Human biology Books

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Winner of the PROSE Award in Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, and Ancient History, Association of American Publishers"

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Longlisted for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, PEN America""One of Waterstones' Books of the Year 2020: Popular Science""Longlisted for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books for Young Adults""The role of happenstance in determining the fate of the world may seem a matter for philosophy more than science, but Carroll, a biologist, shows how central the idea is to everyday existence." * New York Times Book Review *"With conversational wit, Carroll encourages us to embrace the randomness of the world."---Scott Hershberger, Scientific American"The Yucatan asteroid is an epic example of the sheer randomness which, as Sean B. Carroll argues in this short but thought-provoking book, rules both the universe and our own lives."---Nick Rennison, Daily Mail"Carroll takes readers on an entertaining tour of biological discovery that emphasizes the dominant role played by chance in shaping the conditions for life on Earth. Along the way, he provides insights and humor that make the book a quick, lively read that both educates and entertains. . . . Books such as this remind us to make our unlikely time here count."---Ivor Knight, Science"Carroll’s work renders hefty topics accessible, exploring the perfect storm of events responsible for evolution, the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and every living person’s conception."---Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine"It is to biologist Sean B. Carroll’s credit that he’s found a way of taking a puzzle that could easily fill volumes (and probably has filled volumes), and presenting it to us in a slim, non-technical, and fun little book."---Dan Falk, Undark"A history book about humanity told with wit and style."---John Brandon, Forbes"A short, sweet, and scientifically solid view of life." * Kirkus, starred review *"I couldn’t put it down. If you’re at all interested in science, you’ll keep turning these pages."---Flora Taylor, American Scientist"If you enjoyed Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything, you'll like this breezy, equally amusing trip through time. . . . A stellar little book about science.""---Jenny Nicholls, Waiheke Weekender"In Carroll, three traits that are rare in themselves conjoin in an even rarer alignment: a command of multiple scientific fields, an unrivaled ability to clearly explain complex scientific concepts, and a deep instinct for storytelling. It is only fitting that such an unlikely combination produced A Series of Fortunate Events, since this discipline-spanning, highly engaging volume is all about the unlikely combinations that gave rise to all life, to the human species, and to each of us as unique individuals."---Barbara N. Horowitz, The Quarterly Review of Biology"Entertaining and informative, Carroll’s latest is a real eye-opener."---Nick Smith, Engineering & Technology"Golf games, coincidental immunity, and pandemics: A Series of Fortunate Events ranges from examining trivial events to sobering ones, but remains relevant throughout, revealing how chance affects everyday life."---Rebecca Foster, Foreword Reviews"Entertaining and informative, Carroll’s latest is a real eye-opener."---Dr Alyson Hitch, The Bay"This book lays bare how often unpredictable events have shaped our world; it educates, engages, and entertains."---R. M. Denome, Choice"A short and charming book that will give you a new appreciation of the vagaries of life and their influence."---Ian Simmons, Fortean Times"This is an accessible and fun book but be forewarned that it might leave you wanting more. Personally, I take that as a good sign."---Leon Vlieger, The Inquisitive Biologist

Read more less

Book SynopsisIncreasingly, scientists are gaining control over matter at the nanometer scale. Spearheaded by physical scientists operating at the interfaces of physics and biology, advances in nanoscience and technology are transforming how people think about life and treat human health.Trade Review"Nano Comes to Life draws on author Sonia Contera’s adventures in molecular-scale engineering to herald the coming of age of nanotechnology, and its promise to re-engineer tissue and transform lives." * New Scientist *"[The photographic section] is truly striking with its visual illustration of laying down single atomic designs and smart insulin-releasing patches containing microneedles."---Simon Cocking, Irish Tech News"[A] succinct study . . . Contera frames this near-future transmaterial science, with its focus on human well-being, as an effort allied to social justice even as it probes existential questions of what it means to be human."---Barbara Kiser, Nature"This is a readable although necessarily technical introduction to the way that physics is coming to biology."---David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat’s in Your Genome? describes the functional regions of the human genome, the evidence that 90% of it is junk DNA, and the reasons this evidence has not been widely accepted by the popular press and much of the scientific community.The human genome contains about 25,000 protein-coding and noncoding genes and many other functional elements, such as origins of replication, regulatory elements, and centromeres. Functional elements occupy only about 10 percent of the more than three billion base pairs in the human genome. Much of the rest is composed of ancient fragments of broken genes, transposons, and viruses. Almost all of this is thought to be junk DNA, based on evidence that dates back fifty years. This conclusion is controversial. What’s in Your Genome? describes the arguments on both sides of the debate and attempts to explain the reasoning behind those different points of view. The book corrects a number of Table of ContentsPreface Prologue The Junk DNA War 1. Introducing Genomes 2. The Evolution of Sloppy Genomes 3. Repetitive DNA and Mobile Genetic Elements 4. Why Don’t Mutations Kill Us? 5. The Big Picture 6. How Many Genes? How Many Proteins? 7. Gene Families and the Birth and Death of Genes 8. Noncoding Genes and Junk RNA 9. The ENCODE Publicity Campaign 10. Turning Genes On and Off 11. Zen and the Art of Coping with a Poorly Designed Genome Glossary References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThrough the Lens of Anthropology is a concise introduction to anthropology that uses the twin themes of food and sustainability to connect evolution, biology, archaeology, history, language, and culture. The third edition remains a highly readable text that encourages students to think about current events and issues through an anthropological lens.Beautifully illustrated with over 100 full-color images and maps, along with detailed figures and boxes, this is an anthropology book with a fresh perspective and a lively narrative that is filled with popular topics. The new edition has been updated to reflect the most recent developments in anthropology and the contributions of marginalized scholars, while the use of gender-neutral language makes for a more inclusive text. New content offers anthropological insight into contemporary issues such as COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, and #MeToo.Through the Lens of Anthropology continues to be an essential text forTable of ContentsList of Illustrations List of Boxes Acknowledgments About the Authors Preface Note to Instructors Note to Students 1. Introduction: Viewing the World through the Lens of Anthropology 2. We Are Primates: The Primate Background 3. Evolutionary Thought and Theory 4. Human Biological Evolution 5. Cultural Diversity from 2.53 Million to 20,000 Years Ago 6. Cultural Diversity from 20,000 to 5,000 Years Ago 7. Archaeology of the Last 5,000 Years 8. Studying Culture 9. Language and Culture 10. Food-Getting and Economics 11. Marriage, Family, and Gender, and Sexuality 12. Political Organization 13. Supernaturalism 14. Anthropology and Sustainability Glossary References Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Mind-blowing ... It is a hugely important book ... His story is crucial'' Matt Ridley, The TimesOne of the world''s top behavioural geneticists argues that we need a radical rethink about what makes us who we areThe blueprint for our individuality lies in the 1% of DNA that differs between people. Our intellectual capacity, our introversion or extraversion, our vulnerability to mental illness, even whether we are a morning person - all of these aspects of our personality are profoundly shaped by our inherited DNA differences. In Blueprint, Robert Plomin, a pioneer in the field of behavioural genetics, draws on a lifetime''s worth of research to make the case that DNA is the most important factor shaping who we are. Our families, schools and the environment around us are important, but they are not as influential as our genes. This is why, he argues, teachers and parents should accept children for who they are, rather than trying to mould them in certain directions. Even the environments we choose and the signal events that impact our lives, from divorce to addiction, are influenced by our genetic predispositions. Now, thanks to the DNA revolution, it is becoming possible to predict who we will become, at birth, from our DNA alone. As Plomin shows us, these developments have sweeping implications for how we think about parenting, education, and social mobility.A game-changing book by a leader in the field, Blueprint shows how the DNA present in the single cell with which we all begin our lives can impact our behaviour as adults.Trade ReviewIt is a hugely important book - and the story is very well told. Plomin's writing combines passion with reason (and passion for reason) so fluently that it is hard to believe this is his first book for popular consumption, after more than 800 scientific publications. His story is crucial. -- Matt Ridley * The Times *An important book, a must-read guide to one enormous aspect of the human future -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *I cannot tell you how well thumbed this book is . . . every single person listening to me qualifies to read this book because it's about human beings . . . this is our story -- Jo Good * BBC Radio London *A challenging and thought-provoking new book. * Daily Mail *Important new evidence in a never-ending argument * The Evening Standard *You can't read the book without seeing the world afresh. -- Andrew Anthony * Observer (Books of the Year) *An extraordinary book -- Stephen Sackur * BBC HARDtalk *Plomin writes with authority about the ongoing genomic revolution that will unquestionably transform our lives and society. -- Steven Mithen * The Guardian *No-one should be making any proposals about how to improve education without being aware of the contents of, and ideally having read, Robert Plomin's new book, Blueprint. Uncomfortable, but essential reading. -- Dylan William, Emeritus Professor at the Institute of EducationPlomin takes recent genetic research and draws some provocative conclusions. -- Andrew Anthony * The Guardian *What Plomin is saying at the moment is controversial, but it is a message that every teacher needs to at least consider carefully and objectively. -- Jon Severs * Times Educational Supplement *A clear and engaging explanation of one of the hottest (and most interesting) fields in science, by perhaps its most distinguished practitioner -- Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of The Blank Slate and Enlightenment NowSome blueprint, that creates the rainbow spectrum of humanity! Plomin is a masterful teacher as well as brilliant scientist. He coolly lays out the astonishing new evidence that genetic differences matter far more than environmental ones in producing individual differences in ability and character, and argues passionately that, if we want to build a fair society, we must plan accordingly -- Nicholas Humphrey, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, London School of EconomicsThis fascinating book, by the doyen of behavioural genetics, provides a superb introduction to the genetics of who we are. It is beautifully written and very challenging, but it is a challenge that we all need to reflect on -- Sir Richard Layard, emeritus professor of economics at LSE and the author of Happiness and ThriveSome blueprint, that creates the rainbow spectrum of humanity! Plomin is a masterful teacher as well as brilliant scientist. He coolly lays out the astonishing new evidence that genetic differences matter far more than environmental ones in producing individual differences in ability and character, and argues passionately that, if we want to build a fair society, we must plan accordingly -- Nicholas Humphrey, emeritus professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and author of Consciousness Regained and Soul DustRobert Plomin's research has been educating us about environmental and genetic influences on psychological characteristics for decades. This is an accessible and pacy summary of the field's accumulated results, with provocative future-gazing on the uses of genetic material for prediction about people's lives -- Ian Deary, professor of differential psychology at the University of EdinburghRobert Plomin's engaging book, drawing on his 35 years of research experience, makes the complex field of behavioural genetics accessible for a non-expert reader. An important work, Blueprint calls for a society-wide conversation to debate the ethics of this new knowledge and our responsibilities, as this shouldn't just be left in the hands of geneticists -- Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University and author of Zero Degrees of EmpathyIf anyone is going to write a book that challenges deeply held beliefs about who we are, it is Plomin: a psychologist with 45 years' experience in research, but with an undimmed passion for his subject. -- David James * Tes Magazine *Plomin finally finds himself at the crest of the wave as cutting edge research begins to back what have long been theories and hypotheses. * Guardian Books podcast *

Read more less

Book SynopsisHuman Devolution explores the origin of humans through a Vedic lens, proposing that we devolved from spirit to matter. Cremo combines science and Vedas to argue that humans are a blend of consciousness, matter, and mind.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe global prominence of snakes in religion, myth, and folklore underscores our deep connection to thembut why, when few of us have firsthand experience? The answer, Isbell suggests, lies in snakes' singular impact on primate evolution; predation pressure from snakes is ultimately responsible for the superior vision and large brains of primates.Trade ReviewThis book is an intellectual tour de force that would have pleased Charles Darwin. Isbell presents a well-argued case for the startling thesis that snakes have played a key role in shaping evolution of the primate brain. Her comparative perspective draws on geology, paleontology, biogeography, molecular biology, genetics, biological anthropology, nutrition, neuroscience, and psychology. An engaged, lively, and lucid writer, Isbell makes even complex arguments accessible. Her book should be of great interest to biologists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and anyone who wonders who we humans are. -- Arne Öhman, Karolinska InstitutetSuccessful reconstruction of evolutionary history is like the very best detective work. It takes dogged collection of evidence, scientific testing wherever possible and careful application of logic every step of the way. In this presentation of her innovative Snake Detection Theory. Lynne Isbell effectively takes the reader on a voyage of discovery, notching up vital clues along the way. The text stimulating, entertaining and above all instructive—presents the idea that evolution of special features of the visual system in primates was linked to the threat from snakes, which is real only when they are close by. In short, the author traces snake phobia back to early primate origins. The problem is more than theoretical: one estimate gives 150,000 human deaths a year from snakebites, mainly in the tropics. In assembling the evidence, drawing on her extensive experience of studying primates in the field, Isbell covers a great deal of other topics, ranging from continental drift through molecular systematics and on to neurobiology. In passing, she builds in her independent conclusion that primates must have originated far earlier than the known fossil record suggests, leading her to favour the 'Out of India' model of their origins. This proposal is now supported by abundant molecular evidence but still encounters fierce resistance from paleontologists. Isbell's Snake Detection Theory is no less controversial, but she has compiled her case with care. At the very least, primatologists (including myself) will henceforth have to pay more attention to snakes in theory as well as in practice. -- Robert Martin, Field MuseumThe Fruit, the Tree, and the Serpent expertly summarizes everything from reptile evolution and field observations of primates to the biochemistry of vision and the neurobiology of fear. More importantly Lynne Isbell's snake detection theory offers a cohesive explanation for many uniquely primate attributes and even has implications for the origin of language in humans. Her first-rate scholarship will inspire new waves of research in a wide range of disciplines and this reader-friendly book will reward anyone interested in its subjects. -- Harry W. Greene, Cornell University, author of Snakes: the Evolution of Mystery in NatureIn a wide ranging, scholarly volume that is both provocative and enjoyable, Lynne Isbell develops her novel thesis that exceptional aspects of vision in humans and other primates evolved largely to help detect and avoid venomous snakes. Isbell cites the widespread fear of snakes in humans and other primates as clear evidence that they have been a danger over our evolutionary past. The book takes us on a tour of relevant scientific disciplines as Isbell reveals theories of the selective pressures thought to be important in the evolution of primates, presents the basics of the visual systems of primates, and discusses the impact of snakes and other predators on the primate survival. Isbell argues that differences in the visual systems of primates are at least partly the result of New World monkeys and Madagascar prosimian evolving in landmasses without venomous snakes. While Isbell's proposal is sure to generate some controversy, the scope and depth of her present volume is impressive. -- Jon Kaas, Vanderbilt UniversityIn The Fruit, the Tree, and the Serpent, Lynne A. Isbell weaves together facts from anthropology, neuroscience, palaeontology, and psychology to explain that our emotional connection to snakes has a long evolutionary history. This history, Isbell says, is responsible not only for snake fear—the serpent in the garden of Eden, the world-creating Rainbow Serpent of Australian aboriginal myth and B-grade cinema fare—but also for our keen primate vision and perhaps even our facility with language… The book is always rewarding… Her snake tales from long years in the bush are informative and often funny. Isbell writes solid evolutionary science and also takes calculated risks. -- Barbara J. King * Times Literary Supplement *The anthropologist and animal behaviorist Lynne Isbell elegantly posits here that the human facility with language evolved largely thanks to snakes. Coolly testing hypotheses and assessing evidence across an impressive range of disciplines—neuroscience, primate behavior, paleogeography, molecular biology, and genetics—she argues that our distant primate relatives developed their exceptional ability to see and identify 'objects that were close by and in front of them' in order to detect and avoid what was almost certainly their most dangerous predator—the snake… And so, Isbell avers, Genesis has it right: the snake made us human. This groundbreaking, intellectually scintillating work is nonfiction at its absolute best. Isbell ranges widely, unpacks her evidence meticulously, synthesizes disparate and difficult material economically, addresses counterarguments scrupulously, and writes cleanly, often gracefully, and occasionally even playfully. * The Atlantic *Table of Contents* Preface *1. Introduction *2. Primate Biogeography *3. Why Did Primates Evolve? *4. Primate Vision *5. Origins of Modern Predators *6. Vision and Fear *7. Venomous Snakes and Anthropoid Primates *8. Why Only Primates? *9. Testing the Snake Detection Theory * Epilogue: Implications for Humans * Appendix * References * Acknowledgments * Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis“Ridley leaps from chromosome to chromosome in a handy summation of our ever increasing understanding of the roles that genes play in disease, behavior, sexual differences, and even intelligence. . . . . He addresses not only the ethical quandaries faced by contemporary scientists but the reductionist danger in equating inheritability with inevitability.” — The New YorkerThe genome''s been mapped. But what does it mean? Matt Ridley’s Genome is the book that explains it all: what it is, how it works, and what it portends for the futureArguably the most significant scientific discovery of the new century, the mapping of the twenty-three pairs of chromosomes that make up the human genome raises almost as many questions as it answers. Questions that will profoundly impact the way we think about disease, about longevity, and about free will. Questions that will affect the rest

Read more less

Book SynopsisAre we in imminent danger of extinction? Yes, we probably are, argues John Leslie in his chilling account of the dangers facing the human race as we approach the second millenium.Trade Review'Well written and enjoyably frightening. Top people ought to read it. It may change the way they think and act.' - Michael Thompson-Noel, Financial Times'This is an important and excellent book; a brief history of the end of our time. To paraphrase: don't die in ignorance.' - Patrick Neate, The Face'A startling work that is sure to rile and beguile professional philosophers and lay readers alike.' - Times Literary Supplement'An originality and boldness of thought that makes Leslie's work stand out from much other work being done today.' - Canadian Journal of Philosophy'Tightly argued and well written book.' - NetworkTable of ContentsIntroduction, 1. War, Pollution, Disease, 2. Other Dangers, 3. Judging the Risks, 4. Why Prolong Human History? 5. The Domesday Argument, 6. Testing the Argument, 7. Prisoner's Dilemma and Nuclear Revenge, Bibliography, Index of Names, Index of Concepts.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRussell Tuttle synthesizes a vast literature in primate evolution and behavior to explain how apes and humans evolved in relation to one another and why humans became a bipedal, tool-making, culture-inventing species distinct from other hominoids. He refutes the theory that we are sophisticated, instinctively aggressive and destructive killer apes.Trade ReviewLike the late Stephen Jay Gould’s magisterial Structure of Evolutionary Theory, Tuttle’s tome is a grand synthesis of all the latest research and data about apes and their relation to us… But lest you think it is intended chiefly for colleagues in the fields of anthropology and evolutionary biology, Tuttle’s style throughout is crisp and often witty. -- John Farrell * Forbes *Witty, readable, compendious, learned, and judicious, Russell Tuttle’s big new book offers every reader a thorough survey of the biology and evolution of apes, including humans and their ancestors. For scientists, it will be an invaluable resource and a treasury of unfamiliar facts and challenging ideas. -- Matt Cartmill, Professor of Anthropology, Boston UniversityIn this masterly overview, Tuttle interprets human evolution through detailed comparisons with our closest zoological relatives, the apes. This is a truly monumental treatise, not only in scope but particularly because of the depth of scholarship that has been brought to bear. Drawing on a lifetime of study focusing on anatomy but also including behavior and ecology, this is destined to become a classic reference work. -- Robert D. Martin, A. Watson Armour III Curator of Biological Anthropology, The Field Museum, ChicagoA rare accomplishment. Apes and Human Evolution is an unusually fine contribution to the field and will foster great interest in any reader. -- Duane Rumbaugh, Regents Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Language Research Center, Georgia State UniversityTuttle provides both a synthesis and a history of the evolution of one of the most interesting species of all: ourselves. An impressive achievement, written by an authority on the topic. -- Karen B. Strier, Vilas Professor and Irven DeVore Professor of Anthropology, Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe how-to guide for ethnoprimatological research, offering an insight into the preparation, design, implementation, and analysis of the latest research projects in the field. This book tackles the challenges and complexities involved in mixed-methods research, appealing to students and researchers in ethnoprimatology, primatology, anthropology, and conservation biology.Trade Review'In this volume, most of the researchers utilize the methodology and theoretical schema of cultural anthropology to investigate human impact on nonhuman primates. These methods include questionnaires, interviews, participant observation, surveys, cultural mapping, discourse analysis of modern and historical texts, and archival research.' Susan Cachel, AnthroposTable of Contents1. Introduction: doing ethnoprimatology in the Anthropocene Erin P. Riley, Agustin Fuentes and Kerry M. Dore; Part I. Characterizing the Interface: 2. Introduction to Part I Tracie Mckinney; Section 1. Behavioral Ecology: 3. Habituation to tourists: protective or harmful? Jessica L. Westin; 4. Assessing the role of exotic and ornamental plants in the ecology of gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) in southeastern Madagascar Krista Fish; 5. The looming legacy of deforestation for red colobus monkeys in Kibale National Park Krista M. Milich; 6. Food, feeding and foraging: using stable isotope analysis as a methodology in the study of urban primate dietary patterns Anne Kwiatt; 7. Measuring movement: how remote telemetry facilitates our understanding the human-macaque interface Amy R. Klegarth; Section 2. Epidemiological Studies: 8. An ethnoprimatological assessment of human impact on the parasite ecology of silky sifaka (Propithecus candidus) James E. Loudon, Erik R. Patel, Charles Faulkner, Robert Schopler, Rachel A. Kramer, Cathy V. Williams and James P. Herrera; 9. Characterizing simian foamy virus transmission in Bangladesh Lisa Jones-Engel; Section 3. Predator-Prey Studies: 10. How do Pagai, Mentawai Island (Sumatra, Indonesia) nonhuman primate characteristics affect hunters' prey selection? Lisa M. Paciulli and Kristin Sabbi; Section 4. Human-Primate Conflict: 11. Flexibility in Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch) response to human disturbance Melissa A. Reisland and Joanna E. Lambert; 12. Conflicted primatologists: a survey on primatologists' views on conflict and resolution between human and nonhuman primates Mary Baker, Paula Pebsworth and Sindhu Radhakrishna; Part II. Following the Data: Incorporating Ethnography: 13. Introduction to Part II John Knight; 14. Incorporating the ethnographic perspective: the value, process, and responsibility of working with human participants Nicholas Malone, Ally Palmer and Alison Wade; 15. Nonhuman primates and 'others' in the Dzanga Sangha reserve: the role of anthropology and multispecies approaches in ethnoprimatology Melissa J. Remis and Carolyn A. Jost Robinson; 16. Sacred monkeys?: an ethnographic perspective on Macaque sacredness in Balinese Hinduism Jeffrey Peterson and Erin P. Riley; 17. Navigating the methodological landscape: ethnographic data expose the nuances of 'the monkey problem' in St Kitts, West Indies Kerry M. Dore; 18. An ethnoprimatological approach to assessing the sustainability of primate subsistence hunting of indigenous Waiwai in the Konashen Community Owned Conservation Concession, Guyana Christopher A. Shaffer, Elisha Marawanaru and Charakura Yukuma; Part III. Implications for Conservation: 19. Introduction to Part III Carolyn A. Jost Robinson; 20. Using a mixed-methods approach to elucidate the conservation implications of the human-primate interface in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China Amanda Ellwanger, Erin P. Riley and Chia Tan; 21. Culture, conflict and conservation: living with primates in northeastern India Sindhu Radhakrishna; 22. The conservation implications of seasonal endangered lemur hunting Cortni Borgerson; 23. Ethnoprimatology matters: integration, innovation and intellectual generosity Agustin Fuentes, Erin P. Riley and Kerry M. Dore; Index.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe New York Times Bestseller * Foreword by Malcom GladwellReveals how we can all surpass our perceived physical limits. —Adam GrantDiscover the revolutionary account of the science and psychology of endurance, revealing the secrets of reaching the hidden extra potential within us all. This updated paperback edition features a new afterword.The capacity to endure is the key trait that underlies great performance in virtually every field. But what if we all can go farther, push harder, and achieve more than we think we’re capable of?Blending cutting-edge science and gripping storytelling in the spirit of Malcolm Gladwell—who contributes the book’s foreword—award-winning journalist Alex Hutchinson reveals that a wave of paradigm-altering research over the past decade suggests the seemingly physical barriers you encounter as set as much by your brain as by your bod

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Perfect Vaginahighlights the complexities involved with Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery, its role in Western beauty culture, and the creation and control of body image in countries where self-care is valorized and medicine is increasingly harnessed for enhancement as well as health.Trade ReviewThe Perfect Vagina highlights the complexities involved with FGCS, its role in Western beauty culture, and the creation and control of body image in countries where self-care is valorized and medicine is increasingly harnessed for enhancement as well as health. -- Jana Byars * New Books Network *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsPrologue: Mandy's StoryIntroduction: Vulnerable Vulvas1. Melting Snowflakes: Toward a Clean Slit2. Normativity and the Contradictory Nature of Normal3. Seeking Vulval Perfection4. Vulva Las Vegas: Science, Magic (a Gamble) or More of the Same?5. Autonomy, Risk, Desire, and MagicAppendicesReferencesIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisKnowledge of wild chimpanzees has expanded dramatically. This volume, edited by Martin Muller, Richard Wrangham, and David Pilbeam, brings together scientists who are leading a revolution to discover and explain human uniqueness, by studying our closest living relatives. Their conclusions may transform our understanding of human evolution.Trade ReviewComprehensive, judicious, authoritative, up-to-date, well written, and thoroughly fascinating to anyone interested in either species. -- Steven Pinker, author of The Better Angels of Our NatureIn Chimpanzees and Human Evolution, Muller, Wrangham, and Pilbeam have compiled comprehensive and wide-ranging accounts of the evolutionary continuum between chimpanzees and ourselves. It is as much about human nature as it is about chimpanzee behavior and cognition. A truly valuable and information-packed volume. -- Craig Stanford, author of Planet Without ApesTo understand the evolutionary roots of what makes us modern humans, we need to understand the evolutionary history of the phenotype of our closest living relatives. By providing an authoritative and up-to-date guide to what it means to be a common chimpanzee, Chimpanzees and Human Evolution helps us better appreciate and recognize what is special about ourselves. -- Bernard Wood, author of Human EvolutionComprehensive and provocative, this wonderful volume will be indispensable for all interested in human evolution. -- Anne Pusey, Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Research Center, Duke UniversityThe authors provide a wealth of detailed information about chimpanzees and humans, and offer readers original and provocative insights into the evolutionary history of our own species…This masterful work adds substantially to the field of primatology and human evolution; it should be read by anyone with a serious interest in these fields. -- T. Harrison * Choice *

Read more less

Book Synopsis“Why We Sleep is an important and fascinating book…Walker taught me a lot about this basic activity that every person on Earth needs. I suspect his book will do the same for you.” —Bill Gates A New York Times bestseller and international sensation, this “stimulating and important book” (Financial Times) is a fascinating dive into the purpose and power of slumber.Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why we suffer such devastating health consequences when we don''t sleep. Compared to the other basic drives in life—eating, drinking, and reproducing—the purpose of sleep remained elusive. An explosion of scientific discoveries in the last twenty years has shed new light on this fundamental aspect of our lives. Now, pre

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"DeSilva's volume provides a welcome opportunity to reflect on the history of evolutionary theory as a legacy complicated by Darwin's prescience as well as prejudice."---Erika Lorraine Milam, Science"Together with ten colleagues, DeSilva courageously takes up this perennially red-hot founding text of his discipline."---Jessica Riskin, New York Review of Books"A fascinating, comprehensive, and accessible collection of essays. . . . A Most Interesting Problem gives credit to Darwin where credit is due, but is unabashed in its systematic rejection of outdated science."---Lydia Pyne, JSTOR Daily"In this ‘tribute to how science operates,’ 10 contributors revisit Descent on the 150th anniversary of its publication in a ‘quest for understanding the origin, biological variation, behavior, and evolution of humans.’ . . . Each of the contributors adds something valuable to the conversation." * Kirkus Reviews *"This important new collection of commentaries on what is perhaps the most challenging of Darwin's books in our own time, takes up the evidence for human evolution, our place in the family tree, the origins of civilization, of human races, and of sex differences in ways that are both meaningful as well as accessible to those both inside and outside of the scholarly world who are interested in reading and wrestling with this important and core work of Charles Darwin for themselves."---Johannes E. Riutta, The Well-Read Naturalist"[A] unique presentation of the many scientific ideas and hypotheses of Darwin’s “Descent of Man”. [A Most Interesting Problem] is a very interesting book about how sometimes scientific beliefs that have existed for decades can easily be debunked using modern technology."---Molly Gabler-Smith, Integrative and Comparative Biology"This is an especially important and timely project because Darwin’s volume is chock-full of creative, thought-provoking arguments and speculations about human evolution that span an extremely wide range of subjects, and after 150 years, many of these are overdue for a fresh reconsideration."---Jason Winning, Quarterly Review of Biology"This summary of Darwin's contributions to understanding human evolution should interest not only biologists and anthropologists but all concerned about the fate of the human species."---J. S. Schwartz, CHOICE"A Most Interesting Problem is a fantastic run-down of today’s understanding of human evolution and a great showcase of the scientific process."---Tibi Puiu, ZME Science"Fascinating reading about the development of science, and the cultural blindspots than can misdirect even the most brilliant scientists."---Ian Angus, Climate & Capitalism

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHumans evolved in the dynamic landscapes of Africa under conditions of pronounced climatic, geological and environmental change during the past 7 million years. This book brings together detailed records of the paleontological and archaeological sites in Africa that provide the basic evidence for understanding the environments in which we evolved. Chapters cover specific sites, with comprehensive accounts of their geology, paleontology, paleobotany, and their ecological significance for our evolution. Other chapters provide important regional syntheses of past ecological conditions. This book is unique in merging a broad geographic scope (all of Africa) and deep time framework (the past 7 million years) in discussing the geological context and paleontological records of our evolution and that of organisms that evolved alongside our ancestors. It will offer important insights to anyone interested in human evolution, including researchers and graduate students in paleontology, archaeologTable of ContentsPart I. Modern Africa and Overview Of Late Cenozoic Paleoenvironments; Part II. Southern Africa; Part III. Eastern and Central Africa; Part IV. Northern Africa.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA concise and gripping account of eugenics from its origins in the twentieth century and beyond.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of Illustrations Chapter 1: The World of Eugenics Chapter 2: Intelligence Chapter 3: Reproduction Chapter 4: Race, Class, and Gender Chapter 5: Eugenics after 1945 References Further Reading Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisHuman children grow at a uniquely slow pace by comparison with other mammals. When and where did this schedule evolve? Have technological advances, farming and cities had any effect upon it? Addressing these and other key questions in palaeoanthropology and bioarchaeology, Simon Hillson examines the unique role of teeth in preserving detailed microscopic records of development throughout childhood and into adulthood. The text critically reviews theory, assumptions, methods and literature, providing the dental histology background to anthropological studies of both growth rate and growth disruption. Chapters also examine existing studies of growth rate in the context of human evolution and primate development more generally, together with implications for life history. The final chapters consider how defects in the tooth development sequence shed light on the consequences of biological and social transitions, contributing to our understanding of the evolution of modern human developmentTable of ContentsAcknowledgements; 1. Why development and why teeth?; 2. Development schedule, body size and brain size; 3. How teeth grow in living primates; 4. Microscopic markers of growth in dental tissues; 5. Building dental development sequences; 6. Human evolution, pace of development and life history; 7. Dental markers of disease and malnutrition; 8. Health, stress, evolution, the rise of agriculture and towns; 9. Conclusion; Appendix A. Tables; Appendix B. Technical information; References; Index.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe lives of kings, poets, authors, criminals and celebrities are a perpetual fascination in the media and popular culture, and for decades anthropologists and other scientists have participated in ''post-mortem dissections'' of the lives of historical figures. In this field of biohistory, researchers have identified and analyzed these figures'' bodies using technologies such as DNA fingerprinting, biochemical assays, and skeletal biology. This book brings together biohistorical case studies for the first time, and considers the role of the anthropologist in the writing of historical narratives surrounding the deceased. Contributors theorize biohistory with respect to the sociology of the body, examining the ethical implications of biohistorical work and the diversity of social theoretical perspectives that researchers'' work may relate to. The volume defines scales of biohistorical engagement, providing readers with a critical sense of scale and the different paths to ''historical notTrade Review'… stimulating and expertly crafted … this volume is pathbreaking in several respects, not the least of which is its careful and provocative theoretical synthesis between bioarcheology and forensic anthropology. It will for years to come serve as a benchmark for these fields and like-minded biohistorical studies, stimulating further advances in theory building and anthropological problem-solving along with a better grasp of the elaborate relationships between past people and ourselves.' Haagen D. Klaus, The Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsList of contributors; Acknowledgements; 1. Defining an anthropological biohistorical research agenda: the history, scale, and scope of an emerging discipline Christopher M. Stojanowski and William N. Duncan; 2. Autopsy of past leaders: what remains tell us about them? Philippe Charlier; 3. Game of thrones: Richard III and the creation of cultural heritage Richard Toon and Laurie Stone; 4. The search for Don Francisco de Paula Marin: servant, friend, and advisor to King Kamehameha I, Kingdom of Hawaii Michael Pietrusewsky, Michele Toomay Douglas, Rona M. Ikehara-Quebral and Conrad Mac Goodwin; 5. Unearthing Robert Kennicott: naturalist, explorer, Smithsonian scientist Karin S. Bruwelheide, Sandra S. Schlachtmeyer, Douglas W. Owsley, Vicki E. Simon, Arthur C. Aufderheide, Larry W. Cartmell and Stephan J. Swanson; 6. The influence of the law on the post-mortem narratives of unknown human remains Ryan M. Seidemann; 7. The biohistory of prehistory: mummies and the forensic creation of identity Kenneth C. Nystrom; 8. Talking heads and other specters of the Mountain Meadows Massacre Shannon A. Novak; 9. Facial reconstruction of famous historical figures – between science and art Laura Buti, Giorgio Gruppioni and Stefano Benazzi; 10. The probabilistic basis for identifying individuals in biohistorical research Lyle W. Konigsberg and Lee Meadows Jantz; 11. Known unknowns: forensic science, the nation-state, and the iconic dead Sarah Wagner and Adam Rosenblatt; 12. The biohistory of atrocity and the social life of human remains Claire Moon; 13. Ethical issues in biohistory: NO easy answers! Jane E. Buikstra; 14. Theoretical facets of biohistorical research William N. Duncan and Christopher M. Stojanowski; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSituated at the intersection of natural science and philosophy, Our Genes explores historical practices, investigates current trends, and imagines future work in genetic research to answer persistent, political questions about human diversity. Readers are guided through fascinating thought experiments, complex measures and metrics, fundamental evolutionary patterns, and in-depth treatment of exciting case studies. The work culminates in a philosophical rationale, based on scientific evidence, for a moderate position about the explanatory power of genes that is often left unarticulated. Simply put, human evolutionary genomics - our genes - can tell us much about who we are as individuals and as collectives. However, while they convey scientific certainty in the popular imagination, genes cannot answer some of our most important questions. Alternating between an up-close and a zoomed-out focus on genes and genomes, individuals and collectives, species and populations, Our Genes argues thTrade Review'Winther's book is a synthesis of philosophical perspectives on modern evolutionary genomics, written by one of the few people in the world who have a sufficiently deep understanding of both philosophy and biology to achieve such an undertaking. It is a remarkable tour de force of the philosophy of genomics that should be essential reading for students and scholars interested in the broader implications of human genomic research. But the book will also appeal to a more general audience interested in understanding genetics and in finding out what genetics and evolutionary biology can, and cannot, tell them about the fundamental question: Who am I?' Rasmus Nielsen, University of California, Berkeley, USA'Our Genes makes a significant and welcome contribution! Race theorists seeking to reconcile humanities training and impulses with the insights of contemporary genomics will find Winther's rigorous but accessible study particularly valuable. This is vital work.' Paul C. Taylor, Vanderbilt University, USA'It's a rare book indeed in which someone from another discipline examines the basic suppositions and habits of thought characteristic of one's own field with equal parts inspiration and care such that it gives you a whole new perspective on what you do and why. Rasmus Winther's Our Genes is one such book. It is a seamless alloy of evolution, genetics, and the philosophy of biology in which each topic is explained in a manner accessible to non-experts. It also subjects these ideas to deep examination and cogent criticism with pressing implications both for how philosophers should approach problems in population genetics and how population geneticists might sharpen their questions. It should be widely and closely read in philosophy and population genetics seminars alike and could well form the foundation for a new generation of fruitful collaborations between philosophers and population geneticists.' Charles S. Roseman, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA'Our Genes isn't the last word, it's the first words you should read on the population genetics, molecular genetics, and gene/environment interaction that shaped Homo sapiens over the last several hundred thousand years. Rasmus Winther has produced a tour de force of scientific synthesis, and philosophical analysis, and wisdom about the uses of both.' Alex Rosenberg, Duke University, USATable of ContentsPreface; 1. Introduction; 2. Origins and Histories; 3. The Mind, the Lab, and the Field: Three Kinds of Populations; 4. Metrics and Measures; 5. Models and Methodologies; 6. Six Patterns of Human Genomic Variation; 7. Natural Selection; 8. Intelligence, Female Orgasm, and Future Discovery; 9. Is Race Real?; 10. The Conscious Universe: Genes in Complex Systems; Bibliography; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Colobines are a group of Afroeurasian monkeys that exhibit extraordinary behavioural and ecological diversity. With long tails and diverse colourations, they are medium-sized primates, mostly arboreal, that are found in many different habitats, from rain forests and mountain forests to mangroves and savannah. Over the last two decades, our understanding of this group of primates has increased dramatically. This volume presents a comprehensive overview of the current research on colobine populations, including the range of biological, ecological, behavioural and societal traits they exhibit. It highlights areas where our knowledge is still lacking, and outlines the current conservation status of colobine populations, exploring the threats to their survival. Bringing together international experts, this volume will aid future conservation efforts and encourage further empirical studies. It will be of interest to researchers and graduate students in primatology, biological anthropologTable of Contents1. General introduction Ikki Matsuda, Cyril C. Grueter and Julie A. Teichroeb; 2. Taxonomic classification of Colobine monkeys Christian Roos; 3. The Colobine fossil record Stephen R. Frost, Christopher C. Gilbert and Masato Nakatsukasa; 4. Molecular phylogeny and phylogeography of Colobines Christian Roos and Dietmar Zinner; 5. Relationships between the diet and dentition of Asian leaf monkeys Barth W. Wright and Mary S. Willis; 6. Morphology and physiology of Colobine digestive tracts Ikki Matsuda and Marcus Clauss; 7. The Colobine gut microbiota: New perspectives on the nutrition and health of a specialized subfamily of primates Katherine R. Amato, Jonathan B. Clayton and Vanessa L. Hale; 8. Colobine nutritional ecology Jessica M. Rothman, Allegra N. DePasquale, Katarina D. Evans and Dominique L. Raboin; 9. Red colobus natural history Amanda H. Korstjens, Alison P. Hillyer and Inza Koné; 10. The natural history of black-and-white Colobus monkeys Peter J. Fashing; 11. The behaviour and ecology of olive Colobus Julie A. Teichroeb and Amanda H. Korstjens; 12. Ecology and behaviour of odd-nosed Colobines Cyril C. Grueter, Wendy M. Erb, Larry R. Ulibarri and Ikki Matsuda; 13. The ecology of Semnopithecus Ken Sayers; 14. Ecology of sympatric and allopatric Presbytis and Trachypithecus langurs in Sundaland Vincent Nijman; 15. The ecology of Trachypithecus spp. in the Indo-Burmese region Alison M Behie, Kirrily Apthorp, Rebecca Hendershott and Kayla Ruskin; 16. Socio-ecology of Asian Colobines Elisabeth H. M. Sterck and Tom S. Roth; 17. Socioecology of African Colobines Julie A. Teichroeb; 18. Causes and consequences of the formation of multilevel societies in Colobines Cyril C. Grueter; 19. Colobine population ecology: What limits population size Colin A. Chapman, Amélie Corriveau, Kim Valenta, Fabiola Espinosa-Gómez and Valérie A.M. Schoof; 20. The state of Asian Colobines and their conservation needs John Sha, Ikki Matsuda, Qihai Zhou, Andie Ang and Tilo Nadler; 21. Conservation of Africa's Colobine monkeys (Cercopithecidae, Colobinae) with taxonomic and biogeographic considerations Thomas M. Butynski and Yvonne A. de Jong; 22. Directions for future research Julie A. Teichroeb, Cyril C. Grueter and Ikki Matsuda.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book introduces readers to the fascinating interaction of specialized gamete cells, forming the early embryo and a blueprint of new life. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of the complex physiological events and mechanical processes - such as ionic regulation, metabolism and intracellular signalling - to decipher cause and effect in fertilization. Wide-ranging in its approach, this book describes fertilization as a highly conserved mechanism throughout the animal kingdom, taking case studies from echinoderms, ascidians, amphibians and mammals through to other phyla. An excellent companion to undergraduate and postgraduate students of medicine, veterinary and biological sciences, this text provides an underpinning of the mechanisms of fertilization that inform assisted reproduction practice and research in medicine and agriculture. It explores the detailed phases before fertilization: the oocyte as a quiescent cell, attracting its partner gamete, followed by a cascade of pTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Introduction; 2. Producing gametes; 3. The players, sperm and oocytes; 4. Sperm-oocyte interaction; 5. Oocyte activation; 6. The dynamics of fertilization; 7. Transformation of the zygote in to the early embryo; 8. Basic biology concepts; References; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a membranic structure that acts primarily to protect the brain from chemicals in the blood, while still allowing essential metabolic function. It is composed of endothelial cells, which are packed very tightly in brain capillaries. This higher density restricts passage of substances from the bloodstream much more than endothelial cells in capillaries elsewhere in the body. Astrocyte cell projections called astrocytic feet (also known as "glia limitans") surround the endothelial cells of the BBB, providing biochemical support to those cells. The BBB is distinct from the similar blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, a function of the choroidal cells of the choroid plexus, and from the Blood-retinal barrier, which can be considered a part of the whole (the retina of the eye is an extension to the central nervous system and as such, can be considered part of the BBB).

Read more less

Book SynopsisCOVID-19: Proportionality, Public Policy and Social Distance explores the social and political response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It details the sociological aspects of the spread of the virus, the role played by social distancing in virus mitigation, and the comparative effect of social proximity and distance on national anti-viral behavior. Peter Murphy discusses various public policy approaches to the pandemic and their successes and failures. In this engaging analysis, he investigates the way that contemporary societies think about risk, threat and harm, and how social mood affected the response to COVID-19.Table of Contents1. Social Distance.- 2. Public Policy.- 3. Social Mood.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis• A New York Times Notable Book •“The richest, freshest, most fun book on genetics in some time.” —The New York Times Book Review We are doomed to repeat history if we fail to learn from it, but how are we affected by the forces that are invisible to us? In The Invisible History of the Human Race Christine Kenneally draws on cutting-edge research to reveal how both historical artifacts and DNA tell us where we come from and where we may be going. While some books explore our genetic inheritance and popular television shows celebrate ancestry, this is the first book to explore how everything from DNA to emotions to names and the stories that form our lives are all part of our human legacy. Kenneally shows how trust is inherited in Africa, silence is passed down in Tasmania, and how the history of nations is written in our DNA. From fateful, anci

Read more less

Book SynopsisMost philosophers writing about personal identity in recent years claim that what it takes for us to persist through time is a matter of psychology. In this groundbreaking new book, Eric Olson argues that such approaches face daunting problems, and he defends in their place a radically non-psychological account of personal identity. He defines human beings as biological organisms, and claims that no psychological relation is either sufficient or necessary for an organism to persist. Rejecting several famous thought experiments dealing with personal identity, he instead argues that one could survive the destruction of all of one''s psychological contents and capabilities as long as the human organism remains alive.Trade ReviewA very clear and powerfully argued defence of a most important and surprisingly neglected view. * Derek Parfit, author of Reasons and Persons (All Souls College, Oxford) *For hundreds of years, almost all philosophers writing on the topic have supposed that personal identity is either entirely a matter of psychology or at least has an important and essential psychological component. This important book presents a powerful challenge to that assumption. If Dr. Olson is right, we are living animals and what goes on in our minds is wholly irrelevant to questions about our persistence through time. If this book receives the attention it deserves, it will transform philosophical thinking about personal identity. * Peter van Inwagen, author of An Essay on Free Will, Material Beings, and Metaphysics (University of Notre Dame) *Olson's excellent and enjoyable book should be read by everyone with an interest in metaphysics. For those seriously interested in the philosophy of personal identity, or in our existence and identity, the matter is more serious; without much delay, you've got to get your hands on The Human Animal * Peter Unger, New York University *A significant contribution to the field. It issues several important challenges to proponents of a psychological approach to personal identity. * Carol Rovane, Yale University *Olson develops his main argument with a masterly touch. It is particularly refreshing to read a discussion of personal identity which is metaphysically serious. He has produced in me a deepened sense of the virtues of animalism, and I expect his book to do so in anyone who reads it. * Times Literary Supplement *The book as a whole is admirably succinct, clear, and forcefully argued, and is a fresh and enjoyable read. * IMind *This is the most original piece of writing on these matters that I have read in several years. I recommend it highly. * Philosophical Books *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat is an Emotion?, 2/e, draws together important selections from classical and contemporary theories and debates about emotion. Utilizing sources from a variety of subject areas including philosophy, psychology, and biology, editor Robert Solomon provides an illuminating look at the affective side of psychology and philosophy from the perspective of the world''s great thinkers. Part One of the book features five classic readings from Aristotle, the Stoics, Descartes, Spinoza, and Hume. Part Two offers classic and contemporary theories from the social sciences, presenting selections from such thinkers as Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud alongside recent work from Paul Ekman, Catherine Lutz, and others. Part Three presents some of the extensive work on emotion that developed in Europe over the past century. Part Four includes essays representing the discussion of emotions among British and American analytic philosophers. The volume is enhanced by a comprehensive introduction by the editor and a multidisciplinary bibliography. What is an Emotion? is appropriate for any course in which the nature of emotion plays a major role, including philosophy of emotion, philosophy of mind, history of psychology, emotion and motivation, moral psychology, and history and psychology of consciousness courses. The second edition provides much more material on emotions in the sciences and more from recent philosophical theories, encompassing recent shifts in theorizing on three fronts: the wealth of new information on the central nervous system and the brain; new developments in cross-cultural research and anthropology; and the recent emphasis on cognition in emotion, both in philosophy and the social sciences. New selections include work by Antonio Damasio, Ronald De Sousa, Paul Ekman, Nico Frijda, Patricia Greenspan, Paul Griffiths, Richard Lazarus, Catherine Lutz, Martha Nussbaum, and Michael Stocker.Trade Review"An excellent addition to a course in History of Psychology. This volume's thematic consistency lets students see the changes that have occurred in psychological thought over the centuries."--Michael Nielsen, Georgia Southern UniversityTable of ContentsI. THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND; ARISTOTLE; THE STOICS; RENE DESCARTES; BENEDICT SPINOZA; DAVID HUME; II. THE MEETING OF PHILOSOPHY AND PSYCHOLOGY; CHARLES ROBERT DARWIN; WILLIAM JAMES; WALTER B. CANNON; JOHN DEWEY; SIGMUND FREUD; STANLEY SCHACHTER AND JEROME E. SINGER; PAUL EKMAN; RICHARD LAZARUS; NICO FRIJDA; CATHERINE LUTZ; ANTONIO DAMASIO; III. THE CONTINENTAL TRADITION; FRANZ BRENTANO; MAX SCHELER; MARTIN HEIDEGGER; JEAN-PAUL SARTRE; IV. CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS AND EMOTION; GILBERT RYLE; ERROL BEDFORD; ANTHONY KENNY; ROBERT C. SOLOMON; CHESHIRE CALHOUN; RONALD DE SOUSA; MICHAEL STOCKER; PATRICIA GREENSPAN; PAUL GRIFFITHS

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book narrates the story of human biological and cultural evolution, from the earliest beginnings of our zoological family Hominidae, through the emergence of Homo sapiens, to the Agricultural Revolution. It concludes with a brief overview of the subsequent diversification of cultural and technological traditions in all the areas our species inhabits. A particular focus is on the pattern of events/innovations in human biological and cultural evolution, which have tended not to proceed in lockstep. Prior to the emergence of Homo sapiens innovations of this kind were generally sporadic, and rare; since that event their frequency has been steadily increasing. Tattersall draws on his own research to demonstrate that the history of humankind has not been one of a singleminded struggle from primitiveness to perfection, but has rather been one of trial and error, of evolutionary experimentation that as often ended in failure as in success. In the process he thoroughly examines both the fTrade ReviewThe book is clearly written and does provide a handy, and accessible introduction to what can be a rather complicated story. * The Glasgow Naturalist *Ultimately how good is this book? Pleasingly, the answer is that it is very good. It takes a complex subject and produces a gripping read while covering the major themes of human evolution with a refreshing confidence. * Simon Underdown, Times Higher Education Supplement *Table of Contents1. Evolutionary Processes ; 2. Ancient Bones and Ancient Stones ; 3. On Their Own Two Feet ; 4. Emergence of the Genus Homo ; 5. Getting Brainier ; 6. Modern Human Origins ; 7. Settled Life ; Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis textbook teaches statistics in a different way. It is aimed at undergraduate students in the life sciences, and it will also be invaluable for many graduate students. It makes the powerful methods of model formulae and the General Linear Model accessible to undergraduates for the first time. The computer revolution has finally made it possible to teach life sciences undergraduates how to use the statistics they really need to know - this book provides the course materials needed to fulfil that possibility. This text presents the fundamental statistical concepts without being tied to any one statistical package.Trade Review'The book is well laid out and concepts are very well explained by making effective use of diagrams and geometric representations. There are many analyses of example data sets to ilustrate the application the methods and the interpretation of the output'. Biometrics 59, 200-209, March 2003."it is a stepping-stone between one's first statistics course and what one really needs as a professional biologist. That said, it is the best stepping-stone on the market". Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 2003."Grafen and Hails have written a very nice book...many examples also serve to highlight design or analysis errors that are commonly made and encourage constructive critism: learning from mistakes is, I think, a very powerful approach." Animal Behaviour 2003Table of ContentsWhy use this book ; 1. An introduction to the analysis of variance ; 2. Regression ; 3. Models, parameters and GLMs ; 4. Using more than one explanatory variable ; 5. Designing experiments - keeping it simple ; 6. Combining continuous and categorical variables ; 7. Interactions - getting more complex ; 8. Checking the models A: Independence ; 9. Checking the models B: The other three assumptions ; 10. Model selection I: Principles of model choice and designed experiments ; 11. Model selection II: Data sets with several explanatory variables ; 12. Random effects ; 13. Categorical data ; 14. What lies beyond? ; Answers to exercises ; Revision section: The basics ; Appendix I: The meaning of p-values and confidence intervals ; Appendix II: Analytical results about variances of sample means ; Appendix III: Probability distributions ; Bibliography

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDrawing on the latest fossil evidence Taylor argues, that every step of the way, humans made choices that assumed greater control over their own evolution. This is a process that continues today as we push the frontiers of scientific technology creating a new form of artificial humans.Trade Review'Taylor is an engaging and entertaining writer...this is a stimulating book...' - Engineering and Technology 'Taylor is a good storyteller.' -AntiquityTable of ContentsSurvival of the Weakest Unintelligent Design Walking and Chewing Gum Being Borne The Brno Effect Men in White Coats Darwin's Barbarians De-evolution and Counterbiology Sailing in Tradescant's Ark

Read more less

Book SynopsisZilinskas and Balint and their contributors examine the divisions between minority groups and the scientific community, particularly in the area of medical and genetic research. Minorities have reasons to be skeptical of medical research in general and genetics research in particular.Table of ContentsPreface The Age of Biology and the Responsible Ancestor by Martha A. Krebs and Daniel Drell The Human Genome Project: Hereditary Diseases and Implications for Gene Therapy by Karen E. Nelson The Genetics of Human Behavior: Lessons from the Human Genome Project by Jonathan Beckwith The Human Genome Project and the African American Community: Race, Diversity, and American Science by Fatimah Jackson Scientific and Folk Ideas about Heredity by Jonathan M. Marks Social and Medical Implications of New Genetic Techniques by Robert F. Murray, Jr. Genetic Education to African American and Russian Immigrant Communities in Northwest Baltimore by Ilana Suez Mittman The Human Genome Project and Buddhism by Akey C. F. Hung Thoughts on the Human Genome Project and Maryland by Kathleen Kennedy Townsend The Human Genome Project: Reaching Minority Communities in Maryland, A Report of Results of the Conference Evaluation Study prepared by the Survey Research Center The Human Genome Project and Minority Communities: The Importance of Dialogue and Access to Information by Raymond A. Zilinskas and Peter J. Balint

Read more less

Book SynopsisAims to uncover a hidden level of agreement among theories of human evolution. Analyzing classic texts on evolution by Darwin and Keith as well as relatively recent accounts by Dart, Robinson and Tobias, the book reveals that they have a common narrative form based on the universal hero tale.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less