Popular science Books

Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Viruses are everywhere, and as the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, cannot be ignored. From their discovery to the unravelling of their intricate structures, this Very Short Introduction provides a rounded and concise account of the nature of viruses, how they attack their hosts, and the efforts to control them.In this new edition, Dorothy H. Crawford examines the recent rise in emerging virus infections, especially coronaviruses, including the viruses behind SARS and MERS, and SARS CoV-2 responsible for COVID-19. Crawford explores why the SARS-CoV-2 was able to spread rapidly to form a pandemic while others have produced more localized epidemics, as well as looking at the revolution in vaccine production that this has caused. Looking to the future, this Very Short Introduction considers the preventative measures and management of future dangerous viruses that are expected to emerge.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade Reviewit is concise enough to read in its entirety in a relatively short period of time..The book has to capture the interest and imagination of the reader and I think that this book succeeds on both of these counts. * Dr Harry Brown, Glyscomedia *

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Book SynopsisOur senses are very limited compared to those of other species; some animals see ultraviolet light, communicate using electricity, or navigate long distances with magnetic information. Martin Stevens discusses the remarkable senses in nature and what they are used for, uncovering how they work and how they are shaped by ecology and the environment.Trade Reviewa riveting new volume that explores the extraordinary senses of animals....This volume brings the wonders of these sensory worlds to a more general audience. * Michael J. Ryan, Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol.97, no.1 *While paying its dues to those amazing abilities of animals, Secret Worlds has some very intriguing things to say about the evolution and plasticity of the sense - and above all, the cost of acquiring them. [... ] One can only hope that Stevens will return with fresh insights in a few years. * Simon Ings, New Scientist *Table of ContentsPreface 1: A Plethora of Senses 2: Singing Mice and Painting Pictures with Sound 3: For My Eyes Only 4: Electric Attraction 5: Stars of the Tactile World 6: Smelling in Stereo 7: Homing Turtles and Animal Magnetism 8: A Changing World

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Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringCoral reefs are among the most beautiful, and most diverse, of ecosystems. Early seafarers were wary of them, naturalists were confused by them, yet many coastal people benefited greatly from these mysterious rocky structures that grew up to the surface of the sea. They have been rich in their supply of food, and they provided a breakwater from storms and high waves to countless coastal communities that developed from their protection. Their scale is enormous and their value high. Found in countless locations around the world, from the Indo-Pacific coral reef province to the Caribbean and Australia, they support both marine and human life.But today coral reefs are in trouble, with many dying or suffering from over-exploitation, pollution, and the warming and acidification of the oceans. Understanding reefs, their conservation and management, is vital, and so is conveying this to authority if we are to preserve these remarkable ecosystems. In this Very Short Introduction Charles Sheppard describes the complex structure and interdependencies of a reef, how reefs have evolved, the diversity of marine life that they support, and their importance to the human population who live beside them. This new edition describes the latest research on the complex symbioses of coral animals with microorganisms. It also highlights the scale of the challenge facing our reefs today, following recent ocean heatwaves - part of wider climate disruption - that killed half the world''s reefs, and considers what can be done to preserve these essential and vibrant ecosystems.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1: Geology or biology? 2: Ancient reefs and islands 3: The architects of a reef 4: The resulting structure - a reef 5: Microbial and planktonic engines of the reef 6: Reef fish and other major predators 7: Regional scale pressures on reefs 8: Global scale pressures on reefs - Climate change 9: Doing something about it Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisBlood is vital to most animals. In mammals it transports oxygen and food, carries away waste, and contains the white cells that attack invading microbes. Playing a central role in life, it has had profound cultural and historical significance and plays an important role in religious ritual. Blood was one of the four humours in early Western medicine and is still probably the major diagnostic tool in the doctor''s armoury. In this Very Short Introduction, Chris Cooper analyses the components of blood, explains blood groups, and looks at transfusions, blood tests, and blood-borne diseases. He considers what the future may hold, including the possibility of making artificial blood, and producing blood from stem cells in the laboratory.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewBlood is over-flowing with such fascinating historical observations, as well as with an equally generous amount of practical information that everyone possessing blood should know. * The Well-Read Naturalist *Table of Contents1: A history of blood 2: What is blood? 3: Fighting Disease 4: Haemoglobin 5: Blood pressure and blood flow 6: Blood transfusion 7: Epilogue: the future of blood Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisMany are familiar with the beauty and ubiquity of fractal forms within nature. Unlike the study of smooth forms such as spheres, fractal geometry describes more familiar shapes and patterns, such as the complex contours of coastlines, the outlines of clouds, and the branching of trees. In this Very Short Introduction, Kenneth Falconer looks at the roots of the ''fractal revolution'' that occurred in mathematics in the 20th century, presents the ''new geometry'' of fractals, explains the basic concepts, and explores the wide range of applications in science, and in aspects of economics.This is essential introductory reading for students of mathematics and science, and those interested in popular science and mathematics.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewFractals: A Very Short Introduction is an obvious starting point for lay readers interested in fractals. It presents the key ideas and explains their context and significance, while introducing and using some very basic mathematics. * Danny Yee's Book Reviews *a most enjoyable, 'short read' * Institute of Mathematics *[A] very well-written introduction to fractals for non-specialists ... Highly recommended. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. The fractal concept ; 2. Self-similarity ; 3. Fractal dimension ; 4. Julia sets and the Mandelbrot set ; 5. Random walks and Brownian motion ; 6. Fractals in the real world ; 7. A little history ; Further reading

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Book SynopsisA writer, broadcaster, and photographer, Editorial Consultant Adam Hart-Davis is a popular and respected explainer of science and engineering. He presented the BBC series What the Romans Did For Us, followed by further programmes on the Victorians, Tudors and Stuarts, and Ancients. He also co-presented Tomorrow's World, Science Shack, The Cosmos: A Beginner's Guide, and Just Another Day, about the science and technology of everyday life. He is the author of more than 35 books on science, invention, and history.

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Book SynopsisLife is an enduring mystery. Yet, science tells us that living beings are merely sophisticated structures of lifeless molecules. If this view is correct, where do the seemingly purposeful motions of cells and organisms originate? In Life''s Ratchet , physicist Peter M. Hoffmann locates the answer to this age-old question at the nanoscale.Below the calm, ordered exterior of a living organism lies microscopic chaos, or what Hoffmann calls the molecular storm,specialized molecules immersed in a whirlwind of colliding water molecules. Our cells are filled with molecular machines, which, like tiny ratchets, transform random motion into ordered activity, and create the purpose that is the hallmark of life. Tiny electrical motors turn electrical voltage into motion, nanoscale factories custom-build other molecular machines, and mechanical machines twist, untwist, separate and package strands of DNA. The cell is like a city,an unfathomable, complex collection of molecular workers working togTrade ReviewPhysics Today "[A] fascinating glimpse into recent research on molecular machines, research that lies at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and physics... Life's Ratchet does an excellent job of conveying the tension between mechanical descriptions of molecular machines...and the chemical perspective... I highly recommend this book to scientists in the fields of biophysics and nanoscience as a readable introduction to a broad variety of topics in those areas." The Scientist "What distinguishes life from its nonliving ingredients? How could life arise from the lifeless? These questions have vexed philosophers sand scientists for more than 2,500 years. Bio-besotted physicist Peter Hoffmann wrote Life's Ratchet to get to the beating heart of the matter. After a lively, lucid grand tour of the controversy's history...Hoffmann arrives at modern molecular biology and the technological breakthroughs, such as atomic force microscopy, that enable us to see the very atoms of a cell... A masterwork of making the complex comprehensible, this book would make a smashing freshman biology textbook--and that's a compliment." City Book Review "Life's Ratchet is nothing short of brilliant. With wit and literary prowess, author Peter M. Hoffmann delivers a profound message about the nature of the life within our lives. He writes with a grace and careful thoughtfulness--the Shakespeare of scientific literacy." Physics World, Best Books of 2012 "[A] clearly written book about molecular motors and other nanoscale structures... It does a very good job of capturing the excitement driving current research on this increasingly important topic." Nature "Life's Ratchet engagingly tells the story of how science has begun to realize the potential for matter to spontaneously construct complex processes, such as those inherent to living systems. The book is a good mix of history and the latest concepts, straightforwardly explained... The book's important message is that there is a revolution brewing. This revolution will not tell us what matter is made of. Instead, as described in Life's Ratchet, it will tell us how matter and energy combine to make me and you." New Scientist "In Life's Ratchet, biophysicist Peter Hoffmann reveals that the secret to life isn't some mysterious force. Rather, it is chaos itself. Hoffmann provides a ringside perspective on life at its most fundamental level, gained through his work on imaging and manipulating molecules." Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A fascinating mix of cutting-edge science with philosophy and theology." Werner R. Loewenstein, author of The Touchstone of Life and Physics in Mind "Peter Hoffmann brings the universe of the very small to life. Life's Ratchet is an exciting guide to the wondrous strange nanoworld of molecules driving the machinery of life. Engaging, provocative, and profound."

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Book SynopsisAn expert palaeoarchaeologist reveals how our understanding of the evolution of our species has been transformed by momentous discoveries and technological advancements. Who are we? How do scientists define Homo sapiens, and how does our species differ from the extinct hominins that came before us? This illuminating book explores how the latest scientific advances, especially in genetics, are revolutionizing our understanding of human evolution. Paul Pettitt reveals the extraordinary story of how our ancestors adapted to unforgiving and relentlessly changing climates, leading to remarkable innovations in art, technology and society that we are only now beginning to comprehend. Drawing on twenty-five years of experience in the field, Paul Pettitt immerses readers in the caves and rockshelters that provide evidence of our African origins, dispersals to the far reaches of Eurasia, Australasia and ultimately the Americas. Popular accounts of the evolution of Homo sapiens emphasTrade Review'An astonishing tale of art and science that goes right to the root of what it means to be human' - Alice Roberts'The scope and detail here is sweeping, carrying the reader through tens of thousands of years. By grace of Pettitt’s long experience in the field and thorough immersion in the world of the Palaeolithic, there are a few stunning moments where even the most astonishing archaeology seems tangible' - Current Archaeology'An excellent book, written with Paul's signature knowledge and enthusiasm. It should be required reading for everyone interested in our origins' - Clive Gamble'Drawing on his many years of experience with Palaeolithic archaeology, Paul Pettitt’s expert account of our origins introduces the reader to the methods used to find out about the remote past and the complexities involved in interpretating this data. What comes across is a powerful message: when looking around you in awe of humanity’s cultural and technological achievements, bear in mind that, as the old saying goes, we stand on the shoulders of Ice Age giants' - João Zilhão, ICREA Research Professor, University of Barcelona'Powerful … a vivid view of where we have come from and what makes us who we are' - New Scientist'Pettitt successfully maintain[s] a convivial ‘over a cup of coffee’ tone that weights into genetics then swiftly yanks thing back to a depth a wider audience will find absorbing. … Much has changed, but as Pettitt shows, many things remain constant – we owe our distant ancestors a debt of gratitude or the hard yards they put in' - Geographical'Grand narratives about the human past are tricky to pull off. Pettitt presents the complex and fascinating story of how our species came to be, in a readable series of personal stories combined with detailed explanations and illustrations of the archaeological and human fossil record' - British Archaeology'Pettitt's easy-going narrative style of writing makes his book highly engaging and eminently readable. A notably accessible work that does not sacrifice accuracy or succumb to oversimplicity' - American Journal of Biological AnthropologyTable of ContentsPrologue Maps Introduction 1. Skin and Bones 2. The Molecular Frontier 3. When the going gets tough: climate, change, and environment 4. Dispersal: from Africa to Asia 5. Contact 6. Diversity 7. Catastrophe: the coming of Homo sapiens in Europe 8. Stress, disease, illness and inbreeding 9. In Mammoth country 10. Cold 11. Refuge 12. Hearth and home 13. Let us descend into the sightless world. Palaeolithic cave art 14. Portable landscapes 15. The mind 16. The world of the dead 17. Into the Americas 18. Domestication Epilogue Further reading

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the world of alternative medicine.Prince Charles is a staunch defender and millions of people swear by it; most UK doctors consider it to be little more than superstition and a waste of money. But how do you know which treatments really heal and which are potentially harmful?Now at last you can find out, thanks to the formidable partnership of Professor Edzard Ernst and Simon Singh. Edzard Ernst is the world''s first professor of complementary medicine, based at Exeter University, where he has spent over a decade analysing meticulously the evidence for and against alternative therapies.He is supported in his findings by Simon Singh, the well-known and highly respected science writer of several international bestsellers.Together they have written the definitive book on the subject. It is honest, impartial but hard-hitting, and provides a thorough examination and judgement of more than thirty of the most popular treatments, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, chiropractic and herbal medicine.In Trick or Treatment? the ultimate verdict on alternative medicine is delivered for the first time with clarity, scientific rigour and absolute authority.Trade ReviewFearless, intelligent and remorselessly rational * The Sunday Times *The authors' combined strengths shine through. The examination of the evidence is comprehensive [and] forensic... * Nature *A definitive - if controversial - guide to what works, and what doesn't. It makes indispensable, if sometimes alarming, reading * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisRichard Dawkins has written a string of bestselling books, including the phenomenal The God Delusion. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Literature, and has won numerous awards. He was a professor at Oxford University until 2008 and he remains a fellow of New College.Trade ReviewDawkins has a gift for making science enjoyable ... [He is] one of the greatest scientific writers/explainers of all time. * Bill Gates *From the first sentence it reads with the force and fluency of a classic ... a luminous, authoritative prose that transcends age differences * The Times *Stunning in appearance ... the book is a triumph * New Scientist *The text is persuasive whatever one's age ... the chapter on rainbows has the clearest explanation of how they appear that I've ever seen * Financial Times *I wanted to write this book but I wasn't clever enough. Now I've read it, I am -- Ricky Gervais

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Book SynopsisFifty-two inspiring and insightful profiles of history’s brightest female scientists. “Rachel Swaby’s no-nonsense and needed Headstrong dynamically profiles historically overlooked female visionaries in science, technology, engineering, and math.”—ElleIn 2013, the New York Times published an obituary for Yvonne Brill. It began: “She made a mean beef stroganoff, followed her husband from job to job, and took eight years off from work to raise three children.” It wasn’t until the second paragraph that readers discovered why the Times had devoted several hundred words to her life: Brill was a brilliant rocket scientist who invented a propulsion system to keep communications satellites in orbit, and had recently been awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Among the questions the obituary—and consequent outcry—prompted were, Who are the role models for today’s female scientists, and where can we find the stories that cast them in their true light?      Headstrong delivers a powerful, global, and engaging response. Covering Nobel Prize winners and major innovators, as well as lesser-known but hugely significant scientists who influence our every day, Rachel Swaby’s vibrant profiles span centuries of courageous thinkers and illustrate how each one’s ideas developed, from their first moment of scientific engagement through the research and discovery for which they’re best known. This fascinating tour reveals 52 women at their best—while encouraging and inspiring a new generation of girls to put on their lab coats.

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Book SynopsisWe are the product of our evolutionary history and this history colours our everyday lives - from why we kiss to how religious we are. In How Many Friends Does One Person Need? Robin Dunbar explains how the distant past underpins our current behaviour, through the groundbreaking experiments that have changed the thinking of evolutionary biologists forever. He explains phenomena such as why ''Dunbar''s Number'' (150) is the maximum number of acquaintances you can have, why all babies are born premature and the science behind lonely hearts columns. Stimulating, provocative and highly enjoyable, this fascinating book is essential for understanding why humans behave as they do - what it is to be human.

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Book SynopsisWith wit, colour and clarity, What A Wonderful World quickly and painlessly brings us up to speed on how the world of the 21st century works. From economics to physics and biology to philosophy, Marcus Chown explains the complex forces that shape our universe. Why do we breathe? What is money? How does the brain work? Why did life invent sex? Does time really exist? How does capitalism work - or not, as the case may be? Where do mountains come from? How do computers work? How did humans get to dominate the Earth? Why is there something rather than nothing?In What a Wonderful World, Marcus Chown, bestselling author of Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You and the Solar System app, uses his vast scientific knowledge and deep understanding of extremely complex processes to answer simple questions about the workings of our everyday lives. Lucid, witty and hugely entertaining, it explains the basics of our essential existence, st

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Book SynopsisAn awe-inspiring exploration of the sounds of the living Earth, and the joys and threats of human music, language and noise. ''A symphony, filled with the music of life . . . fascinating, heartbreaking, and beautifully written.''ELIZABETH KOLBERT, author of The Sixth Extinction''Sounds Wild and Broken affirms Haskell as a laureate for the earth, his finely tuned scientific observations made more potent by his deep love for the wild he hopes to save.''NEW YORK TIMES''Wonderful . . . a reminder that the narrow aural spectrum on which most of us operate, and the ways in which human life is led, blocks out the planet's great, orchestral richness.''GUARDIANWe live on a planet alive with song, music, and speech. David George Haskell explores how these wonders came to be. In rainforests shimmering with insect sounds and swamps pulsing with frog calls we learn about evol

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA New York Times Bestseller One of Forbes.com's 10 Best Popular Science Books of 2016: Maths, Physics, Chemistry Honorable Mention for the 2017 PROSE Award in Cosmology and Astronomy, Association of American Publishers One of Ars Technica's 12 engrossing nonfiction books from 2016 One of Symmetry Magazine's Physics Books of 2016 One of Men's Journal's 40 Best Books of 2016 "Reading through is akin to receiving a private museum tour from an expert scientist... The authors present challenging content in accessible prose as they lead readers from our solar system to the edge of the visible universe, getting into the how and the what of just about everything there is to know about the cosmos... As Tyson, Strauss, and Gott explain the cutting-edge physics of multiverses, superstring theory, M-theory, and the benefits of colonizing space, even seasoned science readers will learn something new."--Publishers Weekly "As citizens of the cosmos, we are duty bound to explore it. So opine astrophysicists Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael Struass, and Richard Gott, guides on this bracing expedition through dusty galactic hinterlands and the vast theoretical vistas of Albert Einstein's work."--Nature "All three [authors] write in informal, conversational tones, and the text is sprinkled with genuinely funny non sequiturs, such as a brief rumination on dwarfs versus dwarves and commentary on English-speaking aliens in Star Trek... What the book does very well is to present not just what we know about the universe but how we know it."--Science "An accessible and comprehensive overview of our universe by three eminent astrophysicists... An entertaining introduction to astronomy."--Kirkus "Three of the leading voices in astrophysics take us on a well-illustrated tour that includes Pluto, questions of intelligent life, and whether the universe is infinite."--Philadelphia Inquirer "The text is written in an informal and approachable style, referencing many popular-culture icons... This book will open up some of the newest and most sophisticated concepts in astrophysics to a general audience, helping all of us better understand the universe we live in."--Booklist "This book is anything but another ho-hum book on astrophysics... Unlike many popular scientific books that are very esoteric, this one is more like a conversation between expert and interested lay person... [Welcome to the Universe] will be a great read for any non-scientist but also science curious persons. It is certainly a good book for the teacher of science at any level as well as the high school and college student. Any reader will be able to see how some complex scientific thoughts fit together."--NSTA Recommends "Their laudable goal is communicating vast, cosmic ideas in ways that are accessible without being simplistic."--Washington Post "If you have a passing interest in astrophysics and would like to deepen it, this book is for you... An authoritative book written with humour and charm."--Marcus Chown, Times Higher Education "This is an important book. Part fascinating story, part reference book, and part astrophysical textbook, the work presents an information-rich summary of the current state of human knowledge of the cosmos... Reading this book, which packages many entertaining treatments of concepts in astronomy and astrophysics, will make you a whole lot smarter about how the universe works. It is highly recommended."--David Eicher, Astronomy.com "The authors remind us that even though people are not the center of the universe, we are an intelligent species able to measure, theorize, comprehend, and explore the limits of knowledge. An excellent introduction that will equip readers to follow current astronomical discoveries."--Library Journal "Well written with clear, helpful graphics and glossy pictures accompanying the text. This book would be ideal for those who want a slightly more technical read."--Dr. Chris North, BBC Sky at Night Magazine "Riveting questions fielded by three top astrophysicists in engaging style, with great illustrations and just a handful of equations. They may just have produced the best book about the universe in the universe."--New Scientist "Astrophysicists Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael Strauss and J. Richard Gott team up for a readable survey of the universe, from our solar system's worlds to cosmic inflation and the multiverse. They don't stint on the details, and yes, there's some math involved, but it's well worth the journey."--Alan Boyle, GeekWire "Don't know the difference between a pulsar and a quasar? Pick up this endlessly fascinating book by three astrophysicists that provides a clear, readable introduction to the inner workings of our universe."--Men's Journal, a 40 Best Books of 2016 selection "Looking like a cross between a textbook and a coffee-table book, Welcome to the Universe is an extremely readable compilation of introductory astronomy lectures for non-science students... Their talks present physics with clarity and a little levity--with references to pop culture items such as Toy Story and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Gott even tackles time travel. What's not to like?"--Symmetry Magazine, a Physics Book of 2016 selection "Welcome to the Universe is going to turn your head around, because, frankly, what you think you know about the universe is probably wrong... Welcome to the Universe deserves numerous curtain calls for allowing the cosmos to embrace our existential thinking like a great Whitmanesque hug."--Peter Lewis, Philadelphia Inquirer "Learn about everything from the birth of the Universe and quasars to dark energy and exoplanets from three of the coolest guys you'll ever meet."--Annalee Newitz, Ars Technica "Welcome to the Universe is more than a breathtaking guide to the cosmos. It is a unique bridge between popular science and textbooks, admirably achieving Tyson's goal to 'empower you to understand the operations of nature.'"--Cosmos Magazine "A unique intergalactic voyage from our solar system to the outermost frontiers of the universe."--Lisa Kaaki, Arab News "This entertaining and enlightening book is an overview of the latest discoveries in astrophysics... The writing is witty yet informative, and the book is beautifully illustrated. [Welcome to the Universe] will appeal to all those who wish to learn more about the universe from three internationally prominent astrophysicists."--Forbes.com "In an informative and entertaining way, the book takes us from the latest discoveries to the edge of outer space, from planets, stars, galaxies, to black holes, wormholes, and time travel."--Wan Lixin, Shanghai Daily "The book's breadth is impressive. It starts with the basics (the size and scale of the universe) and finishes with a discussion of Einstein, general relativity, and the universe's fate... The book's strength is the authors' ability to write conversationally."--Air & Space MagazineTable of ContentsPreface 11 Part I Stars, Planets, and Life 15 1 The Size and Scale of the Universe 17 Neil deGrasse Tyson 2 From the Day and Night Sk y to Planetary Orbits 26 Neil deGrasse Tyson 3 Newton's Laws 42 Michael A. Strauss 4 How Stars Radiate Energy (I) 54 Neil deGrasse Tyson 5 How Stars Radiate Energy (II ) 71 Neil deGrasse Tyson 6 Stellar Spectra 81 Neil deGrasse Tyson 7 The Lives and Deaths of Stars (I) 93 Neil deGrasse Tyson 8 The Lives and Deaths of Stars (II ) 111 Michael A. Strauss 9 Why Pluto Is Not a Planet 126 Neil deGrasse Tyson 10 The Search for Life in the Galaxy 146 Neil deGrasse Tyson Part II Galaxies 171 11 The Interstellar Medium 173 Michael A. Strauss 12 Our Milk y Way 183 Michael A. Strauss 13 The Universe of Galaxies 197 Michael A. Strauss 14 The Expansion of the Universe 207 Michael A. Strauss 15 The Early Universe 222 Michael A. Strauss 16 Quasars and Supermassive Black Holes 241 Michael A. Strauss Part III Einstein and the Universe 255 17 Einstein's Road to Relativity 257 J. Richard Gott 18 Implications of Special Relativity 270 J. Richard Gott 19 Einstein's General Theory of Relativity 289 J. Richard Gott 20 Black Holes 300 J. Richard Gott 21 Cosmic Strings, Wormholes, and Time Travel 321 J. Richard Gott 22 The Shape of the Universe and the Big Bang 347 J. Richard Gott 23 Inflation and Recent Developments in Cosmology 374 J. Richard Gott 24 Our Future in the Universe 400 J. Richard Gott Acknowledgments 425 Appendix 1 Derivation of E = mc 2 427 Appendix 2 Bekenstein, Entropy of Black Holes, and Information 431 Notes 433 Suggested Reading 439 Index 441

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Book SynopsisWhat is climate change? How does it work? Learn from the experts in the ALL-NEW LADYBIRD EXPERT SERIESLearn about one of the most important issues facing our world today in this clear, simple and enlightening introduction.From HRH The Prince of Wales, environmentalist Tony Juniper and climate scientist Dr Emily Shuckburgh, it explains the history, dangers and challenges of global warming and explores possible solutions with which to reduce its impact.You''ll learn about . . .- The causes and consequences of climate disruption- Heatwaves, floods and other extreme weather- Disappearing wildlife- Acid oceans- The benefits of limiting warming- Sustainable farming- New, clean technologies- The circular economyLearn about other topics in the Ladybird Experts series including Gravity, Quantum Physics, Climate Change and Evolution.Written by the leading lights and most outstanding communicators in their fields, the Ladybird Expert books provide clear, accessible and authoritative introductions to subjects drawn from science, history and culture.For an adult readership, the Ladybird Expert series is produced in the same iconic small hardback format pioneered by the original Ladybirds. Each beautifully illustrated book features the first new illustrations produced in the original Ladybird style for nearly forty years.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to navigate the world of science through mind maps

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Book SynopsisEarth's history is embedded in its rocks, from dinosaur-trodden landscapes to new plastic-and-rock combinations. How to Read a Rock unearths stories buried in everything from grains of sand to mountain ranges, featuring over one hundred breathtaking illustrations that capture the planet's splendour. The book explores Earth's layers and landscapes, including caves, diamond volcanoes, ice strata, sand dunes, and lava flows, while also looking at space rocks beyond Earth to offer a sweeping history of rock formation unlike any other.How to Read a Rock delves into the geological past and what it can teach us about Earth's future, including evidence of the greening of the planet, the impact of natural forces, and clues on climate change and energy consumption. The book covers topics such as ancient coastlines and coral reefs, fossil fuels, deep earth, natural wonders, the contemporary limestone rock crisis, human-made minerals, technofossils, and so much more.

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Book Synopsis''A rare treat and it comes in seven servings, each essay will grip you at once'' NEW SCIENTIST''There is a lovely tribute to Dawkins''s friend Douglas Adams, some interesting speculations on the next few decades of genetic engineering, an explanation of what crystals really are, and some heartfelt reminiscences of Africa'' GUARDIAN''Essential reading'' SUNDAY TIMESRichard Dawkins is one of the finest minds in science, and in this superb collection of essays and letters, he demonstrates the depth of his knowledge and the rich variety of his interests. Whether he is examining postmodernism or the Human Genome Project, penning a letter to his daughter, or writing a moving eulogy to Douglas Adams and e-mailing Stephen Jay Gould, Dawkins writes with an intellectual vigour and grace that is second to none. This is a very human collection that shows not only the acuity of Dawkins'' scientific mind, but also his sense of humour and the warmth ofTrade Reviewthere is a lovely tribute to Dawkins's friend Douglas Adams, some interesting speculations on the next few decades of genetic engineering, an explanation of what crystals really are, and some heartfelt reminiscences of Africa. -- Steven Poole * THE GUARDIAN *his arguments sing with clear-eyed passion and conviction -- Patrick Nees * THE DAILY TELEGRAPH *this erudite collection...... where Dawkins assesses the work of his late rival Stephen Jay Gould is essential reading. -- Travis Elborough * THE SUNDAY TIMES *'His passion collapses the notion that scientists are lab-coated androids.' * SUNDAY HERALD *A rare treat and it comes in seven servings, each essay will grip you at once. * NEW SCIENTIST *A must-read for fans and non-fans alike and for people of an independent mind everywhere. * THE HERALD *

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Book SynopsisFor centuries fireworks have been a source of delight and amazement in cultures around the world. But what produces their dazzling array of effects? This book takes you behind the scenes to explore the chemistry and physics behind the art of pyrotechnics. Topics covered include history and characteristics of gunpowder; principles behind each of the most popular firework types: rockets, shells, fountains, sparklers, bangers, roman candles and wheels; special effects, including sound effects, coloured smokes and electrical firing; firework safety for private use and displays; and firework legislation. The Chemistry of Fireworks is aimed at students with A level qualifications or equivalent. The style is concise and easy to understand, and the theory of fireworks is discussed in terms of well-known scientific concepts wherever possible. It will also be a useful source of reference for anyone studying pyrotechnics as applied to fireworks. Review Extracts a worthwhile addition to the pyroteTrade Review""" ... a worthwhile addition to the pyrotechnist's library ...""""""... interesting background information for those with A-level chemistry or its equivalent.""""""... a welcome primer on the chemistry of pyrotechnics.""""""... a useful source of information which makes absorbing reading.""""""... a useful primer or supplemental text for students and a handy reference source for fireworks aficionados."""Table of ContentsHistorical Introduction; The Characteristics of Black Powder; Rockets; Mines and Shells; Fountains; Sparklers; Bangers; Roman Candles; Gerbs and Wheels; Special Effects; Fireworks Safety; Fireworks Legislation; Subject Index.

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Book SynopsisThe weird and wonderful quest for unfathomably large numbersTrade Review‘A wonderful new book… if you love journeying into imagined mathematical worlds and simply exploring, then [this book] is pure, unadulterated escapism… brilliant.’ -- New Scientist‘We are taken on an amazing adventure… [with] witty humour and fascinating facts… a comprehensive read that I would struggle to find fault in and for anyone with a passion for maths, or a knack for numbers, I couldn’t recommend it enough!’ -- Astronomy Ireland‘The brilliant combination of an accomplished science writer and a young mathematical prodigy has resulted in page after page that oozes enthusiasm, clarity and intrigue.’ -- Bobby Seagull, on Weirder MathsTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Of Sand and Stars 2 At the Limits of Reality 3 Maths Unbound 4 Up, Up and Away 5 G Whizz 6 Conway’s Chains 7 Ackermann and the Power of Recursion 8 Figure This – If You Can 9 Infinite Matters 10 Growing Fast 11 Does Not Compute! 12 The Strange World of the Googologist 13 Bridge to Beyond 14 The Biggest Number of All Acknowledgements Bibliography Useful websites and webpages References

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Book SynopsisIn her addictive, bold voice, bestselling author Mary Roach delves into the unpredictable world where wildlife and humans meet.Trade Review‘A provocative and engaging exploration of our evolving relationship with the rest of nature.’ -- Guardian‘Combining diligently researched scientific reporting with the sniggering wit of a stand-up comic… Animal Vegetable Criminal loves an eyebrow-raising anecdote.’ -- The Times‘Bestseller Roach sheds light on nature’s malefactors in this often funny, always provocative survey…Roach’s writing is wry, full of heart, and loaded with intriguing facts… This eminently entertaining outing is another winner.’ -- Publishers Weekly, starred review‘Reading a Mary Roach book is like spending a luxurious and joyful evening with the perfect dinner guest. Delightful facts become indelibly etched in your brain, and only later do you realise that hours have passed and your face slightly hurts from smiling too hard. In Animal Vegetable Criminal, Roach’s peerless storytelling skills are paired with a sense of moral urgency, as she recounts stories of humans and other animals, uneasily and clumsily learning to co-exist in a world that they must now share.’ -- Ed Yong, science journalist and author of I Contain Multitudes‘Hilarious! With Animal Vegetable Criminal, Mary Roach again takes us into an unfamiliar scientific realm, in this case the science of managing the conflicts between humans and the natural world – lethal leopards, rampaging elephants, jet-downing birds, even killer trees. It’s an ever-widening conflict zone, but one that Ms. Roach gleefully mines for a multitude of bizarre facts that’ll make you snort coffee through your nose.’ -- Erik Larson, author of The Splendid and the Vile‘An idiosyncratic tour with Roach as the wisecracking, ever-probing guide… My favorite moments, ultimately, weren’t the funny ones, but those that reveal a bit of scientific poetry.’ * New York Times Book Review *‘With her characteristic dry wit, [Roach] brings an intense fascination to the seldom discussed details and the at times absurd miscellany in the unexplored corners of unappreciated research… It is impossible not to smirk, chortle and sometimes outright belly laugh as you read her many wry asides and funny but fascinating footnotes… But the real trick Roach pulls off is to keep you laughing while at the same time making sure the earnest points come across.’ * New Scientist *‘A hugely enjoyable exploration of what happens when the nature we’ve decided to love doesn’t love us back. By turns hilarious and horrifying – and often profound – Roach’s entertaining journeys are full of delightful curios and I was swept up in her joyful writing.’ -- Gaia Vince, author of Transcendence‘Each chapter is packed with the results of [Roach’s] detailed investigations. Roach uses footnotes to add both depth and lightness to the topic at hand by capturing misfit studies, asides, and hilarious tangents… Refreshing.’ -- Science‘Full of kernels of fascinating information… Her approach is informative and unpretentious, and she’s always armed with a dry sense of humor. Roach will change the way you think about the great outdoors. What more could you ask for?’ * BuzzFeed *‘The book brims with Roach’s irreverent humor, which particularly shines when she experiences human-animal conflict firsthand… A blend of modern science and history, with Roach’s flair for spotting hidden absurdities… As another entry in Roach’s canon of books, Animal Vegetable Criminal stands tall (and hairy), educating as much as it entertains.’ * Science News *‘[Animal Vegetable Criminal is] powerfully propelled by the force of Roach’s unflinching fascination with the weird, the gross and the downright improbable… There’s a wacky genius to [her] interjections… [Her] curious and generous engagement with her subjects makes for world-expanding reading.’ -- Washington Post‘Traveling from a bear seminar in Reno to a bird-infested island in the Pacific that plagued the American military during World War II, among many other venues, Roach joyfully explores how human culture and wildlife, including plant life, have either found ways to coexist or are constantly at odds. Throughout, Roach highlights people who are genuinely passionate about the work, and she also includes suggestions for readers on how to deal ethically (and effectively) with their own wildlife issues, wherever they live. From the terrifying to the frustrating, a great starting point for understanding the animal world.’ -- Kirkus, starred review‘A witty and thought-provoking look at the darker side of animal behaviour through the ages. Highly entertaining and informative – excellent popular science writing.’ -- Stephen Moss, naturalist and author‘As hilarious as it is thought-provoking, Animal Vegetable Criminal is a brilliant read. Only Mary Roach can make such an obscure subject so intriguing. From battles with birds to marauding macaques, Roach reveals what happens when nature breaks human laws, with fascinating results.’ -- Monty Lyman, author of The Remarkable Life of the Skin‘Mary Roach has been writing brilliant, funny and illuminating popular science books for years. Unfortunately – at least for those of us with ambitions to step into her shoes – she has gone and done it again! Animal Vegetable Criminal is as good as anything this wonderful author has ever written, and that is saying something.’ -- Graham Lawton, author of Mustn’t Grumble: The surprising science of everyday ailments‘I sometimes wonder what animals have done wrong to deserve humans and what we do to them. But I know that humanity has done something right to deserve Mary Roach, the best guide possible to the fascinating but sometimes fraught interactions between human, animal and nature. She prowls through this intersection of worlds with the sleek grace of a leopard, diving into garbage cans, Indian elephant politics and mass murders of murders of crows, with her usual wit and wisdom. There’s only one downside to this delightful and brilliant book, and that’s that the animals can’t read it too.’ -- Rose George, journalist and author of Nine Pints‘Animal Vegetable Criminal is as funny as it is immersive. It is littered with colourful details of characters… The book is sympathetic to the complex problem of our coexistence with nature, and maintains that the dilemma of animals disturbing the peacefulness of our existence is only increasing in urgency.’ -- New Statesman‘This book is such a rich stew of anecdotes and lore that it’s best savored slowly, bit by bit… No matter the situation, Roach approaches it with contagious enthusiasm.’ -- BookPage, starred review‘[A] splendid study of all things alimentary…’ -- Bill Bryson on Gulp‘The most entertaining writer in science.’ * The Times *'Mary Roach has a knack for finding quirky corners of science to explore and does so with unfailingly good nature and charm.' -- Fortean Times

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Book SynopsisA former NASA scientist makes the cosmic common knowledgeTo study astronomy is to consider the most wondrous phenomena on the grandest of scales - the universe and all it contains. Beginning with our earliest explorations of the night sky, William Waller takes us on an enthralling journey through the Milky Way and far, far beyond. He combines science and history to show how our understanding of everything from black holes to the structure of the universe has evolved over time, illuminating past discoveries and offering contemporary insights into the cosmic histories of stars, planets and galaxies. Whether object of study or curiosity, the universe - and all it contains - is tantalisingly introduced here.Trade Review‘The most informative and approachable introduction to astronomy of recent years. Bill Waller is a congenial guide on this grand tour to the farthest reaches of the universe.’ -- Alan Hirshfeld, author of Starlight Detectives: How Astronomers, Inventors, and Eccentrics Discovered the Modern Universe‘A fun, engaging and entertaining introduction to the wonderful phenomena in space. Covering broad topics spanning the birth, life and death of the universe, this book is a fantastic way to quench your astronomical thirst.’ -- Dr Sheila Kanani MBE, Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer, Royal Astronomical Society, and Honorary Researcher, Lancaster University

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Book SynopsisA leading biologist looks at how humans have meddled with evolution throughout history – and what we will do nextTrade Review‘An accessible, enlightening writer… Big history meets big science – and it’s great entertainment.’ -- The Times, Best Books of 2021‘[Life as We Made It] provides a detailed exploration of some of the most influential technologies of our time. It also offers a tantalising glimpse of what might be in store in the future, when humanity starts to mix things up all over again.’ -- New Scientist‘[A] fun-filled survey… Shapiro’s anecdotes are full of energy… Perfect for fans of Mary Roach, this is science writing with much to savour.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘A brilliant combination of science, natural history, and first-person experience, Life as We Made It shows how our species has been manipulating nature for nearly as long as we’ve been around. Anyone who wants to better understand the future of life – human and otherwise – should read this book.’ -- Jennifer Doudna, winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry‘For the past two decades, Beth Shapiro has pioneered using ancient DNA to understand the diversity of life. In Life as We Made It, her twin passions for cutting-edge science and natural history leap from every page. This book will entertain and challenge you to think in new ways about our role in the future of life on Earth.’ -- Neil Shubin, evolutionary biologist and author of Your Inner Fish‘Very few people write about the insane complexities and power of biology with greater clarity, insight and levity than Beth Shapiro.’ -- Adam Rutherford, author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived‘In this brilliant new book, biologist Beth Shapiro tells the incredible story of how we’re remaking much of nature and lays out a thoughtful path for how we can survive and thrive by learning to more wisely apply our god-like powers.’ -- Jamie Metzl, author of Hacking Darwin‘Shapiro chronicles the many ways humans have influenced the evolutionary trajectories of other species, from prehistory through the present day. Tools like CRISPR are just the latest way we have shaped the life on this planet. She effectively makes the case that our use of evolution as a tool is ethically acceptable, if done carefully and with informed consent.’ -- Emma Marris, author of Wild Souls‘[Shapiro’s] expansive survey of the hopes and fears – and the hypes and fails – of genetic manipulation is an enjoyable tour of “impossible” species created to solve pressing human problems… She builds a convincing case… there is no doubt that synthetic biology has the potential to help solve some of our biggest global problems. With this clear-eyed account of its humanitarian potential, Shapiro has done the field a great service.’ * Nature *‘Life as We Made It presents a compelling vision that encourages us to be more open-minded.’ -- Philippa Nuttall * New Statesman *‘Thoughtful and entertaining’ -- Adrian Woolfson * Wall Street Journal *‘In an age when “technology” has become synonymous with the information kind, it is worth being reminded that other sorts are available. And with one of them people can, if they so choose, remake themselves.’ -- Economist‘Throughout our existence, humans have been unconscious genetic engineers. In this excellent summary of the most exciting parts of 21st-century biology, Beth Shapiro shows how we have inadvertently shaped the natural world, producing extinctions and slowly altering domestic animals. Above all, she optimistically describes how we might be able to use our new conscious ability to engineer genomes to save species and deliberately change the world for the better.’ -- Professor Matthew Cobb, University of Manchester‘An engaging account of how our ancestors’ actions, over tens of thousands of years, ended up modifying our genomes and those of countless other species, a thanksgiving for the beauty and bounty wrought by these changes, and a thoughtful, refreshingly optimistic anticipation of what is to come as we, one way or another, exert ever greater control over evolution.’ -- Austin Burt, professor of evolutionary genetics, Imperial College London‘Deeply thought-provoking… Around two to three decades ago the protests against genetically modified food types seemed warranted and necessary due to far too many unknowns. Now, with more precise genetic editing, examples such as Golden Rice discussed by Shapiro demonstrate that we are now in more nuanced times, and this is a topic that does need to be examined and more closely debated. Shapiro’s book is timely and well worth reading.’ -- Simon Cocking, Irish Tech News‘The scientific study of ancient DNA preserved in extinct species and the possibility of de extinction make for truly fascinating reading. Employing just the right amount of paleontology, history, genomics, and archaeology, Shapiro warns that we stand on the precipice of fashioning a new, unnatural nature. The risk of messing up the future of other species and even the planet itself looms large.’ * Booklist *‘Shapiro takes readers on a succinct and compelling journey through historical events, inventions, and decisions that have forever changed the course of life on Earth… In what is perhaps the greatest accomplishment of Life as We Made It, Shapiro clearly articulates key questions whose answers will define how we think about and use the power we now yield… Shapiro offers readers a history lesson from which to pull both caution and inspiration. In doing so, she sets the table for a needed conversation about our lasting imprint on the tree of life. It is up to us to take a seat.’ -- Science‘Shapiro is a fantastic science communicator who addresses the many nuances of each topic she touches, and she can be disarmingly funny. I heartily recommend you read this book.’ -- The Inquisitive Biologist‘Beth Shapiro’s unmissable book… My advice is not to waste time on COP26, and read this book instead… She is a thoughtful academic… This book brings readers up to date, assessing the impact on research of the Covid-19 event and the appetite for adopting riskier technologies more quickly… Life as We Made It turns a potentially chilling threat into a promise – so long as those charged with the process are as far-seeing and practical as its author. That’s the challenge upon which readers will be left reflecting.’ -- Reaction‘Beth Shapiro takes readers on a journey of scientific discovery, explaining how symbiotic relationships between humans and the environment around us have changed – but not always for the better…’ * Engadget *

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Book SynopsisOverlooked, sidelined, excluded, discredited: key figures in scientific discovery come and take their bow in an alternative Nobel prize gallery.

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Book SynopsisBiology Essentials For Dummies (9781119589587) was previously published as Biology Essentials For Dummies (9781118072677). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product. Just the core concepts you need to score high in your biology course Biology Essentials For Dummies focuses on just the core concepts you need to succeed in an introductory biology course. From identifying the structures and functions of plants and animals to grasping the crucial discoveries in evolutionary, reproductive, and ecological biology, this easy-to-follow guide lets you skip the suffering and score high at exam time. Get down to basics master the fundamentals, from understanding what biologists study to how living things are classifiedThe chemistry of life find out what you need to know about atoms, elements, molecules, compounds, acids, bases, and moreConquer and divide discover the ins aTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Chapter 1: Exploring the Living World 5 Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life 23 Chapter 3: The Living Cell 39 Chapter 4: Energy and Organisms 57 Chapter 5: Reproducing Cells 73 Chapter 6: DNA and Proteins: Life Partners 95 Chapter 7: Ecosystems and Populations 111 Chapter 8: Understanding Genetics 129 Chapter 9: Biological Evolution 145 Chapter 10: Ten Great Biology Discoveries 157 Index 163

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Book SynopsisPhysics Essentials For Dummies(9781119590286) was previously published asPhysics Essentials For Dummies (9780470618417). While this version features a newDummiescover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product. For students who just need to know the vital concepts of physics, whether as a refresher, for exam prep, or as a reference,Physics Essentials For Dummiesis a must-have guide. Free of ramp-up and ancillary material,Physics Essentials For Dummiescontains content focused on key topics only. It provides discrete explanations of critical concepts taught in an introductory physics course, from force and motion to momentum and kinetics. This guide is also a perfect reference for parents who need to review critical physics concepts as they help high school students with homework assignments, as well as for adult learners headed back to the classroom who just need a refresher of the core concepts. The Essentials For DTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Chapter 1: Viewing the World through the Lens of Physics 5 Chapter 2: Taking Vectors Step by Step 15 Chapter 3: Going the Distance with Speed and Acceleration 25 Chapter 4: Studying Circular Motions 41 Chapter 5: Push-Ups and Pull-Ups: Exercises in Force 49 Chapter 6: Falling Slowly: Gravity and Friction 63 Chapter 7: Putting Physics to Work 77 Chapter 8: Moving Objects with Impulse and Momentum 95 Chapter 9: Navigating the Twists and Turns of Angular Kinetics 111 Chapter 10: Taking a Spin with Rotational Dynamics 127 Chapter 11: There and Back Again: Simple Harmonic Motion 139 Chapter 12: Ten Marvels of Relativity 159 Index 167

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Conventions Used in This Book 2 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 3 Where to Go from Here 3 Chapter 1: Matter and Energy: Exploring the Stuff of Chemistry 5 Knowing the States of Matter and Their Changes 6 Solids, liquids, and gases 6 Condensing and freezing 7 Melting and boiling 8 Skipping liquids: Sublimation 9 Pure Substances and Mixtures 9 Pure substances 10 Throwing mixtures into the mix 11 Measuring Matter 12 Nice Properties You’ve Got There 13 Energy Types 14 Kinetic energy 14 Potential energy 15 Temperature and Heat 15 Chapter 2: What’s in an Atom? 17 Subatomic Particles 17 Centering on the Nucleus 19 Locating Those Electrons 21 The quantum mechanical model 21 Energy level diagrams 26 Isotopes and Ions 30 Isotopes: Varying neutrons 31 Ions: Varying electrons 32 Chapter 3: The Periodic Table 35 Repeating Patterns: The Modern Periodic Table 35 Arranging Elements in the Periodic Table 38 Grouping metals, nonmetals, and metalloids 38 Arranging elements by families and periods 41 Chapter 4: Nuclear Chemistry 43 Seeing How the Atom’s Put Together 43 Dealing with a Nuclear Breakup: Balancing Reactions 44 Understanding Types of Natural Radioactive Decay 46 Alpha emission 47 Beta emission 48 Gamma emission 48 Positron emission 48 Electron capture 49 Half-Lives and Radioactive Dating 49 Calculating remaining radioactivity 50 Radioactive dating 51 Breaking Elements Apart with Nuclear Fission 51 Mass defect: Where does all that energy come from? 52 Chain reactions and critical mass 52 Coming Together with Nuclear Fusion 53 Chapter 5: Ionic Bonding 55 Forming Ions: Making Satisfying Electron Trades 55 Gaining and losing electrons 56 Looking at charges on single-atom ions 58 Grouping atoms to form polyatomic ions 61 Creating Ionic Compounds 63 Making the bond: Sodium metal + chlorine gas = sodium chloride 63 Figuring out the formulas of ionic compounds 64 Naming ionic compounds 66 Bonding Clues: Electrolytes and Nonelectrolytes 68 Chapter 6: Covalent Bonding 69 Covalent Bond Basics 69 Sharing electrons: A hydrogen example 69 Comparing covalent bonds with other bonds 71 Dealing with multiple bonds 72 Naming Covalent Compounds Made of Two Elements 73 Writing Covalent Compound Formulas 74 Empirical formulas 74 Molecular or true formulas 75 Structural formulas: Dots and dashes 75 Electronegativities: Which Atoms Have More Pull? 81 Predicting the type of bond 81 Polar covalent bonding: Creating partial charges 83 Attracting other molecules: Intermolecular forces 84 Chapter 7: Chemical Reactions 87 Reactants and Products: Reading Chemical Equations 87 Collision Theory: How Reactions Occur 88 Hitting the right spot 89 Adding, releasing, and absorbing energy 90 Types of Reactions 92 Combination reactions: Coming together 92 Decomposition reactions: Breaking down 93 Single displacement reactions: Kicking out another element 93 Double displacement reactions: Trading places 95 Combustion reactions: Burning 97 Redox reactions: Exchanging electrons 97 Balancing Chemical Equations 97 Balancing the Haber process 98 Balancing the burning of butane 99 Knowing Chemical Equilibrium Backward and Forward 100 Matching rates of change in the Haber process 101 Constants: Comparing amounts of products and reactants 102 Le Chatelier’s Principle: Getting More (or Less) Product 103 Changing the concentration 103 Changing the temperature 104 Changing the pressure 104 Chemical Kinetics: Changing Reaction Speeds 105 Seeing How Catalysts Speed Up Reactions 107 Heterogeneous catalysis: Giving reactants a better target 108 Homogeneous catalysis: Offering an easier path 108 Chapter 8: Electrochemistry: Using Electrons 111 Transferring Electrons with Redox Reactions 111 Oxidation 112 Reduction 113 One’s loss is the other’s gain 114 Oxidation numbers 115 Balancing Redox Equations 116 Exploring Electrochemical Cells 120 Galvanic cells: Getting electricity from chemical reactions 121 Electrolytic cells: Getting chemical reactions from electricity 122 Having it both ways with rechargeable batteries 123 Chapter 9: Measuring Substances with the Mole 125 Counting by Weighing 125 Moles: Putting Avogadro’s Number to Good Use 127 Defining the mole 127 Calculating weight, particles, and moles 128 Finding formulas of compounds 129 Chemical Reactions and Moles 130 Reaction stoichiometry 131 Percent yield 132 Limiting reactants 133 Chapter 10: A Salute to Solutions 135 Mixing Things Up with Solutes, Solvents, and Solutions 135 How dissolving happens 136 Concentration limits 136 Saturated facts 137 Understanding Solution Concentration Units 138 Percent composition 138 Molarity: Comparing solute to solution 140 Molality: Comparing solute to solvent 143 Parts per million 143 Chapter 11: Acids and Bases 145 Observing Properties of Acids and Bases 145 The Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Theory 146 Understanding Strong and Weak Acids and Bases 147 Strong: Ionizing all the way 147 Weak: Ionizing partially 149 Acid-Base Reactions: Using the Brønsted-Lowry System 151 Acting as either an acid or base: Amphoteric water 152 Showing True Colors with Acid-Base Indicators 153 Doing a quick color test with litmus paper 153 Phenolphthalein: Finding concentration with titration 154 Phun with the pH Scale 155 Chapter 12: Clearing the Air on Gases 159 The Kinetic Molecular Theory: Assuming Things about Gases 159 Relating Physical Properties with Gas Laws 162 Boyle’s Law: Pressure and volume 163 Charles’s Law: Volume and temperature 164 Gay-Lussac’s Law: Pressure and temperature 165 The combined gas law: Pressure, volume, and temp 166 Avogadro’s Law: The amount of gas 167 The ideal gas equation: Putting it all together 168 Chapter 13: Ten Serendipitous Discoveries in Chemistry 171 Archimedes: Streaking Around 171 Vulcanization of Rubber 172 Molecular Geometry 172 Mauve Dye 172 Kekulé: The Beautiful Dreamer 173 Discovering Radioactivity 173 Finding Really Slick Stuff: Teflon 173 Stick ’Em Up! Sticky Notes 174 Growing Hair 174 Sweeter than Sugar 174 Index 175

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2024Couldn't be a bolder, more forthright SOS for sport The ObserverThe world of sport has a new opponent: climate change. In recent years, a world championship marathon was held at midnight to avoid the blistering sun. Professional athletes needed oxygen tanks to play during wildfire season in California. Players collapsed and play was suspended amid the heat and bushfire smoke at the Australian Tennis open. Ski resorts in the Alps have turned into ghost towns. Golf courses are sinking into the sea. And then there's the Qatar World Cup, among the greatest follies in sporting history, one that saw hundreds (perhaps thousands) of heat-induced deaths before a ball was even kicked. The threat climate change poses to sport is clear, but with billions of participants and fans around the world who rely on the sector for entertainment, jobs, fitness and health, this is one industry we can't afford to lose. In this book, Madeleine Orr s

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Book SynopsisNeil Delamere: ''Smart, accessible and full of brilliant tidbits''Dave Moore: ''A delightful wander through the human body''Dylan Evans: ''Prepare to be genuinely astonished by the marvels of the human body.''Explore the intricate nature of our amazing anatomy...Scientist and ''Chaser'' Dr Darragh Ennis reveals everything about the human body in ten informative, bite-sized essays. We all have questions about our body that we really should know the answers to, so discover why blood is red, how our body defends itself, why we sleep, how hormones control everything we do and much, much more!A fascinating, illuminating and engaging read, it''s the perfect gift for anyone interested in biology, DNA or who just wants to learn more about the human body.

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Book SynopsisDid you know—• It took more than an iceberg to sink the Titanic.• The Challenger disaster was predicted.• Unbreakable glass dinnerware had its origin in railroad lanterns.• A football team cannot lose momentum. • Mercury thermometers are prohibited on airplanes for a crucial reason.• Kryptonite bicycle locks are easily broken.“Things fall apart” is more than a poetic insight—it is a fundamental property of the physical world. Why Things Break explores the fascinating question of what holds things together (for a while), what breaks them apart, and why the answers have a direct bearing on our everyday lives.When Mark Eberhart was growing up in the 1960s, he learned that splitting an atom leads to a terrible explosion—which prompted him to worry that when he cut into a stick of butter, he would inadvertently unleash a nuclear cataclysm. Years later, as a chemistry professo

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Book SynopsisDid you know that stars are seasonal? That Orion is one of the brightest constellations? That a single day on Venus is longer than an entire year on Venus?Space has captivated mankind since the beginning of time. Fifty years ago, Neil Armstrong became the first man to step on the moon and since then our knowledge of astronomy has continued to expand. With so many mysteries yet to be solved, science journalist Abigail Beall takes readers on an astonishing journey though the landscape of space. In The Art of Urban Astronomy, you will be guided through the seasons and learn about the brightest stars and constellations, the myths and legends of astronomy and how to identify star clusters and galaxies with just your eyes or a pair of binoculars. For urban dwellers wrapped up in the rush and bustle of the city, it can be calming and truly valuable to take the time simply to stop, look and reconnect with nature. Packed full of seasonal star charts, con

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Book Synopsis Dive into the mind of Nikola Tesla! Written in his own words, this Nikola Tesla book features the lectures, illustrations, and other works that established Tesla as one of history’s great geniuses. During the early twentieth century, the eccentric and brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla blazed the path that electrical development followed for many years to come. This fascinating illustrated record of Tesla’s pioneering work gathers many of his most famous findings and theories, allowing contemporary readers to experience the amazing range of his thinking. It includes lectures, articles, and discussions—particularly those bearing on polyphase motors and the effects obtained with currents of high potential and high frequency—and gives us a rare glimpse of a genius at work.A fascinating look at Tesla’s contributions to the history of electricity, including the electric motor that inspired Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors. Filled with Tesla facts and diagrams of his groundbreaking work, this is the perfect book for anyone searching for a Tesla biography focused on his scientific discoveries.  

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Book SynopsisOur brains evolved to solve the survival problems of our Stone Age ancestors, so when faced with modern day situations that are less extreme, they often encounter a mismatch. Our primitive brains put us on the wrong foot by responding to stimuli that - in prehistoric times - would have prompted behaviour that was beneficial. If you''ve ever felt an anxious fight or flight response to a presenting at a board meeting, equivalent to facing imminent death by sabre-toothed tiger, then you have experienced a mismatch.Mismatch is about the clash between our biology and our culture. It is about the dramatic contrast between the first few million years of human history - when humans lived as hunters and gatherers in small-scale societies - and the past twelve thousand years following the agricultural revolution which have led us to comfortable lives in a very different social structure. Has this rapid transition been good for us? How do we, using our primitive minds, try to su

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Book SynopsisFundamental does for physics what Tim''s first book, Elemental, does for chemistry: it demystifies the topic in his trademark humorous, engaging style, including the most recent developments in the field.At the start of the twentieth century, science appeared complete and the laws of nature were almost all discovered, but then we woke a sleeping giant - we discovered quantum mechanics. In the quantum realm, objects can be in two places at once. It''s a place where time travel is not only possible, but necessary. It''s a place where cause and effect can happen in reverse and observing something changes its state. From parallel universes to antimatter, quantum mechanics has revealed that when you get right down to it, the laws of nature are insane. The scientist J. B. S. Haldane once said, ''Reality is not only stranger than we imagine . . . it''s stranger than we can imagine.'' Never is this more true than with quantum mechanics; our best, most recenTrade ReviewA hugely entertaining tour of the periodic table and the 118 elements that are the basic building blocks of everything. - Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisThe discovery of the Higgs boson made headlines around the world. Two scientists, Peter Higgs and François Englert, whose theories predicted its existence, shared a Nobel Prize. The discovery was the culmination of the largest experiment ever run, the ATLAS and CMS experiments at CERN''s Large Hadron Collider.But what really is a Higgs boson and what does it do? How was it found? And how has its discovery changed our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature? And what did it feel like to be part of it?Jon Butterworth is one of the leading physicists at CERN and this book is the first popular inside account of the hunt for the Higgs. It is a story of incredible scientific collaboration, inspiring technological innovation and ground-breaking science. It is also the story of what happens when the world''s most expensive experiment blows up, of neutrinos that may or may not travel faster than light, and the reality of life in an underground bunker in Switzerland.Trade Review[An] excellent account of one of the greatest intellectual adventures of modern times . . . I loved this insider's story of the discovery of the Higgs boson. -- Roger Highfield * Sunday Times *Like The Lord of the Rings, Smashing Physics takes readers on a long path with many moments of peril and uncertainty to reach the triumphant discovery of the Higgs Boson * Jim Gates, US Science advisor to President Obama *This is more than just another telling of the story of the hunt for the Higgs at the LHC - the reader here is utterly immersed in the politics, excitement and sheer intellectual adventure of discovery... from someone who was actually there! The process of scientific research is laid bare in all its glory, warts and all, and emerges as a delightful example of what is best about human intellectual endeavour. * Jim Al-Khalili *The author's enthusiasm would excite any reader to want to be part of the adventure, too, and this book will surely inspire a new generation into science * Frank Close *

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Book SynopsisFrom the phenomenal New Scientist series, with over 2,500,000 copies soldThe second compilation of readers'' answers to the questions in the ''Last Word'' column of New Scientist, the world''s best-selling science weekly. Following the phenomenal success of Does Anything Eat Wasps? - the Christmas 2005 surprise bestseller - Why Don''t Penguins'' Feet Freeze? includes answers to the most fascinating, trivial, idiosyncratic, baffling and strange questions in popular science. Ever wondered why we have fingerprints? Or whether bumblebees really defy the laws of physics when they fly? And why are eggs egg-shaped? And dogs'' noses black? Why do our eyes water when we cut onions? Why doesn''t superglue stick to the inside of its tube?Why Don''t Penguins'' Feet Freeze? is popular science at its most entertaining and enlightening.

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Basic Mathematics teaches you all the maths you need for everyday situations. If you are terrified by maths, this is the book for you.Do you shy away from using numbers? Basic Mathematics can help. An easy-to-follow guide, it will ensure you gain the confidence you need to tackle maths and overcome your fears. It offers simple explanations of all the key areas, including decimals, percentages, measurements and graphs, and applies them to everyday situations, games and puzzles to help you understand mathematics quickly and enjoyably.Everything you need is here in this one book. Each chapter includes clear explanations, worked examples and test questions. At the end of the book there are challenges and games to give you new and interesting ways to practise your new skills.

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Book SynopsisTake a trip beyond this Earth to explore the myths of The Mandalorian and uncover the anatomy of the newest space western in the Star Wars Universe.Star Wars dominates the film world. The combined box office revenue of the Star Wars movies equates to over $10 billion, making it the second highest-grossing film franchise of all time. But this franchise is no blaster from the past. Its fantastically successful films have now been followed by multiple television series set in that same galaxy far, far away. The franchise’s flagship television series, and likely the firmest fan favorite for some time to come, is The Mandalorian. Tracing the tale of the titular bounty hunter, traveling across the furthest reaches of that mythic galaxy, The Mandalorian has been greatly praised and highly acclaimed for creating characters with gravitas and originality, worlds with depth and impact, resulting in some of the best Star Wars content ever. Even though it’s set in deep space, The Mandalorian has as much in common with Western movies as it does with science fiction. Saloons. Bandits. “Gun” duels. Bounty hunters. Outlaws with a price on their heads. Space exploration as a “final frontier.” And a wild hero who doesn’t quite belong in a lawless part of the Galaxy after the fall of the Empire.The Science of The Mandalorian takes you on a badass journey with a mysterious, lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, where your beskar armor will protect you from many things, but not the sight of a small, green, carnivorous humanoid with big black eyes and mysterious powers. This is the way.

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Book SynopsisWhat’s the best book ever written? What would happen if we all stopped eating meat? What's the secret to living past 110? And what actually is the best thing since sliced bread? In An Answer For Everything, 200 of the world’s most intriguing questions are settled once and for all through beautiful and brilliant infographics. The results will leave you shocked, informed and thoroughly entertained. Created by the team behind the award-winning Delayed Gratification magazine, these compelling, darkly funny data visualisations will change the way you think about ... everythingTrade ReviewFresh, fascinating, and fun – a visual and verbal treat * Ian Hislop *A chunky, colourful book packed with fascinating facts and figures in infographic form * Daily Mirror, Books of the Year *Data just got a lot more fun * It's Nice That *Achieves the ultimate factual book goal; makes you cleverer, with minimal effort on your part. You’ll learn from it but somehow it makes that pleasurable * Rachel Parris, The Mash Report *A fabulous compendium of a thousand new things you didn’t know you didn’t know. And it looks very nice too * Andrew Hunter Murray, No Such Thing as a Fish, QI *Delayed Gratification is one of my favourite magazines, and one of the best things about it is the infographics. They've now published a book of them and it's glorious! * Alex Bellos *

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Book SynopsisWe don't know what we've got until it's gone...This brief, lucid book by the Director of Science at Royal Botanical Gardens takes you on an unforgettable tour of the natural world, showing how biodiversity - the rich variety of life in the world and in our own backyards - provides both the source and the salvation of our existence. Combining inspiration stories and the latest scientific research, Alex Antonelli reveals the wonders of biodiversity at a genetic, species and ecosystem level - what it is, how it works, and why it's the most important tool in our battle against climate change.A deeper understanding of biodiversity has never been more important, as the slow violence of habitat loss has put the fate of almost one-fifth of all species on Earth at risk of extinction in the coming decades. These building blocks of life form a network that underpins almost every aspect of our lives, providing invaluable sources of food, medicine, fibre, clothing, building material and more. With simplicity and clarity, The Hidden Universe shows you not only what's at stake, but what can be done (and is already being done) to protect and restore biodiversity around the world. It marks the arrival of a bold new voice in popular science.Trade Review'Engaging and urgent' * Nature *'The Hidden Universe is a smooth read ... biological facts are leavened by personal stories Antonelli tells of his "adventures" as a botanist traveling the world in search of plants.' * NewCity Lit *'For anyone who still needs winning around to our planet's beauty - and wants to know how we can save it - this is the book they should read.' * The Guardian *

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Book Synopsis'Amazing. It would be my desert island choice' Martin Rees'Fascinating, beautiful, alarming and revelatory use of mapping and infographics' Stephen Fry on EarthTime maps'An indispensable read' Arianna Huffington From the global impact of the Coronavirus to exploring the vast spread of the Australian bushfires, join authors Ian Goldin and Robert Muggah as they trace the ways in which our world has changed and the ways in which it will continue to change over the next hundred years. Map-making is an ancient impulse. From the moment homo sapiens learnt to communicate we have used them to make sense of our surroundings. But as Albert Einstein once said, 'you can't use old maps to explore a new world.' And now, when the world is changing faster than ever before, our old maps are no longer fit for purpose.Welcome to Terra Incognita. Based on decades of research, and combining mesmerising, state-of-the-art satellite maps with enlightening and passionately argued analysis, Ian and Robert chart humanity's impact on the planet, and the ways in which we can make a real impact to save it, and to thrive as a species.Learn about: fires in the arctic; the impact of sea level rise on cities around the world; the truth about immigration - and why fears in the West are a myth; the counter-intuitive future of population rise; the miracles of health and education that are waiting around the corner, and the reality about inequality, and how we end it. The book traces the paths of peoples, cities, wars, climates and technologies, all on a global scale. Full of facts that will confound you, inform you, and ultimately empower you, Terra Incognita guides readers to a new place of understanding, rather than to a physical location.Trade ReviewAmidst an abundance of global crisis and unrest, it's easy to feel as if there's no prescription for the future. But Terra Incognita provides us with just that, through stunning maps and visual aides that illuminate the most pressing issues of our time. -- Chris Anderson, New York Times Bestselling author of Ted Talks and Head and Curator of TedA completely brilliant guide to global survival * Jon Snow *Terra Incognita take us on an exhilarating journey of the mega-trends that are remaking our world. Using powerful maps and graphics, it provides much-needed guideposts to the incredible shifts and challenges going on all around us. Ian Goldin and Robert Muggah provide a necessary antidote to the paralyzing uncertainty and pessimistic fatalism that threatens to overwhelm us all. This book offers a bold new perspective not just on the challenges we face, but how, armed with the right data and information, we can go about fixing them -- Richard Florida, University of Toronto Professor and author of The Rise of the Creative ClassAmazing . . . it would be my desert island choice! This extraordinary book - with 100 fascinating maps, embedded in a richly informative text - offers a comprehensive perspective on global trends. It is amazing how much analysis the distinguished authors have distilled into a single volume. The book is especially welcome at a time when COVID-19 is disrupting our interconnected planet. It would be hard to imagine a better text to guide and enlighten us as we aim to 'remake' a better world. It deserves a very wide readership. -- Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and author of On the FutureTerra Incognita draws readers into multiple worlds and provides the tools to navigate between them. Goldin and Muggah use powerfully-engaging maps to help understand and confront our biggest challenges - from climate change to inequality. By inviting readers to traverse a vast range of disciplines and ideas, their volume helps each of us better appreciate how our problems are interconnected. This is a must read for everyone striving to make a better world. -- Saskia Sassen, Lynd Professor of Sociology at Columbia University, author of Expulsions and The Global CityEvery young person must read this book. Full of mesmerizing maps and powerful story-telling, Terra Incognita is an indispensable guide to change our futures for the better. -- Marvin Rees, Mayor of BristolFascinating, beautiful, alarming and revelatory use of mapping and infographicsA riveting account of humanity´s most pressing challenges and innovative solutions, fusing mesmerizing maps and compelling analysis to help navigate our complex future.An indispensable read. Ian Goldin and Robert Muggah´s hypnotic maps surprise and amaze. This book offers a future-looking guide to navigate our uncertain times. Offering an unflinching account of our challenges and ways to fix them, it willleave you optimistic about the future.A stunning account of our fast-changing world. Earth Time is a wake-up call and blueprint for future change. Ian Goldin and Robert Muggah´s extraordinary maps offer an entirely new perspective on some of our most urgent environmental and geopolitical conundrums.The mapmakers of old wrote "Here Be Dragons" to designated unknown and uncharted areas. Terra Incognita simultaneously shows us how much of our world we can see and map and how many dark places still remain to be explored. Most important, it is a vital tool for teaching students, researchers, and analysts how to change our mental models -- our imagined maps -- of the worlds we think we inhabit. Our future depends on it. -- Anne-Marie SlaughterTerra Incognita is a terrific achievement. It utilises maps as a graphic foil to a wide-ranging and deeply informed argument about our current international challenges and the possibilities for future collective action. The result is both compelling and subtle. Situating the argument within the current pandemic is very powerful and timely. Essential reading-and viewing-for anyone engaged in the global state we are in. -- Jerry Brotton, author of A History of the World in 12 MapsIt not only charts the mesmerising development of geographical maps, [...] but also contains maps that reveal insights into global cultural developments, including the incredible rise of McDonald's and Netflix. * Mail Online *

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Book SynopsisYou've got questions: about space, time, gravity, and the odds of meeting your older self inside a wormhole. All the answers you need are right here.As a species, we may not agree on much, but one thing brings us all together: a need to know. We all wonder, and deep down we all have the same big questions. Why can't I travel back in time? Where did the universe come from? What's inside a black hole? Can I rearrange the particles in my cat and turn it into a dog?Physics professor Daniel Whiteson and researcher-turned-cartoonist Jorge Cham are experts at explaining science in ways we can all understand, in their books and on their popular podcast, Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe. With their signature blend of humour and oh-now-I-get-it clarity, Jorge and Daniel offer short, accessible, and lighthearted answers to some of the most common, most outrageous, and most profound questions about the universe they've been asked.This witty, entertaining, and fully illustrated book is an essential troubleshooting guide for the perplexing aspects of reality, big and small, from the invisible particles that make up your body to the identical version of you currently reading this exact sentence in the corner of some other galaxy. If the universe came with an FAQ, this would be it.Trade ReviewDelightful, funny, and yet rigorous and intelligent: only Jorge and Daniel can reach this exquisite balance -- CARLO ROVELLI, author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and HelgolandEasy-to-understand explanations of complex scientific theories and concepts. . . . This quirky, easily digestible book makes for a fun read * Library Journal *Cham and Whiteson use nontechnical language and humor to discuss the most up-to-date theories about the cosmos and humans' place in it. Illustrated with Cham's science-themed cartoons, the book is both educational and entertaining * Physics Today *Amusing intro to the mysteries of the cosmos. . .The authors' answers always feel fresh, and Cham's fun cartoons are a treat. Entertaining and satisfying, this is sure to please * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *The authors' work fits neatly into the recently burgeoning market of breezy pop-science books full of jokes, asides, and cartoons that serve as introductions to concepts that require much further study to fully understand. A solid foundational education in a handful of lively scientific topics * Kirkus *These are some of the biggest questions humanity has ever asked and the authors tackle them with wit, humor, expertise, and humility . . . an excellent, easy-to-understand resource for curious people who want to start learning about cosmology * Booklist *A treat of a read * The Sun *

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Book SynopsisCAN YOU BOOST YOUR IQ? WHAT IF YOU COULDN'T FORGET ANYTHING? WHAT HAPPENS IN YOUR BRAIN WHEN YOU GET AN IDEA? COULD YOU BE A PSYCHOPATH? . . . NEW SCIENTIST HAS ALL THE ANSWERSFrom the strange ways to distort what we think of as 'reality' to the brain hacks that can improve memory, The Brain takes you on a journey through intelligence, memory, creativity, the unconscious and beyond to help you understand your brain - and show you what it's truly capable of.

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Book Synopsis'Real science can be far stranger than science fiction, and much more satisfying'Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?Is there other intelligent life in the universe?Throughout his extraordinary career, Stephen Hawking expanded our understanding of the universe and unravelled some of its greatest mysteries. Will Artificial Intelligence Outsmart Us? considers the threat of artificial super-intelligence - as well as the likelihood of intelligent life beyond our planet.'Modest, profound and sometimes very funny' Sunday TimesBrief Answers, Big Questions: this stunning paperback series offers electrifying essays from one of the greatest minds of our age, taken from the original text of the No. 1 bestselling Brief Answers to the Big Questions.

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Book SynopsisWhat happens when you really get under the skin of the world around you? Everything that surrounds us - and we ourselves - are made of molecules, constructed from a limited set of elements that can combine to form an almost limitless kaleidoscope of possibilities.Dr Kathryn Harkup reveals the inner lives of the invisible molecules that make up our world, ranging from the fundamental to the frivolous; via the psychedelic effects of caffeine to the deadly march of CO2 emissions. This is a book about the stories of discovery, the quirks of science and of human history that have enhanced our appreciation and understanding of the world.

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