April 2018
Kin Recognition in Protists and Other Microbes is the first volume dedicated entirely to the genetics, evolution and behavior of cells capable of discriminating and recognizing taxa (other species), clones (other cell lines) and kin (as per gradual genetic proximity). It covers the advent of microbial models in the field of kin recognition; the polymorphisms of green-beard genes in social amebas, yeast and soil bacteria; the potential that unicells have to learn phenotypic cues for recognition; the role of clonality and kinship in pathogenicity (dysentery, malaria, sleeping sickness and Chagas); the social and spatial structure of microbes and their biogeography; and the relevance of unicells’ cooperation, sociality and cheating for our understanding of the origins of multicellularity. +200 figures and diagrams, this work will appeal to a broad audience, including researchers in academia, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and research undergraduates. Science writers and college educators will also find it informative and practical for teaching.
Additional information at Cambridge Scholars Publishing - 2018
Book reviews:
"...New theories predict phenomena we see only when we know how to look. A stunning example of this is kin recognition, predicted by Hamilton’s theory of inclusive fitness. This book is a rich treatment of kin recognition and discrimination in the microbial world, made particularly accessible by a wonderful collection of diagrams and illustrations. Anyone interested in fascinating new stories of how microbes treat their kin should read this book."
Joan E. Strassmann, Charles Rebstock Professor of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, USA.
"Paz-y-Miño-C and Espinosa have produced a real gem! Anyone interested in the evolution of life on Earth from any perspective would find this a great read. The authors beautifully synthesize, for the first time, the historical literature (including their own considerable contributions) on taxa-, clone-, and kin-discrimination/recognition in unicellular eukaryotes (protists) and other microbes. They contribute their own observations and insights, as well as ability to place what is known about the genetics, behavioral and chemical aspects of kin recognition into a balanced evolutionary perspective. The carefully-chosen case studies, definitions of terms, and summaries provided in each chapter result in a book that is accessible to a wide range of readers; a valuable resource for experts in the field, as well as students and interested non-experts looking for a stimulating and very thought-provoking volume."
Virginia P. Edgcomb, Associate Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, USA.
"This a highly timely and interesting book. People not being too familiar with microbiology will find it a fascinating and inspiring introduction into kin recognition in non-animal systems, which thereby challenges our thinking of underlying cognitive processes such as learning. Students of evolutionary biology will find it highly useful to read, for example, about the advent of multicellularity and sociality, leading to major transitions in evolution. Researchers in microbiology will appreciate a comprehensive summary of the field, with some additional dives into methodological details. Teachers will take advantage of the more than 120 detailed figures showing experimental setups, results and schematic diagrams, as well as of the great appendix linking to recent media resources that can be downloaded and included in lectures... This is a great book, which I can highly recommend."
Joachim G. Frommen, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
About the authors:
Guillermo Paz-y-Miño-C is co-Director of New England Science Public. An evolutionary biologist, he is the author of 150 publications, including Measuring the Evolution Controversy (a Best Seller at Cambridge Scholars)and Evolution Stands Faith Up: Reflections on Evolutions’ Wars. He is the recipient of a Citation for Outstanding Performance (2007) by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (innovation in science education).
Avelina Espinosa is a Professor of Biology and Coordinator of Biotechnology Programs at Roger Williams University. A molecular microbiologist, she has authored 40 publications including co-authorship of Measuring the Evolution Controversy, and has received the Young Investigator Award (2001) from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (research on metabolism in amoebozoans).
Additional information at Cambridge Scholars Publishing - 2018
Book reviews:
"...New theories predict phenomena we see only when we know how to look. A stunning example of this is kin recognition, predicted by Hamilton’s theory of inclusive fitness. This book is a rich treatment of kin recognition and discrimination in the microbial world, made particularly accessible by a wonderful collection of diagrams and illustrations. Anyone interested in fascinating new stories of how microbes treat their kin should read this book."
Joan E. Strassmann, Charles Rebstock Professor of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, USA.
"Paz-y-Miño-C and Espinosa have produced a real gem! Anyone interested in the evolution of life on Earth from any perspective would find this a great read. The authors beautifully synthesize, for the first time, the historical literature (including their own considerable contributions) on taxa-, clone-, and kin-discrimination/recognition in unicellular eukaryotes (protists) and other microbes. They contribute their own observations and insights, as well as ability to place what is known about the genetics, behavioral and chemical aspects of kin recognition into a balanced evolutionary perspective. The carefully-chosen case studies, definitions of terms, and summaries provided in each chapter result in a book that is accessible to a wide range of readers; a valuable resource for experts in the field, as well as students and interested non-experts looking for a stimulating and very thought-provoking volume."
Virginia P. Edgcomb, Associate Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, USA.
"This a highly timely and interesting book. People not being too familiar with microbiology will find it a fascinating and inspiring introduction into kin recognition in non-animal systems, which thereby challenges our thinking of underlying cognitive processes such as learning. Students of evolutionary biology will find it highly useful to read, for example, about the advent of multicellularity and sociality, leading to major transitions in evolution. Researchers in microbiology will appreciate a comprehensive summary of the field, with some additional dives into methodological details. Teachers will take advantage of the more than 120 detailed figures showing experimental setups, results and schematic diagrams, as well as of the great appendix linking to recent media resources that can be downloaded and included in lectures... This is a great book, which I can highly recommend."
Joachim G. Frommen, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
About the authors:
Guillermo Paz-y-Miño-C is co-Director of New England Science Public. An evolutionary biologist, he is the author of 150 publications, including Measuring the Evolution Controversy (a Best Seller at Cambridge Scholars)and Evolution Stands Faith Up: Reflections on Evolutions’ Wars. He is the recipient of a Citation for Outstanding Performance (2007) by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (innovation in science education).
Avelina Espinosa is a Professor of Biology and Coordinator of Biotechnology Programs at Roger Williams University. A molecular microbiologist, she has authored 40 publications including co-authorship of Measuring the Evolution Controversy, and has received the Young Investigator Award (2001) from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (research on metabolism in amoebozoans).
May 2016
Measuring the Evolution Controversy postulates that the debate over evolution-and-science versus creationism is inherent to the incompatibility between scientific rationalism/empiricism and the belief in supernatural causation. The Incompatibility Hypothesis (IH) is the conceptual basis for this book, in which the authors propose that belief disrupts, distorts, delays and stops the understanding and acceptance of evidence.
The New England Center for the Public Understanding of Science (NESP) sponsored the research for this seven-year numerical analysis of the acceptance of evolution at America's colleges and universities. The volume includes 210-pages, more than 100 data figures, maps, tables and explanatory boxes. A color-page centerfold “Image Resources of Didactic Relevance” is also provided.
Additional information at Cambridge Scholars Publishing - 2016
Book reviews:
“...The great contribution of “Measuring the Evolution Controversy” is the rich content of data and analysis that asks detailed questions about the social, economic and political backgrounds of those who tend to reject evolution versus those who accept evolution as science. The authors deftly analyze their data drawn from institutions of higher learning in the United States and particularly New England—which stands as a microcosm of the rest of the country, and indeed elsewhere in the world. It is their scientific approach to these issues which makes this book stand out as a uniquely original contribution.”
Niles Eldredge, Curator Emeritus of Paleontology at The American Museum of Natural History, New York.
"Pro-science activists and educators constantly bemoan the resistance to the teaching of evolution in the United States. All of us have anecdotes about encounters with the public, parents and students who are misinformed by their churches, Religious-Right groups, and creationist organizations. Paz-y-Miño-C and Espinosa present hard data that support the anecdotal evidence. They also show that although anti-evolutionism typically begins with religion, it is a multi-faceted problem that intersects with political and cultural ideologies. Gathered through careful research over a period of years, their data will enable scientists and defenders of science education to comprehend the roots of the evolution controversy and counteract resistance to evolution more strategically and effectively.
Barbara Forrest, co-author with Paul R. Gross of Creationism’s Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design (2007), and expert witness for plaintiffs, Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover Area School District (2005).
About the authors:
Guillermo Paz-y-Miño-C is co-Director of New England Science Public. An evolutionary biologist, he is the author of 150 publications, including Evolution Stands Faith Up: Reflections on Evolutions’ Wars. He is the recipient of a Citation for Outstanding Performance (2007) by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (innovation in science education).
Avelina Espinosa is a Professor of Biology and Coordinator of Biotechnology Programs at Roger Williams University. A molecular microbiologist, she has authored 40 publications and has received the Young Investigator Award (2001) from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (research on metabolism in amoebozoans).
The New England Center for the Public Understanding of Science (NESP) sponsored the research for this seven-year numerical analysis of the acceptance of evolution at America's colleges and universities. The volume includes 210-pages, more than 100 data figures, maps, tables and explanatory boxes. A color-page centerfold “Image Resources of Didactic Relevance” is also provided.
Additional information at Cambridge Scholars Publishing - 2016
Book reviews:
“...The great contribution of “Measuring the Evolution Controversy” is the rich content of data and analysis that asks detailed questions about the social, economic and political backgrounds of those who tend to reject evolution versus those who accept evolution as science. The authors deftly analyze their data drawn from institutions of higher learning in the United States and particularly New England—which stands as a microcosm of the rest of the country, and indeed elsewhere in the world. It is their scientific approach to these issues which makes this book stand out as a uniquely original contribution.”
Niles Eldredge, Curator Emeritus of Paleontology at The American Museum of Natural History, New York.
"Pro-science activists and educators constantly bemoan the resistance to the teaching of evolution in the United States. All of us have anecdotes about encounters with the public, parents and students who are misinformed by their churches, Religious-Right groups, and creationist organizations. Paz-y-Miño-C and Espinosa present hard data that support the anecdotal evidence. They also show that although anti-evolutionism typically begins with religion, it is a multi-faceted problem that intersects with political and cultural ideologies. Gathered through careful research over a period of years, their data will enable scientists and defenders of science education to comprehend the roots of the evolution controversy and counteract resistance to evolution more strategically and effectively.
Barbara Forrest, co-author with Paul R. Gross of Creationism’s Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design (2007), and expert witness for plaintiffs, Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover Area School District (2005).
About the authors:
Guillermo Paz-y-Miño-C is co-Director of New England Science Public. An evolutionary biologist, he is the author of 150 publications, including Evolution Stands Faith Up: Reflections on Evolutions’ Wars. He is the recipient of a Citation for Outstanding Performance (2007) by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (innovation in science education).
Avelina Espinosa is a Professor of Biology and Coordinator of Biotechnology Programs at Roger Williams University. A molecular microbiologist, she has authored 40 publications and has received the Young Investigator Award (2001) from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (research on metabolism in amoebozoans).
Book Chapters
Paz-y-Miño-C, G. Espinosa, A., 2021. The Many Shapes of Microbial Detection of Kin and Kind. Pp. 79-99. In: G. Chapouthier & MC Maurel (Eds.) The Explosion of Life Forms: Living Beings and Morphology. Wiley-ISTE, London, UK. ISBN (10): 1789450055, ISBN (13): 978-1789450057.
Espinosa, A. & Paz-y-Miño-C., G. 2014. Examining Crypticity in Entamoeba: a Behavioral and Biochemical Tale. Pp. 181-190. In G. Trueba (Ed.) Why Does Evolution Matter? The Importance of Understanding Evolution. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle, United Kingdom. ISBN (10): 1-4438-6518-4, ISBN (13): 978-1-4438-6518-0
Paz-y-Miño-C. G. and Espinosa A. 2014. The Incompatibility Hypothesis: Evolution vs. Supernatural Causation. Pp. 3-16. In G. Trueba (Ed.) Why Does Evolution Matter? The Importance of Understanding Evolution. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle, United Kingdom. ISBN (10): 1-4438-6518-4, ISBN (13): 978-1-4438-6518-0.
G. Paz-y-Miño-C. & Espinosa A. 2013. The Everlasting Conflict Evolution-and-Science versus Religiosity. in Religion and Ethics. Eds. G. Simpson & S. Payne. NOVA Publishers, pp. 73-98.
Paz-y-Miño-C, G. Espinosa, A., 2021. The Many Shapes of Microbial Detection of Kin and Kind. Pp. 79-99. In: G. Chapouthier & MC Maurel (Eds.) The Explosion of Life Forms: Living Beings and Morphology. Wiley-ISTE, London, UK. ISBN (10): 1789450055, ISBN (13): 978-1789450057.
Espinosa, A. & Paz-y-Miño-C., G. 2014. Examining Crypticity in Entamoeba: a Behavioral and Biochemical Tale. Pp. 181-190. In G. Trueba (Ed.) Why Does Evolution Matter? The Importance of Understanding Evolution. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle, United Kingdom. ISBN (10): 1-4438-6518-4, ISBN (13): 978-1-4438-6518-0
Paz-y-Miño-C. G. and Espinosa A. 2014. The Incompatibility Hypothesis: Evolution vs. Supernatural Causation. Pp. 3-16. In G. Trueba (Ed.) Why Does Evolution Matter? The Importance of Understanding Evolution. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle, United Kingdom. ISBN (10): 1-4438-6518-4, ISBN (13): 978-1-4438-6518-0.
G. Paz-y-Miño-C. & Espinosa A. 2013. The Everlasting Conflict Evolution-and-Science versus Religiosity. in Religion and Ethics. Eds. G. Simpson & S. Payne. NOVA Publishers, pp. 73-98.