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Scientists regularly use microbes in their research. However, they often overlook their richness and potential for action and reaction, particularly in their attempts to control or eradicate them. Antibiotic resistance, a health scourge that is still largely underestimated, is a particularly good illustration of the consequences of industrial capitalism's massive use of microbes to manufacture antibiotics. This observation is the starting point for the thinking behind this book: the production and use of scientific knowledge are not independent of the conditions under which it is obtained. As far as microbes are concerned, the author shows the importance of taking into account the tangled and constantly evolving relationships that link them to human societies, and more generally to other living beings. What she describes as pluribiosis.

In this book, epigenetics is understood as the science of molecules and mechanisms involved in controlling gene activity without altering their sequence, and which thus contribute to cellular functions. It enables us to decipher the development and differentiation processes of cells in a complex organism, which perform different functions despite sharing the same nuclear genetic information. This science also supports cellular memory and responses to the environment. The book introduces the history and evolution of the concept of "epigenetics" and explains the molecular mechanisms that govern the development of mammals, fish or plants. Knowledge of the diversity of these mechanisms, and our understanding of their importance in biology, is probably just getting started. Some processes, such as X chromosome inactivation, are specific to mammals, while others, such as parental imprinting, are surprisingly common to both mammals and plants with sexual reproduction. Their importance in responses to the biotic or abiotic environment is highlighted to show possible applications in medicine or agronomy. This book is intended for students, teachers in higher education and researchers in the field of biology.

Science communication aims at the successful sharing and explanation of sciencerelated topics to a wider audience. In order to enhance communication between science and society, a better understanding of citizens’ habits and perceptions is needed. Therefore, it is vital to understand how citizens acquire knowledge about science- related issues, how this knowledge affects their beliefs, opinions and perceptions, and what sources of information they choose to learn about science – and how they assess their reliability. This book addresses these questions, based on the analyses of public consultations data from Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain, concerned with the science communication of issues including climate change, vaccines, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Sharing experiences of how to engage citizens in public consultation, it provides insights into the mobilisation of interest in science and offers recommendations on how to improve science communication.

The use of chemical pesticides is a major societal concern because of their negative impacts on the environment and health. The Priority Research Programme (PPR) "Cultiver et Protéger Autrement" (Growing and Protecting Differently), led by INRAE, plays a structuring role in the evolution of scientific communities and in the emergence of scientific fronts allowing for pesticide-free crop protection. The aim of the book is to explain the foundations of this strategy and the principles of action. By setting itself a zero pesticide course, research is attempting to overcome the current obstacles and produce breakthrough innovations in the biotechnical and socio-economic fields. In addition to research, teaching and the agricultural sector, this book also targets innovation, development and advisory actors.