This volume is devoted to the solution behavior of the molecules of life: lipids, nucleotide bases, amino acids, and sugars. Theory is confronted by experiment and comparisons are made between the properties of molecules in crystals and in solution. Four excellent reviews are included. John and Lois Crowe consider the profound lyotropic effects of water on membrane phospholipids. E. Westhof and D.L. Beveridge discuss hydration of nucleic acids, concluding that the development of an adequate description of the solvation and electrostatic properties of the nucleic acids is essential for...

The fourth volume of Water Science Reviews presents three fascinating accounts of hydration phenomena in colloidal systems. O.F. Evans and David Miller provide a reappraisal of the role of water in promoting amphiphilic assembly and structure. Donald England's review of water-soluble polymers highlights those areas that show unique solution properties or where there is contention as to the explanation for the behavior. The final review by Kenneth Newman addresses the hydration of surfaces, a topic of profound scientific and technological importance. Post-graduate researchers interested in...