books and software
A Starting Point for DNA Microarrays
cusses the ramifications of genetic analysis, and the two sections (pp 253–256) in the final chapter that discuss the future of microfluidics; they seem to be out of the book’s scope. I would also suggest adding more information on probe design and detection assay formulation. Overall, the book is easy to read and contains logically organized information. Most of the chapters provide good ref-
erences and diagrams to illustrate concepts. Although there isn’t an author index—just an author contribution list— the subject index is generally useful. Novices, academic laboratories, and graduate students should find the book very helpful.
Reviewed by Roy H. Tan, ACLARA BioSciences, Inc.
Books & Software Received DNA Arrays:M ethods and Protocols Edited by Jang B. Rampal Humana Press, Inc. 2001, 257 pp, $89.50
T
his book belongs to the Methods in Molecular Biology series edited by John M. Walker at the University of Hertsfordshire (United Kingdom). Like many other volumes in this series, it summarizes recent advancements in DNA microarray technology. Given this technology’s rapid development and widespread use for gene expression, mutation analysis, gene typing, and gene sequencing, I believe that this volume is a good starting point for novices trying to understand and use this technology. DNA microarrays are reshaping molecular biology and creating a paradigm shift for analytical chemists by permitting the rapid, simultaneous, and highly sensitive analysis of large numbers of biological samples. This book begins with Edwin Southern recalling the inception of DNA microarrays and ends with a discussion of their commercialization. In between, 14 chapters cover in detail how to design and construct DNA arrays, hybridize them with biological samples, detect signals, and analyze the information. Real examples such as genotyping, sequencing by hybridization, antisense reagents, and tissue typing by human leukocyte antigen gene techniques are included. The book also covers printing, spotting, and light-directed synthesis for microarray construction and manufacture. I would suggest a few modifications, such as deleting chapter 4, which dis-
b Engineering Biosensors:Kinetics and Design Applications Ajit Sadana Academic Press 2002, 404 pp, $89.95 Engineering Biosensors explores the quantitative process of receptor–analyte binding using fractals, fractal kinetics, and fractal dimensions. Numerous examples of the mathematical techniques, most notably, Havlin’s equation, are given for both the association and the disassociation between analytes and receptors. Later chapters in the book explore DNA hybridization reactions using biosensors and surface plasmon resonance biosensors. The book is aimed at graduate students, senior undergraduate students, and researchers in academia and industry. b M etalNanoparticles:Synthesis, Characterization,and Applications Edited by Daniel L. Feldheim and Colby A. Foss, Jr. Marcel Dekker 2002, 338 pp, $150 This reference book discusses the optical, electronic, and structural properties of nanoparticles, particularly how their size, shape, and surface chemistry affects their performance. Because our understanding of these properties has only just come to be understood, this text seeks to unify the themes of metal nanoparticle research. The book is appropriate for researchers and graduate students interested in the metal nanoparticle field.
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c Laboratory Docum entControlSystem ChemSW $999, single-user licensing agreement; $1999, 5 users; $3999, 15 users www.chemsw.com Requires: Windows 95 or higher Laboratory Document Control System is a database application that controls documents and standard operating procedures and provides efficient access to the most current information. The system incorporates built-in or existing customer templates and allows documents to be “checked out” for revisions. With a common file cabinet and defined procedures, the status of any document, including a complete revision history, is available at any time. c M CID Elite Im age Analysis Softw are 6.0 Imaging Research, Inc. $23,000, which includes imaging board and one-year usable support contract and free upgrade www.imagingresearch.com Requires: Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 PC platforms This latest software version of the MCID series features automation wizards and support for a wide range of analog and digital CCD cameras, motorized microscope stages, shutters, and filter wheels. Included are applications on fluorescence microscopy, dynamic fluorescence, quantitative autoradiography, gel/blot analysis, stereology, 3-D reconstruction, and automated montaging.
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