Popular science Books

Book SynopsisA vast subject that includes a strange vocabulary and an apparent mass of facts, human anatomy can at first appear confusing and off-putting. But the basic construction of the human body - the skeleton, the organs of the chest and abdomen, the nervous system, the head and neck with its sensory systems and anatomy for breathing and swallowing - is vital for anyone studying medicine, biology, and health studies. In this Very Short Introduction Leslie Klenerman provides a clear, concise, and accessible introduction to the structure, function, and main systems of the human body, including a number of clear and simple illustrations to explain the key areas. 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. Development of anatomy ; 2. The skeleton and its attachments ; 3. A vital system ; 4. Communication and control ; 5. Head and neck ; 6. The abdomen ; 7. The limbs ; 8. Man the tottering biped ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisIn nature, trickery and deception are widespread. Animals and plants mimic other objects or species in the environment for protection, trick other species into rearing their young, lure prey to their death, and deceive potential mates for reproduction. Cuckoos lay eggs carefully matched to their host''s own clutch. Harmless butterflies mimic the wing patterning of a poisonous butterfly to avoid being eaten. The deep-sea angler fish hangs a glowing, fleshy lure in front of its mouth to draw the attention of potential prey, while some male fish alter their appearance to look like females in order to sneak past rivals in mating. Some orchids develop the smell of female insects in order to attract pollinators, while carnivorous plants lure insects to their death with colourful displays. In this book, Martin Stevens describes the remarkable range of such adaptations in nature, and considers how they have evolved, and become increasingly perfected as part of an arms race between predator andTrade ReviewRelish the wild world's duplicity: Cheats and Deceits by Martin Stevens * Simon Barnes, The Sunday Times *Cleverly and clearly written, Cheats and Deceits lies at the sweet spot between a popular account and a useful academic update. Well-referenced and illustrated, it will fascinate armchair, field and lab biologists alike. * Adrian Barnett, New Scientist *A clear, thoughtful, jargon-free guide. Delicious, duplicitous details make exploring the natural world seem all the more fascinating. * Wall Street Journal *a beautifully illustrated must-read for academic biologists and natural historians alike * Adrian Barnett, BBC Wildlife *Table of Contents1. The Basis of Deception in Nature ; 2. Thieves and Liars ; 3. Lured into an Early Grave ; 4. Disruption and Dazzle ; 5. A Spider in Ant's Clothing ; 6. Bluff and Surprise ; 7. An Imposter in the Nest ; 8. Spreading Genes and Sexual Mimicry ; 9. The Future of Deception ; Notes & References ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisIn this Very Short Introduction Frank Close describes the historical development of nuclear physics, our understanding of the nucleus, how nuclei form, and the applications of the field in medicine. Exploring key concepts, Frank Close shows how nuclear physics brings the physics of the stars to Earth.Table of Contents1. The fly in the cathedral ; 2. Nuclear alchemy ; 3. Powerful forces ; 4. Nucleosynthesis ; 5. Odds, evens, and shells ; 6. Beyond the Periodic table ; 7. Exotic nuclei ; 8. Applied nuclear physics ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisNeurodegenerative diseases, such as a stroke, Alzheimer''s and dementia, are now tragically commonplace within the western world. Our brains are a strange and complex organ, and there is much to be discovered about what causes them to fail in such devastating ways. In this book Kathleen Taylor presents the ever-developing research into the cause and cure of these life-changing conditions, focusing on insights arising from the relatively new field of neuroimmunology - the increasing recognition of the important role of the immune system in the brain. Interweaving the latest scientific ideas on neurodegenerative diseases with accounts of the devastation which illnesses affecting the brain can cause to sufferers and to anyone who cares about them, The Fragile Brain is not only an important account of current research in this field, but a very personal study. As instances of dementia rise in our ageing populations, many harbour anxieties concerning the future.This book is about knowing theTrade ReviewTaylor has crafted a personal, astonishingly coherent review of our current state of knowledge about the causes of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, as well as possible solutions, from lifestyle adjustments to drug developments. * Michael Heneka, Nature *The Fragile Brain addresses how people interact with those who have dementia, and how both information and respect are needed. This is of utmost importance: information can quell many fears. * Michael Heneka, Nature *Taylor has the talent to make complex biology easy, but not trivial. * Michael Heneka, Nature *The Fragile Brain, as a trove of accessible, up-to-date science, has something to offer caregivers and families of people with dementia; medical professionals in dementia diagnosis and treatment; and specialists in memory clinics. * Michael Heneka, Nature *detailed and accessible book * Leon Burakowski, South Shropshire Journal *Table of ContentsSECTION 1: THE PROBLEM; SECTION 2: RISK FACTORS; SECTION 3: MECHANISMS

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Book SynopsisOver the past sixty years, the spectacular growth of the technologies associated with the computer is visible for all to see and experience. Yet, the science underpinning this technology is less visible and little understood outside the professional computer science community. As a scientific discipline, computer science stands alongside the likes of molecular biology and cognitive science as one of the most significant new sciences of the post Second World War era. In this Very Short Introduction, Subrata Dasgupta sheds light on these lesser known areas and considers the conceptual basis of computer science. Discussing algorithms, programming, and sequential and parallel processing, he considers emerging modern ideas such as biological computing and cognitive modelling, challenging the idea of computer science as a science of the artificial. 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 ContentsINTRODUCTION; EPILOGUE; REFERENCES; FURTHER READING; INDEX

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Book SynopsisIn The Improbable Primate, Clive Finlayson gives a provocative view of human evolution, arguing that the critical factor that shaped us was water. Questioning current accounts of tools and our spread from Africa, he presents an ecological viewpoint.Trade ReviewFinlayson writes in a dry, clear, scholarly style which somehow accentuates the sheer improbability of humanity's long journey * Brandon Robshaw, Independent on Sunday *Table of ContentsPREFACE

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Book SynopsisEverything around us is made of ''stuff'', from planets, to books, to our own bodies. Whatever it is, we call it matter or material substance. It is solid; it has mass. But what is matter, exactly? We are taught in school that matter is not continuous, but discrete. As a few of the philosophers of ancient Greece once speculated, nearly two and a half thousand years ago, matter comes in ''lumps'', and science has relentlessly peeled away successive layers of matter to reveal its ultimate constituents. Surely, we can''t keep doing this indefinitely. We imagine that we should eventually run up against some kind of ultimately fundamental, indivisible type of stuff, the building blocks from which everything in the Universe is made. The English physicist Paul Dirac called this ''the dream of philosophers''. But science has discovered that the foundations of our Universe are not as solid or as certain and dependable as we might have once imagined. They are instead built from ghosts and phantoTrade ReviewThe book is very clearly structured and has a glossary, so 'dipping' is facilitated. The author condenses and combines sources as listed in his bibliography. * Michael Jewess, Royal Society of Chemistry Historical Group newsletter *How did our understanding of mass evolve from the geometric atoms of ancient Greece to the quantum ghostliness of today? Jim Baggott ingeniously contextualizes that eventful science history. * Barbara Kiser, Nature *Encourages the reader to really think about the nature of matter and how something as apparently straightforward as mass is not what it seems. That delight in revealing the unexpected typifies, for me, the joy of physics. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *Jim Baggott is one of the UK's best popular science writers and never disappoints. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *Jim Baggott provides an excellent introduction on this topic for non-specialists and general science enthusiasts ... The book is a gem in introducing the abstract ideas of modern science to general audience even without formal training in STEM disciplines ... In summary, this book by Jim Baggott is a joy to read and will be especially inspiring to students (senior high school and junior undergraduate) interested in pursuing a career in fundamental physics. * Yee Sin Ang, Contemporary Physics *Baggott smartly renders particle physics, typically a dense and opaque topic for the nonexpert, clear and captivating. Not only will readers grasp the building blocks of the standard model, they will forever look at mass differently. * Publishers Weekley *An imaginative book that seeks the answer to the question, what is matter? ... Baggott provides a wild but expert and comprehensive ride. * Kirkus Review *Table of ContentsPreface Part I: Atom and Void 1: The Quiet Citadel 2: Things-In-Themselves 3: An Impression of Force 4: The Sceptical Chymists Part II: Mass and Energy 5: A Very Interesting Conclusion 6: Incommensurable 7: The Fabric 8: In the Heart of Darkness Part III: Wave and Particle 9: An Act of Desperation 10: The Wave Equation 11: The Only Mystery 12: Mass Bare and Dressed Part IV: Field and Force 13: The Symmetries of Nature 14: The Goddamn Particle 15: The Standard Model 16: Mass without Mass Epilogue Endnotes Glossary Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAlone in the known universe the Earth glows bright with life, a unique cosmic oasis of biodiversity which is now under threat from our own actions. The Earth is a unique as a living planet, a cosmic oasis drifting in the vastness of barren space. It is strikingly and obviously different from our nearest heavenly neighbours, the Moon, Venus and Mars, in its thin skin of biology, extending from the surface for a few kilometres into the crust, and for a few tens of kilometres into the air. But how did this remarkable abundance and diversity of life arise? How has life survived over the enormous time frame of Earth''s history? And does it continue to flourish now, especially with the growing pressure for space from humans?The Cosmic Oasis examines life on Earth, from our earliest interactions with animals and plants to our absolute domination of biology. It follows our developing understanding of life''s origins, its remarkable complexity, and its interactions with the air, oceans and landTrade ReviewThis book tells an interesting story about our understanding of the natural world. A straightforward discussion of interesting facts about nature, liberally punctuated with historical background and comment, it is easy and enjoyable to read. * Choice *easy and enjoyable to read * M. S. Zavada, CHOICE Reviews *captivating and informative * Jonathan Cowie, The Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation *Table of Contents1: Earthrise 2: A spadeful of Earth 3: The planet in a garden 4: The lost worlds of the giants 5: A bonfire like no other 6: The bite in your hamburger 7: Mirror to the world 8: No country for wild apes Index

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Book SynopsisThis Very Short Introduction uses Newton''s own unpublished writings to provide fascinating insight into the man who kept the Royal Society under his thumb, was Head of the Mint, and whose contributions to our understanding of the heavens and the earth are considered by many to be unparalleled. The author begins with the legends surrounding Newton before next exploring the forces that shaped his life, introducing, along the way, many of the key thinkers and politicians of the time. Although Newton''s science was largely revered (his reputation reached near-immortal status with the publication of the Principia), theologically, his beliefs were very controversial. He was a fanatical Protestant, and claimed that tribes like the Goths, Vandals, and Huns had tried to save the planet from the corruption of the Catholics. He was also convinced that he was specially chosen by God to protect the original, pure form of Christianity, and viewed any criticisms directed at him as a form of persecution. Resisting the urge to show how Newton''s views on alchemy, mathematics, physics, and religion complemented one another, the author instead emphasises that these were the very different obsessions of an extremely complex man whose beliefs at the time dominated England''s political, religious, and intellectual landscape. 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 ReviewSlim yet informative...The style is elegant and he steers through the shoals of Newton's difficult personality - he made enemies everywhere he went - and the more controversial aspects of his career - the alchemy and heresy - with an assured hand. * Joe Cushley, What's On In London *Table of Contents1. A National Man ; 2. Playing philosophically ; 3. The Marvellous years ; 4. The censorious multitude ; 5. A true hermetic philosopher ; 6. One of God's choen few ; 7. The Divine Book ; 8. In the city ; 9. Lord and Master of all ; 10. Centaurs and other animals

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Book SynopsisIn this wide-ranging Very Short Introduction to climate, Mark Maslin considers all aspects of the global climate system, exploring and explaining the different components that control climate on Earth. He considers the processes that allow energy to reach the Earth and how it is redistributed around the planet by the ocean-atmosphere system; the relationship and differences between climate and the weather; how climate has affected life on Earth and human settlements; and the cyclic and quasi-cyclic features of climate such as the Milankovitch cycles and El Nino. He concludes by touching on the issue of climate change, and outlines some of the approaches that are now being taken to tackle it. 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 climate? ; 2. Climate, atmosphere, and oceans ; 3. Weather versus climate ; 4. Origins of the modern climate system ; 5. Climate and life ; 6. Climate cooling ; 7. Climate and civilization ; 8. Future climate change ; 9. Fixing climate

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Book SynopsisBridges are remarkable structures. Often vast, immense, and sometimes beautiful, they can be icons of cities. David Blockley explains how to read a bridge, how they stand up, and how engineers design them to be so strong. He examines the engineering problems posed by bridges, and considers their cultural, aesthetic, and historical importance.Trade ReviewA fascinating book on a fascinating subject * Professional Engineering Magazine *Table of Contents1. Bridges are BATS: Why we build bridges ; 2. Underneath the Arches: Bridges need good foundations ; 3. Bending it: Bridges need strong structures ; 4. All Trussed up: Interdependence creates emergence ; 5. Let it all Hang Down: Structuring using tension ; 6. How Safe is Safe Enough? Incomplete science ; 7. Bridges built by people for people: Processes for joined-up thinking ; Glossary ; Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of the discovery of the first human cancer virus. Through intriguing accounts that include some remarkable characters and individual stories from around the globe - including the UK, Africa, USA, and China - it tells the story of the Epstein-Barr virus and the understanding of its connections to a variety of other diseases.Trade Review[A] pithy, pacy study. * Nature *It reads like a thriller ... the book is compelling and colourful, capturing the romance of scientific discovery so well that it is exciting and accessible. * Linda Geddes, New Scientist *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; Preface ; Introduction ; 1. Out of Africa ; 2. The Eureka moment ; 3. Convincing the Sceptics ; 4. EBV in Africa - Burkitt lymphoma ; 5. EBV in Asia - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma ; 6. New Diseases - An accident of nature; an accident of medicine ; 7. Unexpected Arrivals ; 8. Prevention and Cure ; 9. Making Sense of a Human Cancer Virus ; References ; Further Reading ; Glossary ; Index

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Book SynopsisRobotics is a key technology in the modern world. Robots are a well-established part of manufacturing and warehouse automation, assembling cars or washing machines, and, for example, moving goods to and from storage racks for Internet mail order. More recently robots have taken their first steps into homes and hospitals, and seen spectacular success in planetary exploration. Yet, despite these successes, robots have failed to live up to the predictions of the 1950s and 60s, when it was widely thought - by scientists and engineers as well as the public - that by turn of the 21st century we would have intelligent robots as butlers, companions, or co-workers.This Very Short Introduction explains how it is that robotics can be both a success story and a disappointment, how robots can be both ordinary and remarkable, and looks at their important developments in science and their applications to everyday life. 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. Where are the intelligent robots? ; 2. Working robots: what robots do now ; 3. Biological robotics ; 4. Becoming human: humanoid and android robots ; 5. Trends in robotics research: new approaches ; 6. Robotic futures ; Further reading

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Book SynopsisOffers an account of the genomic revolution and its promise. This book provides a history of the science of genetics and genomics, from Mendel to Watson and Crick up to Craig Venter. It delves into the use of genomics in determining evolutionary paths - and what it can tell us, about how far we really have come from our ape ancestors.Trade Review"What is novel about Genomes and What to Make of Them is the impressive scope of the project, which covers key issues around the politics of genomics in an accessible way, taking care to outline in clear language some very complex scientific arguments in a way that allows the authors to deconstruct various arguments about the risks and opportunities of genomics. I know of no other book that captures the social implications of genomics in quite such a comprehensive and accessible yet insightful manner." - Peter Robbins, Open University"

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewFans of 'Curious Cook' Harold McGee will relish the latest from This (Molecular Gastronomy), a French chemist and foodie hero who has helped to usher in the current restaurant world vogue for turning the kitchen into a laboratory... Even those who might be turned off by the thought of food chemistry will quickly be drawn in by his obvious love of food and eagerness to apply his research to helping people cook better. Publishers Weekly This has made invisible processes visible, revealed the mysteries, and the bread has risen, baked, and been enjoyed. -- Claudia Kousoulas Appetite for Books Cooks who want to learn more about the chemistry and physics that make their efforts possible will discover useful things here. Booklist This's molecular gastronomy is garnished with the author's own rich philosophy of food and flavor. -- Peter Barham Nature An exuberant paean for the role of science in cooking... This's book performs a great service. -- Len Fisher Times Higher Education Supplement This book should be in every kitchen. -- Christine Sismondo Toronto Star [An] eye-opening book. -- Kate Colquhoun Portsmouth Herald Witty and humorous... [readers] whose eyes glaze over at the very mention of electrons may find themselves becoming entranced by This' graceful descriptions of essential chemical reactions. -- Lynn Harnett Seacoast Sunday Well crafted, sprinkled with insight, and containing a menagerie of information, Kitchen Mysteries is a wonderful trip down a stellar buffet line. -- J. Edward Sumerau Metro Spirit Kitchen Mysteries is another tour de force for the French scientific chef... Highly Recommended. Choice This's book offers expert explanations that give the reader a better understanding of both cooking and cuisine. As such, it is enticing. -- Pierre Laszlo Chemical HeritageTable of ContentsSeries Editor's Foreword Cooking and Science The New Physiology of Flavor Soup Milk Gels, Jellies, Aspics Mayonnaise The Egg's Incarnations A Successful Souffle ? Cooking The Boiled and the Bouillon Steaming Braising Chicken Stew, Beef Stew, Veal Stew Questions of Pressure Roasting Deep-Frying Sautes and Grills Even More Tender Salting Microwaves Vegetables: Color and Freshness Sauces: Creamy, Satiny, Flavorful A Burning Question The Salad: An Oasis of Freshness Yogurt and Cheese Fruits of the Harvest Ices and Sorbets Cakes: Light and Melting Pastry Dough: Tart, Shortbread, and Puff Pastry Sugar Bread Wine The Alcohols Jams Tea Cold and Cool Vinegar Kitchen Utensils Mysteries of the Kitchen Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisCarlos Magdalena of Kew Gardens is not your average botanical horticulturist. He''s a man on a mission to save the world''s most endangered plants from destruction and thieves hunting for wealthy collectors. He is a plant messiah.From the planet''s tiniest waterlily - the Nymphaea thermarum - to Huarango trees with roots over 50 metres long, Carlos has a miraculous ability to bring breathtakingly beautiful plants back from the brink of extinction. He has travelled to the most remote and dangerous parts of the world - from the mountains of Peru to isolated Indian Ocean islands to the deepest Australian outback - in search of the rarest exotic species. Then, back in the Tropical Nursery at Kew, he uses pioneering, left-field techniques to help them grow.Now he''s here to spread the gospel. The Plant Messiah is the inspirational story of a man who has devoted - and risked - his life to save incredible species, all in the name of making this Earth a greener and haTrade ReviewThis full-throttle memoir is a window on the exploits that underpin the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . . . reveals the rare mix of zeal and patience needed to hunt vanishing plants * Nature *Impressive, gripping and important . . . Some 30,000 plants have recorded uses for humans. Most people, the messiah preaches, are blind to these everyday miracles. This book will teach them to see * Economist *For anyone who might have considered plants dull stuff, Mr. Magdalena delivers a thrilling and inspirational account of adventures in the botanical world. * Wall Street Journal *In a world whose ecology is changing so fast, only a special kind of obsessive would concern himself with saving endangered plant species. That's Magdalena... who recounts adventures that have taken him from the Amazon to the jungles of Mauritius on a quest to preserve as much flora as he can. * New York Times Book Review *An engaging piece of work -- Charles Elliott * Literary Review *Eye-popping... The Plant Messiah reads like a detective novel. [This] is a thrillingly uplifting book. There is a beguiling energy to his prose that clearly he has in person * Daily Mail *Botany, on its face, doesn't sound particularly thrilling. This book will change your mind -- Bill McKibben, New York Times bestselling author of 'Earth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet' and 'Radio Free Vermont'An entertaining, planterly romp around the world and a glimpse inside one of the world's great botanical institutions from this Kew botanist -- Jane Owen * Financial Times *[I]t is fascinating to follow Magdalena as he travels from remote Australian billabongs full of rare water lilies to the dry forests of western Peru, where the last gnarled huarango trees grow in the shadow of the Andes. But the greater accomplishment of The Plant Messiah is the compelling case that Magdalena makes from caring about plants in general. * Los Angeles Times *Carlos Magdalena is Kew's codebreaker * Telegraph *He has the uncanny ability to bring plants back from the brink of extinction * People of London *Carlos is an inspiration to me. He's the perfect spokesperson for the plants of the world -- Jane Goodall, primatologist and UN Messenger of PeaceCarlos has been able to achieve things with plants that no one else can do -- Richard Barley, director of horticulture, Kew

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Book SynopsisA tarot deck that features inspirational women of science on the minor arcana cards, plus a guidebook with scientist biographies and other information.The Women of Science Tarot Deck is a card game that helps us tell stories about our future based on principles of science. Each major arcana card features a fundamental scientific concept like extinction, diversity, or gravity. The 56 minor arcana cards feature inspirational women who have changed the course of STEM. The lively illustrations are by neuroscientist and comic artist Matteo Farinella.

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Book SynopsisWhat happens when something is sucked into a black hole? Does it disappear? Three decades ago, a young physicist named Stephen Hawking claimed it did, and in doing so put at risk everything we know about physics and the fundamental laws of the universe. Most scientists didn''t recognize the import of Hawking''s claims, but Leonard Susskind and Gerard t''Hooft realized the threat, and responded with a counterattack that changed the course of physics. The Black Hole War is the thrilling story of their united effort to reconcile Hawking''s revolutionary theories of black holes with their own sense of reality -- effort that would eventually result in Hawking admitting he was wrong, paying up, and Susskind and t''Hooft realizing that our world is a hologram projected from the outer boundaries of space. A brilliant book about modern physics, quantum mechanics, the fate of stars and the deep mysteries of black holes, Leonard Susskind''s account of the Black Hole War is mind-bending and exhilarating reading.Trade ReviewEntertaining...both lucid and enjoyable....Like the best teachers, Susskind makes it fun to learn. With a deft use of analogy and a flair for language, he tames the most ferocious concepts....He has come up with the best visual metaphor for the multidimensinality of string theory that I've yet come across, one that alone is worth the price of the book * - Los Angeles Times 'Susskind is very down to earth, an easy-going and entertaining guide through the most exciting frontiers of theoretical physics’ *#NAME?

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Book SynopsisBringing order and relevance to the cascade of recent brain findings, Dr John Ratey explains the brain''s most important systems, the role they play in determining how we interact with the world and ways in which we can influence their operations for the better. Throughout, he illustrates his points with vivid and often surprising examples drawn from his own practice, research and everyday life. Ratey answers such compelling questions as: What does it mean to be linguistically ambidextrous? How does a mother''s cradling of her child on her left shoulder relate to the development of language skills? Why does listening to music while doing homework improve accuracy? Why do people like spicy foods? He also analyses the ways in which things can go wrong, detailing causes and treatments for diseases such as autism, Parkinson''s and Alzheimer''s, as well as numerous neurological disorders. As Dr. Ratey demonstrates throughout the book, the brain is astonishingly flexible, able to be retrTrade ReviewCompelling ... If you're only going to buy one brain book ever, you could do worse than investing in this one * FOCUS *Make way for the thinking man's gym, where the brain is the new biceps and sculpting your grey matter rather than downsizing your backside is the ultimate aim of those who sign up for membership. * SUNDAY TIMES *Before consulting with customer service, it's always a good idea to read the manual. Psychiatrist John Ratey has condensed years of research on one of the most intimidating yet ubiquitous pieces of hardware in the world into the ever-handy User's Guide to the Brain. More intellectually stimulating than day-to-day practical, the Guide uses tales from Ratey's practice and other clinical venues, titbits from neuroscientific research, and plain common sense to suggest how the brain develops and manifests personality and behaviour. With section titles like "Free Will and the Anterior Cingulate Gyrus" many readers will feel intimidated, but Ratey is careful to direct his explanations to all--even those without PhD's in neuroanatomy. His four-theatre theory of mental function is interesting and the most directly practical section of the book, incorporating the author's years of experience with patients into a sensible framework that readers can use to better tune their own systems. Describing the changing of the guard from psychoanalysis to a more biological paradigm, Ratey writes: * Neuroscientists have, in a sense, simply taken over the elite, almost clerical office once held by analysts. The language used to describe the brain is, if any thing, more opaque than any of the old psychoanalytic terminology, which was itself so obscure *Determined to help us overcome our sense of helplessness in matters cranial, he has shown that we can understand ourselves better and can learn quite a bit from the nerds. * Rob Lightner, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW *

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Book SynopsisBased on the popular Harvard University and EdX class, Science and Cooking explores the scientific basis of why recipes work.

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Book SynopsisSeventeenth-century Europe witnessed an extraordinary flowering of discoveries and innovations. This study, beginning with the Dutch-invented telescope of 1608, casts Galileo's discoveries into a global framework. Although the telescope was soon transmitted to China, Mughal India, and the Ottoman Empire, those civilizations did not respond as Europeans did to the new instrument. In Europe, there was an extraordinary burst of innovations in microscopy, human anatomy, optics, pneumatics, electrical studies, and the science of mechanics. Nearly all of those aided the emergence of Newton's revolutionary grand synthesis, which unified terrestrial and celestial physics under the law of universal gravitation. That achievement had immense implications for all aspects of modern science, technology, and economic development. The economic implications are set out in the concluding epilogue. All these unique developments suggest why the West experienced a singular scientific and economic ascendancTrade Review'This is a well-researched, objectively written, eminently readable book. Anyone interested in any dimension of modern science and technology will find it useful.' Rajesh Kochhar, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali'A magisterial comparative sociology of the relationship between specific social contexts and scientific creativity in seventeenth-century Europe, the Ottoman Empire, and China. With a remarkable eye for detail, Huff elegantly poses the big questions about the past, present, and possible future of modern science in a globalized world.' Zaheer Baber, University of Toronto'Using the invention and dispersal of the telescope as a probe, Toby Huff examines the initial impact of this discovery machine in Europe compared with the Ottoman and Mughal empires and Ming China. He then turns to other scientific discoveries of the West and their surprisingly absent influence elsewhere. Huff's carefully documented research brings this material together in an altogether new way. His fascinating and lucid historico-sociological investigation casts brilliant light on the preeminence of the West today.' Owen Gingerich, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics'Intellectual Curiosity and the Scientific Revolution disseminates genuine information about the crucial role played by the West in the history of science, showing that after many centuries of near scientific inactivity, the West, beginning in the twelfth century, saw the virtue of absorbing science and natural philosophy from Greco-Islamic sources. For the numerous reasons Huff presents, the culture of the West, with its corporations, universities, and other features, made it feasible for science to emerge as a powerful force. Huff presents this entire process in a lucid and engaging manner, using the telescope as the instrument that most vividly reveals the striking differences between Europe and the civilizations of China, the Mughals, and the Ottomans. I believe his book will have a significant impact on the history of science, and on history generally.' Edward Grant, Indiana UniversityTable of ContentsPart I. Something New Under the Sun: 1. Introduction: outline of a new perspective; 2. Inventing the discovery machine; 3. The new telescopic evidence; 4. The 'far seeing looking glass' goes to China; 5. 'Galileo's glass' goes to the Muslim world; Part II. Patterns of Education: 6. Three ideals of higher education: Islamic, Chinese, and Western; Part III. Science Unbound: 7. Infectious curiosity I: anatomy and microbiology; 8. Infectious curiosity II: weighing the air and atmospheric pressure; 9. Infectious curiosity III: magnetism and electricity; 10. Prelude to the grand synthesis; 11. The path to the grand synthesis; 12. The scientific revolution in comparative perspective; Epilogue: science, literacy and economic development.

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Book SynopsisHow did life on earth originate? Did replication or metabolism come first in the history of life? In this updated and expanded second edition of Origins of Life, Freeman Dyson examines these questions and discusses the two main theories that try to explain how naturally occurring chemicals could organize themselves into living creatures.Trade Review'This is first class update of the first editon.' Peter Mata, SpaceflightTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Illustrious predecessors; 2. Experiments and theories; 3. A toy model; 4. Open questions; Bibliography; Author index.

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Book SynopsisErwin Schrödinger was an Austrian physicist famous for his contribution to quantum physics. He won the Nobel Prize in 1933 and is best known for his thought experiment of a cat in a box, both alive and dead at the same time, which revealed the seemingly paradoxical nature of quantum mechanics. Schrödinger was working at one of the most fertile and creative moments in the whole history of science. By the time he started university in 1906, Einstein had already published his revolutionary papers on relativity. Now the baton of scientific progress was being passed to a new generation: Werner Heisenberg, Paul Dirac, Niels Bohr, and of course, Schrödinger himself. In this riveting biography John Gribbin takes us into the heart of the quantum revolution. He tells the story of Schrödinger''s surprisingly colourful life (he arrived for a position at Oxford University with both his wife and mistress). And with his trademark accessible style and popular touch, he explains the Trade ReviewA fascinating tale of scientific endeavour . . . Gribbin expertly elucidates the relationships and discoveries that shaped Schrodinger's thoughts, including his lengthy correspondence with Albert Einstein, which led to the famous cat-in-the-box thought experiment . . . Anyone wishing to dip their feet in the muddy waters of quantum physics will enjoy this scientific soap opera. But it should be required reading for those eager to understand how the process of scientific discovery really works * New Scientist *Gribbin is an established master in the game of demystifying quantum mechanics * Jim Al-Khalili *The master of popular science writing * Sunday Times *Gribbin lucidly describes Schrödinger's Silver Surfer view of the universe, as well as revealing some of the more colourful details of Schrödinger's life... at its heart, this book is a fight for the soul of the quantum world * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisIn this remarkable book Jonathan Miller considers the functioning of the body as a subject of private experience. He explores our attitudes towards the body, our astonishing ignorance about certain parts of it and our inability to read its signals. Taking as his starting point the experience of pain, Dr Miller explores the elaborate social process of ''falling ill'', considers the physical foundations of ''dis-ease'' and looks at the types of individuals man has historically attributed with the power of healing. His explanations are so lucid, so wide-ranging and so whole-heartedly entertaining it is often hard to believe one is reading about the facts of one''s own body and what can go wrong with it. His use of metaphor and suggestive models, particularly when tracing the historical development of certain leading ideas in human physiology, is highly stimulating. Above all, there is the keen originality and sheer enthusiasm of Dr Miller''s approach to his subject which makes<Trade ReviewThe book will stand by itself as a tribute to the ingenuity of nature and to those who try to unravel its secrets * New York Magazine *He manages to synthesize physiology, medicine, psychology, philosophy, history and art with astonishing skill, clarity, erudition and wit... the most complex subjects are rendered comprehensible and entertaining... An excellent book which bridges two cultures -- David Mendel * Observer *[The Body in Question] reveals the range and variety of the author's skills: those of a physician, (especially a neurologist), a comparative anatomist and a philosopher... Among the various allotropes of Jonathan Miller cited above, we must number also the entertainer and the wit: Miller is exceedingly amusing... His text is distinguished by innumerable felicities of thought or expression -- P. B. Medawar * Times Literary Supplement *A brilliant mixture of medical, metaphorical and philosophical commentary -- Richard Holmes * The Times *This tour de force has... sheer gusto and kinetic energy * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisHow do we know if we're really the top dogs in brain power? Does our creativity stem solely from the right brain? From language to standing upright, composing music to lying, Michael Corballis uncovers our most common misconceptions and the fascinating habits and abilities that make us human.Trade Review'In A Very Short Tour of the Mind, Michael Corballis addresses some of the most basic questions about the mind, illuminating how the structure of the brain and its evolution over the ages shape how we think. His prose is witty, free of jargon, easily accessible to the general reader and a pleasure to read' Albert S. Bregman, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, McGill University'We're fortunate to have Corballis as our learned and charming guide on this all-too-short tour of the human mind' Steven Pinker'A wonderful, witty and lovely read. Corballis's writing kept me smiling all the way through' Maryse Lassonde, Canada Research Chair in Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Montreal

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Book SynopsisThe clearest, most accessible explanation yet of the amazing world of quantum mechanics: a Duckworth contemporary classic, beautifully repackaged for our 125th anniversaryTrade Review'A fascinating read and a must for anyone who would like to find out the latest experimental advances made in this most fundamental of quantum experiments' Physics World‘Offers beginners the tools they need to seriously engage with the philosophical questions that likely drew them to quantum mechanics’ Science‘Cleverly comes at quantum physics from a different direction... An excellent addition to the “Quantum physics for the rest of us” shelf’ Brian Clegg‘Simply an outstanding exploration of the double slit experiment and what makes it so weird’ Forbes

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Book SynopsisWe not only live in the air, we live because of it. At ground level air transforms miraculously; it wraps our planet in a blanket of warmth, while the outer layer of our atmosphere soaks up violent flares from the sun. This book traces a journey of scientific discovery from the first experiments in the Renaissance to findings in space.Trade Review'I never knew air could be so interesting' Bill Bryson 'A wonderful lesson in how science works' Simon Singh, Daily Telegraph 'A blend of science writing and historical anecdote that is hard to fault ... Walker's account of half a dozen scholars and their inspired hunches, painstaking experiments, wrong turns and dazzling discoveries is like a good detective story' New Statesman 'Spectacular ... Kittinger's fall serves as entree to an amazing tale of the scientific discovery of the atmosphere' Giles Foden, Conde Nast Traveller

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Book SynopsisIlluminates the importance of the early history of cloning for the biosciences and their institutional, disciplinary, and intellectual contexts.

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Book SynopsisHow to survive an earthquake. How to make an invisibility cloak. How to turn lead into gold. How to read someone''s mind. Physics = tedious and unfathomable, right? No longer. If you thought physics was all about measuring the temperature of an ice bucket or trying to understand complicated equations, think again. How to Destroy the Universe will make you see the world around us through fresh eyes.Table of ContentsIntroduction. How to build the ultimate rollercoaster. How to predict the weather. How to survive an earthquake. How to stop a hurricane. How to deflect a killer asteroid. How to journey to the Earth's core. How to stop global warming. How to launch yourself into space. How to survive a lightning strike. How to cause a blackout. How to make an invisibility cloak. How to be everywhere at once. How to live forever. How to teleport. How to fit a power station in your pocket. How to see an atom. How to turn lead into gold. How to build an atomic bomb. How to harness starlight. How to visit the tenth dimension. How to survive falling into a black hole. How to see the other side of the Universe. How to recreate the Big Bang. How to make the loudest sound on Earth. How to destroy the Universe. How to travel faster than light. How to travel through time. How to contact aliens. How to make energy from nothing. How to generate a force field. How to predict the stock market. How to crack unbreakable codes. How to build an antigravity machine. How to create life. How to read someone's mind. Glossary. Index.

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Book SynopsisA Guardian Best Book of 2014A 2014 Brain Pickings Best Book on Psychology, Philosophy, and How to Live MeaningfullyWhy is it hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? What if, contrary to what we have long been told, spontaneity - not striving - is the answer to success? Through stories of mythical creatures and drunken cart riders, jazz musicians and Japanese motorcycle gangs, Slingerland effortlessly blends Eastern thought and cutting-edge science to show us how we can embody a spontaneous way of being and live more fulfilling lives.Trade ReviewIn this fascinating book, Edward Slingerland tackles one of the most infuriating obstacles we encounter in our attempts to live meaningful lives. When we try with too much conscious effort to feel happy, or achieve our goals, we sabotage ourselves - but trying to be spontaneous is equally futile. The way out of this paradox is wu-wei, the ancient Chinese ideal of effortless yet accomplished living. Trying Not to Try is both a deeply researched history of this enviable state of relaxed success, and a witty guide to achieving it yourself. Don't overthink whether you're going to read it - just read it -- OLIVER BURKEMAN * * author of THE ANTIDOTE * *Trying Not to Try navigates the confluence of two mighty rivers: the burgeoning science of the mind and the classic wisdom of China's Taoist and Confucian traditions. This is a thoughtful, grounded book about traditions that should be better known - and more often put into practice - in the West -- DANIEL PINK, author of Drive and To Sell is HumanEast meets West in Edward Slingerland's Trying Not to Try, an entertaining and thought-provoking account of how the principles of ancient Chinese thought continue to apply--indeed, may apply even more - in modern times. Slingerland will make you reconsider your approach to everyday life and will challenge you to approach success - and failure - in a new, refreshing and reenergizing light -- MARIA KONNIKOVA * * author of MASTERMIND * *A work of seminal importance. Yet never was there such an important book that takes itself so lightly. Slingerland explains the correspondence between ancient Chinese philosophical ideas about wu-wei, or doing by not doing, and modern neuroscience. In doing so in erudite fashion, he also manages to discuss Woody Allen, magic mushrooms, his daughter's storybooks, Luke Skywalker and how hard it is to get a date when you're desperate . . . While it will surely take some effort to spread wu-wei in a Western culture saturated by the idea that emotions have to be controlled by the mind, Trying Not to Try is a great step forward. Slingerland's writing, if not wu-wei, is without a doubt effortless * * Huffington Post * *Ancient China produced some of the greatest wisdom in human history, and Slingerland makes those riches accessible to modern readers. This book represents the humanities at their best - it's grounded in careful research about an ancient culture, yet speaks to the eternal challenges of being human in a complex and confusing world * * JONATHAN HAIDT, author of The Righteous Mind * *Trying Not to Try is fascinating, original, and mind-expanding - it shows us a completely different way of thinking about success and happiness -- AMY CHUA * * author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother * *Through a combination of hard science and ancient philosophy, Trying Not to Try has convinced me that my usual approach to life - smashing through walls and grinding out painful victories - isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes trying hard is overrated. Slingerland has written a charming, intellectually rigorous book that can help all of us improve our lives -- JONATHAN GOTTSCHALL * * author of The Storytelling Animal * *A fascinating read. With state-of-the art science and interesting stories, Slingerland provides key insights from the East and West for achieving happiness and well-being -- SIAN BEILOCK * * author of Choke * *Valuable and refreshing; it illuminates traditions unfairly overlooked in the West, and does so in a way that's clear-eyed, amenable to science * * Skinny * *Trying not to Try is an enlightening introduction to the often misunderstood mindset of wu wei, the "being in the moment" that is the key to Eastern wisdom. Slingerland's volume is an invaluable guide to anyone on the quest for a full life, lived spontaneously -- Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi * * author of FLOW * *An insightful and lucid introduction to some of the most fruitful ideas in ancient Chinese philosophy -- JULIAN BAGGINI * * Observer * *The thoroughness and dedication to relating these ancient Chinese concepts to a contemporary culture is admirable. The balanced portrayal of strengths and weakness is honest and refreshing . . . this text fulfils an important role by challenging a dominant cultural mindset and encouraging diversity in the schools of thought used to define effort and success * * Psychologist * *Edward Slingerland's interesting recent book Trying Not to Try contrasts the overscheduled busywork of a modern productivity freak with what he calls "body thinking" . . . This is certainly desirable for a tennis player facing a 130mph serve, or a martial artist, or an improvising musician, but Slingerland wants to argue that social action can become just as virtuously "spontaneous" as well-drilled athletic or artistic action * * New Statesman * *

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Book SynopsisOne of the most unfathomable mysteries of quantum physics... could the answer be much closer than ever we thought?Trade Review'A delightful account of one of the deepest and most fascinating explorations going on today.' —Carlo Rovelli'The renowned science writer George Musser has taken on one of our time’s greatest issues: AI, how it works, and what makes it so powerful. This masterfully written book shows a surprising connection with theoretical physics.' —Max Tegmark, author of Life 3.0‘Musser is to be applauded for tackling both consciousness and the quantum realm... He joins a distinguished list of thinkers... Musser's book is readable and enthusiastic, packed with first-person anecdotes.’ —TLS'[Musser] has assembled a vast array of ideas from developments in artificial intelligence, heterodox interpretations of modern physics, and philosophies of science and mind, and has interviewed many of the scientists and philosophers behind these theories.' —Washington Post 'The philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote once: "The starry heavens begin at the place I occupy in the external world of sense, and they broaden the connection in which I stand into an unbounded magnitude of worlds beyond worlds." In this captivating book, George Musser takes us on a fascinating tour of the modern, surprising connections scientists discover between the cosmos and our inner world of consciousness.' —Mario Livio, astrophysicist and author of The Golden Ratio‘If you’re interested in how your mind works, what its limitations are and how it connects to the rest of the cosmos, [this is] a fascinating read.’ —BBC Sky at Night, ****'I couldn't put this book down. The science of what makes reality tick, and what makes us conscious, all explored with lively, inviting prose that draws the reader in, from cover to cover.' —Susan Schneider, author of Artificial You: AI and the Future of the Mind'Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation is a remarkable book. It offers a wonderful treatment of bleeding edge issues in the physics of consciousness, asking whether we are sentient observers of the universe or whether the universe emerges from our sentient observations. George Musser leaves the reader with burning questions about our place in the universe (or vice versa)—questions whose answers seem tantalizingly within reach.' —Karl J. Friston FRS, professor of neuroscience at UCL'Fifty years ago, the great theoretical physicist P. W. Anderson wrote an essay titled "More is different." He tried to explain how when "more" is large enough, it begets "new phenomena" entirely unlike the entities of which there are "more." In this book, George Musser entices the reader to ask whether in the gap between consciousness, qualia, and free will, on the one hand, and neurons, networks, electrophysiology, quantum mechanics, and neuroanatomy on the other, there might now be a new scientific synthesis necessary. Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation is sprightly, a good read, and beguiled this reader into thinking once again about "More is different."' —John Hopfield, professor emeritus at Princeton University and former president of the American Physical Society'George Musser is one of my favourite science writers of all time. Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation is an important book that will inform both the future of physics and the philosophy of mind.' —Annaka Harris, author of Conscious: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind'George Musser delivers stunning clarity on mother nature’s toughest puzzles. The reader will discover some things they thought they understood they don't. And mercifully, some things they thought they would never understand they now do. Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation is a great book.' —Michael S. Gazzaniga, author of The Consciousness Instinct'In Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation, George Musser takes us on a fascinating journey that links the deepest mechanisms of human consciousness to the most advanced developments in AI.' —Guido Tonelli, author of Genesis

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Book SynopsisMany scientists regard mass and energy as the primary currency of nature. In recent years, however, the concept of information has gained importance. Why? In this book, eminent scientists, philosophers and theologians chart various aspects of information, from quantum information to biological and digital information, in order to understand how nature works. Beginning with a historical treatment of the topic, the book also examines physical and biological approaches to information, and its philosophical, theological and ethical implications.Trade Review'This is the anthology we have been waiting for … Philosophers, theologians and scientists all have their say, wrestling with the theme of God as the ultimate informational and structuring principle in the universe.' Professor Sir Brian Heap, President, European Academies Science Advisory Board, German Academy of SciencesTable of Contents1. Introduction: does information matter?; Paul Davies and Niels Henrik Gregersen; Part I. History: 2. From matter to materialism … and (almost) back Ernan McMullin; 3. Unsolved dilemmas: the concept of matter in the history of philosophy and in contemporary physics Philip Clayton; Part II. Physics: 4. Universe from bit Paul Davies; 5. The computational universe Seth Lloyd; 6. Minds and values in the quantum universe Henry Pierce Stapp; Part III. Biology: 7. The concept of information in biology John Maynard Smith; 8. Levels of information: Shannon-Bolzmann-Darwin Terrence W. Deacon; 9. Information and communication in living matter Bernd-Olaf Küppers; 10. Semiotic freedom: an emerging force Jesper Hoffmeyer; 11. Care on earth: generating informed concern Holmes Rolston; Part IV. Philosophy and Theology: 12. The sciences of complexity - a new theological resource? Arthur Peacocke; 13. God as the ultimate informational principle Keith Ward; 14. Information, theology and the universe John F. Haught; 15. God, matter, and information: towards a Stoicizing Logos christology Niels Henrik Gregersen; 16. What is the 'spiritual body'? Michael Welker; Index.

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Book Synopsis''LOEB IS AN ASTRONOMICAL SHERLOCK HOLMES'' Washington Post''A JOY IN CONJECTURE AND AN OMNIVOROUS SPIRIT OF INQUIRY. . . CARL SAGAN WOULD HAVE LIKED THIS BOOK'' The Times In 2017, Avi Loeb, Chair of Harvard''s Astronomy Department, went public with a theory that shook the scientific community - our solar system has been visited by advanced alien technology. His provocative and persuasive argument (and internationally bestselling book Extraterrestrial) has opened thousands of minds to the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth. This book tackles the huge question of what happens next?Long the stuff of science-fiction, here at last is the science fact. From advances in deep space probes to ongoing searches for extraterrestrial technology in our night sky, through the latest heated debates over the existence of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, Interstellar offers a thrilling, front-row view of the technology

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis'People are emotionally drawn to the supernatural. They actively want weird, spooky things to be true . . . Wiseman shows us a higher joy as he deftly skewers the paranormal charlatans, blows away the psychic fog and lets in the clear light of reason.' Richard DawkinsProfessor Richard Wiseman is clear about one thing: paranormal phenomena don't exist. But in the same way that the science of space travel transforms our everyday lives, so research into telepathy, fortune-telling and out-of-body experiences produces remarkable insights into our brains, behaviour and beliefs. Paranormality embarks on a wild ghost chase into this new science of the supernatural and is packed with activities that allow you to experience the impossible. So throw away your crystals, ditch your lucky charms and cancel your subscription to Reincarnation Weekly. It is time to discover the real secrets of the paranormal.Learn how to control your dreams -- and leave your body b

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Book Synopsis Trigonometry: A Complete Introduction is the most comprehensive yet easy-to-use introduction to Trigonometry. Written by a leading expert, this book will help you if you are studying for an important exam or essay, or if you simply want to improve your knowledge. The book covers all areas of trigonometry including the theory and equations of tangent, sine and cosine, using trigonometry in three dimensions and for angles for any magnitude, related to triangles. Everything you will need is here in this one book. Each chapter includes not only an explanation of the knowledge and skills you need, but also worked examples and test questions.

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