In Silico: 3D Animation and Simulation of Cell Biology with Maya and MEL (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics) (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics)

In Silico introduces Maya programming into one of the most fascinating application areas of 3D graphics: biological visualization. In five building-block tutorials, this book prepares animators to work with visualization problems in cell biology. The book assumes no deep knowledge of cell biology nor 3D graphics programming. An accompanying DVD-ROM includes code derived from the tutorials, the working Maya computer files, and sample animated movies. The interior of the book contains generous Maya screen captures, tables, and flowcharts to compliment the instruction and tutorials. Full 4 color illustrations rendered from the authors' working files illustrate the capacity to produce striking pictures from the rendered models being created. Throughout the text, key words are set in bold type and subsequently defined in a glossary. Page margin tips and tricks compliment the adjacent copy, and icons direct the reader to specific references within the Maya Help library. The visualizations in the book are stunning examples of the state of the art.

*Teaches artists and scientists to create realistic digital images of humans and nature with popular CG program, Maya

*This self-contained study guide includes background, foundations, and practice

*Step-by-step example programs and end-result demonstrations help readers develop thie own portfolios

*Gorgeous four color screen shots throughout

User review
Excellent resource
Firstly, let's talk about the structure of the book. This book is broken into three sections:

PART 1 is an introduction to the evolution of computing and how CG has been used for medical simulations and scientific visualizations. It contains three chapters that discuss how hardware and software are progressing over the years in respect of technology. So, this first part of the book is a bit overwhelming on theory. Those who are familiar with CG concepts and terms might see interesting to skip this part.

PART 2 is a Maya crash course. Well, not so `crash` if you consider this is a ten chapters walk. It goes from Maya Interface through Dynamics ending up with two great MEL scripting chapters. Maya users may want to skip this part. However, I consider the two chapters on MEL scripting valuable even for those who are already Maya/MEL users.

PART 3 is the heart of the book. However, it is a rock-solid one. This part contains five project-based chapters. If you are an experienced Maya and MEL user, so you are at one of the most interesting playgrounds you could be. If you are not experienced with Maya/MEL, I suggest you to go back to PART 2 and consider reading it. These five projects/tutorials will make you dive deep into the world of MEL scripting. And believe me: it's rewarding.

This is not a book for the casual 3D modeler and animator. This one is for those really interested in how Maya and MEL can be used to generate 3D animations and simulations for the biology and medical fields. Almost every picture inside this book is related with biomedical applications.

Those looking for learning Maya, this book really brings a pretty descent foundation course on this software. Those looking for learning MEL, this book is a must buy. Just please keep in mind that every example and exercise is targeted to cell biology and its related fields.

Best regards,
Chris.

User review
this book will get you thinking
Overall I think this book is a decent addition to anyone looking at science visualization if you have a good knowledge of Maya already.
The book is broken into two sections. The first half of the book is really just an intro to maya. If you need this info, then the second half will completely blow you out of the water. I found the second half to be fairly engaging- it is really an exercise in MEL scripting - and a good one.
I think the book could give a more general overview of sci-viz, and not get into specifics so much.
This book is not for the casual Maya user.