Popular science Books

Book SynopsisThis is a book about discovery and disaster, exploitation and invention, warfare and science - and the relationship between human beings and the chemical elements that make up our planet. Lars Ohrstrom introduces us to a variety of elements from S to Pb through tales of ordinary and extraordinary people from around the globe. We meet African dictators controlling vital supplies of uranium; eighteenth-century explorers searching out sources of precious metals; industrial spies stealing the secrets of steel-making. We find out why the Hindenburg airship was tragically filled with hydrogen, not helium; why nail-varnish remover played a key part in World War I; and the real story behind the legend of tin buttons and the downfall of Napoleon. In each chapter, we find out about the distinctive properties of each element and the concepts and principles that have enabled scientists to put it to practical use. These are the fascinating (and sometimes terrifying) stories of chemistry in action.Table of ContentsPREAMBLE: THE PERIODIC TABLE AND THE DA VINCI CODE; ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; BIBLIOGRAPHY; NOTES

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Book SynopsisYeast is humankind's favourite microbe, our partner in brewing, baking, and winemaking. Nicholas P. Money tells the story of this 10,000-year-long marriage, looking at how yeast served as a major factor in the development of civilization, celebrating its importance, and considering its future roles in molecular biology and genetic engineering.Trade ReviewA highly entertaining read ... a fascinating and lucid historical study, rich with biological intrigue. * Timothy James, Current Biology *The Rise of Yeast: How the sugar fungus shaped civilisation is an amazing story, about an amazing people-non-person relationship (and by an amazing writer): Surely, Moneys The Rise of Yeast is destined to be a classic and a thoroughly deserving award-winner! * Nigel Chaffey, Botany One, News and Views on Plant Biology and Ecology *The Rise of Yeast is a neat little book that elegantly covers a lot of ground. * Leon Vlieger, Inquisitive Biologist *Nicholas Money's effervescent tour is packed with delights, such as illustrations by Charles Tulasne, the Audubon of fungi, or the revelation that yeasts and humans share a common ancestor (and hundreds of genes). * Barabra Kiser, Nature *An enjoyable and readable account. * Brewer & Distiller International *Yeast rises our bread, ferments our beer, wine, and spirits, perfumes our fruit, nourishes our bodies, makes us bold in love, foments chaos, powers our cars, and unlocks the soul. We humans tend to think that we rule the earth, but the evidence on our behalf is scant. This fascinating book unlocks the mysteries of our world's true masters, which were here before we walked, will be here when we're gone, and, in the meantime, help make our time on the planet a lot more fun and infinitely more delicious. * Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery, Editor-in-Chief, The Oxford Companion to Beer *Table of ContentsNOTES; BIBLIOGRAPHY; INDEX

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Book SynopsisInfinity is an intriguing topic, with connections to religion, philosophy, metaphysics, logic, and physics as well as mathematics. Its history goes back to ancient times, with especially important contributions from Euclid, Aristotle, Eudoxus, and Archimedes. The infinitely large (infinite) is intimately related to the infinitely small (infinitesimal). Cosmologists consider sweeping questions about whether space and time are infinite. Philosophers and mathematicians ranging from Zeno to Russell have posed numerous paradoxes about infinity and infinitesimals. Many vital areas of mathematics rest upon some version of infinity. The most obvious, and the first context in which major new techniques depended on formulating infinite processes, is calculus. But there are many others, for example Fourier analysis and fractals.In this Very Short Introduction, Ian Stewart discusses infinity in mathematics while also drawing in the various other aspects of infinity and explaining some of the major problems and insights arising from this concept. He argues that working with infinity is not just an abstract, intellectual exercise but that it is instead a concept with important practical everyday applications, and considers how mathematicians use infinity and infinitesimals to answer questions or supply techniques that do not appear to involve the infinite.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 ReviewThis particular volume does exactly what it says on the tin, providing just enough background on various aspects of infinity to pique the readers interest. It is written with the same clarity and attention to detail as Professor Stewarts other books. * David Hopkins, Mathematical Gazette *Stewart has turned what must have seemed like a daunting project into an entertaining, illuminating, and digestible read... the book has something for everyone. * Marianne Freiberger, Plus *Even the experienced reader may have more occasion to learn something new. Some of these non-essential but nevertheless flashes of a that's-interesting-I-didn't-know-that experience will make it worthwhile reading. * Adhemar Bultheel, European Mathematical Society *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; REFERENCES; FURTHER READING; INDEX

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Book SynopsisRanging from vast inland seas to hydro-reservoirs, lakes are unique, complex, ecosystems. Warwick Vincent introduces lake science, or limnology, and the importance of protecting and sustaining these vitally important living resources. He explains the impact of factors such as climate, seasons, salinity, and sedimentation on lake biodiversity.Trade ReviewA fast-track insight into lakes, from how they're formed to a hit list of 'extreme lakes' in unusual places. Packed with facts but not (ahem) a dry read. * Sarah Barrell, National Geographic Traveller *Does an excellent job at showing how biology, chemistry and physics are inextricably linked and necessary to understand lakes. Overall, this short book provides an excellent and lucid introduction to the beauty and complexity of lakes. * Yves Prairie, UNESCO Chair in Global Environmental Change *This book is a sparkling gem! It is a must-read not only for novices intrigued by freshwaters but also academics teaching limnology (study of inland waters) and university students interested in the subject. * Marianne Moore, Frost Professor Emerita in Environmental Science, Wellesley College. *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: Deep waters 2: Sunlight and motion 3: Life support systems 4: Food chains to fish 5: Extreme lakes 6: Lakes and us Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisWhat is responsible for the differences between the sexes in so many animals, from the brilliant plumage of birds of paradise to the antlers on deer? And why are the traits that distinguish the sexes sometimes apparently detrimental to survival? Even when they look more or less alike, why do males and females sometimes behave differently? Questions like these have intrigued scientists and the public alike for many years, and new discoveries are showing us both how wildly variable the natural world is, and how some basic principles can help explain much of that variation. Like natural selection, sexual selection is a process that results from differential representation of genes in successive generations. Under sexual selection, however, the crucial characteristics that determine whether an individual reproduces depend on sexual competition, rather than survival ability. This Very Short Introduction considers the history of our understanding of sexual selection, from Darwin''s key insights to the modern day. Considering the investment animals place on reproduction, variation in mating systems, sexual conflict, and the origin of sexual dimorphism, Marlene Zuk and Leigh Simmons discuss questions such as whether females can really choose between males on aesthetic grounds, and how sexual conflict is resolved in different species. They conclude with a consideration of the thorny question of how, and even if, sexual selection theory applies to 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.Trade Review[A] delightful book ... informative and insightful ... Sexual Selection is thin and relatively cheap, but it's packed with more information than other books four times the size and price. * Mark Greener, Fortean Times *An excellent, fascinating introduction to the recent discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of competition over mates, mate choice and differences between the sexes. Darwin would have been both pleased and amazed. * Malte Andersson, Professor emeritus, Animal Ecology, University of Gothenburg *Zuk and Simmons' book is enjoyable and informative. * Journal of Mammalogy *Table of Contents1: Darwin's other big idea 2: Choosing from the field of competitors 3: Sex roles and stereotypes 4: Sexual selection after mating 5: Sexual conflict 6: Mating systems, or who goes with whom, and for how long 7: How sex makes species surviveFurther ReadingIndex

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Book SynopsisFor millions of years reptiles have walked, crawled, and slithered over the face of our Earth. From the mighty dinosaurs who dominated the land, the pterosaurs who took to the air, and the marine adapted ichthyosaurs, to the living reptiles today such as the lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and turtles, plus the single species of tuatara in New Zealand, reptiles have come in all shapes and sizes. In this Very Short Introduction Tom Kemp discusses the adaptations reptiles made to first leave the sea and colonise the land in dry conditions, such as their waterproof skin, their ability to expel almost dry waste products, their efficient use of external heat for maintaining their body temperature, and the amniotic egg that is laid and develops on dry land. Considering the different living groups of reptiles today, Kemp then describes how their respective bodies are adapted for their different ways of life, from snake feeding patterns to the way crocodiles breathe. Finally, Kemp assesses the threat of extinction to reptile species due to over-exploitation, habitat destruction, and climate change, and considers what can be done.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 ReviewReptiles are more than the 'abhorrent, cold-bodied animals' of classical myth, but 10,000 species of successful animals. Tom Kemp outlines all the key aspects of the biology of lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodiles, and traces their evolution, all illustrated by intriguing anecdotes * Professor Michael Benton *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: What is a reptile? 2: The history of reptiles 3: Lizards 4: Snakes 5: Crocodiles 6: Turtles 7: Reptile conservation Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisOver the last forty years the philosophy of biology has emerged as an important sub-discipline of the philosophy of science. Covering some of science''s most divisive topics, such as philosophical issues in genetics, it also encompasses areas where modern biology has increasingly impinged on traditional philosophical questions, such as free will, essentialism, and nature vs nurture.In this Very Short Introduction Samir Okasha outlines the core issues with which contemporary philosophy of biology is engaged. Offering a whistle-stop tour of the history of biology, he explores key ideas and paradigm shifts throughout the centuries, including areas such as the theory of evolution by natural selection; the concepts of function and design; biological individuality; and the debate over adaptationism. Throughout Okasha makes clear the relevance of biology for understanding human beings, human society, and our place in the natural world, and the importance of engaging with these issues.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 ReviewOkasha writes beautifully and clearly, presenting and discussing the major contemporary ideas about evolution,adaptation, the species concept, genes, and evolutionary psychology in humans ... I venture to suggest that it should be mandatory reading for anyone contemplating -or having- a degree in biology. * Conservation Biology *Okasha's book will prove to be a very useful resource for introducing undergraduate students to the elements of philosophy of biology. * Joeri Witteveen and Sara Green, Metascience *In this accessible, beautifully and clearly written book, Samir Okasha presents some of the major topics in the Philosophy of Biology. The book illuminates the intimate relations between the science and the philosophy of biology, and is an excellent and solid basis for exploring the new theoretical frameworks and controversies that are emerging in this vibrant field. * Professor Eva Jablonka, Tel Aviv University *In this excellent addition to the Very Short Introduction series, Samir Okasha offers a lucid and concise account of one of the most vital fields in contemporary philosophy. This will be the best starting point for anyone interested in exploring philosophical reflection on the biological sciences. * Philip Kitcher, Columbia University *Table of Contents1: Why philosophy of biology? 2: Evolution and natural selection 3: Teleology, function, and purpose 4: Species and classification 5: Biological individuality 6: Genes 7: Biology, culture, and society Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisA number of extreme weather events have struck the Northern Hemisphere in recent years, from scorching heatwaves to desperately cold winters, and from floods and storms to droughts and wildfires. These events have fuelled intense discussions in scientific conferences, government agencies, cafes, and on street corners around the world. Why are these events happening? Is this the emerging signal of climate change, and should we expect more of this? Media reports vary widely, but one mysterious agent has risen to prominence in many cases: the jet stream.The story begins on a windswept beach in Barbados, from where we follow the ascent of a weather balloon that will travel along the jet stream all around the world. From this viewpoint we observe the effect of the jet in influencing human life around the hemisphere, and witness startling changes emerging. What is the jet stream and how well do we understand it? How does it affect our weather and is it changing? These are the main questions tackled in this book. We learn about how our view of the wind has developed from Aristotle''s early theories up to today''s understanding. We see that the jet is intimately connected with dramatic contrasts between climate zones and has played a key historical role in determining patterns of trade. We learn about the basic physics underlying the jet and how this knowledge is incorporated into computer models which predict both tomorrow''s weather and the climate of future decades. And finally, we discuss how climate change is expected to affect the jet, and introduce the vital scientific debate over whether these changes have contributed to recent extreme weather events.Trade ReviewWoollings suggests that the extreme weather events that have afflicted the northern hemisphere in recent years are connected to the behaviour of the jet stream. He outlines what we know about the jet stream and how it is affecting the planet's climate. * Survival: Global Politics and Strategy *[A] thoroughly original, highly imaginative book ... The book is approachable to an intelligent lay audience. It is judiciously and delightfully illustrated and told as an engaging narrative... * Richard Lofthouse, QUAD *[An] approachable exploration of the jet stream ... The reader is rewarded with plenty of juicy little facts ... a good and surprisingly enjoyable trip around a weather phenomenon. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *As a professional meteorologist I particularly enjoyed this whirlwind tour through my chosen science in a book that brings seemingly disparate theories together to give a global understanding of the weather ... the book strikes the right balance between facts, figures and diagrams with personal stories about key players in the world of meteorology. I would highly recommend it to both professional meteorologists and those who have an interest in the weather and climate. * Katie Brown, Weather *This book is ideal for lay folk with basic school-level science who have an interest the weather and wish to learn a little more. It would also be a valuable summer holiday read for school leavers anticipating embarking on a meteorology or climate change related course. * Jonathan Cowie, The Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation *Tim Woollings is a great story-teller ... I was delighted to find this book a real page-turner! Each topic is treated with a judicious blend of vigor and rigor ... I think this book would be an excellent introduction to the global atmospheric circulation for anyone with a basic background in classical mechanics who is prepared to spend some time grappling with the concepts. But it would also be a good, rapid read for someone who wants a quick overview. * Professor David Andrews *This is an amazing book. In less than 200 slim pages it gives a very readable account of weather and climate ... The reader is given both an interesting historical background and an up-to-date account of many important issues, including climate change. * Sir Brian Hoskins, Imperial College London and University of Reading *This educative, scientifically sound and well-narrated story has the power to inspire further research and reading. A must read for atmospheric scientists and for anyone who enjoys studying our natural environment. * Panos Athanasiadis, CMCC, Bologna *Tim Woollings' book is a grand travelogue of weather, history, and geography, all connected to the winds that circle our globe and the people who have tried to understand them. Anyone who has watched a weather forecast and has wondered why the air does what it does will find this book fascinating. The science is up-to-date and accurate; Woollings doesn't settle for ordinary close-enough-but-wrong explanations but instead explains how weather and climate systems really work. You'll be amazed and awestruck at everything that happens to produce that puff of wind against your cheek. * John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas A&M University *Table of Contents1: Launch 2: Trades 3: Spin 4: Contrasts 5: Waves 6: Storm 7: Tracks 8: Experiments 9: Nino 10: Mountains 11: Gulf 12: Split 13: Drivers 14: Exit 15: Future 16: Changes 17: Confession

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Book SynopsisAntimatter explores a strange mirror world, where particles have identical yet opposite properties to those that make up the familiar matter we encounter everyday; where left becomes right, positive becomes negative; and where, should matter and antimatter meet, the two annihilate in a blinding flash of energy that makes even thermonuclear explosions look feeble by comparison. It is an idea long beloved of science-fiction stories--but here, renowned science writer Frank Close shows that the reality of antimatter is even more fascinating than the fiction itself. We know that once, antimatter and matter existed in perfect counterbalance, and that antimatter then perpetrated a vanishing act on a cosmic scale that remains one of the greatest mysteries of the universe. Today, antimatter does not exist normally, at least on Earth, but we know that it is real for scientists are now able to make small pieces of it in particle accelerators, such as that at CERN in Geneva. Looking at the remarkable prediction of antimatter and how it grew from the meeting point of relativity and quantum theory in the early 20th century, at the discovery of the first antiparticles, at cosmic rays, annihilation, antimatter bombs, and antiworlds, Close separates the facts from the fiction about antimatter, and explains how its existence can give us profound clues about the origins and structure of the universe.Oxford Landmark Science books are ''must-read'' classics of modern science writing which have crystallized big ideas, and shaped the way we think.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition To miss out on books like this is to miss out on a grasp of the astounding nature of the universe, * Nicholas Lezard, The Guardian *The book does not overburden the reader with dense technical details or equations, it rather offers an accessible, elegant, thought-provoking and up-to-date overview on the subject, representing a great resource filled with vital information on antimatter for the science and the science-fiction lovers. * Eric Howard, Contemporary Physics *This compact book is a wonderful source of information on antimatter and offers us a meticulously researched account of the nature, properties and applications of the often overlooked entities in the fantastic antiworld around us. * Chemistry World *This is a must-read for fans of science and science fiction alike * John Gribbin, www.bbcfocusmagazine.com *Beautifully written... This book will inspire a sense of awe in even the most seasoned readers of physics books. * Amanda Gefter, New Scientist *Beautifully concise history of one vital aspect of twentieth-century particle physics. * Mark Ronan, Times Literary Supplement *Table of ContentsForeword: 'Genesis' 1: Antimatter: Fact or Fiction? 2: The Material World 3: Tablets of Stone 4: A Cosmic Discovery 5: Annihilation 6: Storing Antimatter 7: The Mirror Universe 8: Why is There Anything at All? 9: Revelations Appendix: The Cost of Antimatter Appendix: 'The Dirac Code' Notes Bibliography Index

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Book Synopsis''fascinating''Brian CoxThis is the story of citizen science. Where once astronomers sat at the controls of giant telescopes in remote locations, praying for clear skies, now they have no need to budge from their desks, as data arrives in their inbox. And what they receive is overwhelming; projects now being built provide more data in a few nights than in the whole of humanity''s history of observing the Universe. It''s not just astronomy either--dealing with this deluge of data is the major challenge for scientists at CERN, and for biologists who use automated cameras to spy on animals in their natural habitats. Artificial intelligence is one part of the solution--but will it spell the end of human involvement in scientific discovery?No, argues Chris Lintott. We humans still have unique capabilities to bring to bear--our curiosity, our capacity for wonder, and, most importantly, our capacity for surprise. It seems that humans and computers working together do better than computers can on their own. But with so much scientific data, you need a lot of scientists--a crowd, in fact. Lintott found such a crowd in the Zooniverse, the web-based project that allows hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to science.In this book, Lintott describes the exciting discoveries that people all over the world have made, from galaxies to pulsars, exoplanets to moons, and from penguin behaviour to old ship''s logs. This approach builds on a long history of so-called ''citizen science'', given new power by fast internet and distributed data. Discovery is no longer the remit only of scientists in specialist labs or academics in ivory towers. It''s something we can all take part in. As Lintott shows, it''s a wonderful way to engage with science, yielding new insights daily. You, too, can help explore the Universe in your lunch hour.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition Lintott is a great storyteller with a knack for witty anecdotes. Once you start reading, his book is hard to put away. * BBC Sky at Night *Lintott deftly interweaves personal experience and more philosophical ruminations on public participation in science. * Michael West, Nature *The Crowd and the Cosmos has a very conversational style... Not only does Lintott cover citizen science initiatives, but he captures, in an easy-to-understand manner, a number of cutting-edge astronomical research topics... Who knows what is waiting to be discovered in the numerous collected data sets available on the Zooniverse? Thanks to this book, perhaps I will contribute in a small way to the next big discovery. * Matthew Hodgson, Astronomy Now *With a light-handed touch, a passion that shines through, and fun footnotes to make the reader chuckle, the author uncovers the bafflingly-infinite properties of the universe and people and penguins too. * OX Magazine *...very readable, entertaining and informative... Well worth a read. * Martin Richmond-Hardy, OASI Newsletter *The Crowd & the Cosmos is a reminder that the Internet has also given rise to networks of positive accomplishment and that human intuition can still exceed algorithms and artificial intelligence. * Shepherd Express *The Crowd and the Cosmos is a superbly written insight into the unique and powerful contribution enthusiasts from all walks of life can make to scientific knowledge. It is also a fascinating and much-needed description of how we acquire reliable knowledge about nature, from the search for planets and perhaps civilizations around distant stars to observations of penguins in the Antarctic and what they can teach us about the impact we are having on our own world. * Brian Cox *Chris Lintott is a modest genius. He has quietly revolutionised modern astronomy (and a few other branches of science) by using digital platforms to involve the public. Anyone who wants to contribute some of their spare time is invited, through Chris's Zooniverse projects, to participate in real science. Literally millions have taken up the invitation. This is a beautifully readable book, which tells the story of the Zooniverse and much more. Chris is delightfully anecdotal, inclusive and witty, yet never shirks in-depth explanations of the cutting-edge science he's delivering to us, almost before we realise it - this is the New Age of Science for All! * Brian May *The Crowd and the Cosmos gives an authentic flavour of astronomical research and its appeal. But it's especially significant because it offers a first-hand account of how Chris Lintott conceived and led the 'Zooniverse' project, thereby enabling huge numbers to participate in significant research, and even make important discoveries. His pioneering initiative has spawned similar programmes in naval history, conservation and other subjectstriggering a benign social revolution in scholarship and education. * Martin Rees *[A] highly readable book. * David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer *[Lintott] reflects with passion and curiosity on the detective work needed to explain the mysteries of the Universe. * Lea Shanley, Science Magazine *Table of ContentsPreface 1: Finding planets 2: How science is done 3: The crowd and the cosmos 4: No new ideas 5: Into the Zooniverse 6: Too many penguins 7: Things that go bang in the night 8: Serendipity 9: Humans versus computers Further reading Index

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Book Synopsis Simone Marchi presents the emerging story of how cosmic collisions shaped both the solar system and our own planet, from the creation of the Moon to influencing the evolution of life on Earth. The Earth emerged out of the upheaval and chaos of massive collisions in the infancy of the Solar System, more than four billion years ago. The largest of these events sent into orbit a spray of molten rocks out of which the Moon coalesced. As in ancient mythological tales, this giant catastrophe marks the birth of our planet as we know it. Space exploration has shown that signs of ancient collisions are widespread in the Solar System, from the barren and once-habitable Mars to the rugged asteroids. On Earth these signs are more subtle, but still cataclysmic, such as the massive asteroid strike which likely sparked the demise of the dinosaurs and many other forms of life some 66 million years ago. Signatures of even more dramatic catastrophes are concealed in ancient rocks. These events wreaked havoc on our planet''s surface, influencing global climate and topography, while also enriching the Earth with gold and other rare elements. And recently, modern science is finding that they could even have contributed to developing the conditions conducive to life. In Colliding Worlds, Simone Marchi explores the key role that collisions in space have played in the formation and evolution of our solar system, the development of planets, and possibly even the origin of life on Earth. Analysing our latest understanding of the surfaces of Mars and Venus, gleaned from recent space missions, Marchi presents the dramatic story of cosmic collisions and their legacies.Trade ReviewIn Colliding Worlds, Simone Marchi explores the key role that collisions in space have played in the formation and evolution of our solarsystem, the development of planets, and possibly even the origin of life on Earth. Analyzing our latest understanding of the surfaces of Mars and Venus, gleaned from recent space missions, Marchi presents the dramatic story of cosmic collisions and their legacies. * Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin No. 167 (January 2022) *Although collisions form the main thread running through the book, it's actually wider in scope than that, covering both the history of the Solar System, and the history of our understanding of it. That includes our understanding of our own planet, and one of the eye-opening facts is how long it took the academic world to recognise the role played by collisions in geological history. Basically, the topic got lost for decades in the gap between the geology and astronomy departments. [...] Marchi's first-hand accounts of work he was personally involved in - such as NASAs Dawn mission to the asteroid belt - make especially fascinating reading. For anyone wanting an up-to-date account of the Solar System and the processes that shape it, this is the perfect place to start. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *Colliding Worlds is a fascinating and fresh look at the history of our solar system through the lens of the cataclysmic events that have profoundly shaped it. Marchi's engaging and clearly written book helps us understand the nature and significance of impacts for Earth's geologic history and the emergence of life, as well as their implications for our sibling terrestrial planets and exoplanetary systems. * Carol A. Raymond, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology *A fascinating story of how our Solar System was formed, and how we have arrived at the current understanding of it, from the unique perspective of cosmic collisions. Information from a few hundred years of planetary and astronomical research to the latest space exploration is marvellously weaved together. The very success of being able to connect diverse subjects in such a coherent and engaging manner attests to the fundamental importance of cosmic collisions, or "creative destruction" as the author puts it, in our search for the grand theory of planetary formation in the coming years. * Jun Korenaga, Yale University *Table of Contents1: Born out of Fire and Chaos 2: A Clash of Giants 3: Wandering Among the Planets 4: Earth's Wild Years 5: A Watery Mars 6: Creative Destruction Endnotes

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Book Synopsis''Grayling brings satisfying order to daunting subjects'' Steven Pinker_________________________In very recent times humanity has learnt a vast amount about the universe, the past, and itself. But through our remarkable successes in acquiring knowledge we have learned how much we have yet to learn: the science we have, for example, addresses just 5 per cent of the universe; pre-history is still being revealed, with thousands of historical sites yet to be explored; and the new neurosciences of mind and brain are just beginning. What do we know, and how do we know it? What do we now know that we don''t know? And what have we learnt about the obstacles to knowing more? In a time of deepening battles over what knowledge and truth mean, these questions matter more than ever. Bestselling polymath and philosopher A. C. Grayling seeks to answer them in three crucial areas at the frontiers of knowledge: science, history and psychology. A remarkTrade ReviewGrayling brings satisfying order to daunting subjects -- Steven PinkerRemarkable, readable and authoritative. How he has mastered so much, so thoroughly, is nothing short of amazing -- Lawrence M. Krauss, author of A Universe from NothingThis book hums with the excitement of the great human project of discovery -- Adam Zeman, author of AphantasiaProf. Grayling interweaves the recent scientific and archaeological advances into a compelling narrative of how much progress humans have made in the understanding of their place in the natural, social and cognitive worlds. And how ignorant we still remain providing strong motivation to further this understanding by new empirical evidence -- Tejidner Virdee FRSAC Grayling tackles the questions science can't answer... a breathtaking book... Scholarly, lucid and accessible without being patronising or diluting, Grayling offers a masterly exegesis of current knowledge in three disciplines, as well as an analysis of what both opens and obstructs our access to such knowledge - in effect, four books in one -- Jane O'Grady * The Telegraph *An enthusiastic thinker who embraces humour, common sense and lucidity * Independent *

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Book SynopsisAn award-winning physician and scientist makes the game-changing case that genetic females are stronger than males at every stage of life''A powerful antidote to the myth of a weaker sex'' Gina Rippon, author of The Gendered BrainFrom birth, genetic females are better at fighting viruses, infections and cancer. They do better at surviving epidemics and famines. They live longer, and even see the world in a wider variety of colours. These are the facts; they are simply stronger than men at every stage of life. Why? And why are we taught the opposite?Drawing on his wide-ranging experience and cutting-edge research as a medic, geneticist and specialist in rare diseases, Dr Sharon Moalem reveals how the answer lies in our genetics: the female''s double XX chromosomes offer a powerful survival advantage. And he calls for a long-overdue reconsideration of our one-size-fits-all view of the body and medicine - a view that still frames women through the lens of men. Revolutionary, captivating and utterly persuasive, The Better Half will make you see women, men and the survival of our species anew.''Brilliant, original and groundbreaking, highly readable and genuinely useful'' Daily MailTrade ReviewLet's hear it for the X-chromosome! After decades, if not centuries, of bad press for women and their vulnerable biology, The Better Half gives chapter and verse to show that 'almost everything that is biologically difficult to do in life is done better by females'. An eye- and mind-opening celebration of the reserve genetic horsepower that having two X-chromosomes can bestow, The Better Half is a powerful antidote to the myth of a 'weaker sex'. * Gina Rippon, author of The Gendered Brain and Professor Emeritus of Cognitive Neuroimaging at Aston University, Birmingham *Moalem's essential thesis is valid and important, and deserves attention both within the scientific community and beyond. This is a readable and lively book, making an argument long overdue * The Irish Independent *Although Dr. Moalem had me at the subtitle, I tore through this fascinating, eye-opening book in one sitting. Provocative, crackling with wit and insight, THE BETTER HALF argues that science has shortchanged women in all levels of research and convincingly reveals that the true differences between men and women come down to longevity, intellect, resilience, and immunity to disease. Now it all makes sense why 95 percent of people who have reached the age of 110 are women. -- Jancee Dunn * New York Times bestselling author of 'How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids' *A mind-opening celebration of women -- Kate Garraway, broadcaster and journalistThis book provides the crucial scientific reasoning behind why it is essential to include males and females, both in people and animals, in order to get accurate results in medical research. * Temple Grandin, New York Times bestselling author of 'The Autistic Brain' and 'Thinking in Pictures' *A compelling argument for the resilience seen in women. But the real genius is the poetic justice he metes out by highlighting the brilliant women who remain unsung heroes in these discoveries. -- William J. Sullivan * Showalter Professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and author of 'Pleased to Meet Me' *The Better Half explores the genetic differences between males and females in a way that is both original and scientifically compelling. This book provides a great read, and lots to think about, for specialists and the public alike. -- Han G. Brunner, MD, PhD, Professor of Human Genetics at Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, and Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands.Moalem brings deep, yet highly-readable, scientific analysis to the perennial question of what makes men and women different. Ideally, this book will re-set that conversation in research labs, doctors' offices, classrooms, and dinner tables around the world." -- E. Kinney Zalesne, New York Times bestselling collaborator on 'Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes'

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Book Synopsis''A bold, ambitious and truly wonderful history of the world'' Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees''A fascinating story and a crucial revision of the momentous importance of tropical forests to human history'' Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins_________________________ Jungle tells the remarkable story of the world''s tropical forests, from the arrival of the first plants millions of years ago to the role of tropical forests in the evolution of the world''s atmosphere, the dinosaurs, the first mammals and even our own species and ancestors. Highlighting provocative new evidence garnered from cutting-edge research, Dr Roberts shows, for example, that our view of humans as ''savannah specialists'' is wildly wrong, and that the ''Anthropocene'' began not with the Industrial Revolution, but potentially as early as 6,000 years ago in the tropics. We see that the relationship between humankind Trade ReviewJungle is a bold, ambitious and truly wonderful history of the world that shows the vital importance of tropical forests to life on Earth -- Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of TreesA fascinating story and a crucial revision of the momentous importance of tropical forests to human history. Spanning from our very evolution as a species, to the early stages of globalisation and how we fill our kitchen cupboards today, we all owe far more to jungles than we realise -- Lewis Dartnell, author of OriginsThere are many books on the history of trilobites and dinosaurs and other animals, but so few on the history of plants. Here the dynamic young scientist Patrick Roberts tackles the history of the tropics, from the coal swamps of 300 million years ago, through the co-evolutionary dance of dinosaurs and mammals and flowers, to how our own human history has been shaped by vegetation. As environments are changing rapidly around us today, this is a timely, readable and highly relevant history that celebrates the wonder and importance of jungles -- Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the DinosaursWelcome to the 'Jungle' - a breath-taking book showing that tropical forests were key to our evolution, provide fossil fuels for our modern carbon-hungry society and ultimately must be protected and restored if we are to have a future. This insightful and captivating book will ensure you never take our jungles for granted ever again -- Mark Maslin, author of How to Save Our PlanetAn enthralling jungle-journey from the origins of life on this planet to the present day, Jungle provides a brilliant new perspective on our interaction with tropical forests, placing them at the centre of human experience - and it delivers a timely warning about our abuse of the environment -- David Abulafia, author of The Great SeaJungle sweeps the reader into the primordial heart of the earth, as if the crucible of life welcomed you to its sanctuary. Its revelations and stories will stir, rearrange and populate your mind for years to come. As a book, it is a joy, pure intellectual chocolate -- Paul Hawken, author of DrawdownFinally, a book on rainforests that does justice to their majesty and importance. Patrick Roberts skilfully and lucidly shows why tropical forests matter. He builds the case that people and tropical forests are intimately linked, whether you live in the rainforest or seemingly a world away. Those intricate links are more important than ever today, with ending deforestation playing a key role in solving the twin climate and biodiversity crises we face this century -- Simon Lewis, co-author of The Human PlanetEnormously ambitious, deeply researched, moves with great skill from ecology and evolution to history and politics -- Michael Marshall * New Scientist *Many European and American books and films imply that tropical forests are incapable of sustainably supporting large human societies. Jungle provides a superbly argued refutation of this long-held view . . . a thrilling reappraisal of our origins and our dependence on tropical forests -- Charlie Pye-Smith * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisFrom one of the world's most influential scientists, an impassioned call for quick and decisive action to save the Earth's rich biological heritage.Trade ReviewThere's a new Darwin. His name is Edward O. Wilson * Tom Wolfe. *A giant among pygmies * Bryan Appleyard, INDEPENDENT *One of the clearest and most dedicated popularizers of science since T.H.Huxley * TIME. *A grippingly detailed account * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *

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Book SynopsisFor centuries, electricity was viewed as little more than a curious property of certain substances that sparked when rubbed. Then, in the 1790s, Alessandro Volta began the scientific investigation that ignited an explosion of knowledge and invention, transforming our world. The force that once seemed inconsequential was revealed to be responsible for everything from the structure of the atom to the functioning of our brains. A superb storyteller, Bodanis weaves tales of romance, divine inspiration, and fraud through lucid accounts of scientific breakthrough. The great discoverers come to life in all their brilliance and idiosyncrasy, including the visionary Michael Faraday, who struggled against the prejudices of the British class system, and Alexander Graham Bell, driven to invent by his love for a young deaf student. From the cold waters of the Atlantic, to the streets of Hamburg during a World War II firestorm and the interior of the human body, Electric Universe is a mesmerizing journey of discovery by a master science writer.Trade ReviewHugely impressive. No one makes complex science more fascinating and accessible - and indeed more pleasurable - than David Bodanis * Bill Bryson *A technological odyssey complete with heroes and villains, triumph and tragedy - a true scientific adventure * Simon Singh, author of BIG BANG and FERMAT'S LAST THEOREM *Bodanis unpeels these layers of the electrical onion expertly; his writing is vigorous and sometimes ecstatic . . . ELECTRIC UNIVERSE is a high-voltage performance * DAILY MAIL *A compelling, fast-paced read * OBSERVER *

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Book SynopsisThe Origin of Species may be the most famous book in science but its stature tends to obscure much of Charles Darwin''s other works. His visit to the Galapagos lasted just five weeks and on his return he never left Britain again. Darwin spent forty years working on the plants, animals and people of his native land and wrote over six million words on topics as different as dogs, insect-eating plants, orchids, earthworms, apes and human emotion. Together they laid the foundations of modern biology. In this beautifully written, witty and illuminating book, Steve Jones explores the domestic Darwin, tracing the great naturalist''s journey across Britain: a voyage not of the body, but of the mind.Trade Review** 'Steve Jones who in ALMOST LIKE A WHALE successfully rewrote Darwin in the 21st century, reminds us in DARWIN'S ISLAND that Darwin did actually write 19 other books which are full of insight into the human condition and into the flora and fauna of Britain - hence his title. If you were to read one new book on Darwin this year, this should be it * Christopher Hudson, DAILY MAIL *** 'Darwin's theory of evolution is often imagined to be the result of his voyage to the Galapagos Islands aboard HMS Beagle. But as Steve Jones points out at the start of his enthralling book, he spent only five weeks in the Galapagos, whereas for 40 yea * John Carey SUNDAY TIMES *** 'Wow, Goodness me! Fancy that! Well I never! This is what you will be saying at every other page of Steve Jones's brilliant, remarkable, profound and deeply unsettling book. Your reactions otherwise will be shock and awe: shock at how far down the road to hell humankind has pushed its handcart, and awe at the light way Jones wears his formidable learning. If there is one book to be read at this bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of his The Origin of Species, then this must be it * Andy Barclay IRISH TIMES *Darwin's Island fills in the details of four decades that followed his five years on HMS Beagle. A professor of genetics and a gifted writer who has already successfully updated Darwin for the 21st century in an earlier book, Steve Jones is ideally place * Roger Highfield DAILY TELEGRAPH *

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Book Synopsis''Illuminating!'' Professor Brian Cox''Every Steve Jones book is a masterclass in clear and captivating writing with tantalising detours into beguiling anecdotes. Here Comes the Sun is dense with ideas and stories and, like all his books, it will change the way you see the world around you'' Robin Ince Our sun drives the weather, forms the landscape, feeds and fuels - but sometimes destroys - the creatures that live upon it, controls their patterns of activity, makes chemicals in the skin that cheer up those who bask in its rays, and for the ancients was the seat of divine authority.In Here Comes the Sun, Steve Jones shows how life on Earth is ruled by our nearest star. It is filled with unexpected connections; between the need to stay cool and man''s ability to stand upright, between the power of memory and the onset of darkness, between the flow of solar energy through the plants and animals and of wealth through society, and betTrade ReviewWith wry wit and real clarity, geneticist Steve Jones examines the Sun and our relationship to it. It's a nimble narrative, from the physics of the "hydrogen bomb in the sky" to its impact on the biosphere, water cycle, food chain, human health and climate change. Jones braids in gripping storylines - on conditions linked to lack of sunlight (such as the bone disease rickets) and the interplay between night, day and sleep - and many throwaway gems, from primates urinating on themselves to stay cool, to the boiling-porridge turbulence of convection on the solar surface * Nature *A richly readable guide to all things solar . . . one of the country's best writers of popular science. His wit, insight and ability to home in on a subject's most memorable facts enliven Here Comes The Sun from the start * Daily Mail *A must read for everyone and anyone who cares about life on Earth -- Barry Sheerman MP * The House magazine *Every Steve Jones book is a masterclass in clear and captivating writing with tantalising detours into beguiling anecdotes. Here Comes the Sun is dense with ideas and stories and, like all his books, it will change the way you see the world around you -- Robin InceFrom solar storms to Spanish snails, scented cakes to sleep science, this book shimmers with fascinating facts. Illuminating, warm, fascinating and funny - Steve Jones' writing is as brightly illuminating as the sunlight he writes about. A shimmering tale of sun, snails and science -- Professor Alice Roberts

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE INVESTIGATIVE FOOD WORK AWARD AT THE GUILD OF FOOD WRITERS AWARDS 2023''The most incredible book'' Delia Smith''Persuasive, entertaining and well researched'' Sunday TimesPlant-based is best for health, go vegan to help save the planet, eat less meat... Almost every day we are bombarded with the seemingly incontrovertible message that we must reduce our consumption of meat and dairy - or eliminate them from our diets altogether.But what if the pervasive message that the plant-based diet will improve our health and save the planet is misleading - or even false? What if removing animal foods from our diet is a serious threat to human health, and a red herring in the fight against climate change.In THE GREAT PLANT-BASED CON, Jayne Buxton demonstrates that each of these ''what-ifs'' is, in fact, a reality. Drawing on the work of numerous health experts and researchers, she uncovers how the separate efforts of a constellation of individuals, companies and organisations are leading us down a dietary road that will have severe repercussions for our health and wellbeing, and for the future of the planet.THE GREAT PLANT-BASED CON is neither anti-plant nor anti-vegan - it is a call for us to take an honest look at the facts about human diets and their effect on the environment. Shocking and eye-opening, this book outlines everything you need to know to make more informed decisions about the food you choose to eat.Trade ReviewThe most incredible book -- Delia Smith * The Food Programme, BBC Radio 4 *How I have waited for this book! A much needed, fact-packed, lucidly argued demolition of pervasive, endlessly recycled, anti-animal source food propaganda, and a very welcome, closely argued, well-reasoned defence of our traditional omnivore diet -- Joanna BlythmanA brave, well-researched and highly readable book that confronts the many myths about meat, health and climate change. Buxton's deep dive into the science and politics of these questions makes this book a must-read for anyone who cares about their health - or the planet -- Nina Teicholz, science journalist and bestselling author of THE BIG FAT SURPRISETHE GREAT PLANT-BASED CON is persuasive, entertaining and well researched ... the book will help to alleviate the guilt many of us feel about our diets -- Louise Eccles * Sunday Times *[A] forensic examination of the evidence ... Buxton is brilliant at reminding us of some basic statistical truths, ones that are usually forgotten these days ... It's refreshing to read a book which recognises that life is complicated -- Mark Mason * Daily Mail, Book of the Week *A calm, incisive dissection of veganism's salvationist claim to protect human health and the planet -- John Lewis-Stempel * Country Life *In THE GREAT PLANT-BASED CON, Jayne Buxton provides insightful analyses and thoughtful alternatives to narratives about plant-based diets, human and environmental health. Her engrossing account is food-for-thought for everyone, be they herbivorous, omnivorous, or carnivorous. I promote this entrée at every opportunity -- Fred Provenza, Professor Emeritus of Behavioural Ecology, Utah State University and author of NOURISHMENT: WHAT ANIMALS CAN TEACH US ABOUT REDISCOVERING OUR NUTRITIONAL WISDOMTHE GREAT PLANT-BASED CON is absolutely exceptional. When you've read works of Gary Taubes and Nina Teicholz, you'll need to add this to your essential reading list. I was ignorant of so much that is so elegantly explained -- Professor Tim NoakesIntelligent and very well-researched ... [Jayne is] able to be objective and speak out without losing a university seat or a research grant, but with knowledge of the food industry from a career in consultancy. She has sifted through all the scientific arguments fairly and produced a very readable book that explains it all in a way that can easily be digested ... a fascinating read and its intelligent explanation of the way that Big Food makes us ill, and Big Pharma makes another fast buck curing us, may yet make it a seminal classic, similar in its impact to Rachel Carson's brilliant exposé of chemical pesticides, Silent Spring, two generations ago. There is no doubting Buxton's conclusion that we have been conned ... a brave book -- Jamie Blackett * Daily Telegraph *With incredible skill, Jayne Buxton captures the edifice of intellectual and cultural fraud behind today's mythology of the safety plant-based eating. Everyone needs this important and timely book -- Sally K. Norton MPH, nutritional scientist and author of TOXIC SUPERFOODSJayne Buxton's compelling read THE PLANT-BASED CON challenges the 'plant-biased' narrative sweeping across the globe and embedding itself into the very fabric of our society. Jayne takes a deep dive into the vested interests and religious ideology shaping the plant-based con, leaving no stone unturned ... I highly recommend this book! -- Belinda Fettke, https://isupportgary.com

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Book SynopsisVaccines are a debate, whether we want them to be or not. Now more than ever, it''s easy to feel overwhelmed by the accusations and arguments that bloom across the news and internet.With a blend of science and history, HOW VACCINES WORK demystifies the strange and intricate world of vaccines: it explains what a vaccine is, how they are discovered and developed, and what happens when they meet our bodies.With over two decades of experience as an immunologist, David Miles gives expert insight into each vaccine routinely used in Britain, how they have kept us healthy, and why many people have come to worry about possible side effects. Through thrilling storytelling and in-depth exploration of the most common vaccination myths, HOW VACCINES WORK is the perfect guide to understanding all the vaccines we currently receive.Trade ReviewA very good combination of the history of current vaccines and an explanation of what they do and how they do it. As a book for the lay public it is exceptional and I would recommend it to any prospective vaccine recipient or parent -- Stanley A Plotkin, Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania

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Book SynopsisHailed as "superior" by Nature, this landmark volume is available in a collectible, boxed edition.Trade Review"...will bring the wonders of Darwin to a wide audience. [Darwin] was not only great in his time, but if anything he is even greater today." John Tyler Bonner, The Times Literary Supplement "Anyone who wishes to start the new year with a real intellectual feast will buy the four 'great books' of Darwin, published in one volume by W.W. Norton." A.N. Wilson, The Daily Telegraph

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Book Synopsis“With…evidence from recent genetic and anthropological research, [Zuk] offers a dose of paleoreality.” —Erin Wayman, Science NewsTrade Review"Much-needed…Zuk’s nutritionally rich scientific fodder…will certainly bring intellectual benefits far greater than those provided by the pseudoscientific confections with which we are so often tempted." -- Cordelia Fine - Wall Street Journal"Ably presents a skeptical and light-hearted view of a long list of paleofantasies and supposed solutions." -- John Hawks - Nature"Briskly dismisses…misunderstandings about how evolution works and…offers a lively, lucid illustration of the intricacies of this all-important natural process." -- Laura Miller - Salon"Thoroughly engaging and witty…Whether [Zuk is] shredding the underlying premises of the paleo diet, the paleo exercise regimen, or the structure of the paleo family, she does so via cogent discussions of the nature of evolution and accessible elucidations of cutting-edge science." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)"Zuk’s take on the many controversies and uncertainties surrounding evolution is both wise and measured." -- Guardian"Marlene Zuk’s quest to understand prehistory is an elegant guide for the perplexed. Paleofantasy cuts through a confusing tangle of facts and claims to give us a trustworthy road map to the glorious problems of who we are and where we come from." -- Richard Wrangham, author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human"We tend to idealize our ancestors, as if they had the perfect life and perfect diet. In highly readable style, Marlene Zuk downplays our paleo-heritage. Not only did we change culturally, we are also genetically a different animal." -- Frans de Waal, author of Mama's Last Hug

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Book SynopsisA scientist’s exploration into the mysteries of the human mind.Trade Review"Daniel Siegel widens our world with this mind-opening - and mind-bending - exploration of mind itself. From a journey through Mind emerges a compelling sense of our connection to each other, and to the universe." -- Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence and A Force for Good: The Dalai Lama's Vision for Our World "Dan Siegel is in my opinion one of the most knowledgeable persons on the mind. His insights into the mind as an embodied and relational process that regulates the flow of energy and information in the ecosystem of life have had a deep impact on my own understanding of mind and life and have impacted the way I practice and understand the healing process. His latest book takes the understanding of interpersonal neurobiology and self regulation to a new level. If you are interested in the science of healing, this book is a must read." -- Deepak Chopra, author of Super Genes "Dan Siegel is a true pioneer in applying the latest science to well-being, education and public policy. In Mind, he takes us on a scientific and philosophical journey far beyond the view that the mind is just brain activity, with profound implications on how we think, how we feel, and how we live." -- Arianna Huffington, author of The Sleep Revolution "With a graceful blend of humility and certainty, Dan Siegel ushers us through one of life's biggest questions: "what is the mind?" The book invites us to consider who we are as humans, our value systems, and to explore some of life's most confounding questions. Defining myriad aspects of being human with clarity, poetry, and accessible academic intelligence, this book is a philosophical, neurobiological, scientific and spiritual tour de force. Its clarity and brazen innovation puts it in a category all its own." -- Alanis Morissette, songwriter, artist, writer, activist "Mind is a book only the inimitable Dr. Siegel could write, a rich fusion of science, personal narrative, mindfulness teachings, and new metaphors for picturing the wraithlike mind at work, as it quests for certainty in an uncertain world, and busily tailors a sense of self from the fabric of its varied relationships. It's no surprise that Siegel has improved the lives of many thousands of people the world over; this new book promises to open the eyes of even more." -- Diane Ackerman, author of The Human Age "A leading scientist's visionary journey, a creative and compelling exploration of mind itself." -- Jack Kornfield, PhD, author of A Path With Heart "At once erudite and highly readable, with the proper mix of science and speculation, this book takes the reader on a journey from mind as simply brain activity to mind as energy and information flow to mind as embodied and relational with emergent properties. It shows how exciting possibilities can unfold for us "simply" by changing our minds. This interdisciplinary book elucidates the power of mind and delineates delicately the personal, interpersonal and societal implications of creating a creative and a healthy mind." -- Ellen J. Langer, Professor of psychology, Harvard University, Author of Mindfulness "[A]n outstanding and inspirational volume that will appeal to a wide audience. It will unequivocally transport the reader into a spiritual voyage with scientific blend combined with personal reflections, perceptions, and intentionality constituting an electrifying and illuminating reading." -- The Inquisitive Mind

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Book SynopsisDid the human race almost go extinct? Can genetics explain a cat lady''s love for felines? How does DNA lead to people with no fingerprints or humans born with tails? And how did the right combination of genes create the exceptionally flexible thumbs and fingers of a truly singular violinist?Unravelling the genetic code hasn''t always been easy - from its earliest days, genetics has been rife with infighting, backstabbing and controversial theories - but scientists can now finally read the astounding stories inscribed in our DNA. As we make advances into DNA mapping and modification, genetics will continue to be the hottest topic in science, shaping the very make-up of our bodies and the world around us.With the same masterful combination of science, history and culture he brought to The Disappearing Spoon, Sam Kean untangles the secrets of our genetic code, explaining how genetics has shaped our past and how DNA will determine humankind''s future.Trade ReviewSummer’s must-read non-fiction book * Huffington Post *The Violinist's Thumb is one of the Ten Books to Look Out for in 2012 * New Scientist *A fast-paced, breezy romp through history using DNA as a unifying theme... it’s nerd-vana * New Scientist *Explored in his Bryson-esque style, [The Violinist's Thumb] provokes fascinating stuff, full of oddball stories and amazing facts. Kean's book is full of wonderfully weird anecdotes, but it's also an accessible history of the discovery and mapping of DNA... compellingly entertaining * Daily Mail *Sam Kean is the best science teacher you never had * Entertainment Weekly *

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Book SynopsisJohn Brockman is the founder and publisher of the influential science salon Edge.org. He is the CEO of the literary agency Brockman Inc., and lives in New York City.Trade ReviewThe world's smartest website... Edge is a salon for the world's finest minds * Guardian *Imagine inviting some of the world's top thinkers round to your place and asking them to tell you one thing that would make you smarter. No need to imagine: John Brockman has done it, by getting 150 of the planet's smartest minds to offer a neat insight each * BBC Focus magazine *

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Book SynopsisRobert Winston is one of the country's best-known scientists. As Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College, University of London, and Director of NHS Research and Development and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Hammersmith Hospital, he has made advances in fertility medicine and been a leading voice in the debate on genetic engineering. His television series, including Your Life in Their Hands, Making Babies, The Human Body, Superhuman and A Child Against All Odds have made him a household name across Britain. He became a life peer in 1995.Trade ReviewWide-ranging and thoroughly entertaining * New Scientist *Devastaingly good...Every chapter bursts with clear logic, style, wit and imagination. * Brian May, Guitarist for Queen *

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Book SynopsisA succinct, startling and lavishly illustrated guide to discoveries that are altering our understanding and threatening some of our most cherished belief systems, The Grand Design is a book that will inform - and provoke - like no other.Trade ReviewThis is mind-blowing stuff * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisSeven-Tenths is James Hamilton-Paterson''s classic exploration of the sea. A beautifully-written blend of literature and science, it is here brought back into print in a revised and updated edition which includes the acclaimed essay Sea Burial.Trade Review"'Informative, arcane, sometimes poetic, and always articulate.' William Golding"

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Book SynopsisLook around you. The reflection of your face in a window tells you that the universe is orchestrated by chance. The iron in a spot of blood on your finger tells you that somewhere out in space there is furnace at a temperature of 4.5 billion degrees. Your TV tells you that the universe had a beginning. In fact, your very existence tells you that this may not be the only universe but merely one among an infinity of others, stacked like the pages of a never-ending book.Marcus Chown, author of Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You, What a Wonderful World and The Solar System, takes familiar features of the world we know and shows how they can be used to explain profound truths about the ultimate nature of reality. His new book will change the way you see the universe: with Chown as your guide, cutting-edge science is made clear and meaningful by a falling leaf, or a rose, or a starry night sky... We Need To Talk About Kelvin: What Everyday Things Tell

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Book SynopsisExplains how to set up and use a home chemistry lab, with step-by-step instructions for conducting experiments in basic chemistry. This book shows how to do real lab work: purify alcohol by distillation; produce hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis; smelt metallic copper from copper ore you make yourself; and much more.

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Book SynopsisWhy have island ecosystems always suffered such high rates of extinction? Over the past eight years, David Quammen has followed the threads of island biogeography on a globe-encircling journey of discovery.Trade ReviewNot only is this book compulsively readable - a masterpiece - it is maybe the masterpiece of science journalism -- Bill Mckibben * Audobon Magazine *A moving book... Quammen is a good writer who has taken the time to master an important subject and do it justice -- Richard Dawkins * The Times *Not since Gerald Durrell's books 30 years ago have I encountered such writing about the natural world. The witty, pithy, modest prose and the clever interweaving of science and storytelling are of a quality unrivalled in th field -- Matt Ridley * Sunday Telegraph *Impressive and deeply moving...blends first-rate science journalism with superb travel and nature writing * Financial Times *David Quammen is a brilliant young star of nature writing... His book is an important example of the genre, written in an enchanting style. His knowledge, based on years of research and adventure around the world, is truly impressive -- Edward O. Wilson, author of 'The Diversity of Life'

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Book SynopsisIn a masterful combination of historical sleuthing and journalistic exploration on four continents, Lawler reframes the way we feel and think about all domesticated animals and even nature itself.Trade Review'Setting the record straight, Lawler's latest tome recasts the chicken as a "feathered Swiss Army knife" - a bird that has fuelled cultural, economic and scientific growth for several thousand years' Guardian'Lawler's book goes a long way toward restoring chickens to their respected position within human history and our modern world. Both chickens and people will benefit as a result' Science'Science journalist Adrian Lawler explores the chicken's multipronged place in human civilization in his rip-roaring, erudite How the Chicken Crossed the World' Nature

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Book SynopsisLearn how to navigate the living world through mind maps

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Book SynopsisBruce isn’t pretending that science isn’t tricky, but in simple, maths-free explanations and just-the-good-parts historical recaps, he shows us that the greatest scientific discoveries and theories don’t have to remain beyond our grasp.

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Book Synopsis''Quite simply the best book about science and life that I have ever read'' - Alice Roberts How does life begin? What drives a newly fertilized egg to keep dividing and growing until it becomes 40 trillion cells, a greater number than stars in the galaxy? How do these cells know how to make a human, from lips to heart to toes? How does your body build itself?Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz was pregnant at 42 when a routine genetic test came back with that dreaded word: abnormal. A quarter of sampled cells contained abnormalities and she was warned her baby had an increased risk of being miscarried or born with birth defects. Six months later she gave birth to a healthy baby boy and her research on mice embryos went on to prove that as she had suspected the embryo has an amazing and previously unknown ability to correct abnormal cells at an early stage of its development. The Dance of Life will take you inside the incredible worlTrade ReviewOne of the World's Top 10 Thinkers of 2020 -- ProspectQuite simply the best book about science and life that I have ever read * Alice Roberts *How an entire human can emerge from a single cell is one of the great mysteries of life. This book is a wonderful exposition of that amazingly complicated process, and combines Zernicka-Goetz’s research and expert perspective with the clear and engaging narrative that is a hallmark of Highfield’s science writing * Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society and Nobel-prize winning scientist *A touching, detailed portrait of a life in science. Beautifully written, it’s a reminder that scientists are human and their humanity affects every part of their work * Angela Saini, bestselling author of INFERIOR and SUPERIOR *How does a single fertilised egg know how to develop into the trillions of different cells that making up a human? This book provides you with much more than the answer – it is story-telling at its very best. Together with Highfield, Zernicka-Goetz leads us through her life scientific, intertwining the exciting field of 21st biology with a joyous personal journey of discovery at the cutting edge of research * Jim Al-Khalili *

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERFrom the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt Sugar Fat comes a gripping (The Wall Street Journal) exposé of how the processed food industry exploits our evolutionary instincts, the emotions we associate with food, and legal loopholes in their pursuit of profit over public health. The processed food industry has managed to avoid being lumped in with Big Tobacco-which is why Michael Moss''s new book is so important.-Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of HabitEveryone knows how hard it can be to maintain a healthy diet. But what if some of the decisions we make about what to eat are beyond our control? Is it possible that food is addictive, like drugs or alcohol? And to what extent does the food industry know, or care, about these vulnerabilities? In Hooked, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Michael Moss sets out to answer these questions and to find the true perilTrade ReviewExcellent... blends investigative reporting, science and foodie writing to argue that the processed food industry is no different from tobacco companies * New York Times *Chilling ... succeed[s] brilliantly in evidencing the systematic venality of corporate junk food and drink interests * The Guardian *Gripping * Wall Street Journal *Hooked shows how food manufacturers have taken advantage of our habits, our biology, our psychological quirks, and our ignorance to transform foods into addictive substances. He takes us into laboratories and courtrooms, kitchens and legislatures-and shows us how we can win our freedom back * Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit *Michael Moss delivers again with a deep, well-written investigation into food addiction and mass food production. With so many companies competing for our attention, dollars, and stomachs, it's more important than ever to educate ourselves about food and arm ourselves against efforts to get us hooked. This is a very important read for anyone who cares about their health * Sylvia Tara, author of THE SECRET LIFE OF FAT *No one has done more to reveal the intentional and underhanded ways in which food companies manipulate our desires and eating habits than Michael Moss. In Hooked, he shows how these ongoing crimes must be challenged and stopped. A must-read for anyone who cares about food, general well-being, and justice * Mark Bittman, author of ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, JUNK *Hooked is smoothly written, with just the right amount of fascinating scientific detail * NPR *Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Moss is a powerhouse when it comes to research and analysis, and much like his contemporary Michael Lewis, he possesses the ability to maintain a solid narrative arc ... He explores the often devious and potentially dangerous ways that manufacturers manipulate foods to trigger addictive behavior, spark sense memories of foods from our childhoods, and treat addiction and dependence as a corporate strategy ... Another clear-eyed inquiry into the companies that feed us, hook us, and leave us wanting more * Kirkus Reviews *Moss brings the same keen-eyed, lucid reporting to Hooked, illuminating the science of addiction to show that processed food is a drug ... If knowledge is power, then Hooked provides the facts we need to free ourselves from remaining unwitting conspirators in Big Food's ruse * San Francisco Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisJakob Thomä is a leading global expert on sustainability risks to financial markets. He is the co-Founder of several think tanks (2 Investing Initiative, Theia Finance Labs) and incubator of sustainability initiatives and companies (PACTA, tilt, MyFairMoney). Jakob is Professor in Practice at SOAS, University of London, where he teaches a course on Green Finance, columnist at Responsible Investor, and author of multiple books on sustainability and existential risks.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Aventis Science Book Prize. 'A scientific detective story, a brilliant cross between Edgar Allan Poe and Gray's anatomy' J G Ballard, New Stateman Books of the YearTrade ReviewA fascinating and immensely readable exploration of the whole topic * NEW SCIENTIST *A scientific detective story, a brilliant cross between Edgar Allan Poe and Gray's anatomy * NEW STATESMAN BOOKS OF THE YEAR *Limpidly written, dryly witty and extraordinarily wide-reaching, this is surely the most inclusive and erudite popular account of asymmetry yet produced * SPECTATOR *A fascinating study of the origins of asymmetry in life, culture and myth * TLS *Spanning disciplines from genetics to folklore, McManus's account of 'handedness' must be one of the most intellectually capricious science books this year * SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY *Wonderful book...He has done a marvellous job of summarising and integrating a wide range of findings from various disciplines addressing questions on the nature of right and left * NATURE *An excellent mix of hard science and engaging games and tricks, and a treasury of anecdotes -- Margaret Drabble

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Book SynopsisFrom the presenter of the brilliant BBC podcast Parentland', and drawing on the most up-to-date scientific research, here are the answers to everything you've ever wondered about having a baby from the first pregnancy symptoms to birth and the baby's first twelve months.What a BRILLIANT book! The antidote to anecdote, a great survey of current evidence. Just what the midwife ordered!' Professor Alice RobertsAnswers the questions that tantalise every mother' Daily MailTrade ReviewThis book answers all the common pregnancy, birth and newborn questions... Thought-provoking and never boring, I loved it. * Mother and Baby *Finally! A book on pregnancy, birth and babies that cuts through the myths, side-steps preachy prescriptions, and turns to the evidence. Bumpology transforms common parental anxieties into fuel for a fascinating journey through the science of the bump. * Hannah Devlin, Science Editor of The Times *This lovely book tackles everything you'd want to know. It also provides lots of solid evidence in the form of studies and expert advice. Easy to read... I'll definitely be keeping it on my coffee table to flick through during my nine months. * Pregnancy & Birth Book of the Month *The book is refreshingly frank and often funny. It also benefits from Geddes' constructive outrage over the misinformation and sensationalism that she says plague much of the writing about the subject. * Washington Post *Linda Geddes is not afraid to ask anyone about anything! From the stream of contradictory advice to pregnant women and new parents to those little moments of wonder, Geddes digs into all of them, looking for the evidence and exploring the science. In this book she shares what she's found, with the straightforward answers and easy-going humour that is so welcome in early parenthood. Don't get pregnant without it! * Tracey Brown, Sense About Science *

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Book Synopsis''His clarity, wit and determination are evident, his understand and good humour moving'' New ScientistMy Brief History recounts Stephen Hawking's improbable journey, from his post-war London boyhood to his years of international acclaim and celebrity. Lavishly illustrated with rarely seen photographs, this concise, witty and candid account introduces readers to a Hawking rarely glimpsed in previous books: the inquisitive schoolboy whose classmates nicknamed him Einstein'; the jokester who once placed a bet with a colleague over the existence of a black hole; and the young husband and father struggling to gain a foothold in the world of academia.Writing with characteristic humility and humour, Hawking opens up about the challenges that confronted him following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease aged twenty-one. Tracing his development as a thinker, he explains how the prospect of an early death urged him onwards through numerous intellectual breakthroughs, and talks about the genesis of his masterpiece A Brief History of Time one of the iconic books of the twentieth century.Clear-eyed, intimate and wise, My Brief History opens a window for the rest of us into Hawking's personal cosmos.''Read it for the personal nuggets . . . but above all, it''s worth reading for its message of hope'' Mail on SundayTrade ReviewStephen Hawking [has] a brain of enviable vastness, seeing and understanding things that lie way beyond most of us... His modesty is engaging * Daily Mail *Hawking writes movingly... we hear his voice radiating directly from the black hole of his motor neuron disease, without the amplification and elaboration supplied by the co-authors with whom he wrote his last few books * Financial Times *A concise, gleaming portrait * Nature *Powerful... [his] brevity makes for a bold picture * Guardian *Read it for the personal nuggets... But above all, it's worth reading for its message of hope * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisBill 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 is the biggest selling non-fiction book of the 21st century. The Body: A Guide for Occupants was shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize and is an international bestseller.Bill Bryson was Chancellor of Durham University 2005-2011. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society. He lives in England.Trade Review'Classic, wry, gleeful Bryson... richly interesting... an entertaining and absolutely fact-rammed book. If it sells hundreds of thousands of copies, like the last one, it will be no bad thing.' * Sunday Times *A directory of wonders. Extraordinary stories about the heart, lungs, genitals ... plus some anger and life advice - all delivered in the inimitable Bryson style -- Gavin Francis * Guardian *SCIENCE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019: 'so packed with arresting facts (you eat 60 tons of food in a lifetime) and unlikely anecdotes (such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel's six weeks with a half-sovereign lodged in his throat) that you barely notice the sheer volume of anatomical knowledge you're digesting ... makes complex subjects simple and eminently entertaining.' * The Sunday Times *Bryson feeds the pith, pulp and bitter pips of a subject into his brain and produces a sweet, zingy quantity of juice - this book is a delight. * The Spectator *Remarkable ... Every page is dense with scientific facts written as vividly as a thriller, as well as answers to conundrums such as why we don't fall out of bed when we are asleep ... It is woven through with the kind of human stories that Bryson has made his trademark. * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisWilliam Hartston is a Cambridge-educated mathematician and industrial psychologist. Between 1962 and 1987 he played chess competitively, becoming an international master and winning the English chess championship in 1973 and 1975. He also writes the off-beat Beachcomber column for the Daily Express and and is one of the viewers on Channel 4's Gogglebox.Trade ReviewEach mystery is delightfully penned in bite-sized chunks that often includes humorous repertoire... highly enjoyable... Captivating and inspiring * New Scientist *Properly researched, and the elegance of its pop-cosmology or pop-biology mini-narratives rivals that of many specialists. It is slyly witty, and pleasingly optimistic. -- Steven Poole * Guardian *Discovering the many undiscovered things that one thought had been discovered already is one of the joys of this book... You might have thought that wallowing in ignorance is a tedious and fruitless occupation. As Hartston proves entertainingly, how wrong you would be. * Daily Express *A rigorous and playful exploration of human limits in scientific knowledge about the planet, its history and culture, and the universe beyond * Publishers Weekly *A delightful collection for trivia buffs and browsers. * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisIt’s time to stop thinking in straight lines…Trade Review'This is a wonderfully fascinating book with answers to so many everyday questions you never knew you needed to know. The explanations are lucid and so clear that the one thing it doesn’t do is cause your head to spin.' -- Mark Miodownik, author of Stuff Matters‘More than a few authors have found success with books that look at a broad swath of history, ideas or science through the lens of a single topic… Roland Ennos elevates this approach to dizzying heights in The Science of Spin… The physics are fascinating.’ -- Wall Street Journal'An original and highly engaging insight into how our universe works, encompassing black holes, the cotton mills of the industrial revolution, the biomechanics of walking and more!' -- Paul Sen, author of Einstein's Fridge‘The Science of Spin is a delightful book, equally entertaining and enlightening. Read it and you will come away with a better understanding of our world and how it works.’ -- Ricochet

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Book SynopsisPresents a wider science based on counterspace, which offers important new ways of understanding phenomena such as gravity and light, and which can also address issues of human consciousness and values.Trade Review'There is a kinship between the principles inherent in natural phenomena and the ideas of our inner world. This is shown very well, nowhere better perhaps, in the use of projective geometry in science. This book is an excellent example of that … This book requires a certain effort on the part of the reader - effort that he or she will surely find worthwhile. Thomas' approach will I feel certain turn out to be ground-breaking in the future.'-- Archetype magazine

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