research, and includes examples and applications across clinical disciplines including radiology, pathology and oncology. A final chapter discusses the future prospects of medical image perception and assesses upcoming challenges and possibilities, enabling readers to identify new areas for research. Written for both newcomers to the field and experienced researchers and clinicians, this book provides a comprehensive reference for those interested in medical image perception as means to advance knowledge and improve human health.

Introductory Physics for Biological Scientists
  • Christof M. Aegerter
  • Published online:
    19 October 2018
    Print publication:
    08 November 2018
  • Why do elephants have sturdier thigh bones than humans? Why can't ostriches fly? How do bacteria swim through fluids? With each chapter structured around relevant biological case studies and examples, this engaging, full-colour book introduces fundamental physical concepts essential in the study of biological phenomena. Optics is introduced within the context of butterfly wing colouration, electricity is explained through the propagation of nerve signals, and accelerated motion is conveniently illustrated using the example of the jumping armadillo. Other key physical concepts covered include waves, mechanical forces, thermodynamics and magnetism, and important biological techniques are also discussed within this context, such as gel electrophoresis and fluorescence microscopy. A detailed appendix provides further discussion of the mathematical concepts utilised within the book, and numerous exercises and quizzes allow readers to test their understanding of key concepts. This book is invaluable to students aiming to improve their quantitative and analytical skills and understand the deeper nature of biological phenomena.

Methods in Molecular Biophysics
  • Structure, Dynamics, Function for Biology and Medicine
  • 2nd edition
  • Nathan R. Zaccai, Igor N. Serdyuk, Joseph Zaccai
  • Published online:
    28 May 2018
    Print publication:
    18 May 2017
  • Current techniques for studying biological macromolecules and their interactions are based on the application of physical methods, ranging from classical thermodynamics to more recently developed techniques for the detection and manipulation of single molecules. Reflecting the advances made in biophysics research over the past decade, and now including a new section on medical imaging, this new edition describes the physical methods used in modern biology. All key techniques are covered, including mass spectrometry, hydrodynamics, microscopy and imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy, electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance. Each method is explained in detail using examples of real-world applications. Short asides are provided throughout to ensure that explanations are accessible to life scientists, physicists and those with medical backgrounds. The book remains an unparalleled and comprehensive resource for graduate students of biophysics and medical physics in science and medical schools, as well as for research scientists looking for an introduction to techniques from across this interdisciplinary field.

The Physics of Cancer
  • Caterina A. M. La Porta, Stefano Zapperi
  • Published online:
    04 May 2017
    Print publication:
    20 April 2017
  • Recent years have witnessed an increasing number of theoretical and experimental contributions to cancer research from different fields of physics, from biomechanics and soft-condensed matter physics to the statistical mechanics of complex systems. Reviewing these contributions and providing a sophisticated overview of the topic, this is the first book devoted to the emerging interdisciplinary field of cancer physics. Systematically integrating approaches from physics and biology, it includes topics such as cancer initiation and progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, cancer stem cells, tumor immunology, cancer cell mechanics and migration. Biological hallmarks of cancer are presented in an intuitive yet comprehensive way, providing graduate-level students and researchers in physics with a thorough introduction to this important subject. The impact of the physical mechanisms of cancer are explained through analytical and computational models, making this an essential reference for cancer biologists interested in cutting-edge quantitative tools and approaches coming from physics.

The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth
  • The Emergence of the Fourth Geosphere
  • Eric Smith, Harold J. Morowitz
  • Published online:
    05 June 2016
    Print publication:
    31 March 2016
  • Uniting the conceptual foundations of the physical sciences and biology, this groundbreaking multidisciplinary book explores the origin of life as a planetary process. Combining geology, geochemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, evolution and statistical physics to create an inclusive picture of the living state, the authors develop the argument that the emergence of life was a necessary cascade of non-equilibrium phase transitions that opened new channels for chemical energy flow on Earth. This full colour and logically structured book introduces the main areas of significance and provides a well-ordered and accessible introduction to multiple literatures outside the confines of disciplinary specializations, as well as including an extensive bibliography to provide context and further reading. For researchers, professionals entering the field or specialists looking for a coherent overview, this text brings together diverse perspectives to form a unified picture of the origin of life and the ongoing organization of the biosphere.

Brownian Ratchets
  • From Statistical Physics to Bio and Nano-motors
  • David Cubero, Ferruccio Renzoni
  • Published online:
    05 January 2016
    Print publication:
    11 January 2016
  • Illustrating the development of Brownian ratchets, from their foundations, to their role in the description of life at the molecular scale and in the design of artificial nano-machinery, this text will appeal to both advanced graduates and researchers entering the field. Providing a self-contained introduction to Brownian ratchets, devices which rectify microscopic fluctuations, Part I avoids technicalities and sets out the broad range of physical systems where the concept of ratchets is relevant. Part II supplies a single source for a complete and modern theoretical analysis of ratchets in regimes such as classical vs quantum and stochastic vs deterministic, and in Part III readers are guided through experimental developments in different physical systems, each highlighting a specific unique feature of ratchets. The thorough and systematic approach to the topic ensures that this book provides a complete guide to Brownian ratchets for newcomers and established researchers in physics, biology and biochemistry.

Optical Tweezers
  • Principles and Applications
  • Philip H. Jones, Onofrio M. Maragò, Giovanni Volpe
  • Published online:
    05 December 2015
    Print publication:
    03 December 2015
  • Combining state-of-the-art research with a strong pedagogic approach, this text provides a detailed and complete guide to the theory, practice and applications of optical tweezers. In-depth derivation of the theory of optical trapping and numerical modelling of optical forces are supported by a complete step-by-step design and construction guide for building optical tweezers, with detailed tutorials on collecting and analysing data. Also included are comprehensive reviews of optical tweezers research in fields ranging from cell biology to quantum physics. Featuring numerous exercises and problems throughout, this is an ideal self-contained learning package for advanced lecture and laboratory courses, and an invaluable guide to practitioners wanting to enter the field of optical manipulation. The text is supplemented by www.opticaltweezers.org, a forum for discussion and a source of additional material including free-to-download, customisable research-grade software (OTS) for calculation of optical forces, digital video microscopy, optical tweezers calibration and holographic optical tweezers.

Structural DNA Nanotechnology
  • Nadrian C. Seeman
  • Published online:
    05 December 2015
    Print publication:
    07 January 2016
  • Written by the founder of the field, this is the first text of its kind, providing a definitive introduction to structural DNA nanotechnology. Readers will learn everything there is to know about the subject from the unique perspective of the leading expert in the field. Topics covered range from origins and history, to design, experimental techniques, DNA nanomechanics devices, computing, and the uses of DNA nanotechnology in organising other materials. Clearly written, and benefiting from over 200 full colour illustrations, readers will find this an accessible and easy to follow text that is essential reading for anyone who wants to enter this rapidly growing field. Ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers in a range of disciplines including nanotechnology, materials science, physics, biology, chemistry, computational science and engineering.

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