Popular science Books
Columbia University Press The 23rd Cycle
Book SynopsisA NASA space scientist maps out the coming solar cycle-and its catastrophic potential to disrupt worldwide power and communications systems. He includes a history of the record of auroral sightings, accounts of communications blackouts from the 20th century, industries sensitive to solar storms, and radiation and health issues.Trade ReviewOdenwald... gives us reason to worry about how ill-prepared we are for geomagnetic disturbances in the future. It's scary enough to warrant a Hollywood disaster movie. American Scientist Odenwald uses a breezy journalistic style as he explores solar eruptions and how these interfere with such vital elements as electrical power grids, long-distance piplines, and navigation. Sky & Telescope Odenwald (NASA) offers an outstanding nontechnical introduction to the solar-terrestrial environment with a focus on "space weather". He weaves a fascinating story using numerous examples of space weather impacts on human and technological systems. Scientific references are highly accessible and accurate throughout. -- T. Eastman Choice Odenwald offers a cogent warning, which deserves to have an impact beyond the book's own immediate readership of space science enthusiasts. Publishers Weekly With the Sun about halfway through its 23rd sunspot cycle since the 18th century, there is a chance that solar flares and coronal mass ejections... will affect the Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field... This book presents an interesting explanation of this phenomenon. For astronomy, space science, and engineering collections. Library Journal A fine summary of space weather effects, and how they work to the detriment of many satellite-based communications systems and, even, technology at ground level. I recommend Odenwald's book as a guide to the subtler, but very important, processes which occur in tandem with spectacular auroral storms. -- Neil Bone Astronomy Now
£82.80
Columbia University Press The Beginners Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize
Book SynopsisUseful for those interested in a career in science, the author recounts his unlikely path to becoming a Nobel Laureate. Beginning with his humble origins in Australia, he tells how he developed an interest in immunology and describes his award-winning, influential work with Rolf Zinkernagel on T-cells and the nature of immune defense.Trade ReviewA highly readable introduction to the modern world of scientific research. -- Mary Powers Commercialappeal.com Important to any aspiring scientist. Bookwatch A charmingly homely account of his own unlikely path toward this pinnacle. -- Margaret Wertheim Los Angeles Times Doherty opens the vault to the world of science. Nature The Beginner's Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize is an interesting and useful read for up-and-coming scientists. Journal of the American Medical Association This extended and amusing memoir does show how the path to a Nobel can be rocky and winding. -- Jeff Bairstow Laser Focus WorldTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 The Swedish Effect 9 The Science Culture 26 This Scientific Life 57 A Science Story 94 Personal Discoveries and New Commitments 140 The Next American Century? 159 Science and Religion 189 Discovering the Future 215 How to Win a Nobel Prize 238 Appendix 1 256 Appendix 2 263 Abbreviations 280 Index 286
£63.00
Columbia University Press The Beginners Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize
Book SynopsisUseful for those interested in a career in science, the author recounts his unlikely path to becoming a Nobel Laureate. Beginning with his humble origins in Australia, he tells how he developed an interest in immunology and describes his award-winning, influential work with Rolf Zinkernagel on T-cells and the nature of immune defense.Trade ReviewA highly readable introduction to the modern world of scientific research. -- Mary Powers Commercialappeal.com Important to any aspiring scientist. Bookwatch A charmingly homely account of his own unlikely path toward this pinnacle. -- Margaret Wertheim Los Angeles Times Doherty opens the vault to the world of science. Nature The Beginner's Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize is an interesting and useful read for up-and-coming scientists. Journal of the American Medical Association This extended and amusing memoir does show how the path to a Nobel can be rocky and winding. -- Jeff Bairstow Laser Focus WorldTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 The Swedish Effect 9 The Science Culture 26 This Scientific Life 57 A Science Story 94 Personal Discoveries and New Commitments 140 The Next American Century? 159 Science and Religion 189 Discovering the Future 215 How to Win a Nobel Prize 238 Appendix 1 256 Appendix 2 263 Abbreviations 280 Index 286
£19.00
Columbia University Press An Internet in Your Head
Book SynopsisThe computational neuroscientist Daniel Graham offers an innovative paradigm for understanding the brain. He argues that the brain is not like a single computer—it is a communication system, like the internet.Trade ReviewGraham offers a fresh, insightful, and informative perspective on brain function, proposing that communication between neurons resembles signal passing in the internet as a novel metaphor to investigate the brain. He provides erudite discussions and presents compelling arguments in a lively and clear manner. -- Gabriel Kreiman, Harvard Medical SchoolEver since we began to explore the brain, we have used various metaphors, typically relating brains to machines. Von Neumann introduced the computer metaphor but the list of similarities faded away with time. Daniel Graham’s book updates the "brain-is-like" metaphor to encompass the internet. Unlike the computer, the internet is not a blueprint design but a constantly evolving system, much like the brain. Or perhaps it is not the entire brain but only the neocortex is like the internet, which contains all knowledge of the individual, the way the internet contains all factual knowledge of humankind. Yet, only through efficient searching can knowledge become accessible; luckily, there is the hippocampus, the brain’s search engine. Of course, metaphors can be reciprocated. Does the internet have plans, feelings, and intentions? Get your copy to find out. -- György Buzsáki, author of Rhythms of the Brain and The Brain from Inside OutIn this timely book, the neuroscientist Daniel Graham argues eloquently for shedding the worn idea of brain as computer for that of brain as communication device—brain as internet. A must-read for anyone interested in the brain from the novice to the hardened professional, Graham's book bravely challenges the standard dogma to reshape and reframe our thinking about the workings of the brain. -- Michael S. Gazzaniga, director of the SAGE Center for the Study of Mind, University of California Santa Barbara, and author of The Consciousness Instinct: Unraveling the Mystery of How the Brain Makes the MindBrain function cannot be fully understood without considering how neurons and brain regions connect and communicate. What are the principles that govern how rich and dynamic patterns of network communication organize and support mind and cognition? This book offers a truly enjoyable and accessible account of this important topic, as well as a fresh and thought-provoking perspective that bridges brain science and modern communication technology. -- Olaf Sporns, distinguished professor of psychological and brain sciences, Indiana UniversityThe brain and the internet both require flexibility for reliably routing information across growing and adapting networks. Graham’s accessible and scholarly book, which also considers mail and telephone networks, develops plausible similarities for how brains and internets solve routing problems. -- Chris McManus, professor of psychology, University College London, and author of Right Hand, Left Hand: The Origins of Asymmetry in Brains, Bodies, Atoms, and CulturesTable of ContentsPreface1. The Internet-Brain and the Computer-Brain2. Metaphors for the Brain3. What We Don’t Know About Brains4. From Connectomics to Dynomics5. How the Internet Works6. The Internet Metaphor: First Steps to a New Theory of the Brain7. Critique of the Internet Metaphor8. The Internet Metaphor in Action: Emerging Models and New Technologies9. The Internet Metaphor, AI, and UsAfterwordAcknowledgmentsNotesBibliographyIndex
£80.39
Columbia University Press Programmable Planet
Book SynopsisProgrammable Planet is a grand tour through the world of synthetic biology, telling the stories of the colorful visionaries whose ideas are shaping discoveries. Ted Anton explores the field from its beginning in fighting malaria in Africa to the COVID vaccines and beyond.Trade ReviewProgrammable Planet captures the passion and energy of those at the genesis of the construction of the genetically engineered world. -- Christopher Voigt, Daniel I.C. Wang Professor of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyIf you’ve ever wondered about the promise—and the peril—of synthetic biology and its power to transform life, then Programmable Planet is the book for you. Ted Anton’s exploration of both the history and the future of the ways we engineer life is incisive, engaging, and downright fascinating. -- Deborah Blum, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Poison Squad: One Chemist’s Single-Minded Crusade for Food Safety in the Early Twentieth CenturyProgrammable Planet is a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read. Anton is an expert storyteller who blends the human element with cutting-edge science like a synthetic biologist engineering a novel organism. Timely and at times provocative, the book provides a wonderful grounding for those interested in learning more about synthetic biology’s promise and threat. And we should all be interested in learning more. -- Aoife Brennan, president and chief executive officer, SynlogicIn this rollicking compendium, Anton documents a huge number of ways synthetic biology can be used in practice, embedding these examples in the experiences of the people involved. -- Drew Endy, Stanford UniversityTable of ContentsIntroductionPart I. Beginnings1. A Glass of Absinthe: A Malaria Medicine2. A Radical Philosophy3. Pandora’s Box: The Triumph and Temptation of Gene Editing4. The Silk Road: Directing Evolution5. Wild: Remaking LifePart II. Ripples in the Water6. Rush: Biology-Made Medicines7. New Nature: A Do-It-Yourself Environment8. Hearth and Home9. Fantastic Voyages: Mining and the Military10. The Killers: Viruses as HealersPart III. Bioindustrial Revolution11. Race to a Vaccine12. Global Production: Perils and Profits of a New Science13. The Moirai’s Gift14. To the Planets, and Beyond: Synthetic Biology in Space15. FuturamaAcknowledgmentsTimelineGlossaryFurther ReadingNotesIndex
£28.50
Yale University Press Consciousness A Users Guide
Book SynopsisIn this thought-provoking title, neurologist Adam Zeman offers an enlightening view of consciousness seen through the lenses of science and philosophy, enhancing his discussion with case studies of neurological patients and observations of young children's expanding mental worlds.Trade Review"Zeman is a humane and engaging writer and this is a wonderfully ambitious and entertaining book. I can think of no better guide to 'the last great frontier of science.'"—Paul Broks, Prospect"[This] book is more than an argument about computers and consciousness. There are . . . potentially mind-numbing discussions of the pathways that give rise to the senses and to cognition, accompanied by diagrams of the same. . . . Zeman manages to make all of this stuff . . . interesting."—Ivan Oransky, New York Sun
£22.50
W. W. Norton & Company The New Time Travelers A Journey to the Frontiers of Physics
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£19.94
WW Norton & Co The Dynamics of Disaster
Book SynopsisNatural disasters bedevil our planet, and each appears to be a unique event. Leading geologist Susan W. Kieffer shows how all disasters are connected.
£19.94
WW Norton & Co Women After All Sex Evolution and the End of
Book SynopsisA short, lively argument for the natural superiority of women.
£19.94
W. W. Norton & Company Why Moths Hate Thomas Edison And Other Urgent Inquiries into the Odd Nature of Nature 0 Outside Books
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£11.89
WW Norton & Co What Einstein Kept Under His Hat Secrets of
Book SynopsisAll you have to do is ask 'why' and open to any page. Good luck putting it down. -Alton Brown, host of Good Eats and Iron ChefTrade Review"A combination of Good Eats, MythBusters, and Monty Python’s Flying Circus. A fun-filled science adventure for foodies." -- Austin Chronicle"This book provides wonderfully rich new vistas on the compelling, growing field of interpersonal neurobiology. Therapists and patients will benefit from Badenoch’s powerful narrative thread from neuroscience discoveries to the deepest aspects of personal relationships. This workbook is a must-read." -- José Andrés, chef and restaurateur
£22.80
WW Norton & Co World in the Balance
Book SynopsisShows that the story of metrology . . . can in the right hands make for a riveting read.The EconomistTrade Review"By any measure, this book is a delight." -- Natural History"[A] fascinating book." -- New Scientist"A colorful tale of global conquest driven by kings, revolutionaries, polyglots and privateers." -- Science News"Takes the seemingly mundane questions we unthinkingly ask dozens of times a day and reveals them to be thrillingly profound." -- Richard Panek, author of The 4% Universe
£13.29
WW Norton & Co Weird Life
Book SynopsisWeird indeed, and not a little wonderful.NatureTrade Review"A breakneck tour through natural history, encounters of an impossible kind, researchers as weird as the organisms they pursue that leads the reader to wonder where science ends and fantasy begins." -- Richard Fortey - New York Times Book Review"Conveys these far-out theories with precision and humor." -- Jascha Hoffman - New York Times"Toomey is calm and clear-eyed. . . . A good man to have watching the skies, and the ocean floor." -- AV Club"Starred review. An ingenious overview of anything that might be alive." -- Kirkus Reviews
£12.34
WW Norton & Co The Dynamics of Disaster
Book SynopsisNatural disasters bedevil our planet, and each appears to be a unique event. Leading geologist Susan W. Kieffer shows how all disasters are connected.Trade Review"Anyone interested in the processes that underlie catastrophic events within Earth will welcome this book, part riveting and all informative." -- Nature"This book ought to be placed in the hands of politicians, engineers, insurance assessors and, frankly, anyone who sees sense in understanding the processes and systems that guide our planet." -- Geographical Magazine"...the clarity of Kieffer's writing, coupled with her careful choice of supporting graphics, makes the content engaging and accessible to a wide readership." -- Times Higher Education"...brisk and lucid presentation..." -- The Times Literary Supplement"Kieffer takes a novel approach that involves thinking about natural catastrophes in terms of changes to 'systems' that otherwise present no threat." -- BBC Focus"...Kieffer...uses her deep expertise in the physics of geological processes to give an unconventional and insightful treatment of natural hazards..." -- Physics World
£12.34
WW Norton & Co Women After All
Book SynopsisA short, lively argument for the natural superiority of women.Trade Review"Konner mines evolution and anthropology to probe gender identities in the light of biology, sexual conflict across species and more. The provocative scenarios he lays out include a man-free world where women reproduce using DNA from other women's eggs." -- Nature"Melvin Konner's book has an urgent message for women – and men…" -- Times Higher Education"This is strong stuff...Konner really does know his evolutionary onions…" -- The Mail on Sunday"...it [Women After All] is witty, well paced, packed with useful information and suggests an intriguing new perspective on an old phenomenon…" -- Paul Seabright - Times Literary Supplement"...he [Konner] does support his arguments with a whole kaleidoscope of fascinating research and information." -- Human Givens
£12.34
WW Norton & Co Close Encounters with Humankind A
Book SynopsisIn this captivating bestseller, Korea's first paleoanthropologist offers fresh insights into humanity's dawn and evolution.Trade Review"... Close Encounters with Humankind offers additional vistas on our unique plight..." -- The Ideas Driving 2018 - New Scientist"Succinctly and engagingly, Lee revisits... key questions about the story of our evolving species — and gives some unconventional answers... ultimately, Lee will inspire even experts with her efforts at elucidating a field often seen as arid and inscrutable." -- Nature"To describe this as a toilet book is not a criticism. The short, punchy, stand-alone chapters (including Are We Cannibals? Are Humans Still Evolving?) lend themselves perfectly to reflective moments in the smallest room of the house." -- Wild reading - books for the summer - BBC Wildlife Magazine
£19.94
John Wiley & Sons Inc Entanglement The Greatest Mystery in Physics
Book SynopsisCould ''Beam me up, Scotty'' soon become a reality? The lines between ''science'' and ''science fiction'' have become increasingly blurred. Now, quantum mechanics promises that some of humanity''s wildest dreams may be realized. Serious scientists, working from Einstein''s theories, have been investigating the phenomenon known as ''entanglement'' one of the strangest aspects of our strange universe. According to Einstein, quantum mechanics required entanglement, the idea that subatomic particles could become linked and that a change to one such particle would instantly be reflected in its counterpart, even if separated by a universe. Einstein felt that if quantum theory could produce such bizarre effects, then it had to be invalid. But new experiments show not only that it does happen, but that it may lead to unbreakable codes and even teleportation, perhaps in our lifetimes. This is a highly accessible yet technically well researched introduction to the bizarre phenoTrade Review"…I am altogether happy that there is now a book on entanglement, almost 70 years after its discovery, and recommend it to people interested in the historical background and practical implications of quantum mechanics…" (Nature, 21 November 2002) "…a book that’s perhaps the best lay description of the evolution and current state of quantum physics available today…" (Focus, February 2003) "…Amir D. Aczel's short biographies of these quantum pioneers are lively and entertaining..." (The Times Literary Supplement, 11 September 2003)Table of ContentsPreface. A Mysterious Force of Harmony. Before the Beginning. Thomas Young's Experiment. Planck's Constant. The Copenhagen School. De Broglie's Pilot Waves. Schrödinger and His Equation. Heisenberg's Microscope. Wheeler's Cat. The Hungarian Mathematician. Enter Einstein. Bohm and Aharanov. John Bell's Theorem. The Dream of Clauser, Horne, and Shimony. Alain Aspect. Laser Guns. Triple Entanglement. The Ten-Kilometer Experiment. Teleportation: "Beam Me Up, Scotty". Quantum Magic: What Does It All Mean? Acknowledgments. References. Index.
£17.09
John Wiley & Sons Inc Bad Medicine
Book Synopsis"Christopher Wanjek uses a take-no-prisoners approach in debunking the outrageous nonsense being heaped on a gullible public in the name of science and medicine. Wanjek writes with clarity, humor, and humanity, and simultaneously informs and entertains. " -Dr.Trade ReviewFor skeptics, always fans of science: The first two books in aseries devoted to "bad science," Bad Astronomy by PhilipPlait and Bad Medicine (Wiley, $15.95) by ChristopherWanjek, may warm even a Scrooge's heart. In short chapters, Plaittackles misperceptions about why the moon looks larger on thehorizon and why stars twinkle before moving on, dismantlingconspiracy kooks who doubt the moon landing and offering a top 10list of bad science moments in movie history. Wanjek, a sciencewriter who has also written jokes for The Tonight Show andSaturday Night Live, takes an edgy and funny tack indebunking myths such as humans using only 10% of their brains, theutility of "anti-bacterial" toys and the safety of "natural" herbalremedies, ones often loaded with powerful chemicals. (USATODAY, December 3, 2002) "...Bad Medicine is an enjoyable romp through a host ofbiomedical misconceptions..." (New Scientist, 21 December 2002) "...Wanjek shoots and scores when he tackles the major myths ofmedicine..." (Focus, February 2003)Table of ContentsAcknowledgments. Introduction: The Roots of Bad Medicine. PART I: I SING THE BODY ECLECTIC. 10 Percent Misconception, 90 Percent Misdirection: The Brain atWork. Big Brain, Little Smarts: Brain Size and Intelligence. Blinded by Lies: The Eyes Have It. All in Good Taste: How the Tongue Works. Scrubbing Your Liver: The Demystification of Detoxification. Refer to the Appendix: Useless Organ or Helpful Player? Going Gray? Not Today: White Hair and Its Causes. Samson's Delight: Baldness Cures. The Race Is Off: Race Defined. PART II: GROWING OLD. Losing One's Mind: Memory Loss and Aging. Getting Stiffed: Vitality and Aging. Illness Gets Old: Aging and Disease. See You in 2150: The Long and Short of Life Span. On and On: Longevity and Genetics. PART III: ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU SICK. The Plague Lives! The Black Plague in the Modern Age. Cold Comfort: How to Catch a Cold. The Ill-Advised War on Bacteria: Are All Bacteria Bad? Radiating Misperception: Radiation, Pro and Con. Swimming with Sharks: Sharks and Cancer. Mutating Misconceptions: What Your Genes Say about Your FutureHealth. PART IV: EATING IT UP. Learning Your Alpha-Beta-Carotenes: Antioxidants, Pro andCon. The Unbearable Heaviness of Being: Fat People and Food. Not Milk? Milk and Your Health. Organic Reasoning: The Benefits of Organic Food. Water, Water Everywhere: Bottled Water vs. Tap Water. The Whole Grain Truth: Are Whole Grains Healthier? PART V: THE RETURN OF THE WITCH DOCTOR. The Delusion of Dilution: Homeopathy X 50. Magnetic Charm: Magnets and Your Health. Reversal of Fortune: The Viability of Ayurveda. Something Smells Funny: Aromatherapy As a Cure. Suffocating Trends: Oxygen--How Much Is Too Much? The Ultimate Hands-Off Approach: Touch Therapy, Qigong, and FalunGong. Getting to the Root of the Problem: Herbs As AlternativeMedicine. A Shot in the Arm: The True Dangers of Vaccines. PART VI: RISKING IT ALL. Toxic Avenger: The Science of Toxicity. Peer-Reviewed for Your Pleasure: How Health Studies Work. Candy Adds Years to Your Life: And Other Important Health StudyFindings. We're #1: Rating America's Health. PART VII: JUST LIKE IN THE MOVIES. I'm Not a Reporter, but I Play One on TV: The Accuracy ofTelevision Medical News. Rambo VI: The Quest for Hearing: Guns and Their Aftereffects. Knocked Out, Loaded: Imagined Violence and Real Problems. Heartbreaker: Hollywood Style. Epilogue: Tomorrow's Promise: Bad Medicine on the Horizon. Appendix: More Bad Medicine. Recommended Reading. Bibliography. Index.
£14.39
The University of Michigan Press The DNA Mystique
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe DNA Mystique is a wake-up call to all who would dismiss America's love affair with 'the gene' as a merely eccentric obsession." —In These Times"Nelkin and Lindee are to be warmly congratulated for opening up this intriguing field [of genetics in popular culture] to further study." —Nature
£22.75
The University of Michigan Press Robert Frost and the Challenge of Darwin
Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Chapter 1 The Fact is the Sweetest Dream Darwin, Pragmatism, and Poetic Knowledge 13 Chapter 2 What to Make of a Diminished Thing Birds, Insects, and Downward Comparisons 53 Chapter 3 Play for Mortal Stakes Labor, Community, and Nature's Chaos 101 Chapter 4 Tools and Weapons Man, Technology, and Nature 149 Chapter 5 The Lovely Shall Be Choosers Women, Nature, and Domestic Conflict 187 Chapter 6 Descent into Matter Natural History and the End of Theodicy 245 Epilogue: Choosing Stars and Picking Apples 303 Notes 319 Bibilography 347 Index 359
£31.30
Harvard University Press On Fertile Ground
Book SynopsisRanging from the latest achievements of modern fertility clinics to the lives of subsistence farmers in the rain forests of Africa, this book offers both a remarkably broad and a minutely detailed exploration of human reproduction. Ellison combines the perspectives of anthropology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.Trade ReviewEllison gives a clear, beautifully written account of human reproductive physiology in relation to human evolution and ecology. His very readable narrative--including his stands on some still controversial questions--will enlighten anyone interested in reproduction, population, and people's place on the planet. -- Joel E. Cohen, Professor of Populations at The Rockefeller University and Columbia University, New York and 1999 winner of the Tyler Prize for Environmental AchievementOn Fertile Ground is a fine overview of the role of hormones in human reproduction, and of the way hormones and behavior interact. Authoritative and lively, it is the best place to start. -- Melvin Konner, Emory UniversityA splendid synthesis by one of the pioneers in the study of the evolution of the human reproductive system. Ellison provides a readable, marvelously informative account of the physiology of reproduction as it relates to women's lives. -- Sara Blaffer Hrdy, author of Mother NatureBecause of the many subfields it covers, not to mention the contradictory claims made by its practitioners, human reproduction has been a difficult topic for non-specialists to master. Peter Ellison has now turned a fearsome set of data-rich puzzles into a single elegant story. On Fertile Ground shows readers where the intellectual problems lie, what's wrong with past solutions, and why his views are right. On Fertile Ground is a riveting tale of adaptation and a major contribution to mammalian evolutionary ecology. It shows science at its best. -- Richard Wrangham, author of Demonic MalesOn Fertile Ground provides the finest available integration of detailed information on human reproductive physiology with evolutionary explanations; it can serve as a model for other areas of human biology...A novel synthesis of a fast-growing field, On Fertile Ground will interest specialists and nonspecialists alike and can be used as an undergraduate text as well. It is an excellent read that significantly advances our understanding of human reproduction. -- Hillard S. Kaplan * Science *Peter Ellison grips your attention from his opening contrast between a difficult birth in central Africa that ended in the death of the baby and a successful delivery in the U.S. that mobilised up-to-date medical facilities. He isn't sensationalist. Fascination comes from following the progress from conception to maturity in minute detail...On Fertile Ground is enjoyable and Ellison has an individual voice. -- Roy Herbert * New Scientist *[This book] is truly extraordinary, state-of-the-art book on a topic that concerns all human beings as individuals and a host of others professionally. So many superlatives may seem inappropriate, but they are not. Ellison is a cutting-edge scientist: a leading researcher in the field of human reproductive physiology. He brings to bear an unparalleled perspective--derived from both anthropology and biology--that makes a diverse and conflicting field of research suddenly comprehensible by demanding that human reproduction be viewed as the product of evolution, responsive to ecological conditions, with its own unique evolutionary history. -- Jane B. Lancaster * Harvard Magazine *Given Peter Ellison's major contributions to reproductive ecology, it should come as no surprise that he has written a unique, readable book on what determines and influences reproductive success in humans...One of the hallmarks of this book is that, in his efforts to understand why human reproduction has evolved its own particular pattern, Ellison repeatedly asks questions that would never cross the minds of many of us, and in so doing stimulates new ways of thinking about old topics...This is an excellent and thoughtful discussion of the many interesting theories surrounding human reproductive physiology and its constraints. Written in accessible language, it should appeal to a non-academic audience as well as the specialist. It could also be assigned as a graduate and/or undergraduate supplementary text in courses on human reproductive ecology/behavioral biology or reproductive physiology. I can thoroughly recommend it to any and all of these readers! -- Gillian R. Bentley * Journal of Human Evolution *This is an splendid book that is so clearly written and yet so rigorously detailed that it can be recommended to teenage daughters and sons as well as specialists in reproductive ecology and life history theory. The book covers everything about the female reproductive system in intricate detail from conception and early fetal development through childhood, the onset of sexual maturation, female ovulatory cycling, pregnancy, birth and lactation and finally through menopause and the post reproductive lifespan. It also includes a fascinating chapter on male reproductive physiology that clearly explains how the sexes are similar and how and why males are different...Peter Ellison has been an outstanding leader of the field of reproductive ecology for more than 20 years. This book is the distillation of his ideas over that time period and a sparklingly transparent presentation of what sometimes seems to be a muddy pond of complicated details...It will undoubtedly be on the forefront of a new era in human reproductive studies, helping to lead those who study human reproductive patterns back down a pathway where questions and hypothesis about functional design are central, and firmly grounded in the realization that the whole system evolved by natural selection. -- Kim Hill * Journal of Anthropological Research *Ellison describes the evolution of human reproduction clearly and concisely, beginning with the forces that shaped the process of conception and proceeding to the reproductive process, birth, and the subsequent six months of development...Sure to delight anyone interested in the external forces that helped create humanity. -- Bonnie Johnston * Booklist *In clean, elegant prose, Ellison has crafted a synthesis of current knowledge in a range of disciplines...his exposition offers a superb overview. -- Bethany Torode * Books & Culture *Table of ContentsTwo Births Surviving the First Cut A Time to Be Born The Elixir of Life Why Grow Up? Balancing Act The Arc of Life The Body Builders The Journey and the Procession Notes Acknowledgments List of Illustrations Index
£27.86
Harvard University Press Newtons Apple and Other Myths about Science
Book SynopsisTrade Review[A] provocative collection that tackles some of science’s most enduring misconceptions and dubious assumptions. -- Gemma Tarlach * Discover *In Newton’s Apple and Other Myths about Science 27 experts in the history of science and science education explore 27 ‘myths’ that are staples of classroom and popular science. Each short, readable and authoritative chapter is perfect commute-length reading. Better than just countering the myths, the book explains when they arose and why they stuck. -- Rebekah Higgitt * The Guardian *[A] delightful collection of short, thought-provoking essays…Every reader should find something to surprise them. -- Jim Endersby * Science *Newton’s Apple seeks to expose lingering misconceptions about the precursors of modern science, about how science is conducted, and about leading researchers who pushed their fields forward. -- Bob Grant * The Scientist *Myth busting is always great fun as well as being educational. Newton’s Apple and Other Myths about Science is a splendid sequel to Galileo Goes to Jail and Other Myths about Science and Religion. Here, twenty-eight experts punch holes in widely-held opinions about science. But it may be disconcerting to find a few of your own long-held beliefs in the ranks. So don’t read this book if you aren’t prepared to change your mind. -- Owen Gingerich, author of God’s PlanetTwenty-seven popular myths about science and its history bite the dust in this engaging and timely book. In these essays, Numbers, Kampourakis, and a host of eminent experts set the record straight and explore how and why these myths become part of our collective memory—whether right or wrong. Each chapter offers important lessons about history and the scientists involved in some of our most significant discoveries. -- Janet Browne, author of Charles Darwin: A BiographyNumbers and Kampourakis have assembled a splendid collection of essays challenging rampant misconceptions about science past and present. This book will be of interest to researchers, teachers, students, and anyone who cares about getting the history of science right. -- Angela N. H. Creager, author of Life AtomicMany of the facts we think we know about science—that Isaac Newton has an epiphany about gravity when an apple fell on his head, for example, are apocryphal. These essays by science and other historians challenge the idea that science is an endeavor that jumps forward because of the discoveries or inventions of individuals, explaining that it is instead advanced by the accretion of tiny breakthroughs made by multitudes over time. -- Henrietta Verma * Library Journal *Myths die hard no matter how often they are refuted, and this splendid essay collection, edited by Numbers and Kampourakis, tackles many of the most prevalent and destructive myths about science… The book’s real value lies in the way that each author not only refutes a myth, but traces its origins and points out why it has lasted so long; each brief, well-written essay—they average eight pages—gives the historical context and explains the relevant science. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *Myths about science, including its history and practice, abound among the general public, scientists, and science teachers…This book will be a surprising read for the general audience and even scientists; it is a must read for science educators. -- P. D. Skiff * Choice *
£16.16
Harvard University Press Taxi from Another Planet
Book SynopsisTaxi drivers love to talk, and when astrobiologist Charles Cockell is their passenger, they love to talk about aliens. This humorous, insightful collection gathers essays inspired by conversations with cabbies, ranging over the possible nature of alien societies, the inevitability of life, and links between environmentalism and space exploration.Trade ReviewConversations with cab drivers lead to discussions about space exploration in this fun outing from astrobiologist Cockell…He does a great job blending cutting-edge science with philosophical considerations. This is a joy to read. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *Timely…Cockell makes us consider a gamut of new possibilities that boggle the mind. -- Bruce Dorminey * Forbes *The single most interesting space book I’ve seen this year…I remain very grateful for Taxi from Another Planet, a book I will be returning to and recommending to others. -- John Wilson * National Review *While Cockell gives an insider, science-based understanding of space and its exploration, he’s not shy in offering his opinions, such as there being no Planet B to flee to after we finish wreaking havoc on this one. Far from being at odds, he persuasively argues, environmentalism at home and exploration in space are natural allies working to understand and protect biological life. -- Adrienne Ross Scanlan * New York Journal of Books *Cockell gives readers a good, basic (and easy-to-understand) refresher course on life on Earth as he prepares to discuss life outside Earth…While this is surely a book for adults, older teens who study the skies and make plans for a home on the moon will appreciate it as well. -- Terri Schlichenmeyer * The Daily News *Takes the reader on an engaging tour of leading topics and questions in astrobiology through a series of imaginary conversations with taxi drivers. -- Ian Randall * Physics World *[Cockell] seeks to shed some light on such existential dilemmas from a refreshingly non-academic perspective…The book is both entertaining and informative in equal measure, always thought-provoking, and is an illustration of the value of interrogating seemingly simple questions from a completely different viewpoint, sometimes leading to surprising new insights. -- Morgan Hollis * Nature Astronomy *An interesting and humorous approach to questions about the universe with relatively in-depth subject exploration. * Library Journal *If you’re intrigued by the concept of life beyond Earth and space exploration, then Taxi from Another Planet will be an interesting read for you. Inspired by conversations with drivers around the world, Cockell spins them into engaging chapters that bring together observations and ruminations about human history and scientific knowledge. -- Michelle Gardner * Technical Communication *The power of this fascinating book is that it explains a lot of science in simple terms, and offers plenty of food for thought. I recommend this book to science teachers and students, to public libraries and to historians. -- Christiaan Sterken * Journal of Astronomical Data *From human societies on Mars to cosmic microbes and alien worlds, this superbly intelligent, erudite book offers an intoxicating look at how the cutting edge of scientific thought on life’s status in the universe connects to all of us. Faced with the fascinating questions of taxi drivers from around the world, Cockell is a convivial and inspiring passenger. -- Caleb Scharf, author of The Ascent of InformationMost astronomers find it hard to respond to questions from the public without lapsing into jargon or technicalities, but Charles Cockell is a natural communicator. Taxi from Another Planet conveys an array of ideas—all fascinating, and some profound—with a light touch and utter clarity. Accessible to anyone curious about the cosmos. -- Martin Rees, coauthor of The End of AstronautsIn this unique book, Cockell takes us on a journey through astrobiology—one taxi ride at a time. Combining scientific inquiries with personal stories, Taxi from Another Planet is a fascinating conversation starter. -- Lisa Kaltenegger, Director of the Carl Sagan Institute, Cornell UniversityCab drivers spend mere minutes with their passengers, which motivates them to ask riders only the interesting questions: Could Martians be dangerous? Will talking to aliens be more enlightening than talking to a dog? Cockell’s answers from the backseat are clear and delightfully phrased in this informative and thoroughly entertaining book. -- Seth Shostak, author of Confessions of an Alien HunterThe ever curious and creative mind of Charles Cockell takes us on a ride that is both whimsical and thoroughly insightful. Science, society, and history are woven together throughout this delightful book, resembling the many intertwining streets of Cockell’s journeys, and ours. -- Kevin Peter Hand, author of Alien Oceans: The Search for Life in the Depths of Space
£20.66
Harvard University Press Rational Fog
Book SynopsisScientists have long been intimately connected with warfare, called upon to supply fighters with tools of killing. Some scientists have attempted to reorient the morality of their disciplines. Rational Fog takes stock of these efforts and explores the quandary of scientific productivity today, in an era of perpetual war.Trade ReviewRational Fog demonstrates that [scientists’] expertise is remarkably effective when combined with militaristic goals…One may doubt the ‘science’ of climate change or vaccines, but the power of science is displayed every time a drone carries out a remote strike, a jet breaks the sound barrier, or a nuclear warhead ‘explodes’ inside of a computer simulation. It may be inconvenient, but those truths are neither nebulous nor negligible. They are lethal. -- W. Patrick McCray * Los Angeles Review of Books *Lindee…begins her study of technoscientific warfare by observing that the eroticism of modern weaponry has mesmerized the public…Lindee’s plainest ambition in Rational Fog consists in what she calls an ‘audit’ of the key moments in history when science was regrettably appropriated for warfare. Her unflinching examination abrades a naïve picture of science…as ‘uniquely neutral, universalistic, and benevolent…a calling, not a profession.’ -- Trevor Quirk * Virginia Quarterly Review *Offers the reader a journey through some of the most prominent examples of the ambivalent achievements of human scientific and engineering ingenuity: machines and technical and organic systems of destruction…Casts the history of modern scientific expertise as a process of groping in the fog of war…Lindee goes on to offer a set of arguments to bolster her call for opposition to the militarization of technoscience. -- Egle Rindzeviciute * H-Diplo Reviews *Lindee has not written a typical monograph on the relationship between science and warfare. Rational Fog is a long essay on the systematic relation between the growth of scientific knowledge and violence and an insightful reflection on the ultimate consequences of this closeness…A book for all those intrigued—and let’s be honest, who is not, right now?—by the daily paradox of the achievements of science and technology, which simultaneously threaten and open possibilities for the Earth and humankind. -- Edna Suárez-Díaz * Isis *There is a voluminous literature on science, technology, and warfare, but most of it focuses on a particular science, a particular technology, or a particular war. In this ambitious, synthetic work, M. Susan Lindee explores the relationship between technical knowledge and violence across a wide historical expanse. A highly original and fascinating book. -- Naomi Oreskes, author of Why Trust Science?This book brilliantly illuminates how the ‘fog of war’ creeps beyond the battlefield, engulfing the collaborative and analytical systems of scientists and engineers in the production of weapon systems for the modern age. -- Robert Jacobs, Hiroshima Peace InstituteThis fascinating book compels us to reckon with how science has been developed and directed by the military—and how scientific knowledge and technology underlie the ghastly deadliness of modern warfare, from gunshot wounds to the atomic bomb. M. Susan Lindee presents the coupling of science to the defense state as integral and systemic, not a matter of a few bad actors or the corruption of research. Vital reading. -- Angela N. H. Creager, author of Life Atomic: A History of Radioisotopes in Science and Medicine
£33.96
Harvard University Press Neptunes Laboratory
Book SynopsisWe have long been fascinated with the oceans and sought “to pierce the profundity” of their depths. But the history of marine science also tells us a lot about ourselves. Antony Adler explores the ways in which scientists, politicians, and the public have invoked ocean environments in imagining the fate of humanity and of the planet.Trade ReviewIn his entertaining, readable history of marine science, [Adler] shows how humanity’s fundamental ignorance about the sea has often fed fantastical ideas of it as savior, battlefield, playground, storehouse, angry beast or hapless victim…Left me with a sense of urgency about the ocean’s perilous state…Enlightening. -- Boris Worm * Nature *The best narrative of oceanography’s history that I have ever read, Neptune’s Laboratory elucidates humanity’s relationship with the ocean. Compelling, imaginative, and exceptionally well researched, this book will make a difference in the world by offering insight into the fears and fantasies that forged our understandings of the ocean in the past and how, against mounting environmental challenges, they continue to shape our courses of action. -- Helen Rozwadowski, author of Vast Expanses: A History of the OceansA social and cultural history of how Western societies have, over the last two hundred years, conceptualized the oceans as a place that can be scientifically understood…Thoughtful and well conceived. It communicates a changing understanding and imagining of the oceans… While of obvious interest to scholars of the ‘oceanic turn,’ it should also find a much broader audience among those interested in how the public interacts with science and with the environment, and how these interests feed and are fed by political goals and fears. -- Penelope K. Hardy * British Journal for the History of Science *Neptune’s Laboratory is a major accomplishment. Adler contributes penetrating new insights into marine research and technology from the last two centuries, and examines how that scholarship has shaped scientists’ hopes and fears for the future. The result is a sophisticated, evocative, and highly original approach to subject matter that challenges easy analysis. -- Eric Mills, author of The Fluid Envelope of Our Planet: How the Study of Ocean Currents Became a ScienceThis book presents a remarkable account of the imagined futures that scientists, politicians, explorers, and mariners built around marine environments over two centuries. Taking us through the history of marine sciences from the nineteenth century to the present, Adler argues for a picture of oceanography that takes seriously practice, context, and a profound human engagement with the oceans. Neptune’s Laboratory will appeal to anyone interested in the history of the future. -- Simon Werrett, author of Thrifty Science: Making the Most of Materials in the History of ExperimentAn engaging new book about the history of humanity’s relationship with, and improving understanding of, the ocean…Neptune’s Laboratory is not only about the history of modern marine science but also about how we perceive the ocean—and how that perception has changed over time. -- David Shiffman * Issues in Science and Technology *
£32.36
Harvard University Press Life through Time and Space
Book SynopsisAll humans share three origins: the beginning of our individual lives, the appearance of life on Earth, and the formation of our planetary home. Wallace Arthur combines embryological, evolutionary, and cosmological perspectives to tell the story of life on Earth and its potential to exist elsewhere in the universe.Trade ReviewArthur writes clearly about many complex and varied subjects, and his enthusiasm for the material shows. -- Marcos Huerta * Science *I can recommend this book without reservation. It contains an authoritative and fascinating account of evolution on Earth and, perhaps, further afield. Brilliant and thought-provoking in every way. -- Sir Arnold Wolfendale, FRS, 14th Astronomer RoyalScience, as Wallace Arthur shows us in this delightful and blessedly jargon-free book, reveals to us things as they are, for what they are. Offering astronomical and biological perspectives on origins, life cycles, structure and function, and endings, Arthur shows that human existence is only one tiny, temporary strand in the endless weave of reality. -- Ronald Jenner, Natural History Museum, LondonArthur takes the reader on a breathtaking journey through time and space, astronomy and biology. What a delightfully written and intellectually stimulating book. -- Alessandro Minelli, Professor Emeritus of Zoology in the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences, University of PaduaA farsighted, original, and thought-provoking trip through the evolution of life and the universe. -- Rudolf Raff, Distinguished Professor and James H. Rudy Professor of Biology, Indiana UniversityIn an imaginative and highly enjoyable journey from atoms to galaxies, Wallace Arthur explores commonalities in cosmology, embryology, and evolution. -- Vivian Irish, Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale UniversityWhat a lovely book. Its scope is very ambitious—it brings together several different fields and perspectives that are all equally fascinating. And it deals with them in an intertwined way, moving from Earthly creatures to dying stars to alien life with a fluid curiosity that is infectious. -- Julia Sigwart, Queen’s University, Belfast[Arthur] has a refreshingly jargon-free approach to science writing…The book tackles some immense scientific questions that are beyond our current capability to answer and, despite their complexity, gives the reader a framework to understand and contemplate their significance…Life through Time and Space takes the reader on a journey through the furthest regions of the universe, but ends with an introverted look at our own species. -- Tiffany Taylor * Times Higher Education *For those of you curious about how a respected scientist whose specialty is in zoology (and evo-devo) might view life on our planet, Arthur’s perspective is an intriguing treat, giving us a new spin on an old cosmic tale, with novel details emphasized over what you might have heard before. -- Ethan Siegel * Forbes *Life through Time and Space is an interesting look at an overwhelming subject…[Arthur's] treatment of the stages of formation and ultimately life as we know it is well done and intriguing. It would be difficult to find a more thorough, thought-provoking exercise…Arthur does a remarkable job of describing ‘evo-devo’ and eventually offers some predictions about the future of humans and species extinction. -- F. W. Yow * Choice *
£32.36
Harvard University Press Ingenious
Book SynopsisThe trouble with innovation is that it can seldom be undone. We invent technologies to modify our environments in immediately beneficial ways, but the long-term consequences can be costly. From obesity to antibiotic resistance, we pay for our successes. Peter Gluckman and Mark Hanson explore what happens when our creations lead nature to bite back.Trade ReviewThis fascinating book offers a panoramic perspective of how social interactions, and our understanding of them, has emerged. The distinguished authors have the expertise to share ideas across a range of subjects, including evolutionary biology, history, and sociology. Their insights deserve wide readership. -- Martin Rees, author of On the FutureIngenious is a magisterial, wonderfully entertaining, superbly written overview of the history of our species, its attempts to escape nature, and the price of our success. -- Randolph Nesse, author of Good Reasons for Bad FeelingsGluckman and Hanson make the compelling argument that creativity and ingenuity are uniquely human traits, ones that shape our course of evolution with potential inadvertent consequences. This is a new and important dimension to our understanding of evolution and its aftermaths. -- Alan I. Leshner, American Association for the Advancement of ScienceA fascinating tour of humanity and its capacity for innovation. Part explanation, part users’ guide, Ingenious combines knowledge from evolutionary theory, genomics, environmental studies, and science and technology policy to produce compelling insights regarding our past, present, and technology-driven future. -- Eric M. Meslin, Council of Canadian AcademiesTogether, the authors have published many highly technical articles that challenge received wisdom about how evolution works. In Ingenious they apply these views to argue not only that technological change is best understood as an evolutionary process but also that traditional understandings of evolution fail to capture the role and rate of technological change in society. -- G. Pascal Zachary * Stanford Social Innovation Review *Usefully critiques the unchecked faith—common in developed nations—in our abilities to create technologies that will save us from any potential harm. -- Steve Elliott * Quarterly Review of Biology *
£24.26
Harvard University Press Fraud in the Lab
Book SynopsisFrom manipulated results and fake data to retouched illustrations and plagiarism, cases of scientific fraud have skyrocketed in the past two decades. In a damning exposé, Nicolas Chevassus-au-Louis details the circumstances enabling the decline in scientific standards and highlights efforts to curtail future misconduct.Trade ReviewPart exposé and part manifesto…No time should be lost confronting the kinds of misconduct outlined in Fraud in the Lab and reaffirming the ideals of scientific inquiry. * Wall Street Journal *This bracing critical analysis…skewers the ‘publish or perish’ lab culture driving scientific fraud…Shows the serious, real-life impacts of ‘data beautification,’ manipulated images, and plagiarism. * Nature *Sees journalist Nicolas Chevassus-au-Louis, a former lab researcher, investigate cases of deception in science, from made-up data and manipulated results to retouching and plagiarism. * New Scientist *Fraud in the Lab has an analytic structure that builds a patient case. -- Philip Kitcher * Los Angeles Review of Books *Chevassus-au-Louis charts some of the more egregious examples of recent scientific deceit: plagiarism, manipulated results, outright falsification. The problem, he argues, is that the intense pressure on scientists today—to ‘publish or perish’—is corrupting the culture of science and positively incentivizing misconduct and dishonesty. -- Nick Spencer * The Tablet *A convincing, concise, and critical analysis of the growing cases of deviant science, from botched experiments to data embellishment and outright fabrication. -- Yves Gingras, author of Bibliometrics and Research Evaluation: Uses and AbusesFraud in the Lab makes a convincing case that today’s scientific culture, emphasizing speed and quantity of publication, breeds fraud and secrecy, destroys lives, and cheats society. Chevassus-au-Louis advocates a responsibility to turn to slow science, emphasizing the quality of both thinking and evidence, as the path to better science for a better world. -- Anne Tsui, Cofounder, Responsible Research in Business and ManagementTackles the issue of scientific fraud head-on, with some tough love for the scientific community. The book should be read by everyone interested in the sciences. -- Matthew Wills * JSTOR Daily *A disturbing account on fraud or, more broadly, on misconduct within the scientific community. -- Marcel Herbst * European Legacy *Offers anyone interested in scientific integrity and research misconduct an excellent point of entry into the field, enabling them to identify the relevant themes, the most high-profile cases, and the way in which scientists handle research misconduct (or not). These are all essential elements for approaching scientific integrity and research misconduct as a field of research. -- Olivier Leclerc * Metascience *
£28.76
Princeton University Press Eight Preposterous Propositions
Book SynopsisEvaluates the evidence for the sort of strange-sounding ideas that can shape our lives. This book takes up issues such as global warming, the dangers of cholesterol, and the effectiveness of placebos. It shows readers how to use the tools of science to judge the accuracy of strange ideas and the trustworthiness of ubiquitous experts.Trade Review"Ehrlich insists that, with little homework, anyone can tool up enough mentally to discriminate between the wholly plausible and the downright dodgy."--Anjana Ahuja, The Times (London) "Ehrlich has set himself the heroic task, concealed beneath his flippant title, of confronting the tide of irrationality in what is in effect a manual of scientific reasoning... He has dug consistently deep and marshaled the evidence in masterly style."--Walter Gratzer, Nature "A thoroughly responsible, persuasive collection of science demystification."--Michael Pakenham, Baltimore Sun "Ehrlich impressively covers a wide range of topics, and we are once again reminded of the tentative nature of many assertions made about the world... I believe the vast majority of the readers of this book will learn a good deal, even if they disagree with some of Ehrlich's conclusions."--Peter Lamal, Skeptical Inquirer "U.S. physicist Ehrlich, author of more than 20 books, here calmly and intelligently confronts what has been called a 'tide of irrationality' in modern thinking, including not just the two subjects in the subtitle, but one of great current interest: Is Intelligent Design a Scientific Alternative to Evolution? (The short answer: No.)"--H.J. Kirchhoff, Toronto Globe and Mail "Some of Ehrlich's discussions surprised and enlightened me. Nearly all of them left me smiling in satisfaction that here was both a congenial author and an elegant, critical scientific thinker."--Dr. Richard Isaacman, BridgesTable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix 1. Introduction 1 2. Is Homosexuality Primarily Innate? 8 3. Is Intelligent Design a Scientific Alternative to Evolution? 41 4. Are People Getting Smarter or Dumber? 78 5. Can We Influence Matter by Thought Alone? 104 6. Should You Worry about Global Warming? 138 7. Is Complex Life in the Universe Very Rare? 188 8. Can a Sugar Pill Cure You? 222 9. Should You Worry about Your Cholesterol? 263 10. Epilogue 305 Notes 311 Index 337
£28.80
Princeton University Press Its About Time
Book SynopsisReveals that some of our most intuitive notions about time are shockingly wrong, and that the real nature of time discovered by Einstein can be rigorously explained without advanced mathematics. This book is suitable for intellectually curious readers of various kinds, including professional physicists.Trade Review"Mermin's premise is that everyone should know about relativity in order to understand the real nature of time... What is remarkable in his approach is his reliance on developing the reader's skills to analyze events in more than one frame of reference. This is the key to understanding relativity: being able to translate with ease from one frame of reference (a moving train) to another (a station)."--Simon Mitton, Times Higher Education Supplement "This is a book full of insight with an engaging style. I recommend it to anyone who has to teach the subject to either [non scientists or undergraduate and graduate students]: it's a brilliant basis for a set of lecture notes."--Derek Raine, Nature "It's About Time is a book that should join the very best systematic popular expositions of science written in the last 50 years."--Peter L. Galison, American Scientist "In this highly readable book, Mermin argues that a working knowledge of relativity requires no more than basic algebra and geometry. He makes a valid point. Special relativity is more fundamental, up-to-date and accurate than Newtonian physics, and Einstein's presence in the classroom may inspire the most uninterested student."--Amanda Gefter, New Scientist "There's a profound difference between knowing about something, and knowing it, and Mermin succeeds at instilling the latter."--Gilbert Taylor, Booklist "Mermin has taught relativity for 40 years and has clearly thought about the best way to teach the subject. It's About Time offers a serious, yet accessible approach to relativity."--Kara shane Colley, MAA Reviews "What makes the book as a whole so enjoyable to read is the steady pace at which the subject unfolds. The author spends as much time on each idea as he considers necessary... Nowhere is the book too intense, and the learning curve for readers has a fairly constant slope... David Mermin [is] a master teacher at work--and instructors will almost certainly include some of the ideas in their own teaching."--Nigel Dowrick, Physics Today "Requiring nothing more than a basic understanding of algebra, [this book] provides the clearest and most insightful treatment of special relativity I've ever encountered... It's About Time brings the practice and foundation of physics together through the question of time."--Arkady Plotnitsky, Foundations of Physics "The reader will find some of the best non-technical description of the special theory of relativity ever written."--Jaume J. Carot, Mathematical Reviews "An excellent book on Einstein's special theory of relativity... I clearly see the strength of this book in lucid, self-contained, lively, down-to-earth, and meticulous presentation... I have no hesitation in saying that this is the best book on the special theory of relativity at a semi-popular level I have ever read."--K. S. Birbhadra, The ObservatoryTable of ContentsPreface: Why Another Relativity Book ix Note to Readers xiv Chapter One: The Principle of Relativity 1 Chapter Two: Combining (Small)Velocities 14 Chapter Three: The Speed of Light 19 Chapter Four: Combining (Any)Velocities 28 Chapter Five: Simultaneous Events;Synchronized Clocks 45 Chapter Six: Moving Clocks Run Slowly;Moving Sticks Shrink 58 Chapter Seven: Looking At a Moving Clock 73 Chapter Eight: The Interval between Events 79 Chapter Nine: Trains of Rockets 89 Chapter Ten: Space-Time Geometry 102 Chapter Eleven: E =M2 144 Chapter Twelve: A Bit about General Relativity 171 Chapter Thirteen: What Makes It Happen? 179 Index 187
£22.50
Princeton University Press The Origin Then and Now
Book SynopsisCharles Darwin's "Origin of Species" is one of the most widely cited books in modern science. This guide to Darwin's masterwork examines "Origin" within the historical context in which it was written, and modern examples are used to reveal how this work remains a relevant and living document for today.Trade Review"Reznick ... succeeds where others have failed--instead of annotating the dense, Victorian prose of the Origin or recasting it as a popular narrative, he paraphrases each chapter of the book, adding fascinating elaborations on why Darwin chose a certain phrase, where he turned out to be wrong, and how the intervening 150 years have changed our theories. His account is a welcome tool for those who'd like to hear evolution from Darwin himself but find the master impenetrable."--SEED Magazine "Books to Read Now" "During the past decade, a number of writers have hoped to rectify this situation with books that summarize, modernize, or otherwise elucidate this seminal work of evolutionary biology. Within this growing corpus of 'guides' and 'companions,' this new book by Reznick (Univ. of California, Riverside) occupies a place somewhere between the easygoing narrative of Darwin's Ghost by Steve Jones ... and the scholarly analysis of The Cambridge Companion to the Origin of Species, edited by Michael Ruse and Robert J. Richards... Major post-Darwinian concepts are discussed as needed to explain the modem repercussions of the Origin. Overall, this is a very readable and insightful guide that will provide readers with both the understanding and the motivation to tackle the original. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels of academic, public, and professional libraries."--Choice "David Reznick succeeds in producing a highly engaging and informative 'interpretive guide' to the original On the Origin of Species with an approach that will prove quite useful in different ways to different groups of readers. Those who have read Darwin but perhaps lack knowledge of contemporary evolutionary biology will find the case studies, examples, and discussion of modern context highly instructive; modern biologists will gain much insight into the state of evolutionary thinking at its genesis, a la Darwin... I join Resnick in hoping that his interpretive guide will inspire readers to pick up the Origin and enjoy Darwin with a whole new level of comprehension and appreciation."--James T. Costa, BioScience "Reznick attempts to recast Origin in a more contemporary and useful form, integrating both new ideas and new data. He accomplishes this goal in an admirable fashion... The Origin Then and Now is a significant book of value to many diverse audiences... We can hope that Reznick's admirable volume will convince his lay audience that not only is Darwin's theory one of the central concepts of science but that it must be included in any worthwhile science curriculum."--George E. Webb, Evolution Education & Outreach Journal "There is clearly a need for the general public to understand what Darwin did or did not say, and Reznick's interpretive guide is a great place to begin... Then and Now is an excellent book. Reznick offers insightful analysis and compelling present-day examples, and is wonderfully readable in the process."--Piers J. Hale, Reports of the National Center for Science Education "Reznick's metatext [has] intrigue and appeal and provides value-add. Last but not least, worthwhile future research projects include in-depth explorations and comparisons of Reznick's metatext to other recent commentaries (and metatexts) by giants of the Darwin Industry."--Rasmus Gronfeldt Winther, Metascience "Rzsnick's book is useful in giving lay readers a clear view of the main lines of modern evolutionary biology."--George Levine, Victorian StudiesTable of ContentsPreface ix Acknowledgments xv Introduction: Charles Darwin and the Origin of Species 3 Michael Ruse Part One: Natural Selection Chapter 1: Preamble to Natural Selection 29 Chapter 2: Variation under Domestication 38 Chapter 3: Variation under Nature I 56 Chapter 4: The Struggle for Existence 66 Chapter 5: Natural Selection I 77 Chapter 6: Laws of Variation 102 Chapter 7: E volution Today: A Modern Perspective on Natural Selection 119 Part Two: Speciation Chapter 8: Preamble to Speciation 137 Chapter 9: Variation under Nature II 152 Chapter 10: Natural Selection II 164 Chapter 11: Hybridism 190 Chapter 12: E volution Today: The Mosquitoes of the London Underground 205 Part Three: Theory Chapter 13: Preamble: What Is a Theory? 219 Chapter 14: Difficulties on Theory 227 Chapter 15: Instinct 250 Chapter 16: Geology I: Background 264 Chapter 17: Geology II: On the Imperfection of the Geological Record 275 Chapter 18: Geology III: On the Geological Succession of Organic Beings 288 Chapter 19: Geology IV: Evolution Today 301 Chapter 20: Geographical Distribution 314 Chapter 21: Geographical Distribution, Continued 331 Chapter 22: Mutual Affinities of Organic Beings: Morphology: Embryology: Rudimentary Organs 346 Chapter 23: Recapitulation and Conclusion 381 Chapter 24: E volution Today: The Witness Has Been Found, Again and Again 401 Illustration Credits 417 Index 419
£25.20
Princeton University Press The Long Thaw
Book SynopsisThe human impact on Earth's climate is often treated as a hundred-year issue lasting as far into the future as 2100, the year in which most climate projections cease. In The Long Thaw, David Archer, one of the world's leading climatologists, reveals the hard truth that these changes in climate will be "locked in," essentially forever. If you thinkTrade ReviewWinner of the 2009 Walter P. Kistler Award, The Foundation For the Future One of The Australian's Best Books of 2009 Selected to appear on ClimateUnited's Booklist of Top Books on Climate Change "Worried about warming but confused about carbon? Try [The Long Thaw], which tells you nearly everything you need to know with down-to-earth clarity and brevity."--Evan Hadingham, PBS's NOVA blog "Archer ... presents the dire and long-lasting consequences of our fossil-fuel dependency but concludes that it's not too late for us to go a different, better way."--Avital Binshtock, Sierra Club Blog "Archer has perfectly pitched answers to the most basic questions about global warming while providing a sound basis for understanding the complex issues frequently misrepresented by global warming skeptics. With a breezy, conversational style, he breaks complex concepts into everyday analogies. Divided into three parts--the Present, the Past and the Future--Archer provides a complete picture of climate change now, in the past, and what we can expect in years and centuries to come. His models, though conservative, imply that humans won't survive the environmental consequences of severe warming over the next thousand years. While Archer is neither grim nor pessimistic, he is forthright about what's at stake, and what must do to avert catastrophe."--Publishers Weekly "It is comprehensive, well written and includes numerous useful vignettes from climate history. Archer leads the reader to a simple yet accurate picture of climate changes, ranging from geological time scales to current warming, ice ages and prospects for the future."--Susan Solomon, Nature "The Long Thaw is written for anyone who wishes to know what cutting-edge science tells us about the modern issue of global warming and its effects on the pathways of atmospheric chemistry, as well as global and regional temperatures, rainfall, sea level, Arctic sea-ice coverage, melting of the continental ice sheets, cyclonic storm frequency and intensity and ocean acidification. This book will also appeal to scientists who want a clear and unbiased picture of the global-warming problem and how it may progress in the future. It encapsulates Archer's own efforts in the field of climate research, which I found invaluable."--Fred T. Mackenzie, Nature Geoscience "The power of Archer's book is to show that such [climate] changes, which we can bring about through just a few centuries of partying on carbon, can only be matched by the earth itself over vastly longer periods... It's the kind of perspective we need in order to realize how insane we're being."--Chris Mooney, American Prospect "Global climate change is the subject of thousands of books; this short volume is distinctive in multiple ways. Archer is a geophysicist (and a look-alike--except for stubble--for late British actor David Niven), whose scientific background lets him place climate change in the context of its variations in geological history. He points out that the Earth's orbital cycles had poised it to enter a new ice age when human influences began to override natural forces."--F.T. Manheim, Choice "If you think global warming is going to stop in its tracks as soon as our fossil fuel fix runs its course, think again. Intensifying hurricanes, mega-droughts, and the mass extinction of species are just the beginning, says leading climatologist David Archer, renowned in part for his work with the respected blog RealClimate. Though we still have time to avert the worst of climate change, he says, the ramifications of our carbon spewing (think a ten-foot rise in ocean levels) will last well beyond even our grandchildren's years. A good storyteller, Archer walks us through the history of climate change, starting in the 1800s, when the term 'greenhouse effect' first made its way into scientific parlance. Tempering techie speak with accessible analogies, Archer manages in the James Hansen-approved volume to speak to scientists and laymen alike."--Plenty "Notice to climate change deniers: I don't want to hear another word about the Little Ice Age, cosmic rays of the Palaeocene Eocene thermal maximum event 55 million years ago until you've read David Archer's little book. He's a geophysical scientist at the University of Chicago and he knows his stuff. He sets out the latest scientific understanding of climate change through geological time, human time, and beyond. It's the clearest introduction I've seen yet to the complexity of the planet's climate system and how a certain bipedal species may know it gally wonk."--Leigh Dayton, The Australian "The great appeal of this short book lies in Archer's ability to find easily comprehensible analogies and his no-nonsense prose... This is a true rarity. A book about climate change written by an expert everyone can understand."--Sydney Morning Herald, "Pick of the Week" "David Archer has written a highly engaging and accessible review of the scientific bases for anthropogenic global warming and the dilemmas of what, as a global community, we should do next. The text is written for a general audience, reflecting the aims of the Science Essentials series of which it is a part, namely, to bring the findings of cutting-edge scientific research to the public."--Tim Denham, Journal of Archaeological Science "If you have time in your busy schedule to read only one book on climate change and climate science basics, this would be a good choice. Archer, an oceanographer and University of Chicago geosciences professor, has written a conversational, engaging, and short (remember, you are busy) book that covers the last 500 million years or so of the Earth's climate."--Disaster Prevention and Management "David Archer's The Long Thaw ... tells you nearly everything you need to know with down-to-earth clarity and brevity... [R]eading The Long Thaw is sobering and enlightening rather than depressing. It's packed with informative, accessible background on past climate cycles and why they are relevant to assessing today's warming."--Evan Hadingham, Inside NOVA "[T]he ideas expounded in the book are of great importance to the debate on climate change and deserve to be more widely appreciated. Let us hope that Archer's message becomes widely understood and acted upon before we find that we have already committed ourselves to damaging (and potentially irreversible) climate change."--John King, Journal of Polar Record "A beautifully written primer on why climate change matters hugely for our future--on all time scales."--New Scientist "If you have time in your busy schedule to read only one book on climate change and climate science basics, this would be a good choice. Archer, an oceanographer and University of Chicago geosciences professor, has written a conversational, engaging, and short (remember, you're busy) book."--Natural Hazards ObserverTable of ContentsPreface to the Princeton Science Library Edition xi Acknowledgments xiiii Prologue. Global Warming in Geologic Time. 1 An overview of the thrust of the book: human-induced climate change in the context of geologic time, in the past and in the future. SECTION I: THE PRESENT Chapter 1. The Greenhouse Effect. 15 Fourier and greenhouse theory Early CO2 measurements Arrhenius and the forecast. Climate science since then. Chapter 2: We've Seen It with Our Own Eyes. 30 Testing the forecast. Impacts already. Chapter 3: Forecast of the Century. 45 A century-timescale climate spike. Temperature, rainfall, sea level, and storms. SECTION II: THE PAST Chapter 4: Millennial Climate Cycles. 57 Abrupt climate transitions, and climate cycles on millennial timescales. The Little Ice Age and the Medieval Optimum climates. Chapter 5: Glacial Climate Cycles. 69 History of their discovery. Ice flows and melts in quirky ways. Orbital forcing and CO2 forcing. 69 Chapter 6: Geologic Climate Cycles. 78 Our ice age is unusual. The Earth is breathing. Chapter 7: The Present in the Bosom of the Past. 91 Climate change so far and in the coming century, compared with deglaciation, abrupt climate change, the Eocene hothouse, the Paleocene/Eocene thermal maximum event, and the K/T boundary. SECTION III: THE FUTURE Chapter 8: The Fate of Fossil Fuel CO2. 101 Reservoirs of carbon, breathing. New carbon from fossil fuels equilibrates with the ocean and the land. Chapter 9: Acidifying the Ocean. 114 CO2 is an acid. CaCO3 is a base. Neutralization takes millennia. CO2 remains higher than natural for hundreds of millennia. Chapter 10: Carbon Cycle Feedbacks. 125 The short-term prognosis. The long-term prognosis. Chapter 11: Sea Level in the Deep Future. 137 If the past is the key to the future, we have the capacity to raise sea level by 50 meters, eventually. Chapter 12: Orbits, CO2 , and the Next Ice Age. 149 Interplay between orbital and CO2 climate forcings. The next ice age is about to be canceled. Epilogue: Carbon Economics and Ethics. 158 What the options are and how we decide. Further Reading 175 Index 179
£14.24
Princeton University Press Primates and Philosophers
Book SynopsisCan virtuous behavior be explained by nature, and not by human rational choice? "It's the animal in us," we often hear when we've been bad. But why not when we're good? Primates and Philosophers tackles this question by exploring the biological foundations of one of humanity's most valued traits: morality. In this provocative book, renowned primatoTrade Review"Frans de Waal defends against philosopher critics his view that the roots of morality can be seen in the social behavior of monkeys and apes... [H]e argues that human morality would be impossible without certain emotional buildings blocks that are clearly at work in chimps and monkey societies... Dr. de Waal sees human morality as having grown out of primate sociality, but with two extra levels of sophistication. People enforce their society's moral codes much more rigorously with rewards, punishments and reputation building. They also apply a degree of judgment and reason, for which there are no parallels in animals."--Nicholas Wade, The New York Times "De Waal is one of the world's foremost authorities on nonhuman primates, and his thoughtful contribution to Primates and Philosophers is enriched by decades of close observation of their behavior... He argues that humans are like their closest evolutionary kin in being moral by nature... [A]n impressively well-focused collection of essays."--John Gray, New York Review of Books "Celebrated primatologist Frans de Waal ... demonstrates through his empirical work with primates the evolutionary basis for ethics."--Publishers Weekly "Frans de Waal ... argues that ... morality is actually a gift from animal ancestors and that people are good not by choice but by nature... He argues that ... critics fail to recognize that while animals are not human, humans are animals."--Science News "Dutch-born psychologist, ethologist and primatologist Frans de Waal has spent his career watching the behavior of apes and monkeys, mostly captive troupes in zoos... His work ... has helped lift Darwin's conjectures about the evolution of morality to a new level... [De Waal argues that] sympathy, empathy, right and wrong are feelings that we share with other animals; even the best part of human nature, the part that cares about ethics and justice, is also part of nature."--Jonathan Weiner, Scientific American "Frans de Waal ... show[s] how elements of morality such as empathy, sympathy, community concern and a sense of fairness also exist in our closest primate relatives."--David Sloan Wilson, American Scientist "Exceptionally rich but always lucid... Intellectual soul food for biology-minded ethicists."--Ray Olsen, Booklist "In his new book, Primates and Philosophers, Frans de Waal argues that the origins of human goodness can be seen in apes and monkeys. He claims that we have evolved from a long line of social animals for whom close co-operation is 'not an option but a survival strategy'. Not only are we nice by nature, but our ancestors were too, ever since they came down from the proverbial trees."--Stephen Cave, Financial Times "Frans de Waal, an acclaimed primatologist, has much to say about what he considers the biological origins of morality. Unlike many recent antireligion writers such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Daniel Dennett, who use the latest socio-biological research to campaign against religion, de Waal has no antireligious agenda. This both keeps his writing more focused and helps him avoid many of the argumentative errors of Dawkins and company...De Waal is a keen social observer, but he focuses mostly on what we can learn from what he knows best-the study of primates, including the human variety."--Joe Pettit, Commonweal "[A] remarkably interesting and rich set of reflections about the nature of morality, the social experiences of nonhuman primates, and the continuities and differences between the social experiences of human and nonhuman primates. The book can be read both as discussion on the nature of evolution and as a primer on ethical theory... All in all this is an extremely interesting book on a central human preoccupation-the question of our relationship with Nature-and is a demonstration that the collaboration of sympathetic points of view can produce a wider and wiser whole."--Eric Dayton, The StructuristTable of ContentsAcknowledgments vii Introduction by Josiah Ober and Stephen Macedo ix PART I: Morally Evolved: Primate Social Instincts,Human Morality, and the Rise and Fall of "Veneer Theory" by Frans de Waal 1 Appendix A: Anthropomorphism and Anthropodenial 59 Appendix B: Do Apes Have a Theory of Mind? 69 Appendix C: Animal Rights 75 PART II: Comments: The Uses of Anthropomorphism by Robert Wright 83 Morality and the Distinctiveness of Human Action by Christine M. Korsgaard 98 Ethics and Evolution: How to Get Here from There by Philip Kitcher 120 Morality, Reason, and the Rights of Animals by Peter Singer 140 PART III: Response to Commentators: The Tower of Morality by Frans de Waal 161 References 183 Contributors 197 Index 201
£14.24
Princeton University Press The Extravagant Universe
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWinner of the 2002 Award for Best Professional/Scholarly Book in Physics and Astronomy, Association of American Publishers Finalist for the 2003 Aventis General Prize "Kirshner is a talented writer, and both experts and general readers will find his book a consistently enjoyable read... The Extravagant Universe is a personal book... For the general reader interested in the excitement of how science is done, this strategy makes for a fascinating account... The story ... is irresistible in its own right, and is related with verve and good humor... Books like this one will help inspire the next generation of physicists."--Sean Carroll, Nature "An extravagant and thoroughly enjoyable account of our amazing universe."--Michael S. Turner, Science "Robert Kirshner has written an excellent insider's account of the race to discover the fate of the cosmos... Kirshner shows an impressively deft touch with complex explanations, and he doesn't hesitate to bridge gaps in the reader's knowledge with an apt metaphor... The Extravagant Universe delivers the promise of its subtitle extremely well, and should serve as the definitive insider's story of how Kirshner led his motley group of astronomers to glory in their search to find the fate of the universe."--Donald Goldsmith, Natural History "Fellow astronomers--and generations of Harvard undergraduates--have long appreciated [Kirshner] as a raconteur of exceptional eloquence, so it is hard to imagine anyone better suited to give us the inside story on the new discoveries. [He] does not disappoint. He tells, in large part, a story of how improved technology has enabled astronomers to look farther into the distance and thus further into the past."--Laurence Marschall, Discover Magazine "The Extravagant Universe is hugely enjoyable... It's wonderful ... an entertaining and witty account of one of the biggest scientific stories of the past 10 years: how exploding supernovae show that the expansion of the Universe is accelerating... Do buy this delightful book."--Michael Rowan-Robinson, New Scientist "More than one book already exists about this momentous discovery, but this new entry, The Extravagant Universe, by Robert Kirshner, is probably the best one to read... This is an insider's account of how the work was done. Besides giving an up-to-the-minute account of the science, Mr. Kirshner lets us share vicariously in the thrill of discovery."--The Economist "[A] witty new book."--Sharon Begley, Wall Street Journal "A pleasure to read."--Maggie McDonald, New Scientist "The Extravagant Universe isn't the only accessible book about dark energy and cosmic acceleration on the market. However, it provides a unique behind-the-scenes feeling for the heady days leading up to the discovery. I found it ever harder to put down as I drew closer to the crucial moment when Kirshner and his colleagues found themselves staring the cosmological constant in the face."--Joshua Roth, Sky & Telescope "Talented researcher Kirshner clearly describes the scientific detective work responsible for current ideas about the history of the universe... Kirshner has been at the forefront of these developments... He brings everything together using simple, effective, and often humorous analogies and anecdotes to explain how research teams interact as they built the chronology of how the universe developed and evolved to where it is today."--Choice "The gripping story of how two competing groups of scientists came to make, and finally believe, the surprising measurements on which a radical new view of the universe depends... It is an evocative reminder that cosmology, too, is now a true observational, experimental science, securely grounded in the messy practical realities of making measurements."--Michael Riordan, The New York Times Book Review "[A] delightful and accessible book... And Kirshner's unique combination of after-dinner-style repartee and physics-for-novices analogies makes for a very entertaining read."--Richard Ellis, Physics World "An insider's scoop on what is arguably the hottest astronomy story of our time. Kirshner has written a book that is not only history of modern cosmology, but also a case study in the scientific process... Kirshner uses wonderfully simple and sometimes amusing analogies to explain complicated concepts."--Jennifer Birriel, Mercury "A wonderfully informative and engaging book on one of the most exciting developments in modern cosmology."--Alex Filippenko, Astronomy "A readable, entertaining, and informative account of an ancient and familiar--yet newly reinvigorated--branch of science."--James Case, SIAM News "I loved this book. Kirschner writes with passion, humanity and generosity."--Margaret Dobbins, The Daily Telegraph "Kirshner's book represents a high point in popular science publishing. It works at several levels, especially the personal, in which he offers a well-written, even classic, account of the life of a working scientist... The Extravagant Universe is a book that will be read for pleasure... Kirshner has a real gift for visualizing the shape and structure of the universe."--Martin Ince, Times Higher Education Supplement "The first eight chapters provide an introduction to cosmology at the level of Astronomy 101... That tale is often told, but seldom so engagingly. The analogies are apt, the anecdotes are amusing, and the writing is brisk and witty--in places downright funny... Kirshner succeeds in conveying the difficulty and excitement of the hunt for remote supernovae."--David Branch, Physics TodayTable of ContentsPREFACE ix CHAPTER 1: The Big Picture 1 CHAPTER 2: Violent Agents of Cosmic Change 15 CHAPTER 3: Another Way to Explode 34 CHAPTER 4: Einstein Adds a Constant 49 CHAPTER 5: Cosmic Expansion 60 CHAPTER 6: What Time Is It? 83 CHAPTER 7: A Hot Day in Holmdel 114 CHAPTER 8: Learning to Swim 136 CHAPTER 9: Getting It First 158 CHAPTER 10: Getting It Right 194 CHAPTER 11: The Smoking Gun? 234 NOTES 263 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 275 INDEX 277
£17.09
Princeton University Press In Praise of Simple Physics
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Nahin's writing style, as in previous books, is clear, conversational, humorous and chatty... [A]nd the discussions in the book are careful and appropriately rigorous."--MAA Reviews "Fun, accessible physics/math problems along with some humor."--Antonio Cangiano, Math-Blog "[Nahin] knows how to catch the attention of his reader. You will not regret buying any of his books, and I am sure after reading it, you will pick up this one to check again on one of his models and his solution methods."--European Mathematical Society "A superb book... [D]emonstrates clever ways to solve simply physics problems."--ChoiceTable of ContentsForeword by T. M. Helliwell ix Preface with Challenge Problems xi 1 How's Your Math? 1 2 The Traffic-Light Dilemma 20 3 Energy from Moving Air 25 4 Dragsters and Space Station Physics 32 5 Merry-Go-Round Physics and the Tides 42 6 Energy from Moving Water 51 7 Vectors and Bad Hair Days 63 8 An Illuminating Problem 67 9 How to Measure Depth with a Stopwatch 74 10 Doing the Preface Problems 79 11 The Physics of Stacking Books 92 12 Communication Satellite Physics 103 13 Walking a Ladder Upright 110 14 Why Is the Sky Dark at Night? 115 15 How Some Things Float (or Don't) 126 16 A Reciprocating Problem 141 17 How to Catch a Baseball (or Not) 146 18 Tossing Balls and Shooting Bullets Uphill 153 19 Rapid Travel in a Great Circle Transit Tube 163 20 Hurtling Your Body through Space 177 21 The Path of a Punt 194 22 Easy Ways to Measure Gravity in Your Garage 200 23 Epilogue Newton's Gravity Calculation Mistake 218 Postscript 227 Acknowledgments
£16.14
Princeton University Press The Calculus of Happiness
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Surveys a wide variety of ways that mathematics can be used to improve decision making and general well-being.”—Chris Wilson, TIME.com“Readers are sure to get a sense of how content from algebra and precalculus can help inform us about important decisions that are almost universally relevant.”—Jason M. Graham, MAA Reviews“Brilliant. . . . Once you realise it all boils down to maths, you will wake up happier, wealthier and healthier tomorrow morning, and we have Oscar E. Fernandez to thank for that.”—Nick Smith, Engineering and Technology“The Calculus of Happiness . . . demonstrate[s] how mathematics can yield powerful insights into everyday life."—Helen Thomson, New Scientist“Fernandez generates such enthusiasm [for studying math] by considering topics that people do want to learn more about—food, money, other people—and skillfully weaving solid mathematical concepts within these topics.”—Sandra L. Arlinghaus, Mathematical Reviews
£13.29
Princeton University Press Hard to Break
Book SynopsisTrade Review"As he explores why humans evolved to be so habit-driven, Poldrack considers dopamine, which is crucial in forming habits for its impacts on brain plasticity; questions the efficacy of mindfulness (now a 'billion-dollar industry'); and covers the formation of addictions, which he calls 'habits gone bad.' Poldrack's study is strongest when he describes experiments on interrupting habit formation on a cellular level, which can potentially help one shed such undesirable behaviors as smoking and overeating. . . . This is a worthy intellectual adventure, one that’s well articulated for readers looking for rigorous study." * Publishers Weekly *
£18.00
Princeton University Press Tales of Impossibility
Book SynopsisTrade Review"I greatly enjoyed Richeson's Tales of Impossibility. It deserves to become a classic and can be highly recommended."---Robin Wilson, Times Higher Education"Even if you never read a single proof through to its conclusion, you’ll enjoy the many entertaining side trips into a geometry far beyond what you learned in high school."---Jim Stein, New Books in Mathematics"The whole book, both informative and amusing, is a highly recommended read."---Adhemar Bulteel, European Mathematical Society"This book was a pleasure to read and I would recommend it for anybody who wants a lovely overview of many areas of the history of mathematics, with a focus on some very easy to understand problems."---Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica"Richeson clearly explains what it means to be impossible to solve a problem, cites other impossibility results, goes into detail about geometric constructions with various instruments, and discusses the defective proofs and the cranks that have turned up along the way." * Mathematics Magazine *"This fascinating text will appeal to all those interested in the history of mathematics, not leasy because of its helpful notes on each chapter and its two dozen pages of references for further reading"---Laurence E. Nicholas CMath FIMA, Mathematics Today"A fact-filled, insightful, panoramic view of how mathematics developed to what it is today transformed by folks thinking both inside and outside of G so as to resolve the impossible."---Andrew J. Simoson, Mathematical Intelligencer
£17.09
Princeton University Press The Spike
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Finalist for the PROSE Award in Biomedicine, Association of American Publishers""[A] vivid tale." * New Scientist *"Humphries has woven together strands of experimental results and theoretical insights to compose a book that is engrossing, excites the imagination, beautifully encapsulates contemporary neuroscience in a light and breezy package, and points the way to future discovery."---Sean Noah, Knowing Neurons"A thorough and interesting description of what we know and don't know about neural spikes, as well as why they matter."---R. Forbes-Lorman, Choice
£15.19
Princeton University Press Hard to Break
Book SynopsisTrade Review"As he explores why humans evolved to be so habit-driven, Poldrack considers dopamine, which is crucial in forming habits for its impacts on brain plasticity; questions the efficacy of mindfulness (now a 'billion-dollar industry'); and covers the formation of addictions, which he calls 'habits gone bad.' Poldrack's study is strongest when he describes experiments on interrupting habit formation on a cellular level, which can potentially help one shed such undesirable behaviors as smoking and overeating. . . . This is a worthy intellectual adventure, one that’s well articulated for readers looking for rigorous study." * Publishers Weekly *
£15.19
Princeton University Press Lifes Engines
Book SynopsisTrade Review"A work full of surprises. . . . Immensely rewarding."---Tim Flannery, New York Review of Books"Entertaining, easy-to-read and historically rich."---Adrian Woolfson, Nature"Personal stories, hard facts, and illuminative illustrations each contribute to this engaging examination of our microbial overlords . . . Paul Falkowski's decades of study in various earth and life sciences fuel this excellent addition. . . . Falkowski effectively uses analogies to convey abstract and complicated ideas."---Rachel Jagareski, Foreword Reviews"Falkowski's loving examination sets out, life on this planet is organized by and for bacteria--the rest of us are just along for the ride."---Brian Bethune, Macleans"Falkowski brings a formidable breadth of scientific understanding to the task of explaining this, having worked as a biologist, an oceanographer and an astrobiologist. He moves easily between biological and earth sciences to help us understand the steps microscopic single-celled organisms took to make the planet habitable." * Cosmos *"[The] wonderful and awe-inspiring universe of the microbes, unseen creatures that have shaped the planet such that we may live in it, is engagingly presented by Paul Falkowski in a remarkable text entitled Life's Engines. . . . The book's success is its utter simplicity. It tells the story of the history of life on our planet from a very personal perspective. . . . I was so enthralled by this book from the get-go that I invite you to have a short taste of it."---Roberto Kolter, Cell"A pleasure to read, the book touches on virtually every topic covered in a college biology curriculum by seamlessly weaving concepts with personal anecdotes and analogies. Presenting scientific facts and the fascinating history of their discovery, Falkowski (Rutgers Univ.) intersperses evolutionary theory with biochemistry, ecology, microbiology, molecular biology, anatomy, and even anthropology and economics. He also presents a fact-based, nonpolitical vision for the future of biotechnology. . . . This reviewer came away inspired to learn more. Easily understood by anyone with a passing knowledge of science, this volume poses innumerable questions for further investigation." * Choice *"What is known about the hidden world of the microbes and their fundamental roles in sustaining planetary habitability is insightfully revealed by Paul Falkowski in this authoritative, comprehensive, and delightful book. The author is uniquely qualified, perhaps singularly so, to cover topics ranging over broad time and space scales with a scholarly, transdisciplinary perspective that ranges from fundamental physics and chemistry, to Earth and ocean sciences. I cannot think of any other scientist who would accept such a challenge. . . . He is a gifted scientist and writer, and legendary storyteller."---David M. Karl, Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin"Not a microbial biologist, I approached this book with a bit of trepidation, imaging lengthy discussions of biochemistry. Instead, I was immediately engaged by Falkowski's conversational, fluid writing, personal anecdotes, and interesting choice of topics. . . . Life's Engines [is] easily accessible to the lay reader but engaging for the scientist as well." * American Biology Teacher *"An outstanding attempt to popularize the role of microbes, especially bacteria and archaea, in making multicellular eukaryotic life possible. . . . A superb introduction to the broader consequences of life and its study."---Elof Axel Carlson, Quarterly Review of Biology
£16.14
Princeton University Press The Odd Quantum
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Like a master craftsman intent on reducing his accumulated skills into a compendium of traditions and practices for his apprentices, Treiman tries to be as clear, precise, and succinct as possible. A vast store of experience in research and teaching informs every page."---Hans Christian von Baeyer, Science"For quantum mechanics fans looking for a bridge between books that provide vague, qualitative descriptions and those that require an extensive background in mathematics to be understood, Sam Treiman's The Odd Quantum offers a concise introduction to the field's concepts and practices, as well as guides to its most essential equations." * Publishers Weekly *"Treiman's book is outstanding. . . . This is not at all a qualitative pictorial description of the quantum world, but a rigorous formulation of its axioms in a casual language. . . . [A] wonderful guided tour through quantum mechanics."---Asher Peres, Physics World"A concise and beautifully written summary of an expert's view of the subject."---Barry R. Holstein, American Journal of Physics"In Treiman's book, we have as good a shot as we may hope for an intelligible (if demanding) account of a very advanced topic in physics. He covers much material in a short space. . . . An exposition of how the exciting intellectual tool of quantum theory has grown in scope and application."---Brian Pippard, Times Literary Supplement"Writing for persons with a background in physics or mathematics, [Treiman] does an excellent job of looking at the difficult and unusual aspects of theory." * Choice *
£17.09
Johns Hopkins University Press Gold Medal Physics
Book SynopsisFun, witty, and imbued throughout with admiration for the simple beauty of physics, Gold Medal Physics is sure to inspire readers to think differently about the next sporting event they watch.Trade ReviewGoff... is more than comfortable analyzing a variety of feats of physical prowess... Sports fans with a knowledge of geometry and trigonometry will enjoy Goff's cheerful revisiting of memorable athletic events. Publishers Weekly 2009 A lively, pleasant read with plenty of real physics and mathematical details. American Journal of Physics 2010 Sports libraries will find this engrossing. Midwest Book Review 2010Table of ContentsPreface1. The Pre-Game Show2. It's Not Over Until the Trombone Player Goes Down: Vectors and How to Think Like a Physicist3. All Hail Flutie: Gravity and Projectiles4. Vive le Lance: Simplifying the Complicated5. A Leap into the Unknown: More Projectiles and Angular Momentum6. Amazing Spins in and around All Kinds of Water: Rotations in Water Sports7. Soccer Kicks Gone Bananas: Off-Center Kicking and the Magnus Force8. Four Olympics and Four Straight Gold Medals: Centripetal Motion and Lift9. It Takes More Than a Big Gut: Caloric Consumption and Linear Momentum10. The Post-Game ShowFurther ReadingIndex
£23.85
Johns Hopkins University Press Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably
Book Synopsis9% nothing, but the thoughts it will inspire are massive.Trade Review[James'] conversational and at times humourous approach attempts to re-inspire the audience to look more closely at everything around them... If you'd like to understand more about how science affects the world around you without complicated scientific jargon that goes with it, this book is for you. It's an informative and accessible read that'll make you rethink whether taking the rubbish out is as boring as you previously thought. -- Nina Pace Cosmos 2011 James provides a satisfying and entertaining read for those of us who have a latent curiosity, for those who watch Nova or listen to Stephen Hawking and are still left scratching our heads, for those with curious children who demand more than "just because" in answer to their questions, and for science teachers looking for student-friendly explanations... she doesn't claim to have the mathematical intelligence of Einstein, but she has something he didn't: the ability to explain esoteric scientific theories and concepts so that you understand them. -- Ruth Douillette Internet Review of Books 2011Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. Nights1.1. Of Snowballs and Ice-Skaters1.2. Putting the Brakes On1.3. Why Is Space Dark? Answer #1: Location, Location, Location1.4. Why Is Space Dark? Answer #2: Because1.5. Why Is Space Dark? Answer #3: Actually It Isn'tSmall Wonder: Day and Night on MercurySmall Wonder: Keeping the Night Sky Dark2. Light2.1. Codebreaking Basics2.2. The Little Orphan Annie Secret Decoder CD2.3. More Than Meets the Eye2.4. Evading the Question2.5. Making Light of the UniverseSmall Wonder: Why Is the Sky Blue? And Why Are Sunsets Red?Small Wonder: The Early Universe—A Made-for-TV Movie!3. Stuff3.1. It's Element-ary3.2. Element Factories3.3. In the Beginning . . .3.4. Making Light of Evil Twins3.5. The Good Guys Always Win . . . But Why?Small Wonder: What Are You Really Made Of?4. Gravity4.1. A Penny for Your Thoughts?4.2. Earth, the 6 Trillion Trillion Kilogram Weakling4.3. Of Apples and Orbits and Confused Astronauts4.4. But Wait . . . There's More!4.5. Surprise! Gravity Isn't a Force!Small Wonder: How to Lose Weight and Keep It Off, Guaranteed!5. Time5.1. Got a Second?5.2. Time in a Bottle—or in a Black Hole5.3. A One-Way Ticket to Disorder5.4. Time: The Grand Illusion?Small Wonder: So What Causes Daylight Saving Time to Happen?Small Wonder: Why Are There Seven Days in a Week?Small Wonder: What Would Happen if You Fell into a Black Hole?6. Home6.1. Goldilocks and the Three Planets6.2. Goldilocks and the Three Stars6.3. Goldilocks in Suburbia, Traffic, and Time6.4. Why Goldilocks Could Never Have Been a Successful Real Estate AgentSmall Wonder: Looking for a Home Away from HomeSmall Wonder: Do Aliens Exist?Small Wonder: No, Really. Do Aliens Exist?Small Wonder: Wanted—Alien Hunters7. Wonder7.1. Life—The Ultimate Eating Machine7.2. There's More to Life Than Eating7.3. It's All in Your Head . . . Maybe7.4. It's a Wonder-Full LifeSmall Wonder: Small WondersAfterwordFor Further ReadingIndex
£54.40
MP-FLO Uni Press of Florida When Science Sheds Light on History
Book SynopsisPhilippe Charlier, the ""Indiana Jones of the graveyards"", travels the globe with his forensics team to unravel historic mysteries. Exploring how our ancestors lived and how they died, the forty cases in this book tackle some of history's most enduring questions and illustrate the power of science to reveal the secrets of the past.Trade ReviewCharlier deftly incorporates complex medical terminology with the voice of a storyteller." - Forbes
£14.36
University of Arizona Press SCIENCE SOCIETY AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE
£16.96
University of Arizona Press Worlds in the Sky
£24.71
University of Pittsburgh Press No Easy Answers Science and the Pursuit of Knowledge
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£38.95
