Scientific American

The Amateur Biologist

Edited by Shawn Carlson

Hardcover: 288 pagina's

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; (2002); 
               ISBN: 0471382817

Contents:
  1. Miscellaneous Techniques:
    Video Microscope
    Electrophoresis
    Measuring Metabolism of Small Animals
    High Altitude Chamber
    Tin-Can Kymograph
    Microscope: Subtle Secrets and Advanced Techniques
  2. Botany:
    Museum Secrets for Preserving Plants
    Growing Plants in a Controlled Environment
    The Essence of Hydroponics
    Geotropism: The Effects of Gravity on Plant Growth
    Exploring Growth Inhibitors
    Experiments with Substances That Stimulate Plant Growth
    The Effects of Ultrasonics on Plant Development
  3. Cellular Biology:
    The Pleasures of Pond Scum
    Experiments with Animal Cells
    Exploring Slime Molds
    Fabulous Phototaxis
  4. Entomology:
    Lovely Lepidoptera
    measuring Insect Metabolism
    Getting Inside an Ant's Head
    Detecting Insect Heartbeats
    Learning in Sow Bugs
  5. Microbiology:
    Mouse Genetics
    Fruit Fly Genetics
    Spooling the Stuff of Life
Are you a passionate amateur naturalist?

Would you like to record videos of the microscopic world?

Detect an insect’s heartbeat? Separate molecules with electricity?

Extract and purify DNA . . . in your kitchen?

Now you can do all these things and more with this wonderful compendium of unique and exciting projects. Gathered here, in the most comprehensive, wide-ranging collection of projects available for the amateur biologist, are some of the finest experiments from Scientific American’s popular "Amateur Scientist" column. Whether you’d like to find out how to measure the metabolism of an insect, learn museum secrets for preserving plants, or discover how to teach a sow bug to navigate a maze, you’ll find the project to suit your needs.

Filled with experiments from a wide range of specialties, including botany, genetics, behavioral studies, cellular biology, microscopy, microbiology, and entomology, this fascinating book also contains helpful hints and clear instructions on how to build experimental apparatus using simple household materials and affordable alternatives to more expensive scientific equipment. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or dedicated amateur scientist, you’ll find projects here to excite your interest as well as deepen your understanding of–and appreciation for–the natural world.

15-11-2003