Popular science Books

Book SynopsisSuperconductivity is one of the most exciting areas of research in physics today. Outlining the history of its discovery, and the race to understand its many mysterious and counter-intuitive phenomena, this Very Short Introduction explains in accessible terms the theories that have been developed, and how they have influenced other areas of science, including the Higgs boson of particle physics and ideas about the early Universe. It is an engaging and informative account of a fascinating scientific detective story, and an intelligible insight into some deep and beautiful ideas of physics.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. What is superconductivity? ; 2. The quest for low temperatures ; 3. The discovery of superconductivity ; 4. Expulsion ; 5. Pairing up ; 6. Symmetry ; 7. Before the breakthrough ; 8. High-temperature superconductivity ; 9. The making of the new superconductors ; 10. What have superconductors ever done for us? ; Dramatis personae ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisOceans make up most of the surface of our blue planet. They may form just a sliver on the outside of the Earth, but they are very important, not only in hosting life, including the fish and other animals on which many humans depend, but in terms of their role in the Earth system, in regulating climate, and cycling nutrients. As climate change, pollution, and over-exploitation by humans puts this precious resource at risk, it is more important than ever that we understand and appreciate the nature and history of oceans. There is much we still do not know about the story of the Earth''s oceans, and we are only just beginning to find indications of oceans on other planets. In this book, geologists Jan Zalasiewicz and Mark Williams consider the deep history of oceans, how and when they may have formed on the young Earth -- topics of intense current research -- how they became salty, and how they evolved through Earth history. We learn how oceans have formed and disappeared over millions of years, how the sea nurtured life, and what may become of our oceans in the future. We encounter some of the scientists and adventurers whose efforts led to our present understanding of oceans. And we look at clues to possible seas that may once have covered parts of Mars and Venus, that may still exist, below the surface, on moons such as Europa and Callisto, and the possibility of watery planets in other star systems.Trade ReviewThis book crams a lot of information into its 265 pages, all well referenced with notes at the back. From pirates to exoplanets and penis-worms to space probes this is truly the story of water, life, and discovery. A must-read for those with a hunger for general knowledge, or any interest in the topic. You will certainly find something new to explore further in this fascinating and accessibly written book. * Jonathan Scafidi, The Geological Society *Fluid and fascinating prose with just the right dosage of entertaining anecdotes and human interest * Chemistry & Industry, Michael Gross *readable and absorbing account * Guardian, Devorah Bennu *[A] fast-paced but very readable ride through deep time ... Recommended. All academic library collections * CHOICE *Exhilirating foray * Barbara Kiser, Nature *Table of ContentsPreface 1: Water in the Cosmos 2: Ocean Origins on Earth 3: Ocean Forms 4: The Salt of the Earth 5: Moving the Waters 6: Life of the Oceans 7: Oceans in Crisis 8: The End of Earthly Oceans 9: Oceans of the Solar System 10: Undreamed Shores Notes References and Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisLight enables us to see the world around us. Our sense of sight provides us with direct information about space and time, the physical arrangement of the world, and how it changes. This almost universal shared sensation of vision has led to a fascination with the nature and properties of light across the ages. But the light we see is just a small part of the whole spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, ranging from radio waves to gamma rays.In this Very Short Introduction Ian Walmsley discusses early attempts to explain light, and the development of apparently opposing particulate and wave theories by scientists such as Isaac Newton and Christiaan Huygens. He shows how light was recognized as an electromagnetic wave in the 19th century, and the development of the quantum mechanics view of wave-particle duality in the 20th century. He also describes the many applications of light, domestic and scientific, such as microwaves, DVDs, and lasers. We now use the whole range of electromagnetic radiation to peer both into the human body and deep into space. Turning to the future of optics, Walmsley concludes by looking at some of the most exciting new developments using quantum light sources in communications and computing.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 Reviewa solid little collection of material on the nature of light. * Popularscience.com *Table of Contents1. What is light? ; 2. Rays ; 3. Waves ; 4. Duality ; 5. Light matters ; 6. Light, space and time ; 7. Lighting the frontiers ; 8. Quantum Light ; 9. Twilight ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book Synopsis''The one meditation tactic that will get you through the toughest times'' Oprah DailyOvercome negative thoughts and develop a positive mindset this January with these meditation practices proven by neuroscientific research.In this modern digital age, many of us feel overwhelmed, panicked and short on time. The practice of meditation is an ancient and scientifically proven antidote to that frenzied feeling. Combining scientific expertise and spiritual wisdom, this is a practical guide on how it can help you feel calm and in control.With chapters on Breathing, Compassion and Worry, it is full of empirically proven and easy-to-follow exercises that will help you tackle mental obstacles, including issues such as self-doubt and negative thought patterns. This is a fresh perspective on meditation that will uplift and soothe your mind, whether you''re new to it or not.FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, DANIEL GOLEMAN ''The perfect guide for finding true inner peace'' Ruby WaxTrade ReviewThis beautiful and inspiring book, arising from the brilliance of two great minds, contains profound yet practical advice on meditation and its power to nourish the world * Gelong Thubten, author of A Monk’s Guide to Happiness *The one meditation tactic that will get you through the toughest times * Oprah Daily *The perfect guide for finding true inner peace * Ruby Wax, author of A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled *Practical, doable techniques for making two game-changing inner moves: getting out of your head, as well as taming your demons [...] all backed up by rigorous science * Dan Harris, author of 10% Happier *Highly recommend * Dan Harris, bestselling author of 10% Happier *An exciting new book that combines recent research into meditation with fresh, accessible, and profound teachings on the actual practice * Pema Chödrön, author of When Things Fall Apart *A rare blend of genuine, far-reaching meditative wisdom and the cutting-edge neuroscience that both explains and supports it. This book is an extraordinary collaboration and a great jewel that will benefit all who read it * Joseph Goldstein, author of Seeking the Heart of Wisdom *PRAISE FOR TSOKNYI RINPOCHE - He is a powerful and eloquent link between the great yogi practitioners of old Tibet and our bewildering twenty-first century. He's completely comfortable in both. And he makes us comfortable, too. * Richard Gere *Goleman offers hope for us all * The Times *[Why We Meditate] shows how we can regain our innate rhythm * Sainsbury's Magazine *Each chapter is a kind of antidote for the scepticism...read this book * New Scientist *

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Book SynopsisEye-openingmemorableRosenblum's enthusiasm is contagious and his prose accessible. Kirkus ReviewsTrade Review"[An] appealing and compelling look at new findings about the powers of our less-conscious brain, the realm of the senses." -- Booklist"Rosenblum provides hundreds of fascinating examples of the ways in which our sensory entanglements influence our daily lives and make us, well, us." -- Scientific American"This is the first book I've seen that expertly draws the non-scientist into the fascinating world of sensory experience and perception. Rosenblum engages the reader with many stories of intriguing individuals and he does this while melding in lucidly explained hard science." -- Rachel Herz, author of Why You Eat What You Eat

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Book SynopsisAn inspirational introduction to the physics of the twenty-first century, Mr Tompkins explores the extreme edges of the universe to understand Einstein's relativity, the birth of the universe and more. In this 1999 edition, Russell Stannard (the Uncle Albert Trilogy) has revised, updated and expanded George Gamow's book Mr Tompkins in Paperback (1965).Trade Review'The best just got better. Two of the most influential popular science books ever were Mr Tompkins in Wonderland (1940) and Mr Tompkins Explores the Atom (1945) … They were brought together in one volume, slightly updated, and reprinted in 1965 as Mr Tompkins in Paperback … Russell Stannard, the very best writer of science books for young readers [has updated Mr Tompkins] with immense care and subtlety, rearranging the text, adding new material and changing a word or two where necessary … I had two fears - that my remembered delight in the original would be destroyed by looking at it through more mature eyes, and that Stannard might spoil the book. Both were unfounded. There is a certain period charm about the original, but Stannard has improved on both the physics and the narrative … It is absolutely the best place to get a feel for the most important scientific ideas of the twentieth century.' John Gribbin, The Independent'… as I kept reading, I began to realize that Stannard had actually done a remarkable job of preserving the mood and feeling of the original … The book still has a charming naiveté, and although the illustrations have been changed, they too still have that same, almost Victorian quality. So, to my surprise, I have to pronounce the translation a success. If newcomers who have not seen the original read the book, they will find a charming, whimsical introduction to modern physics … Are there other good books that cover the same material? Lots of them! Is there another book that does it so pleasantly, giving the reader a direct, sort of inside view of otherwise very remote phenomena, all within the context of a running short novel? I doubt it! The New World … is a unique book.' Physics Today'… here is a version that Stannard believes Gamow himself might have written, had he been at work today. Physics took a giant leap at the junction of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries … the book deals very well with the more recent developments and Mr Tompkins' visit to a particle accelerator is well described. Stannard has also updated the language, where appropriate. This has been a successful exercise that Gamow … would have liked. I can recommend the book both for general readers, and for specialists who may like to check how their subject is being presented to Mr Tompkins today.' Physics World'A new version of the Mr Tompkins' adventures, revised and updated by Russell Stannard, brings the experiences into modern day. A welcome addition to the original.' Astronomy Now'For more than five decades the fictional Mr Tompkins has helped familiarize people with many esoteric concepts of physics. Russell Stannard … has brought George Gamow's Mr Tompkins into atomic physics and cosmology but has kept the British flair.' Sky and Telescope'For more than five decades the fictional Mr Tompkins has helped familiarize people with many esoteric concepts of physics. Russell Stannard … has brought George Gamow's Mr Tompkins in atomic physics and cosmology but has kept the British flair.' Sky and Telescope'Russell Stannard is a brilliant communicator.' The Times Higher Education SupplementFrom reviews of Mr Tompkins in Paperback: 'Enthusiastically recommended to both scientific and general readers.' The Guardian'Not only entertaining; the ordinary reader can learn from it a great deal about sub-atomic particles - electrons, neutrons and the rest - and the strange rules which govern their behaviour.' The Observer'Will vastly fascinate the whimsical, and is also entirely scientific.' Scientific American'An inspired double reissue'. GNOMON'All in all, this has been a successful exercise … I can recommend the book both for general readers, and for specialists who may like to check how their subject is being presented to Mr Tompkins today.' Jayant Narlikar, Physics World' … a new edition of this classical book, revided and updated by Russell Stannard. Such an update was, indeed, long overdue … If you need a gift for a non-physicist, The New world of Mr Tompkins is the right thing for you to buy.' Volker Perlick, General Relativity and Gravitation'Popular science author Russell Stannard, has treaded - successfully in this reviewer}s opinion - on hallowed ground by updating a classic, written by an author who has made major contributions to cosmology and nuclear physics, and who was a tireless populizer of science … other than there not being enough sex, this is a wonderful introduction to the most important scientific ideas of our time.' MNASSA'Modern physics has never been explained in such an entertaining way.' School Science Review (Association for Science Education)Table of ContentsRevisor's foreword; Gamow's preface; 1. City speed limit; 2. The professor's lecture on relativity which caused Mr Tompkins' dream; 3. Mr Tompkins takes a holiday; 4. Notes of the professor's lecture on curved space; 5. Mr Tompkins visits a closed universe; 6. Cosmic opera; 7. Black holes, heat death and blow torch; 8. Quantum snooker; 9. The quantum safari; 10. Maxwell's demon; 11. The merry tribe of electrons; 11.1/2. The remainder of the previous lecture through which Mr Tompkins dozed; 12. Inside the nucleus; 13. The woodcarver; 14. Holes in nothing; 15. Visiting the 'atom smasher'; 16. The professor's last lecture; 17. Epilogue.

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Book SynopsisBill Bryson (Author, Reader) Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. His bestselling books include The Road to Little Dribbling, Notes from a Small Island, A Walk in the Woods, One Summer and The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. In a national poll, Notes from a Small Island was voted the book that best represents Britain. His acclaimed work of popular science, A Short History of Nearly Everything, won the Aventis Prize and the Descartes Prize, and was the biggest selling non-fiction book of its decade in the UK. His new book The Body: A Guide for Occupants is an extraordinary exploration of the human body which will have you marvelling at the form you occupy.Bill Bryson was Chancellor of Durham University 20052011. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society. He lives in England.Trade ReviewPossibly the best scientific primer ever published. * Economist *'A travelogue of science, with a witty, engaging, and well-informed guide who loves his patch and is desperate to share its delights with us' -- Peter Atkins * The Times *'A thoroughly enjoyable, as well as educational, experience. Nobody who reads it will ever look at the world around them in the same way again' -- William Hartston * Daily Express *'Brims with strange and amazing facts...destined to become a modern classic of science writing' -- Ed Regis * New York Times Book Review *'It deserves to sell as many copies as there are protons in the full stop that ends this review (at least 500,000,000,000).' -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisWhat are you, who are you and where are you going? - the beginner's guide to modern scienceTrade Review‘This is a fine piece of work... very entertaining and informative... It should appeal and be useful to the generalist who wants an overview of science’ Sir Peter Ratcliffe, 2019 Nobel Prize winner and head of clinical research at the Francis Crick Institute

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Book SynopsisA mathematical sightseeing tour of the natural world from the author of THE MAGICAL MAZEWhy do many flowers have five or eight petals, but very few six or seven? Why do snowflakes have sixfold symmetry? Why do tigers have stripes but leopards have spots?Mathematics is to nature as Sherlock Holmes is to evidence. Mathematics can look at a single snowflake and deduce the atomic geometry of its crystals; it can start with a violin string and uncover the existence of radio waves. And mathematics still has the power to open our eyes to new and unsuspected regularities - the secret structure of a cloud or the hidden rhythms of the weather. There are patterns in the world we are now seeing for the first time - patterns at the frontier of science, yet patterns so simple that anybody can see them once they know where to look.

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Book SynopsisAn irresistible stocking-filler: a hilarious romp through the science of Christmas.Trade ReviewAn extensively revised edition of a light-hearted scientific look at the rituals and icons of Christmas from such questions as the thermodynamics involved in cooking a turkey to the likely celestial candidates for the Star of Bethlehem and what happens to us physically when we over-indulge in alcohol. And there's a new chapter on how religion can help your entire life.

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Book SynopsisAt once an elegy and an exhortation.ELIZABETH KOLBERT A revelatory exploration of climate change from the perspective of wild species and natural ecosystems - an homage to the miraculous, vibrant entity that is life on Earth.The stories we usually tell ourselves about climate change tend to focus on the damage inflicted on human societies by big storms, severe droughts, and rising sea levels. But the most powerful impacts are being and will be felt by the natural world and its myriad species, which are already in the midst of the sixth great extinction. Rising temperatures are fracturing ecosystems that took millions of years to evolve, disrupting the life forms they sustain - and in many cases driving them towards extinction. The natural Eden that humanity inherited is quickly slipping away.Although we can never really know what a creature thinks or feels, The End of Eden invites the reader to meet wild species on their own terms in a range of ecosystems that span the glTrade ReviewA moving, chilling elegy for biodiversity as we know it … The world that Adam Welz describes is in terminal collapse. The tone of the book … is measured and precise, the atmosphere cool, displaying not outrage but instead careful attention to accuracy in descriptions and analyses. A disturbing and important book. * New York Times *Climate change, Adam Welz shows, is already pushing many creatures toward oblivion, and its impacts are only going to grow. The End of Eden is at once an elegy and an exhortation—a plea to save what’s left of the Earth’s magnificent diversity. * Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of THE SIXTH EXTINCTION *Welz’s elegy for the natural world will leave you marveling at the intricacies of animal adaptations over millenniums of evolution even as you mourn their rapid loss in the face of human culture. * New York Times Review of Books *Adam Welz’s The End of Eden should begin with the same kind of content warning that flashes across TV screens before the start of certain shows. “This program contains graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised.” … it is a book that fundamentally changes us as we read. * Washington Independent Review of Books *Welz’s study, which he conceived as an attempt to examine such disruptions ‘without turning myself to stone,’ amounts to a haunting warning. * The New Yorker *Eye-opening … A poignant elegy for creatures lost to climate change and a rigorous call to arms against further devastation. * Kirkus Reviews *An eloquent, deeply informed account of the unfolding consequences of the climate crisis for all life on Earth. * Michelle Nijhuis, author of BELOVED BEASTS: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction *A beautifully rendered tour of a natural world on the brink. * Publisher's Weekly *Adam Welz has thrown a wonderfully wide net over the natural world, from birds to corals to mammals, in Europe, North America and Australia, to portray the array of life at risk in a rapidly warming world. He evokes wonder, which may well be the last arrow we have in the quiver to convince us to change our course. * Jim Robbins, New York Times correspondent and author of THE WONDER OF BIRDS *

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Book Synopsis''A beautifully written, eminently readable and uniquely important challenge to conventional wisdom'' J. D. Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy''A page-turner and revelation, Political Tribes will change the way you think'' Tim Wu, author of The Attention Merchants In Political Tribes, Amy Chua argues that we must rediscover an identity that transcends the tribalism we see in politics today. Enough false slogans of unity, which are just another form of divisiveness. When people are defined by their differences to each other, extremism becomes the common ground. It is time for a more difficult unity that acknowledges the reality of our group differences and fights the deep rifts that divide us.Trade ReviewPolitical Tribes is a beautifully written, eminently readable, and uniquely important challenge to conventional wisdom ... Chua's book is a clarion call, encouraging us to reject the primal pull of identitarianism and return to that most radical of ideas, that Americans share something bigger than race or ethnicity or ideology: common citizenship and purpose -- J. D. Vance, author of 'Hillbilly Elegy'Political Tribes is a punchy book that advances a single idea with admirable clarity. And also with admirable brevity -- Danny Finkelstein * The Times *Amy Chua speaks hard truths that no one can ignore. We are, as Chua makes clear, living in denial about the power of tribalism over our domestic and foreign policy - blinded, it seems, by our own optimism and distaste for essentialism. A page turner and revelation, Political Tribes will change the way you think -- Tim Wu, author of 'The Attention Merchants' and 'The Master Switch'America is now bitterly polarised into rival identities. Amy Chua does a brilliant job of showing how it has happened and why it is a tragedy. In Britain, we need to read Political Tribes as a warning. For Americans, it is too late for that: it will need to be force-fed to them -- Paul Collier, Oxford UniversityAs an explanation of why American politics has become so sectarian and polarised, Chua’s analysis feels spot-on. And it is increasingly relevant to our politics as well * Spectator *Amy Chua confronts the failures of modern liberalism to understand ethnic and group attachments. Anyone who wants to understand the contemporary west, and its foreign policy failures, should read this revealing and important book -- David Goodhart, journalist and think-tanker and author of ‘The British Dream’ and ‘The Road to Somewhere’True to form, Amy Chua presents a provocative prescription to cure our political ills. She challenges us to cross the chasm between groups - not by denying differences, but by celebrating them -- Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of 'Give and Take' and 'Option B' with Sheryl SandbergAnother wonderful book by Amy Chua! In Political Tribes, she demonstrates once again that she ranks with the keenest observers of the contemporary landscape, establishing convincingly that 'Humans are tribal', and that this reality holds significant implications for America if we truly are to achieve a ‘more perfect union' -- General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret), former commander of coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and former Director of the CIABrilliant, timeless and timely. Political Tribes concisely explains the forces that made our experiences in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq so maddeningly difficult to comprehend, and brings that same thoughtful analysis to America today. Amy Chua provokes thought – and we need that -- General Stan McChrystal, US Army (Ret)Amy Chua’s insightful, provocative and deeply troubling book is the place to begin our long overdue national discussion on how to repair the deep divisions in the American political landscape. Political Tribes is a wake-up call to the dangers of surrendering national unity to a fractured landscape of feuding and narrow interests -- Tom Brokaw, author of 'The Greatest Generation'

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Book SynopsisA vibrant and richly detailed guide to fossils for readers with a passion for the natural world and those that inhabited it long ago.This is a book for those that want to learn to scan the beach for fossils, who love the simple pleasure of getting outside or those who want to develop their relationship with the world around them. From the Jurassic Coast to the Antrim Coast, our nation is home to some of the most incredible fossil sites in the world.Weaving an intricate tapestry of knowledge on the landscape of our own pre-historic planet, palaeontologist and Education Officer of the Bristol Dinosaur Project, Rhys Charles beautifully communicates the joy of fossil-hunting and where best to hunt for them in the country. Under his guidance, and with The Natural History Museum, this book invites readers to unlock breath-taking fragments of a lost world.

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Book SynopsisThe fascinating story of how India is transforming itself into a global science superpower.Trade Review'Those who want to understand how India is shaping up as a scientific superpower will find it a worthwhile and engaging read'. * New Scientist *Many entertaining and informative stories. * Sunday Times *This is an engaging and eye-opening exploration of a subject that traditionally we rely on clichés to understand, providing a much more informed and effective understanding of the progress of Indian technology. Recommended. * Popular Science *GEEK NATION's emphasis on personalities and places provides an engaging introduction for those who want deeper understanding than facts and figures alone can provide. * New Scientist *With engaging first-hand accounts she explores gleaming technology hubs, visits space centres and labs researching GM crops...you do get a vivid impression of a nation emerging as a scientific contender. * BBC Focus *'Saini has a genuine talent for describing science'. * Sunday Times Culture *'Saini's vivid portrait of hi-tech India reveals a country in a hurry'. * FT Weekend *'Eye-opening, warmhearted and cliché-free, her book gives Indians' minds the respect so often and so easily given to their spirit'. * Wanderlust *'Saini has produced an eye-opening survey of scientists in today's India...engagingly written and remarkably, GEEK NATION shatters many myths while not discouraging guarded optimism'. * Independent *Saini is well qualified to explain why Indians are "famous for being swots, nerds, dweebs, boffins and dorks", and whether India can become a scientific superpower... * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisSELECTED AS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF 2018 BY THE DAILY MAIL ''A hugely entertaining tour of the periodic table and the 118 elements that are the basic building blocks of everything'' Daily MailIn 2016, with the addition of four final elements - nihonium, moscovium, tennessine and oganesson - to make a total of 118 elements, the periodic table was finally complete, rendering any pre-existing books on the subject obsolete.Tim James, the science YouTuber and secondary-school teacher we all wish we''d had, provides an accessible and wonderfully entertaining ''biography of chemistry'' that uses stories to explain the positions and patterns of elements in the periodic table. Many popular science titles tend to tell the history of scientific developments, leaving the actual science largely unexplained; James, however, makes use of stories to explain the principles of chemistry within the table, showing its relevance to everyTrade ReviewA hugely entertaining tour of the periodic table and the 118 elements that are the basic building blocks of everything * Daily Mail *Perfect for students and newcomers to science writing. . . . From the composition of the stars to the elements most useful to humans, James offers a cheerful selection of short, fascinating chapters suitable for reading in any order. A wide audience can enjoy this accessible peak into the history of chemistry and the periodic table. * Publishers Weekly *Perfect for students and newcomers to science writing . . . From the composition of the stars to the elements most useful to humans, James offers a cheerful selection of short, fascinating chapters suitable for reading in any order. A wide audience can enjoy this accessible peak into the history of chemistry and the periodic table. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis''Stop following the news until you''ve read Gemma Milne''s persuasive analysis of the hype and bullshit that distort our understanding of emerging science. As she shows, the starting point to grasping the genuine opportunities of AI, life sciences and climate tech is a healthy dose of critical thinking''David Rowan, founding editor of WIRED UK and author of Non-Bullshit Innovation: Radical Ideas from the World''s Smartest Minds''Couldn''t be more timely. Fascinating and vitally important''Jamie Bartlett, author of The People Vs Tech''A much-needed blast of fresh air! Gemma Milne expertly shows us how to separate the truth from the hype surrounding the emerging techs of today, and those of the near-tomorrow''Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins: How the Earth Made Us''I loved this book! This is exactly the sort of sceptical, cut-through-the crap-but-still-excited-about-what''s-emerging book around tech innTrade ReviewStop following the news until you've read Gemma Milne's persuasive analysis of the hype and bullshit that distort our understanding of emerging science. As she shows, the starting point to grasping the genuine opportunities of AI, life sciences and climate tech is a healthy dose of critical thinking'Couldn't be more timely. Fascinating and vitally important'A much-needed blast of fresh air! Gemma Milne expertly shows us how to separate the truth from the hype surrounding the emerging techs of today, and those of the near-tomorrow. -- Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins: How the Earth Made UsI loved this book! This is exactly the sort of sceptical, cut-through-the crap-but-still-excited-about-what's-emerging book around tech innovation that's sorely needed, yet is so hard to find. Gemma Milne's writing sparkles and delights as she strips away the hype around nine cutting-edge areas of science and technology while revealing possibilities that are all the more compelling as a result. More than an antidote to over-hyped tech, Smoke & Mirrors is essential reading for anyone who's serious about how real-world advances might be effectively harnessed to build a better future. -- Dr Andrew Maynard, scientist and author of Films from the Future and Future RisingSmoke & Mirrors is a vital contribution in a world where technological progress promises so much, but too often disappoints. If, like me, you believe that advances in science and technology are our best hope for solving the grand challenges of our times, this book is the indispensable guide to avoiding the mirages and the charlatans along the way.A refreshingly grown-up, clear-headed look at the interaction between science, technology and the media - readable without being dumbed down, acknowledging complexities without being heavy.In this book, we see technological hype for what it is: not mere exuberance, but a form of attention-seeking. As some technological hucksters stake claims on our future and try to foreclose alternatives, we need strong defences. Gemma Milne offers a spotter's guide to hype, using science to bring speculation down to earth. People inside and outside the world of technological innovation need this book.A much-needed blast of fresh air! Gemma Milne expertly shows us how to separate the truth from the hype surrounding the emerging techs of today, and those of the near-tomorrow.I loved this book! This is exactly the sort of sceptical, cut-through-the crap-but-still-excited-about-what's-emerging book around tech innovation that's sorely needed, yet is so hard to find. Gemma Milne's writing sparkles and delights as she strips away the hype around nine cutting-edge areas of science and technology while revealing possibilities that are all the more compelling as a result. More than an antidote to over-hyped tech, Smoke & Mirrors is essential reading for anyone who's serious about how real-world advances might be effectively harnessed to build a better future.Smoke & Mirrors is a vital contribution in a world where technological progress promises so much, but too often disappoints. If, like me, you believe that advances in science and technology are our best hope for solving the grand challenges of our times, this book is the indispensable guide to avoiding the mirages and the charlatans along the way.A refreshingly grown-up, clear-headed look at the interaction between science, technology and the media - readable without being dumbed down, acknowledging complexities without being heavy.In this book, we see technological hype for what it is: not mere exuberance, but a form of attention-seeking. As some technological hucksters stake claims on our future and try to foreclose alternatives, we need strong defences. Gemma Milne offers a spotter's guide to hype, using science to bring speculation down to earth. People inside and outside the world of technological innovation need this book.A really interesting read . . . thought-provoking. It shines a spotlight on issues that are all too frequently left out of the narrative around over-hyped technological innovation. For those working in science communication and general tech lovers alike, this book will certainly open your eyes to some important questions. -- Jamie Durrani * Chemistry World *Healthy and informed scepticism. * Financial Times *

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Book Synopsis''An epic travelogue, brimming with the excitement of discovery. With characteristic panache, Venter unveils the teeming array of bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes that crowd our planet''s oceans'' - Siddhartha Mukherjee''This page-turner gives . . . the thrill of seeing our planet''s largest universe through the brilliant, intrepid eyes of the scientist who has done more than anyone to unlock the secrets of life'' - Martine Rothblatt''A tour de force . . . Venter has expanded biology''s horizons. This book explores microbial life on a global scale, providing cutting-edge solutions to problems of environmental change'' - Aristides Patrinos''A ripping tale . . . to revolutionize our understanding of our bodies, the oceans, and the planet'' - Jack Gilbert''An exhilarating account of how creative science is accomplished'' - Sir Richard J. Roberts''[A] fascinating tour of Planet Microbe'' - Bill McKibbenTrade ReviewWriting with award-winning science journalist Duncan, Venter presents a lively account of a groundbreaking exploration of the microbiome of the Earth's waters...Important and adventurous science on the high seas. * Kirkus Reviews *An epic travelogue, brimming with the excitement of discovery. With characteristic panache, Venter unveils the teeming array of bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes that crowd our planet's oceans. His research will undoubtedly shape our understanding of the global ecosystem for decades to come. -- Siddhartha Mukherjee, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of * The Emperor of All Maladies *An exhilarating account of how creative science is accomplished. Few would guess just how many microbes live with us and how much they contribute to human health, both directly in our bodies and by making sure the air we breathe supports life. I have always loved bacteria, but after reading this I have an enhanced appreciation of their value to life on this planet. I highly recommend it. -- Sir Richard J. Roberts, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or MedicineThe Voyage of Sorcerer II combines panoramic linguistic imagery with trenchant scientific insights to provide the reader a virtual seat aboard the most important ship of discovery since Darwin's Beagle. Venter reveals to us why Earth should be called 'Water' and why the ocean's microscopic life is our deepest and most magical reservoir of genetic diversity. This page-turner gives each of us the thrill of seeing our planet's largest universe through the brilliant, intrepid eyes of the scientist who has done more than anyone to unlock the secrets of life. -- Martine Rothblatt, founder and CEO, United TherapeuticsA tour de force. Following in the paths of the Beagle and the Challenger, Venter has expanded biology's horizons. This book explores microbial life on a global scale, providing cutting-edge solutions to problems of environmental change. -- Aristides Patrinos, Chief Scientist and Director of Research, NOVIMA fascinating inside look at Venter's historic expeditions that makes the experiences, the analysis, and the transformative discoveries come alive. -- Margaret Leinen, Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San DiegoWe humans may think we are the most important species on Earth, but we're actually just bit players in a far broader and more complex microbial world. In this exciting journey into that deeper world, Venter and Duncan expand our scope of what it means to be alive. -- Jamie Metzl, author of * Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity *A ripping tale of how a sailing adventure and science can be combined to revolutionize our understanding of our bodies, the oceans, and the planet. -- Jack Gilbert, Associate Vice Chancellor for Marine Science and Director of the Microbiome and Metagenomics Center, UC San Diego School of Medicine

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Book Synopsis''An epic travelogue, brimming with the excitement of discovery. With characteristic panache, Venter unveils the teeming array of bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes that crowd our planet''s oceans'' - Siddhartha Mukherjee''This page-turner gives . . . the thrill of seeing our planet''s largest universe through the brilliant, intrepid eyes of the scientist who has done more than anyone to unlock the secrets of life'' - Martine Rothblatt''A tour de force . . . Venter has expanded biology''s horizons. This book explores microbial life on a global scale, providing cutting-edge solutions to problems of environmental change'' - Aristides Patrinos''A ripping tale . . . to revolutionize our understanding of our bodies, the oceans, and the planet'' - Jack Gilbert''An exhilarating account of how creative science is accomplished'' - Sir Richard J. Roberts''[A] fascinating tour of Planet Microbe'' - Bill McKibben

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Book Synopsis''In the same light-heartedly informative spirit as his previous Elemental, Tim James gives us an entertaining gallop through light years of space science, from the big bang to UFOs''Andrew Crumey, author of The Great Chain of UnbeingPRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR''Humorous, yet deep . . . Fundamental will speak to all readers'' Professor Charles Antoine, Sorbonne University''Who said science was dry? Certainly not Tim James'' New York PostDoes the Big Bang prove the existence of God? What''s the Universe expanding into? Is Earth the only planet which supports life? Why did the greatest astronomer in history murder his pet moose?Space is the biggest, oldest, hottest, coldest, strangest thing a human can study. It''s no surprise then, that the weirdest facts in science (not to mention the weirdest scientists themselves) are found in astrophysics and cosmology. Trade ReviewIn the same light-heartedly informative spirit as his previous Elemental, Tim James gives us an entertaining gallop through light years of space science, from the big bang to UFOs. -- Andrew Crumey, author of The Great Chain of UnbeingPRAISE FOR THE AUTHORHumorous, yet deep . . . Fundamental will speak to all readers. -- Professor Charles Antoine, Sorbonne UniversityWho said science was dry? Certainly not Tim James. * New York Post *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR WRITING ON GLOBAL CONSERVATION''Pilcher is both very funny and very, very clever.'' Gillian Burke''Richly entertaining throughout.'' Sunday TimesFor the last three billion years or so, life on Earth was shaped by natural forces. Evolution tended to happen slowly, with species crafted across millennia. Then, a few hundred thousand years ago, along came a bolshie, big-brained, bipedal primate we now call Homo sapiens, and with that, the Earth's natural history came to an abrupt end. We are now living through the post-natural phase, where humans have become the leading force shaping evolution. This thought-provoking book considers the many ways that we've altered the DNA of living things and changed the fate of life on earth. We have carved chihuahuas from wolves and fancy chickens from jungle fowl. We've added spider genes to goats and coral genes to tropical fish. It's possible to buyTrade ReviewTackles how humans are altering existing animal life. It has some good lines and is richly entertaining throughout, but under the surface it is pretty serious.' * Sunday Times *Helen Pilcher takes on the unenviable task of describing how our species has been on a collision course, spanning roughly 300,000 years of history, with the rest of life on earth. It shouldn't make for good reading but, mercifully, Pilcher is both very funny and very, very clever. -- Gillian Burke, biologist and TV presenterWith warm wit and glorious pace, Life Changing delivers an eloquent commentary on this, the age of post-natural history. Expertly pulling together and detailing the work of hundreds of scientists around the world, Pilcher encourages us to ask timely questions about our role as stewards and curators of a planet struggling under our influence. -- Jules Howard, naturalist, science writer and author of Sex on EarthTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: The Wolf that Rolled Over Chapter 2: Strategic Moos and Golden Gnus Chapter 3: Super Salmon and Spider-Goats Chapter 4: Game of Clones Chapter 5: Screwworms and Suicide Possums Chapter 6: The Age of the Chicken Chapter 7: Sea-Monkeys and Pizzly Bears Chapter 8: Darwin’s Moth Chapter 9: Resilient Reefs Chapter 10: Love Island Chapter 11: Pigs and Purple Emperors Chapter 12: The New Ark Additional Reading Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisEver wondered . . . - what is earwax for?- when is the moon blue?- why are there only two sexes?- do doctors live longer?Informative, hilarious, sometimes unsettling and always unexpected, the questions and answers from New Scientist readers in the magazine''s popular ''Last Word'' column are endlessly fascinating. Will We Ever Speak Dolphin? brings the best of the bunch together in another witty, weird and wise compendium that''s irresistible for ''Last Word'' fans and new readers alike.If you''ve ever wanted to know why you can''t hear shouting underwater, whether ants get scared of humans towering over them, how butterflies know where they''re heading, or whether there really is a difference between martinis shaken or stirred, New Scientist has all the weird and witty answers.

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Book SynopsisDo you need to gain confidence with handling numbers and formulae? Do you want a clear, step-by-step guide to the key concepts and principles of statistics? Nearly all aspects of our lives can be subject to statistical analysis. Statistics: An Introduction shows you how to interpret, analyze and present figures.Assuming minimal knowledge of maths and using examples from a wide variety of everyday contexts, this book makes often complex concepts and techniques easy to get to grips with. This new edition has been fully updated.Whether you want to understand the statistics that you are bombarded with every day or are a student or professional coming to statistics from a wide range of disciplines, Statistics: An Introduction covers it all.

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Book SynopsisIs it possible to build a star on earth?When asked what problem he hoped scientists will have solved by the end of the century, Professor Stephen Hawking replied ''I would like nuclear fusion to become a practical power source. It would provide an inexhaustible supply of energy, without pollution or global warming.'' But what is nuclear fusion, and could it really be the answer to the climate emergency? Fusion exists already in the stars that fill our universe with light, but can we harness that power here on earth? This is the question The Star Builders seeks to answer. In his compelling new book, Dr Arthur Turrell makes the case for cutting-edge new techniques in nuclear energy - innovations that would allow us to recreate the power of the stars on our own planet. Filled with the remarkable stories of the scientists and entrepreneurs who have dedicated their lives to a seemingly impossible dream, The Star Builders is an unmissable insight into the future of life - aTrade ReviewA gobsmackingly good read... Turrell's portraits of the undaunted star-building scientists who are trying to make fusion a reality are not just compelling but, dare I say it, fun. I learned a lot by reading this book. You will, too. * Robert Bryce, author of A Question of Power: Electricity and the Wealth of Nations *The Star Builders surveys this vibrant frontier of science and technology clearly and realistically. It brings a timely, hopeful message. * Frank Wilczek, Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics and author of Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality *Incredibly readable and entertaining. The book's first-hand accounts of what is occurring inside fusion startups are especially enthralling. Turrell skillfully tells the fascinating story of the personalities, science, and technology that have brought this fledging industry to the point of takeoff. * Jason Parisi, coauthor of The Future of Fusion Energy *Painstakingly researched. Turrell gives us a front-row seat to the hard-fought race for fusion, and he offers convincing reasons for optimism. In fact, he shows us a galaxy of effort being directed toward 'building a star.' * James Mahaffey, PhD, author of Atomic Adventures *Arthur Turrell captures the excitement of the race to produce the first commercial fusion energy-perhaps the most important technological race of all. * Sir Steve Cowley, director of Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory *The Star Builders is realistic and positive - an interesting snapshot of the current situation and key players * Nature *

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Book SynopsisFor over fifty years, From Our Own Correspondent has been one of BBC Radio 4's flagship programmes. Every week BBC foreign correspondents, journalists and writers reflect on current headlines, often bringing a personal perspective to them. There are few countries and subjects which have not featured on the programme - places as diverse as the Faroes, Moldova in Eastern Europe, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and one of Africa's smallest countries - Sao Tome and Principe.So many of the outlets that correspondents work for demand little more than writing to television pictures or covering the day's events in one report of perhaps only a minute's duration. In From Our Own Correspondent, the reporter can tell us so much more: a bit of context, some relevant history, one or two of the characters encountered en route, some description of a foreign country or capital. It is a programme where the correspondents will often relate the unexpected: the dayTrade ReviewA flagship BBC radio programme for 65 years, From Our Own Correspondent has always sought to bring listeners the stories behind the headlines and unexpected tales that don't make the news. Here, editor Polly Hope compiles engrossing dispatches from the past decade, spanning every continent. These powerful, personal testimonies from the BBC's foreign correspondents transport the reader from the World Cup to the Arab Spring via refugee camps and the Vatican, and meditate on issues ranging from Brexit to climate change. * RADIO TIMES *

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Book SynopsisBy the end of the astonishing E=mc2, a dedicated reader will have achieved, if only by osmosis, an understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity and feel quite at ease dining with Nobel Prize winners. It's a lucid, even thrilling study: the very best kind of science journalism. I didn't know I could know so much.' Fay Weldon, Books of the Year, Washington Post In 1905, Albert Einstein produced five historic papers that shattered many cherished scientific beliefs. One of those papers introduced the theory of special relativity and his legendary equation, E=mc2. Generations have grown up knowing that equation changed the shape of our world, but without understanding what it really means and why it is so significant. In this fascinating biography David Bodanis tells the story of one of the greatest scientific discoveries in history. He looks at the elements 'e', 'm' and 'c'; and honours the scientists whose landmark discoveries paved the way for Einstein. He plots the course of the equation through the twentieth century, showing how our lives have been revolutionized by its applications; and looks far ahead to the future. But as with any biography, it is the human stories that really ignite the subject - stories of love, courage and tragedy, of near misses, disappointments and disasters that, brought together by Bodanis in this remarkable book, turn Einstein's seemingly impenetrable theory into a dramatic and accessible human achievement. 'Both informative and highly readable...E=mc2 is a wonderful romp through Einstein's famous formula.. this is everything a popular science book should be' DAILY EXPRESS 'Bodanis himself seems like an intellectual thermonuclear explosion, a kind of Jonathan Miller on speed...This is an outstanding introduction to relativity by a gifted practitioner of popular science' INDEPENDENT 'With skill and plenty of colourful anecdotes Bodanis traces the intellectual ancestry of E=mc2...fast moving and entertaining' THE TIMES 'E=mc2 reveals, amongst other wonders, how many women physicists were involved in the story. Which makes this morally improving, as well as fascinating reading' George Walden, Books of the Year, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'The book fizzes in the readers imagination' TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

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Book Synopsis_________________________*The OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD puzzle book, as featured in the Times, Daily Telegraph, BBC Radio 4, and BBC Breakfast, and a Guardian Book of the Year pick. Have YOU got what it takes to be an astronaut?This book will help readers of all ages find out. Featuring 100 real astronaut tests and exercises from the European Space Agency's rigorous selection process, ranging from easy to fiendishly hard, The Astronaut Selection Test Book goes where no puzzle book has gone before. Including puzzles and tests on:· visual perception and logic· mental arithmetic and concentration· psychological readiness· teamwork and leadership· survival, physical and medical skills· foreign languages (every astronaut has to know Russian!)and much more, this richly illustrated book draws on Tim Peake's first-hand experience of applying to be an astronaut in 2008, when he and five others were chosen - out of over 8,000 applications!We've all dreamed of being an astronaut, though of the estimated 100 billion people who have ever lived, only 557 people have travelled to space. But with this unprecedented look into real astronaut selection, you might just find out your dreams can become reality..._________________________HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM SOLVER...Tim Peake and the ESA will receive no royalties from this book; instead, they will be donated to the Prince's Trust charity._________________________'Engrossing... a brain buster of a book... You'll learn plenty about space and what it takes to be an astronaut, but you'll also sharpen up your broader knowledge. For anyone interested in the space race and the imminent journey to Mars, here's the perfect stocking filler.' - STARBURST'It's a brain work-out on steroids, stuffed with authentic selection tests... Entertaining and engaging... innovative, earnest, soulful and exhilarating' - BBC SKY AT NIGHT MAGAZINE (5 STARS, Book of the Month)'It's such a good idea... this is a very good thing for Christmas Day' - GRAHAM NORTON, BBC RADIO 2'Everybody, get this book... it's a fascinating read' - CHRIS MOYLES, RADIO X'A fantastic gift... more than just a quiz' - WI LIFE'The perfect [book] for big thinkers' - BBC ARTS, 2018's Biggest BooksTrade ReviewThe Astronaut Selection Test Book should corner the gift market much in the same way that GCHQ and Bletchley Park Brainteasers have done in the past couple of years. * Guardian *Engrossing... a brain buster of a book... You’ll learn plenty about space and what it takes to be an astronaut, but you’ll also sharpen up your broader knowledge. For anyone interested in the space race and the imminent journey to Mars, here’s the perfect stocking filler. * Starburst *It’s a brain work-out on steroids, stuffed with authentic selection tests… Entertaining and engaging… innovative, earnest, soulful and exhilarating * BBC Sky at Night Magazine (Book of the Month) *A hugely entertaining and demanding challenge… an ideal gift for budding space cadets. * The Daily Mail *Entertaining and engaging, this intelligent book is educational and for the serious-minded… a route to the stars but also a road map for any career application. * 5* review and chosen as the book of the month in BBC Sky at Night Magazine *

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Book SynopsisIf you thought you knew who you were, THINK AGAIN.Did you know that half your DNA isn't human? That somebody, somewhere has exactly the same face? Or that most of your memories are fiction?What about the fact that you are as hairy as a chimpanzee, various parts of your body don't belong to you, or that you can read other people's minds? Do you really know why you blush, yawn and cry? Why 90 per cent of laughter has nothing to do with humour? Or what will happen to your mind after you die?You belong to a unique, fascinating and often misunderstood species. How to be Human is your guide to making the most of it.

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Book SynopsisForget everything you thought you knew about reality.The world is a seriously bizarre place. Things can exist in two places at once and travel backwards and forwards in time. Waves and particles are one and the same, and objects change their behaviour according to whether they are being watched. This is not some alternative universe but the realm of the very small, where quantum mechanics rules. In this weird world of atoms and their constituents, our common sense understanding of reality breaks down - yet quantum mechanics has never failed an experimental test. What does it all mean? For all its weirdness, quantum mechanics has given us many practical technologies including lasers and the transistors that underlie computers and all digital technology. In the future, it promises computers more powerful than any built before, the ability to communicate with absolute privacy, and even quantum teleportation. The Quantum World explores the past, present and future of quantum science, its applications and mind-bending implications. Discover how ideas from quantum mechanics are percolating out into the vast scale of the cosmos - perhaps, in the future, to reveal a new understanding of the big bang and the nature of space and time.ABOUT THE SERIESNew Scientist Instant Expert books are definitive and accessible entry points to the most important subjects in science; subjects that challenge, attract debate, invite controversy and engage the most enquiring minds. Designed for curious readers who want to know how things work and why, the Instant Expert series explores the topics that really matter and their impact on individuals, society, and the planet, translating the scientific complexities around us into language that's open to everyone, and putting new ideas and discoveries into perspective and context.

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Book SynopsisIntroduced by Jim Al-KhaliliCould you surf down an erupting volcano?Why do zebras have stripes?Are you breathing the same air as Leonardo da Vinci?Are there any green mammals?Why do pineapples have spikes?Why do songs get stuck in your head?What happens when black holes collide?Can you extract your DNA?New Scientist has been a treasure trove of fascinating and surprising questions and answers for over a decade. From how to measure the speed of light using chocolate, to why dogs howl at sirens, Eureka! brings together 365 mindblowing questions, fascinating facts and exciting experiments.If you've ever wondered how to escape quicksand, what would happen if the moon vanished, and why cats (nearly) always land on their feet, you've come to the right place.

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Book Synopsis The International Bestseller, as featured in The Times Fat is a vital yet hugely under-rated organ. Fat has become a dirty word, but we know so little about how it really works. In Fat, expert doctors and obesity researchers Dr Mariëtte Boon and Professor Liesbeth van Rossum present the ground-breaking research which explodes many of the myths and prejudices surrounding body fat and will make us completely rethink our relationship with it. Making use of the cutting-edge research in this specialist field, this fascinating and entertaining book will explain how fat generates important hormones, communicates with our brains and is, indeed, essential for staying alive. Informative yet accessible, Fat: The Secret Organ is important reading, not only for people who have struggled with their weight, but for everybody who is serious about their health.Trade ReviewWorried about piling on the pounds while stuck at home on lockdown? Give yourself a break, because fat is VITAL. New book Fat: The Secret Organ by doctors Mariette Boon and Liesbeth Van Rossum, an obesity specialist, aims to shed light on an aspect of our body that gets a bad press. * Sun *an eye-opening book which casts a tired subject in a new light * Glasgow Herald *

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Book SynopsisAn underwater adventure with the sea creature that has captured human imagination for thousands of years.

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Book SynopsisLocked away remote from the rest of the body in its own custom-built casing of skull bone, with no intrinsic moving parts, the human brain remains a tantalising mystery. But now, more than ever before, we have the expertise to tackle this mystery - the last 20 years have seen astounding progress in brain research. Susan Greenfield begins by exploring the roles of different regions of the brain. She then switches to the opposite direction and examines how certain functions, such as movement and vision, are accommodated in the brain. She describes how a brain is made from a single fertilized egg, and the fate of the brain is traced through life as we see how it constantly changes as a result of experience to provide the essence of a unique individual.Trade ReviewDr Susan Greenfield ... is rightly admired as a popular communicator and THE HUMAN BRAIN: A GUIDED TOUR will appeal as a Baedeker to the brain, even to the non-scientist - THE TIMESSuperb ... I recommend it to anyone interested in this area of science - SUNDAY TIMES

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Book SynopsisPsychology is everywhere. Our emotions and desires, the decisions we make on a daily basis - absolutely every aspect of the way we think and feel has been studied by psychologists. Through dozens of interactive puzzles, IQ tests, quizzes, jokes, puns and visual illusions, Ben Ambridge guides us through this wealth of research, showing us how we can better understand ourselves. Debunking tabloid speculation, revisiting old favourites such as the Stanford Prison Experiment and unearthing bleeding edge research unknown to the general reader, renowned psychologist Ben Ambridge blows away the received wisdom to reveal to enthusiasts and novices alike the psychology behind our daily lives. With wit and humour aplenty, he explains whether your blue eyes make you more or less trustworthy, how analogies can help cure cancer, whether Rorschach's famous inkblot tests really work, what your love for heavy metal (or Mozart) says about you, how psychology could help solve the obesity crisis and countless other revealing, entertaining and downright astonishing tests of your Psy-Q. Visit Ben's accompanying website, http://benambridge.wordpress.com/, and test yourself - and your friends.Trade ReviewBoth broad and deep, serious but lots of fun. Recommended -- Tim Harford, author of * The Undercover Economist *A clear and engaging explanation of many psychological phenomena you've vaguely heard of, and many more you'll be glad to learn about -- Steven PinkerClever, broad-minded and fun * Sunday Times *He has a trickster's charm of "How did he do that?" presentation and a stage magician's "Hey presto!" delight in revelation * Times *For all its easy-peasy, playful, tick-in-the-box larkiness, Psy-Q makes some very interesting points about the counter-intuitive nature of human psychology, and has a fresh and often iconoclastic take on even the most celebrated experiments -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *A cornucopia of brain-teasers and other (psycho)logical delights that will challenge, surprise and amuse -- Guy Deutscher, author of 'Through the Language Glass'A readable, accessible and un-putdownable book that I managed to devour in an entire afternoon * The Bookbag *As I completed what Ambridge calls my "psych-odyssey", I did have a better understanding of myself * BBC Focus *A playful insight into the world of the human mind...Once finished with, it makes for great fun to turn psychologist and test friends and family and watch them sweat while you raise a brow uncomfortably * Irish Examiner *

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Book Synopsis**SHORTLISTED FOR THE WELLCOME BOOK PRIZE****A GUARDIAN SCIENCE BOOK OF THE YEAR**‘Riveting … invites comparison to Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’NatureThe epic and controversial story of a major breakthrough in cell biology that led to the conquest of rubella and other devastating diseases.Until the late 1960s, tens of thousands of children suffered crippling birth defects if their mothers had been exposed to rubella, popularly known as German measles, while pregnant. There was no vaccine and little understanding of how the disease devastated foetuses. In June 1962, a young biologist in Philadelphia produced the first safe, clean cells that made possible the mass-production of vaccines against many common childhood diseases. Two years later, in the midst of a German measles epidemic, his colleague developed the vaccine that would one day effectively wipe out rubella for good. This vaccine - and others made with those cells - have since protected hundreds of millions of people worldwide, the vast majority of them preschool children. Meredith Wadman’s account of this great leap forward in medicine is a fascinating and revelatory read.Trade ReviewIt is a thriller - a beautifully researched and paced thriller - and is destined to be a classic piece of science writing in its navigation of the nexus of personality, research and ethics. -- Edmund de Waal, author of The Hare with the Amber EyesAn extraordinary story and Wadman is to be congratulated, not just for uncovering it but for relaying it in such a pacy, stimulating manner. This is a first-class piece of science writing' -- Robin McKie * Observer *Extraordinary...The Vaccine Race is a tremendous feat of research and synthesis, its lucid technical explanations combined with forays into the business politics of big pharma, and portraits of the scientists whose work has saved untold lives. -- Steven Poole * Daily Telegraph *Marvellous…fascinating…Wadman doesn’t shy away from some very difficult and unpleasant truths…The Vaccine Race bears comparison with Richard Rhodes’s Pulitzer Prize-winning The Making of the Atomic Bomb. I can pay no higher compliment to Meredith Wadman and her fine book -- Manjit Kumar * The Literary Review *Wadman's brilliantly researched book unfolds like a thriller, but asks some tough ethical questions along the way. -- Sophie Ratcliffe, Associate Professor of English Literature, Oxford UniversityA riveting tale of scientific infighting, clashing personalities, sketchy ethics and the transformation of cell biology from a sleepy scientific backwater to a high-stakes arena where vast fortunes are made. * Wall Street Journal *Riveting... invites comparison to Rebecca Skloot's 2007 The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks... Wadman stands back from the sources and material to guide the reader through a narrative that is no less captivating. * Nature *Epically readable - superb -- Chris van TullekenMeticulously researched... a success story for grown-ups... plenty of ammunition for those arguing with family or Facebook friends who have swallowed the conspiracy theories of the anti-vaccination community -- Sheena Cruickshank * New Scientist *Superb ... It is a tale – told with pace and authority – of theft, evasion, deceit and obdurate overregulation -- Robin McKie * Observer, Books of the Year *Meticulously researched and carefully crafted . . . The Vaccine Race, is an enlightening telling of the development of vaccines in the mid-20th century. . . . an intelligent and entertaining tome . . . [and] a comprehensive portrait of the many issues faced in the race to develop vaccines. * Science *Explains complex science in methodical detail. * Mail on Sunday *Excellent... an important story, well told * The Scotsman *The Vaccine Race is an important read—for scientists, politicians, physicians, parents and everyone interested in how the world of medical research works... it is so important to read this book, to see how science works and how politics can and does interfere with what science does best and what is best for us. * Huffington Post *An exemplary piece of medical journalism, and Wadman makes strikingly clear the human costs of medical developments as well as the roles of politics and economics. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERRichard Dawkins - author of The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker, and The God Delusion - is one of science's greatest communicators. This anthology of more than forty pieces is a kaleidoscopic argument for the power and the glory of science. Breathtaking, brilliant and passionate, these essays, journalism, lectures and letters make an unanswerable case for the wonder of scientific discovery and its power to stir the imagination; for the practical necessity of scientific endeavour to society; and for the importance of the scientific way of thinking – particularly in today’s ‘post-truth’ world.With an introduction and new commentary by the author, subjects range from evolution and Darwinian natural selection to the role of scientist as prophet, whether science is itself a religion, the probability of alien life in other worlds, and the beauties, cruelties and oddities of earthly life in this one. Alongside the explications, the celebrations and the controversies are wonderfully funny ventures into satire and parody, and moving personal reflections in memory and honour of others.Science in the Soul is a sparkling showcase for Professor Dawkins' rapier wit, the clarity, precision and vigour he brings to an argument, the beauty of his prose, the depth of his feeling and his capacity for joy.Trade Review[Dawkins] is a thunderously gifted science writer -- Oliver Moody * The Times *One of the best non-fiction writers alive today * Steven Pinker *The illumination of Dawkins’ incisive thinking on the intellectual world extends far beyond biology. What a treat to see so clearly how matter and meaning fit together, from fiction to philosophy to molecular biology, all in one unified vision!’ Daniel C. Dennett * Daniel C. Dennett *In this golden age of enlightened science writing it is stunning that no scientist has ever won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Pulitzer Prizes, yes, but it is time literature's highest award be granted to a scientist whose writings have changed not just science but society. No living scientist is more deserving of such recognition than Richard Dawkins, whose every book reflects his literary genius and scientific substance. Science in the Soul is the perfect embodiment of Nobel quality literature." -- Michael Shermer, Publisher Skeptic magazine, columnist Scientific American, author The Moral Arc and Heavens on EarthI thank Thor and Zeus that in their infinite wisdom they chose to make the great wordsmith of our age a great rationalist and vice versa. -- Matt Ridley, author of The Rational Optimist and The Evolution of EverythingA writer of tremendous clarity and force...in full polemical flight, Dawkins is a marvel. -- Kevin Powers * Sunday Business Post *This Dawkins is a dangerous guy. Like Marx. Or Darwin. * W. Daniel Hillis *The most influential man of reason…intellectually rigorous to a fault. -- Oliver Thring * Sunday Times News Review *With his latest book, ‘Science in the Soul’, Richard Dawkins continues the legacy of Carl Sagan, though of course, in a more combative mode...Richard Dawkins is one of the best science popularisers of our times. He is also an eminent evolutionary biologist...All the articles in this compilation are ultimately soul-elevating in the sense that they emphasise the importance of reason and spirit of science in approaching many of the problems which we may think as being outside the realm of science or domains where inducing a hostility to a scientific approach is possible....Dawkins is an extraordinarily talented author and persuader ...Dawkins also comes across in this collection of essays as a warm rational scientist who is interestingly so open to the innocent human fascination for the grandeur of nature. -- Aravindan Neelakandan * Swarajya Magazine *Dawkins at his most delicious. These are some of the finest treasures of non-fiction you'll find anywhere * Derren Brown *Now, more than ever, public intellectual scientists like Dawkins are needed to counter the forces of faith, fiction, and farce dominating our so-called “post-fact” society.The Oxford University professor is the embodiment of the concept of the public intellectual -- Iain Ellis * www.popmatters.com *

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Book SynopsisBarbie or Lego? Reading maps or reading emotions? Do you have a female brain or a male brain? Or is that the wrong question? On a daily basis we face deeply ingrained beliefs that our sex determines our skills and preferences, from toys and colours to career choice and salaries. But what does this mean for our thoughts, decisions and behaviour? Using the latest cutting-edge neuroscience, Gina Rippon unpacks the stereotypes that bombard us from our earliest moments and shows how these messages mould our ideas of ourselves and even shape our brains. Rigorous, timely and liberating, The Gendered Brain has huge repercussions for women and men, for parents and children, and for how we identify ourselves.‘Highly accessible… Revolutionary to a glorious degree’ ObserverTrade ReviewA highly accessible book. It’s also an important one… it has the power to do vastly more for gender equality than any number of feminist “manifestos”… revolutionary to a gloriuos degree ... supremely clear-eyed … thought-provoking -- Rachel Cooke * Observer *A treasure trove of information and good humour, The Gendered Brain offers thought-provoking perspectives on the latest debates about sex, gender and the brain. -- Cordelia Fine, author of TESTOSTERONE REXEssential reading -- Katy Guest * Guardian *A smart and witty addition to the literature on sex differences. Gina Rippon is one of the most outspoken scientists in this area, and she debunks a whole host of sexist stereotypes in her new book. -- Angela Saini, author of INFERIOR[An] excellent…book… it will reward those willing to put in the effort… [and] put weapons in the arsenal of those trying to tackle sexism -- Rosamund Urwin * Sunday Times *A brilliant and thorough debunking of the popular myths around sex differences in brains and behaviour. -- Dr Emily Grossman, broadcasterA fresh and much-needed perspective on the gender debate -- Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of STEMETTESThe history of sex-difference research is rife with innumeracy [and] misinterpretation… Rippon, a leading voice against the bad neuroscience of sex difference, uncovers so many examples in this ambitious book that she uses a whack-a-mole metaphor to evoke the eternal cycle… a juicy history… [and] the book accomplishes its goal of debunking the concept of a gendered brain -- Lise Eliot * Nature *Rippon…takes a scalpel to the research surrounding sex differences in the brain with precision and humour, exposing everything… [The] examples are what makes The Gendered Brain so enjoyable… [and] enlightening -- Sue Nelson * Financial Times *Rippon… [writes] in a cheerful, no-nonsense style, she draws on a dizzying array of studies to conclude, rather thrillingly, that the premise underpinning over 150 years of scientific endeavour is plan wrong… a convincing case -- Charlie McCann * Tablet *The Gendered Brain expertly and meticulously argues that essential sex differences are grossly overstated * Institution of Engineering and Technology *

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Book SynopsisIn this enthralling cosmic journey through space and time, astrophysicist Jillian Scudder locates our home planet within its own 'family tree'. Our parent the Earth and its sibling planets in our solar system formed within the same gas cloud. Without our grandparent the Sun, we would not exist, and the Sun in turn relies on the Milky Way as its home. The Milky Way rests in a larger web of galaxies that traces its origins right back to tiny fluctuations in the very early universe.Following these cosmic connections, we discover the many ties that bind us to our universe. Based around readers' questions from the author's popular blog 'Astroquizzical', the book provides a quirky guide to how things work in the universe and why things are the way they are, from shooting stars on Earth, to black holes, to entire galaxies.For anyone interested in the 'big picture' of how the cosmos functions and how it is all connected, Jillian Scudder is the perfect guide.Trade ReviewA wonderful jaunt through the universe at every scale, and a great way to fill in every gap in knowledge you have about astronomy. -- Zach Weinersmith, creator of SMBC, and co-author of the NYT bestselling book, Soonish.Astroquizzical from Dr Jillian Scudder is a superb astronomy book, written with a distinctive tone which is both pragmatic and poetic at the same time. It's perfectly attuned to the kind of awestruck curiosity we feel whilst taking in the majesty of a clear, starlit night sky. This book intelligently decodes those profound astronomical topics without swamping us in confusion. It also explains the intriguing importance of many astro and space exploration matters we might have underestimated or never even considered before. Dr Scudder's book brings the perfect blend of fact and fascination to help us feel a greater sense of our place within the clockwork of the universe. Astroquizzical is a most informative and highly engaging astronomy book. -- Jon CulshawScudder's mission is to provide the lay reader with a thorough grounding in the basics of astronomical knowledge. ... The writing is fluid and direct with the subject material brought vibrantly to life. ... For astro novices this book ... will bring a welcome depth to their appreciation of the night sky and the wonders it holds. -- BBC Sky at Night magazinegenuinely entertaining ... well-written ... fascinating ... quirky ... an excellent balance of enthusiasm and facts ... a good balance of illustrations ... Scudder is particularly good at explaining how the stunning colour images are multi-layered black and white images from different coloured filters. This is the kind of book that would be excellent to get either a teenage reader or an adult with limited exposure to astronomy interested in the field. It reads well and gives basic details without being patronising. It's a cosmic journey that I enjoyed. -- popularscience.co.ukScudder is an astrophysicist who studies star formation in very distant galaxies but takes time out to passionately engage in outreach, getting into schools and the community as often as she can. This, her first introductory book on astronomy, benefits from that outreach. ... The narrative form that Scudder employs is an imaginary cosmic journey that begins on our home planet and takes us in seven steps to the furthest galaxies. This simple format has been tried countless times before by big-name astronomers. What's different here is an intense level of engagement between writer and reader. Vivid storytelling explains the physics without equations. ... Her aim is to get people to think issues through for themselves, and that works. The clarity of Scudder's writing is impressive. -- Simon Mitton, Times Higher Education[Jillian Scudder's] excellent debut book is all about making complex concepts, if not exactly easy to understand, then at least a little easier to grasp. ... In her enthralling cosmic journey through space and time, astrophysicist Jillian Scudder discusses our home planet's place in the universe. ... The result is a highly readable primer for a basic understanding of phenomena such as shooting stars, black holes, galaxies and the origins of the universe. Beyond the flawless presentation of known facts and current thinking, Scudder explores further by positing counterfactuals and thought experiments. ... The real triumph of Scudder's Astroquizzical is that it brings high-altitude, notionally abstract ideas to the general reader, presented in an entertaining and accessible way. For those more familiar with the universe it will also help to fill some of the knowledge gaps created by advancements in current thinking. In short, it should be required reading for every engineer and technologist. -- Engineering & Technology magazineAstroquizzical approaches astronomy at a unique angle. It begins by stating that we are all distantly related to the stars; everything we're made of can be traced back to when they explode. By making this comparison at the start of the book, you instantly become intrigued and involved and from then on, the author ¬- Jillian Scudder - does a fine job of covering a variety of topics and interests in space science. The book starts at our home planet and the universe expands as the story unfolds, explaining the intricacies of our Solar System, the variety and evolution of stars, galaxies and finally the broader universe. These areas are well explained and accompanied by a series of illustrations, thought experiments and images. This is a welcome element to the book, particularly when it comes to explaining difficult concepts such as the behaviour of particles travelling at the speed of light and other more in depth, complicated topics. -- All About Space

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Book SynopsisTo some, science is simply a means to an end; to others it is an almost spiritual meditation on theoriesand formulae.The Curious World of Science embraces both views and much more besides. Focusing on the human endeavours at the heart of science, it presents a miscellany of essential classifications, intriguing biographies, amusing curiosities, and irresistible trivia. Bite-size morsels of text explore the worlds of physics, chemistry, biology, and maths, while also venturing into those magical areas where science meets art.This illustrated edition is brimming with graphics and illustrations, and includes a system of icons to signpost different paths through the miscellany. From the Large Hadron Collider rap to the sins of Isaac Newton, it offers a dizzying flight through the wonderfully human world of scientific knowledge.

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of the transformative ways in which nature has inspired the technological advancement of humankind.Biomimetics literally means emulating biology - and in a broader sense the term covers technological advances where the original inspiration came from nature. The Earth is a vast laboratory where the mechanisms of natural selection have enabled evolutionary solutions to be developed to a wide range of problems. In this new title in the Hot Science series, science writer Brian Clegg looks at how humans have piggybacked on natural experimentation, redeploying a solution to create things that make our lives easier. He looks at how the hooks on burdock seeds inspired the creation of Velcro, how the stickiness of the feet of geckos and frogs has been used to create gripping surfaces, such as tyre treads, and how even the most basic optical enhancement in the form of spectacles is itself a form of biomimetics.

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Book SynopsisWho has the answer to the world's fuel problems? How can we bring ruined land back to life? Where do roboticists turn when they try to engineer a hive mind? Termites. Strange though it seems, scientists look to tiny termites for answers to some big ideas. Lisa Margonelli tracks them, deep into their mounds to find out how termites can change the world. Underbug: An Obsessive Tale of Termites and Technology touches on everything from meditation, innovation and the psychology of obsession to good old-fashioned biology.Trade Review‘Turns cutting-edge science into rich narrative by plunging deep into the termite’s world...Margonelli’s masterly book is a timely, thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human, as much as what it means to be termite, and a penetrating look at the moral challenges of our ongoing technological revolution.’ * The New York Times *‘…one of the finest writers and most original thinkers we have. A surprising, swirling, fantastically unpredictable, thought-provoking, funny, and (depending on your species) delicious book.’ -- Mary Roach, author of Grunt and Gulp‘An eminently readable melange of the termite microcosm.’ * BBC Wildlife *‘A book about termites landed on my desk and, dear reader, it is so good that it came within a whisker of achieving the full weight of a maximum 9.8 Newtons…Governments and businesses (and the military) have invested a lot of money into termite investigations. And this excellent book follows the twists and turns of the eccentric scientists involved.’ * BA Business Life *‘In a unique voice that’s wry, inventive, and acrobatic, Margonelli takes us on a termite-guided exploration of subterranean tracts of nature, science, and robotics. The book is brimming with flair. Prepare to find yourself absorbed.’ -- Peter Godfrey-Smith, author of Other Minds‘Termites are not just the destructive force that homeowners know and hate―“architects of negative space,” as environmental writer Lisa Margonelli wittily puts it. They also comprise a kind of entomological three-ring circus, and this round-up of research on the eusocial insects is a ticket to the show… This is a wild ride through a hidden microcosmos stretching from Australia to Namibia.’ * Barbara Kiser, Nature *‘A revealing exploration of one of the most inscrutable insects ever to dominate our planet.’ -- Jonathan Balcombe, author of What a Fish Knows‘Unlikely but fascinating...[this] far-ranging work touches on the nature of individuality, the use of drones by the military, the applicability of concepts of good and evil to science, and the creation of biofuels created using the termite gut, among other topics. Margonelli brings all of this to light by making complex, cutting-edge science understandable to the general reader, while also conveying the excitement, frustration, and plain drudgery inherent in the scientific endeavor... Margonelli has written a book as entertaining as it is informative.’ * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisGame Theory isn't just for poker players or economists. You don't have to be a microeconomics or political science expert to understand it _ discover the theory of decision making and optimize your strategic thinking with the help of Gladiators, Pirates and Games of Trust.Have you ever struggled to make a decision? Tried to figure out the winning bidding strategy at an auction? Wondered how best to split the bill in a restaurant? Divide an inheritance? Wished you were better at negotiating? Thought about how to discourage a spouse from cheating?Then Haim Shapira's fascinating exploration of Game Theory and how it affects our everyday life will delight and captivate you. Topics include how to respond to ultimatums, playing chicken, the diner's dilemma, the blackmailer's paradox and matchmaking strategies.Make buying this book your first winning decision.Trade Review"One of the best Decision Making and Game Theory books of all time." —Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn founder) and Nassim Nicholas Taleb (author of Black Swan), BookAuthority

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Book SynopsisDogology explores the bizarre and very funny world of canine science.Vital questions answered include: Why do dogs fart (but cats don’t)? Do dogs feel guilt, love, happiness or jealousy? What does it mean when a dog wags its tail more to the right or the left? Why do dogs poo with their bodies aligned north-to-south? Do dogs dream? If so, what about? How do dogs smell epilepsy, cancer and human sadness? How many hairs are there on your dog? What does your dog hear when you talk? Packed with fascinating facts, quirky scientific revelations and weird stories about our furry friends, Dogology offers a secret glimpse inside the canine body and mind.

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