Popular science Books

Book SynopsisWhy do some of nature’s marvels have to wait millions of years for their time in the sun?Trade Review'Hopeful and fascinating.' -- The Times'Sleeping Beauties is a delightful, accessible and information-packed primer on evolutionary biology, taking the reader from the complex details of DNA and proteins to some of humanity’s most intriguing successes and failures. Andreas Wagner explains the emergence of many otherwise puzzling traits and species—and also sheds important new light on the mechanics of evolution itself.' -- Wall Street Journal'A fascinating argument, told in an engaging and clear style, that reminds us just how creative evolution can be.' -- New Scientist‘Wagner offers a provocative new picture of how context underlies the success of nature’s best inventions, across the tree of life and in society… poetic… Sleeping Beauties is a book of many triumphs. But the most useful of its many messages may be how Wagner equips the reader with a grammar for describing the sleeping beauties in our own lives.’ -- Nature‘What Darwin didn’t say, and Andreas Wagner, a professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Zurich, tells us, is that it can take a long time – millions of years – before a mutation actually becomes relevant to the survival of the organism… Perhaps the book’s most important message is that the idea of a singular genius creating world-changing inventions out of nothing is a false one.’ -- Irish Times‘[An] excellent study… The accessible prose ensures even excursions into molecular biology are comprehensible, and Wagner finds surprising depth in evolutionary history... This is the rare volume that general readers will enjoy as much as specialists.’ -- Publishers Weekly, starred review‘Accessible and compelling... [Sleeping Beauties is] a fascinating perspective on dormancy’s abundant and critical role in evolutionary innovation.’ -- Booklist‘Wagner’s emphasis on the fundamental serendipity of success resonates for scientists, humanists, and artists alike. If the fifty-part human hand can prove so versatile, “what about a brain with nearly a hundred billion neurons? What other skills lie dormant within, skills we have not even dreamed of?”’ -- Santa Fe Institute‘Thought provoking… Wagner explains these issues well and taps into the wider stream of thought that nature has repeatedly come up with the same innovations across many different types of flora and fauna. Two thirds of the book is devoted to how this has played out in nature, and this aspect is argued well and clearly presented.’ -- Irish Tech News

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisTake flight with the secret life of owls.Trade Review‘A charming, deeply researched book.’ —Guardian‘Fascinating, fact-filled and wonderfully readable.’ —Stephen Moss, author and naturalist'Ackerman is a warm and companionable guide, so enthusiastic about her subject that I suspect even the avian-indifferent will be charmed by her encounters with owls and the dedicated people who study them.' —New York Times‘With their largely nocturnal lifestyles, cryptic plumage and wary nature, owls can be difficult to locate, let alone study. But in recent years, discoveries about these mysterious and otherworldly birds have come thick and fast as radio trackers, infrared cameras, drones, audio lures, DNA analysis and even specially trained sniffer dogs have joined more traditional methods in unlocking their secrets. What an Owl Knows is an accessible, highly readable tour of these discoveries by Jennifer Ackerman’ —Melissa Harrison, The Times‘Ackerman’s love for these birds is totally infectious… Long may they continue to fly through the darkness.’ —Daily Mail'A must-read for all bird lovers, Ackerman’s latest engaging work contains a feast of revelations about creatures that have fascinated us throughout human history.' —Observer‘An absorbing ear-tuft-to-tail appreciation of the raptor that Mary Oliver, a poet, called a “god of plunge and blood”.’ —Economist'Important… The knowledge Ackerman marshals so skillfully comes from devoted ornithologists, and they are rightly honoured too… [What an Owl Knows] extends our circle of care… It all feels liberating, and has never been more urgent.' —New Statesman‘The author… invites us on her quest to discover why owls enthral us so much. She achieves this in a lyrical and easily digestible way… fascinating… Ackerman knows how to hold the reader's attention… We should all definitely give more of a hoot about their future.’ —Country Life‘A gripping history of these creatures in folklore and art across human history… What an Owl Knows is a treat.’ —Financial Times‘A scientific investigation rich in narrative detail. Her writing is at its most compelling when she lets her own delight and surprise at the birds slip through.’ —New Scientist'Immensely enjoyable... What an Owl Knows eloquently bridges the gap between science and popular assumption to brings us the surprising (and often endearing) facts about these legendarily mysterious birds. Forget what you know, or think you know, because the truth is stranger than fiction!' —James Aldred, author of Goshawk Summer'Absorbing and exquisitely researched. Ackerman guides the reader around the world, carefully unpacking what it means to be an owl and examining the human relationship with these oft-misunderstood birds.' —Jonathan Slaght, author of Owls of the Eastern Ice‘Lively and informative… While her [Ackerman's] straightforward style enables easy comprehension for the science-phobic, there is lyricism too… Her sense of wonder runs through the book.’ —TLS‘Ackerman explores their world from historical and scientific perspectives, combining new behavioral discoveries with personal observations from the field.’ —Washington Post‘I loved it… richly detailed, wide in scope, written with precision and clarity… I won't be able to see an owl in the same way again.’ —Stephen Rutt, author of The Seafarers: A Journey Among Birds‘A fascinating study of a captivating bird. I learnt something new on every page. Ackerman’s book is a wonderful synthesis of ethology, wonder and passion for her subject.’ —James Macdonald Lockhart, author of Wild Air

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisTake flight with the secret life of owls.

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscusses all aspects of water and the evolution of life, including how water acts as the medium of communication between all living organisms.Trade Review"Alick Bartholomew has done a great service to us all by putting the fundamental issues of water so clearly and lucidly in front of us. His [book] is a perfect guide to show us the way to put right our broken relationship with water. This is one of those rare books which brings science, spirituality and practicality in one integrated whole."--Satish Kumar, Editor, Resurgence"In a single volume, by analysing and synthesising the insights of recent research into the qualities of water that best support life, Alick has taken us a step closer to answering that most fundamental of questions, 'What is Life?'!" --Chris Weedon, Co-founder The Water Association"Alick Bartholomew's new book: 'The Story of Water: Source of Life' is a passionate attempt to get us to stop taking water for granted and to give it the attention - and respect and even love - it deserves… 'The Story of Water' covers just about everything that you would want, or need, to know about this most precious element. The book is encyclopaedic in scope, testament to Bartholomew's long and deeply-researched interest in the subject… 'The Story of Water' remains a thought-provoking book which should be read widely."-- Paul Carline, New View, Autumn 2010"In this unique, wide-ranging work, which includes some beautiful colour plates, Bartholomew reiterates the importance and characteristics of water, its purpose in the Cosmos and our solar system, its atmospheric and terrestrial cycles, and its role in nuturing animal and plant life as well as evolutionary progress."-- Ruth Parnell, Nexus"Words cannot describe the extraordinarily comprehensive, deep and lucid treatment of the role of water within our bodies and in the environment. Based on more than a century of scientific study, much of which hasn't been recognized by mainstream scientists, Bartholemew's magnum opus argues convincingly that water is most life-giving and life-enhancing substance known to humanity: we can either destroy ourselves and our surroundings by polluting our water or we can heal through natural processes, positive intention and vortex motion. Water has consciousness and memory. This is the most important book I've read in the new century and will be required reading for all my students."-- Brian O'Leary, Ph.D, author of The Energy Solution Revolution"Through a more profound understanding of the nature of water, Alick has made a very significant contribution to the emergence of a holistic worldview, while not neglecting the ecological and political dimentions of water with which we will have to deal collectively in the next 20 years, This book is essential reading for those who wish to understand the real story of water."-- David Lorimer, Scientific and Medical Network Review, Winter 2010'A rich tapestry that describes the story of water form its many aspects and appearances… It helps give a deeper appreciation of water so that we can give it the respect it deserves. The book starts with lovely meditation.'-- Star & furrow, Winter 2011

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA dramatic refutation of the dominant paradigm in biological thinking and popular science. A short introduction to evolutionary theory and the misconceptions that have come out of it. Short, clear and thought provoking - a must read for the general audience.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisGet ready for the shocking truth about botanical sex. Did you know bee orchids trick insects into having sex with them? Or that avocado flowers open female one day and male the next? Discover over 200 of nature’s most unseemly creations in this sensational exposé. Trade ReviewThe sex life of plants did not top my list of "things one is curious about" but on reading Michael Allaby's neat hardback I had a change of heart. There is much switching of gender and some rather modern practices, but the light-hearted tone is supplemented by genuine erudition. -- Alexandra Henton * The Field *What secret raunchiness is going on in your garden without your knowledge? No, the doggers haven’t come to town, it’s the plants that are getting naughty in this light-hearted botanical volume, packed with delightful illustrations. -- Prudence Ivey * Ham & High *Delve into the world of botanical sex and discover the techniques used by plants to enter into unseemly liaisons to reproduce and survive. * Gardens Illustrated *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Jérémie Harris is a very funny scientist. I laughed all the way through'' - Bob McDonaldFrom Silicon Valley entrepreneur, quantum physicist, AI risk expert, and Hollywood alternative reality consultant Jérémie Harris, comes an entertaining and accessible look at the world of quantum physics.The discovery of quantum mechanics has paved the way to just about every important innovation in the last half century: it has led us to the technology that powers microwaves, iPhones, and self-driving cars and is about to trigger a computing revolution that will either spell the end of the human species or propel us to heights we''ve never imagined.But there''s another reason that quantum mechanics is so important: it is really the only way we can understand ourselves and each other. For the last hundred years or so, physicists have been feverishly debating what quantum theory has to say about you: what you''re made of, whether you have free will, w

Read more less

Book SynopsisPlanetary scientist and educator Ken Coles has teamed up with Ken Tanaka from the United States Geological Survey''s Astrogeology team, and Phil Christensen, Principal Investigator of the Mars Odyssey orbiter''s THEMIS science team, to produce this all-purpose reference atlas, The Atlas of Mars. Each of the thirty standard charts includes: a full-page color topographic map at 1:10,000,000 scale, a THEMIS daytime infrared map at the same scale with features labeled, a simplified geologic map of the corresponding area, and a section describing prominent features of interest. The Atlas is rounded out with extensive material on Mars'' global characteristics, regional geography and geology, a glossary of terms, and an indexed gazetteer of up-to-date Martian feature names and nomenclature. This is an essential guide for a broad readership of academics, students, amateur astronomers, and space enthusiasts, replacing the NASA atlas from the 1970s.Trade Review'In The Atlas of Mars, Coles, Tanaka, and Christensen take us on a comprehensive, informative, and up-to-date tour of the geography and geology of the Red Planet. Focusing on the critical role of impact, volcanic, tectonic, and erosional processes on shaping the history and evolution of Mars, these expert authors do an outstanding job of proving the value of fusing results from the wide variety of remote sensing measurements of Mars from flybys, orbiters, and surface landers/rovers. The Atlas of Mars is an important reference for students and professional planetary scientists as well as an educational and richly illustrated book that many general space enthusiasts will surely enjoy.' Jim Bell, Planetary scientist, author, and editor of The Martian Surface: Composition, Mineralogy, and Physical Properties'A remarkably comprehensive up-to-date portrayal of our current knowledge of the Martian surface after fifty years of spacecraft exploration from both orbit and the ground. It is all here: maps of topography, geology, mineralogy, thermal properties, magnetic anomalies, gravity, near-surface water-ice, and so forth, all accompanied by explanatory texts. A must-have for any student of the planet, whether lay or professional.' Michael Carr, United States Geological Survey'NASA published an atlas of Mars in 1979, a collection of maps by the US Geological Survey. Since then, most maps of Mars have been published individually, and a collection of maps like this beautiful new book is long overdue. This Atlas of Mars is richly illustrated to portray the entire planet and includes an authoritative summary of its geology and history written by experts in the field. Global maps give us context and detailed maps covering the whole planet in thirty sections provide much more detail. Add to that a nice summary of Mars exploration and we have an excellent resource for researchers and Mars enthusiasts alike. There are no comparable books on the market, so I will recommend it to everyone looking for a guide to the Red Planet.' Philip Stooke, University of Western Ontario'In the last two decades, our scientific understanding of Mars' geology and evolutionary history has exploded both in depth and in breadth. The Atlas of Mars by Coles, Tanaka, and Christensen provides an elegant compendium of this new knowledge through maps, images, and detailed discussions on both global and local scales. The comprehensive set of maps of a wide array of parameters, ranging from geography and geology to composition and mineralogy to topography and crustal structure, will offer rich new insights to planetary experts, students, and interested public alike.' Laurence A. Soderblom,, United States Geological Survey'This is a splendid coffee-table Mars atlas, beautifully printed and with full use of the large page size. Its intended readers, apart from the obvious specialist, are described by its authors as 'scientists from other fields, interested non-scientists and persons who wonder what all the missions to Mars have told us.' Being a well-informed and comprehensive guide, this is far more than just a collection of maps, lists and pictures, and I warmly commend it to readers.' Richard McKim, The Observatory'… the atlas [of Mars: Mapping its Geography and Geology] serves as both a searchable database and an up-to-date summary of our current understanding of the Martian surface. Whether readers zoom in on their favorite area or zoom out to get the big picture, they won't be disappointed.' B. M. Simonson, Choice'While this atlas is generally meant for specialists with ready knowledge, accommodation is made for others as well. Hence the Gazetteer at the back for locating known features, the Latin feature designations and glossary of geological terms are a boon to the curious, non-specialist readers. It is a fountain of information, this atlas. A perfect one-stop for anyone and everyone who wishes to learn something new and/or enhance their current understanding about the red planet.' B. Ishak, Contemporary Physics'For those interested in the geography and geology of the planet Mars, this Atlas is a must have. It is a valuable resource for anyone craving in-depth terrestrial data and more stunning landscape imagery from the red planet. Not since NASA's 1979 Atlas of Mars, a collection of maps by the US Geological Survey, has there been such a well-organised, comprehensive, up-to-date overview of our current understanding of the Martian surface.' Jon W. Elvert, PlanetarianTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; How to use this Atlas; 1. Introduction; 2. History of exploration of Mars; 3. Global character of Mars; 4. Regional geographic features and surface views of Mars; 5. Geology of Mars; 6. Map sheets 1-30; Appendices: units on geologic map of Mars; Unit conversions; Abbreviations; Glossary of terms; Latin descriptors; Gazetteer; References; Sources of images; Index.

Read more less

Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or ''Copenhagen'' interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of ''consistent histories'' to which a completely new chapter is devoted.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this book, Cherry Lewis skilfully blends the history of gauging the age of the Earth with a biography of Arthur Holmes, a British geologist who was a pioneer of geochronology. When it was deeply unfashionable to do so in the early twentieth century, he spent many years trying to prove the great antiquity of the Earth, stating that it was ''perhaps a little indelicate to ask of our Mother Earth her age, but science acknowledges no shame''. Both fascinating and touching, this book appeals to a broad readership of both geologists and science enthusiasts.Trade Review'… a gripping tale to tell … I would recommend it … to anyone who has the slightest interest in how our planet came to be the way it is.' John Gribbin, The Sunday TimesTable of Contents1. Prelude to the game; 2. A brief history of time; 3. Darwin's sorest trouble; 4. Mysterious rays; 5. Doomsday postponed; 6. Holidays in Mozambique; 7. This vegetable prison; 8. A brimful of promise; 9. Liquid gold in Yenangyaung; 10. Durham days; 11. The Ardnamurchan affair; 12. Rewards and retributions; 13. Why does the sun shine?; 14. The age of uranium; 15. The age of the Earth; 16. Loose ends; Thanks and acknowledgements; Selected bibliography.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThomas Bewick (17531828) is synonymous with finely crafted wood engravings of the natural world, and his instantly recognisable style influenced book illustration well into the nineteenth century. This celebrated work, first published in two volumes between 1797 and 1804, was the first practical field guide for the amateur ornithologist.Table of Contents1. Of the oyster-catcher; 2. Of the spoonbill; 3. Of the crane; 4. Of the heron; 5. Of the curlew; 6. Of the snipe; 7. Of the godwit; 8. Of the sandpiper; 9. Of the coot; 10. Of the phalarope; 11. Of the grebe; 12. Of the avoset; 13. Of the auk or penguin; 14. Of the guillemot; 15. Of the divers; 16. Of the tern or sea swallow; 17. Of the gull; 18. Of the petrel; 19. Of the mergus; 20. Of the anas; 21. Of the pelican.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe naturalist Gilbert White (1720â93) was known for his meticulous observations of flora and fauna in their natural environment, primarily around his village of Selborne in Hampshire. This posthumous 1795 publication, edited by the physician and writer John Aikin (1747â1822), comprises a collection of extracts from White's previously unpublished papers from 1768 to his death. Presented here for 'lovers of natural knowledge' is a full year of White's observations. Following the month-by-month record of natural events, the book contains brief studies of birds, quadrupeds, insects, plants and the weather. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, White had kept a near daily record of his activities for more than forty years. Regarded as one of the fathers of ecology, inspiring others to appreciate the natural world, White is best known for The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789), which is also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection.Table of ContentsPreface; Naturalist's calendar; Observations on birds; Observations on quadrupeds; Observations on insects and vermes; Observations on vegetables; Meteorological observations; Summary of the weather.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOver the last forty years, scientists have uncovered evidence that if the Universe had been forged with even slightly different properties, life as we know it - and life as we can imagine it - would be impossible. Join us on a journey through how we understand the Universe, from its most basic particles and forces, to planets, stars and galaxies, and back through cosmic history to the birth of the cosmos. Conflicting notions about our place in the Universe are defined, defended and critiqued from scientific, philosophical and religious viewpoints. The authors'' engaging and witty style addresses what fine-tuning might mean for the future of physics and the search for the ultimate laws of nature. Tackling difficult questions and providing thought-provoking answers, this volumes challenges us to consider our place in the cosmos, regardless of our initial convictions.Trade Review'My colleagues, Geraint and Luke, in A Fortunate Universe, take you on a tour of the Cosmos in all of its glory, and all of its mystery. You will see that humanity appears to be part of a remarkable set of circumstances involving a special time around a special planet, which orbits a special star, all within a specially constructed Universe. It is these sets of conditions that have allowed humans to ponder our place in space and time. I have no idea why we are here, but I do know the Universe is beautiful. A Fortunate Universe captures the mysterious beauty of the Cosmos in a way that all can share.' Brian Schmidt, Australian National University, Canberra, and Nobel Laureate in Physics (2011), from the Foreword'Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes provide a breathtaking tour of contemporary physics from the subatomic to the cosmological scale. Everywhere they find the Universe to be fine-tuned for complex structure. If the quark masses, or the basic forces, or the cosmological constant had been much different, the Universe would have been a sterile wasteland. It seems that the only reactions are either to embrace a multiverse or a designer. The authors have constructed a powerful case for the specialness of our Universe.' Tim Maudlin, New York University'The Universe could have been of such a nature that no life at all could exist. The anthropic question asks why the constants of nature that enter various physical laws are such as to permit life to come into being. This engaging book is a well-written and detailed explanation of all the many ways these physical constants affect the possibility of life, considering atomic, nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology. It then discusses in an open-minded way the variety of explanations one might give for this strange fine-tuning, possible solutions ranging from pure chance, existence of multiverses, or theistic explanations. The book is the most comprehensive current discussion of this intriguing range of issues. Highly recommended.' George Ellis, University of Cape Town'Lewis and Barnes' book is the most up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive explication of the evidence that the Universe is fine-tuned for life. It is also among the two most philosophically sophisticated treatments, all the while being accessible to a non-academic audience. I strongly recommend this book.' Robin Collins, Messiah College, Pennsylvania'… charming, intelligent and exceedingly well-written … a gentle stroll through the details of the Standard Model of particle physics, as well as the Standard Model of cosmology, but [the authors] lead us with such a light hand, a streak of humour and a lack of pedantry that the information is easily absorbed … Lewis and Barnes show us how small changes lead to a variety of disasters. ('Ruining a universe is easy' Mr. Barnes quips) … Is [our universe] a happy coincidence, as the authors ask each other in an amusing mock debate modeled on one Galileo wrote 400 years earlier, or is there some deeper reason? Where does science go from here? Does what has been popularly called a theory of everything exist? Is there a multiverse? Must we be satisfied with an anthropic principle? The authors discuss these questions and more in a final dialogue.' Gino Segrè, The Wall Street Journal'A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos by Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes, is a nice up to date book for the general (educated) public on modern physics and cosmology. If covers modern cosmology and some of the Big Questions of our times, in particular the issue of anthropomorphism how 'fine tuned' our Universe is.' Steinn Sigurðsson, ScienceBlogs (www.scienceblogs.com)'… what is truly unique about this book is that it presents the data at a popular level so that the material is accessible to anyone interested in this topic … As I read the book, I was awestruck by the finely-tuned constants and conditions that had to be just right to get a universe that would permit life … This evidence should move each one of us to ask, what is the best explanation of this incredible fine-tuning?' Tim Barnett, Stand to Reason (www.str.org)'A Fortunate Universe is basically a book of physics, written by two scientists who are fascinated by the question 'Why are we here?' The language is straightforward, the style is easy, often witty, with short digestible paragraphs, and yet the subject-matter is inevitably dense and demanding … It is pleasing to come across the line 'we do not know' so regularly in this book about the fundamentals of science, which echoes the book of Job … When science reaches its limits, we have to consider a different kind of explanation for why the laws of nature are as they are, and why they are so finely tuned for the emergence of intelligent life. … [The authors] wonder if classical arguments for the existence of God have anything to say about the fine-tuning of the universe, speculating whether God is a necessary being and whether our sense of truth and morality hint at God's inevitable existence.' Adam Ford, Church Times'In this book, the authors deal with nothing less than the question of how it is possible that we exist. In an introductory and a closing chapter, the first of which introduces the subject in a simple dialogue, and the latter, in turn, completes the dialogue in the same colloquial manner, the authors draw a detailed picture of our universe and, in particular, how peculiar our existence is. … Reading this book is a great pleasure, not only intellectual, but also entertaining. … They describe what is and what could be. They give their audience well-founded, solid scientific arguments, chat with them, and then leave their own thoughts. A highly readable, enriching, and knowledgeable book.' Matthias Bartelmann, translated from Sterne und Weltraum'The title claims that the Universe is finely tuned for the existence of life. The authors provide evidence for this, investigate various possible explanations, and rebut the most common criticisms … the book provides an opportunity to learn more at an accessible level … The case is well made that the Universe is finely tuned for life; the interesting question is why. It could be coincidence … Or could the Universe be no other way? … Was it designed? Did it evolve? Or are there many universes in a Multiverse, and we shouldn't be surprised that we live in one which allows life? … The arguments are clear; references are provided for those wishing to delve deeper; essentially all points of view are presented … This is an important topic and the book is a good summary of the field. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it to those interested in the big Question.' Phillip Helbig, The Observatory'It is the vivid, direct tone and writing style of a friendly physics lecture that perhaps most sets this text apart among popular-level science books about 'big questions' … [The book] provides a big picture of the physics of fine-tuning, mostly accessible in lay terms, and gives aspiring philosophers of physics a taste of the tone and intellectual style one can find at cosmology conferences. Beyond that, it does so by showing the readers that a response from philosophers might be welcome. Because the authors make clear how their thinking is informed by works in metaphysics, philosophy of physics, epistemology, and the philosophy of religion, they tell the readers how they think philosophy does or could contribute, and where they think they do not know enough to see how it might.' Yann Benétreau-Dupin, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews'This book is for anyone who has ever wondered: 'Why is it so?' With colourful analogies and admirably accurate simplifications, Geraint and Luke have succeeded in making much of modern physics and cosmology comprehensible … They address the biggest questions of science. What is dark energy? What is dark matter? Why is there something rather than nothing? Why is there more matter than antimatter? Where did the laws physics come from? Do we live in a multiverse? Do we live in a simulation? How different could the universe have been? If God is omnipotent, why does evil exist? … Not even the popular scientist and writer Paul Davies tries to address so many important big questions in one book … I enjoyed the book a lot, but I disagreed with the main thesis. No matter what your religious beliefs are, this book will make you think.' Charley Lineweaver, The Conversation (www.theconversation.com)'What makes this part of the book different from many other works on fine-tuning is the degree to which Lewis and Barnes explain the physics of fine-tuning … they explain how the proton mass is a function of the quark masses, and these in turn of the Higgs field, and this in turn, perhaps, of supersymmetry. The reader's understanding of fine-tuning is deepened, and [they] … [come] to see that at every level fine-tuning appears. … [T]he authors discuss the philosophical issues that surround fine-tuning. The handling of these issues displays Luke Barnes's philosophical sophistication. Barnes is thoroughly familiar with the work of analytic philosophers on these issues and has interesting contributions to make to the discussion. … I highly recommend it for students of fine-tuning.' William Lane Craig, Philosophia Christi'Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes's lucid, fast-paced, and funny new book might best be summed up in their own words: 'Our conclusion is that the fundamental properties of the Universe appear to be fine-tuned for life'. As the authors carefully explain in A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos, it doesn't matter whether other kinds of life are out there. It's enough that there is life here on Earth to raise the question of why the universe is the way it is, seemingly fine-tuned to allow for life. After all, in the vast parameter space of hypothetical universes, life is a tight fit. Change the fundamental constants, or the basic laws of physics, or the low-entropy, free-energy-rich initial state of the universe, and the story on Earth would have been radically different. Life has very little wiggle room.' Marcelo Gleiser, Physics Today'The tone is lively, and these authors are witty; their banter is appealing; and the indulgences are infrequent and always welcome. … Both authors of A Fortunate Universe are physicists and cosmologists, so they are in a position to avoid the scientific inaccuracies that weaken other attempts to explore the philosophical consequences of cosmic fine-tuning. On the other hand, it is rare to find physicists capable of avoiding even elementary errors in discussing the metaphysical implications of their work. But I can find at least no obvious misunderstandings in Lewis and Barnes's discussions of Aristotle or Boethius or Aquinas. Equally refreshing, they seem to have enough humility to recognize that philosophical investigations, like scientific investigations, do require a serious investment of time and study. … We may be approaching a new era in the relation between science and philosophy. Stranger things have happened in human history.' Tucker Landy, InterpretationTable of ContentsForeword Brian Schmidt; Preface; 1. A conversation on fine-tuning; 2. I'm only human!; 3. Can you feel the force?; 4. Energy and entropy; 5. The Universe is expanding; 6. All bets are off!; 7. A dozen (or so) reactions to fine-tuning; 8. A conversation continued; Further reading; References; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA concise introduction to the concept of species, discussing its complexity, use and importance in biology, philosophy, ethics, policymaking and conservation. The book provides a history of the concept and its' problems and benefits for any interested reader, including those without previous knowledge of biology or philosophy.Trade Review'The species problem is a vexing and important one, and John Wilkins has done more than anyone else to dig into its history and integrate it with philosophy past and present. Thus he was the perfect author for this book, which is a wonderful, accessible entryway to the diverse set of issues bearing on why species have been such a 'thing' for 2000 years. My own conclusion is to follow Darwin and acknowledge the species rank is a meaningless human construct - the full tree of life is what matters, not just the single level within it arbitrarily called species. But to decide whether to agree with me or not, you need to absorb the content in this book.' Brent D. Mishler, author of What, if Anything, are Species?, Distinguished Professor of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley'The species problem is one of the most complex issues in evolutionary biology and philosophy of biology, and not many would have succeeded in producing a comprehensive overview of it and doing justice to both science and philosophy. Written by one of the most eminent scholars in the field, Understanding Species is an informative and, due to the author's eloquent writing style, at the same time also very entertaining read. It both quenches your thirst for knowledge and makes you want to dive deeper into the topic. What more can you ask of a book? Highly recommended!' Frank E. Zachos, Natural History Museum Vienna, Austria, author of Species Concepts in Biology (2016)'A species is like jazz: you know one when you meet it, but on closer inspection it's very hard to define. In this engaging book, John Wilkins guides us deftly through the philosophical minefield of what species are, how you recognise them, and how trying to find definitions for species is increasingly important for science and conservation.' Henry Gee, author of A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth'This book is a stunning achievement, and I think nobody other than Wilkins could have tied together the disparate perspectives needed to write it. Species problems are notoriously thorny and multi-disciplinary, yet Wilkins manages to shine great light on them. Most impressively he does this in ways that many people, rather than just species experts, can understand, engage, and enjoy. The writing is snappy, the choice of topics smart, and the rewards for readers will be many.' Matthew J. Barker, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Concordia University, MontréalTable of ContentsForeword; Preface; 1. How species matter; 2. Classifying species; 3. Making species; 4. A short history of species and kinds; 5. Philosophy and species; 6. Finding species; 7. Extinction, or how species are lost; 8. The value of species; 9. Replacing species; 10. Conclusions and summary; Summary of misunderstandings of species; Readings; Figure credits; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part 1: Biology Basics 5 Chapter 1: Exploring the Living World 7 Chapter 2: How Life Is Studied 13 Chapter 3: The Chemistry of Life 29 Chapter 4: The Living Cell 49 Chapter 5: Acquiring Energy to Run the Motor 67 Part 2: Let’s Talk about Sex, Baby: Cell Reproduction and Genetics 81 Chapter 6: Dividing to Conquer: Cell Division 83 Chapter 7: Making Mendel Proud: Understanding Genetics 103 Chapter 8: Reading the Book of Life: DNA and Proteins 119 Chapter 9: Engineering the Code: DNA Technology 135 Part 3: It’s a Small, Interconnected World 155 Chapter 10: Exploring the Living World: Biodiversity and Classification 157 Chapter 11: Observing How Organisms Get Along 173 Chapter 12: Evolving Species in an Ever-Changing World 197 Part 4: Systems Galore! Animal Structure and Function 217 Chapter 13: Pondering the Principles of Physiology 219 Chapter 14: Moving and Shaking: Skeletal and Muscular Systems 227 Chapter 15: Going with the Flow: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems 239 Chapter 16: Checking Out the Plumbing: Animal Digestive and Excretory Systems 259 Chapter 17: Fighting Back: Human Defenses 277 Chapter 18: The Nervous and Endocrine Systems, Messengers Extraordinaire 295 Chapter 19: Reproduction 101: Making More Animals 313 Part 5: It’s Not Easy Being Green: Plant Structure and Function 337 Chapter 20: Living the Life of a Plant 339 Chapter 21: Probing into Plant Physiology 351 Part 6: The Part of Tens 361 Chapter 22: Ten Great Biology Discoveries 363 Chapter 23: Ten Ways Biology Affects Your Life 369 Index 375

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhy do some things pass under the radar, while others capture our attention? From art to religion, sport to supersistion Riverted is a fascinating and accessible exploration of the scientific and evolutionary underpinnings of why we find things compelling.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first academic study of this subject is an entertaining look at the search for Sasquatch which considers not just the nature of monsters and monster hunting in the late 20th century, but the more important relationship between the professional scientists and amateur naturalists who hunt them—and their place in the history of science.Trade Review'Using the career of anthropologist Gordon 'Grover' Sanders Krantz as a focal point, Regal explores the work and lives of the professional scientists ('eggheads') and amateur naturalists ('crackpots') who considered the possibility of Sasquatch and other 'manlike monsters' to be anomalous primates, as opposed to relics of regional folklore. Recommended.' CHOICE 'This excellent and fascinating book is not just about scientists searching for monsters, but others, called 'amateur naturalists' that are looking and doing field work as well. This book is a rare and insightful look by an academic who writes and thinks well.' Bigfoot Times 'This is a book not about Sasquatch, but about the men who spent their lives searching for it. Brian Regal's fast-moving narrative uncovers the complex relationships within and between the amateur enthusiasts and the small number of professional scientists who took the monster seriously. Regal opens a window onto the psychology and sociology of monster-hunting and has provided a valuable case study in the relationship between science and popular culture.' Peter Bowler, Professor of History of Science, School of History and Anthropology, Queen's University Belfast 'Searching for tangible evidence of elusive monsters has a long tradition among naturalists, highly trained scientists, adventurers, and charlatans. In this fascinating book, Brian Regal explores the many sides to 'monster-hunting,' or cryptobiology, through a case study of anthropologist Gordon 'Grover' Krantz's search for Sasquatch. Regal has skillfully used Krantz's career to raise a number of significant issues for the history of science, most important, what is the nature of evidence in science itself and how is its legitimacy negotiated.' Garland E. Allen, Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis 'The Yeti, Sasquatch, and the Minnesota Iceman take a back seat in this lively and engaging book which shows us that far more interesting, surprising, and bizarre than these mythical monsters may be are the many naturalists, both amateur and professional, who strove to make a legitimate science out of their study.' Vassiliki Betty Smocovitis, Professor, History of Science, University of Florida 'A unique and remarkable work that highlights the people involved in the search for unknown primates. A fount of information on many characters about whom I knew little or nothing. Brian Regal has created a valuable, historic and highly readable tome.' Richard Freeman, Zoological Director, Centre for Fortean Zoology, UK 'Sasquatch has always been a creature of the margins half-human, half-beast; authentic and plastic; science and nonsense. In this incisive and often funny book, Brian Regal shows how the beast also stood between professional scientists and amateurs, and how debates about Sasquatch were simultaneously attempts to define the complicated relationship between these two groups.' Joshua Blu Buhs, author of Bigfoot: The Life and Times of a LegendTable of ContentsChasing Monsters Crackpots and Eggheads The Snowmen Bigfoot, the Anti-Krantz, and the Iceman The Life of Grover Krantz Suits and Ladders The Problems of Evidence A Life with Monsters

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn The Art of Astrophotography, astronomer and Popular Astronomy columnist Ian Morison provides the essential foundations of how to produce beautiful astronomical images. Every type of astroimaging is covered, from images of the Moon and planets, to the constellations, star clusters and nebulae within our Milky Way Galaxy and the faint light of distant galaxies. He achieves this through a series of worked examples and short project walk-throughs, detailing the equipment needed starting with just a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera and tripod, and increasing in complexity as the book progresses - followed by the way to best capture the images and then how, step by step, these may be processed and enhanced to provide results that can rival those seen in astronomical magazines and books. Whether you are just getting into astrophotography or are already deeply involved, Morison''s advice will help you capture and create enticing astronomical images.Trade Review'The significant developments in the optics of both telescopes and cameras, coupled with powerful imaging programs now commercially available, mean that amateur astronomers can make remarkable images of astronomical objects … [The book] provides an excellent guide to the techniques involved. The emphasis in the text is on the various imaging processes one might use, but there are sufficient details about the instrumentation … a beginner will be comfortable in selecting a telescope, or a camera, to suit the goals. Instructions are given in detail, with procedures outlined in step-by-step explanations that even include specific mention of control buttons on a laptop screen. Typically, each chapter focuses on the photography of one type of object (e.g., the moon, nebulae in the Milky Way, or neighboring galaxies) because each object requires a slightly different technique. The illustrations are effectively coordinated with the text, and the final illustration in each chapter is usually extraordinary.' D. E. Hogg, CHOICETable of Contents1. Imaging star trails; 2. Imaging a constellation with a DSLR and tripod; 3. Imaging the Milky Way with a DSLR and tracking mount; 4. Imaging the Moon with a compact camera or smartphone; 5. Imaging the Moon with a DSLR; 6. Imaging the Pleiades Cluster with a DSLR and small refractor; 7. Imaging the Orion Nebula, M42, with a modified Canon DSLR; 8. Telescopes and their accessories for use in astroimaging; 9. Towards stellar excellence; 10. Cooling a DSLR camera to reduce sensor noise; 11. Imaging the North American and Pelican Nebulae; 12. Combating light pollution - the bane of astrophotographers; 13. Imaging planets with an astronomical video camera or Canon DSLR; 14. Video imaging the Moon with a webcam or DSLR; 15. Imaging the Sun in white light; 16. Imaging the Sun in the light of its H-alpha emission; 17. Imaging meteors; 18. Imaging comets; 19. Using a cooled 'one shot colour' camera; 20. Using a cooled monochrome CCD camera; 21. LRGB colour imaging; 22. Narrow band colour imaging; Appendix A. Telescopes for imaging; Appendix B. Telescope mounts; Appendix C. The effects of the atmosphere; Appendix D. Auto guiding; Appendix E. Image calibration; Appendix F. Practical aspects of astroimaging.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSituated at the intersection of natural science and philosophy, Our Genes explores historical practices, investigates current trends, and imagines future work in genetic research to answer persistent, political questions about human diversity. Readers are guided through fascinating thought experiments, complex measures and metrics, fundamental evolutionary patterns, and in-depth treatment of exciting case studies. The work culminates in a philosophical rationale, based on scientific evidence, for a moderate position about the explanatory power of genes that is often left unarticulated. Simply put, human evolutionary genomics - our genes - can tell us much about who we are as individuals and as collectives. However, while they convey scientific certainty in the popular imagination, genes cannot answer some of our most important questions. Alternating between an up-close and a zoomed-out focus on genes and genomes, individuals and collectives, species and populations, Our Genes argues thTrade Review'Winther's book is a synthesis of philosophical perspectives on modern evolutionary genomics, written by one of the few people in the world who have a sufficiently deep understanding of both philosophy and biology to achieve such an undertaking. It is a remarkable tour de force of the philosophy of genomics that should be essential reading for students and scholars interested in the broader implications of human genomic research. But the book will also appeal to a more general audience interested in understanding genetics and in finding out what genetics and evolutionary biology can, and cannot, tell them about the fundamental question: Who am I?' Rasmus Nielsen, University of California, Berkeley, USA'Our Genes makes a significant and welcome contribution! Race theorists seeking to reconcile humanities training and impulses with the insights of contemporary genomics will find Winther's rigorous but accessible study particularly valuable. This is vital work.' Paul C. Taylor, Vanderbilt University, USA'It's a rare book indeed in which someone from another discipline examines the basic suppositions and habits of thought characteristic of one's own field with equal parts inspiration and care such that it gives you a whole new perspective on what you do and why. Rasmus Winther's Our Genes is one such book. It is a seamless alloy of evolution, genetics, and the philosophy of biology in which each topic is explained in a manner accessible to non-experts. It also subjects these ideas to deep examination and cogent criticism with pressing implications both for how philosophers should approach problems in population genetics and how population geneticists might sharpen their questions. It should be widely and closely read in philosophy and population genetics seminars alike and could well form the foundation for a new generation of fruitful collaborations between philosophers and population geneticists.' Charles S. Roseman, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA'Our Genes isn't the last word, it's the first words you should read on the population genetics, molecular genetics, and gene/environment interaction that shaped Homo sapiens over the last several hundred thousand years. Rasmus Winther has produced a tour de force of scientific synthesis, and philosophical analysis, and wisdom about the uses of both.' Alex Rosenberg, Duke University, USATable of ContentsPreface; 1. Introduction; 2. Origins and Histories; 3. The Mind, the Lab, and the Field: Three Kinds of Populations; 4. Metrics and Measures; 5. Models and Methodologies; 6. Six Patterns of Human Genomic Variation; 7. Natural Selection; 8. Intelligence, Female Orgasm, and Future Discovery; 9. Is Race Real?; 10. The Conscious Universe: Genes in Complex Systems; Bibliography; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDigital SLR cameras have made it easier than ever before to photograph the night sky. Whether you''re a beginner, nature photographer, or serious astronomer, this is the definitive handbook to capturing the heavens. Starting with simple projects for beginners such as cameras on tripods, it then moves onto more advanced projects including telescope photography and methods of astronomical research. With 80% revised and updated material, this new edition covers nightscapes, eclipses, using cameras with sky trackers and telescopes, and tools for identifying celestial objects and investigating them scientifically. Image processing is discussed in detail, with worked examples from three popular software packages - Nebulosity, Maxlm DL, and PixInsight. Rather than taking a recipe-book approach, Covington explains how your equipment works as well as offering advice on many practical considerations, such as choice of set-up and the testing of lenses, making this a comprehensive guide for anyone involved in astrophotography.Trade Review'Overall, the coverage is impressive, with an initial discussion of basic concepts.' Storm Dunlop, The ObservatoryTable of ContentsPreface; Part I. DSLRs for Astrophotography: 1. Welcome to DSLR astrophotography; 2. Digital image technology; 3. DSLR operation; 4. Five simple projects; Part II. Equipment and Techniques: 5. Deep-sky image acquisition; 6. Coupling cameras to telescopes; 7. Camera lenses; 8. Tracking the stars; 9. Precision tracking and guiding; 10. Power and camera control in the field; Part III. Image Processing: 11. Deep-sky image processing; 12. Workflow with specific software; 13. More image processing techniques; 14. Sun, moon, eclipses, and planets; Part IV. Advanced Topics: 15. Sensor performance; 16. Testing sensors; 17. Spectral response and filter modification; 18. Tools for astronomical research; Part V. Appendices; A. Digital processing of film images; B. Exposure tables; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe astonishing science of black holes, and their role in understanding the history and future of our universe.Trade Review"Black holes were originally flights of theoretical fancy, difficult for even professional physicists to wrap their brains around. In Einstein's Monsters, Chris Impey shows how modern astronomy has brought them into vivid focus, and conveys how much more we're learning about these extreme beasts with every passing year." -- Sean Carroll, author of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself"In Einstein's Monsters, Impey provides a history of black holes and an overview of investigations into their supremely counter-intuitive behaviour...[he] addresses the seeming absurdities of [the] subject with authority and wit." -- Nature"Impey does an admirable job describing multiple facets of the often contradictory field of black hole astrophysics... Einstein's Monsters will be sure to capture the imagination of most who pick it up, simultaneously convincing the reader that these monsters, while in fact quite certainly real, should be loved and not feared." -- Science"Astronomer Impey's accessible approach breaks down complex scientific concepts with ease and flair, name-checking everyone from Edgar Allen Poe to Pink Floyd as he lays out what we think we know about black holes—and what remains mysterious." -- Discover"Impey skilfully weaves a fascinating tale out of the work and ideas of the scientists who... pieced together the history of black holes by understanding the evolution of stars and how they can, depending on their mass, end up as white dwarfs, ultra-dense neutronstars, rapidly spinning pulsars or as an exploding supernova." -- Financial Times"Einstein's Monsters cuts through the "fiendishly complex" mathematics to set out the evidence for black holes, and how they are born and die." -- Times Higher Education"The book gives an awe-inspiring account of the complexity and beauty of black holes that were there before our Galaxy formed and will probably be there after everything else has been shredded apart by the forces of an ever-expanding Universe." -- Nature

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow the brain helps us to understand and navigate space—and why, sometimes, it doesn’t work the way it should.Trade Review"Christopher Kemp may not be able to find his way out of a stairwell, but he has quickly and with no false turns made his way to the top of my list of favorite science writers. For all his navigational shortcomings, Kemp is an expert guide to the most complex landscape of all: the human brain. He’s a natural storyteller, a deft explainer, and a terrific and funny writer." -- Mary Roach, author of Fuzz"Christopher Kemp’s brilliant and beguiling new book reveals that behind the curtain of the seemingly quotidian act of traversing space lies an array of intricate neuroscientific magic tricks, temporal feats of strength, hiccups, and elusive mysteries. Like the brain itself, Kemp’s wild writing quakes and sparks, uncovering the lyric lurking in the neuroscientific, the hilarious in the incantatory." -- Matthew Gavin Frank, author of Flight of the Diamond Smugglers"A dazzling—at times dizzying—exploration of brains and places, how they trouble one another and how they give one another meaning." -- Robert Moor, author of On Trails"A fascinating and sneakily amusing book. Kemp is an elegant and quick-witted writer who, feeling perpetually and hopelessly lost himself, is perfectly qualified to lead us through some of the most complicated and discombobulating corners of human cognition." -- John Mooallem, author of Wild Ones and This Is Chance!"A modern look inside the brain, written as beautifully as a long-form poem. Don’t miss this opportunity to let Kemp show you the how and why of where." -- David Eagleman, Stanford neuroscientist, author of Incognito and Livewired"As both scientist and scribe, Kemp brings his gifts of curiosity and intelligence to bear on the topic of navigation and shows us that there is no shame in being lost. On the contrary, Kemp demonstrates that to be continuously and authentically in search of our place on Earth is a wondrous thing." -- M. R. O’Connor, author of Wayfinding"Finding our way is a basic necessity of life, yet it is mostly taken for granted. Kemp effectively explains just how complex and astonishing that task really is." -- Tony Miksanek - Booklist"An intense lesson in the neuroscience of getting around." -- Kirkus"This tome is no textbook. It is designed to be accessible to a large audience: Nonscientists will benefit from Kemp’s capacity to render vivid representations of the complexity of living organisms, but scientists, too, are likely to gain something from reading this book." -- Marcia Bécu and Christian F. Doeller - Science"Kemp debunks numerous myths, including the idea that females possess poorer navigational skills than males, and reflects on the difference between the navigational abilities of modern humans versus those of Neanderthals. What separates the two, he suggests, is the use of the subjunctive form, which led to humans being better at navigating. Kemp peppers in accounts of his own poor navigational abilities and colorful stories of people getting lost, which keep things moving along. The result is both enjoyable and accessible." -- Publishers Weekly

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn 1908, near Folsom, New Mexico, a cowboy discovered the remains of a herd of extinct giant bison. By examining flint points embedded in the bones, archeologists later determined that a band of humans had killed and butchered the animals 12,450 years ago. This discovery vastly expanded America's known human history but also revealed the long-standing danger Homo sapiens presented to the continent's evolutionary richness. Distinguished author Dan Flores's ambitious history chronicles the epoch in which humans and animals have coexisted in the wild new world of North Americaa place shaped both by its own grand evolutionary forces and by momentous arrivals from Asia, Africa, and Europe. With portraits of iconic creatures such as mammoths, horses, wolves, and bison, Flores describes the evolution and historical ecology of North America like never before. The arrival of humans precipitated an extraordinary disruption of this teeming environment. Flores treats humans not as a species Trade Review"This is a magnificent achievement—a sweeping saga stretching across thousands of years. With his sharp eye for compelling anecdotes, Dan Flores weaves an unfolding story that keeps you turning the pages." -- Dayton Duncan, author of The National Parks: America's Best Idea"Dan Flores has given us a searing and devastating accounting of what has been lost since humans first set foot in North America. This is environmental history at its best: gracefully written, filled with marvelous new details, and infused with a quiet fury that comes across as well-earned and long overdue. It belongs on the same shelf as Barry Lopez’s Of Wolves and Men." -- Nate Blakeslee, author of American Wolf"Flores is a judicious and even-handed writer, and Wild New World provides readers with a sweeping and nuanced look from…a wise writer, disarmingly keen-eyed. Wild New World is full of wonders…Flores does a consistently marvelous job." -- Open Letters Review"An amazing history…Flores at his best." -- Birdfreak"This is the best book I have read on Americans and the amazing wildlife of this amazing continent. Dan Flores is sweeping, bold, and eloquent, weaving together modern genetic science and traditional literature, people and nature, the history of biology and of laws and politics. He informs us about the world that was, the world we have destroyed, while immersing us in his own personal search for the world that is. An inspiring work." -- Donald Worster, author of A Passion for Nature"Wild New World surveys America’s bestiary, teeming and rambunctious. Roaming its pages is like having an all-access pass to the backstory of a continent. Dan Flores is an erudite and indefatigable guide on this multidimensional journey through space, time, natural and human history, overflowing with arcane knowledge and surprising insight that is bolstered by the latest science, and, above all, an abiding love for this land and its creatures, past and present." -- John Vaillant, author of The Jaguar’s Children and The Tiger"I’ve never encountered a work like Wild New World—nothing even close in the scope, depth, and analysis." -- John Miles - National Parks Traveler"Never has there been so complete, so fascinating, and so accessible a telling of the long history of people with American wildlife." -- Obi Kaufmann, author of The California Lands trilogy"[Dan] Flores relates this huge body of information about the birth of America with both style and clarity…It enlightens readers about where we came from and where we might be headed in the future." -- Leslie Doran - Durango Herald"The future of conservation, and our own survival, depends on busting some of the most stubborn myths that have embedded themselves in Western belief systems—ideologies that have, for centuries, steered us down a course of overexploitation of our planet’s resources…In Flores’ deft hands the facts, fortified by the latest findings in ecology, genetics, and archaeology, fly off the pages in vivid and fascinating detail." -- Isabella Tree - Bookpost"To see this book nominated for the National Book Award or nominated for a Pulitzer would not surprise me." -- Steven Rinella, author of American Buffalo"A passionate history of North American animal life and people.... Outstanding." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"[Wild New World is] a tale of wonder at what was and the pathos of extinction, both ancient and current. Flores writes beautifully of how geography shaped the landscape, of the impact of the spread of humans across the land during the Ice Age…. This is an outstanding and invaluable work of popular science." -- Booklist (starred review)"Flores is a skilled raconteur ….Wild New World succeeds in establishing a powerful, and credible, narrative of life and death in North America." -- Michelle Nijhuis - New York Review of Books

Read more less