Extremophiles

Few books focus entirely on the fascinating organisms that exist in the world's harshest environments. In deep-sea brine pools, in deserts, and within ice, microbes have developed unique mechanisms to live and reproduce in salt, acid, heat, cold, and other extreme conditions. In Extremophiles: From Biology to Biotechnology, the editors have assembled a wide-ranging exploration centered on organisms' structural, metabolic, and genomic adaptations for surviving in extreme environments. Contributions include experts in biochemistry, microbiology, food science, and medicine. This book distinguishes itself from others in its category by devoting some discussion to the utility of extremophiles as a source of secondary metabolites and other biotechnological applications. These products include phycocyanins, enzymes, drug candidates, nanoparticles, and carotenoids. For those interested in working with extremophiles, an appendix containing a compilation of recent information for their cultivation and a glossary are located at the back of the book. Overall, this text is well organized and serves as an important reference for scientists in this area of research. It will also be valuable to undergraduate and graduate collections relating to microbial diversity or biotechnology.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals.

--M. C. Pavao, Worcester State University, in CHOICE October 2018

Few books focus entirely on the fascinating organisms that exist in the world's harshest environments. In deep-sea brine pools, in deserts, and within ice, microbes have developed unique mechanisms to live and reproduce in salt, acid, heat, cold, and other extreme conditions. In Extremophiles: From Biology to Biotechnology, the editors have assembled a wide-ranging exploration centered on organisms' structural, metabolic, and genomic adaptations for surviving in extreme environments. Contributions include experts in biochemistry, microbiology, food science, and medicine. This book distinguishes itself from others in its category by devoting some discussion to the utility of extremophiles as a source of secondary metabolites and other biotechnological applications. These products include phycocyanins, enzymes, drug candidates, nanoparticles, and carotenoids. For those interested in working with extremophiles, an appendix containing a compilation of recent information for their cultivation and a glossary are located at the back of the book. Overall, this text is well organized and serves as an important reference for scientists in this area of research. It will also be valuable to undergraduate and graduate collections relating to microbial diversity or biotechnology.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals.

--M. C. Pavao, Worcester State University, in CHOICE October 2018