Methods in Molecular Biophysics: Structure, Dynamics and function, by Igor N. Serdyuk, Nathan R. Zaccai and Joseph Zaccai
In recent years, innovations in physicochemical technologies have revolutionized the biomedical sciences. New methods have made it possible to accurately quantify cellular and molecular parameters, and to study interactions in detail, opening up novel routes to target specific biological questions. Technological advances have also enhanced our ability to visualize cells and macromolecules. Whilst developments in instrumentation and user-friendly software have made biophysical techniques more accessible to non-specialists, there is a downside to adoption of a more generalist approach to science, as users face an increasingly complex collection of available experimental methods. Correspondingly, moderately experienced users may lack the capability to trouble-shoot effectively, or data may be incorrectly interpreted, compounded by the fact that practical guides are not readily available in some areas. Methods in Molecular Biophysics is a textbook that addresses a range of issues in modern molecular biophysics, and will serve both as a resource for students and young investigators, and an informative guidebook for established investigators adopting contemporary analytical methods. It provides a broad outline of the physical principles underpinning an array of methods, a synopsis of the methods and instrumentation, and the basic information required to run experiments effectively and interpret output. As one who has spent an inordinate amount of time chasing up technical details via the internet and other sources, I can enthusiastically welcome this textbook as a first port of call for referencing biophysics methods applicable to biological systems. Methods in Biophysics is a modern counterpart of the highly regarded three-volume set Biophysical Chemistry by Cantor and Schimmel, published in 1980. The classical textbook formulae adopted by Cantor and Schimmel assumed a working familiarity with physical principles and engaged a comparatively rigorous mathematical approach, encouraging the assimilation of content by provision of problems at the end of each chapter. Whilst Biophysical Chemistry proved informative and comprehensive, it is no longer up to date on an evolving range of biophysical tools and methods. Furthermore, despite the clear, thorough, treatment of the underlying science, the approach of Cantor and Schimmel is nevertheless more suited to students in the physical sciences interested in biological problems than to biologists looking to physics for the means to study protein interactions. In today’s scientific climate Methods in Biophysics has the advantage of being comprehensible to a broader general audience. Written in a factual manner with a smattering of anecdotes, Methods in Biophysics provides much to hold the attention of the reader. All chapters commence with a brief chronology of the area covered, including names and events of historical significance, and end with suggestions for further reading, enabling the reader to readily follow up points of interest. Prior to suggested reading is a checklist of key ideas, which is very helpful in