Books

Viruses and society

ASBMB Today Staff
Nov. 7, 2022

"Viruses and Society" is a textbook written by Patricia Melloy, professor of biological sciences, Fairleigh Dickinson University

 

Viruses and Society by Patricia Melloy

Viruses and Society” is geared toward professionals and students in college-level introductory biology courses devoted to understanding viruses, vaccines and their global impact. In approachable and simplified language, the book introduces cells, DNA and viruses themselves. This is followed by a review of how the immune system works and how scientists and physicians harness the immune system to protect people through vaccines. Specific chapters focus on the 1918 influenza pandemic, the fight to eradicate polio, the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the current COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, the book reviews the uses of viruses in genetic engineering and gene therapy. It concludes by describing public health initiatives to keep emerging viruses in check and the role of scientific communication in how viruses are perceived and have an impact on our society.

CRC Press

Are you an ASBMB member who has published a book recently?

If so, we’d like to feature your work in an upcoming issue of ASBMB Today. Please email a synopsis (under 100 words), an image of the book’s cover and your headshot to ASBMB Today.

Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?

Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.

Learn more
ASBMB Today Staff

This article was written by a member or members of the ASBMB Today staff.

Get the latest from ASBMB Today

Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.

Latest in People

People highlights or most popular articles

Introducing STEM before self-doubt
Profile

Introducing STEM before self-doubt

March 26, 2026

With hair biology workshops and hands-on STEM programs, Shyretha Brown is building pathways for young girls to see themselves in science. Through Building Bridges, she blends education, identity and access to expand who feels welcome in STEM.

In memoriam: Richard Wolfenden
In Memoriam

In memoriam: Richard Wolfenden

March 23, 2026

He was an enzymologist whose work helped spur the development of ACE inhibitor drugs and has been an ASBMB member since 1967.

Tansey named department chair
Member News

Tansey named department chair

March 16, 2026

He has been a faculty member at Otterbein University since 2002.

In memoriam: Joel Habener
In Memoriam

In memoriam: Joel Habener

March 16, 2026

He discovered GLP-1, which helped pave the way for transformative diabetes and obesity therapies, and he was an ASBMB member for 25 years.

In memoriam: Walter A. Shaw
In Memoriam

In memoriam: Walter A. Shaw

March 9, 2026

He is the namesake for the Walter A. Shaw Young Investigator Award in Lipid Research and founded Avanti Polar Lipids.

Dorn named assistant professor
Member News

Dorn named assistant professor

March 9, 2026

She will open her lab at the University of Vermont in fall 2026, and her research will focus on catalysis, synthetic methodology and medicinal chemistry.