Metagenomics

Book excerpt: Metagenomics: Perspectives, Methods, and Applications, second edition, provides thorough coverage of the growing field of metagenomics. A diverse range of chapters from international experts offer an introduction to the field and examine methods for metagenomic analysis of microbiota, metagenomic computational tools, and recent metagenomic studies in various environments and clinical settings. The emphasis on application makes this text particularly useful for applied researchers, practitioners, clinicians, and students seeking to employ metagenomic approaches to advance knowledge in the biomedical and life sciences. Case study-based application chapters include topics ranging from metagenome tools, metagenomics in oral disease and health, metagenomic insights into the human gut microbiome and metabolic syndromes, and more. This new edition has been fully updated to address the rapid growth and development of metagenomics applications, featuring expert discussion of recent developments and fresh case studies. Newly added chapters instruct in methods and implications of metagenomics in areas of growing focus, such as microbiome research, clinical diagnosis, metagenomic epidemiology, and plant microbe interaction. Data analysis is explained in simple terms for effective use of computational tools, software, and sequencing pipelines. - Features a diverse range of chapters from international experts - Highlights current state-of-the-art and recent advances in the field with current perspectives and case studies - Includes methods, techniques, and various computational software tools and pipelines currently used in metagenomic studies - Provokes new thought and motivations for continued study, with next steps in research discussed at the end of each chapter