Popular science Books

Book Synopsis''Brilliant. You won''t find a clearer, more engaging guide to what we know (or would like to know) about the universe and how it is put together'' Bill BrysonCelebrated physicist and global bestselling author Paul Davies tells the story of the universe in thirty cosmological conundrumsIn the constellation of Eridanus there lurks a cosmic mystery. It''s as if something has taken a huge bite out of the universe, leaving a super-void. What could be the culprit? A super massive black hole? Another, bigger universe? Or an expanding vacuum bubble, destined to envelop and annihilate everything in existence?Scientists now understand the history of our universe better than the history of our own planet, but they continue to uncover startling new riddles-the hole in the universe being just one. In this electrifying book, award-winning physicist Paul Davies walks us through the puzzles and paradoxes that have preoccupied cosmologists from ancient Greece to the present day. Laying bare the audacious research that has led us to mind-bending solutions, Davies reveals how we might begin to approach the greatest outstanding enigmas of all.Trade ReviewBrilliant. You won't find a clearer, more engaging guide to what we know (or would like to know) about the universe and how it is put together. -- Bill Bryson * author of The Body: A Guide for Occupants *Paul Davies gives us a thought-provoking, fascinating, and delightful journey through some of the big questions that have perplexed and tantalized scientists throughout history. These are the questions and paradoxes that have stumped and teased history's greatest minds. What happened before the beginning? What is the meaning of the universe? Are there other universes? -- Michio KakuPaul Davies brings his customary lucidity to a survey of some of the most fascinating and puzzling aspects of our universe, simultaneously educating us about its vertiginous wonders and giving us a real sense of science's questions as it confronts and explores them and wrestles with their mystery. It is an absorbing and stimulating read, one of the best of its kind. -- A.C. Grayling * author of The Frontiers of Knowledge *Compelling ... Davies excels in succinctly addressing the cosmological conundrums that haven't received as much attention as dark matter, dark energy, what triggered the big bang and the fate of the universe * Forbes *A whistle-stop tour of the biggest mysteries that cosmologists are investigating today ... a fun way of making sure you're all caught up on where cosmology is at today * Physics World *What's Eating the Universe? is a veritable feast for curious minds. Davies, a polymath and lyrical writer, masterfully tackles all the big questions ranging from why this Universe to the meaning of life and the significance of the present moment-a whirlwind journey through ideas that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos and its constituents. -- Priyamvada Natarajan * author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos *A great introduction for readers new to physics ...Lessons in cosmology and astrophysics abound in this enthusiastic primer * Publishers Weekly *Understanding theoretical physics is a daunting task, but What's Eating the Universe?is here to guide readers through the field. Each chapter is short-less than 10 pages-but jargon-free and full of information ... Regardless of the reader's prior physics knowledge, the book provides an accessible introduction to cosmology * Physics Today *What's Eating the Universe? is Paul Davies at his very best. He brings a lifetime of experience in explaining mysteries of space and time to offer thought-provoking essays on deep questions in bite-sized, easily digestible chunks. There is no better overview of the advances made by cosmologists in recent decades. -- John Gribbin * author of Six Impossible Things: The ‘Quanta of Solace’ and the Mysteries of the Subatomic World *A delightful account of the cutting edge of modern cosmology. He is truly exceptional at explaining all of this in his inimitable style--let's say 'astropoetry' -- Simon Mitton, University of CambridgeA whistle-stop tour of the major questions in contemporary cosmology -- Philip Ball, author of Beyond Weird: Why Everything You Thought You Knew about Quantum Physics Is Different

Read more less

Book Synopsis''The whizz-kid making maths supercool. . . A brilliant book that takes everything we know (and fear) about maths out of the equation - starting with numbers'' The Times''A cheerful, chatty, and charming trip through the world of mathematics. . . Everyone should read this delightful book'' Ian Stewart, author of Do Dice Play God?The only numbers in this book are the page numbers.The three main branches of abstract math - topology, analysis, and algebra - turn out to be surprisingly easy to grasp. Or at least, they are when our guide is a math prodigy. With forthright wit and warm charm, Milo Beckman upends the conventional approach to mathematics, inviting us to think creatively about shape and dimension, the infinite and the infinitesimal, symmetries, proofs, and all how all these concepts fit together. Why is there a million dollar prize for counting shapes? Is anything bigger than infinity? And how is the ''truth'' of mathematics actuTrade ReviewGenius: an entire book about mathematics in which the only digits are the page numbers. . . fresh, delightful and extremely accessible -- Alex Bellos * Guardian *Beckman's book is not only fascinating and enthralling but also one I actually kept my eyes open long enough to finish (in part because - and this is a massively underrated virtue in popular science books - it is short) -- Tom Whipple * The Times *This guide to the maths we didn't get taught at school is full of fascinating revelations -- Manjit Kumar * The Times *I was hooked. . . what is delightful about the book is the vivid clarity -- Tim HarfordA cheerful, chatty, and charming trip through the world of mathematics and its relation to the world of people - and not a number in sight! Everyone should read this delightful book. Even mathematicians -- Ian Stewart, author of Do Dice Play God?One of those wonderful books you'll want to tell everyone about -- Ananyo Bhattacharya, author of The Man from the FutureSo delightful! Mathematics is playful, surprising, and enchanting, but those qualities are often obscured behind intimidating equations and formalism. Milo Beckman brings them out into the open for everyone to share. -- Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply HiddenWith charm, unwavering enthusiasm, and a lot of cartoons, Math Without Numbers waltzes the reader through a garden of higher mathematics -- Jordan Ellenberg, author of How Not To Be WrongMath Without Numbers explores deep mathematical topics -- and shows how mathematicians think-in completely readable prose. The puzzles and games are bonuses. Very enjoyable -- Will Shortz, crossword editor, The New York TimesA playful paean to the pleasures of studying higher math ... readers with an abundance of curiosity and the time to puzzle over Beckman's many examples, riddles, and questions, will make many fascinating discoveries * Publishers Weekly *The book's accessible language and illustrations makes understanding some of the most complex (and possibly most intimidating) math concepts feel as effortless as breathing. Beckman's approachable writing and Erazo's delightful illustration combine to tell an insightful and entertaining story about math -- Giorgia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec, co-authors of Dear DataThis is the book for you if you've ever been curious about the wonderful ideas and concepts underlying modern math, but been too frightened to make a start. Milo Beckman gives us a friendly introduction to unfamiliar concepts and ideas that show why modern math is such a fascinating and rewarding branch of human thought -- Graham Farmelo, author of The Universe Speaks in NumbersMath Without Numbers offers an accessible and whimsically illustrated glimpse of what pure mathematicians study, all while capturing the playful spirit with which they do it -- Grant Sanderson, creator of 3blue1brown

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPollan is always an entertaining writer, and a deep thinker with a light touch ... it's a trip - engrossing, eye-opening, mind altering. -- Sophie McBain * New Statesman *This fascinating insight into our relationship with mind-altering plants weaves personal experimentation with cultural history ... Pollan is the perfect guide through this sometimes controversial territory; curious, careful and, as his book progresses, increasingly open minded. -- Tim Adams * The Guardian *Expert storytelling ... Pollan masterfully elevates a series of big questions about drugs, plants and humans that are likely to leave readers thinking in new ways. -- Rob Dunn * New York Times Book Review *Brilliant, compulsively readable ... Pollan's storytelling is deft, forthright and fascinating. -- Charles Foster * The Oldie *Like it or not, we are undergoing a drugs revolution ... thankfully Pollan is here to guide us through this putative challenge ... [this] relatable, middle class New York plant fancier might be the ideal standard bearer for today's calmer, more scientific approach to the subject. -- Josh Glancy * Sunday Times *Pollan's intertwining of reportage, citizen science and historical scholarship is a delightful and informative read ... [he] has a rational optimism that might tempt even the most sober and sceptical to try to broaden their horizons. -- AJ Lees * Literary Review *Pollan is a gentle, generous writer. -- David Aaronovitch * The Times *Michael Pollan weaves tales of drug experimentation into a historical account of our long relationship with them. -- Simon Ings * New Scientist *This Is Your Mind on Plants is witty, entertaining and polite, but it is not trivial. Subtly but assuredly, Pollan argues that which plants (and fungi) we are allowed and how depends, consciously or otherwise, on the interests of power. -- Josh Raymond * Times Literary Supplement *The descriptions of London's coffee house culture and Honoré de Balzac's barbarous habit of ingesting dry coffee grounds to fuel all-night scribbling sessions are worth the book's price alone ... The book is really about the relation between each plant and the humans who consume it, tackled in a non-judgmental and objective way that seeks to dispel the ignorance, prejudice and demonisation they attract. * Financial Times *Fascinating and occasionally terrifying ... His opium chapter is mesmerising. -- Marcus Berkmann * Daily Mail *A tour around three substances: caffeine, mescaline and opium. The first is legal, the others remain mostly illegal. Pollan offers us rich historical contexts for them that are often surprising. -- Peter Carty * Independent *Every now and then to be put in touch with what really matters - what could be more important than that? -- Emily Hourican * Irish Independent *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe latest volume in The New York Times bestselling physics series explains Einstein''s masterpiece: the general theory of relativityHe taught us classical mechanics, quantum mechanics and special relativity. Now, physicist Leonard Susskind, assisted by a new collaborator, André Cabannes, returns to tackle Einstein''s general theory of relativity. Starting from the equivalence principle and covering the necessary mathematics of Riemannian spaces and tensor calculus, Susskind and Cabannes explain the link between gravity and geometry. They delve into black holes, establish Einstein field equations and solve them to describe gravity waves. The authors provide vivid explanations that, to borrow a phrase from Einstein himself, are as simple as possible (but no simpler).An approachable yet rigorous introduction to one of the most important topics in physics, General Relativity is a must-read for anyone who wants a deeper knowledge of the universe''s real structure.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn exploration of mankind's fascination with worlds beyond our own-by the bestselling author of The Physics of Star Trek Lawrence Krauss -an international leader in physics and cosmology-examines our long and ardent romance with parallel universes, veiled dimensions, and regions of being that may extend tantalizingly beyond the limits of our perception. Krauss examines popular culture's current embrace (and frequent misunderstanding) of such topics as black holes, life in other dimensions, strings, and some of the more extraordinary new theories that propose the existence of vast extra dimensions alongside our own. BACKCOVER: An astonishing and brilliantly written work of popular science. -Science a GoGo A brilliant, thrilling book . . . You'll have so much fun reading that you'll hardly notice you're getting a primer on contemporary physics and cosmology. -Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin: An American LifeTrade Review“An astonishing and brilliantly written work of popular science.” —Science a GoGo“A brilliant, thrilling book . . . You’ll have so much fun reading that you’ll hardly notice you’re getting a primer on contemporary physics and cosmology.” —Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTransform your child into a science project with these fun, simple experiments.Re-create landmark studies in child development in your own home and watch your little one achieve developmental milestones in real time with this fascinating hands-on guide. Whether your child is just beginning to speak in sentences or is on their way to kindergarten, these easy and surprising projects will help you to see the world through your child's eyes--and also give you the tools to help them master new skills as they grow.Covering ages two through five, the experiments reveal research-backed insights about different areas of mental, physical, and social growth. Some examples include:Understanding language syntaxLearning to pick up the rules of a game without being toldDeveloping the impulse to lieTesting memoryFor any parent who looks at their young child and thinks, What on earth is going on in there? this book will help you fin

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow do individuals decide whether to accept human causes of climate change, vaccinate their children against childhood diseases, or practice social distancing during a pandemic? Democracies depend on educated citizens who can make informed decisions for the benefit of their health and well-being, as well as their communities, nations, and planet. Understanding key psychological explanations for science denial and doubt can help provide a means for improving scientific literacy and understandingcritically important at a time when denial has become deadly. In Science Denial: Why It Happens and What to Do About It, the authors identify the problem and why it matters and offer tools for addressing it. This book explains both the importance of science education and its limitations, shows how science communicators may inadvertently contribute to the problem, and explains how the internet and social media foster misinformation and disinformation. The authors focus on key psychological constructs such as reasoning biases, social identity, epistemic cognition, and emotions and attitudes that limit or facilitate public understanding of science, and describe solutions for individuals, educators, science communicators, and policy makers. If you have ever wondered why science denial exists, want to know how to understand your own biases and those of others, and would like to address the problem, this book will provide the insights you are seeking.Trade ReviewScience denialism concerns all of us who consider ourselves friends of science, whether we are scientists, philosophers, educators, journalists or policymakers. Science denialism is a complex phenomenon that requires multifaceted measures to counter it. These measures should certainly take into account what psychologists have learned about the cognitive, affective and motivational factors involved in rejecting science. That is why Science denial: Why it happens and what to do about it is an important book. * Juan Gefaell, Metascience *Science Denial is basically the game plan for doing better than blithely hoping that a one-size-fits-all set of scientific explanations will cause people to jettison scientific flim-flam...Those who are interested in addressing science denial effectively should definitely read this book...Science Denial draws from well-established social science principles without letting the underlying research compromise readability...The writing is consistently oriented to the everyday person who is genuinely interested in amending scientific misconceptions...I tip my hat to Sinatra and Hofer for a superb book devoted to a superb cause. I encourage everybody to consider the preventable harm caused by science denial, and to pick up Science Denial, the book, to help us find a solution. * Craig A. Foster, PhD, Professor and Chair of Psychology at SUNY Cortland, Reports of the National Center for Science Education *...the book can be of great use not only to psychologists themselves, but also to empirically minded philosophers, science communicators and educators alike. * Juan Gefaell, Metascience *The book is essential reading for science communicators, educators, and policy makers, the authors' intended audiences. This reviewer would note, too, that this title is an especially appropriate acquisition - necessary, even - for use by librarians as well as lay readers trying to understand their science-denying neighbors. Highly recommended. All readers. * A. White, Grand Valley State University, CHOICE *Falling somewhere between academic and trade writing, Science Denial is filled with relatable scenarios, research studies, and helpful advice for individuals, educators, science communicators, and policy-makers. As social media discussions of science topics continue to proliferate and carefully reported coverage of science continues to decline, the authors warn readers to ready themselves for a future in which separating fact and fiction may be more difficult than ever. Their book offers abundant practical guidance to help us meet the challenge. * Stephen M. Casner, NASA's Ames Research Center, SCIENCE *A surprisingly large number of people think that if Covid isn't a hoax, it must be caused by cellphone towers; it's hard to imagine a world working very well when it can't rest on basic, accurate information. This volume makes an important contribution towards beginning to understand why we've come unglued, and what we can do about it. * Bill McKibben, author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? *Why won't people wear masks during a pandemic? Or buy genetically modified foods? Or vaccinate their children? Sinatra and Hofer provide answers by delving deep into the psychology of science denial. They explain the shortcuts we take when searching for scientific information, the misconceptions we hold about scientific knowledge, and the obstacles we face when changing our beliefs and attitudes about scientific topics. From their synthesis of empirical research to their consideration of real-life dilemmas, Sinatra and Hofer provide a compelling and accessible account of the public's fraught relationship with science, as well as practical advice for improving science communication and increasing science literacy. * Andrew Shtulman, Professor of Psychology, Occidental College and author of Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong *If recent events have taught us anything, it's that science denial—whether it involves the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 or the looming climate crisis—is deadly. Read this book to understand where it comes from, why it's so dangerous, and what we can do about it. * Michael E. Mann, Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science, Penn State University, and author of The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back our Planet *Gale Sinatra and Barbara Hofer have written an eloquent, incisive, and compelling account of the scourge of our times -- and a growing threat to our future as well. Read this and learn what you can do to defend science. * Lee McIntyre, Research Fellow, Center for Philosophy and History of Science, Boston University and author of How to Talk to A Science Denier *Hofer and Sinatra's discussion is richly informed by their classroom research and illustrated with numerous personal anecdotes...The book is well structured and easy to read episodically. * Douglas Allchin, The American Biology Teacher *Table of ContentsPreface Section I: Science Denial, Doubt, and Resistance 1. What Is the Problem and Why Does It Matter? 2. How Do We Make Sense of Science Claims Online? 3. What Role Can Science Education Play? Section II: Five Explanations for Science Denial, Doubt, and Resistance 4. How Do Cognitive Biases Influence Reasoning? 5. How Do Individuals Think About Knowledge and Knowing? 6. What Motivates People to Question Science? 7. How Do Emotions and Attitudes Influence Science Understanding? 8. What Can We Do About Science Denial, Doubt, and Resistance? Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisBenjamin Franklin, the 18th-century American statesman and scientist, watched the calming effect of a drop of oil on the waves and ripples of a London pond, and began to investigate exactly what was happening to cause this strange phenomenon. Following Franklin's lead, a motley crowd of scientists over the next two centuries and more chose to investigate the nature of atoms and molecules through the interaction of fluid membranes. Building on Franklin's originalexperiments, their work has culminated in the discovery of the structure of cell membranes, research that continues to bear fruit today. Ben Franklin Stilled the Waves is far more than the story of oil on water; it is a voyage into the very nature of science and its place in our history.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; 1. Introduction ; 2. Benjamin Franklin ; 3. Friends and Influences ; 4. The French Connection ; 5. Pliny the Elder ; 6. Eighteenth-Century Science ; 7. Franklin's Experiment: The Observation ; 8. How Small is a Molecule? The Calculation Franklin Did Not Make ; 9. One Hundred Years Later: Science Comes of Age ; 10. Lord Rayleigh ; 11. Meticulous Miss Pockels ; 12. Comrades in the Search: The Flavor of Late Nineteenth-Century Physics ; 13. Ben Franklin Wonders Why (Molecular Interpretation) ; 14. In Praise of Water ; 15. Irving Langmuir - Cells and Membranes ; 16. Biology - Cells and Membranes ; 17. Ernest Overton: Gentle Genius ; 18. Gorter and Grendel: A Factor of Two ; 19. Epilogue - The Biological Frontier ; Bibliography ; Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhy do we measure time in the way that we do? Why is a week seven days long? At what point did minutes and seconds come into being? Why are some calendars lunar and some solar?The organisation of time into hours, days, months and years seems immutable and universal, but is actually far more artificial than most people realise. The French Revolution resulted in a restructuring of the French calendar, and the Soviet Union experimented with five and then six-day weeks. Leofranc Holford-Strevens explores these questions using a range of fascinating examples from Ancient Rome and Julius Caesar''s imposition of the Leap Year, to the 1920s'' project for a fixed Easter.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Principles of time measurement ; 2. Prehistory and history of the modern calendar ; 3. Weeks and seasons ; 4. Easter ; 5. Other calendars ; 6. Marking the year ; 7. Dividing the day ; Further Reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisFossils have been vital to our understanding of the formation of the earth and the origins of all life on it. However, their impact has not been limited to debates about geology and evolution: attempts to explain their existence has shaken religion at its very roots, and they have remained a subject of ceaseless fascination for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this delightful book, Keith Thomson provides a remarkably all-encompassing explanation of fossils as a phenomenon. How did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution? What are ''living fossils''? What fossils will we leave behind for future generations to examine? Building on the scientific aspects, he places fossils in a very human context, highlighting their impact on philosophy and mythology, our concept of time, and today''s popular culture. What quickly becomes obvious is that the discovery of fossils and the ways in which they have been interpreted over time makes for fascinating reading. From the black market to the Piltdown Man, and from mythological dragons to living dinosaurs, fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination.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. Introduction ; 2. A cultural phenomenon ; 3. In the popular imagination ; 4. Some things we know, some things we don't ; 5. Against the odds ; 6. Bringing fossils to life ; 7. Evolving ; 8. Of molecules and man ; 9. Fakes and fortunes ; 10. Back to the future ; Further reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisJacquard''s Web is the story of some of the most ingenious inventors the world has ever known, a fascinating account of how a hand-loom invented in Napoleonic France led to the development of the modern information age. James Essinger, a master story-teller, shows through a series of remarkable and meticulously researched historical connections (spanning two centuries and never investigated before) that the Jacquard loom kick-started a process of scientific evolution which would lead directly to the development of the modern computer. The invention of Jacquard''s loom in 1804 enabled the master silk-weavers of Lyons to weave fabrics 25 times faster than had previously been possible. The device used punched cards, which stored instructions for weaving whatever pattern or design was required; it proved an outstanding success. These cards can very reasonably be described as the world''s first computer programmes. In this engaging and delightful book, James Essinger reveals a plethora of eTrade ReviewJacquard's web is a special book that explains more than the connections between loom and computer: it presents a fascinating history of talented and creative people developing and inventing the tools of progress. * Chris Arney, Mathematical Reviews *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; 1. The engraving that wasn't ; 2. A better mouse-trap ; 3. The son of a master weaver ; 4. The emperor's new clothes ; 5. From weaving to computing ; 6. The difference engine ; 7. The analytical engine ; 8. A question of faith and funding ; 9. The lady who loved the Jacquard loom ; 10. A crisis with the American census ; 11. The first Jacquard looms that wove information ; 12. The birth of IBM ; 13. The Thomas Watson phenomenon ; 14. Howard Aiken dreams of a computer ; 15. IBM and the Harvard Mark 1 ; 16. Weaving at the speed of light ; 17. The future ; Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Almost everything we know about the Universe has come from studying the messages carried by light from outer space. Until only a handful of decades ago, this meant observing optical photons in the narrow visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, recent technological developments have now enabled us to extend this range and explore the Universe at radio, infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. The observations reveal a plethora of exotic phenomena such as young galaxies at the edge of the visible Universe, quasars, pulsars, colliding galaxies, and exploding stars, often at great distances. We have discovered that the Universe is expanding and that the expansion itself is accelerating. Closer to our home planet, we track killer asteroids and comets. Working closely together, observational astronomy and astrophysics have shown us how stars produce their energy, where the chemical elements come Table of ContentsList of illustrations Preface 1: The observable Universe 2: The life and death of stars 3: Big telescopes 4: The radio Universe 5: Observations from space 6: The transient Universe 7: Multi-messenger astronomy 8: A bigger picture Further Reading Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisChaos exists in systems all around us. Even the simplest system of cause and effect can be subject to chaos, denying us accurate predictions of its behaviour, and sometimes giving rise to astonishing structures of large-scale order. Our growing understanding of Chaos Theory is having fascinating applications in the real world - from technology to global warming, politics, human behaviour, and even gambling on the stock market.Leonard Smith shows that we all have an intuitive understanding of chaotic systems. He uses accessible maths and physics (replacing complex equations with simple examples like pendulums, railway lines, and tossing coins) to explain the theory, and points to numerous examples in philosophy and literature (Edgar Allen Poe, Chang-Tzu, Arthur Conan Doyle) that illuminate the problems. The beauty of fractal patterns and their relation to chaos, as well as the history of chaos, and its uses in the real world and implications for the philosophy of science are all discussed in this Very Short Introduction.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 ReviewLeonard Smith's Chaos (part of the Oxford Very Short Introduction series) will give you the clearest (but not too painful idea) of the maths involved... There's a lot packed into this little book, and for such a technical exploration it's surprisingly readble and enjoyable - I really wanted to keep turning the pages. Smith also has some excellent words of wisdom about common misunderstandings of chaos theory... One of the best books so far in this useful and informative series. * popularscience.co.uk *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. The Emergence of Chaos ; 2. Exponential Growth, Nonlinearity, Common Sense ; 3. Chaos in Context: Determinism Randomness and Noise ; 4. Chaos in Mathematical Models ; 5. Fractals, Strange Attractors, and Dimension(s) ; 6. Quantifying the Dynamics of Uncertainty ; 7. Real numbers, Real Observations and Computers ; 8. Sorry, Wrong Number: Statistics and Chaos ; 9. Predictability: Does Chaos Constrain Our Forecasts? ; 10. Applied Chaos: Can We See Through Our Models? ; 11. Philosophy in Chaos ; Glossary ; Further Reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow does the brain work? How different is a human brain from other creatures'' brains? Is the human brain still evolving? In this fascinating book, Michael O''Shea provides a non-technical introduction to the main issues and findings in current brain research, and gives a sense of how neuroscience addresses questions about the relationship between the brain and the mind. Chapters tackle subjects such as brain processes, perception, memory, motor control and the causes of ''altered mental states''. A final section discusses possible future developments in neuroscience, touching on artificial intelligence, gene therapy, the importance of the Human Genome Project, drugs by design, and transplants. 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 Review'O'Shea writes with real enthusiasm.' * The Guardian *Table of Contents1. Mind and brain: what's the problem? ; 2. Let's get physical ; 3. Sight, sound, and imagination ; 4. "Last week's potatoes!" ; 5. Perception to action ; 6. Altered states of mind ; 7. Where do we go from here?

Read more less

Book SynopsisA stimulating and highly readable introduction to the science of imperfections, this book focuses on their crucial role in technology, as well as their influence on society, love, life, health, politics, career development, and key environmental issues, enabling readers to counteract scientific misinformation.Trade ReviewTownsend authored one of the most eloquent and lovely statements in the science of crystals: "Crystals are like people and it is their imperfections that make them interesting". This book is beautifully written and the wide range of topics fit well together. * Vasily V. Bulatov, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory *The range of topics is accessibly presented with confidence and there are interesting and often unexpected things to learn throughout. This is a book that is completely accessible to non-scientists, while not at all boring or tedious to more scientifically literate readers. * Gary Atkinson, University of the West of England *The book is written in an enjoyable style. The author adequately mixes scientific explanations with personal experiences and matters of topical interest. * Ginés Lifante Pedrola, Autonomous University of Madrid *Peter Townsend's book is highly readable, often provocative, and full of insights into technology, the nature of science, and even the broader nature of life. * N. David Mermin, Cornell University *In The Power of Imperfections, Peter Townsend argues that we are conditioned to orient toward a fictional ideal of perfection that leads to a disregard of any form of imperfection. His book is an attempt to overcome this conditioning and show that praising imperfection is justifed in many cases. * Bas de Boer, Metascience *The book attempts to make the general public sensitive to the beauty of imperfections in the context of technology, as well as show how the recognition of imperfections helps people to flourish in their social and professional lives. * Bas de Boer, Metascience *Table of Contents1: Before We Begin 2: The Case for Technological Imperfections 3: Cookery and Technological Spices 4: A Short Log of Technology from Wood 5: Reader Beware 6: Key Features of Chemistry and Solids 7: Examples of New Glass Technologies 8: Optical Fibre Communication 9: Beauty from Imperfections 10: Valuable Imperfections in Crystal Lattices 11: Impurities and the Growth of Semiconductors 12: Small Anomalies and Long-range Consequences 13: Photonics in the 21st Century 14: Chemistry and Catalysis 15: Imperfections in Music 16: Evolution Achieved through Imperfections 17: Hints for a Successful Scientific Career 18: Science in the Realm of Opinion 19: Improving our Future Lives 20: The Greatest Challenges that We Face

Read more less

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 *

Read more less

Book SynopsisHistories you can trust.The first part of the book tells the story of science in both East and West from antiquity to the Enlightenment: from the ancient Mediterranean world to ancient China; from the exchanges between Islamic and Christian scholars in the Middle Ages to the Chinese invention of gunpowder, paper, and the printing press; from the Scientific Revolution of sixteenth and seventeenth century Europe to the intellectual ferment of the eighteenth century.The chapters that follow focus on the increasingly specialized story of science since end of the eighteenth century, covering experimental science in the laboratory from Michael Faraday to CERN; the exploration of nature, from intrepid Victorian explorers to twentieth century primatologists; the mapping of the universe, from the discovery of Uranus to Big Bang theory; the impact of evolutionary ideas, from Lamarck, Darwin, and Wallace to DNA; and the story of theoretical physics, from James Clark Maxwell to Quantum Theory and beyond. A concluding chapter reflects on how scientists have communicated their work to a wider public, from the Great Exhibition of 1851 to the internet in the early twenty-first century.Trade ReviewA fabulous series of essays from more than a dozen science historians that show science interacting with and being influenced by culture and society. Morus and company succeed in showing science as a product of human culture, not a phenomenon apart from it. * Publishers Weekly *This book successfully shows for a general audience that science is culture and that "science"-singular-has never existed...chapeau for a beautiful andnuanced comprehensive history of science. * Floor Haalboom, Erasmus M C Rotterdam andUtrecht Univ, Isis Journal of the History of Science Society *This book is both conventional and not, sweeping yet focused, and really fun to read as both a reference source and as a piece of world history. * New Books in Science podcast *Table of Contents1: James Evans: Science in the Ancient Mediterranean World 2: Donald Harper: Science in Ancient China 3: Sonja Brentjes: Medieval Science in the West and Middle East 4: Dagmar Schaefer: Science in the Medieval East 5: John Henry: The Scientific Revolution 6: Jan Golinski: Enlightenment Science 7: Iwan Rhys Morus: Experimental Cultures 8: Amanda Rees: Exploring Nature 9: Robert Smith: Mapping the Universe 10: Peter Bowler: The Meaning of Life 11: Matthew Stanley: Theoretical Visions 12: Charlotte Sleigh: Communicating Nature

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe book explores the surprising connections between the study of the universe on the largest scales, and the physics of the infinitely small, and investigates the extraordinary potential of multi-messenger astronomy to provide answers to the key questions of fundamental physics and thus revolutionise our understanding of the universe.Trade ReviewThe author lets his enthusiasm for the subject and its research enterprises shine through, which is an excellent feature * Dave Pike, The Observatory *Particularly timely, and of great appeal to a wide readership from the professional scientist to the intelligent layperson * Professor Sir James Hough, University of Glasgow *A timely, engrossing, witty yet scholarly work, this book is essential reading for anybody interested in the cutting edge of cosmology. Prof. Bertone is an expert guide with the rare gift of presenting complex ideas in an accessible, original and compelling way. An armchair journey to the limits of the known universe and beyond! * Professor Roberto Trotta, Imperial College London and International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) *This is an excellent book that will convey to the lay public the excitement of recent discoveries that are bringing us novel and even revolutionary insights about the nature of the cosmos we inhabit * Professor Abhay Ashtekar, Director of the Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry at Pennsylvania State University *A clear and readable account of humanity's fascination with the cosmos, from ancient times to the Nobel prizewinning observation of gravitational waves. Explains the triumphs and crises of current theories of the origin and structure of the universe in simple, accessible terms. Enjoyable and informative * Professor Ian Stewart FRS, author of Calculating the Cosmos *An intriguing blend of cosmic mysteries and observational probes, with a delightfully accessible approach * Joseph Silk, Homewood Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University *A lively introduction to the newly emerging field of multi-messenger astronomy, outlining the certainties and possibilities as well as the intriguing open questions - a must-read for young minds who want to venture into this new and exciting journey of cosmic exploration * Priyamvada Natarajan, astrophysicist and author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos *With equal parts flair and sophistication, Bertone takes us on an incredible tour of our universe's greatest mysteries. The language is at times so evocative you might forget you're actually learning something! * Dan Hooper, Head of the Theoretical Astrophysics Group, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Chicago *In this charming book, Gianfranco Bertone considers puts cutting-edge ideas -- black holes, dark energy, inflationary cosmology -- into their proper context as part of humanity's ongoing quest to understand the universe. Wonderfully written, Tale of Two Infinities manages to illuminate cosmic vistas while never losing sight of the human perspective * Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime *The detection of gravitational waves in 2015 was just the beginning. The insatiably curious seeking context and some sense of the promise of these new starry messengers should look no further. Gianfranco Bertone is a sure guide, and A Tale of Two Infinities is an engaging tour * Jim Baggott, author of Quantum Reality *The recent developments in Cosmology have shown that the infinitely big (the Universe) and the infinitely small (fundamental forces and particles, structure of spacetime at the microscopic, subatomic level) have never been so close to each other. Physicists studying both "infinities" ask the same questions and look for the same answers. The reader will feel comfortably cradled between these two infinities. The text manages to present the latest, on-going "revolution" brought about by the recent direct detection of gravitational waves in a simple way yet respecting and reflecting the deep meaning of it. Enjoy! * Licia Verde, ICREA professor, Instituto de Ciencias del Cosmos (ICC), University of Barcelona *Table of ContentsThe architecture of the cosmos 9 Spheres of heaven Dark foundations Cosmic inferno Stories of a certain Gravity Queen of the cosmos The order of heaven The most beautiful theory The new messengers Gravitational waves Einstein's last gift Ghost Particles Black Holes Phenomenology of the absurd Quantum effects Upcoming waves Dark Matter Halos, streams, and lenses New Physics New portals Dark Energy Possible explanations Quantum origins The future Quantum genesis In the beginning Inflation Primordial waves

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the tradition of Schrödinger''s classic What Is Life?, this book is a tour-de-force investigation of the basis of life itself, with conclusions that radically undermine the scientific approaches on which modern science rests-the approaches of Newton, Boltzman, Bohr, and Einstein. Kauffman''s At Home in the Universe, which The New York Times Book Review called passionately written and nature named courageous, introduced pivotal ideas about order and evolution in complex life systems. In investigations, Kauffman builds on these theories and finds that classical science does not take into account that physical systems--such as people in a biosphere--effect their dynamic environments in addition to being affected by them. These systems act on their own behalf as autonomous agents, but what defines them as such? In other words, what is life? By defining and explaining autonomous agents and work in the contexts of thermodynamics and of information theory, Kauffman supplies a novel answer Trade Review[REVIEW FOR AT HOME IN THE UNIVERSE:] "One of the pioneers of complexity theory is Stuart Kauffman, who lays out its rudiments in an accessible way with this challenging and audacious book."--The Economist[REVIEW FOR AT HOME IN THE UNIVERSE:] "Kauffman's explanations of his scientific work are concise and convincing.... Whoever reads Invesigations (At Home in the Universe) for its account of Kauffman's insightful models of adaptation and self-organzation will find that the scientific results speak for themselves."--Seth Lloyd, Scientific American"Investigations is fun in a way not many books of this intellectual magnitude are. Kauffman cuts the hard science with wit and pondering of the utmost human persuasion....With a mix of speculation, cutting-edge science and hypothesis steeped in years of grappling with hard questions,...[this book] is sure to inspire and intrigue."--Frontwheeldrive.com"I have watched the long gestation of Investigations with some apprehension but more anticipation. Its reach is gigantic, from the most primitive origins of life to the macroeconomics of innovation. What comes up in its grasp is original and stimulating. This is a must read for anyone interested in the outer edges of understanding of the world around us."--Philip Anderson, Nobel Laureate, Princeton University

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn The Life of the Cosmos, Lee Smolin offers a theory of the universe that is radically different from anything proposed before. He argues that 'The underlying structure of our world is to be found in the logic of evolution'. He departs from contemporary physicists to explore the idea that the laws of nature we observe may be the partial result a process of natural selection that occurred before the Big Bang.Trade ReviewIt is a pleasure to be reminded in detail of how extraordinary this world is. * Times Literary Supplement *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this visionary look into the future, Freeman Dyson argues that technological changes fundamentally alter our ethical and social arrangements and that three rapidly advancing new technologies -- solar energy, genetic engineering, and worldwide communication -- together have the potential to create a more equal distribution of the world''s wealth.Dyson begins by rejecting the idea that scientific revolutions are primarily concept driven. He shows rather that new tools are more often the sparks that ignite scientific discovery. Such tool-driven revolutions have profound social consequences: the invention of the telescope turning the medieval view of the world upside down, the widespread use of household appliances in the 1950s replacing servants, to cite just two examples. In looking ahead, Dyson suggests that solar energy, genetics, and the Internet will have similarly transformative effects, with the potential to produce a more just and equitable society. Solar power could bring elecTrade ReviewFreeman Dyson, a legendary figure in the sciences, has given us a thoughtful and thought-provoking glimpse into the 21st century. The Sun, The Genome, and The Internet is a must-read for anyone who wants a sneak preview into the future. Only Dyson could weave together this rich tapestry, blending ethics, ideology, science, and technology into a coherent vision of the future. * Michio Kaku *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION ; EPILOGUE ; REFERENCES

Read more less

Book SynopsisDo a little armchair time travel, rub elbows with a four-dimensional intelligent life form, or stretch your mind to the furthest corner of an uncharted universe. With this astonishing guidebook, Surfing Through Hyperspace, you need not be a mathematician or an astrophysicist to explore the all-but-fathomable concepts of hyperspace and higher-dimensional geometry.No subject in mathematics has intrigued both children and adults as much as the idea of a fourth dimension. Philosophers and parapsychologists have meditated on this mysterious space that no-one can point to but may be all around us. Yet this extra dimension has a very real, practical value to mathematicians and physicists who use it everyday in their calculations. In the tradition of Flatland, and with an infectious enthusiasm, Clifford Pickover tackles the problems inherent in our 3-D brains trying to visualize a 4-D world, muses on the religious implications of the existence of higher-dimensional consciousness, and urges allTrade Review"Pickover alternates expositions of math, physics and geometry with episodes of instructional science fiction while showing interested amateurs the mathematical and physical properties of higher spatial dimensions."--Publishers Weekly "Is there, asks Clifford Pickover, more to our Universe than forwards, sidewards, and up? Before I knew it, I was well and truly infected. After explaining how his book would cover all the usual stuff about higher dimensions--their unimaginability, their weird properties, and how physicists think they may hold the key to understanding the Universe--Pickover sprung his trap: 'I want to know if humankind's gods could exist in the fourth dimension'....I read the book in two sittings. I'm still under its influence, which is all the more perplexing considering how abstract and unworldly higher dimensions are."--Robert Mathews, New Scientist "Mark my words: within a few months, you too will come across others in the grip of infection by this amazing book."--New Scientist "Extraordinary book."--Daily Telegraph (UK) "In recent years, Pickover has taken up the helm once worn by Isaac Asimov as the most compelling popular explainer of cutting-edge scientific ideas."--"In Pittsburgh" "Pickover alternates expositions of math, physics and geometry with episodes of instructional science fiction while showing interested amateurs the mathematical and physical properties of higher spatial dimensions."--Publishers Weekly "Is there, asks Clifford Pickover, more to our Universe than forwards, sidewards, and up? Before I knew it, I was well and truly infected. After explaining how his book would cover all the usual stuff about higher dimensions--their unimaginability, their weird properties, and how physicists think they may hold the key to understanding the Universe--Pickover sprung his trap: 'I want to know if humankind's gods could exist in the fourth dimension'....I read the book in two sittings. I'm still under its influence, which is all the more perplexing considering how abstract and unworldly higher dimensions are."--Robert Mathews, New Scientist "Mark my words: within a few months, you too will come across others in the grip of infection by this amazing book."--New Scientist "Extraordinary book."--Daily Telegraph (UK) "In recent years, Pickover has taken up the helm once worn by Isaac Asimov as the most compelling popular explainer of cutting-edge scientific ideas."--"In Pittsburgh"Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1: Degrees of Freedom 2: The Divinity of Higher Dimensions 3: Satan and Perpendicular Worlds 4: Hyperspheres and Tesseracts 5: Mirror Worlds 6: The Gods of Hyperspace Concluding Remarks Appendix A: Mind-Bending Four Dimensional Puzzles Appendix B: Higher Dimensions in Science Fiction Appendix C: Banchoff Klein Bottle Appendix D: Quaternions Appendix E: Four-Dimensional Mazes Appendix F: Smorgasbord for Computer Junkies Appendix G: Evolution of Four-Dimensional Beings Appendix H: Challenging Questions for Further Thought Appendix I: Hyperspace Titles Notes Further Readings About the Author Addendum Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn his conversational style, Anthony Zee examines the nature of gravity and its role in our universe. Zee starts from a birthday gift that Albert Einstein received on his seventy-sixth birthday that worked on the main principle in his theory of gravity. From there Zee leads the reader through the implications of Einstein''s theory and its influence on modern physics. Einstein''s Universe in a witty and accessible style also examines how the theory of gravity has shaped our understanding of how the universe began, the development of stars and galaxies, and the nature of space itself. The new Oxford edition will include a new afterword by the author that will bring the subject matter up to date.Trade Review"An extraordinary writer: playful, inspired, and brilliant."--Publishers Weekly "Zee writes with wry, poetic humor.... It's as if he is conducting an easygoing conversation with his audience...a scientist who can clearly evoke the imagery hidden within a mathematical equation, treating some rather formidable material with enthusiasm and delight."--The New York Times "A brash, breezy, and authoritative discussion...a fascinating book."--The Washington Post "Through his engaging, conversational style, Zee...succeeds in informing while entertaining the reader with disarming stories."--The San Francisco Chronicle "Among the numerous authors who have written popularizations of contemporary physics, none is better than Zee at explaining things simply."--Library Journal "An extraordinary writer: playful, inspired, and brilliant."--Publishers Weekly "Zee writes with wry, poetic humor.... It's as if he is conducting an easygoing conversation with his audience...a scientist who can clearly evoke the imagery hidden within a mathematical equation, treating some rather formidable material with enthusiasm and delight."--The New York Times "A brash, breezy, and authoritative discussion...a fascinating book."--The Washington Post "Through his engaging, conversational style, Zee...succeeds in informing while entertaining the reader with disarming stories."--The San Francisco Chronicle "Among the numerous authors who have written popularizations of contemporary physics, none is better than Zee at explaining things simply."--Library Journal "How many times have you actually laughed out loud reading a book on physics? If your answer is 'Never!', then you should pick up a copy of An Old Man's Toy [Einstein's Universe].... Many books on physics can be very interesting, but it is rare to find one that is actually fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone. A. Zee has a style of writing that makes one keep turning the pages.... [The book] is interesting, playfully written, and very readable. Don't pass it up."--The Science Teacher "A. Zee is that rare creature: a physicist who knows how to tell a story. (His previous book) Fearful Symmetry was...lucid, entertaining. In this reprise, Zee is just as fascinating, and even funnier...with his prankish good humor and gifts for simplifying the complicated.... An Old Man's Toy [Einstein's Universe] is both a delightful read and a faithful yet accessible look at an avant-garde that is far more revolutionary than any downtown's club scene...it is too rare an opportunity to miss."--Life of New YorkTable of ContentsPROLOGUE: THE APPLE AND THE MOON ; I. THE RISE OF GRAVITY ; II. THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE ; III. STRUCTURES OUT OF THE VOID ; IV. THE MYSTERY OF GRAVITY

Read more less

Book SynopsisFew scientists have made lasting contributions to as many fields as Francis Galton. He was an important African explorer, travel writer, and geographer. He was the meteorologist who discovered the anticyclone, a pioneer in using fingerprints to identify individuals, the inventor of regression and correlation analysis in statistics, and the founder of the eugenics movement. Now, Nicholas Gillham paints an engaging portrait of this Victorian polymath. The book traces Galton''s ancestry (he was the grandson of Erasmus Darwin and the cousin of Charles Darwin), upbringing, training as a medical apprentice, and experience as a Cambridge undergraduate. It recounts in colorful detail Galton''s adventures as leader of his own expedition in Namibia. Darwin was always a strong influence on his cousin and a turning point in Galton''s life was the publication of the Origin of Species. Thereafter, Galton devoted most of his life to human heredity, using then novel methods such as pedigree analysis Trade ReviewA splendidly readable and informative guide to Galton's life, works and impact ... the accounts of Galton's investigations of heredity and their reception make the book so useful and so absorbing ... succeeds remarkably well at communicating the shape and content of Galton's work on the physiology and populational dynamics of inheritance ... it will be the biography for a long time to come. * Heredity *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhy do we age? Is aging inevitable? Will advances in medical knowledge allow us to extend the human lifespan beyond its present limits? Because growing old has long been the one irreducible reality of human existence, these intriguing questions arise more often in the context of science fiction than science fact. But recent discoveries in the fields of cell biology and molecular genetics are seriously challenging the assumption that human lifespans are beyond our control. With such discoveries in mind, noted cell biologist William R. Clark clearly and skillfully describes how senescence begins at the level of individual cells and how cellular replication may be bound up with aging of the entire organism. He explores the evolutionary origin and function of aging, the cellular connections between aging and cancer, the parallels between cellular senescence and Alzheimer''s disease, and the insights gained through studying human genetic disorders--such as Werner''s syndrome--that mimic theTrade Review"Clark effortlessly takes readers from the simple to the complex, from a discussion of single-celled organisms to human beings.... He also does a nice job of exploring the causes of Alzheimer's disease, various forms of cancer and an array of genetic disorders that afflict the young by making them age prematurely.... Neatly informative."--Publishers Weekly"Why in spite of healthy, well-fed, well-watered lives do people age and die? The well-informed physician-researcher, William R. Clark, excitedly reveals new studies of progeric and normal mammals as he tracks the inevitable corollary to human life: the inexorable rhythmic march to human death."--Lynn Margulis, Distinguished University Professor, Department of Geosciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst and co-author of What is Life" and What is Sex""Fascinating and informative.... One of the book's most engaging elements is Clark's ability to show how scientists think about problems and approaches in the field."--BooklistTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION ; 1. Aging, Senescence, and Lifespan ; 2. The Nature of Cellular Senescence and Death ; 3. The Evolution of Senescence and Death ; 4. Of Embryos and Worms and Very Old Men: The Developmental Genetics of Senescence and Lifespan ; 5. Human Genetic Diseases that Mimic the Aging Process ; 6. Cycling to Senescence ; 7. Replicative Immortality: Cancer and Aging ; 8. Caloric Restriction and Maximum Lifespan ; 9. With Every Breath We Take: Oxidative Stress and Cellular Senescence ; 10. The Aging Brain ; 11. A Conditional Benefit

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn How the Laser Happened, Nobel laureate Charles Townes provides a highly personal look at some of the leading events in twentieth-century physics. Townes was inventor of the maser, of which the laser is one example; an originator of spectroscopy using microwaves; and a pioneer in the study of gas clouds in galaxies and around stars. Throughout his career he has also been deeply engaged with issues outside of academic research. He worked on applied research projects for Bell Labs; served on the board of directors for General Motors; and devoted extensive effort to advising the government on science, policy, and defense. This memoir traces his multifaceted career from its beginnings on the family farm in South Carolina. Spanning decades of ground-breaking research, the book provides a hands-on description of how working scientists and inventors get their ideas. It also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific community, showing how scientists respond to new ideas and how they approach a variety of issues, from priority and patents to the social and political implications of their work. In addition, Townes touches on the sociology of science, uncovering some of the traditions and values that are invisible to an outsider. A towering and energetic figure, Townes has explored or pioneered most of the roles available to the modern scientist. In addition to fundamental research, he was actively involved in the practical uses of the laser and in the court cases to defend the patent rights. He was a founding member of the Jasons, an influential group of scientists that independently advises the government on defense policy, and he played an active part in scientific decisions and policies from the Truman through the Reagan administration. This lively memoir, packed with first-hand accounts and historical anecdotes, is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of science and an inspiring example for students considering scientific careers.Trade Review[Townes's] ability to blend past achievements with the present brings a freshness of view in which his obvious excitement with some very recent breakthroughs in science and technology shines through very clearly ... I would recommend the reading of this autobiographical account to non-scientists as well as budding or established scientists. * Wilson Sibbett CBE FRS, University of St Andrews - The Royal Society Notes and Records *Filled with personal anecdotes that provide insight into an immensely original thinker and scientist of enormous energy and prolific output....[Includes] a fascinating account of the patent disputes surrounding the maser and laser....[Provides] an inspiring case history of how an outstanding physicist got started and went on to do great science. * Steven Chu, cowinner of the 1997 Nobel Prize for Physics, in Physics Today *An engaging human story, intertwined with a first-hand account of some of the twentieth century's most significant inventions and discoveries. Fine reading for anyone interested in science, scientists, or the roles they play in our fast-changing world. * Arno Penzias, Nobel Laureate in Physics and former Chief Scientist of Bell Labs *It's rare that a scientist writes a book about his or her life that accurately reflects the highs and lows of scientific discovery. Such a book is How the Laser Happened by Nobel Laureate Charles Townes ... Townes did not invent the laser but, as a researcher, he certainly left his mark on twentieth century science. And the book certainly leaves the impression that Townes lived the life of a true scientist. Townes was the co-inventor of the maser (microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) with James Gordon, then a post-doctoral student at Columbia University ... But the book is not entirely concerned with the science of maser and laser development. Townes devotes an intriguing chapter to the various battles that were fought over the patents for the maser and the laser ... The book is subtitled, Adventures of a Scientist. Charles Townes' adventures make for a fascinating story of a true scientist. * Laser Focus *Table of Contents1. The Light That Shines Straight ; 2. Physics, Furman, Molecules, and Me ; 3. Bell Labs and Radar, a (Fortunate) Detour from Physics ; 4. Columbia to Franklin Park and Beyond ; 5. Maser Excitement-And a Time for Reflection ; 6. From Maser to Laser ; 7. The Patent Game ; 8. On Moon Dust, and Other Science Advice ; 9. The Rains of Orion

Read more less

Book SynopsisCity of Light tells the story of fiber optics, tracing its transformation from 19th-century parlor trick into the foundation of our global communications network. Written for a broad audience by a journalist who has covered the field for twenty years, the book is a lively account of both the people and the ideas behind this revolutionary technology. The basic concept underlying fiber optics was first explored in the 1840s when researchers used jets of water to guide light in laboratory demonstrations. The idea caught the public eye decades later when it was used to create stunning illuminated fountains at many of the great Victorian exhibitions. The modern version of fiber optics--using flexible glass fibers to transmit light--was discovered independently five times through the first half of the century, and one of its first key applications was the endoscope, which for the first time allowed physicians to look inside the body without surgery. Endoscopes became practical in 1956 when Trade Review"In this deft history, Hecht, a writer for the British weekly New Scientist, shows how the illuminated fountains that thrilled crowds at the great 19th-century exhibitions convinced scientists that light can be guided along narrow tubes. In our century, scientists used these tubes of light first to look inside the human body and then, as the physics of wave transmission were better understood, to transmit audio and optical information. Hecht explains which technological advances have made fiber optics the backbone of our telephone system in the last 10-15 years and how everyday applications should increase exponentially once fibers are connected directly to our homes. . .[g]eneral science buffs should enjoy his account of the development of the technology that will change our lives in many unexpected ways in the next century." --Publishers Weekly"Jeff Hecht brings to life the people, the competition, and the human drama behind this technological breakthrough. Prepare yourself for a delightful read as you discover what made the global village called the City of Light a reality whose potential for social change is still being fathomed." --Richard N. Zare, Marguerite Blake Wilbur Professor in Natural Science, Department of Chemistry, Stanford University"This book is a revelation and ranks with the best popular writing on science and technology. Jeff Hecht's meticulous research proves that even our newest technologies have a long past. His book tells the enthralling story of fiber optics, used today in nearly every facet of life, from transmitting digitized data to peering into and even operating on the human body. With an eye for forceful personalities, innovators and visionaries, he takes us from the birth of fiber optics in Victorian light-guiding parlor tricks and illuminated fountains to the Information Age, with limitless quantities of pure information coruscating globally along beams of light in glass fibers. Hecht embraces the human drama of the inventors with all their successes and foibles and transforms the city of light into an entertaining and illuminating celebration." --Martin C. Carey, Harvard University Medical School, Senior Physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston"This is one of the best popular books on a technical subject I have ever seen. It is written in a lively style and it covers all parts of the optical fiber story, from the very beginning to the present days, and, amazingly, all over the world." --Laszlo Solymar, Professor of Applied Electromagnetism, University of Oxford"A marvelous chronicle of fiber optics technology which in large measure has created the Information Age. Jeff Hecht has not only presented the history of this remarkable technology--uncovering threads which I did not know--but captured the drama and human aspects which make this an interesting read for anyone. All the celebrities are here, each building on the other's foundation." --Donald B. Keck, Division Vice President, Director of Optics & Photonics, Corning, Inc"As research manager responsible for the teams at STL who pioneered the use of optical fibres for communications, I can say with confidence that this book is a most carefully researched, very comprehensive and balanced account of world-wide success and failure. It makes fascinating and delightful reading." --Charles Sandbank, Department of Trade and Industry, United Kingdom, and Visiting Professor of Information Systems Design, University of Bradford"An engineer by training, New Scientist correspondent Hecht explores the history of fiber optics in this interesting and far-reaching study. Beginning in Victorian Europe, his chronology traces the complex but fascinating drama of one of the key elements in today's global telecommunications explosion. . . . This readable, well-documented, and scholarly text includes an informative glossary of names and a concise reference to fiber-optic development. Highly recommended for all public and academic libraries."--Library Journal"In his latest book, City of Light . . . , science writer Jeff Hecht expertly tells the story of the painstaking discovery, rapid development, and remarkable applications of optical fibers. Hecht, a veteran contributing editor to Laser Focus World, has covered fiberoptic technology for more than 20 years. His book, the latest addition to Oxford's splendid Sloan Technology Series, traces the story of fiberoptics from a Victorian parlor trick to the foundation of today's global communications network. I strongly recommend City of Light for your own bookshelf and for anyone with an interest in communications."--Laser Focus World"The technology of optical-fibre communications is arguably one of the most spectacular developments of the late 20th century. It touches all of our lives on a daily basis, and has created the worldwide communications that we all take for granted and that we expect to supply all our future needs. It is surprising, then, how little attention this remarkable story of fibre optics has received. This book makes an excellent start at redressing the balance. It provides for the first time a complete chronicle of the technology over the last 150 years, concentrating on the years to 1983. . . . This book will show you how this position has been achieved, who the main characters were, and how they were inspired by visions of the future that we now occupy. All in all, the author presents a wonderfully rich story that has been painstakingly researched and contains some excellent source notes."--Physics World"This is the story of fiber optics, tracing its transformation from nineteenth century parlor trick into the foundation of our global communications network. Written for a broad audience by Hecht, an engineer and the Boston correspondent for New Scientist, who has covered the field for twenty years. The book is a lively account of both the people and the ideas behind this revolutionary technology. The basic concept underlying fiber optics was first explored in the 1840s when researchers used jets of water to guide light in laboratory demonstrations. The idea caught the public eye decades later when it was used to create stunning illuminated fountains at many of the great Victorian exhibitions. . . . In 1988, the first transatlantic fiber-optic cable connected Europe with North America, and now fiber optics is the key element in global communications."--Science Writers"Jeff Hecht's fascinating account of this undersung technology goes back 150 years to find the origins of fiber optics. Then he chronicles the many ingenious and determined engineers who fashioned it into a technology that festoons the globe with cables carrying pulses of photons. It was harder than pioneering copper links because supplanting an existing technology needs more persuasion than establishing the first one. And there was competition from the satellite industry, as well as unexpected setbacks, such as sharks who ignored copper but chewed fiber optic cables. Hecht tells a good tale, combining a light journalistic touch with a scholarly knowledge of the industry he has covered for over two decades. The story is not over yet, but this is a rich account of how we got this far in a technology that really has fueled a revolution."--Jon Turney at Amazon.co.uk"The most powerful argument against monopoly is not that it inflates its owners' profit . . . , but rather that it retards innovation. . . . The decision of the British Post Office to pursue the new technology; the discoveries by Corning Glass of new pure fiber materials; the advent of the semiconductor laser as a source of light . . . ; the rapid progress of the late 1970s . . . ; the climactic decision in 1984 of MCI to install a transcontinental fiber network in North America--all these developments in some sense flowed out of half-a-dozen years of missionary zeal by [Charles] Kao . . . This is the story to be gleaned from 'City of Light: The Story of Fiber Optics,' by Jeff Hecht . . . [I]t is clear . . . that he has written an authoritative history of an otherwise all-but-invisible industry. . . . The overwhelming moral here is that large numbers of persons are involved in the accomplishment of any significant innovation-not a solitary 'inventor' or two."--Chicago Tribune"Hecht's narrative is a model of the sort--exactly what might have been hoped from a writer who covered the industry for 25 years for trade publications, yet who retains both the detachment and perspective necessary to put a narrative construction on events. . . . Hecht now covers all manner of topics . . . for Britain's New Scientist magazine. . . . Trained as an engineer himself, Hecht has a gift for conveying the fog of uncertainty about the possibilities in which scientists, engineers and managers must make their choices about the approaches to pursue. . . . He begins with an account of the spectacular 'luminous fountains' that were centerpieces of the great electrical expositions in London, Paris and Chicago at the end of the 19th century, then traces the slow zigzag development of the idea from early applications . . . to theoretical investigation of the underlying principles of light transmission by glass by those involved in the telephone industry."--Boston Globe"Hecht offers a fascinating chronicle of people, events, and technological innovations that led to modern fiber optics. Though he traces this history to the use of glass in Egypt at least 4,500 years ago, to Romans drawing glass into fibers, and then to some pertinent events in the 1700s, his tale primarily covers relevant developments over the past century and a half. Among the earliest of these involves the ability of water to guide light and the subsequent use of this feature to create the luminous fountains for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris. Hecht identifies the individuals and their contributions, some successful and others not, in the sequence of events that today makes possible enormous communication bandwidths. . . . Appendixes with annotated lists of people and organizations; chronology of developments; extensive notes. General readers; professionals; two-year technical program students."--Choice"This is a story of the technical advances in the telecommunications industry, brought about by the continuously increasing demands for greater capacity. (How we love to talk on the phone!) A recurring theme--that photons would be better than electrons for carrying signals--appears in each new generation, but at the time, glass (the obvious material for transmitting light) could not be fashioned into wires with an acceptably low attenuation rate. Finally, as in all good stories, the hero wins, and fiber-optic cables, become a technological reality. . . . Jeff Hecht has done an admirable job in delving into the personalities of many of the key contributors."--American Scientist"This latest entry by engineering-trained science journalist Jeff Hecht is a layperson's complete account of the history of fiber optics, from their pre-electric beginnings. Like someone actually working with fibers, Hecht weaves multiple threads into his story. Read the book, which is certainly worthwhile. It is written for the public, with the scientific principles simply explained and well-illustrated. The inclusion of a large number of photographs of the players and their apparatus adds to the appeal of the story, as do a timeline and "dramatis personae" included." - Newsletter No. 51Table of Contents1. Introduction: Building a City of Light ; 2. Guiding Light and Luminous Fountains (1841-1890) ; 3. Fibers of Glass ; 4. The Quest for Remote Viewing: Television and the Legacy of Sword Swallowers (1895-1940) ; 5. A Critical Insight: The Birth of the Clad Optical Fiber (1950-1955) ; 6. 99 Percent Perspiration: The Birth of an Industry (1954-1960) ; 7. A Vision of the Future: Communicating with Light (1880-1960) ; 8. The Laser Stimulates the Emission of New Ideas (1960-1969) ; 9. "The Only Thing Left Is Optical Fibers" (1960-1969) ; 10. Trying to Sell a Dream (1965-1970) ; 11. Breakthrough: The Clearest Glass in the World (1966-1972) ; 12. Recipes for Grains of Salt: The Semiconductor Laser (1962-1977) ; 13. A Demonstration for the Queen (1970-1975) ; 14. Three Generations in Five Years (1975-1983) ; 15. Submarine Cables: Covering the Ocean Floor with Glass (1970-1995) ; 16. The Last Mile: An Elusive Vision ; 17. Reflections on the City of Light ; Appendix A. Dramatis Personae: Cast of Characters ; Appendix B. A Fiber-Optic Chronology

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis edition of Are We Hardwired addresses the role of genes in governing behaviour. It explains the genetic and molecular basis of human behaviour within the broader context of animal behaviour generally. Behaviour is treated as a complex interaction of nature and nurture; to understand ourselves fully, neither can be dismissed out of hand.Trade ReviewThis book tells the story of how genes and other aspects of biology such as pheromones and neurotransmitters affect important behaviours such as aggression, eating disorders, drug use and abuse, sexual preference, learning and memory, and mental function. The story begins with the real stars of genetic research - sea slugs, roundworms, and fruit flies - and builds up to what we know about our own species. The story is told in a captivating way--exciting yet erudite. Excellent! * Robert Plomin, MRC Research Professor, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London and author of the upcoming fourth edition of Behaviour Genetics *Are we hardwired? Do billion-year old genes play an important role in human behaviour? Pick up this book. You won't be able to put it down. * Thomas J. Bouchard, Jr., Professor of Psychology, University of Minnesota *Table of Contents1. Mirror, mirror ; 2. In the beginning: the evolutionary origins of behaviour ; 3. The nose knows ; 4. As the worm turns: learning and memory in the roundworm C. elegans ; 5. About genes and behaviour ; 6. Life in the fourth dimension: the role of clocks in regulating behaviour ; 7. You must remember this: the evolution of learning and memory ; 8. The role of neurotransmitters in human behaviour ; 9. The genetics of aggression ; 10. The genetics of consumption, Part 1: eating disorders ; 11. The genetics of consumption, Part II: alcoholism and drug abuse ; 12. The genetics of human mental function ; 13. The genetics of human sexual preference ; 14. Genetics, the environment and free will ; Appendix 1: finding and identifying genes ; Appendix 2: a brief history of eugenics

Read more less

Book SynopsisImagine you are fluent in a magical language of prophecy, a language so powerful it can accurately describe things you cannot see or even imagine. Einstein''s Heroes takes you on a journey of discovery about just such a miraculous language--the language of mathematics--one of humanity''s most amazing accomplishments. Blending science, history, and biography, this remarkable book reveals the mysteries of mathematics, focusing on the life and work of three of Albert Einstein''s heroes: Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday, and especially James Clerk Maxwell, whose work directly inspired the theory of relativity. Robyn Arianrhod bridges the gap between science and literature, portraying mathematics as a language and arguing that a physical theory is a work of imagination involving the elegant and clever use of this language. The heart of the book illuminates how Maxwell, using the language of mathematics in a new and radical way, resolved the seemingly insoluble controversy between Faraday''s idTrade ReviewOpen-minded students will come away from reading Einstein's Heroes with a newfound appreciation of the role of scientific inquiry and insight in the larger human enterprise-and hopefully, will acquire a hankering to 'take to the field' themselves. * The Mathematical Association of America *Arianrhod's achievement is to so masterfully combine history, biography, and mathematics as to absorb and enlighten even the mathematically maladroit. * Booklist *Arianrhod is an infectiously enthusiastic writer, keen for her audience both to admire Einstein's heroes and to understand their contributions to fundamental mathematical physics. * Nature Physics *An intriguing blend of science, history, and biography.... Arianrhod's well-written, fascinating discussion of intertwined topics not usually presented in one book aimed at general readers is highly recommended. * Library Journal (starred review) *Offers readers an engaging intellectual exercise combining physics, language, mathematics, and biography. * Science News *A thrilling story.... Arianrhod is an easy author to like, and not simply for the clarity of her narrative. She brings out the human side of the scientists. She also is a student of imaginative prose: Her explication of a novel by the Australian David Malouf helps introduce ideas about mathematics, and she quotes the poet William Blake to crystallize a thought about Maxwell.... Scientists' quest for knowledge is exhilarating to Arianrhod, and she conveys that to the reader. * bloombergnews.com *On one level, Robyn Arianrhod's Einstein's Heroes is about the crowning achievement of classical physics * James Clerk Maxwell's understanding of electricity, magnetism, and light. But on another level, Arianrhod adeptly examines a much deeper idea: why is mathematics the language of nature and how do physicists tap the hidden power of numbers to understand the physical world? Einstein's Heroes does an admirable job of explaining the strange allure that mathematics holds over the scientists who so dramatically altered the way we look at the universe.Charles Seife, New York University, author of Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea *With exceptional skill, Arianrhod makes her subject clearly understood through metaphor, example, and story. She has given us a treasure - a combination of history, biography, and essay that clearly shows how and why the language of mathematics is essential to imagination in modern physics. Her unique book deserves high praise and should be read by anyone who enjoys science writing at its best. * Science and Spirit *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAt the start of the 18th century there were no maps, anywhere in the world. No one knew, with any certainty, the shape of the earth or what lay beneath its surface. Was it hollow or solid? Were the Andes the highest mountains on the Earth or was it the peak of Tenerife? Was the Earth a perfect sphere or slightly squashed as Sir Isaac Newton prophesized? In Weighing the World, master-surveyor and bestselling author Edwin Danson presents the stories of the scientists and scholars who cut their way through jungles, crossed the artic tundra, and braved the world''s highest mountains to discover the truth about our Earth. Danson also recounts the extraordinary experiment, conducted on a desolate Scottish peak by Astromer Royal Neville Maskelyne, to understand the so-called attraction of mountains, the curious capability mountians have to bend gravity, without which it would be impossible to accurately map Earth''s surface. A spell-binding scientific adventure story, Weighing the World will Trade ReviewThis is history writ large, with a long list of characters, and a background of wars, where good maps could be the key to victory. * The New Scientist *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. I Cannot Be Wrong ; 2. The Titan King ; 3. A Calm And Gentle Character ; 4. The Galileo Of France ; 5. Extreme Science ; 6. Robberies And Depredations ; 7. A Magnificent Military Sketch ; 8. Persons Well Versed ; 9. Very Expert In His Business ; 10. A Passage With My Horse ; 11. Frankenstein And Other Experiments ; 12. A Remarkable Hill ; 13. Important Observations ; 14. So Great A Noise ; 15. The Attraction of Mountains ; 16. The Best Of The Position ; 17. Distinguished Merit ; 18. Late A Whole Year ; 19. Geodetic Experiments ; 20. I Know It Will Answer ; 21. Offering Violence To Nature ; 22. A Meritorious Foreigner ; 23. Men Worthy Of Confidence ; 24. Irregularities We Have Discovered ; Explanations and Definitions

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhy do similar patterns and forms appear in nature in settings that seem to bear no relation to one another? The windblown ripples of desert sand follow a sinuous course that resemles the stripes of a zebra or a marine fish. In the trellis-like shells of microscopic sea creatures we see the same angles and intersections as for bubble walls in a foam. The forks of lightning mirror the branches of a river or a tree. ^l This book explains why these are no coincidences. Nature commonly weaves its tapestry by self-organization, employing no master plan or blueprint but by simple, local interactions between its component parts - be they grains of sand, diffusing molecules or living cells - give rise to spontaneous patters that are at the same time complex and beautiful. Many of these patterns are universal: spirals, spots, and stripes, branches, honeycombs. Philip Ball conducts a profusely illustrated tour of this gallery, and reveals the secrets of how nature''s patterns are made.Trade Review"Philip Ball has produced a superb book about patterns in nature, The Self-Made Tapestry. From the ribbed desert sands to tree-form streaks of lightening, countless examples give rise to fascinating reflections on the astounding order that exists amid chaos. Lavishly illustrated, this is a stunning book." * The Sunday Times *Table of ContentsForeward ; Preface ; 1. Patterns ; 2. Bubbles ; 3. Waves ; 4. Bodies ; 5. Branches ; 6. Breakdowns ; 7. Fluids ; 8. Grains ; 9. Communities ; 10. Principles ; Appendices ; Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisOur ability to think is one of our most puzzling characteristics. What it would be like to be unable to think? What would it be like to lack self-awareness? The complexity of this activity is striking. Thinking involves the interaction of a range of mental processes - attention, emotion, memory, planning, self-consciousness, free will, and language. So where did these processes arise? What evolutionary advantages were bestowed upon those with an ability to deceive, to plan, to empathize, or to understand the intentions of others? In this compelling work, Peter Gärdenfors embarks on an evolutionary detective story to try and solve one of the big mysteries surrounding human existence - how has the modern human being''s way of thinking come into existence. He starts by taking in turn the more basic cognitive processes, such as attention and memory, then builds upon these to explore more complex behaviours, such as self-consciousness, mindreading, and imitation. Having done this, he examines the consequences of putting thought into the world, using external media like cave paintings, drawings and writing.Immensely readable and humorous, the book will be valuable for students in psychology and biology, whilst remaining accessible to readers of popular science.Trade ReviewGardenfors presents a wealth of thought-provoking information and discussion, with a well-argued viewpoint, in a clear style. * JBE, Vol. 40, No. 4 *. . . well written and admirably succinct. Although it has an argument to make, it does so in a fair and evenhanded way. This would make a good introduction for anyone venturing into the evolution of mind literature for the first time. * Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol 79, No 4 *Table of Contents1. THINKING FROM AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE; 2. SENSATION, PERCEPTION AND IMAGINATION; 3. THE WORLD WITHIN; 4. READING OTHER PEOPLE'S MINDS; 5. SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS; 6. THE DAWN OF LANGUAGE; 7. THE ORIGIN OF SPEECH; 8. EXTERNALISING THE INNER WORLD

Read more less

Book SynopsisOur lives, states of health, relationships, behaviour, experiences of the natural world, and the technologies that shape our contemporary existence are subject to a superfluity of competing, multi-faceted and sometimes incompatible explanations. Widespread confusion about the nature of ''explanation'' and its scope and limits pervades popular exposition of the natural sciences, popular history and philosophy of science. This fascinating and intriguing book explores the way explanations work, why they vary between disciplines, periods, and cultures, and whether they have any necessary boundaries. In other words, Explanations aims to achieve a better understanding of explanation, both within the sciences and the humanities. It features contributions from expert writers from a wide range of disciplines, including science, philosophy, mathematics, and social anthropology.Trade ReviewI recommend this book to all readers interested in philosophy and sociology of science. * Andrzej Stasiak, EMBO Reports *Table of ContentsPreface ; List of contributors ; Introduction ; 1. What good is an explanation? ; 2. Can science explain everything? Can science explain anything? ; 3. Explaining the universe ; 4. Does physics rule the roost of scientific explanation? ; 5. Mathematical explanation ; 6. Ponderable matter: explanation in chemistry ; 7. The biology of the future and the future of biology ; 8. Teleology: the explanation that bedevils biology ; 9. What is it not like to be a brain? ; 10. Ontology and scientific explanation ; 11. From explanation to interpretation in social anthropology ; 12. Passing it on: redescribing scientific explanation ; Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe great biologist Louis Pasteur suppressed ''awkward'' data because it didn''t support the case he was making. John Snow, the ''first epidemiologist'' was doing nothing others had not done before. Gregor Mendel, the supposed ''founder of genetics'' never grasped the fundamental principles of ''Mendelian'' genetics. Joseph Lister''s famously clean hospital wards were actually notorious dirty. And Einstein''s general relativity was only ''confirmed'' in 1919 because an eminent British scientist cooked his figures. These are just some of the revelations explored in this book. Drawing on current history of science scholarship, Fabulous Science shows that many of our greatest heroes of science were less than honest about their experimental data and not above using friends in high places to help get their ideas accepted. It also reveals that the alleged revolutionaries of the history of science were often nothing of the sort. Prodigiously able they may have been, but the epithet of the ''mTrade ReviewReview from previous edition Waller writes with clarity and flair . . . [he] has a real talent for telling a story. * Roy Porter *Everyone with an interest in science should read this book. * Focus *a great read * Nature *Waller tells these stories well ... [his] examples are a valuable look sideways at the rolling juggernaut of modern science. * Martin Ince, New Scientist *Table of ContentsPART 1: RIGHT FOR THE WRONG REASONS ; PART 2: TELLING SCIENCE AS IT WAS

Read more less

Book SynopsisMicroscopy is a dynamic area of science, incorporating both basic classroom microscopes and sophisticated research style instruments that can be driven by light, electrons, or X-rays. The rate of advance in the area over the last 50 years has led to a number of technological advances. In this Very Short Introduction Terence Allen, an established expert on microscope techniques, describes the scientific principles behind the main forms of microscopy, and the exciting new developments in the field. Focusing on the main underlying principles, and introducing the power of what is achievable today using microscopes, Allen demonstrates how microscopy impinges on almost every aspect of our daily lives; from medical diagnosis to quality control in manufacture. Beginning with a brief history of the early stages of microscopy development, Allen then concludes with a comprehensive account of the diverse spectrum of microscopy available today. 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 ReviewThe author has succeeded, in his turn, in fulfilling the requirements and goals behind the idea of writing a very short introduction about microscopy. Every chapter in his book is stimulating to anyone curious about microscopy. I invite you to read Microscopy: A very short Introduction by Terence Allen. * Ahmed A. Al-Tabbakh, Contemporary Physics *Table of Contents1. Microscopy and the discovery of a new world ; 2. A spectrum of microscopies ; 3. Light microscopy- from Abbe to superresolution ; 4. Identifying what we see- from FISH to quantum dots ; 5. Electron microscopy-The dawn of atomic resolution ; 6. The Electron microscopy of surfaces- scanning electron microscopy ; 7. Microscopy and nanotechnology- magnification by other routes ; 8. The impact of microscopy ; Further reading ; Index

Read more less