Popular science Books

Book SynopsisPresents the story of order in the universe, the harmony that comes from cycles in sync. This book considers a range of applications - human sleep and circadian rhythms, menstrual synchrony, insect outbreaks, superconductors, Lasers, secret codes, heart arrhythmias and fads.

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Book SynopsisProgress in genetics today would not be possible without Darwin's revolution, but the mysterious man who laid the rational basis for undermining belief in God's creation was remarkable timid. He spent most of his life in seclusion; a semi-invalid, riddled with doubts, fearing the controversy his theories might unleash.In this brilliantly lucid book - a classic originally published in 1982 - Jonathan Miller unravels Darwin's life and his contribution to biology, and traces the path from his scientific predecessors to the later modifications that his own evolutionary theories required.Introducing Darwin brings alive the difficult progress from pre-Darwinian thinking to modern genetics and the devastatingly important impact of one man on our fundamental understanding of biology, life and ourselves.Trade ReviewMiller and Van Loon have brought to life an important chapter of scientific history - a real achievement.' * New Scientist *

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Book SynopsisNewton’s Notebook is a biography with a difference. It provides a full and detailed account of Sir Isaac Newton’s life and discoveries, but is written, designed and illustrated to look like a personal notebook.By mining the rich sources of Newton’s own journals and books, and incorporating a variety of quotations and illustrations, Newton’s Notebook brings its subject to life more vividly than any ordinary biography. It reveals the man behind the theories and examines Newton’s personal and family life as well as the amazing impact of his ideas and the world’s reaction to them.

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Book SynopsisWhat we do and do not know about evolution, by one of the field's pioneering thinkers.Trade Review"Mayr is one of the influential scientists of the last century. This compact book delivers the wealth of his 70 year career in a single, well measured punch." GLASGOW HERALD "We are taken all the way from Darwin to the frontiers of biology, including ideas on the causes of altruism and the consequences for humans now that natural selection is no longer happening to us." OBSERVER

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Book SynopsisThis Very Short Introduction maps the historical development of chemistry from man's earliest exploration in the Stone Age to the nanotechnology of today's materials science. In this succinct but comprehensive overview Brock balances the approaches to - and interpretations of - the subject, revealing chemistry's rich and diverse history.Trade ReviewWriting a short book about a long history is not easy; but it would be hard to think of anybody more qualified to do it than Bill Brock. * David Knight, Annals of Science *Writing a concise introduction to this subject which, at the same time, should be accessible to the general reader, is therefore a task which is not to be underestimated. William Brock, one of the most accomplished scholars of the subject, demonstrates with this book that he is more than capable of the task. * British Journal of the History of Science *I can thoroughly recommend this brief tour of our all-embracing science. * Chemistry World *Brock manages to make a very dull and dense subject both attractive and interesting - something I could never accuse my old Chemistry teacher of doing. * Stephen Craggs, Northern Echo *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; EPILOGUE

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Book SynopsisIn An Appetite for Wonder Richard Dawkins brought us his engaging memoir of the first 35 years of his life from early childhood in Africa to publication of The Selfish Gene in 1976, when he shot to fame as one of the most exciting new scientists of his generation. In Brief Candle in the Dark he continues his autobiography, following the threads that have run through the second half of his life so far and homing in on the key individuals, institutions and ideas that inspired and motivated him. He paints a vivid picture, coloured with wit, anecdote and digression, of the twenty-five postgraduate years he spent teaching at Oxford. He pays affectionate tribute to past colleagues and students, recalling the idiosyncrasies of an establishment steeped in ancient tradition and arcane ritual while also recording his respect for the profound commitment to learning and discovery that lies at its core. He invites us to share the life of a travelling scientist, from Trade ReviewReaders of Brief Candle are in for many treats: lively prose from one of our greatest living writers; stimulating ideas on the nature of life and the human condition; and the opportunity to eavesdrop on the workings of an extraordinary mind, intellectually fierce yet personally generous. * Steven Pinker *[Dawkins] is a thunderously gifted science writer * The Times *Dawkins's greatest gift has been as a lyricist ... His writing can still sparkle. He excels at capturing the scenes behind a scene, deftly explaining a scientific principle, capping a story with an amusing anecdote ... At such moments, one feels transported to a tweedy evening at Oxford, pouring the sherry as a charming senior faculty member holds court. * Nature *A highly readable account of the fascinating career of the science populariser ... Among its attractions are handy summaries of the central arguments of each of Dawkins's books ... It shows Dawkins in all his contradictory guises * Prospect *Dawkins has written with passion, urgency and clarity * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisAlan Turing is regarded as one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. But who was Turing, and what did he achieve during his tragically short life of 41 years? Best known as the genius who broke Germany''s most secret codes during the war of 1939-45, Turing was also the father of the modern computer. Today, all who ''click-to-open'' are familiar with the impact of Turing''s ideas. Here, B. Jack Copeland provides an account of Turing''s life and work, exploring the key elements of his life-story in tandem with his leading ideas and contributions. The book highlights Turing''s contributions to computing and to computer science, including Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Life, and the emphasis throughout is on the relevance of his work to modern developments. The story of his contributions to codebreaking during the Second World War is set in the context of his thinking about machines, as is the account of his work in the foundations of mathematics.Trade ReviewThis book is highly entertaining and informative * Zentralblatt Math, Teodora-Liliana Radulescu *Fans drawn to the Turing biopic ... should move on to this lively biography of the scientific genius who cracked Enigma * Independent *[T]hanks to Professor Copelands book we can walk with Alan Turing through his finest hours. * Jim Young, Glycosmedia *This book is entertaining and informative ... Highly recommended. * S.M. Frey, CHOICE *Table of Contents1. Click to Open ; 2. Turing's Universal Machine ; 3. Sinking Hilbert ; 4. The Intuitive Mathematician ; 5. Breaking Enigma ; 6. Tunny - Hitler's BlackBerry ; 7. The Colossus of Computers ; 8. ACE- A Month's Work in a Minute ; 9. The Manchester "Electronic Brain" ; 10. Artificial Intelligence ; 11. The Imitation Game ; 12. Educating Machinery ; 13. Computer Chess ; 14. Artificial Life ; 15. Epilogue

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Book SynopsisSince the dawn of humanity, men have attempted to divine the nature of the heavens. The first astronomers mapped the movement of the seasons and used the positions of the constellations for augurs and astrology. Today, the search goes ever deeper into the nature of reality and life itself. In this accessible overview, astrophysicist J.P. McEvoy tells the story of how our knowledge of the cosmos has developed. He puts in context many of the greatest discoveries of all time and many of the dominant personalities: Aristotle, Copernicus, and Isaac Newton, and as we approach the modern era, Einstein, Eddington, and Hawking.

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Book SynopsisIn this fully revised and updated edition of British Paleozoic Fossils 443 species from this time are described and classified and illustrated with accurate black-and-white line drawings. Reflecting advances in our understanding of the fossil record, it features those animal and plant species that are most commonly found in Britain.

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Book SynopsisChinese Communists have long embraced capitalism, for various reasons. In the 1930s Communists made deals with foreign capitalists to finance the revolution. Mao continued to promote trade after 1949. Jason Kelly shows how global deals kept China embedded in markets and their norms, laying the groundwork for the capitalist reforms of the 1980s.Trade ReviewA sober, detailed account of the way modern China came to see that global trade could be a way to ‘fortify socialism…rather than degrade it.’…Kelly conveys what a highwire act it must have been to conduct business on Mao’s watch. -- Tim Sifert * Asian Review of Books *Should appeal to scholars exploring the rise of neoliberalism and the transformation of global capitalism since the 1970s, in which the PRC played a leading role. The history of China’s capitalist ascent as sketched in Market Maoists is therefore critical to any history of the contemporary global economy. -- Philip Thai * Business History Review *A beautifully written book with compelling insights on the neglected interactions between Maoist China and global capitalist markets. It unquestionably enriches our understanding of how socialist China skillfully did business with Western traders to achieve its goal of state modernization, and sheds new light on the PRC history with a refreshingly global perspective. -- Shaofan An * China Review *Fascinating…Based on wide-ranging primary sources of evidence, this elegant book convincingly argues that long before its formal policy reorientation in 1978, the People’s Republic of China was actively present in marketplaces in the East and West…A truly valuable contribution and merits serious attention from us all. -- Lin Chun * Pacific Affairs *Provides unprecedented details of China’s foreign economic policies during the pre-1978 period and is an excellent example of scholarship based on field work in Mainland China…Makes an important new contribution to the existing literature. -- Lawrence C. Reardon * H-Diplo *Groundbreaking…Market Maoists is a fascinating economic and political history that is well written and accessible also to readers unfamiliar with the history of socialist China…It deserves to be widely read and discussed. -- Jennifer Altehenger * American Historical Review *Combining lively anecdotes with coherent historical analysis, Market Maoists makes for an engaging read for undergraduate and graduate courses on Chinese and world history. It is also a valuable addition to the work of PRC scholars interested in bridging the geographical divide between China and the world and the temporal divide between the socialist years and the economic reforms…[An] excellent monograph. -- Sarah Chang * PRC History Review *An excellent book, extremely well researched and very well written. Kelly provides a valuable overview of PRC trade policies and the significance of China’s trade inside global markets during the Mao era. His comprehensive treatment of the internal battles over how to proceed with international trade and the effects these political decisions had on China’s future adds a great deal to our understanding of China in the world. -- Odd Arne Westad, author of Empire and Righteous Nation: 600 Years of China–Korea RelationsKelly skillfully integrates the Chinese case into a new wave of scholarship transforming our understanding of post–World War II global economic integration. Behind the political confrontation between market-led and planned economies during the Cold War, as he persuasively demonstrates, China’s ongoing need to trade continually shaped its foreign and domestic policy, anticipating the country’s more high-profile engagement with market economies in the late twentieth century and since. -- Karl Gerth, author of Unending Capitalism: How Consumerism Negated China’s Communist RevolutionBy examining how the Chinese Communist Party leadership treated trade with the capitalist world, Kelly sheds new light on China’s commercial policies and activities and presents the Maoists as being much more economically well-informed and internationally vigorous than previously understood. An original contribution, as well as a joy to read. -- Shu Guang Zhang, author of Economic Cold War: America’s Embargo against China and the Sino–Soviet Alliance, 1949–1963An excellent history of China’s state-led international economic relations in the Maoist era. Kelly captures China’s necessary turn to trade with the West after 1973 as the precondition of the globalizing Chinese economy we know today. Most important, he reminds us, rightly, that for Mao and his successors, ‘trade always served politics.’ The Party would remain in control. This is a lesson taken to heart by Chinese leaders today. -- William C. Kirby, coauthor of Can China Lead? Reaching the Limits of Power and Growth

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Book SynopsisAt a community fire day in a northern California town several years ago, author Faith Kearns gave a talk on building fire-safe houses able to withstand increasingly common wildfires. Much to her surprise, Kearns was confronted by an audience member whose house had recently burned. What she thought was straightforward, helpful scientific information had instead retraumatised audience members, forcing Kearns to re-evaluate her approach. Like Kearns, scientists today working on controversial issues from climate change to drought to COVID-19 are finding themselves more often in the middle of deeply traumatising or polarized conflicts. It is no longer enough for scientists to communicate a scientific topic clearly. They must not only be experts in their fields of study, but also experts in navigating the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of members of the public they engage with, and with each other. And the conversations are growing more fraught. In Getting to the Heart of Science Communication, Faith Kearns has penned a succinct guide for navigating the human relationships critical to the success of practice-based science. Using interviews and personal anecdotes, as well as her own insights as a field scientist, Kearns walks readers through the evolution of science communication and how emotional and high-stakes issues have shaped communication. The meat of the book lies in the middle chapters, where Kearns offers key tools for communicators: listening, working with conflict, and understanding trauma, loss, and healing. She concludes the book with a substantive discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences, and advice to readers for handling their own emotional needs in an unpredictable career landscape. This meticulously researched volume takes science communication to the next level, helping scientists see the value of listening as well as talking, understanding power dynamics in relationships, and addressing the roles of trauma, loss, grief, and healing. This book will particularly resonate with early to mid-career scientists, graduate students, and researchers, especially those in applied sciences who work closely with the public.Table of ContentsForeword Preface Acknowledgments Introduction PART I. The Evolution of Science Communication Chapter 1. Science Communication from the Ground Up Chapter 2. Science Communication Careers Today Chapter 3. Navigating Facts and Feelings in Science Communication PART II. The Tools of Science Communication Chapter 4. Relating Chapter 5. Listening Chapter 6. Working with Conflict Chapter 7. Understanding Trauma PART III. The Future of Science Communication Chapter 8. Equitable, Inclusive, and Just Science Communication Chapter 9. Self and Collective Care Chapter 10: What More Is Possible? Notes About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisDaniel J. C. Kronauer brings to life the research surrounding army ants, nature’s preeminent social hunters. Without central coordination, army ants march in columns by the thousands and build nests and bridges using their own bodies. They also play a crucial role in promoting and sustaining the biodiversity of tropical ecosystems.Trade ReviewNever before have I read such a comprehensive, engaging history of the exploration and discovery of army ants. Wonderfully written, with superb photographs, Army Ants is a joy to read. -- Bert Hölldobler, coauthor of The Ants and Journey to the AntsAnts are famously ‘the little things that run the world.’ Army ants, with their million-strong colonies, showcase what happens when little things think big. As the world’s leading authority on these supremely social insects, Daniel Kronauer gives us a stunning tour of their extraordinary world. -- Naomi E. Pierce, Hessel Professor of Biology and Curator of Lepidoptera, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard UniversityA rare treat. Army Ants is a modern natural history, with personal stories of tropical fieldwork that reflect the excitement of new discoveries about these spectacular insects. -- Mary Jane West-Eberhard, Smithsonian Tropical Research InstituteArmy ants are one of nature’s most spectacular hunters and are cornerstones for many ecological communities. This fascinating and informative book is a must-have for anyone interested in the complex behaviors of social animals. -- Corrie Moreau, Director and Curator, Cornell University Insect CollectionThis book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about army ants. You will be mesmerized and intrigued as you read this passionate ode to the army ants and their researchers, linger over the stunning photographs, and reflect on what you have learned. -- Raghavendra Gadagkar, author of Survival Strategies: Cooperation and Conflict in Animal SocietiesA phenomenal book on army ant biology that is chock-a-block with jaw-dropping, award-winning photography…This book will show you ants in ways you have never seen them before. * Inquisitive Biologist *Kronauer, a master storyteller, unwraps the bivouac of the army ants to take us along the journey of their raiding swarms, the intricate bridges they construct, and the enigmatic arthropod fauna that live alongside these formidable hunters…Three decades ago, a monumental treatise and Pulitzer Prize winner, The Ants, inspired an entire generation of students to take up myrmecology. Army Ants is set to unfurl the next swarm of myrmecologists. -- Ajay Narenda * Myrmecological News Blog *Kronauer not only brings us up to date on one of the all-time greatest hits of biological exuberance and adaptation, he does so in a spellbinding way that keeps us turning the pages. -- John T. Longino * Current Biology *Beautifully produced, richly illustrated…Army ants are small-bodied denizens of the dark tropical forest understory; the rich macroimages [in] the book bring readers powerfully into their hidden realm…Readers will be enthralled by the bizarre and sometimes surprising caste of army ant intimates, including snakes, presented in stunning photographs. -- Sean O’Donnell * Quarterly Review of Biology *

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Book SynopsisTea is the world’s most popular beverage. Dive into a cup of tea with a chemist and discover the rich molecular brew that can be extracted from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea contains over a hundred different chemical compounds which contribute to its colour, taste and scent – and its stimulating effects. The best-known is caffeine, but how does caffeine end up in tea and how can you get it out? Beginning with the leaves, Steeped explores the chemistry behind different styles of tea, from green teas to pu-erh. It tackles the age-old question of when, or even whether, to add milk. And it puts the chemistry to use with advice on how to brew a better cup.Trade ReviewLike many good teachers, Francl scaffolds her knowledge with sip-sized summaries to go along with some of the deeper dives into the molecular world of tea. -- Matthew R Hartings * Nature Chemistry *Table of ContentsA Cup of Chemistry;Reading the Tea Leaves;The Drug in the Cup;The Taste of Zen;The Agony of the Leaves;Sugar and Spice;Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water

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Book SynopsisEver since Darwin, science has enshrined competition as biology’s brutal architect. But this revelatory new book argues that our narrow view of evolution has caused us to ignore the generosity and cooperation that exist around us, from the soil to the sky. In Sweet in Tooth and Claw, Kristin Ohlson explores the subtle ways in which nature is in constant collaboration to the betterment of all species. From the bear that discards the remainders of his salmon dinner on the forest ground, to the bright coral reefs of Cuba, she shows readers not only the connectivity lying beneath the surface in natural ecosystems, but why it’s vital for humans to incorporate that understanding into our interactions with nature, and also with each other. Much of the damage that humans have done to our natural environment stems from our ignorance of these dense webs of connection. As we struggle to cope with the environmental hazards that our behaviour has unleashed, it’s more important than ever to understand nature’s billions of cooperative interactions. This way, we can stop disrupting them and instead rely on them to renew ecosystems. In reporting from the frontlines of scientific research, regenerative agriculture, and urban conservation, Ohlson shows that a shift from focusing on competition to collaboration can heal not only our relationships with the natural world, but also with each other.Trade Review‘Deftly weaving together science, social thought, and a remarkable cast of characters, Ohlson's book uncovers the marvellous partnerships that make life possible, showing that cooperation, not competition, is the key to survival.’ -- Elizabeth Carlisle, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara, and author of Healing Grounds: climate, justice, and the deep roots of regenerative farming‘Ohlson looks at nature through the lens of cooperation, from the intricate workings of one-celled creatures all the way to entire forests and cities (above and below ground). This deeply-reported and stunning book holds up a mirror to us humans, showing how we thrive when we embrace nature’s generous spirit.’ -- Judith Schwartz, author of The Reindeer Chronicles and Other Inspiring Stories of Working With Nature to Heal the Earth‘Journalist Ohlson pushes back against the Darwinian notion that “competition rules” in this vivid survey … Alongside the fascinating case studies, Ohlson reflects on her own connection to nature in oft-lyrical prose … This is as charming as it is enlightening.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘A new attempt to rebalance our view of evolution.’ * New Scientist *‘The idea that evolution is driven by the survival of the fittest is so entrenched in the study of biology that research has largely focused on competition between species rather than co-operation. But, as Kristin Ohlson shows in this inspiring field-trip of a book, nature is full of ecosystems that thrive on harmony and balance rather than division and conflict … Ohlson explores the many forms of collaboration or “mutualism” in nature and how they offer a constructive template for our own interactions with the world.’ * The Sydney Morning Herald *‘In her fascinating book, Sweet in Tooth and Claw, American Kristin Ohlson argues that our slavish devotion to Darwin’s principle of the ‘survival of the fittest’, has blinded us to the cooperation that exists in nature … Insightful and interesting.’ -- Jeff Popple * Canberra Weekly *‘From microorganisms to fungi, to plants, fish and mammals, [Sweet in Tooth and Claw] examines interconnections in the natural world. The picture of how the world works that she reveals is both complex and beautiful … This is a great book for the non-scientist interested in how we humans live, how we produce our food, and our relationship with the rest of the natural world, from forests to coral to the microbiota of our guts. Clear and entertaining, Kristin Ohslon bridges the wide gap between current researchers and the curious.’ -- Penelope Cottier * The Canberra Times *‘Descriptions of nature as competitive … shaped the way people perceive it today. Sweet in Tooth and Claw debunks such concepts to reveal that, in fact, cooperation and generosity allow nature to thrive. It also speculates about what differences would be possible if human beings followed nature’s example … A rich and fascinating book, Sweet in Tooth and Claw is stunning in its vision of how, by embracing nature’s cooperative, generous spirit, human beings might do part of the great work of helping the planet and its inhabitants to thrive.’ -- Foreword Reviews, starred review‘Firsthand accounts of her time spent with researchers and practitioners are fascinating. Woven throughout are her thoughtful observations along with an abundance of striking, full-page colour photographs. Whether discussing individuals gardening with native plants or cities planning greener and more connected watersheds and ecosystems, Ohlson makes a compelling argument for working together and taking a lesson from the many instances of cooperation in nature.’ * Booklist *‘A book that reimagines what is possible when people see themselves as part of the ecosystem rather than as its predator. Refreshing, thought-provoking — and delightfully illustrated.’ * Civil Eats *‘Beautiful story-telling … The mutualism explored in Sweet in Tooth and Claw eases open our eyes, our hearts, our senses — guiding us to recognise countless examples of generosity and cooperation far beyond the pages of this book.’ * Medium *‘Kristin Ohlson … takes a deep, stimulating, and nuanced dive into the world of mutualism … What’s refreshing and, frankly, uplifting is Ohlson’s non-treacly pursuit of people seeking solutions. Bookshelves are already laden with tales of planetary gloom and doom that are, no doubt, scientifically accurate but also contributors to paralysis and hopelessness. At the core of Ohlson’s exploratory journey is her role as that trusted friend who can help humans of all stripes comprehend how cooperation within and among species undergirds a thriving natural world.’ -- Elizabeth McGowan * Washington Independent Review of Books *Praise for The Soil Will Save Us: ‘The author has a clear storytelling style, which comes in handy when drawing this head-turning portrait of lowly dirt.’ * Kirkus Reviews *Praise for Stalking the Divine: ‘Kristin Ohlson’s honesty, intelligence, and charm make this book irresistible. A nonbeliever who longs for a convincing spiritual experience, she writes about a community of cloistered nuns: women as honest, intelligent, and charming as she, who have centred their lives around prayer. Stalking the Divine is a delightful story about curiosity, by a writer who can’t be dispassionate about her subject and also can’t lie to herself.’ * Alice Mattison, author of The Book Borrower and Hilda and Pearl *Praise for Kabul Beauty School: ‘Colourful, suspenseful, funny … witty and insightful.’ STARRED REVIEW * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisColour in art - as in life - is both inspiring and uplifting, but where does it come from? How have artists found new hues, and how have these influenced their work? Beginning with the ancients - when just a handful of pigments made up the artist''s palette - and charting the discoveries and developments that have led to the many splendoured rainbow of modern paints, Bright Earth brings the story of colour spectacularly alive. Packed with anecdotes about lucky accidents and hapless misfortunes in the quests for new colours, it provides an entertaining and fascinating new perspective on the science of art.Trade ReviewBrilliant...in every sense. Ball's book is the volume that has been missing from my library * Guardian *Brings the mysterious subject of colour wonderfully alive. Quite literally an eye-opener * Economist *A succinct and elegantly structured new survey of Western painting. Ball pitches his learning just right between academic history and a highly readable series of anecdotes and biographical sketches * Daily Mail *Full of fascinating vignettes. Philip Ball writes engagingly on complicated topics * Sunday Telegraph *Scattered with attractive particles, sparkles with redolent names... A solid, well-researched compendium of information * TLS *

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Book SynopsisIf you could be invisible, what would you do? The chances are that it would have something to do with power, wealth or sex. Perhaps all three. Impulses like these have always been at the heart of our fascination with invisibility. This book offers a history of humanity's turbulent relationship with the invisible.Trade ReviewAs a harvest of fascinating facts delivered with sharp wit and insight, it is hard to fault -- Robert Douglas-Fairhurst * Daily Telegraph *Intriguing -- John Carey * Sunday Times *A fascinating compendium… Another author might struggle to manage such an esoteric collection [of stories of invisibility] but Mr Ball’s writing is incisive enough to keep the different elements hanging and working together * The Economist *Ball marshals his material with deftness and charm * Literary Review *[A] fantastic feast of ideas and information on the subject… In this enthralling book, Philip Ball’s elegant and intelligent mastery…is very evident indeed * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisScott Stossel is the editor of The Atlantic. Previously, he was the executive editor of The American Prospect. He is also the author of Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver. A graduate of Harvard, he lives with his family in Washington DC.Trade ReviewUnflinchingly honest and written in an accessible style…This is a courageous, entertaining and well-researched book about a condition that is thought to currently affect 15 percent if people in the UK. * Independent *[A] vivid, smart exploration of the history of anxiety. Stossel tackles genetics, nature and nurture, drug development, and changing medical and philosophical attitudes with the lightest of touches. * Marie Claire *[A] courageous and hilarious journey to the edge of insanity…Stossel’s patient, conscientious uncertainty contains more wit and sensitivity than a hundred manifestos…an immense achievement. * Sunday Telegraph *Fascinating and hugely entertaining. An intense, incredibly brave narrative tinged with moments of outright hilarity, it’s impossible to put down. -- Ben MezrichCareful and clearly written, his book contains more truth, wit and sensitivity than 100 manifestos. * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisJohn D. Barrow is Professor of Mathematical Sciences and Director of the Millennium Mathematics Project at Cambridge University, Fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge, a Fellow of the Royal Society, and the current Gresham Professor of Geometry at Gresham College, London. His principal area of scientific research is cosmology, and he is the author of many highly acclaimed books about the nature and significance of modern developments in physics, astronomy, and mathematics, including The Origin of the Universe, The Universe that Discovered Itself; The Book of Nothing, The Constants of Nature, The Infinite Book: a Short Guide to the Boundless, Timeless and Endless, The Artful Universe Expanded, New Theories of Everything, Cosmic Imagery and, most recently, The Book of Universes.Trade ReviewBarrow conducts a tour of many of the most interesting topics in recent popular science, giving most of them a new twist in the telling... Trying to improve our understanding of just what is possible, and what is not, seems a vital part of the enterprise our kind of consciousness has called science * Financial Times *[An] illuminating, well-written account... One can only wonder how Barrow can possibly make all these [concepts] fit together into a coherent story about the limits to science. Well, contrary to all expectations, he does make them fit, and in only 250 pages! So for about as good an account as youre going to get of where science stops, read this book * Nature *Delightful and fascinating... Impossibility is a thoughtful, careful, and insightful book that is presented in a skillfully woven narrative, guiding the reader gently through the thicket of logic, physics, and mathematics... If you are fascinated by the limits of knowledge, you will be richly rewarded by this book * New Scientist *

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Book SynopsisIn Warped Passages one of the world''s most exciting scientists gives us a glimpse into our future. Incredibly readable - and illustrated throughout - it allows the general reader to understand the questions that scientists are dealing with at the frontiers of research today. Lisa Randall allows the reader to understand the kind of problems that extra dimensions might solve and the kind of speculation that is needed even to imagine them. She also gives an introduction to developments in early twentieth century physics, particle physics and string theory and addresses current debates about relativity, quantum mechanics and gravity - and she describes the questions that are still to be solved.

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Book Synopsis''A must read for anyone interested in the emerging ethics of robotics'' Irene M. PepperbergA bold, optimistic exploration of the relationship between robots and humans based on our history with animals, from a renowned MIT researcherThe robots are here. They make our cars, they deliver fast food, they mine the sea floor. And in the near-future their presence will increasingly enter our homes and workplaces - making human-robot interaction a frequent, everyday occurrence. What will this future look like? What will define the relationship between humans and robots?Here Kate Darling, a world-renowned expert in robot ethics, shows that in order to understand the new robot world, we must first move beyond the idea that this technology will be something like us. Instead, she argues, we should look to our relationship with animals. Just as we have harnessed the power of animals to aid us in war and work, so too will robots supplement - rather than re

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Book SynopsisLanguage Unlimited explores the many mysteries about our capacity for language and reveals the source of its endless creativity.All humans, but no other species, have the capacity to create and understand language. It provides structure to our thoughts, allowing us to plan, communicate, and create new ideas, without limit. Yet we have only finite experiences, and our languages have finite stores of words. Where does our linguistic creativity come from? How does the endless scope of language emerge from our limited selves?Drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, and linguistics, David Adger takes the reader on a journey to the hidden structure behind all we say (or sign) and understand. Along the way you''ll meet children who created language out of almost nothing, and find out how new languages emerge using structures found in languages spoken continents away. David Adger will show you how the more than 7000 languages in the world appear to obey the same deep scientific laws, how to invent a language that breaks these, and how our brains go crazy when we try to learn languages that just aren''t possible. You''ll discover why rats are better than we are at picking up certain language patterns, why apes are far worse at others, and how artificial intelligences, such as those behind Alexa and Siri, understand language in a very un-human way.Trade ReviewA delightful journey through the many fascinating aspects of language, its nature and use, its richness and variety and its deep commonalities, beginning with the simplest observations and reaching to the borders of inquiry, interleaved with striking illustrations from a wide variety of languages and illuminating the way with results from experimental, animal, and computational research. A wonderful experience. * Noam Chomsky *Entertaining and accessible. A handy introduction to a vexed debate on the infinite power of the finite mortal mind. * The Economist *I wish there were more linguistics professors bringing their A-game to a larger audience like this. * Superlinguo *A highly readable introduction to some of the big questions in linguistics. I'd recommend this lucid and engaging book to both the amateur language enthusiast and the beginning linguistics student. Adger writes w.ith true depth of understanding and generosity towards the broader field of linguistics. * Gretchen McCulloch *Language Unlimited is a must for any linguistic enthusiastic. * María Florencia Silva, Linguist List *Captivating. Adger makes the simple but profound observation that language is more than communication. * Kevin Berger, Nautilus *Table of Contents1: Creating language 2: Beyond symbols and signals 3: A sense of structure 4: The question of Psammetichus 5: Impossible patterns 6: All in the mind 7: A law of language 8: Botlang 9: Merge 10: Grammar and culture

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Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Bacteria form a fundamental branch of life. They are the oldest forms of life as we know it, and they are still the most prolific living organisms. They inhabit every part of the Earth''s surface, its ocean depths, and even terrains such as boiling hot springs. They are most familiar as agents of disease, but benign bacteria are critical to the recycling of elements and all ecology, as well as to human health. In this Very Short Introduction, Sebastian G. B. Amyes explores the nature of bacteria, their origin and evolution, bacteria in the environment, and bacteria and disease. In this new edition, he examines the ethical implications of synthetic bacteria, the evolving technologies used to combat antibiotics resistance, and the role bacteria play in the evolutionary development of humans.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsPreface 1: Origins 2: Evolution 3: Microbiota and microbiome in man 4: Discovery 5: Environment and civilization 6: Bacterial pathogenesis 7: Antibiotics 8: Antibiotic resistance 9: The future Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisWelcome to Ian Stewart''s strange and magical world of mathematics! In Math Hysteria, Professor Stewart presents us with a wealth of magical puzzles, each one spun around an amazing tale: Counting the Cattle of the Sun; The Great Drain Robbery; and Preposterous Piratical Predicaments; to name but a few. Along the way, we also meet many curious characters: in short, these stories are engaging, challenging, and lots of fun!Trade ReviewIn Math Hysteria, Professor Stewart presents us with a wealth of intriguing, challenging, and fun puzzles, each one spun around an amazing tale. * L'Enseignement Mathematique, 2005 *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. I know that you know that ... ; 2. Domino theories ; 3. Turning the tables ; 4. The anthropomurphic principle ; 5. Counting the cattle of the sun ; 6. The great drain robbery ; 7. Two-way jigsaw puzzles ; 8. Tales of a neglected number ; 9. Is Monopoly fair? ; 10. Monopoly revisited ; 11. A guide to computer dating ; 12. Dividing the spoils ; 13. Squaring the square ; 14. The bellows conjecture ; 15. Purposefully piling pyramids ; 16. Be a dots-and-boxes grandmaster ; 17. Choosily chomping chocolate ; 18. Shedding a little darkness ; 19. Preposterous piratical predicaments ; 20. Million-dollar minesweeper ; Further reading

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Book SynopsisA vast subject that includes a strange vocabulary and an apparent mass of facts, human anatomy can at first appear confusing and off-putting. But the basic construction of the human body - the skeleton, the organs of the chest and abdomen, the nervous system, the head and neck with its sensory systems and anatomy for breathing and swallowing - is vital for anyone studying medicine, biology, and health studies. In this Very Short Introduction Leslie Klenerman provides a clear, concise, and accessible introduction to the structure, function, and main systems of the human body, including a number of clear and simple illustrations to explain the key areas. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. Development of anatomy ; 2. The skeleton and its attachments ; 3. A vital system ; 4. Communication and control ; 5. Head and neck ; 6. The abdomen ; 7. The limbs ; 8. Man the tottering biped ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisIn nature, trickery and deception are widespread. Animals and plants mimic other objects or species in the environment for protection, trick other species into rearing their young, lure prey to their death, and deceive potential mates for reproduction. Cuckoos lay eggs carefully matched to their host''s own clutch. Harmless butterflies mimic the wing patterning of a poisonous butterfly to avoid being eaten. The deep-sea angler fish hangs a glowing, fleshy lure in front of its mouth to draw the attention of potential prey, while some male fish alter their appearance to look like females in order to sneak past rivals in mating. Some orchids develop the smell of female insects in order to attract pollinators, while carnivorous plants lure insects to their death with colourful displays. In this book, Martin Stevens describes the remarkable range of such adaptations in nature, and considers how they have evolved, and become increasingly perfected as part of an arms race between predator andTrade ReviewRelish the wild world's duplicity: Cheats and Deceits by Martin Stevens * Simon Barnes, The Sunday Times *Cleverly and clearly written, Cheats and Deceits lies at the sweet spot between a popular account and a useful academic update. Well-referenced and illustrated, it will fascinate armchair, field and lab biologists alike. * Adrian Barnett, New Scientist *A clear, thoughtful, jargon-free guide. Delicious, duplicitous details make exploring the natural world seem all the more fascinating. * Wall Street Journal *a beautifully illustrated must-read for academic biologists and natural historians alike * Adrian Barnett, BBC Wildlife *Table of Contents1. The Basis of Deception in Nature ; 2. Thieves and Liars ; 3. Lured into an Early Grave ; 4. Disruption and Dazzle ; 5. A Spider in Ant's Clothing ; 6. Bluff and Surprise ; 7. An Imposter in the Nest ; 8. Spreading Genes and Sexual Mimicry ; 9. The Future of Deception ; Notes & References ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisIn this Very Short Introduction Frank Close describes the historical development of nuclear physics, our understanding of the nucleus, how nuclei form, and the applications of the field in medicine. Exploring key concepts, Frank Close shows how nuclear physics brings the physics of the stars to Earth.Table of Contents1. The fly in the cathedral ; 2. Nuclear alchemy ; 3. Powerful forces ; 4. Nucleosynthesis ; 5. Odds, evens, and shells ; 6. Beyond the Periodic table ; 7. Exotic nuclei ; 8. Applied nuclear physics ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisNeurodegenerative diseases, such as a stroke, Alzheimer''s and dementia, are now tragically commonplace within the western world. Our brains are a strange and complex organ, and there is much to be discovered about what causes them to fail in such devastating ways. In this book Kathleen Taylor presents the ever-developing research into the cause and cure of these life-changing conditions, focusing on insights arising from the relatively new field of neuroimmunology - the increasing recognition of the important role of the immune system in the brain. Interweaving the latest scientific ideas on neurodegenerative diseases with accounts of the devastation which illnesses affecting the brain can cause to sufferers and to anyone who cares about them, The Fragile Brain is not only an important account of current research in this field, but a very personal study. As instances of dementia rise in our ageing populations, many harbour anxieties concerning the future.This book is about knowing theTrade ReviewTaylor has crafted a personal, astonishingly coherent review of our current state of knowledge about the causes of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, as well as possible solutions, from lifestyle adjustments to drug developments. * Michael Heneka, Nature *The Fragile Brain addresses how people interact with those who have dementia, and how both information and respect are needed. This is of utmost importance: information can quell many fears. * Michael Heneka, Nature *Taylor has the talent to make complex biology easy, but not trivial. * Michael Heneka, Nature *The Fragile Brain, as a trove of accessible, up-to-date science, has something to offer caregivers and families of people with dementia; medical professionals in dementia diagnosis and treatment; and specialists in memory clinics. * Michael Heneka, Nature *detailed and accessible book * Leon Burakowski, South Shropshire Journal *Table of ContentsSECTION 1: THE PROBLEM; SECTION 2: RISK FACTORS; SECTION 3: MECHANISMS

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Book SynopsisOver the past sixty years, the spectacular growth of the technologies associated with the computer is visible for all to see and experience. Yet, the science underpinning this technology is less visible and little understood outside the professional computer science community. As a scientific discipline, computer science stands alongside the likes of molecular biology and cognitive science as one of the most significant new sciences of the post Second World War era. In this Very Short Introduction, Subrata Dasgupta sheds light on these lesser known areas and considers the conceptual basis of computer science. Discussing algorithms, programming, and sequential and parallel processing, he considers emerging modern ideas such as biological computing and cognitive modelling, challenging the idea of computer science as a science of the artificial. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; EPILOGUE; REFERENCES; FURTHER READING; INDEX

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Book SynopsisIn The Improbable Primate, Clive Finlayson gives a provocative view of human evolution, arguing that the critical factor that shaped us was water. Questioning current accounts of tools and our spread from Africa, he presents an ecological viewpoint.Trade ReviewFinlayson writes in a dry, clear, scholarly style which somehow accentuates the sheer improbability of humanity's long journey * Brandon Robshaw, Independent on Sunday *Table of ContentsPREFACE

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Book SynopsisEverything around us is made of ''stuff'', from planets, to books, to our own bodies. Whatever it is, we call it matter or material substance. It is solid; it has mass. But what is matter, exactly? We are taught in school that matter is not continuous, but discrete. As a few of the philosophers of ancient Greece once speculated, nearly two and a half thousand years ago, matter comes in ''lumps'', and science has relentlessly peeled away successive layers of matter to reveal its ultimate constituents. Surely, we can''t keep doing this indefinitely. We imagine that we should eventually run up against some kind of ultimately fundamental, indivisible type of stuff, the building blocks from which everything in the Universe is made. The English physicist Paul Dirac called this ''the dream of philosophers''. But science has discovered that the foundations of our Universe are not as solid or as certain and dependable as we might have once imagined. They are instead built from ghosts and phantoTrade ReviewThe book is very clearly structured and has a glossary, so 'dipping' is facilitated. The author condenses and combines sources as listed in his bibliography. * Michael Jewess, Royal Society of Chemistry Historical Group newsletter *How did our understanding of mass evolve from the geometric atoms of ancient Greece to the quantum ghostliness of today? Jim Baggott ingeniously contextualizes that eventful science history. * Barbara Kiser, Nature *Encourages the reader to really think about the nature of matter and how something as apparently straightforward as mass is not what it seems. That delight in revealing the unexpected typifies, for me, the joy of physics. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *Jim Baggott is one of the UK's best popular science writers and never disappoints. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *Jim Baggott provides an excellent introduction on this topic for non-specialists and general science enthusiasts ... The book is a gem in introducing the abstract ideas of modern science to general audience even without formal training in STEM disciplines ... In summary, this book by Jim Baggott is a joy to read and will be especially inspiring to students (senior high school and junior undergraduate) interested in pursuing a career in fundamental physics. * Yee Sin Ang, Contemporary Physics *Baggott smartly renders particle physics, typically a dense and opaque topic for the nonexpert, clear and captivating. Not only will readers grasp the building blocks of the standard model, they will forever look at mass differently. * Publishers Weekley *An imaginative book that seeks the answer to the question, what is matter? ... Baggott provides a wild but expert and comprehensive ride. * Kirkus Review *Table of ContentsPreface Part I: Atom and Void 1: The Quiet Citadel 2: Things-In-Themselves 3: An Impression of Force 4: The Sceptical Chymists Part II: Mass and Energy 5: A Very Interesting Conclusion 6: Incommensurable 7: The Fabric 8: In the Heart of Darkness Part III: Wave and Particle 9: An Act of Desperation 10: The Wave Equation 11: The Only Mystery 12: Mass Bare and Dressed Part IV: Field and Force 13: The Symmetries of Nature 14: The Goddamn Particle 15: The Standard Model 16: Mass without Mass Epilogue Endnotes Glossary Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAlone in the known universe the Earth glows bright with life, a unique cosmic oasis of biodiversity which is now under threat from our own actions. The Earth is a unique as a living planet, a cosmic oasis drifting in the vastness of barren space. It is strikingly and obviously different from our nearest heavenly neighbours, the Moon, Venus and Mars, in its thin skin of biology, extending from the surface for a few kilometres into the crust, and for a few tens of kilometres into the air. But how did this remarkable abundance and diversity of life arise? How has life survived over the enormous time frame of Earth''s history? And does it continue to flourish now, especially with the growing pressure for space from humans?The Cosmic Oasis examines life on Earth, from our earliest interactions with animals and plants to our absolute domination of biology. It follows our developing understanding of life''s origins, its remarkable complexity, and its interactions with the air, oceans and landTrade ReviewThis book tells an interesting story about our understanding of the natural world. A straightforward discussion of interesting facts about nature, liberally punctuated with historical background and comment, it is easy and enjoyable to read. * Choice *easy and enjoyable to read * M. S. Zavada, CHOICE Reviews *captivating and informative * Jonathan Cowie, The Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation *Table of Contents1: Earthrise 2: A spadeful of Earth 3: The planet in a garden 4: The lost worlds of the giants 5: A bonfire like no other 6: The bite in your hamburger 7: Mirror to the world 8: No country for wild apes Index

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Book SynopsisThis Very Short Introduction uses Newton''s own unpublished writings to provide fascinating insight into the man who kept the Royal Society under his thumb, was Head of the Mint, and whose contributions to our understanding of the heavens and the earth are considered by many to be unparalleled. The author begins with the legends surrounding Newton before next exploring the forces that shaped his life, introducing, along the way, many of the key thinkers and politicians of the time. Although Newton''s science was largely revered (his reputation reached near-immortal status with the publication of the Principia), theologically, his beliefs were very controversial. He was a fanatical Protestant, and claimed that tribes like the Goths, Vandals, and Huns had tried to save the planet from the corruption of the Catholics. He was also convinced that he was specially chosen by God to protect the original, pure form of Christianity, and viewed any criticisms directed at him as a form of persecution. Resisting the urge to show how Newton''s views on alchemy, mathematics, physics, and religion complemented one another, the author instead emphasises that these were the very different obsessions of an extremely complex man whose beliefs at the time dominated England''s political, religious, and intellectual landscape. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewSlim yet informative...The style is elegant and he steers through the shoals of Newton's difficult personality - he made enemies everywhere he went - and the more controversial aspects of his career - the alchemy and heresy - with an assured hand. * Joe Cushley, What's On In London *Table of Contents1. A National Man ; 2. Playing philosophically ; 3. The Marvellous years ; 4. The censorious multitude ; 5. A true hermetic philosopher ; 6. One of God's choen few ; 7. The Divine Book ; 8. In the city ; 9. Lord and Master of all ; 10. Centaurs and other animals

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Book SynopsisIn this wide-ranging Very Short Introduction to climate, Mark Maslin considers all aspects of the global climate system, exploring and explaining the different components that control climate on Earth. He considers the processes that allow energy to reach the Earth and how it is redistributed around the planet by the ocean-atmosphere system; the relationship and differences between climate and the weather; how climate has affected life on Earth and human settlements; and the cyclic and quasi-cyclic features of climate such as the Milankovitch cycles and El Nino. He concludes by touching on the issue of climate change, and outlines some of the approaches that are now being taken to tackle it. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. What is climate? ; 2. Climate, atmosphere, and oceans ; 3. Weather versus climate ; 4. Origins of the modern climate system ; 5. Climate and life ; 6. Climate cooling ; 7. Climate and civilization ; 8. Future climate change ; 9. Fixing climate

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Book SynopsisBridges are remarkable structures. Often vast, immense, and sometimes beautiful, they can be icons of cities. David Blockley explains how to read a bridge, how they stand up, and how engineers design them to be so strong. He examines the engineering problems posed by bridges, and considers their cultural, aesthetic, and historical importance.Trade ReviewA fascinating book on a fascinating subject * Professional Engineering Magazine *Table of Contents1. Bridges are BATS: Why we build bridges ; 2. Underneath the Arches: Bridges need good foundations ; 3. Bending it: Bridges need strong structures ; 4. All Trussed up: Interdependence creates emergence ; 5. Let it all Hang Down: Structuring using tension ; 6. How Safe is Safe Enough? Incomplete science ; 7. Bridges built by people for people: Processes for joined-up thinking ; Glossary ; Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of the discovery of the first human cancer virus. Through intriguing accounts that include some remarkable characters and individual stories from around the globe - including the UK, Africa, USA, and China - it tells the story of the Epstein-Barr virus and the understanding of its connections to a variety of other diseases.Trade Review[A] pithy, pacy study. * Nature *It reads like a thriller ... the book is compelling and colourful, capturing the romance of scientific discovery so well that it is exciting and accessible. * Linda Geddes, New Scientist *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; Preface ; Introduction ; 1. Out of Africa ; 2. The Eureka moment ; 3. Convincing the Sceptics ; 4. EBV in Africa - Burkitt lymphoma ; 5. EBV in Asia - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma ; 6. New Diseases - An accident of nature; an accident of medicine ; 7. Unexpected Arrivals ; 8. Prevention and Cure ; 9. Making Sense of a Human Cancer Virus ; References ; Further Reading ; Glossary ; Index

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Book SynopsisRobotics is a key technology in the modern world. Robots are a well-established part of manufacturing and warehouse automation, assembling cars or washing machines, and, for example, moving goods to and from storage racks for Internet mail order. More recently robots have taken their first steps into homes and hospitals, and seen spectacular success in planetary exploration. Yet, despite these successes, robots have failed to live up to the predictions of the 1950s and 60s, when it was widely thought - by scientists and engineers as well as the public - that by turn of the 21st century we would have intelligent robots as butlers, companions, or co-workers.This Very Short Introduction explains how it is that robotics can be both a success story and a disappointment, how robots can be both ordinary and remarkable, and looks at their important developments in science and their applications to everyday life. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. Where are the intelligent robots? ; 2. Working robots: what robots do now ; 3. Biological robotics ; 4. Becoming human: humanoid and android robots ; 5. Trends in robotics research: new approaches ; 6. Robotic futures ; Further reading

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Book SynopsisOffers an account of the genomic revolution and its promise. This book provides a history of the science of genetics and genomics, from Mendel to Watson and Crick up to Craig Venter. It delves into the use of genomics in determining evolutionary paths - and what it can tell us, about how far we really have come from our ape ancestors.Trade Review"What is novel about Genomes and What to Make of Them is the impressive scope of the project, which covers key issues around the politics of genomics in an accessible way, taking care to outline in clear language some very complex scientific arguments in a way that allows the authors to deconstruct various arguments about the risks and opportunities of genomics. I know of no other book that captures the social implications of genomics in quite such a comprehensive and accessible yet insightful manner." - Peter Robbins, Open University"

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewFans of 'Curious Cook' Harold McGee will relish the latest from This (Molecular Gastronomy), a French chemist and foodie hero who has helped to usher in the current restaurant world vogue for turning the kitchen into a laboratory... Even those who might be turned off by the thought of food chemistry will quickly be drawn in by his obvious love of food and eagerness to apply his research to helping people cook better. Publishers Weekly This has made invisible processes visible, revealed the mysteries, and the bread has risen, baked, and been enjoyed. -- Claudia Kousoulas Appetite for Books Cooks who want to learn more about the chemistry and physics that make their efforts possible will discover useful things here. Booklist This's molecular gastronomy is garnished with the author's own rich philosophy of food and flavor. -- Peter Barham Nature An exuberant paean for the role of science in cooking... This's book performs a great service. -- Len Fisher Times Higher Education Supplement This book should be in every kitchen. -- Christine Sismondo Toronto Star [An] eye-opening book. -- Kate Colquhoun Portsmouth Herald Witty and humorous... [readers] whose eyes glaze over at the very mention of electrons may find themselves becoming entranced by This' graceful descriptions of essential chemical reactions. -- Lynn Harnett Seacoast Sunday Well crafted, sprinkled with insight, and containing a menagerie of information, Kitchen Mysteries is a wonderful trip down a stellar buffet line. -- J. Edward Sumerau Metro Spirit Kitchen Mysteries is another tour de force for the French scientific chef... Highly Recommended. Choice This's book offers expert explanations that give the reader a better understanding of both cooking and cuisine. As such, it is enticing. -- Pierre Laszlo Chemical HeritageTable of ContentsSeries Editor's Foreword Cooking and Science The New Physiology of Flavor Soup Milk Gels, Jellies, Aspics Mayonnaise The Egg's Incarnations A Successful Souffle ? Cooking The Boiled and the Bouillon Steaming Braising Chicken Stew, Beef Stew, Veal Stew Questions of Pressure Roasting Deep-Frying Sautes and Grills Even More Tender Salting Microwaves Vegetables: Color and Freshness Sauces: Creamy, Satiny, Flavorful A Burning Question The Salad: An Oasis of Freshness Yogurt and Cheese Fruits of the Harvest Ices and Sorbets Cakes: Light and Melting Pastry Dough: Tart, Shortbread, and Puff Pastry Sugar Bread Wine The Alcohols Jams Tea Cold and Cool Vinegar Kitchen Utensils Mysteries of the Kitchen Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisCarlos Magdalena of Kew Gardens is not your average botanical horticulturist. He''s a man on a mission to save the world''s most endangered plants from destruction and thieves hunting for wealthy collectors. He is a plant messiah.From the planet''s tiniest waterlily - the Nymphaea thermarum - to Huarango trees with roots over 50 metres long, Carlos has a miraculous ability to bring breathtakingly beautiful plants back from the brink of extinction. He has travelled to the most remote and dangerous parts of the world - from the mountains of Peru to isolated Indian Ocean islands to the deepest Australian outback - in search of the rarest exotic species. Then, back in the Tropical Nursery at Kew, he uses pioneering, left-field techniques to help them grow.Now he''s here to spread the gospel. The Plant Messiah is the inspirational story of a man who has devoted - and risked - his life to save incredible species, all in the name of making this Earth a greener and haTrade ReviewThis full-throttle memoir is a window on the exploits that underpin the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . . . reveals the rare mix of zeal and patience needed to hunt vanishing plants * Nature *Impressive, gripping and important . . . Some 30,000 plants have recorded uses for humans. Most people, the messiah preaches, are blind to these everyday miracles. This book will teach them to see * Economist *For anyone who might have considered plants dull stuff, Mr. Magdalena delivers a thrilling and inspirational account of adventures in the botanical world. * Wall Street Journal *In a world whose ecology is changing so fast, only a special kind of obsessive would concern himself with saving endangered plant species. That's Magdalena... who recounts adventures that have taken him from the Amazon to the jungles of Mauritius on a quest to preserve as much flora as he can. * New York Times Book Review *An engaging piece of work -- Charles Elliott * Literary Review *Eye-popping... The Plant Messiah reads like a detective novel. [This] is a thrillingly uplifting book. There is a beguiling energy to his prose that clearly he has in person * Daily Mail *Botany, on its face, doesn't sound particularly thrilling. This book will change your mind -- Bill McKibben, New York Times bestselling author of 'Earth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet' and 'Radio Free Vermont'An entertaining, planterly romp around the world and a glimpse inside one of the world's great botanical institutions from this Kew botanist -- Jane Owen * Financial Times *[I]t is fascinating to follow Magdalena as he travels from remote Australian billabongs full of rare water lilies to the dry forests of western Peru, where the last gnarled huarango trees grow in the shadow of the Andes. But the greater accomplishment of The Plant Messiah is the compelling case that Magdalena makes from caring about plants in general. * Los Angeles Times *Carlos Magdalena is Kew's codebreaker * Telegraph *He has the uncanny ability to bring plants back from the brink of extinction * People of London *Carlos is an inspiration to me. He's the perfect spokesperson for the plants of the world -- Jane Goodall, primatologist and UN Messenger of PeaceCarlos has been able to achieve things with plants that no one else can do -- Richard Barley, director of horticulture, Kew

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Book SynopsisA tarot deck that features inspirational women of science on the minor arcana cards, plus a guidebook with scientist biographies and other information.The Women of Science Tarot Deck is a card game that helps us tell stories about our future based on principles of science. Each major arcana card features a fundamental scientific concept like extinction, diversity, or gravity. The 56 minor arcana cards feature inspirational women who have changed the course of STEM. The lively illustrations are by neuroscientist and comic artist Matteo Farinella.

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Book SynopsisWhat happens when something is sucked into a black hole? Does it disappear? Three decades ago, a young physicist named Stephen Hawking claimed it did, and in doing so put at risk everything we know about physics and the fundamental laws of the universe. Most scientists didn''t recognize the import of Hawking''s claims, but Leonard Susskind and Gerard t''Hooft realized the threat, and responded with a counterattack that changed the course of physics. The Black Hole War is the thrilling story of their united effort to reconcile Hawking''s revolutionary theories of black holes with their own sense of reality -- effort that would eventually result in Hawking admitting he was wrong, paying up, and Susskind and t''Hooft realizing that our world is a hologram projected from the outer boundaries of space. A brilliant book about modern physics, quantum mechanics, the fate of stars and the deep mysteries of black holes, Leonard Susskind''s account of the Black Hole War is mind-bending and exhilarating reading.Trade ReviewEntertaining...both lucid and enjoyable....Like the best teachers, Susskind makes it fun to learn. With a deft use of analogy and a flair for language, he tames the most ferocious concepts....He has come up with the best visual metaphor for the multidimensinality of string theory that I've yet come across, one that alone is worth the price of the book * - Los Angeles Times 'Susskind is very down to earth, an easy-going and entertaining guide through the most exciting frontiers of theoretical physics’ *#NAME?

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Book SynopsisBringing order and relevance to the cascade of recent brain findings, Dr John Ratey explains the brain''s most important systems, the role they play in determining how we interact with the world and ways in which we can influence their operations for the better. Throughout, he illustrates his points with vivid and often surprising examples drawn from his own practice, research and everyday life. Ratey answers such compelling questions as: What does it mean to be linguistically ambidextrous? How does a mother''s cradling of her child on her left shoulder relate to the development of language skills? Why does listening to music while doing homework improve accuracy? Why do people like spicy foods? He also analyses the ways in which things can go wrong, detailing causes and treatments for diseases such as autism, Parkinson''s and Alzheimer''s, as well as numerous neurological disorders. As Dr. Ratey demonstrates throughout the book, the brain is astonishingly flexible, able to be retrTrade ReviewCompelling ... If you're only going to buy one brain book ever, you could do worse than investing in this one * FOCUS *Make way for the thinking man's gym, where the brain is the new biceps and sculpting your grey matter rather than downsizing your backside is the ultimate aim of those who sign up for membership. * SUNDAY TIMES *Before consulting with customer service, it's always a good idea to read the manual. Psychiatrist John Ratey has condensed years of research on one of the most intimidating yet ubiquitous pieces of hardware in the world into the ever-handy User's Guide to the Brain. More intellectually stimulating than day-to-day practical, the Guide uses tales from Ratey's practice and other clinical venues, titbits from neuroscientific research, and plain common sense to suggest how the brain develops and manifests personality and behaviour. With section titles like "Free Will and the Anterior Cingulate Gyrus" many readers will feel intimidated, but Ratey is careful to direct his explanations to all--even those without PhD's in neuroanatomy. His four-theatre theory of mental function is interesting and the most directly practical section of the book, incorporating the author's years of experience with patients into a sensible framework that readers can use to better tune their own systems. Describing the changing of the guard from psychoanalysis to a more biological paradigm, Ratey writes: * Neuroscientists have, in a sense, simply taken over the elite, almost clerical office once held by analysts. The language used to describe the brain is, if any thing, more opaque than any of the old psychoanalytic terminology, which was itself so obscure *Determined to help us overcome our sense of helplessness in matters cranial, he has shown that we can understand ourselves better and can learn quite a bit from the nerds. * Rob Lightner, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW *

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Book SynopsisBased on the popular Harvard University and EdX class, Science and Cooking explores the scientific basis of why recipes work.

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Book SynopsisSeventeenth-century Europe witnessed an extraordinary flowering of discoveries and innovations. This study, beginning with the Dutch-invented telescope of 1608, casts Galileo's discoveries into a global framework. Although the telescope was soon transmitted to China, Mughal India, and the Ottoman Empire, those civilizations did not respond as Europeans did to the new instrument. In Europe, there was an extraordinary burst of innovations in microscopy, human anatomy, optics, pneumatics, electrical studies, and the science of mechanics. Nearly all of those aided the emergence of Newton's revolutionary grand synthesis, which unified terrestrial and celestial physics under the law of universal gravitation. That achievement had immense implications for all aspects of modern science, technology, and economic development. The economic implications are set out in the concluding epilogue. All these unique developments suggest why the West experienced a singular scientific and economic ascendancTrade Review'This is a well-researched, objectively written, eminently readable book. Anyone interested in any dimension of modern science and technology will find it useful.' Rajesh Kochhar, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali'A magisterial comparative sociology of the relationship between specific social contexts and scientific creativity in seventeenth-century Europe, the Ottoman Empire, and China. With a remarkable eye for detail, Huff elegantly poses the big questions about the past, present, and possible future of modern science in a globalized world.' Zaheer Baber, University of Toronto'Using the invention and dispersal of the telescope as a probe, Toby Huff examines the initial impact of this discovery machine in Europe compared with the Ottoman and Mughal empires and Ming China. He then turns to other scientific discoveries of the West and their surprisingly absent influence elsewhere. Huff's carefully documented research brings this material together in an altogether new way. His fascinating and lucid historico-sociological investigation casts brilliant light on the preeminence of the West today.' Owen Gingerich, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics'Intellectual Curiosity and the Scientific Revolution disseminates genuine information about the crucial role played by the West in the history of science, showing that after many centuries of near scientific inactivity, the West, beginning in the twelfth century, saw the virtue of absorbing science and natural philosophy from Greco-Islamic sources. For the numerous reasons Huff presents, the culture of the West, with its corporations, universities, and other features, made it feasible for science to emerge as a powerful force. Huff presents this entire process in a lucid and engaging manner, using the telescope as the instrument that most vividly reveals the striking differences between Europe and the civilizations of China, the Mughals, and the Ottomans. I believe his book will have a significant impact on the history of science, and on history generally.' Edward Grant, Indiana UniversityTable of ContentsPart I. Something New Under the Sun: 1. Introduction: outline of a new perspective; 2. Inventing the discovery machine; 3. The new telescopic evidence; 4. The 'far seeing looking glass' goes to China; 5. 'Galileo's glass' goes to the Muslim world; Part II. Patterns of Education: 6. Three ideals of higher education: Islamic, Chinese, and Western; Part III. Science Unbound: 7. Infectious curiosity I: anatomy and microbiology; 8. Infectious curiosity II: weighing the air and atmospheric pressure; 9. Infectious curiosity III: magnetism and electricity; 10. Prelude to the grand synthesis; 11. The path to the grand synthesis; 12. The scientific revolution in comparative perspective; Epilogue: science, literacy and economic development.

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Book SynopsisHow did life on earth originate? Did replication or metabolism come first in the history of life? In this updated and expanded second edition of Origins of Life, Freeman Dyson examines these questions and discusses the two main theories that try to explain how naturally occurring chemicals could organize themselves into living creatures.Trade Review'This is first class update of the first editon.' Peter Mata, SpaceflightTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Illustrious predecessors; 2. Experiments and theories; 3. A toy model; 4. Open questions; Bibliography; Author index.

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Book SynopsisErwin Schrödinger was an Austrian physicist famous for his contribution to quantum physics. He won the Nobel Prize in 1933 and is best known for his thought experiment of a cat in a box, both alive and dead at the same time, which revealed the seemingly paradoxical nature of quantum mechanics. Schrödinger was working at one of the most fertile and creative moments in the whole history of science. By the time he started university in 1906, Einstein had already published his revolutionary papers on relativity. Now the baton of scientific progress was being passed to a new generation: Werner Heisenberg, Paul Dirac, Niels Bohr, and of course, Schrödinger himself. In this riveting biography John Gribbin takes us into the heart of the quantum revolution. He tells the story of Schrödinger''s surprisingly colourful life (he arrived for a position at Oxford University with both his wife and mistress). And with his trademark accessible style and popular touch, he explains the Trade ReviewA fascinating tale of scientific endeavour . . . Gribbin expertly elucidates the relationships and discoveries that shaped Schrodinger's thoughts, including his lengthy correspondence with Albert Einstein, which led to the famous cat-in-the-box thought experiment . . . Anyone wishing to dip their feet in the muddy waters of quantum physics will enjoy this scientific soap opera. But it should be required reading for those eager to understand how the process of scientific discovery really works * New Scientist *Gribbin is an established master in the game of demystifying quantum mechanics * Jim Al-Khalili *The master of popular science writing * Sunday Times *Gribbin lucidly describes Schrödinger's Silver Surfer view of the universe, as well as revealing some of the more colourful details of Schrödinger's life... at its heart, this book is a fight for the soul of the quantum world * Daily Telegraph *

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