Overview

An essential illustrated guide to the 101 most fascinating viruses This stunningly illustrated book provides a rare window into the amazing, varied, and often beautiful world of viruses. Contrary to popular belief, not all viruses are bad for you. In fact, several are beneficial to their hosts, and many are crucial to the health of our planet. Virus offers an unprecedented look at 101 incredible microbes that infect all branches of life on Earth--from humans and other animals to insects, plants, fungi, and bacteria. Featuring hundreds of breathtaking color images throughout, this guide begins with a lively and informative introduction to virology. Here readers can learn about the history of this unique science, how viruses are named, how their genes work, how they copy and package themselves, how they interact with their hosts, how immune systems counteract viruses, and how viruses travel from host to host. The concise entries that follow highlight important or interesting facts about each virus. Learn about the geographic origins of dengue and why old tires and unused pots help the virus to spread. Read about Ebola, Zika, West Nile, Frog virus 3, the Tulip breaking virus, and many others--how they were discovered, what their hosts are, how they are transmitted, whether or not there is a vaccine, and much more. Each entry is easy to read and includes a graphic of the virus, and nearly every entry features a colorized image of the virus as seen through the microscope. Written by a leading authority, this handsomely illustrated guide reveals the unseen wonders of the microbial world. It will give you an entirely new appreciation for viruses.

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9789578722965

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Reviews

[A] very useful resource.-- Booklist A visually appealing resource that will be useful for virologists while simultaneously appealing to the layperson curious about the fascinating and vital role these organisms play in the ecosystem.-- Library Journal This light, richly illustrated overview of 100 different viruses is most appropriate for general readers.-- Choice This well-illustrated guide provides an introduction to the biology of viruses and history of virology, as well as singling out 101 of these infectious agents to profile in more depth.-- Science News Magazine The rise of the Zika virus was one of the most troubling medical stories of the past year--and yes, it's covered in this richly illustrated rogue's gallery by virologist Marilyn J. Roossinck. There's also a graphic explanation of the inner workings of viruses, and a foreword by renowned science writer Carl Zimmer.---Alan Boyle, GeekWire [A] stunning explication of 101 viruses that infect everything from humans to archaea. Along with basics on life cycles, transmission and more, Roossinck offers succinct descriptions, schematic drawings and a gallery of electron-microscopy images.---Barbara Kiser, Nature What Roger Tory Peterson did for birds, Penn State University virologist Marilyn J. Roossinck has done for viruses. . . . [B]eautifully illustrated.---Laurence A. Marshall, Natural History In Virus: An Illustrated Guide to 101 Incredible Microbes, Marilyn Roossinck has beautifully crafted an ode to viruses and those who study them. . . . Its accessibility will make it appropriate for lovers of biology at all levels; the illustrations and breadth of coverage will make it enjoyable for expert virologists to read and share.---Emily Toth Martin, New Biological Books

[A] very useful resource.-- Booklist A visually appealing resource that will be useful for virologists while simultaneously appealing to the layperson curious about the fascinating and vital role these organisms play in the ecosystem.-- Library Journal This light, richly illustrated overview of 100 different viruses is most appropriate for general readers.-- Choice This well-illustrated guide provides an introduction to the biology of viruses and history of virology, as well as singling out 101 of these infectious agents to profile in more depth.-- Science News Magazine In Virus: An Illustrated Guide to 101 Incredible Microbes, Marilyn Roossinck has beautifully crafted an ode to viruses and those who study them. . . . Its accessibility will make it appropriate for lovers of biology at all levels; the illustrations and breadth of coverage will make it enjoyable for expert virologists to read and share.---Emily Toth Martin, New Biological Books What Roger Tory Peterson did for birds, Penn State University virologist Marilyn J. Roossinck has done for viruses. . . . [B]eautifully illustrated.---Laurence A. Marshall, Natural History [A] stunning explication of 101 viruses that infect everything from humans to archaea. Along with basics on life cycles, transmission and more, Roossinck offers succinct descriptions, schematic drawings and a gallery of electron-microscopy images.---Barbara Kiser, Nature The rise of the Zika virus was one of the most troubling medical stories of the past year--and yes, it's covered in this richly illustrated rogue's gallery by virologist Marilyn J. Roossinck. There's also a graphic explanation of the inner workings of viruses, and a foreword by renowned science writer Carl Zimmer.---Alan Boyle, GeekWire

Author Information

Marilyn J. Roossinck is professor of virus ecology in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at Pennsylvania State University. She lives in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

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