Hands-on resource to understand and successfully process biological image data In Imaging Life: Image Acquisition and Analysis in Biology and Medicine, distinguished biologist Dr. Lawrence R. Griffing delivers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of scientific imaging, including but not limited to the different scientific imaging technologies, image processing, and analysis. The author discusses technical features, challenges, and solutions of the various imaging modalities to obtain the best possible image. Divided into three sections, the book opens with the basics such as the various image media, their representation and evaluation. It explains in exceptional detail pre- and postprocessing of an image. The last section concludes with common microscopic and biomedical imaging modalities in light of technical limitations and solutions to achieve the best possible image acquisition of the specimen. Imaging Life: Image Acquisition and Analysis in Biology and Medicine is written specifically for readers with limited mathematical and programming backgrounds and includes tutorials on image processing in relevant chapters. It also contains exercises in the use of popular, open-source software. A thorough introduction to imaging methods, technical features, challenges, and solutions to successfully capture biological images Offers tutorials on image processing using open-source software in relevant chapter Discusses details of acquisition needs and image media covering pixels, pixel values, contrast, tonal range, and image formats In-depth presentation of microscopic and biomedical imaging modalities Perfect for professionals and students in the biological sciences and engineering, Imaging Life: Image Acquisition and Analysis in Biology and Medicine is an ideal resource for research labs, biotech companies, and equipment vendors.

This volume provides an overview of a variety of approaches to biological image analysis, which allow for the study of living organisms at all levels of complexity and organization. These organisms range from individual macromolecules to subcellular and cellular volumes, tissues and microbial communities. Such a "systems biology" understanding of life requires the combination of a variety of imaging techniques, and with it an in-depth understanding of their respective strengths and limitations, as well as their intersection with other techniques. Howard, Brown, and Auer show us that the integration of these imaging techniques will allow us to overcome the reductionist approach to biology that dominated the twentieth century, which was aimed at examining the physical and chemical properties of life's constituents, one macromolecule at a time. However, while based on the laws of physics and chemistry, life is not simply a set of chemical reactions and physical forces; it features an exquisite spatiotemporal organization that allows an inconceivably large number of chemical processes to coexist, refined by billions of years of evolutionary experimentation. And yet, many fundamental questions remain largely unanswered; Imaging Life argues that we are just now beginning to address the spatiotemporal organizational component of living processes. "Imaging" is needed in order to reveal the spatiotemporal relationships between components, and thus to understand organizational guiding principles of living systems. Only through imaging will we be able to decipher the mechanisms and the marvelous organization that enable and sustain the mystery of life. Imaging Life shows us how biology is beginning to do just that.

Using sources such as religion, literature, science, psychology, and personal experience, this theologian examines the possible answers to three questions fundamental to belief in life after death: What survives death? Do relationships continue beyond death? How does life now relate to life then. Original.

Creative Ideas for Ministry with the Aged is a wise, timely and practical handbook that meets the urgent need for resources for ministry among the elderly. Written out of the author's own experience as a chaplain to a residential care community, it is suitable for ministers who visit the elderly; chaplains, pastoral visitors and caregivers; and all who help train others in elderly pastoral care. Part 1 explores the key theological elements of ministry with the aged, focusing on themes such as the sacrament of the present moment. It asks what constitutes spiritual care and conversation with those whose minds and bodies are failing? Part 2 provides simple service outlines for 'reconnecting with old treasures'; and includes liturgies for communion services, services of the word and remembering special days. Parts 3 and 4 offer imaginative ideas for pastoral practices and spiritual activities using prayer, song, laughter, memory, touch, anointing and more to address questions of loss, letting go, forgiveness, dying and resurrection.