Books published by Springer US

This detailed volume explores a variety of techniques used to study lineage commitment in stem cells. Further elucidation of the process that stem cells undergo on their way to becoming more specified cell types is vital for a more complete understanding of cell biology and overall physiology. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Stem Cells and Lineage Commitment: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for experts and novices in the field of stem cell biology.

This volume explores the latest techniques used to study environmental microbial evolution, with a focus on methods capable of addressing deep evolution at long timescales. The chapters in this book are organized into three parts. Part One introduces molecular dating approaches and time calibration ideas that allow for the determination of evolutionary timescales of microbial lineages. Part Two describes several advanced phylogenomic tools such as models for genome tree construction, a taxon sampling method, outgroup-independent tree-rooting methods, and gene family evolution models. Part Three covers techniques used to study trait evolution. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Environmental Microbial Evolution: Methods and Protocols is a valuable tool for all researchers who are interested in learning more about this important and evolving field. 

This volume discusses protocols that cover synthesis, screening by selection, and analysis of DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DEL). Chapters in this book focus on methods used to practice DEL technology and include solution phase library synthesis using a variety of chemistries; DNA encoding of chemical structure; design, preparation and analysis of target proteins and tool compounds; screening of soluble protein targets by affinity selection; DEL qPCR, preparative PCR and DNA sequence analysis; computational methods used to analyze selections and choose compounds for resynthesis; and analysis of hit compounds. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Cutting-edge and comprehensive, DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for scientists interested in DEL technology for drug discovery, and will contribute to the continued advancement in this important field.

This new edition offers a state-of-the-art and integrative vision of pharmacogenomics by exploring new concepts and practical methodologies focusing on disease treatments, from cancers to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders and more. The collection of these theoretical and experimental approaches facilitates problem-solving by tackling the complexity of personalized drug discovery and development. Written by leading experts in their fields for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, the book aims to provide across-the-board resources to support the translation of pharmacogenomics into better individualized health care. Authoritative and up-to-date, Pharmacogenomics in Drug Discovery and Development, Third Edition aims to aid researchers in approaching the challenges in pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine with the introduction of these novel ideas and cutting-edge methodologies.

This volume provides current state-of-the-art methods for screening, diagnosis, management, and prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (and FASD). Chapters detail animal models, mechanism of ethanol teratogenesis, genetic mechanisms, clinical perspectives, physical traits in children with FASD, managing behavior, FASD and the correction system, nutritional influences aiding FASD prevention, prenatal alcohol screening, the use of dental signatures in FASD diagnosis, the experiences of FASD research and clinical practices in Australia, Canada, UK, USA, adult FASD diagnosis, FASD and children in care, FASD and the healing journey.Authoritative and cutting-edge, Advances in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder aims to be a useful practical guide to researchers and clinicians to help further their study in this field.

This highly anticipated second edition details cutting-edge experimental approaches for bacteriophage research. This comprehensive volume details new and updated experimental approaches for isolating, formulating, and engineering bacteriophage medicinal products. Authored by leading experts and written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, each chapter includes introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step reproducible laboratory protocols, and valuable tips for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Whether you are a seasoned scientist or a newcomer, Bacteriophage Therapy: From Lab to Clinical Practice, Second Edition provides essential tools and knowledge to advance bacteriophage research and its translation into innovative medicinal products and clinical therapies.

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition with updated techniques and discussions on topics such as gene suppression, editing, and reprogramming; cardiac gene therapy vectors and promoters; cardiac gene delivery methods; pulmonary hypertension; and patient screening and measuring the efficacy of cardiac gene therapy. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Cardiac Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable tool for researchers in cardiology who are conducting gene therapy research. This book will lead to further advancements and successful clinical translations in the field. Chapter "e;Direct Reprogramming of Adult Human Cardiac Fibroblasts into Induced Cardiomyocytes Using miRcombo"e; is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This volume discusses the latest techniques used in the diverse fields of single cell 'omics and covers topics such as quantifying the single cell transcriptome; isolation of cells in nanoliter volumes for single cell proteomics measurements by nano-LC-MS/MS; and single cell protein characterization by immunoblotting. A wide range of methodologies are highlighted, ranging from high-yield chemical amplification to mass spectrometry and nanotechnology for the analysis of the chemical constituents of cells. In the Neuromethods series style, chapters include both in-depth overviews, as well as detailed protocols that provide the key advice from specialists you need to get successful results in your laboratory. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Single Cell 'Omics of Neuronal Cells is a valuable resource for experienced and novice researchers interested in learning more about this field and its future developments.

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition with discussions about the latest viral metagenomics aspects covering a range of different specimens such as soil, freshwater, wastewater, fecal samples, blood plasma, clinical tissues, fungi, and herbarium samples. Chapters also look at different viral groups including archaeal viruses, eukaryotic viruses, phages, mycoviruses, and circular DNA viruses. Techniques required for studying the three viral metagenomic steps of samples processing, library construction, and analysis of data are also discussed. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Authoritative and cutting-edge, Vital Metagenomics: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for researchers who are interested in learning more about this important and developing field.

This book describes state-of-the-art approaches for identification and functional characterization of plant peptide hormones and growth factors. Chapters guide readers through protocols for computational identification of novel signaling peptides and phytocytokines, analysis of post-translational maturation events, isolation of mature peptides from plant tissues, peptide bioassays, in vivo and in vitro analysis of peptide activity, peptide receptor identification and interaction analysis, and quantitative assessment of peptide ligand binding to cognate receptors. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Plant Peptide Hormones and Growth Factors aims to be a useful and practical guide to new researchers and experts looking to expand their technical know-how.

This updated volume explores Candida and candidiasis methods, useful to a wide variety of Candida scientists including those new to the field. Beginning with a section on the Candida genome, the book continues by covering techniques for antifungal discovery and studying resistance, pathogenesis and virulence, communities, as well as immunity. Biofilm protocols are also featured. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Candida Species: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for researchers working to further our understanding of this family of infective fungi.

This volume details aspects and applications of interfacing capillary electrophoresis (CE) with mass spectrometry (MS). Chapters guide readers through approaches based on different types of CE-MS interfaces such as (nano)sheath liquid, porous tip, and liquid junction, as well as various capillary coatings, and a broad range of applications including several top-down and bottom-up proteomic approaches. Additionally, a list of analyte targets was provided consisting of amphetamines, antibiotics, carbohydrates (including glycosaminoglycans and glycopeptides), enantiomers, extracellular matrix metabolites, monoclonal antibodies, and nanoparticles, and therefore covers numerous fields of applications such as pharmaceutical, biomedical, food, agrochemical, and environmental analysis. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry: Methods and Protocols aims to provide highly valuable information for both beginners and experts in the field be it students, technical staff, and scientists.

This detailed volume explores key concepts and experimental design related to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging that have revolutionized our understanding of human biology. The first part focuses on recent advances in radiotracer probe development to enable the detection of materials, from large macromolecules to complicated drug-like structures. The next section describes how key physiological and pathophysiological processes can be interrogated and quantifiably measured with this imaging technique. Finally, chapters examine important technological developments in the field that are revolutionizing the way these innovative PET probes are utilized in the clinic. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Positron Emission Tomography: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers looking to use imaging to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat disease.

This volume details techniques to study biotic elicitors involved in the field of agriculture for the benefit of the environment and growers. Chapters guide readers through protein, carbohydrate, lipid, glycoprotein and glycolipid components derived from microorganisms and their production, purification, and characterization. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Biotic Elicitors: Production, Purification, and Characterization serve as an essential resource for researchers in agricultural microbiology, plant biotechnology, and plant pathology.@font-face {font-family:"e;Cambria Math"e;; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536858881 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:"e;"e;; margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"e;Calibri"e;,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"e;Times New Roman"e;; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:11.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"e;Calibri"e;,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"e;Times New Roman"e;; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}.MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:8.0pt; line-height:107%;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;}

This third edition expands on the previous editions by providing updated protocols and current methods that cover recent breakthroughs in Drosophila research. Chapters guide readers through FlyBase, versatile gene expression systems, analysis of microRNA function, single-cell transcriptome data and metabolism, recent applications of CRISPR for precise genome editing, transcriptional activation and cell lineage tracing, protein inhibition and tagging, optogenetic and optochemical control of tissue mechanics, AFM measurements, sample preparation for electron microscopy, live imaging of different tissues and organs, and quantitative image analysis. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include an introduction to their topic, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls Authoritative and cutting-edge, Drosophila: Methods and Protocols, Third Edition serves as a useful and practical guide to new researchers and experts using Drosophila as a model system.Chapter 7 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This detailed volume provides practical guidance on techniques in plant-virus interaction research, from targeting specific molecular interactions within the virus-host interactome to the identification of the complete virus-host protein-protein interaction network. After chapters on acquiring the necessary molecular tools, the book continues with biochemical and genetic approaches to confirming protein-protein interactions both in vivo and in vitro, procedures and protocols for assessing replication, translation, viral genome movement, and insect transmission, as well as techniques for detecting multiple molecular interactions between the host and the virus and monitoring immune hubs. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and comprehensive, Plant-Virus Interactions serves as a valuable resource for understanding the protein-protein interaction network between the virus and the host, crucial for comprehending the life cycle of a virus and for developing strategies for broad-spectrum and long-lasting resistance against viral infections.

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition with discussions on the latest techniques used to study synaptic transmissions.  The chapters in this book are organized into six parts. Part One looks at the basic concepts, such as extracellular and intracellular recordings, and spatiotemporal effects of synaptic currents. Part Two describes the recording of synaptic currents, such as measuring kinetics of synaptic current and measuring reversal potentials. Part Three discusses basic experimentations of synaptic transmission and covers run-up and run-down, and amplitude. Parts Four and Five cover experimentations with computational components and molecular and visual components, such as measurement of a single synapse and electrophysiological and visual tags. Part Six explores in vivo recordings and talks about general considerations for in vivo exploration of synaptic plasticity. In the Neuromethods series style, chapters include the kind of detail and key advice from the specialists needed to get successful results in your laboratory. Authoritative and thorough, Electrophysiological Analysis of Synaptic Transmission, Second Edition is a valuable resource that introduces graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to important topics in this field and also expands these topics to practical electrophysiological approaches. 

This volume presents a collection of versatile methodologies to investigate prokaryotic gene regulation, with focus on the different levels of information processing and usefulness for various model organisms, whether archaeal, bacterial, or both. The chapters in this book are divided into four sections. Section One covers methods that enable the study of the structure of the bacterial/archaeal chromosome, the main template for all gene regulatory processes, and its epigenetic modification. Section Two looks at a selection of approaches that enable higher levels of understanding of transcription initiation, a key step in information processing. Section Three discusses the investigation of regulating transcription factors, which are often considered the main players in gene regulation in prokaryotic cells. The Fourth Section focuses on the next stage of information processing at which gene regulation occurs, namely the RNA-based level. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Prokaryotic Gene Regulation: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers interested in learning more about this diverse field.

This volume covers the latest key aspects of therapeutic protein applications. Chapters in this book cover topics such as the discovery, production, and conjugation of protein-proteins with discussions on the direction of future development and advancements; ways to use these engineering proteins for therapeutic and vaccine applications; and the use of modified protein nanocarriers. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Cutting-edge and practical, Therapeutic Proteins: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for any researcher who are interested in learning more about the field of therapeutic proteins.

This detailed volume collects commonly used and cutting-edge methods to analyze alternative splicing, a key step in gene regulation. After an introduction of the alternative splicing mechanism and its targeting for therapeutic strategies, the book continues with techniques for analyzing alternative splicing profiles in complex biological systems, visualizing and localizing alternative spliced transcripts with cellular and sub-cellular resolution, probing regulators of alternative splicing, as well as assessing the functional consequences of alternative splicing. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introduction to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, reproducible protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Alternative Splicing: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for both RNA aficionados that want to implement novel approaches in their labs and novices undertaking alternative splicing projects.

This volume covers a broad range of methods, technologies, and protocols on malaria. Chapters detail research on collecting parasites in the field, single molecule-level analyses of adhesive interactions, and focused studies aiming at disrupting the devastating disease. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Malaria Immunology: Targeting the Surface of Infected Erythrocytes aims to be a useful and practical guide to researches to help further their study in this field. Chapter Analysis of var gene transcription pattern using DBLI -tags [Chapter 14] is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0  International License via link.springer.com.

This volume provides readers with the latest information on the advances made in the field of rhodopsins. The chapters in this book cover topics such as new discoveries and developments; new ways to search for rhodopsins; methods to characterize the function and structure of rhodopsins on a molecular level; nano volume high throughput in meso crystallization, and fourth generation x-ray synchrotron sources. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Cutting-edge and thorough, Rhodopsin: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for any scientist and researcher interested in learning more about this developing field.

This volume covers comprehensive methods on ways to assess structural and ultrastructural changes in the mitochondria, cytoskeleton, and microglia using state-of-the-art microscopy techniques including super-resolution imaging, electron microscopy, and ultra-high field MRI. The chapters in this book cover topics such as analysis of neurodegeneration in the post-mortem characterization of preclinical animal models, in vivo modeling in cell death in different model systems and brain organoids, single cell clonal analysis using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers in genetic mouse models, and genome and proteomic methods for analysis of mRNA dynamics and quantitation of targeted peptides. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Cutting-edge and thorough, Neuronal Cell Death: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for any scientist and researcher interested in learning more about this developing field.

This second edition details new and updated protocols that cover techniques used to study secretion systems. Chapters focus on identifying and localizing the different subunits, defining interactions within subunits, monitoring conformational changes, purifying and imaging of large complexes, defining the assembly pathway by fluorescence microscopy and the role of energy during assembly and/or secretion, identifying secreted effectors as well as using reporters to follow effector transport. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Bacterial Secretion Systems: Methods and Protocols- Second Edition aims to be a useful andpractical guide to new researchers and experts looking to expand their knowledge.

This volume covers the latest developments in different areas of plant pathology. The chapters in this volume are organized into seven parts. Part One provides traditional methods for isolation and identification of invasive pathogens and root disease. Part Two looks at new and rapid DNA extraction protocols from different samples, and Part Three focuses on molecular detection protocols for identifying and quantifying plant pathogens, including fungal and bacterial invasive species. Part Four describes the application of metabarcoding in plant pathology, and Part Five talks about plant pathogen interactions. Part Six concentrates on population genomics of plant pathogens, and Part Seven covers biocontrol on plant pathogens. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Cutting-edge and thorough, Plant Pathology: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers in the plant pathology community, and discusses various approaches for the detection, identification, and control of plant diseases.

This detailed book presents recent methodologies for the task of inspecting the genomic world of plants, extracting valuable information, and presenting it in a readable way. With a focus on bioinformatics tools, the volume explores phylogenetics and evolution, Omics analysis, as well as experimental procedures for trait characterization. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the kind of vital expert implementation advice that will lead to successful results. Authoritative and practical, Plant Comparative Genomics serves as an ideal resource for researchers looking to implement comparative tools in order to explore their genomic data for their daily scientific work.

This detailed volume examines the complex study of the assessment of in situ bioavailability and toxicity of organic chemicals in aquatic systems with a toolbox of reliable techniques. Beginning with a section on approaches for chemical analytical and bioanalytical techniques in bioavailability research, the book continues with methods to monitor effects in situ and conduct bioassays to assess the effects of complex environmental samples. It concludes with descriptions of various computational models. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, chapters feature the kind of expert implementation advice that leads to greater success in the field. Authoritative and versatile, In Situ Bioavailability and Toxicity of Organic Chemicals in Aquatic Systems serves as an ideal guide to aid in tackling the challenge of analyzing and understanding chemical pollution in aquatic systems.

Polymer science is a technology-driven science. More often than not, technological breakthroughs opened the gates to rapid fundamental and theoretical advances, dramatically broadening the understanding of experimental observations, and expanding the science itself. Some of the breakthroughs involved the creation of new materials. Among these one may enumerate the vulcanization of natural rubber, the derivatization of cellulose, the giant advances right before and during World War II in the preparation and characterization of synthetic elastomers and semi­ crystalline polymers such as polyesters and polyamides, the subsequent creation of aromatic high-temperature resistant amorphous and semi-crystal­ line polymers, and the more recent development of liquid-crystalline polymers mostly with n~in-chain mesogenicity. other breakthroughs involve the development of powerful characterization techniques. Among the recent ones, the photon correlation spectroscopy owes its success to the advent of laser technology, small angle neutron scattering evolved from n~clear reactors technology, and modern solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy exists because of advances in superconductivity. The growing need for high modulus, high-temperature resistant polymers is opening at present a new technology, that of more or less rigid networks. The use of such networks is rapidly growing in applications where they are used as such or where they serve as matrices for fibers or other load­ bearing elements. The rigid networks are largely aromatic. Many of them are prepared from multifunctional wholly or almost-wholly aromatic kernels, while others contain large amount of stiff difunctional residus leading to the presence of many main-chain "liquid-crystalline" segments in the "infinite" network.

This book represents the proceedings of the First International Conference on Frontiers of Polymer Research held in New Delhi, India during January 20-25, 1991. Polymers have usually been perceived as substances to be used in insulations, coatings, fabrics, and structural materials. Defying this classical view, polymers are emerging as a new class of materials with potential applications in many new technologies. They also offer challenging opportunities for fundamental research. Recognizing a tremendous growth in world wide interest in polymer research and technology, a truly global "1st International Conference on Frontiers of Polymer Research" was organized by P. N. Prasad (SUNY at Buffalo), F. E. Karasz (University of Massachusetts) and J. K. Nigam (Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, India). The 225 participants represented 25 countries and a wide variety of academic, industrial and government groups. The conference was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Chandra Shekhar and had a high level media coverage. The focus of the conference was on three frontier areas of polymer research: (i) Polymers for photonics, where nonlinear optical properties of polymers show great promise, (ii) Polymers for electronics, where new conduction mechanisms and photophysics have generated considerable enthusiasm and (iii) High performance polymers as new advanced polymers have exhibited exceptionally high mechanical strength coupled with light weight.