Popular science Books

Book SynopsisOffering a summary of the current state of knowledge in autism research, Defining Autism looks at the different genetic, neurological and environmental causes of, and contributory factors to autism. It takes a wide-ranging view of developmental and genetic factors, and considers autism's relationship with other conditions such as epilepsy. Shedding light on the vast number of autism-related syndromes which are all too often denied adequate attention, it shows how, whilst autism refers to a single syndrome, it can be understood as many different conditions, with the common factors being biological, rather than behavioral.Table of Contents1. Kanner's Conundrum & Bernie's Biology. 2. The Brain in Autism. 3. The Genetics of Autism. 4. The Roles Environment Plays in Autism Susceptibility. 5. Regression in Autism. 6. Autism & Epilepsy. 7. The Neurodevelopmental Spectrum - Mental Health for the 21st Century. 8. The Broader Autism Phenotype. 9. Autism, Intellectual Disability & Genius. 10. Defining Autism.

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Book SynopsisLooking at the night sky, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s all quiet up there in space. But you’d be wrong. Extreme events are forever unfolding: galaxies explode, cosmic debris hurtles through the heavens and our own Milky Way is on a collision course with the giant Andromeda galaxy. Mayhem moulded the cosmos, shaped life on Earth and at times threatened to end it. With an enduring sense of wonder, through cataclysms great and small, Bob Berman presents a destructive history of our universe.Trade Review‘Blithely engaging, a glittering planetarium that is…a stage for astonishing and unnerving spectacles… I greatly admire [Berman’s] ability to lucidly explain astrophysics to the nonscientist. The brio that he brings to cosmic havoc makes much of Boom! a delicious guilty pleasure.’ * Wall Street Journal *‘Fascinating, terrifying and entertaining in equal measure, this is an expert guide to the deadliest hazards in the universe, on Earth and beyond.’ -- Paul Parsons, science journalist and author‘This lively menagerie of astrophysical oddities will entertain any reader who’s ever wondered what the biggest, most dangerous “bangs” in the universe might be.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘Berman writes with verve and vigour…a pleasing excursion into the hows and whys of how the universe – our universe, anyway – took shape and how it works – except when it doesn’t.’ * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisHave you ever done something stupid, dangerous or self-sabotaging just to get one over someone else? Most of us have. Simon McCarthy-Jones draws on psychology, current affairs, literature and genetics to illuminate – whether we admit it or not – our spiteful side. What is that part of us that secretly wants our friends to fail? Did Americans put Trump in the White House just to stick it to Hillary Clinton? And then there are the legion of stories about toxic behaviour in supermarkets and over the privet hedge, ramping up to incendiary divorces, vicious business practices, backbiting politics and scorched-earth terrorism. There’s a hopeful message too – the upside of our dark side. Spite can drive us forward, and Simon provides a fresh perspective on the concept by showing the evolutionary benefits of spite as a social leveller, an enabler of defiance, a wellspring of freedom and a vital weapon in our everyday armoury.Trade Review‘[A] thorough and entertaining book, which poses a provocative thesis… McCarthy-Jones is a funny, playful writer, especially for a psychologist… an illuminating examination of an under-discussed topic.’ -- New York Times‘An informative, evidence-based page-turner. A rare pleasure.’ -- Richard Stephens, author of Black Sheep, winner of the Wellcome Prize 2014'Spite is a fascinating insight into how we all behave in a world of big egos and thin skins.' -- Michael Cockerell, award-winning political documentary-maker‘With rigorous science, penetrating analyses, colourful and enjoyable prose, and an astonishing breadth of knowledge – Simon McCarthy-Jones has delivered a book that will undeniably be appreciated by many.’ -- Frank Larøi. University of Bergen'Spite is an eye-opening examination of humanity’s nastier impulses - from Achilles to Trump. An erudite and eloquent guide, McCarthy-Jones deftly examines cutting-edge psychological research and evolutionary theory, with some truly startling insights for our personal relationships, business and politics. You will never look at your human nature in quite the same way again.' * David Robson, author of The Intelligence Trap *‘An interesting and at times provocative exploration of an emotion that has to this point been underexplored and, if McCarthy-Jones is right, significantly underappreciated.’ -- Independent

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How did the atom bomb help save the elephant? Have we found the secret to eternal youth? Could a parasite be manipulating you right now? This dazzling collection of stories reveals the key recent breakthroughs in science, across all fields. Inside you will meet the killers lurking in Earth's ice, the super-coral that could save our seas and the neuroscientists hunting ghosts. You will travel beyond our galaxy to worlds where the sun sets twice, and beyond our time to a future where the Internet is unhackable and chickenosaurs roam the land. Divided into sections covering physics, space, humanity, the brain, plants and animals, and linking stories from different fields, Cutting-Edge Science offers a boundless journey of discovery for anyone with a passion for the world around them. Prepare to be shocked and amazed on every page.

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Book Synopsis'Clear, succinct and engaging answers to every question you could ask about the weather.' Gavin Pretor-Pinney, author of The Cloudspotter's GuideWhy doesn't rain fall all at once?Can technology change the track of a hurricane?What's the weather like on other planets?Meteorologists Simon King and Clare Nasir reveal the captivating ways the weather works, from exploring incredible weather phenomenon (how are rainbows formed?), expertly breaking down our knowledge of the elements (could we harness the power of lightning?) to explaining the significance of weather in history (has the weather ever started a war?) and discussing the future of weather (could climate modification save the planet?).In What Does Rain Smell Like? Simon and Clare uncover the thrilling science behind a subject that affects us all. They unearth and analyse all aspects of the weather and how it changes our lives through answering our most curious questions about the world around us.

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Book SynopsisInitially received with muted applause, Darwin's The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection was soon recognized as the breakthrough scientific advance that explained the evidence of the world around us, the place and history of humans, the connections between environment and evolution. Still regarded by some as radical, Darwin's contribution to world knowledge is immeasurable. This new, popular edition has been edited and abridged for the modern reader, to introduce Darwin's research in a digestible form. The FLAME TREE Foundations series features core publications which together have shaped the cultural landscape of the modern world, with cutting-edge research distilled into pocket guides designed to be both accessible and informative.

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Book SynopsisIn The Keys to Kindness Claudia Hammond takes us on an eye-opening tour of kindness: what constitutes kindness (it's not what you think), effective strategies to build more of it into our lives and the benefits of being kind. She draws on the latest research from psychology and neuroscience, and her work in collaboration with the University of Sussex and the BBC, including the largest global survey ever undertaken into attitudes to kindness. The book is structured around the seven keys of kindness, including: There is more kindness in the world that you might think Being kind makes you feel good and that's OK Kind people can be winners Remember to be kind to yourself You are kinder than you think, but we could all be kinder still - with enormous benefits for our personal mental health and wellbeing. The Keys to Kindness sets out a prescription for a kinder life that you can adapt to your own circumstances, and explains how to use this guidance for ourselves, others and the world.Trade ReviewClaudia Hammond's books are a solace in troubled times -- Fearne Cotton[Hammond] doesn't want to make kindness cool, she simply wants to prove - by hook, crook, her book and hard data - its value to society * * Sunday Times * *Claudia Hammond has written a handbook on the benefits and keys to kindness [ . . . ] formed by a new, unique study called The Kindness Test, run by her colleagues at the University of Sussex, and launched on the BBC. If you've never thought about what kindness means, the results will be as fascinating as they are thought-provoking . . . Full of common sense, gentle wisdom and altruism * * Daily Mail * *From the state of global politics to the climate crisis, the world feels more divided than ever. But The Keys to Kindness stands up in the face of this overwhelming issue - and provides us with the tools to address it . . . If one thing's for sure, Hammond's book is a firm reminder of how important kindness really is - and why being kinder to yourself, others and the world around you is valuable for everyone * * Stylist * *Praise for The Art of Rest: Fascinating, entertaining and lucidly written . . . If we accept that reading is the most restful activity . . . The Art of Rest ought to be equivalent to a scientific siesta. The only trouble is that this outstanding book is far too stimulating to be restful * * Observer * *Claudia Hammond's superb book reminds us of a truth that's too often forgotten: that rest isn't just an indulgence, but an essential part of a life lived well -- DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE * * bestselling author of The 4 Pillar Plan * *At a time when our waking lives appear to be more frantic and distracted than ever before, switching off has never been more of a challenge. The Art of Rest equips us with fresh research and information on how to rest more, and rest better, to get the most out of life. Reading it is a rest itself -- MATT HAIGA soothing balm for a frazzled generation -- ADAM RUTHERFORD * * author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived * *Not only is The Art of Rest an enjoyable read, touching on scientific evidence in a light, accessible manner, it delivers on its promise too . . . Reading, according to Rest Test participants, is one of the best ways to rest. So if you want to change your 24/7 lifestyle, opening The Art of Rest may well be a good start * * New Scientist * *Hammond valiantly unearths some great nuggets . . . quirky humour and sunny enthusiasm kept me reading * * Sunday Times * *

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Book SynopsisWho are the most important men and women whose notions and theories have changed the world? When Isaac Newton claimed that he only saw further because he stood on the shoulders of giants, he alluded to the long list of geniuses that came before him. The history of science is the story of great discoveries, flashes of intuition that have changed the way people see the world, hard work and arduous calculation in the laboratory.The Britannica Guide to 100 Most Influential Scientists is a celebration of the lives and work of the men and women who have changed the way we look at the world, the universe, and ourselves.Includes contributions from top name scientists and writers such James Gleick on Richard Feynman; Michio Kaky on Einstein and Sir Harold Kroton on the Fulleriene (for which he won an Nobel Prize).The Britannica Guide to 100 Most Influential Scientists is introduced by John Gribbin. He is the author of nearly 100 popular science books, including the best-selling IN SEARCH OF SCHRODINGER'S CAT. He has received awards for his writing both in the United States and in Britain. The holder of a PhD in astrophysics from the University of Cambridge, he still maintains links with research as a Visiting Fellow in Astronomy at the University of Sussex, and was a member of a team there that measured the age of the Universe. While still a student, he received the prestigious Annual Award of the Gravity Research Foundation in the United States, the only student, and the first Englishman working in England, ever to receive this award.Trade ReviewA marvelous introduction to science for anyone with an interest in the way civilization has evolved. -- Good Book Guide

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Book SynopsisA highly entertaining book debunking the many myths about the human body. Everything You Know About the Human Body is Wrong debunks the scientific myths we all take for granted. Written by author Matt Brown in his trademark humourous style, this book takes you through all the facts we thought true, from bodily blunders, medical mis-quotes and curious cures. Does giving kids sugar make them go hyper-active? Not at all – there is no proven link! Is there such a thing as being 'double-jointed'? And is it dangerous to swim after eating? Covering everything from pseudoscience to recent research, Everything You Know About the Human Body is Wrong shatters a range of illusions we have accepted unquestioningly since childhood and demystifies this most puzzling of subjects.Trade Review'This lovely little hard-backed book is one that you will want to dip into often.' * School Science Review *

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Book SynopsisAn engaging and witty puzzle book for science fans all over the world. The Astounding Science Puzzle Book features a series of mini quizzes of 10–15 questions on quirky topics, including 'Marvellous maths and peculiar patterns', 'Wonderful wordplay' and 'Wonders and fragilities of the body'. This handsome book makes exploring maths, physics, chemistry and biology exciting and challenging, and is perfect for any quiz lover. The trivia is based on science but also extends to popular culture, history and language – with Nobel Prize winners alongside Elvis Presley, and the moons of Mars alongside Jurassic Park. The book is interweaved with puzzles, including witty anagrams, logic puzzles, crosswords, dingbats and other illustrated puzzles. Aspiring code-breakers should keep their eyes peeled for hidden puzzles as well. From the Big Bang to Beatles lyrics – this book is perfect for any trivia lover.Trade Review'Pitched just right, entertaining without being heavy handed, The Astounding Science Puzzle Book is ideal to fill in time on a boring train journey... or to stuff a stocking.' * Popular Science Blog *‘There’s a lot here for boffins young and old to test each other.’ * How It Works *

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Book SynopsisWeaving together intellectual history, philosophy, and social studies, Sean Johnston offers a unique appraisal of the history of science and the nature of this evolving discipline. Science is all-encompassing and new developments are usually mired in controversy; nevertheless, it is a driving force of the modern world. Based on its past, where might it lead us in the twenty-first century?Trade Review“Compellingly written…As an introduction to the historiography of science, this book is superb…a wonderfully rich volume, ideal for the newbie historian or interested layperson.” * British Society for the History of Science *

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Book SynopsisAs one of the most fascinating and volatile forces on earth, volcanoes have long been the subject of worship, fear, and study. With the aid of famous 'case histories' Lopes provides a unique background to volcanoes, what they are, why they form, and how they erupt. From the Sunset Crater in Arizona and Krakatau in Indonesia to the exotic volcanoes of the outer solar system this guide illustrates the dangers of volcanoes and their importance in shaping the world around us.Trade Review“We begin with a ‘volcanoes for dummies, very elementary introduction to the subject. It is part of a series of ‘beginners guides’ to just about everything. The author, Rosaly Lopes, is able to make the complicated clear without talking down to her readers. Her professional papers are equally clear. Anyone from the age of 12 on up, who is curious about volcanoes from the [under]groud on up, will find here a plain language guide to a fascinating area of science. From the first chapter: “What are Volcanoes”, to the last: “Exotic Volcanoes of the Outer Solar System, followed by a look at current research techniques. It will make a good gift for a curious teen, a general science teacher, or writer of disaster novels/movies – it will definitely be appreciated.” * Volcanology *

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Book SynopsisThe result, Planet Earth: A Beginner’s Guide, is an expedition into the origins, evolution, and workings of our home planet in which John Gribbin does what he does best: takes 4.5 billion years of geological history and digs out the essential bits, from the physics of Newton and the geology of Wegener to the environmentalism of Lovelock. Along the journey, he uses stories from history and more current events to bring the science to a human level. Gribbin's introductory guidebook — very much a first step into geology and geography for the uninitiated — is filled with his lively voice and unique view, as he takes on the subject of the Earth from an astronomer's perspective.

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Book SynopsisWhy can't we tickle ourselves? Which properties give you the best chance of winning Monopoly? What would happen if you fell into a black hole? Is it possible to hurt your brain if you think too much? In this entertaining and enlightening tour of day-to-day life, award-winning writer and scientist Robert Matthews tackles everything from the puzzling maths of odd socks to the real 'string theory' mystery: how does string acquire all those unwanted knots?Trade Review"simply fabulous." Jon

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Book SynopsisInternationally acclaimed science writer Lone Frank swabs up her DNA to provide the first truly intimate account of the new science of consumer-led genomics. She challenges the business mavericks intent on mapping every baby's genome, ponders the consequences of biological fortune-telling, and prods the psychologists who hope to uncover just how much or how little our environment will matter in the new genetic century - a quest made all the more gripping as Frank considers her family's and her own struggles with depression.Trade Review"A probing biological memoir… Refreshing [and] wonderfully poetic." * Publishers Weekly *"Readers will be intrigued by Frank's witty, engaging account of the possibilities of emerging genetic sciences as well as her thoughtful considerations of the philosophical and ethical dimensions of the widespread use of genetic data." * Library Journal *"My Beautiful Genome covers some of the most interesting controversies in biology today, including designer babies, brain imaging, and even whether or not we have free will. It's an enthralling read." * New Scientist *"The huge research effort to understand the complexity of the genome is throwing up new insights into the nature of humanity, as the Danish science writer Lone Frank shows in My Beautiful Genome, her excellent look into the postgenomic world…. Fascinating." * Financial Times *"A fascinating exploration of a subject that is not going to go away -- the influence of our genes on the way we are both medically and socially… Frank's light style and storytelling verve… make this an enjoyable read." Brian Clegg * PopularScience.co.uk *"It’s not often you can wholeheartedly recommend a book… but this is it." * Daily Mail *"A pin-sharp, lively memoir-cum-investigation… Frank's discoveries make for some truly tingling moments." * The Mail on Sunday *"The story of DNA told through one woman's quest to find out if the secret to her depression lies in her genes… A must-read." * BioNews *"Packed with juicy informative nuggets … weird, wonderful and very funny." * Independent on Sunday *“I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to recommend it as both a personal and a book group read.” * New Books *

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Book SynopsisJoin a notorious pop science punk as he investigates real zombie reports from around the world. It's terrifying! The search for the means to control the bodies and minds of our fellow humans has been underway for millennia, from the sleep-inducing honeycombs that felled Pompey’s army to the Voodoo potions of Haiti. Now, Frank Swain, the force behind Science Punk, has joined the quest, digging up genuine zombie research: • dog heads brought back to life without their bodies • secret agents dosing targets with zombie drugs • parasites that push their hosts to suicide or sex changes • the elixir of life hidden in an eighteenth-century painting This mind-bending and entertaining excavation of incredible science is unlike anything you’ve read before.Trade Review"Swain serves up a ghoulish treat - the real-life zombies of science and nature! Packed full of bizarre research and jaw-dropping tales, his book succeeds in being simultaneously entertaining, informative, and slightly unnerving, since it turns out that the zombies are, quite likely, you and I." Alex Boese, bestselling author of Elephants on Acid and Electric Sheep "Frank Swain's gripping book reads like a non-fiction version of a Stephen King novel - you'll stay up all night reading it with goose bumps and the lights on." Michael Shermer, New York Times bestselling author of The Believing Brain and columnist, Scientific American "From attempts to reanimate animals from death to mind control experiments and brain-hacking parasites, this delightfully macabre book explores the reality of zombie mythology. Science punk Frank Swain has pulled off a masterful feat in this broad-ranging and fascinating book. Braiiiins!" Lewis Dartnell, Research Fellow, University of Leicester, and author of Life in the Universe

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Book SynopsisToday the theory of evolution by natural selection and the science of genetics are the twin keys to our understanding of how life on earth came about. Yet when an English naturalist called Charles Darwin first published his ideas in 1859 in a book called On the Origin of Species the world was horrified at the notion of a changing creation without the intervention a Creator. By contrast, when a few years later an obscure Moravian monk, Gregor Mendel, published the results of his experiments in genetics the world failed to notice John Scotney’s new book explains just what these two great men had discovered and follows the amazing development of this seminal idea from the decade when it turned the world on its head to the present time and the unravelling of the human genome. It describes how the first dinosaur fossils were believed to be the bones of giants and how little by little the ongoing story of living creatures has been assembled until we can see the thread of life running from single-cell microorganisms to primates like ourselves, and why most ancient creatures died out and some survive to this day. Indeed we still carry vestiges of former life forms in our bodies and it is said that ancient seas flow in our blood. Anatomy, taxonomy, chemistry, geology, archaeology, and embryology have all had a part in this remarkable detective story, and even the Cold War became involved when the followers of Mendel in the West were confronted by those of Lamarck in China and Russia. Modern evolutionary theory is shown to be a synthesis of many scientific fields and the product both of years of tireless work and of sudden imaginative leaps. The Theory of Evolution conveys the excitement of this fundamental discovery and gives an insight into the way scientific enquiry and debate continue to shape our world. SIMPLE GUIDES: SCIENCE Simple Guides: Science are user-friendly introductions to the great scientific discoveries of the world. Written by experts in the field, they offer the general reader simple and engaging descriptions of key developments and breakthroughs in different fields of science and technology. • Simple Guides: Science are written in a clear, informal style, using plain, non-technical language to provide accessible introductions to complex scientific theories. • Organized both by theme and chronologically, the books link the major breakthroughs to the lives of their discoverers and inventors. • The clear structure and design enable the general reader to grasp essentials easily. • These guides will appeal to readers with no specific scientific knowledge, yet with a thirst to know more about the world we live in. • The scientific developments and theories are brought to life by descriptions of their social contexts; not only the breakthroughs are described, but also their impact on society and the human story behind the scientists.

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Book SynopsisMan s quest for speed is driven by two ambitions. One is the competitive urge to excel to go as fast as possible by any available means, and preferably to go faster than anybody else. The other, more practical, aim is to make travel and transport as swift and efficient as possible. This guide will appeal to readers with no specific scientific knowledge, yet with a thirst to know more about the world we live in.

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Book SynopsisA witty, accessible and entertaining journey through teh philosophies of time and space.

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Book SynopsisHave you ever thought about the uniqueness and simplicity of One? Is Four really so square and why are there Seven days of the week, Seven deadly sins, indeed Seven wonders of the world? This book takes a hands-on approach to such various topics as musical harmony, the probabilities in poker, code breaking and the lottery.Trade ReviewA virtuoso stream of consciousness containing everything important there is to say about numbers. . . . Cogent, charming and deeply personal. . . . One to Nine makes the unfathomable enticing and gives the reader tremendous motivation to explore further. * Daily Telegraph *Hodges is. . .very good at pulling numerical rabbits out of everyday hats. . . .You can skip through the facts like a tourist, marvelling at the sights thrust in your path and still feeling impressed by the principles that underpin them, even when the technical detail eludes you.--" * Daily Mail *The ideal book for everyone interested in the only universal language, especially if their mathematical curiosity exceeds their skill. * Sunday Telegraph *One to Nine ranges widely through literature, music, philosophy, politics, and whatever else occurs to its author, in a charmingly scholarly and entertaining way. A joyous read * The Times *

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Book SynopsisScience is the world's new religion - but what happens when it goes terribly wrong?

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Book SynopsisWater is the source of life and the building block of all civilisation. The control of water has shaped politics, health, population growth, city planning, technology and religion. Controlling water has driven progress, through the growth of intensive farming and industrial revolution. It has also become a symbol of our civilisation - evidence that we have mastered nature.From the hanging gardens of Babylon and the ancient myth of the Nile to the fountains in Las Vegas, water is the one constant. We are fed by irrigated fields, live in plumbed cities, and turn on a tap without a moment's thought. Yet, this simple technology that underpins everything is at bursting point. There are too many people for the available water, and war may follow. How did we get here, and what can we do about it?Table of ContentsI. The First Taste Chapter One: Where's the Water? Chapter Two: The Font of Civilisation Chapter Three: Civilisation Bloomed from Water Chapter Four: Egypt Chapter Five: Athens and Rome Chapter Six: God, Paradise and Gardens II. The Growing Thirst Chapter Seven: God's Dry Land Chapter Eight: Fountains of Rome Chapter Nine: Taming the Rhine Chapter Ten: Health Chapter Eleven: Coal and Cotton Chapter Twelve: Dams and Politics Chapter Thirteen: America III. Peak Water Chapter Fourteen: Collapse Chapter Fifteen: Luxury Chapter Sixteen: Cities Chapter Seventeen: Irrigation Chapter Eighteen: Farming Chapter Nineteen: Trade Chapter Twenty: War Chapter Twenty-One: Dubai

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Book SynopsisLearn how to strengthen your immune system, for life. Our immune system is our body’s fortress — without it, we would be vulnerable to all sorts of infections and diseases. Yet misinformation about how to boost the immune system is everywhere. In Immune, Dr Servaas Bingé breaks through those myths, translating the latest scientific findings on immunity into clear advice with which you can optimise your lifestyle. Using no-nonsense language with a touch of humour and lots of creative thinking, Bingé takes us on a fascinating journey through our immune system. He explains how we become ill and how best to protect against it, providing superb guidance for the most important thing you can do — stay healthy.

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Book SynopsisThere are deep and fascinating links between heavy metal and quantum physics. No, really!While teaching at the University of Nottingham, physicist Philip Moriarty noticed something odd, a surprising number of his students were heavily into metal music. Colleagues, too: a Venn diagram of physicists and metal fans would show a shocking amount of overlap. What's more, it turns out that heavy metal music is uniquely well-suited to explaining quantum principles.In When the Uncertainty Principle Goes to Eleven, Moriarty explains the mysteries of the universe's inner workings via drum beats and feedback: You'll discover how the Heisenberg uncertainty principle comes into play with every chugging guitar riff, what wave interference has to do with Iron Maiden, and why metalheads in mosh pits behave just like molecules in a gas.If you're a metal fan trying to grasp the complexities of quantum physics, a quantum physicist baffled by heavy metal, or just someone who'd like to know how the fundamental science underpinning our world connects to rock music, this book will take you, in the words of Pantera, to "A New Level." For those who think quantum physics is too mind-bendingly complex to grasp, or too focused on the invisibly small to be relevant to our full-sized lives, this funny, fascinating book will show you that physics is all around us . . . and it rocks.Trade Review"A refreshing and accessible introduction to nanoscience for the curious metalhead." —Science Magazine "You don't need to be a metalhead to like this book—but be warned that if you do like this book, you will probably find yourself more of a metalhead by the end than you were at the start, because the enthusiasm is infectious. You might even find you have a better grip of the notorious mind-warping concepts of quantum mechanics too." —Philip Ball, author of Beyond Weird: Why Everything You Thought You Knew about Quantum Physics Is Different "A magical mosh pit of Slayer and spandex trousers, sound waves, and strings—this is quantum physics as you've never seen or heard it before." —Matin Durrani, editor of Physics World magazine and coauthor of Furry Logic: the Physics of Animal Life "Both metal-heads and physicists have become caricatures in today's pop culture. In his wonderfully conversational writing, Moriarty smashes these stereotypes and subverts expectations by weaving the two worlds together. This book shows how unexpected ideas cut across the worlds of heavy metal and quantum physics. If you enjoy surprises, brutal band logos, or insane riffs, you'll love this book. Forgot pop-sci. This is metal-sci." —Jesse Silverberg, PhD, physicist and Harvard research fellow "I thought I'd already seen every possible analogy for the weird world of quantum physics, but Philip Moriarty's music-inspired take on it is fresh and engaging . . . Moriarty's enthusiasm for both physics and metal shines through so much in his writing that I was tempted to break out the Megadeth myself while reading. If you've ever been intrigued by quantum mechanics but worried that you couldn't hack an entire book on the subject, try this one, and you won't be disappointed." —Kelly Oakes, former science editor for BuzzFeed UK "Whether you're a physicist, science enthusiast, musician, or music fan, this book will entertain and enlighten in equal amounts. It will bring a new beauty to your favorite songs, and arm you with fresh concepts to explain some of the most counter-intuitive of scientific ideas. At the very least, you'll have an interesting conversational tangent to adopt next time someone wants to force their amateur rendition of ‘Smoke on the Water' upon you." —David Domminney Fowler, guitarist with the Australian Pink Floyd Show

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Book SynopsisDiscover the science behind the most popular sci-fi franchise of all time! We marvel at the variety of creatures and technology and the mystery behind the force. But how much of the Star Wars world is rooted in reality? Could we see some of the extraordinary inventions materialize in our world? This uncomplicated, entertaining read makes it easy to understand how advanced physics concepts, such as wormholes and Einstein’s theory of relativity, apply to the Star Wars universe.Trade Review“If you’ve ever wondered how life could arise on Tatooine or how likely it is that there’s a cantina full of aliens somewhere in our galaxy, The Science of Star Wars is for you.”—San Francisco Book Review“A real treat, with many moments of epiphany lurking between the pages . . . Offers much more than just the scientific facts.”—Labtimes“A gloriously fascinating look into that galaxy far, far away!”—Professor Lewis Dartnell, University of Westminster, New York Times bestselling author of The Knowledge“As a longtime Star Wars maniac, I’d like to recommend Mark Brake and Jon Chase’s The Science of Star Wars: The Scientific Facts Behind the Force, Space Travel, and More! for the geek on your Christmas list. The book is divided into sections on space travel, space, aliens, tech, and bio-tech, with each addressing the scientific feasibility of the Star Wars universe, from faster than light travel to the nature of the Force itself. Written in a clear, friendly style, reading The Science of Star Wars is like sitting down for a conversation with a super geeky scientist friend.”—Unbound Worlds“Using the basic principles of mathematics and science, author Mark Brake and science presenter Jon Chase have unlocked some of the secrets behind the George Lucas films, and have concluded that The Force might not be complete fantasy.”—Telegraph“A fairly easy read in the sense that simple language is used to explain what can at times be fairly complex concepts . . . It’s certainly best enjoyed by anyone with a bent towards the stars and how they stay up there. . . . For the right fan, it would be an excellent Christmas present.”—In a Far Away Galaxy“If you’ve ever wondered how life could arise on Tatooine or how likely it is that there’s a cantina full of aliens somewhere in our galaxy, The Science of Star Wars is for you.”—San Francisco Book Review“A real treat, with many moments of epiphany lurking between the pages . . . Offers much more than just the scientific facts.”—Labtimes“A gloriously fascinating look into that galaxy far, far away!”—Professor Lewis Dartnell, University of Westminster, New York Times bestselling author of The Knowledge“As a longtime Star Wars maniac, I’d like to recommend Mark Brake and Jon Chase’s The Science of Star Wars: The Scientific Facts Behind the Force, Space Travel, and More! for the geek on your Christmas list. The book is divided into sections on space travel, space, aliens, tech, and bio-tech, with each addressing the scientific feasibility of the Star Wars universe, from faster than light travel to the nature of the Force itself. Written in a clear, friendly style, reading The Science of Star Wars is like sitting down for a conversation with a super geeky scientist friend.”—Unbound Worlds“Using the basic principles of mathematics and science, author Mark Brake and science presenter Jon Chase have unlocked some of the secrets behind the George Lucas films, and have concluded that The Force might not be complete fantasy.”—Telegraph“A fairly easy read in the sense that simple language is used to explain what can at times be fairly complex concepts . . . It’s certainly best enjoyed by anyone with a bent towards the stars and how they stay up there. . . . For the right fan, it would be an excellent Christmas present.”—In a Far Away Galaxy

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Book SynopsisLooking for future employment as a postdoc? Or desperately looking for the perfect present for a chemist friend? Maybe you simply enjoy cooking and reading about current developments in chemistry research? The first Who's Who in organic chemistry to show what top scientists like to cook - on the bench and on the stove - and how they have made their way. Use K. C. Nicolaou's recipe for fish and chips and read about his scientific work while preparing the meal that helped him finance his studies back in England. Containing more than 50 personal recipes and anecdotes from leading organic chemists, such as Lonely soup (Evans), Wild boar - Tuscan way (Waldmann), and Dulce de Leche (Vollhardt), accompanied by biographies and sketches of their current work, this is an exquisite delicacy for anybody who likes cooking, eating and chemistry.Trade Review"Now at last we have the evidence...of what people in the scientific community have long known: creative chemists are successful not only at the bench but also at the kitchen stove. After all, cooking too is an experimental science! To put in practice the idea of taking a peek into the cooking pots of one's colleagues is something that has long been overdue. It has now become a reality, thanks to collegues of Lutz Tietze in Gottingen on the occasion of his 60th birthday...the result is a very interesting "mixtura mirabilis"... "What's Cooking in Chemistry" is, of course, neither a chemistry textbook nor a book for the kitchen, nor is it intended to be either. But it is a charming, very personal, collection of "favorite recipes" - mostly good plain fare - presented against the background of the contributors' scientific interests. Chemists will derive pleasure from giving this carefully edited book (which has a good index) to friends and collegues in the scientific community, and thereby also giving pleasure to them. One should also have a copy in one's own bookshelves, as this charming book may encourage one's acquaintances to look more kindly on a profession that tends to be subconsciously identified with poisons and environmental damage. Guten Appetit, buon appetito, and enjoy your meal!" Prof. Gottfried Markl Universitat Regensburg "...In summary, a novel, well written and carefully presented book. Quite aside from its obvious use as a source of valuable biographic, scientific and culinary information and providing additional criteria for the selection of interesting places to do a post-doc or sabbatical, its reasonable price make book just the gift for that hard to please scientist on your list." The Alchemist - The ChemWeb Magazine "This is a cookbook, and one that is both serious and fun. The serious part comes from the scientific sketches of 56 professors from around the world who provide an overview of their research as well as their favorite recipes. Some of these recipes are very good, and readers will delight in preparing them. Even people who are not handy in the kitchen will like this book because it's fun to read the sometimes amusing commentare by the authors, who provide background on the origins of the recipes or the regions where the dishes are traditionally served. I would recommend this book for the serious chemists and cooks in your life. Its a great gift for any occasion. Nonchemists may even learn some serious chemistry from the sketches for each other." C&EN: Books . Aout of the Pan and into the fire "...recommend this book for the serious chemist and cooks in your life...a great gift for any occasion..." Chemical and Engineering News, Vol 82(04) Jan 2004 "This book should be enjoyed by those who like to read while they are cooking, or cook while they are reading. It helps to show that even famous chemists are real people who have lives outside the laboratory, appreciate the good things of life, and have highly tuned taste buds. I would recommend a meal consisting of the Erick Carreira starter, followed by a main course from Reinhard Hoffmann, before finishing up with Peter Wipf's dessert. Bon appetit!" Chemistry World "... a welcome addition to the genre (of the science of cooking) and we recommend it..." The Chemical Educator"Nun haben wir´s - leider nur schwarz auf weiß - was in der Scientific Community längst bekannt ist: Kreative Chemiker sind nicht nur an der "bench" erfolgreich, sie sind es auch am häuslichen Herd. Kochen ist schließlich auch eine experimentelle Wissenschaft! Die Idee, den Kollegen in ihre Kochtöpfe zu gucken, war längst überfällig. Mitarbeiter von Lutz Tietze in Göttingen haben sie jetzt, anlässlich seines 60. Geburtstages, Wirklichkeit werden lassen. Interviewt wurden 30 Chemiker und 2 (!) Chemikerinnen, herausgekommen ist eine überaus interessante "mixtura mirabilis". Wird das Buch der Leitidee "What´s cooking in chemistry?" gerecht? Es sind vertreten 22 "Meisterköche" aus den USA, 19 aus Deutschland, 6 aus Italien, der Rest der Welt aber nur mit 8 maitres de cuisine. Es drängt sich der Verdacht auf, dass die Summe der Leistungen im Labor und in der Küche stimmen musste. So kann man K. C. Nicolaou nachsehen, wenn der Bezwinger des Vanconmycins oder des Brevetoxins als wissenschaftliche Mount Everests "fish and chips" serviert; Größe im Labor und Bescheidenheit auf dem Teller sind eben nicht inkompatible! ...Trotz der etwas unausgewogenen Konzentration auf die USA, Deutschland und Italien tut sich auch bei "What´s cooking" eine überraschende Vielfalt auf. Pasta in vielen Variationen, Känguru, Wildente, Wildschwein und eine "Schalentierkatastrophe" (Austern, Muscheln und Shrimps) liegen auf den Tellern. Auch Folklore kommt aus den Töpfen: Kaiserschmarrn (Emperor Nonsens), Powidldatschkerl, Labskaus, Frankfurter Grüne Soße ("Gris Soß"), Tofu Tempura, Ahi Tuna Sashimi Napoleon oder Arzgebirge´sche Schuster Kließ. Interessant ist auch, wer wen zu Tisch bittet! Nicht wenige kochen für Mitarbeiter, einige, um ihre Angebetete zu beeindrucken, ein Präsident kocht für seine Vizepräsidenten und den Kanzler der Universität. D. A. Evans präsentiert mit seiner "Lonely Soup" einen "dish for bachelors" und bezeichnet sich als "survival cook". Sind sie ohne die Ehefrauen doch verloren? Bei manchen der "maitres de cuisine" scheint in ihren abschließenden Kommentaren ein Hauch von Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826) "Psychologie des Geschmacks" durch, auch wenn kein Franzose an dem bunten Tafelreigen beteiligt ist. Besonders phantasievolle Küchenmeister haben zu Ehren des Jubilars Tietze Domino-Gerichte kreiert (Domino Cake, Domino Chicken Curry)...ist natürlich weder ein Lehrbuch für Chemie noch für die Küche - will es auch nicht sein. Aber es ist eine charmante, sehr persönliche Vorstellung der "favored recipes" - die meist gute Hausmannskost beschreiben - vor dem Hintergund des wissenschaftlichen Werks der Kollegen. Es sollte Freude machen, dieses sehr sorgfälig redigierte und mit einem Index versehene Werk Freunden und Kollegen der Scientific Community zu schenken und damit Freude zu bereiten. Eigentlich sollte es auch im eigenen Bücherschrank stehen , denn einem Berufstand, der im Unterbewusstsein immer noch mit viel Gift und Umweltschäden identifiziert wird, könnte dieses liebenswürdige Buch zu einer freundlicheren Akzeptanz verhelfen." Prof. Dr. G. Märkl, Univ. Regensburg "Das Buch ist sicher ein pfiffiges Geschenk für Chemiker und Apotheker, die privat gerne auf den kulinarischen Pfaden ihrer wissenschaftlichen Vorbilder wandeln. Es ist in einer ansprechenden Hard Cover-Ausgabe im renommierten Verlag Wiley-VCH erschienen." PTA heute Erwähnung in: Nachrichten aus der Chemie Besprechung von Carl Th. Pedersen in: Dansk Kemi Buchtipp in: Analytik-News "Über 50 Chemiker geben einen kurzen Überblick über ihren Lebenslauf, ihre wissenschaftliche Arbeiten und aktuelle Forschung, sowie ihre Lieblingsrezepte. Eine tolle Idee...So international wie die Wissenschaftler, so unterschiedlich sind auch ihre Rezepte. Nur bei ganz wenigen muss man sich beim Einkaufen der Zutaten anstrengen oder sie gar per Luftfracht einfliegen lassen - allerdings weiß ich jetzt, dass mein Supermarkt um die Ecke nicht alles für "BBQ Kangaroo" vorrätig hat." Laborjournal Table of ContentsContents Martin Banwell: Marinade for BBQ Kangaroo Robert G. Bergman: Potato Latkes (Potato Pancakes) Dale L. Boger: Cannoli Shells Carsten Bolm: Kaiserschmarren Ronald Breslow: Veal and Sausage Stew Reinhard Bruckner: Pears, Beans and Bacon Gianfranco Cainelli: Tagliatelle alla Bolognese Erick M. Carreira: Black Bean Soup Armin de Meijere: Spaghetti con 'Schluntz' Scott E. Denmark: Scott's Fondue Ulf Diederichsen: Green Eel a la Marie with Dill Dip Alessandro Dondoni: Wild Duck in Olive Oil; Maccheroni con salmi di lepre alla Mantovana Dieter Enders: Chicken a la Maritje David A. Evans: Brunswick Stew (Lonely Soup) Marye Anne Fox: Carolina Dirt Cake Burchard Franck: Labskaus Robin L. Garell, Kendall N. Houk: Ahi Tuna Sashimi Napoleon Cesare Gennari: Domino Cake Robert H. Grubbs: Pecan Pie John F. Hartwig: Sorrel Soup; Variant of Nicoise Salad Clayton H. Heathcock: Texas Chili Wolfgang A. Herrmann: Filled Trout Donald Hilvert: Pasta with Artichoke Cream Alessandro Reinhard W. Hoffmann: Lamb Fillets Dieter Hoppe: Sweet and Sour Mushroom Salad Hiriyakkanavar Ila: Chicken Curry Karl Anker J?rgensen: A Crustacean Catastrophe; Tenderloin of Wild Boar; The Royal M&M Almond Cake Alan R. Katritzky: Sauerkraut Salad Horst Kessler: Red Gritz Horst Kunz: Arzgebirg'sche Schusterklie? Richard C. Larock: Chili Crock Pot Steven V. Ley: Ley's Low-Calorie, Chemical-Free Risotto? Lewis N. Mander: Chicken Dijonnais Johann Mulzer: Powidltatschkerl Ei-ichi Negishi: Goma-ae, Goma-yogoshi Kyriakos C. Nicolaou: Fish & Chips Leo A. Paquette: Paquette's Favourite Lasagna Manfred T. Reetz: Herb Sauce Frankfurt Style Daniel H. Rich: Ciappino Herbert W. Roesky: The 1:1:1 Mix Gyula Schneider: Tiszai halaszle Lawrence T. Scott: Fruitcake Victor Snieckus: Cold Beetroot Soup Martin Suhm: Fish Souffle Clausius-Clapeyron Marcello Tiecco: Tagliatelle with Bologna-style Meat Sauce Lutz F. Tietze: Pork Roulades with Cheese Claudio Trombini: Lasagne Verdi Rocco Ungaro: Pasta al Forno Southern Italy Style Edwin Vedejs: Pat Anderson-Vedejs' Wisconsin Linzer Torte K. Peter C. Vollhardt: Dulce de Leche Herbert Waldmann: Cinghiale in Dolce e Forte Ekkehard Winterfeldt: One-pot Fish Soup Peter Wipf: Lemon-Kiwi Pie Yoshinori Yamamoto: Tofu Tempura Axel Zeeck: Filled Peppers a la Benjamin

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Book Synopsis1 Das Nervensystem.- 2 Das Gehirn.- 3 Die Zellen.- 4 Neurone in Aktion.- 5 Krank im Kopf.- 6 Methoden der Hirnforschung.- 7 Grenzen des Wissens

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Book SynopsisOrbital Planes: A Personal Vision of the Space Shuttle is Roland Miller’s intimate photographic view of the Space Shuttle Program. A unique collection of imagery, the book explores the Space Shuttle orbiters—both inside and out—along with related facilities including rocket engine test sites, Solid Rocket Booster and External Tank manufacturing facilities, orbiter manufacturing and maintenance facilities, launch sites, and more. Miller photographed the Space Shuttle starting in 1988. He began his focused work for Orbital Planes in 2008 and continued for the duration of the Space Shuttle Program through the decommissioning of the orbiters. Orbital Planes is part artistic invention, part space archaeology, and part historic documentation. Through a combination of documentary and abstract photographs made around the United States, Orbital Planes tells an expansive story of the Space Shuttle Program in a visually arresting style. Detailed imagery describes the distinctive design and engineering of these spacecraft and the facilities where they were maintained and launched. The drama and danger of spaceflight are seen in the wear and tear visible on the Space Shuttle orbiters. The book also chronicles the story of Miller’s interactions with Space Shuttle workers and the impacts of the Challenger and Columbia accidents.

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Book SynopsisEveryone who is ever likely to be born on to this planet could be fed to the highest standards of nutrition and gastronomy-and this could be done without cruelty, or destroying our fellow creatures. By 2050 we will need to feed 9.5 billion people-which is as big as the world population is ever likely to get. To achieve this we need only to design farming expressly for the purpose-what in this book is called Enlightened AgricultureA". Good Food for Everyone Forever describes what's needed, and why. Picking up from his earlier book, Feeding People is Easy, the author introduces his radically new Campaign for Real FarmingA", intended to bring about nothing less than a people's takeover of the world's food supplyA".

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Book SynopsisQuantum physics has, on the one hand, drastically changed our theoretical description of the physical world and has, on the other hand, revolutionized everyday life, by allowing us to build lasers, atomic clocks used in GPS, and semiconductor-based devices such as laptop computers and smartphones. The object of this book is to give a self-contained introduction to both aspects. It contains a detailed account of the foundational principles: superposition, entanglement, quantum non-locality, decoherence and measurement theory, and of some selected applications: quantum cryptography and quantum computers, cold atoms, light emitting and laser diodes, and atomic clocks. The book is aimed at a general audience and the only prerequisite is a high-school background in mathematics.Table of ContentsAn Inconvenient Principle; Secure Communications; Einstein, Bohr, and Bell; Atoms, Light, and Lasers; Cold Atoms; The Kingdom of Semiconductors; Relativistic Quantum Physics; Towards a Quantum Computer?; The Environment is Watching; Interpretations.

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Book SynopsisUsing no math beyond high school algebra, the authors lay out an approachable explanation of Einstein's special relativity, then move through the fundamental differences between traveling forward and backward in time and the surprising theoretical connection between going back in time and traveling faster than the speed of light.Trade Review"Marvelously accessible." (Chicago Tribune) "Relying only minimally on technical jargon and formulas, the authors open to view the exciting conceptual prospects for designing a time machine capable of slipping backward through the centuries and of riding faster-than-light warp bubbles through the cosmos.... Armchair scientists share the thrill of peeking into the universe's deepest secrets. Penetrating science illuminates humankind's most audacious dreams." (Booklist)"

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Book SynopsisFor the nonscientist, the claims and counterclaims are dizzying - what does it really mean to understand the genome? In this title, the authors offer an answer to this question and many more in a clear account of the genomic revolution and its promise.

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Book SynopsisNature has published news about the history of life ever since its first issue in 1869. This work brings together 19 review articles written for Nature over the past decade. Topics include major extinction events, homeotic genes and body plans and the origin and evolution of the primates.

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Book SynopsisThis text presents the biological and political horror story of the algae in the Mediterranean. This work - part detective story and part bureaucratic object lesson - presents a classic case of a devastating ecological invasion and how not to deal with it.Table of ContentsFrom the discovery of the alga in Monaco to its arrival in France; the alga grows - and the polemic begins; "Caulerpa Taxifolia", superstar; the stakeholders squabble - and the alga spreads; research progresses - and the polemic persists; Chiaroscuro - 1997-1998; the three lessons of "Caulerpa". Appendices: the biology of "Caulerpa taxifolia" as known in 1991; chronology of a heralded invasion. (Part contents).

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Book SynopsisMark Monmonier looks at the increased use of geographic data, satellite imagery, and location tracking across a wide range of fields. Could these diverse forms of geographic monitoring, he asks, lead to grave consequences for society?Trade Review"With electronic spies in the sky, sensors under the streets, and geographic data banks everywhere, it takes Mark Monmonier's knowledge and insight to make sense of the new landscape of locational privacy. This is fascinating reading, indispensable to watchers and watched alike." - Edward Tenner, author of Why Things Bite Back: Technology and the Revenge of Unintended Consequences

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Book SynopsisRecounts the history of the post-war conceptual development of elementary-particle physics. Inviting a reappraisal of the status of scientific knowledge, the text suggests that scientists are not mere passive observers and reporters of nature.

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Book SynopsisFollowing water on its course through the natural world, this account emphasises the connection between water and all forms of life.

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Book SynopsisWhen viewed from a quiet beach, the ocean, with its rolling waves and vast expanse, can seem calm, even serene. Written with a diver's love of the ocean, a novelist's skill at storytelling, the author takes us deep into the sea to introduce an astonishing cast of fascinating and bizarre creatures that make the salty depths their home.Trade Review"Packed with excellent conversation fodder for your next date, this book details the strange lives and mating rituals of sea creatures. Choose your anecdotes wisely, though: That romantic seafood dinner may become less appetizing once you explain that lobsters use urine during foreplay, or that male octopi copulate with a 'specialized baby-maker arm." (Sierra Magazine) "A tastefully scandalous tour of defensive secretions and extreme sexual flexibility backs up a plea for ocean conservation." (Science News)"

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Book SynopsisOne of three companion volumes that form an introduction to the central ideas of the modern natural sciences, this book is a source for those who have no technical knowledge in the subject of the architecture of matter.

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Book SynopsisOne of three companion volumes that form an introduction to the central ideas of the modern natural sciences, this book is a source for those who have no technical knowledge in the subject of time.

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Book SynopsisExplains the meaning and far-flung implications of the general theory of relativity and other mysteries of modern physics by presenting a conversation among Newton, Einstein, and a fictitious contemporary particle physicist named Adrian Haller.Trade ReviewIn his latest book, the renowned German physicist Harold Fritzsch adopts an interesting method of explaining Einstein's relativity theory and its implications. Toronto Globe & Mail Fritzsch'sThe Curvature of Spacetime is a time-travel dialogue set in 1996 between three men: Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein... and an imaginary modern expert, Adrian Haller... As an expository device, the dialogue form is quite successful. It lets Haller teach Einstein and Newton (and us) the current status, experimental and theoretical, of particle physics, drawing the reader into exchanges of view and conflicting ideas more readily than conventional exposition would allow. -- Francis Everitt Nature There have been many admirable attempts to bring Einstein's ideas to a wider public, and I am sureThe Curvature of Spacetime makes a contribution to that process -- Robert Pepperell Leonardo Review

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