Book excerpt: Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry in Life Sciences: Principles and Applications is a systematic introduction to this rapidly expanding area of study. Underlying principles of each technique are explained in detail, along with discussions on their applications across life science disciplines. Ambient ionization has recently emerged as one of the hottest and fastest growing topics in mass spectrometry, hence this book is not just for analysts and researchers who use and study mass spectrometry. This volume would be of interest to anyone who works in or studies analytical chemistry, omics sciences (including metabolomics), pharmacokinetics, forensic science or drug analysis. - Covers the most up-to-date techniques, including DART, DCBI, DESI, PESI, PSI, REIMS and laser-based ambient ionization - Includes easy-to-understand pros and cons of each ionization technique to aid in decision-making - Provides plentiful examples of life science applications