Photobiology

It is not always the case that the subject of a scientific book and its relevance to everyday li fe are so timely. Photobiology and its si ster subject Radiobiology are now a must for understanding the environment we live in and the impact light, ultraviolet light, and radiation have on all aspects of our life. Photobiology is a true interdisciplinary field. Photobiology research plays a direct role in diverse fields, and a glance at the topics of the symposia covered in this book by over 100 articles shows the breadth and depth of knowledge acquired in fundamental research and its impact on the major issues and applied problems the world is facing. Half a century of photobiology research brought about an understanding of the importance of light to life, both as a necessary source of energy and growth as weIl as its possible dangers. Research in photochemistry and photobiology led to the discoveries of ceIlular repair mechanisms of UV induced damages to DNA and this led to understanding of the effects of hazardous environmental chemieals and mutagenecity , and to the development of genetic engineering. This topic was given due emphasis in several symposia and chapters in this book.

Springer Book Archives

Opening of the Congress.- AIP Presidential Lecture: Themes and Trends in Photobiology.- A Half Century of Photobiology: The Alexander Hollaender Memorial Symposium.- Ultraviolet and Ionizing Radiations: From Molecules to Cells.- UV Light and DNA Damage, Repair and Mutagenesis.- Photochemistry and Photophysics: Probing the Unknown.- Light Regulated Biological Processes - Photosynthesis.- Photoreceptors: Phytochrome.- Rhodopsins.- Circadian Rhythms.- Solar UV Light Effects on Growth and Development.- Man and Ultraviolet Light - Photosensitization and Photocarginogenesis.- UV and Cancer.- Photoimmunology.- The Franz Greiter Memorial Symposium: Physiological Effects of UV Radiation on the Immune System and on the Eye.- Photodynamic Therapy.- Photoprotection A. Cellular Mechanisms.- B. Protection Measures.- Psoralens: Effects and Mechanisms.- UV and the Environment.- UV Risks and Regulations.- Round Table: Photobiology in Developing Countries.- Author Index.