For more than a century, science has cultivated a sober public image for itself. But as bestselling author Michael Brooks explains, the truth is very different: many of our most successful scientists have more in common with libertines than librarians. This thrilling exploration of some of the greatest breakthroughs in science reveals the extreme lengths some scientists go to in order to make their theories public. Fraud, suppressing evidence and unethical or reckless PR games are sometimes necessary to bring the best and most brilliant discoveries to the world's attention. Inspiration can come from the most unorthodox of places, and Brooks introduces us to Nobel laureates who get their ideas through drugs, dreams and hallucinations. Science is a highly competitive and ruthless discipline, and only its most determined and passionate practitioners make headlines - and history. To succeed, knowledge must be pursued by any means: in science, anything goes. 'Brooks is an exemplary science writer' William Leith, Daily Telegraph

The free-radical chemistry of DNA had been discussed in some detail in 1987 in my book The Chemical Basis of Radiation Biology. Obviously, the more recent developments and the concomitant higher level of understanding of mechanistic details are missing. Moreover, in the living cell, free-radical DNA damage is not only induced by ionizing radiation, but free-radical-induced DNA damage is a much more general phenomenon. It was, therefore, felt that it is now timely to review our present knowledge of free-radical-induced DNA damage induced by all conceivable free-radical-generating sources. Originally, it had been thought to include also a very important aspect, the repair of DNA damage by the cell’s various repair enzymes. Kevin Prise (Cancer Campaign, Gray Laboratory, L- don) was so kind to agree to write this part. However, an adequate description of this strongly expanding area would have exceeded the allocated space by much, and this section had to be omitted. The directors of the Max-Planck-Institut für Strahlenchemie (now MPI für Bioanorganische Chemie), Karl Wieghardt and Wolfgang Lubitz, kindly allowed me to continue to use its facilities after my retirement in 2001. Notably, our - brarian, Mrs. Jutta Theurich, and her right-hand help, Mrs. Rosemarie Schr- er, were most helpful in getting hold of the literature. I thank them very much. Without their constant help, this would have been very difficult indeed.

Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine has become a classic text in the field of free radical and antioxidant research. Now in its fifth edition, the book has been comprehensively rewritten and updated whilst maintaining the clarity of its predecessors. Two new chapters discuss 'in vivo' and 'dietary' antioxidants, the first emphasising the role of peroxiredoxins and integrated defence mechanisms which allow useful roles for ROS, and the second containing new information on the role of fruits, vegetables, and vitamins in health and disease. This new edition also contains expanded coverage of the mechanisms of oxidative damage to lipids, DNA, and proteins (and the repair of such damage), and the roles played by reactive species in signal transduction, cell survival, death, human reproduction, defence mechanisms of animals and plants against pathogens, and other important biological events. The methodologies available to measure reactive species and oxidative damage (and their potential pitfalls) have been fully updated, as have the topics of phagocyte ROS production, NADPH oxidase enzymes, and toxicology. There is a detailed and critical evaluation of the role of free radicals and other reactive species in human diseases, especially cancer, cardiovascular, chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. New aspects of ageing are discussed in the context of the free radical theory of ageing. This book is recommended as a comprehensive introduction to the field for students, educators, clinicians, and researchers. It will also be an invaluable companion to all those interested in the role of free radicals in the life and biomedical sciences.

The focus of this collection of illustrated reviews is to discuss the systems biology of free radicals and anti-oxidants. Free radical induced cellular damage in a variety of tissues and organs is reviewed, with detailed discussion of molecular and cellular mechanisms. The collection is aimed at those new to the field, as well as clinicians and scientists with long standing interests in free radical biology. A feature of this collection is that the material also brings insights into various diseases where free radicals are thought to play a role. There is extensive discussion of the success and limitations of the use of antioxidants in several clinical settings.

Covers the most advanced computational and experimental methods for studying carbon-centered radical intermediates With its focus on the chemistry of carbon-centered radicals and radical cations, this book helps readers fully exploit the synthetic utility of these intermediates in order to prepare fine chemicals and pharmaceutical products. Moreover, it helps readers better understand their role in complex atmospheric reactions and biological systems. Thoroughly up to date, the book highlights the most advanced computational and experimental methods available for studying and using these critically important intermediates. Carbon-Centered Free Radicals and Radical Cations begins with a short history of the field of free radical chemistry, and then covers: A discussion of the relevant theory Mechanistic chemistry, with an emphasis on synthetic utility Molecular structure and mechanism, focusing on computational methods Spectroscopic investigations of radical structure and kinetics, including demonstrations of spin chemistry techniques such as CIDNP and magnetic field effects Free radical chemistry in macromolecules Each chapter, written by one or more leading experts, explains difficult concepts clearly and concisely, with references to facilitate further investigation of individual topics. The authors were selected in order to provide insight into a broad range of topics, including small molecule synthesis, polymer degradation, computational chemistry as well as highly detailed experimental work in the solid, liquid, and gaseous states. This volume is essential for students or researchers interested in building their understanding of the role of carbon-centered radical intermediates in complex systems and how they may be used to develop a broad range of useful products.

Free radical initiators–chemical molecules which easily decompose into free radicals–serve as reactive intermediates in synthetic methodologies such as organic and polymer synthesis as well as in technological processes, oligomerization, network formation, and kinetic research. The Handbook of Free Radical Initiators presents an up-to-date account of the physicochemical data on radical initiators and reactions of radical generation. Individual chapters include: Dialkyl Peroxides and Hydroperoxides Diacyl Peroxides, Peresters, and Organic Polyoxides Azo-Compounds Bimolecular Reactions of Free Radical Generation by Ozone, Dioxygen, Hydroperoxides, and Haloid Molecules Free Radical Abstraction Reactions Free Radical Addition Reactions Free Radical Recombination and Disproportoination Reactions Professionals and academic researchers in chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, plastics, and rubbers will find the Handbook of Free Radical Initiators to be a distinguished, vital resource.

"A political biography of Nebraska state senator Ernest (Ernie) Chambers, investigating the tumultuous local and national political climate for African Americans from the late twentieth century to today"--Provided by publisher.

The past twenty years has seen an explosion of interest in free radicals, as their pivotal role in both chemistry and biology has come to light. This introductory textbook aims to capture this excitement for advanced level undergraduates, with particular emphasis on the importance of radical reactions in organic synthesis. The book provides a gentle, stepwise introduction to the subject, taking the student from the basic principles of radical reactions through to their applications in industry and their role in biological and environmental processes, allowing the relevance of the subject to be grasped more easily. Suitable for advanced level undergraduates and postgraduates in chemistry and biochemistry, the book will also be invaluable for research level scientists requiring an update in the area.

Free radicals constitute the most frequently used class of reaction intermediates in organic chemistry. This study describes the structure and reactivity of free radicals, and explores their role in both natural phenomena and in the design of new reaction pathways.

The work presented here is a result of an extended collaboration with a number of coworkers and guests. Particularly, I would like to thank Dr. P. Burkhard and Dr. W. Strub for their careful work performed for their Ph. D. thesis and Dr. M. Heming for his brilliant ideas and his dedication. Very fruitful and stimulating were collaborations with our guests, i. e. with G. A. Brinkman and P. W. F. Louwrier from NIKHEF-K in Amsterdam, B. C. Webster, M. J. Ramos and D. McKenna from the University of Glasgow, M. C. R. Symons, D. Geeson and C. J. Rhodes from the University of Leicester, S. F. J. Cox and C. A. Scott from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Chilton, and R. De Renzi and M. Ricco from the University of Parma. Many invaluable discussions with friends and competitors in the field helped to address new viewpoints and to define new goals. I shall not forget my teacher and director of the radical chemistry group, Prof. H. Fischer, whom I wish to thank for his interest and active support and for the great liberty he allowed me for the planning and organization of the project. Last but not least, I thank my dear wife Hanny and our children Christian, Martin and Andrea who suffered, without complaint, daddy's absence for so many hours.