Product Review

Human Biologyis a new book for readers preparing for careers in human biology or anatomy & physiology. As in Belk and Borden’s highly successful “Biology: Science for Life,” science is presented as a story that is integrated into the narrative to motivate readers to read further and make real-life connections to the concepts they are learning. Critical thinking is emphasized through figure captions that encourage readers to think further,“Stop and Stretch” vignettes that ask them to reflect on earlier concepts, and end-of-chapter problems that pose questions that integrate and synthesize the chapter material. The unique presentation of molecular genetics early in the book (Chapter 4) allows the authors to apply molecular ideas in subsequent chapters.  Clear and friendly writing continues as a hallmark of these authors.

KEY TOPS: The Scientific Method: Proven Effective, The Chemistry of Life: Drink to Your Health?, Cell Structure and Metabolism: Diet,

Genes—Transcription, Translation, Mutation, and Cloning: Genetically Modified Foods, Tissues, Organs, and Organ Systems: Work Out, The Musculoskeletal System: Sex Differences in Athleticism, The Digestive System: Weight-Loss Surgery, The Blood: Malaria-A Deadly Bite, The Cardiovascular System: Can We Stop the Number-One Killer?, The Respiratory System: Secondhand Smoke, The Urinary System: Surviving the Ironman, Immune System, Bacteria, Viruses, and Other Pathogens:  Will Mad-Cow Disease Become an Epidemic?, Sexually Transmitted Infections: The Cervical Cancer Vaccine, Brain Structure and Function: Attention Deficit Disorder, The Senses: Is Danger Near?,  The Endocrine System:  Worried Sick, DNA Synthesis, Mitosis, and Meiosis: Cancer, Human Reproduction:  Is There Something in the Water?, Mendelian and Quantitative Genetics: Are You Only as Smart as Your Genes?, Extensions of Mendelism, Sex Linkage, Pedigree Analysis, and DNA Fingerprinting DNA Detective, Development and Aging : The Promise and Perils of Stem Cells, Evolution: Where Did We Come From?, Ecosystems and Biomes: Where Do You Live?, Population, Community, and Ecosystem Ecology: Is Earth Experiencing a Biodiversity Crisis?

Intended for readers interested in learning the basics of human biology.