10+ Best Metagenomics Books To Read in [2023] [UPDATED]

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Biology is not limited to the study of botany and zoology only but has expanded its wings way beyond that. The emerging field of Metagenomics is one such example of advanced analysis and genomics learning. Metagenomics broadly means the study of genetic material where the source of the genome is the environment or symbiotic relation between two organisms, crime scene, etc.

Metagenomics is taking a central role in most of the research studies nowadays. Every biologist with an analytical approach must read the Metagenomic books to understand the concepts of the subject and its applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. Here is a list of the Best Metagenomics book that should be read by every microbiologist and genomic researcher.

 

Best Metagenomics Books for Microbiologists & Genomic Researchers

You may choose to read any of the books from the given list. However, if you are looking for some specialized books then these are highly recommend for you to read.

1. Metagenomics: Methods and Protocols

Metagenomics: Methods and Protocols edited by Wolfgang R. Streit and Rolf Daniel is a compilation of the latest technology and tools currently available for Metagenomics.

The book is divided into several sections that include the complete protocol for the stepwise analysis using these latest technologies.

The initial chapters include the process of isolation of DNA from the environment such as soil (terrestrial) and water (marine).

The further chapters include the construction and screening of libraries for diverse biomolecules and enzymes.

The chapter includes the latest methods of DNA isolation and the construction of large and small insert libraries from both land and marine habitats.

The following topics are mentioned too- Methods for building a metagenomic library in non-E.coli host, tools used for function-driven data mining of metagenomic DNA, and protocols for screening for a wide range of different genes that encode enzyme with relevance to biotechnology and ecological sciences.

This edition provides elaborate details on screening protocol for enzymes such as phosphatases, poly-hydroxyalkanoate, stereo-selective hydrolases, and microbial signals for secondary metabolites’ discovery.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The book has been highly acclaimed by the readers for the detailed descriptions of the methods in molecular biology.
  • The chapter includes introductions on relevant topics, a list of necessary materials and reagents required, step by step protocol for producing results, and tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes and produce optimum results.
  • The book is comprehensive, easy to understand, and is a collection of the latest protocols and tools for the recovery of major biocatalysts
  • Highly recommended for researchers working in the field of microbiology, genomics, genetics, biotechnology Bioinformatics, and so on.

Level (best suitable for): Beginners

 

2. Metagenomics: Perspectives, Methods, and Applications

Metagenomics: Perspectives, Methods, and Applications edited by Muniyandi Nagarajan is a brief overview of the growing field of Metagenomics.

The book is divided into separate specialized chapters that have been written by international scientific researchers on the introduction of the field and examination of methods for metagenomic analysis.

The analysis of microbiota has been primarily focused along with computational tools for Metagenomics analysis, and recent development in the field of Metagenomics from various environments/habitats.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • This textbook is unique due to special emphasis on the applied concepts by researchers, practitioners, students, clinicians, and professors.
  • The book focuses on employing metagenomic approaches to advance the knowledge of readers in the field of life sciences, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
  • The chapter elaborates case study based applications for various topics ranging from viral meta-genome profiling, oral disease, and health in Metagenomics, insights into the human gut microbiome, and syndromes arising from metabolic activities, and many more.
  • The book is written in simple language and easy-to-understand format
  • It mainly focuses on the perspectives of future potential by the end of each chapter.
  • The reader would have new thoughts and motivations.
  • Researchers excited about this field can go through this for fruitful results in the research area.

Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate

 

3. Metagenomics for Microbiology

Metagenomics for Microbiology edited by Jacques Izard and Maria Rivera is an excellent piece of writing for understanding the microbial principles associated with the application of high-throughput analysis.

With the accelerated development in the Next Generation genomic sequencing technique in science, it has become possible to decode the genetic code of microbes living within us and outside in the environment.

The broad choice of studying the multiple aspects of the genome has been provided in this book along with great number of possible results.

The unique capabilities for investigating within the cellular communities have raised the hopes for therapeutic potential and disease prevention in the future.

The most relevant part of the book is that it focuses on omics studies and provides a solid foundation for the design and analysis of the characterization of microbial diversity.

The primary focus of the book lies in the technological approaches in the field of Metagenomics through conceptual and practical applications.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The text is straight forward and written in simple language for easy understanding
  • Nicely designed principles for the interdisciplinary Metagenomics studies
  • It includes the latest methodologies and best practices for sample collection, laboratory preparation, and Metatranscriptomics studies
  • The book has especially been written for students and researchers belonging to the field of microbiology, molecular biology, statisticians, biostatisticians, environmental microbiologists, clinicians, public health scientists, and many more.

Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance

 

4. Metagenomics: Techniques, Applications, Challenges and Opportunities

Metagenomics: Techniques Applications Challenges and Opportunities edited by Reena Singh Chopra, Chirag Chopra and Neeta Raj Sharma is an amalgamation of various interdisciplinary research areas and their potential applications in different healthcare and medical fields.

The main theme of the book revolves around Metagenomics and its applications in medical biotechnology, diagnostics, therapeutics, and the environment.

It includes the recent developments in theoretical and practical domains as well as applications of Metagenomics in the fields of forensics, drug discovery, agriculture, bioremediation, and many more.

It also discusses about the different range of bioinformatical tools, computational methods, algorithms, and methodology used in the metagenomic analysis to predict the functional diversity and dynamics of microbial communities inside the human body.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The editors are experts in their fields and have written the book in simple language to be understood by various field researchers
  • It is a brief overview hence can be read by learners from any field
  • The comprehensive text and distinctive chapters
  • This includes high-resolution images and illustrated diagrams for a clear understanding of concepts
  • The book discusses various approaches that are used to handle microbial physiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology

Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate

 

5. Encyclopedia of Metagenomics

Encyclopedia of Metagenomics: Genes, Genomes, and Metagenomes. Basics, Methods, Databases, and Tools is everything you will need to understand Metagenomics from its base. Dr. Nelson has immense expertise and experience in the fields of microbial ecology, genomics, physiology, and Metagenomics. She has compiled this book with immense validation and reliability.

Metagenomics is a cutting-edge field of research in today’s time. It has great applications for solving human health crises and diseases. Not just humans, but environmental issues, animal-related problems, and agricultural problems can be addressed by it.

The number of publications on PubMed repository is gradually increasing every day and numerous research groups are working together to develop efficient computational tools to compute positive results.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • Text is simple and easy to understand
  • The chapter is divided into distinct sections with specific topics.
  • It can be used by any biology researcher working especially in the field of environmental microbiology, biotechnology, Metagenomics science, and many more
  • This book is an encyclopaedia having all the information in one place
  • Includes every small possible detail that must be crucial to understand Metagenomics clearly
  • The graduates, undergraduates, clinicians might find it useful for their work

Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate

 

6. Metagenomics of the Human Body

Metagenomics of the Human Body edited by Karen Nelson is an interesting compilation of the immense Metagenomics data available inside the human body.

The author has formerly written several books and her expert knowledge has helped in compiling this book as well.

The book is unique due to its approach in combining the information obtained from the human genome and the Metagenomics studies.

The investigations led to the development of new results and the effects of microbial communities on the human immune system.

The market already has several books that primarily focus on the human genome and the microbe present in the gut, but this book is on another level due to the combination of data.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The book includes findings from the famous Human Genome Project (HGP) and cross over to the human microbiome.
  • The author has also focused on the human genome and the developments in the microbial ecology field that are associated with the human body. The implications of health and diseases have been also included.
  • No Book has ever combined information to generate something new but this book has done it with great efficiency.
  • The book is ideal for students currently studying at graduate and undergraduate level
  • The scientists, researchers, clinicians, activists, microbiologists, ethical legal groups can also study the human genome and microbiome

Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance

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7. Marine Metagenomics

Marine Metagenomics: Technological Aspects and Applications edited by a group of four editors is an excellent collection of metagenomic research on underwater (marine) microorganisms.

The change in the global environment has led to the problems of global warming and deteriorating environmental conditions. It has severely affected the Marine ecosystem too. Changes in the marine environment have posed major problems on the terrestrial environment.

To understand the marine system and to maintain a healthy ecological environment, the monitoring and analysis of these systems is significant.

The comprehensive and detailed analysis of the DNA of marine micro-organisms has led to an increase in our understanding of the dynamics of the Marine ecosystem and applying it judiciously to solve the crisis of environmental pollution.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The book has up to date information on the Marine metagenome research and it briefly explains the methods involved in performing the analysis of marine genomes
  • The book is written in easy to understand style, has simple text and language
  • The book is therefore a boon to save the environment by properly monitoring the novel metagenomic methods and applying it judiciously to solve the crisis.
  • It is highly recommended for Marine scientists and researchers who are looking for an appropriate laboratory manual on Metagenomics and experimentation methods

Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance

 

8. Mining of Microbial Wealth and Metagenomics

Mining of Microbial Wealth and Metagenomics edited by a group of four editors is an interesting book on understanding the foundations of Metagenomics in brief.

The different ecosystems and the different organisms living in those ecosystems has always interested scientists and researchers to obtain insights into the dynamism of these communities.

The book emphasizes how the advances in novel molecular biology techniques have led to the development of technology such as next-generation sequencing and it further elaborates the methods for identifying novel organisms including those which are unique to be found in an environment/habitat.

The central focus of the book is on the Marine ecosystem such as rivers, mountains, oceans, where, bioactive molecules with great potential could be identified.

These researches can be useful in various human resources such as- agriculture, medicine, food, and the supply of water, bioremediation, many more.

The book also describes the up to date research in the field of Metagenomics that focuses on the diversity within an ecosystem without needing to culture the microorganisms in the labs.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The book even includes an interesting topic of the human-associated microbes and their role in affecting human health.
  • A deep study in the field of Metagenomics can widen the hope of solving human health conditions and discovering efficient drugs
  • The book is written in a simple style and follows an easy to understand format
  • It includes descriptions of the methodologies and the applications of Metagenomics in the future researches

Level (best suitable for): Advance

 

9. Metagenomics and Its Applications

Metagenomics and its application in agriculture biomedicine and environmental studies (genetics research and issues) is written and edited by Robert Li.

It is a complete package on the wide applications of Metagenomics in different fields.

Metagenomics is the study of microbes from the community that is directly collected from the natural environment without culturing.

The DNA sequenced from the direct sources and its study can be applied to the fields of agriculture, microbiology, biomedicine, veterinary, clinical medicine, bioenergy, biotechnology, biosciences, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and many more.

The book is divided into various sections with insightful information on Metagenomics and its wide application in different fields that affect humans directly.

The rapid growth of Metagenomics has led to successful applications in different fields, hence there could be more to be learned from this book and applied in real life.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The book is recommended for industrial and pharmaceutical companies looking for natural methods and ways of developing products using microbes
  • It is recommended for students at graduate and undergraduate level, beginning to study the wide applications of genomics and metagenomics
  • The text is written in simple language and easy to understand format helps for clearing the concepts

Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance

 

10. Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology – I

Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology I: Metagenomics and Complementary Approaches is a wonderful collection of complex microbial communities and their habitats studies.

Since Metagenomics is an emerging field therefore a lot of books are available to read. This book is promising since it is written in a comprehensive style and it covers microorganisms living in a large variety of habitats.

The book includes review articles and a huge number of case studies to help the reader to understand what Metagenomics is all about.

The book is written by international experts from various backgrounds having in-depth knowledge.

The book focuses on a topic such as general information of DNA, RNA, DNA fingerprinting, etc.

Introduction to basic tools of Metagenomics with examples of databases, computer-assisted analysis, bioinformatics, and many more

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The key feature of this book is the inclusion of computer programs used in studies and the database that stores information of the metagenomic studies.
  • There is a huge list and a great amount of data generated on Metagenomics studies.
  • A highly acclaimed book recommended for reference if the researcher belongs to microbiology and environmental biology areas
  • Those working in the field of human microbiome projects, microbial genetics, professionals in molecular biology, young bioinformaticians, ecologist and many more can find this book very informative

Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance

 

11. Microbial Ecology

Microbial Ecology: Current Advances from Genomics Metagenomics and Other Omics is edited by Diana Marco.

Diana Marco is an expert on microbial systems. She has beautifully laid down the theoretical and practical aspects of microbial ecology.

The understanding of the complex system of interactions among microorganisms and their interaction with the environment and other organisms have significantly become easier.

This possibility came into existence soon after the development of metagenomics, Metatranscriptomics, Metametabolomics, Metaproteomics, and other related fields.

With every passing day, the field of microbial ecology is experiencing discovery and researches that are increasing the understanding of processes and mechanisms that govern the dynamics of microbiomes.

The book represents many interesting topics and the applications of advanced genomics methods in the field of microbial ecology.

Topics that have been included in the chapter are the investigation of patterns, processes, and the mechanism in microbial ecology sequencing, soil studies, insular microbiology, biogeography, microbial communities, wildlife microbial genomics, and endocrinology.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The volume is comprehensible and indispensable for current researchers in microbiology, educators, and advanced studies students interested in solving and identifying microbes based problems
  • An excellent book, more advanced omics methods
  • This is a highly recommended book for the scientific workers in the field of microbial ecology and enthusiastic microbiologists

Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate

 

12. Functional Metagenomics: Tools and Application

Functional Metagenomics Tools and Applications edited by three expert editors, is a collection of the latest tools available for analysis of functional metagenomics research.

The research available in the book enables researchers to directly access the genomes from various diverse microbial genomes, at a single time, and study the metagenomes.

Using these modern tools of analysis, sequencing, cloning, scientists have harnessed astonishing metagenomic diversity and information on diverse microorganisms’ functions.

Most the scientists around the world have demonstrated these approaches that have been applied in different settings, such as Marine habitats, terrestrial habitat, and microbiome environment.

Why You Should Buy This Book

  • The book is comprehensive and written in easy language with simple vocabulary for easy understanding
  • It represents highly informative and reliable content in the best possible way
  • The book is highly recommended for microbiologists since it provides information on the functional metagenomics of all the specific habitats.

Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance

In this article, we have included the best 12 textbooks for Metagenomics. Some of the books are very basic and fundamental. The understanding of these books will help you to get a grasp on the subject. You may also find some advanced level books that can help you with your short-term scientific projects. The laboratory manual is recommended for the technicians working in the field of Metagenomics and Bioinformatics.

The books will support you in clearing your concepts and increasing the knowledge base.

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