In the past 25 years, more than 30 new germs affecting humans have emerged onto the medical scene, most of them rising from animals. New diseases like the avian flu, Ebola, SARS, and weaponized viruses such as anthrax and smallpox pose a growing danger to the world. With the threat of infectious diseases remaining constant, it is essential to have clear and concise information on this topic. The A to Z of Infectious Diseases provides more than 600 up-to-date entries covering the latest research, new treatments and vaccines, and rising diseases such as mad cow disease. Appendixes include drugs...

Completely updated and expanded, "The Encyclopedia of Skin and Skin Disorders, Third Edition" is the most comprehensive handy reference covering the skin - the body's largest organ - and vital matters related to skin care, skin disease, treatments, and so on. More than 1,100 entries cover everything from the sun and skin to acne, from skin cancer to cosmetics and skin lotions. A great deal of new material has been added, and illustrations show helpful cutaways of skin and hair. The text has been revised and updated to include the most recent research on causes and treatments of certain...

More than 1,000 entries cover all aspects of the brain, from anatomy, function, and development to diseases and disorders. With a large focus on memory, one of the mind's most important and mysterious functions, this extensive volume discusses the functions and elements of memory, how it works, how it breaks down, and various diseases and disorders that affect it. Helpful organizations, current advances in research, and up-to-date information on diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases complete this in-depth resource.

Topics include:

-Aging and the brain

-Brain cancer and other...