Viruses and Society is geared towards professionals and students in college-level introductory biology courses devoted to understanding viruses, vaccines, and their global impact. The beginning of the book introduces cells, DNA, and viruses themselves. There follows a review of how the immune system works and how scientists and physicians harness the immune system to protect people through vaccines. Specific chapters will focus on the 1918 influenza pandemic, the fight to eradicate polio, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and our current COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, the book reviews the uses of viruses in genetic engineering and in gene therapy as well. The book will conclude by describing public health initiatives to keep emerging viruses in check and the role of scientific communication in how viruses are perceived and have an impact on our society.
Key Features
1) The text employs approachable and simplified language
2) Provides all the essential elements for understanding virus biology
3) Includes details on how viruses affect individuals
4) Describes the ways public health decisions are made in light of how viral pathogens spread
5) Highlights up to date scientific findings on the features of emerging viruses that will always be with us
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction to Cells, DNA, and Viruses
2. An Introduction to the Immune System and Vaccines
3. The 1918 Influenza A Pandemic
4. Poliovirus
5. HIV/AIDS
6. SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19
7. Recombinant DNA Technology and Gene Therapy Using Viruses
8. Public Health and Viruses
9. Science Communication and Viruses
Index
Biography
Patricia G. Melloy is Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham Campus. She received her undergraduate degree at Loyola University Maryland, her master’s degree at Villanova University, and her PhD at University of Pennsylvania. She was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching at Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2017.
