Hepatitis B: The Hunt for a Killer Virus

Book Description

About 375 million people are infected with the hepatitis B virus. It has killed more people than AIDS and also causes millions of cases of liver cancer. The discovery of this deadly virus and the vaccine against it--a vaccine that is sharply decreasing the infection rate worldwide and is probably the first effective cancer vaccine--was one of the great triumphs of twentieth-century medicine. And it almost didn't happen.

With wit and insight, this scientific memoir and story of discovery describes how Baruch Blumberg and a team of researchers found a virus they were not looking for and created a vaccine for a disease they previously knew little about--work that took the author around the world and won him the Nobel Prize.

Blumberg and his collaborators were investigating relationships between gene distribution and disease susceptibility, research that was yielding interesting data but no real breakthroughs. Many viewed their work as more field trip than science. But, through decades of hard work and investigative twists and turns, their pursuit led to the hepatitis B antigen, the elusive virus itself, and, ultimately, the vaccine. As he takes the reader through the detective work that culminated in his incredible discovery, the author recounts with immediacy exciting moments in the lab and in the field--from a hair-raising flight to Africa to an unpleasant encounter with Alaskan sled dogs.

The hepatitis B story is more than a fascinating chronicle of a major discovery. What Blumberg followed to the virus was a trail of remarkable "accidents" that happen when scientists seek answers to interesting questions. Those events, combined with the investigator's determined persistence, resulted in studies that generated a pharmaceutical industry, have far-flung public-health applications, and saved millions of lives.

Hepatitis B: The Virus, the Disease and the Vaccine

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Hepatitis B: The Virus, the Disease and the Vaccine
Irving Millman , Toby K. Eisenstein , and Baruch S. Blumberg
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0306417235

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Hepatitis B, The Virus, the Disease, and the Vaccine
Irving; Blumbert, Baruch S.; Eisenstein, Toby K. Millman
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSOYN2

Book Description

Geologists and civil engineers related to infrastructure planning, design and building describe professional practices and engineering geological methods in different European infrastructure projects.

Book Description

Expert coverage of the physics and mathematics of diffusion-reactions in solids and melts
This book presents a unified treatment of diffusion and reaction in a wide variety of oxides-with a special emphasis on the reactive molecules of water, hydrogen, and oxygen. The author proposes new ways of understanding diffusion and reaction in oxides and in silica glass, presents new mathematical treatments of diffusion-reaction, and offers a new discussion of the oxidation state.
Helpful data tables cover the activation energies of water and oxygen diffusion in oxides; the diffusion of dopants in silicon; the ionic porosity of crystalline and amorphous oxides; and the diffusion of a large number of elements in silicon. The book features advanced discussions of:
* Diffusion and reaction in solids and in relation to solid structure
* Diffusion and reaction of water in silica glass, quartz, obsidian, and all oxides
* Diffusion and reaction of hydrogen in oxides
* Diffusion and reaction of oxygen in oxides
* The oxidation state
* Diffusion in silicon
Diffusion of Reactive Molecules in Solids and Melts presents an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of the subject written for geologists, professionals working in fiber optics, graduate students, and researchers in materials science and solid-state physics.

Customer Reviews:

historically interesting and informative book, w/ crumb!.......2001-03-16

first edition, november 1973 good book, interesting and informative the r.crumb dr.atomic comic in it is very good

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The use of language is the key to the humor.
Not His Best
Wodehousian humour
good but not great
Read this before your next dentist visit

Laughing Gas
P. G. Wodehouse
Manufacturer: Overlook Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1585672327
Release Date: 2002-01-10

Book Description

Fans of P. G. Wodehouse's comic genius are legion, and their devotion to his masterful command of the hilarity borders on an obsession.

When a bratty Hollywood child star and an English aristocrat exchange souls at the dentist in Laughing Gas, the result is transatlantic mayhem at its funniest.

Customer Reviews:

The use of language is the key to the humor. .......2007-07-01

This small book, 286 pages, is very very funny. It comes to us from one of the greatest English Comic writers. P.G. Wodehouse is best known for the worlds he created for his characters in Blandings Castle and the Wooster--Jeeves duo. In this book, Laughing Gas, he took a simple story and used his characters to take it to level of comedy that is unusual. The approach and especially the language was funny, but it also crated a farce and in some ways could be seen to be offering some interesting social satire.

The two key characters were, Joey Cooley, a child actor, and Reginald Havershot and English Earl. All the characters in the book not only complimented the comedy portrayed by Joey and Reggie but seemed to add to the farce because of their own uniqueness and role in story. The idea of swapping souls has been a well tested plot over the years and at first you wonder how going back to this plot and story, told my an author born in the late 1800's, could bring anything original or interesting to this idea. Both Reggie and Joey were at the dentist and both went under laughing gas at the same time. We were told that they somehow slipped out of their bodies in the fourth dimension and swapped. At first just a dated approach to this idea soon proved that it didn't matter and indeed was different because it was dated. It was just funny page after page. The answer lies in the characters themselves. Reggie's English approach to life in Hollywood was one where he had to survive for a few days in Joey's little, and very different, body. It is from Reggie's perception from within his own body and also during the time he was in the child's body, that we mostly see this story

The story was told with an English accent, in a time and place that does not really exist anymore. Both Joey and Reggie by them selves were funny but it was the plot that unfolded after the body switch that left you laughing out loud.

I was not very familiar with P.G. Wpodehouse so for me the book was a fist close look. I was not disappointed and may be hooked.

Not His Best.......2004-11-22

I'm a huge Wodehouse fan, grew up reading him, but I have to say that this particular book is more pedestrian than most of his work. The premise of two consciousness switching corporeal forms is a time-tested plot device, and here it's dressed up with the screwball antics and snappy language one expects from Wodehouse. The gist of it is that the newly minted Earl of Havershot heads off to America to rescue his alcoholic cousin Reggie from the perils of Hollywood dames and booze. Being a very traditional Wodehouse hero (average looking, kind hearted, more or less hapless, and somewhat dense), he manages to become besotted by a vapid movie starlet. Alas, soon after his arrival in Hollywood, he suffers a severe toothache and visits a dentist, resulting the application of the titular vapors.

Whilst under the influence, his consciousness gets swapped with that of Joey Cooley, a bratty little child movie star who is having a tooth pulled in the office next door. Wacky antics ensue, as the Earl must succumb to the strict regime of the movie star under contract, including a wholly unpleasant diet, and a packed schedule of publicity appearances. As it happens, his former fiancee is on the scene as a press agent, as is his bon vivant cousin. From then on, wacky antics ensue, as the Earl learns the true colors of his movie star love, realizes the fine qualities of his ex, and of course everything ties up rather neatly at the end. Along the way, Wodehouse is given licence to draw upon his own experiences to poke very mild fun at life in Hollywood. The book feels somewhat rote, probably because it's such a familiar premise, and it reads as if someone took it and applied a Wodehouse-wash to it, and then set it out to dry. My favorite part is actually the very beginning, where the Earl sits in the Drones Club attempting to start telling his wild story. All in all, it's Wodehouse, so of course it's worth reading, but most of his output is much better.

Wodehousian humour.......2004-09-26

Having heard a lot about Wodehousian humour and wit, I was quite disappointed when I read a few of the Jeeves-Wooster series. Maybe it was the anticipation of reading 'unparalled humour and writing style' that let me down.

But recently when I picked up an old copy of "Laughing Gas" and read it on a long flight, my neighbours on the plane kept on wondering what was wrong with me - I would burst into uncontrollable giggles at almost every second page. The book was actually like Laughing Gas (sorry, couldn't resist the obvious pun).

The story revolves around an Earl (from England naturellement) who travels to America to rescue a 'wayword cousin' who has fallen for a starlet in Hollywood. But while on a visit to a dentist, the Earl exchanges bodies with that of a child-superstar Joey Cooley. The resultant confusion is simply humourous (though at times bordering on the slapstick).

What keeps the reader engrossed is not the plot (which was probably ingenious when the book was written but not anymore) but the authors ability to churn out puns and one-liners that has the readers in splits. The ending unfortunately is quite Shakespearean with suddenly everything falling into place conveniently (the good-old "all's well that ends well").

My belief in Wodehousian humour remained intact (if not stronger) after reading this book.

good but not great.......2004-09-22

This review is more for people who've already read a few of Wodehouse's stories, particularly the Bertie Wooster-Jeeves stories, than people who haven't. I'm a fan of PG Wodehouse (though I'm relatively new and no question I've read less of his than other reviewers here) and I liked this one all right and can recommend it if you haven't got much else at hand, but I must say I didn't think it was that great and didn't find myself laughing much. The switched identities plot element may seem promising in theory, but it wasn't all that amusing as it developed; it was mainly good for some slapstick-style humor, really, and in fact the plot on the macro level, so to speak, is fairly predictable in many ways, as you could say of the plot in many of his stories. On the other hand, one aspect where his stories excel, and this one produces some good moments, is in nicely set-up situation comedy-type scenes, where the civilities or complications or just plain screw-ups are pretty good fun. Here for example there's a first-rate scene where Reggie meets his ex-fiancee. Also, Reggie or Lord Havershot is an endearing character in the mold of Bertie Wooster--civil, courteous, basically good-hearted, rising to aristocratic disdain at times; with a tasteful eye; but hapless, quite fallible, and often dense. This all makes for what are, for me anyway, the real highlights of the novel: the sometimes hilarious commentary that Reggie as narrator makes on things as they happen. For example when he says, of a sarcastic remark by his ex-fiancee regarding his new flame, "I chose to disregard the vulgar comment", or when he touts his own "generalship" in dealing with an awkward situation, these are such finely comical comments (at the same time prideful, correct, yet feckless and somehow, in some elusive way, disproportionate), in the same way as Bertie Wooster's commentary along the lines of "I gave him an icy stare--and I meant it to sting." In that sense I find this novel engaging in the same way as the Bertie Wooster-Jeeves stories, where the Blandings or Psmith stories or other pieces that don't have 1st-person narration aren't quite as entertaining.

So, the book is good for some delightful moments, but I don't think I'd put it near the top of my Wodehouse reading list. Among the ones I've read, I liked the following in roughly this order: 1. Code of the Woosters (the 1st one I read--maybe I'm partial to it for this reason like other people may be partial to Laughing Gas). 2~4. Joy in the Morning; Right Ho Jeeves; and Very Good Jeeves (much of it is not that great but it contains one of the funniest stories I've ever read.) 5~8. Something New; Leave it to Psmith; Blandings Castle; Heart of a Goof. 9~10. Quick Service; Mulliner Nights. This novel falls somewhere in the middle of that range, though of course I've enjoyed more or less every one of these stories.

Read this before your next dentist visit.......2003-09-04

Laughing Gas was the first Wodehouse I ever read. I knew his work through some Jeeves tales (and their TV adaptations), but I had never ventured outside of those characters. Seeing that the storyline was somewhat like the Freaky Friday genre of films, I wanted to see what Wodehouse would do with this already familiar plot. I was not disappointed and I have gone back to him whenever I wanted something to make me laugh--as long as it's not an audiobook read by Jonathan Cecil!

Reginald, Third Earl of Havershot (gotta love those Wodehouse puns) finds himself in the dentist's chair after an embarrassing incident seated next to child star Joey Cooley ("Idol of American Motherhood"), going through the same procedure. After the administration of some of the titular anesthetic, the two have an out-of-body experience. The mischievous Cooley, however, instead of returning to his own corporeal form, slips into Reggie's, leaving our hero left with the tot's as his only choice. Hilarity ensues, as they say, as little Joey likes to go around punching people in the nose and continues to do so under the guise of Reggie. Meanwhile Reggie is party to the stories going around about "his" behavior and is powerless to stop them while in his current pint-sized form.

Book Description

The stories behind drug discovery are fascinating, full of human and scientific interest. This is a book on the history of drug discovery that highlights the intellectual splendor of discoverers as well as the human frailty associated them. History is replete with examples of breakthrough medicines that have saved millions of lives. Ether as an anesthetic by Morton; penicillin as an antibiotic by Fleming; and insulin as an anti-diabetic by Banting are just a few examples. The discoverers of these medicines are doubtlessly benefactors to mankind--for instance, without penicillin, 75% of us probably would not be alive because some of our parents or grandparents would have succumbed to infections. Dr. Jack Li, a medicinal chemist who is intimately involved with drug discovery, has assembled an astounding amount of facts and information behind important drugs through extensive literature research and interviews with many inventors of the drugs including Viagra and Lipitor. There have been many myths and inaccuracies associated with those legendary drugs. The inventors perspectives afforded this book an invaluable accuracy and insight because history is not history unless it is true. The text is supplemented by many anecdotes, pictures and postage stamps. Both specialist and layman will find Laughing Gas, Viagra, and Lipitor informative and entertaining. Students in chemistry, pharmacy, and medicine, workers in healthcare and high school science teachers will find this book most useful.

Customer Reviews:

Better and Longer Life Through Biochemistry .......2007-05-30

When I bought this book, I didn't quite know what to expect, other than the story of how some drugs are made. I didn't know if it would cover a few "blockbuster" drugs or entire classes of drugs and I didn't know if it would be written for a lay person or a scientist. Having been fascinated with drug synthesis for years, I bought the book and hoped for the best. And, the best is what I discovered.

This book, written by a biopharmacologist, could have been a nightmarish read due to the complexity of the subject matter. And, while some knowledge of chemistry and biology is needed to fully comprehend the book, it is written in a way so that most lay people will be able to understand the most important material included. Yes, some of the information will be over the head of the average reader, but I'm not sure it could have been made simpler without losing some of the very necessary information needed for the formation of these compounds.

Despite my fears, the book does cover a wide range of drugs in a wide range of classes. Each chapter is devoted to a class of drug, and the sub headings are devoted to either specific drugs, or their groupings. The chapters, in order are:

* The Cancer drugs
* Drugs to Kill Germs
* Cardiovascular Drugs: From Nitroglycerin to Lipitor
* Sex and Drugs
* Drugs of the Mind
* Diabetes Drugs
* Anesthetics
* Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

The detail in each chapter highlights and explores the various drugs within the class that made them special, noteworthy or historical to medicine. The details are often times amazing, and fun, and provide an insight into how researchers work. The processes that go into finding a drug are amazing, and it is a miracle that any of us has a drug in the medicine cabinet at all.

Who would have thought that aspirin was once a prescription drug, while heroin was available over the counter? Or that some medicinal chemists will test, literally, hundreds of thousands of compounds looking for the one that does something (anything)? These are numerous other facts can be found throughout the book, but I won't divulge more in an effort not spoil anything.

Do not be mistaken by the title; the book is serious reading and does require some knowledge of chemistry and biology to fully understand the material. It can, however, be read with a note to history if you pass over the physical equations. The author did do a fabulous job of taking arcane and difficult chemistry and turning it into material that is very readable. If you have any interest in drugs, science or research methodology, buy the book and enjoy! It is a wonderful look at what happens in the ivory towers of the pharmaceutical industry, with an additional peek into academia. The infighting between factions is just an added bonus!

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there's Maxine, and then there's MAXINE
"Garfield" was also a US President
confusion with "Maxine" titles!!!
THERE ARE TWO "MAXINES"! Be careful when ordering!
A true slice of reality in a comic strip world...

Laughing Gas: The Best of Maxine
Marian Henley
Manufacturer: Republic of Texas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1556229321

Book Description

Here is a collection of Marian Henley's Maxine!, a weekly comic strip in syndication since 1981.

Customer Reviews:

there's Maxine, and then there's MAXINE.......2007-05-30

The brilliance and wit of Marian Henley's MAXINE comic strip has entertained and enlightened me for years. For Amazon to recommend the always insightful episodes of this feisty heroine alongside John Wagner's snippy, crotchety cartoon character with the same name is absurd! Such a marketing blunder serves no one and merely creates confusion in the minds of the unaware which is no laughing matter.

"Garfield" was also a US President.......2007-04-20

I've loved Marian Henley's "Maxine" comic strip for over 20 years. Her expressiveness with an economy of lines is as astounding as her insight into the human condition, and far too expansive to put on a mug or calendar. The other Maxine, which I had never heard of, was created 5 years after Ms Henley's. That Ms Henley could "rip-off" the subsequent creation must indicate that she is a Mistress of time as well as space. Unfavorably rating a book because it was grouped with a book with a similar subject makes as much sense as voting for a fat tabby for President and hoping for the best. On second thought... :--)

confusion with "Maxine" titles!!!.......2007-03-14

Be careful what you buy here. Amazon will present anything of like material to you including 'Maxine's. this book is not the craby Maxine you see on calendars. is it any good. who cares, its a rip-off.

THERE ARE TWO "MAXINES"! Be careful when ordering!.......2005-12-15

There are two "Maxine" comic characters. One a young woman, one a grouchy but funny older woman.

Two entirely different characters, drawn by two different artists.

Amazon is really confusing things by lumping them together like this.
Be sure you are ordering the "Maxine" you think you are ordering!

A true slice of reality in a comic strip world..........2003-01-30

I've enjoyed the Maxine comic strip for years. In fact it's about the only one I read. And Maxine is so much more than just a comic strip. It's real, it's funny, it's insightful, it's human. It's reality described through comic strip characters, from a woman's point of view of course. So what a pleasant surprise to find the best of Maxine all bound up for me to enjoy while laughing myself into a frenzy. Ah, good times...

From Laughing Gas to Face Transplants (Chain Reactions)

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From Laughing Gas to Face Transplants (Chain Reactions)
John Farndon
Manufacturer: Heinemann Library Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0431186049

From Laughing Gas to Face Transplants: Discovering Transplant Surgery (Chain Reactions)

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From Laughing Gas to Face Transplants: Discovering Transplant Surgery (Chain Reactions)
John Farndon
Manufacturer: Heinemann Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Biology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Science & Technology | Teens | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1403488401

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Germs, Jabs and Laughing Gas (Pioneers)
Meredith Hooper
Manufacturer: Chrysalis Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1856021246

KADDISH: Poem Rocket; Europe Europe; To Lindsay; Message; The Aunt Rose; At Apollinaire's Grave; The Lion for Real; Ignu; Death to Van Gogh's Ear; Laughing Gas; Mescaline; Lysergic Acid; Magic Psalm; The Reply; The End

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KADDISH: Poem Rocket; Europe Europe; To Lindsay; Message; The Aunt Rose; At Apollinaire's Grave; The Lion for Real; Ignu; Death to Van Gogh's Ear; Laughing Gas; Mescaline; Lysergic Acid; Magic Psalm; The Reply; The End
Allen Ginsberg
Manufacturer: City Lights Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GVVWPA

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LAUGHING GAS

Manufacturer: RECORDED BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 0788703056

Product Description

A proper British earl falls asleep in a dentist's chair, and wakes up in the body of America's favorite child star.

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LAUGHING GAS

Manufacturer: Beagle books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GQOUZO

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