Popular science Books
Vintage Publishing The Rise And Fall Of The Third Chimpanzee
Book SynopsisFrom the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Guns, Germs and SteelMore than 98 % of human genes are shared with two species of chimpanzee. The ''third'' chimpanzee is man. Jared Diamond surveys our life-cycle, culture, sexuality and destructive urges both towards ourselves and the planet to explore the ways in which we are uniquely human yet still influenced by our animal origins.Trade ReviewEloquent and knowledgeable account of the tiny genetic difference between humans and chimps * Independent *Some biologists are just scientists; but some truly are thinkers. Jared Diamond is one of the latter. Whatever he applies himself to, his contribution is original and worthwhile -- Colin TudgeA fascinating portrait with more than enough uncomfortable facts to stop any dinner-party conversation in its tracks - an important book * Financial Times *Confirms Diamond as an impressive scholar and popularizer-an enjoyable, stimulating and audacious book * Nature *
£11.69
Penguin Books Ltd The Chemistry of Life
Book SynopsisFirst published in 1966, THE CHEMISTRY OF LIFE has held its own as a clear and authoritative introduction to the world of biochemistry. This fourth edition has been fully updated and revised to include the latest developments in DNA and protein synthesis, cell regulation, and their social and medical implications.
£11.69
Penguin Books Ltd The Blank Slate
Book Synopsis''A passionate defence of the enduring power of human nature ... both life-affirming and deeply satisfying'' Daily TelegraphRecently many people have assumed that we are blank slates shaped by our environment. But this denies the heart of our being: human nature. Violence is not just a product of society; male and female minds are different; the genes we give our children shape them more than our parenting practices. To acknowledge our innate abilities, Pinker shows, is not to condone inequality, but to understand the very foundations of humanity.''Brilliant ... enjoyable, informative, clear, humane'' New Scientist''If you think the nature-nurture debate has been resolved, you are wrong ... this book is required reading'' Literary Review''An original and vital contribution to science and also a rattling good read'' Matt Ridley, Sunday Telegraph ''Startling ... This is a breath of air for a topic that has been politicized for too long'' EconomistTrade ReviewA passionate defence of the enduring power of human nature ... both life-affirming and deeply satisfying -- Tim Lott * Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year *Brilliant ... enjoyable, informative, clear, humane * New Scientist *If you think the nature-nurture debate has been resolved, you are wrong ... this book is required reading * Literary Review *An original and vital contribution to science and also a rattling good read -- Matt Ridley * Sunday Telegraph *Table of ContentsThe blank slate, the noble savage and the ghost in the machine: the official theory; silly putty; the last wall to fall; culture vultures; the slate's last stand. Fear and loathing: political scientists; the Holy Trinity. Human nature with a human face: the fear of inequality; the fear of imperfectability; the fear of determinism; the fear of nihilism. Know thyself: in touch with reality; out of our depths; the many roots of our suffering; the sanctimonious animal. Hot buttons: politics; violence; gender; children; the arts. The voice of the species. Appendix: Donald E. Brown's list of human universals.
£12.34
Penguin Books Ltd Unweaving the Rainbow
Book SynopsisA dazzling, passionate polemic against anti-science movements of all kindsCover note: Each copy of the new edition of Unweaving the Rainbow features a unique wavelength pattern. No two covers are exactly alike.Keats accused Newton of destroying the poetry of the rainbow by explaining the origin of its colours. In this illuminating and provocative book, Richard Dawkins argues that Keats could not have been more mistaken, and shows how an understanding of science enhances our wonder of the world. He argues that mysteries do not lose their poetry because they are solved: the solution is often more beautiful than the puzzle, uncovering even deeper mysteries. Dawkins takes up the most important and compelling topics in modern science, from astronomy and genetics to language and virtual reality, combining them in a landmark statement on the human appetite for wonder.Cover note: Each copy of the new edition of Unweaving the Rainbow feaTrade ReviewA brilliant assertion of the wonder and excitement of real, tough, grown-up science -- A. S. Byatt, 'Books of the Year' * Daily Telegraph *The way Dawkins writes about science is not just a brain-tonic. It is more like an extended stay on a brain health-farm ... You come out feeling lean, tuned and enormously more intelligent -- John Carey * Sunday Times *Beautifully written and full of interesting, original ideas. Essential reading * The Times *For Dawkins there is more poetry, not less, in the rainbow because of Newton ... he weaves rainbows of wonder from other provinces of science and then unleashes his fury on those who accuse scientists like him of being unimaginative * Sunday Times *Brilliantly entertaining and stimulating * Observer *
£999.99
Penguin Books Ltd The Signal and the Noise
Book SynopsisThe International Bestseller by ''The Galileo of number crunchers'' (Independent)Every time we choose a route to work, decide whether to go on a second date, or set aside money for a rainy day, we are making a prediction about the future. Yet from the financial crisis to ecological disasters, we routinely fail to foresee hugely significant events, often at great cost to society. The rise of ''big data'' has the potential to help us predict the future, yet much of it is misleading, useless or distracting.In The Signal and the Noise, the New York Times political forecaster Nate Silver, who accurately predicted the results of every state in the 2012 US election, reveals how we can all develop better foresight in an uncertain world. From the stock market to the poker table, from earthquakes to the economy, he takes us on an enthralling insider''s tour of the high-stakes world of forecasting, showing how we can all learn to detect the true signals amid a noise of data. ''Remarkable and rewarding'' Matthew D''Ancona, Sunday Telegraph''A lucid explanation of how to think probabilistically'' GuardianTrade ReviewOutstanding... I was hooked -- Tim Harford * Financial Times *One of the more momentous books of the decade * The New York Times Book Review *A lucid explanation of how to think probabilistically * Guardian *The inhabitants of Westminster are speed-reading The Signal and the Noise... They will find the book remarkable and rewarding * Sunday Telegraph *Is there anything now that Nate Silver could tell us that we wouldn't believe? * Jonathan Freedland *Fascinating... our age's Brunel -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *A surprisingly accessible peek into the world of mathematical probability -- Daily TelegraphThe Galileo of number crunchers * Independent *A 34-year old Delphic Oracle * Daily Beast *
£12.34
Oxford University Press Physics
Book SynopsisPhysics, the fundamental science of matter and energy, encompasses all levels of nature from the subatomic to the cosmic, and underlies much of the technology around us. Understanding the physics of our universe is an essential aspect of humanity''s quest to understand our environment and our place within it. Doing physics enables us to explore the interaction between environment and human society, and can help us to work towards the future sustainability of the planet.This Very Short Introduction provides an overview of how this pervasive science came to be and how it works: who funds it, how physicists are trained and how they think, and how physics supports the technology we all use. Sidney Perkowitz presents the theories and outcomes of pure and applied physics from ideas of the Greek natural philosophers to modern quantum mechanics, cosmology, digital electronics and energy production. Considering its most consequential experiments, including recent results in elementary particles, gravitational waves and materials science, he also discusses outside the lab, the effects of physics on society, culture, and humanity''s vision of its place in the universe. 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 ReviewFrom quarks to kitchen refrigerators, Sidney Perkowitz leads us on an illuminating romp through physics. In clear language, he shows us how the simple curiosity of people about how the world works has led us to understandings that can be sharedof what's inside the earth to black holes light years away. Its physics! * Professor Roald Hoffmann, Nobel Prize laureate for Chemistry *Table of Contents1: It all began with the Greeks 2: What physics covers and what it doesn't 3: How physics works 4: Physics applied and extended 5: A force in society 6: Future physics: unanswered questions Further reading Index
£9.49
Oxford University Press Higgs
Book SynopsisThe hunt for the Higgs particle has involved the biggest, most expensive experiment ever. So exactly what is this particle? Why does it matter so much? What does it tell us about the Universe? Did the discovery announced on 4 July 2012 finish the search? And was finding it really worth all the effort?The short answer is yes. The Higgs field is proposed as the way in which particles gain mass - a fundamental property of matter. It''s the strongest indicator yet that the Standard Model of physics really does reflect the basic building blocks of our Universe. Little wonder the hunt and discovery of this new particle produced such intense media interest.Here, Jim Baggott explains the science behind the discovery, looking at how the concept of a Higgs field was invented, how the vast experiment was carried out, and its implications on our understanding of all mass in the Universe.Trade ReviewA thorough and readable explanation of the lengthy hunt for the Higgs boson and why its discovery last year is so important. * New Scientist *Higgs helps put Higgs' contribution in context ... It's a book I imagine the reticent Higgs would approve of. * Jessica Griggs, New Scientist *a tendency towards brevity and clarity make for a handy guide to the long hunt for an elusive quarry. * Nature *Higgs is an impressive volume, clarifying details, making the concepts that have been in dispute for years finally lucid ... Higgs drills deep under your skin, constantly ferreting out new vistas, easily escaping our eyes. Baggott brings these-and more-together to form a solid concept of the God Particle effort-read it. * San Francisco Book Review *Table of ContentsPREFACE; PROLOGUE: FORM AND SUBSTANCE; 1. INVENTION; 2. DISCOVERY; EPILOGUE: THE CONSTRUCTION OF MASS; ENDNOTES; GLOSSARY; BIBLIOGRAPHY; INDEX
£11.39
Penguin Books Ltd Into the Clear Blue Sky
Book Synopsis''Argues persuasively . . . nothing less than eye-opening'' Financial TimesCan we really restore the earth's atmosphere within our lifetime?Whether through sustainable technologies such as fossil-free steel production, hydrogen-powered ships and electric motorbikes, or natural solutions like rewilding peatlands, people all over the world are finding new ways to travel, feed themselves and drive industry while safeguarding a liveable planet for future generations.Drawing on decades of research and a vast network of experts, Rob Jackson, Chair of the Global Carbon Project, introduces some of the brilliant innovators behind the boldest solutions to climate change including an Eritrean agricultural scientist, a Swedish CEO and a Brazilian hydrologist.Now we have more tools to combat climate change than ever before, Into the Clear Blue Sky traces a clear path to a better future for us all one that will see us cutting emissions
£21.25
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Explanatorium of Science
Book SynopsisA renowned doctor, scientist, television presenter, and writer, Professor Robert Winston has contributed to numerous DK books. These include Home Lab (2016), which won the RNS Young People's Book Prize, and the award-winning DK book Utterly Amazing Human Body (2015).
£17.00
Penguin Books Ltd Hands
Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about your own hands?Throughout history , civilisations have been defined by the work of human hands: inventing tools, writing records, operating machinery, typing, texting, swiping. But beneath this known history is another, secret story: our hands are not the obedient servants that they seem to be. Through conscious and unconscious gesture, they reveal our deepest psychology, our weaknesses and obsessions, our personal history and our social conditioning. Why do zombies walk with their hands outstretched? How does a new-born baby ''talk'' with his hands? What is the connection between prayer beads, snuff boxes and cell phones? And most importantly, can we unlock the mystery of our hands in order to truly know ourselves?The key to understanding everything around you - and everything within you - is staring you in the face. Take a journey through fascinating anecdotes and brilliant psychoanalytic research, through a Trade ReviewPublisher's description. Why do we play with our fingers when nervous? Why do zombies walk with their hands out? What connects prayer beads with iPhones? Journey down the psychoanalytic rabbit hole to discover the strange and fascinating secrets of what our hands really say about us... * Penguin *A breezy cultural history of fidgeting * Times Literary Supplement *Leader is a psychoanalyst with a sideline in smart, elegant books that explain ourselves to ourselves without using the jargon of clinical literature * Guardian *An intriguing meditation on how vital our hands are to our understanding of ourselves and our world * The Times *
£10.44
Oneworld Publications What an Owl Knows
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
£15.29
Arcturus Publishing Ltd Science 50 Key Ideas Unpacked
Book SynopsisHow did life emerge? What are the smallest elements of matter? How are planets formed?Over the centuries, brilliant men and women have sought to develop theories to answer the most compelling questions about the world around us. Through their amazing insights and conscientious efforts they helped to create the world we know today. In this entertaining introduction, Anne Rooney explores the fascinating world of science through its 50 key ideas.Ranging from evolutionary biology to quantum physics to chaos theory and featuring the ideas of such pivotal scientists as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Marie Curie, this essential guide will bring you up to speed on all of the world''s most important scientific discoveries. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Ideas Unpacked series explores several academic topics through their 50 greatest ideas, giving readers an entertaining and accessible overview of a subjects defining theories and thi
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Fire and Ice
Book SynopsisThe volcano among the most familiar and perhaps the most terrifying of all geological phenomena. However, Earth isn''t the only planet to harbour volcanoes. In fact, the Solar System, and probably the entire Universe, is littered with them. Our own Moon, which is now a dormant piece of rock, had lava flowing across its surface billions of years ago, while Mars can be credited with the largest volcano in the Solar System, Olympus Mons, which stands 25km high. While Mars''s volcanoes are long dead, volcanic activity continues in almost every other corner of the Solar System, in the most unexpected of locations. We tend to think of Earth volcanoes as erupting hot, molten lava and emitting huge, billowing clouds of incandescent ash. However, it isn''t necessarily the same across the rest of the Solar System. For a start, some volcanoes aren''t even particularly hot. Those on Pluto, for example, erupt an icy slush of substances such as water, methane, nitrogen or ammonia, that fTrade ReviewFire and Ice is an assured, essential read on everything you could hope to know about volcanoes on both our world and others. It captures the intrigue, mystery and wonder of space, and underscores just how much we have to thank volcanoes for on Earth. * New Scientist *Starkey’s excellent book is the first to examine these extra-terrestrial volcanoes of our Solar System … It’s an explosive read in more ways than one. * Forbes *In Fire and Ice, geologist and solar system maven Natalie Starkey reveals to us that Earth is not the only host for active volcanoes. You can find them in places not previously imagined, like the surfaces of other planets and their moons. And you think you’ve seen everything? Some of these volcanoes even spew ice. Read all about it in this mind-expanding book. * Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist American Museum of Natural History *[Starkey] masterfully weaves the latest information we have about volcanoes throughout the Solar System into a broader narrative about planets and moons themselves. The result is a book about volcanoes — and so much more ... entertaining and informative. * Nature *A FANTASTIC exploration of the hidden workings of the planets, and a timely reminder of what a fascinating and dramatic place our solar system is. * Dallas Campbell, Science television presenter and author *Fire and Ice explores a unique blend of space volcanoes – from the inner workings to the outer landscapes. Natalie journeys into the weird nature of volcanism and dives into current outstanding questions that we are still exploring. * Dr Caitlin Ahrens, NASA / USRA *Natalie Starkey leads us on an incredible journey across our Solar System, revealing a wonderful variety of volcanic geology. A fascinating look at volcanoes and the space science that enables us to study them. * Rebecca Williams, Volcanologist *Starkey takes readers on NASA’s expeditions, onto islands, and between tectonic plates undersea with vivid, immersive descriptions. The result is a thoroughly accessible look at a lesser-known part of the universe. * Publisher's Weekly *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Destruction Chapter 3: Making a Magma Chapter 4: Construction Chapter 5: Creating a Life-giving World Chapter 6: Peering In Chapter 7: Warming Up Chapter 8: Cooling Off Chapter 9: Fiery Moons Chapter 10: Fiery Planets Chapter 11: Ice Worlds Chapter 12: What Next? Acknowledgements Index
£12.34
John Murray Press Does Anything Eat Wasps
Book SynopsisEvery year, readers send in thousands of questions to New Scientist, the world's best-selling science weekly, in the hope that the answers to them will be given in the 'Last Word' column - regularly voted the most popular section of the magazine.Does Anything Eat Wasps? is a collection of the best that have appeared, including: Why can't we eat green potatoes? Why do airliners suddenly plummet? Does a compass work in space? Why do all the local dogs howl at emergency sirens? How can a tree grow out of a chimney stack? Why do bruises go through a range of colours? Why is the sea blue inside caves? Many seemingly simple questions are actually very complex to answer. And some that seem difficult have a very simple explanation. New Scientist's 'Last Word' celebrates all questions - the trivial, the idiosyncratic, the baffling and the strange. This selection of the best is popular science at its most entertaining and enlightening.
£10.44
Pan Macmillan Life's Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be
Book Synopsis‘This book is not just about life, but about discovery itself. It is about error and hubris, but also about wonder and the reach of science. And it is bookended with the ultimate question: How do we define the thing that defines us?’ – Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Gene We all assume we know what life is, but the more scientists learn about the living world – from protocells to brains, from zygotes to pandemic viruses – the harder they find it to locate the edges of life, where it begins and ends. What exactly does it mean to be alive? Is a virus alive? Is a foetus? Carl Zimmer investigates one of the biggest questions of all: What is life? The answer seems obvious until you try to seriously answer it. Is the apple sitting on your kitchen counter alive, or is only the apple tree it came from deserving of the word? If we can’t answer that question here on earth, how will we know when and if we discover alien life on other worlds? The question hangs over some of society’s most charged conflicts – whether a fertilized egg is a living person, for example, and when we ought to declare a person legally dead. Life’s Edge is an utterly fascinating investigation by one of the most celebrated science writers of our time. Zimmer journeys through the strange experiments that have attempted to recreate life. Literally hundreds of definitions of what that should look like now exist, but none has yet emerged as an obvious winner. Lists of what living things have in common do not add up to a theory of life. It’s never clear why some items on the list are essential and others not. Coronaviruses have altered the course of history, and yet many scientists maintain they are not alive. Chemists are creating droplets that can swarm, sense their environment, and multiply – have they made life in the lab? Whether he is handling pythons in Alabama or searching for hibernating bats in the Adirondacks, Zimmer revels in astounding examples of life at its most bizarre. He tries his own hand at evolving life in a test tube with unnerving results. Charting the obsession with Dr Frankenstein’s monster and how Coleridge came to believe the whole universe was alive, Zimmer leads us all the way into the labs and minds of researchers working on engineering life from the ground up.Trade ReviewThis book is not just about life, but about discovery itself. It is about error and hubris, but also about wonder and the reach of science. And it is bookended with the ultimate question: How do we define the thing that defines us? -- Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Gene * New York Times *Profound, lyrical, and fascinating, Life’s Edge will give you a newfound appreciation for life itself. It is the work of a master science writer at the height of his skills – a welcome gift at a time when life seems more precious than ever. -- Ed Yong, author of I Contain MultitudesA fascinating and well-written mapping of the edges of biology, which will have broad appeal to nonscientists. * Library Journal (starred review) *Diligently tackles the true definition of life . . . Zimmer invites us to observe, ponder, and celebrate life's exquisite diversity, nuances, and ultimate unity. * Booklist (starred review) *A master science writer explores the definition of life . . . An ingenious case that the answers to life's secrets are on the horizon. * Kirkus Reviews *A pop science tour de force. * Publisher’s Weekly *Carl Zimmer shows what a great suspense novel science can be. Life's Edge is a timely exploration in an age when modern Dr. Frankensteins are hard at work, but Carl’s artful, vivid, irresistible writing transcends the moment in these twisting chapters of intellectual revelation. Prepare to be enthralled. -- Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Laureate, co-author of A Crack in Creation
£9.49
Quercus Publishing The Secret Lives of the Elements
Book Synopsis'The perfect book to escape our human-sized existence and take a tour of the atomic world instead.' Helen Arney, science comedian and broadcaster When we think of the periodic table we picture orderly rows of elements that conform to type and never break the rules. In this book Kathryn Harkup reveals that there are personalities, passions, quirks and historical oddities behind those ordered rows, and shows us that the periodic table is a sprawling family tree with its own black sheep, wayward cousins and odd uncles. The elements in the periodic table, like us, are an extended family - some old, some newborn, some shy and reticent, some exuberant or unreliable. Dr Harkup tells the weird and wonderful stories of just fifty two members of this family - remarkable tales of discovery, inspiration and revolution, from the everyday to the extraordinary. Some elements are relatively anonymous; others, already familiar, are seen in a new light; and old friends have surprising secrets to share. From our green-fingered friend magnesium to the devil incarnate polonium, this eclectic collection of engaging and informative stories will change the way you see the periodic table for ever.
£10.44
Oneworld Publications Forensic Science: A Beginner's Guide
Book SynopsisIn the wake of the phenomenal success of crime shows like CSI, forensic science has never been so popular. The obsessive attention that Grissom and his crew afford seemingly insignificant details, such as particles of dirt in a bullet wound and the presence of pollen in tyre tracks, have left audiences eager to know more about this field of study. In this fully revised and updated edition, real-life examples come under the scalpel as forensic scientist Jay Siegel follows the course of evidence all the way from the crime scene to the court judgement. In Forensic Science: A Beginner’s Guide, all major areas are covered, including drugs, trace evidence, pathology, entomology, odontology, anthropology, crime scene investigation and the law.Trade Review‘Easy to understand yet rigorous. His discussion of bias is outstanding and should be read by everyone with any interest in forensic science.’ -- Professor Chris Tindall – Director of Criminalistics, Metropolitan State University of Denver
£9.49
Guardian Faber Publishing Psycho-Logical: Why Mental Health Goes Wrong –
Book Synopsis'Compelling and wise and rational.' - Jon RonsonOne in four of us experience a mental health problem each year, with anxiety and depression alone affecting over 500 million people worldwide.Why are these conditions so widespread? What is it about modern life that has such an impact on our mental health? And why is there still so much confusion and stigma around these issues?In Psycho-Logical, neuroscientist and bestselling author Dean Burnett answers these questions and more, revealing what is actually going on in our brains when we suffer mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and addiction.Combining illuminating scientific research with first-hand insights from people who deal with mental health problems on a daily basis, this is an honest, entertaining and reassuring account of how and why these issues occur, and how to make sense of them.
£9.49
Granta Books To Be a Machine: Adventures Among Cyborgs,
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WELLCOME BOOK PRIZE 2018 Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize 2017 A stunning new non-fiction voice tackles an urgent question... what next for mankind? 'Troubling and humorous, this is one of my current give-it-to-everyone books - I buy six copies at a time' Jeanette Winterson
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Remarkable Life of the Skin: An intimate
Book Synopsis- Shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize 2019- A Sunday Times 'MUST READ'- 'An exciting introduction to a little-known microscopic universe.' Sunday Times- 'A seriously entertaining book.' Melanie Reid, The Times- As read on RADIO 4's BOOK OF THE WEEK_______________How does our diet affect our skin? What makes the skin age? And why can't we tickle ourselves? Providing a cover for our delicate and intricate bodies, the skin is our largest, fastest growing and yet least understood organ. We see it, touch it and live in it every day. It's a habitat for a mesmerizingly complex world of micro-organisms and physical functions that are vital to our health and our survival. It's also one of the first things people see about us and is crucial to our sense of identity. Our skin plays a central role in our lives. And yet how much do we really know about it? Through the lenses of science, sociology and history, Dr Monty Lyman leads us on a journey across our most underrated and unexplored organ. Examining our microbiome, our love of tattoos and whether or not beauty products really work, he reveals how the skin is far stranger and more complex than you've ever imagined.Trade ReviewThis microsopic look at skin is crawling with revelations, from tiny mites to cellulite and skin care... An exciting introduction to a little-known universe and to a talented new writer. * Sunday Times *A seriously entertaining book... Here are things you wish you'd known about the skin years ago... Clever, optimistic. * The Times *Lyman peels back the science on human skin in this absorbing, fact-packed study. * Nature *Beautifully written, revealing and surprising, this is a fascinating guide to the secret life of the skin. * Daily Mail *An unexpectedly great adventure. * Sunday Times *Imaginatively told... knowledgeable and enthusiastic. * The Spectator *Not since GCSE Biology has my reading material been so scientific. As I approach my late twenties, I've increased my skincare routine tenfold, and now I'm taking it up a notch by learning how our largest organ actually works.The Remarkable Life of the Skin will make you scratch, squirm, inspect and neglect, but what a read it is. If those aforementioned textbooks had been written by the highly entertaining Dr Monty Lyman, I might have paid more attention. Plus, no other Tube read has ever garnered so many double-takes. * Vogue *Fascinating ... takes us beneath the surface of our largest and least-known organ. * Daily Express *This book's a gem. * Irish Examiner *An extraordinary insight into the fascinating world of the skin, explaining how it both protects and connects us... [the book] delves into the science behind the skin’s microbiome and explores the history of anti-aging treatments. A must read for all of those curious about why our skin is the first to show our emotions, and how it has the power to both divide and unite communities around the world. * Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College, London *
£9.99
Icon Books Introducing Mind and Brain: A Graphic Guide
Book SynopsisHow do emotions affect your basic decision making? Why do certain smells prompt long-forgotten memories, and what makes us suddenly self-conscious?How does the biological organ, the brain, give rise to all of the thoughts in your head - enable you to think, to feel, to be conscious and aware - to have 'a mind'?Introducing Mind and Brain explains what the sciences have to say about planning and action, language, memory, attention, emotions and vision. It traces the historical development of ideas about the brain and its function from antiquity to the age of neuro-imaging.Clearly explained by Professor of Psychology Angus Gellatly and award-winning artist Oscar Zarate, they invite you to take a fresh look at the nature of mind, consciousness and personal identity.
£8.54
Profile Books Ltd The Story of the Brain in 10½ Cells
Book SynopsisThere are more than 100 billion brain cells in our heads, and every single one represents a fragment of thought and feeling. Each cell possesses a mysterious beauty, with branching, intricate patterns like shattered glass. Richard Wingate has been scrutinising them for decades, yet he is still gripped by the myriad of forms when he looks down the microscope. With absorbing lyricism and clarity, Wingate shows how each type of cell possesses its own personality and history, illustrating a milestone of scientific discovery and illuminating the stories of pioneering scientists like Santiago Ramon y Cajal and Francis Crick, and capturing their own fascinating shapes and patterns. Discover the ethereal world of the brain with this elegant little book - and find out how we all think and feel.Trade ReviewA lyrical love letter to the art and science of neuroanatomy. In elegant, evocative prose, Wingate tells the very human tales of the early explorers of the nervous system, highlighting the joy of discovery and the insights that can be had if you just really look. -- Kevin J. Mitchell, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience, Trinity College DublinFew books [...] convey so succinctly the combination of care, determination, obsessiveness and imagination that scientists in a field such as neuroscience require to make an advance in knowledge ... A short and exhilarating book * The Oldie *This book is a wonderful description of the cells that make up the brain and how the remarkable organ works ... The author conveys his passion for neuroscience in this volume, which will leave the reader enthralled and wanting more. -- Dr Arpan K Banerjee * Hektoen International *Beautiful, mysterious, and intricate * The Idler *
£13.49
Reaktion Books Mushrooms: A Natural and Cultural History
Book SynopsisMushrooms are loved, despised, feared and misunderstood. They have been a familiar part of nature throughout human history and occupy a special place in our consciousness. Now in paperback, Mushrooms introduces the mythology and science of the spectacular array of fungi that produce mushrooms, the history of our interactions with these curious and beautiful organisms, and the ways that humans use mushrooms as food, medicine and recreational drugs. Mushrooms release so many spores into the atmosphere that they may affect local weather conditions and promote rainfall. Poisonous mushrooms were described by classical writers and edible species were important in Roman cuisine. Mushrooms became the objects of scientific study in the seventeenth century. Pioneers of mushroom science have included paragons of eccentricity, and their remarkable stories are celebrated in this book.Trade Review"A fascinating tour around the weird world of mushrooms and of the people who study them. As a botanist I learned a lot about the natural world from the different perspective of these familiar yet obscure organisms."-- "Roland Ennos, University of Hull" "A well written, authoritative, and beautifully illustrated account of mushroom life and lore, leavened with humor. An ideal introduction to the most beautiful members of nature's least understood kingdom."-- "Richard Fortey FRS, author of Life: An Unauthorised Biography" "An excellent introductory textbook for a budding mycologist, or an attractive gift for a mushroom enthusiast. The book is superbly and colorfully illustrated, with many useful diagrams spread over sixteen chapters including mushroom superstition, evolution, ecology, poisons, and conservation."-- "Oxveg News" "I found it an easy read and devoured it in a single day. This will make a great present for the general naturalist as well as a diverting read for a long flight for the mycologist--especially at such a reasonable price for a hardback book today!"-- "IMA Fungus (Journal of the International Mycological Association)" "Money tells a riveting tale, based in fact, fiction, folkloric, and science to present a delightful introduction to a . . . very little understood aspect of Mother Nature."-- "Blue Wolf Reviews" "This book is simply amazing! It's a great read, and absolutely bursting--like an over-ripe puff-ball--with a marvelous mix of mushroom information."--Nigel Chaffey, Bath Spa University "Botany One" "Addressed to nature enthusiasts, Mushrooms is a perfect introduction to the kingdom of fungi. Each of the sixteen chapters is dedicated to a theme, ranging from Mushroom Science to Mushroom Superstition. Did you know that there is an Einstein of mycology? His name is A.H. Reginald Buller and his Researches on Fungi is considered the bible of mycology. Or that the largest organism in the world is a tangled web of hyphae that radiates for over 10 square km through a conifer forest in Oregon? Mushrooms addresses these questions and many more. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this little gem and recommend it to anyone interested in the world of mushrooms."-- "Economic Botany" "In Mushrooms, one gets an introduction into this fascinating world of fungi and a few highlights of the personalities of those who study them. The text is well organized for readers with little or no biology background, and it is also well written. . . . Overall, it is a how-to guide for the beginner studying mushrooms, and presents basic information on the biology and construction of fungi. This is enhanced by good illustrations using both modern photographs and also those derived from classic works. . . . Recommended."-- "Choice" "Money has done it again! Mushrooms is a masterful overview of mycology, written with clarity, wit, and affection. There simply is no better review of the subject out there. Mycophiles and gardeners--really, anyone who seeks to understand nature in a deeper way--will appreciate this excellent book. I know I do."-- "Eugenia Bone, author of Mycophilia: Revelations From the Weird World of Mushrooms" "Queer things, these mushrooms. The people who study them--mycologists--can be pretty interesting too. One used to walk to work wearing horse blinkers to preserve his eyes for his experiments on bioluminescent mushrooms. Another tested the edibility of every mushroom in his book, One Thousand American Fungi. 'As paragons of eccentricity, these individuals are peerless, ' writes Money, a US professor of botany, who has produced a fascinating read."-- "Organic Gardener (Australia)" "With his characteristically smart and sassy wit, Money guides us through the science of fungi but also tackles cultural themes less often explored by mycologists, including the contentious terrains of psychedelic fungi, their simmering histories of superstition, and the dubious undercurrents of the medicinal mushroom industry. Money delights in debunking fungal myths and misunderstandings. . . . Informative, entertaining, and at times provocative, Mushrooms combines science, cultural histories, and personal anecdotes in an inviting introduction for the novice venturing into fungal realms."--Alison Pouliot "Australian Garden History"
£15.19
Michael O'Mara Books Ltd How to Think Like Stephen Hawking
Book SynopsisA unique insight into one of science’s greatest minds of the last half-century. Undoubtedly the most famous name in science and the very face of physics over the last half-century, Stephen Hawking was remarkable for many reasons. Not least because he continued to strive to achieve so much while being hindered by debilitating illness. He demonstrated categorically that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything, no matter your physical state. Of course, it helps if you happen to possess a mind such as he did. His work on black holes put him on the map, and he became globally famous for his A Brief History of Time, communicating the most difficult scientific ideas at a period when he’d lost the ability to speak.
£7.59
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Known Unknowns
Book SynopsisOur understanding of ourselves and the cosmos has advanced immeasurably over the last five hundred years of modern science, yet many fundamental mysteries of existence persist. How did our Universe begin, if it even had a beginning? How big is it? What''s at the bottom of a black hole? How did life on Earth arise? Are we alone? Is time travel possible?These mysteries define the threshold of the unknown. To explore that threshold is to gain a deeper understanding of just how far science has progressed. In The Known Unknowns, bestselling popular science writer Lawrence Krauss explores science''s greatest known unknowns. Covering time, space, physical law, life and consciousness, Krauss introduces readers to the topics that will shape the state of science of the next few decades, and invites us to ponder and appreciate the universe in which we live.
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group Intuition
Book Synopsis''Inspiring and deeply original - transforming abstract concepts into a practical guide''Ed Catmull, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of PixarWe have all experienced a ''gut reaction'' or acted ''on a hunch'' - we''ve used our intuition.Until recently, science didn''t have a good explanation for how intuition works. In fact, some scientists dismissed it altogether as unproveable and ''woo woo''.Here, in the first book to explain the science behind intuition, Professor Joel Pearson, an expert in cognitive neuroscience and leader in human consciousness research, turns what we think we know about intuition on its head.At his dedicated lab at Sydney''s prestigious University of New South Wales, Pearson was able to identify and recreate intuition in a lab, proving its existence and laying the groundwork for this book - a practical and entertaining introduction to the brain science underpinning intuition, and a frame
£17.00
Transworld On the Origin of Time
Book Synopsis''A wonderful book about Stephen Hawking''s biggest legacy'' Spectator''Truly mind-stretching... Immensely rewarding'' The Times''This superbly written book offers insight into an extraordinary individual, the creative process, and the scope and limits of our current understanding of the cosmos'' Sir Martin ReesStephen Hawking''s closest collaborator offers the intellectual superstar''s final thoughts on the universe.Perhaps the biggest question Stephen Hawking tried to answer in his extraordinary life was how the universe could have created conditions so perfectly hospitable to life. In order to solve this mystery, Hawking studied the big bang origin of the universe, but his early work ran into a crisis when the math predicted many big bangs producing a multiverse - countless different universes, most of which would be far too bizarre to harbour life.Holed up in the theoretical physics department at Cambridge, Stephen Hawking
£10.44
Icon Books The One: How an Ancient Idea Holds the Future of
Book SynopsisIn The One, particle physicist Heinrich Päs presents a bold idea: fundamentally, everything in the universe is an aspect of one unified whole.This idea, called monism, has a rich 3,000-year history: Plato believed that 'all is one', but monism was later rejected as irrational and suppressed as a heresy by the medieval Church. Nevertheless, monism persisted, inspiring Enlightenment science and Romantic poetry. Päs shows how monism could inspire physics today, how it could slice through the intellectual stagnation that has bogged down progress in modern physics and help science achieve the 'grand theory of everything' that it has been chasing for decades. Blending physics, philosophy, and the history of ideas, The One is an epic, mind-expanding journey through millennia of human thought and into the nature of reality itself.Trade Review[A] heady mix of history, philosophy and cutting-edge theory that is fascinating, provocative ... stimulating and engrossing. * Wall Street Journal *The history is thoroughly researched, the physics is cutting edge and Päs's larger point resonates: much, or maybe all, of what we take for reality is an artifact of our limited perspectives. * Scientific American *"It has always been the dream of philosophers to have all matter built up from one fundamental type of particle," said Paul Dirac in 1930. With expert guidance from Heinrich Päs, in The One we glimpse the scale and grandeur of the dream in one of its modern forms: everything is quantum information. * Jim Baggott, author of Atomic and Quantum Reality *Usually we say the universe is made of particles, but Päs shows how quantum physics inverts that. The whole comes first, not the parts - the parts come from fragmenting the whole. I'll never see reality the same way again! * George Musser, author of Spooky Action at a Distance *Are we one with the universe? It is a question as old as mankind ... But Päs is ready for the challenge and delivers an original and fresh account of both the history and the science of monism. An enticing read for those who seek to understand their place in nature - and who does not? * Sabine Hossenfelder, physicist and author of Existential Physics *
£17.00
Icon Books The One: How an Ancient Idea Holds the Future of
Book SynopsisIn The One, particle physicist Heinrich Päs presents a bold idea: fundamentally, everything in the universe is an aspect of one unified whole.This idea, called monism, has a rich 3,000-year history: Plato believed that 'all is one', but monism was later rejected as irrational and suppressed as a heresy by the medieval Church. Nevertheless, monism persisted, inspiring Enlightenment science and Romantic poetry. Päs shows how monism could inspire physics today, how it could slice through the intellectual stagnation that has bogged down progress in modern physics and help science achieve the 'grand theory of everything' that it has been chasing for decades. Blending physics, philosophy, and the history of ideas, The One is an epic, mind-expanding journey through millennia of human thought and into the nature of reality itself.Trade Review[A] heady mix of history, philosophy and cutting-edge theory that is fascinating, provocative ... stimulating and engrossing. * Wall Street Journal *The history is thoroughly researched, the physics is cutting edge and Päs's larger point resonates: much, or maybe all, of what we take for reality is an artifact of our limited perspectives. * Scientific American *"It has always been the dream of philosophers to have all matter built up from one fundamental type of particle," said Paul Dirac in 1930. With expert guidance from Heinrich Päs, in The One we glimpse the scale and grandeur of the dream in one of its modern forms: everything is quantum information. * Jim Baggott, author of Atomic and Quantum Reality *Usually we say the universe is made of particles, but Päs shows how quantum physics inverts that. The whole comes first, not the parts - the parts come from fragmenting the whole. I'll never see reality the same way again! * George Musser, author of Spooky Action at a Distance *Are we one with the universe? It is a question as old as mankind ... But Päs is ready for the challenge and delivers an original and fresh account of both the history and the science of monism. An enticing read for those who seek to understand their place in nature - and who does not? * Sabine Hossenfelder, physicist and author of Existential Physics *
£10.79
Icon Books Weather Science
Book SynopsisEveryone has an interest in the weather, whether it's to check the prospects for a day out or to know when best to harvest a crop. The Earth's weather systems also provide some of the most dramatic forces of nature, from the vast release of energy in a lightning flash to the devastating impact of tornadoes and hurricanes. For centuries, our only real guide to future weather was folklore, but with the introduction of the first weather forecasts and maps in Victorian times, attempts were made to give some warning of the weather to come. Until relatively recently, these forecasts could be wildly inaccurate - think of Michael Fish's denial that there was a storm on the way the night before the UK's great storm of 1987. This was due to the mathematically chaotic nature of weather systems, first discovered in the 1960s, the understanding of which would transform forecasting from the 1990s and mean that meteorologists became some of the foremost users of supercomputers. From the crystalli
£10.44
Icon Books Nine Musings on Time
Book SynopsisTime travel is a familiar theme of science fiction, but is it really possible?Surprisingly, time travel is not forbidden by the laws of physics - and John Gribbin argues that if it is not impossible then it must be possible. Gribbin brilliantly illustrates the possibilities of time travel by comparing familiar themes from science fiction with their real-world scientific counterparts, including Einstein's theories of relativity, black holes, quantum physics, and the multiverse, illuminated by examples from the fictional tales of Robert Heinlein, Larry Niven, Carl Sagan and others. The result is an entertaining guide to some deep mysteries of the Universe which may leave you wondering whether time actually passes at all, and if it does, whether we are moving forwards or backwards. A must-read for science fiction fans and anyone intrigued by deep science.
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Physics of Climate Change
Book Synopsis'Brilliant and fundamental, this is the necessary book about our prime global emergency' Ian McEwan The news is full of hotly debated and divergent claims about the impacts and risks of climate change. Lawrence Krauss, one of the world’s most respected physicists and science popularizers, cuts through the confusion by succinctly presenting the underlying science of climate change. The Physics of Climate Change provides a clear, accurate and accessible perspective on climate science and the risks of global inaction. Krauss’s narrative explores the history of how scientists progressed to our current understanding of the Earth’s climate and its future. Its generous complement of informative diagrams and illustrations allows readers to assess which climate predictions are securely based on analysis of empirical data, and which are more speculative. The Physics of Climate Change is required reading for anyone interested in understanding humanity’s role in the future of our planet.Trade ReviewBrilliant and fundamental, this is the necessary book about our prime global emergency. Here you'll find the facts, the processes, the physics of our complex and changing climate, but delivered with eloquence and urgency. Lawrence Krauss writes with a clarity that transcends mere politics. Prose and poetry were never better bedfellows. * Ian McEwan *It is brimming with information lucidly analysed. Such hope as there is lies in science, and a physicist of Dr. Krauss's imaginative versatility is unusually qualified to offer it. * Richard Dawkins *Lucid and gripping, this study of the most severe challenge humans have ever faced leads the reader from the basic physics of climate change to recognition of the damage that humans have already caused and on to the prospects that lie ahead if we do not change course soon. * Noam Chomsky *
£9.49
Atlantic Books The Insect Crisis: Our Fragile Dependence on the
Book Synopsis***A Waterstones Best Books of 2022 pick***A New Scientist Book of the YearShortlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing 'Fascinating... There is something wondrous in Milman's revelation of our fragile dependency on insect life as well as its beauty and strangeness.' Guardian'Gripping and especially unnerving.' David Wallace-WellsWhen is the last time you were stung by a wasp? Or were followed by a cloud of midges? Or saw a butterfly? All these normal occurrences are becoming much rarer. A groundswell of research suggests insect numbers are in serious decline all over the world - in some places by over 90%.The Insect Crisis explores this hidden emergency, arguing that its consequences could even rival climate change. We rely on insect pollination for the bulk of our agriculture, they are a prime food source for birds and fish, and they are a key strut holding up life on Earth, especially our own. In a compelling and entertaining investigation spanning the globe, Milman speaks to the scientists and entomologists studying this catastrophe and asks why these extraordinary creatures are disappearing. Part warning, part celebration of the incredible variety of insects, this book highlights why we need to wake up to this impending environmental disaster.Trade ReviewA gripping and especially unnerving book: what happens when the bugs go? As Milman deftly illustrates, in the face of die-offs too widespread to closely track, we are rushing headlong into a precarious and uncertain future. * David Wallace-Wells, bestselling author of The Uninhabitable Earth *This beautifully written book captures the wonders of insects alongside sharing insights about the ways in which passionate and dedicated entomologists around the world gather the information to unravel the complex patterns of change in insect populations. This is both a story of insects and the inspiring people who tirelessly study and conserve them. * Professor Helen Roy, President of the Royal Entomological Society *Fascinating... If its visions are sometimes mournful, there is also something wondrous in Milman's revelation of our fragile dependency on insect life as well as its beauty and strangeness. * Guardian *Carefully researched and highly readable... [Milman's] book takes an unflinching look at the alarming decline in insect numbers and what this means for both biodiversity and humanity. * The Sunday Business Post *Gripping, sobering and important. * The New York Times *Table of Contents1: An Intricate Dance 2: Winners and Losers 3: "Zero Insect Days" 4: The Peak of the Pesticide 5: In the Teeth of the Climate Emergency 6: The Labor of Honeybees 7: A Monarch's Journey 8: The Inaction Plan 9: A Human Emergency
£10.44
Springer Nature Switzerland AG A Code for Carolyn: A Genomic Thriller
Book SynopsisCarolyn’s parents did not, after all, make genomics history by synthesizing her genome in a lab. She has known she is the "Human Hoax" ever since a high school genetics exercise revealed she has trisomy X—a chromosomal abnormality—yet no synthetically constructed genome would have such clear traces of natural conception. Many years later, as molecular biologist, she hopes her colleagues never learn of her embarrassing origins. But when someone ransacks her office and lab, she finds professional embarrassment is the least of her worries. Someone believes she has the results of her parents’ last, secret experiments, and is willing to kill to get them. But all she has from her parents are their genes—can she find what else they may have left her before somebody else does? In a not-so-distant society, where corporations wield as much power as nations and the line between corporate employee and state authority is blurred, the chase is on. Carolyn may have just too little time at hand to unravel the mystery of her parents’ final days and to realize the deep consequences for the future of mankind. This fast-paced novel is followed by an extensive science chapter where the author provides a non-technical primer on modern genetics and on the speculative biology behind Carolyn’s code. Table of ContentsPart I The Scientific Novel - A Code for Carolyn: A Genomic Thriller.- Part II The Science behind the Fiction - The Biology Behind Carolyn’s Code
£17.24
Princeton University Press The Little Book of String Theory
Book SynopsisString theory has been called the 'theory of everything'. It seeks to describe all the fundamental forces of nature. It encompasses gravity and quantum mechanics in one unifying theory. This title presents an introduction to one of the most talked-about areas of physics.Trade Review"The Little Book of String Theory by theoretical physicist Steven Gubser puts into words the abstract maths of some of the most challenging areas of physics, from energy and quantum mechanics to branes, supersymmetry and multiple dimensions."--Nature "Princeton theoretical physicist Steven S. Gubser opens The Little Book of String Theory with a simple--and highly accurate--sentence: 'String theory is a mystery.' You won't get very far into this excellent book before you'll be agreeing with him completely."--Washington Post "Gubser does a masterly job of introducing string theory in simple terms and without using math. His goal is not to convert people to the cause but to help them better understand the ideas. Cars on a freeway, the vibration of piano strings, and buoys in the ocean are among the examples from everyday life used to explain difficult concepts. This concise yet clear introduction to a conceptually difficult topic is recommended for lay readers in physics and for popular science collections."--Library Journal "This is an excellent introduction to string theory for those who are looking for a highly academic explanation... For those new to string theory, this book is full of information and humor and will help readers see the universe in an entirely new way."--ForeWord "You will probably finish the book more confused than when you started, but in the best possible way: with profound questions and a desire to learn more."--New Scientist "What sets this book apart is that it has been written by one of the foremost experts on the subject. Many of the analogies from everyday life used to explain concepts from string theory are both original and very communicative... I would recommend The Little Book of String Theory even to seasoned researchers in the field. This is a thought-provoking book. With explanations offered in simple words, imagination can fly faster and perhaps lead to new and unexplored areas in the quest for the fundamental theory."--Times Higher Education "The Little Book of String Theory succeeds in its mission to carry readers through the tangle of ideas to the intellectual loose ends that physicists love."--Fred Bortz, Philadelphia Inquirer "But how do we non-mathematicians sort frayed ends from tight theory? Read Steven S. Gubser's book. It's clear, concise, turns formulas into words and leaves readers informed, if still incredulous, at the ability of great minds to imagine the unimaginable."--Leigh Dayton, Australian "There is much in this book I did not understand, but I've seen plenty of popular physics books over the last few years. This is the first one in a long time that I both wanted to read and finished; it's full of fresh material."--Tyler Cowen, Marginal Revolution blog "With Gubser as our guide science starts to seem less like the exclusive domain of the brainy, and more like a window into the universe that is open for everyone."--Glenn Dallas, San Francisco Book Review "[T]his book is a concise survey of advanced ideas in particle physics and string theory. But it is also true that every single concept is explained in a very simple and accurate way. This makes the book, while without errors from a physicist's point of view, accessible to a wide range of readers."--Farhang Loran, Mathematical ReviewsTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Chapter One: Energy 11 Chapter Two: Quantum Mechanics 19 Chapter Three: Gravity and Black Holes 34 Chapter Four: String Theory 49 Chapter Five: Branes 69 Chapter Six: String Dualities 99 Chapter Seven: Supersymmetry and the LHC 117 Chapter Eight: Heavy Ions and the Fifth Dimension 140 Epilogue 159 Index 163
£16.14
Orion Publishing Co Artificial Intelligence 10 Things You Should
Book SynopsisExplore humanity''s most transformative technology: artificial intelligence...In ten short and informative essays, Professor of AI at University College London, Tim Rocktäschel, reveals everything we need to know about artificial intelligence. From what the futures holds for AI and why it continues to improve with more data, to how superhuman AI is attainable and why we still have to fold our own laundry, discover all of this and much, much more!Artificial Intelligence: 10 Things You Should Know is an illuminating and engaging guide to the most important area of science and technology today.
£11.69
Duckworth Books Mathematics for the Million: How to Master the
Book SynopsisOne of the most illuminating, useful and exciting books ever published in the mathematical field Taking only a modicum of knowledge for granted, Lancelot Hogben leads readers of this famous book through the whole course from simple arithmetic to calculus. His illuminating explanation is addressed to the person who wants to understand the place of mathematics in modern civilization but who has been intimidated by its supposed difficulty. Mathematics is the language of size, shape, and order – a language Hogben shows one can both master and enjoy.Trade Review'It makes alive the contents of the elements of mathematics' Albert Einstein'Deals with maths in a way that they never taught us at school' Daily Express'If only I had been brought up on this book, the sense and meaning of mathematics would have been made clear to me... The book combines utmost brilliance with extraordinarily good common sense' A. L. Rowse'A great book of first-class importance' H. G. Wells
£10.44
Faber & Faber How We Live and Why We Die the secret lives of
Book SynopsisCells are the basis of all life in the universe. Our bodies are made up of billions of them: an incredibly complex society that governs everything, from movement to memory and imagination. When we age, it is because our cells slow down; when we get ill, it is because our cells mutate or stop working.In How We Live and Why we Die, Wolpert provides a clear explanation of the science that underpins our lives. He explains how our bodies function and how we derived from a single cell - the embryo. He examines the science behind the topics that are much discussed but rarely understood - stem-cell research, cloning, DNA - and explains how all life evolved from just one cell. Lively and passionate, How We Live and Why we Die is an accessible guide to understanding the human body and, essentially, life itself.
£10.44
Oxford University Press The Music of Life Biology beyond genes
Book SynopsisWhat is Life? Decades of research have resulted in the full mapping of the human genome - three billion pairs of code whose functions are only now being understood. The gene''s eye view of life, advocated by evolutionary biology, sees living bodies as mere vehicles for the replication of the genetic codes. But for a physiologist, working with the living organism, the view is a very different one. Denis Noble is a world renowned physiologist, and sets out an alternative view to the question - one that becomes deeply significant in terms of the living, breathing organism. The genome is not life itself. Noble argues that far from genes building organisms, they should be seen as prisoners of the organism. The view of life presented in this little, modern, post-genome project reflection on the nature of life, is that of the systems biologist: to understand what life is, we must view it at a variety of different levels, all interacting with each other in a complex web. It is that emergent web, full of feedback between levels, from the gene to the wider environment, that is life. It is a kind of music. Including stories from Noble''s own research experience, his work on the heartbeat, musical metaphors, and elements of linguistics and Chinese culture, this very personal and at times deeply lyrical book sets out thesystems biology view of life.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition A beautifully written book... After the great successes of molecular biology, the time has come to re-assemble the organism. Denis Noble tells us why this needs to be done. He also tells us how we should go about it. Strongly recommended. * Sir Patrick Bateson, F.R.S., Emeritus Professor of Ethology, Cambridge *highly evocative essay * Steven Poole, The Guardian *Table of Contents1. The CD of Life: the genome ; 2. The organ of 30,000 pipes ; 3. The Score: is it written down? ; 4. The Conductor: downward causation ; 5. The Rhythm Section: the heartbeat and other rhythms ; 6. The Orchestra: the organs and systems of the body ; 7. Modes and Keys: cellular harmony ; 8. The Composer: evolution ; 9. The Opera Theatre: the brain ; 10. Curtain Call: The artist disappears
£999.99
Pan Macmillan A Brief History of Black Holes: And why nearly
Book SynopsisIn A Brief History of Black Holes, the award-winning University of Oxford researcher Dr Becky Smethurst charts five hundred years of scientific breakthroughs in astronomy and astrophysics.'A jaunt through space history . . . with charming wit and many pop-culture references' – BBC Sky At Night MagazineRight now, you are orbiting a black hole.The Earth orbits the Sun, and the Sun orbits the centre of the Milky Way: a supermassive black hole, the strangest and most misunderstood phenomenon in the galaxy.In this cosmic tale of discovery, Dr Becky will take you from the earliest observations of the universe and the collapse of massive stars, to the iconic first photographs of a black hole and her own published findings.She explains why black holes aren’t really ‘black’, that you never ever want to be ‘spaghettified’, how black holes are more like sofa cushions than hoovers and why, beyond the event horizon, the future is a direction in space rather than in time.Told with humour and wisdom, this captivating book describes the secrets behind the most profound questions about our universe – all hidden inside black holes.Trade ReviewA jaunt through space history . . . with charming wit and many pop culture references * BBC Sky At Night Magazine *A fantastic read . . . there's certainly a lot to suck you in (unlike black holes, of course) * Popular Mechanics *A lot of astrophysics is packed into this neat little book -- Jim Al-Khalili on Space: 10 Things You Should Know Bite-sized, cutting edge science delivered with enormous enthusiasm -- Chris Lintott on Space: 10 Things You Should Know
£17.00
Swift Press The War on Science
£18.75
Guardian Faber Publishing Emotional Ignorance: Misadventures in the Science
Book SynopsisRecommended by the New Scientist.'Brilliant.' Stylist'Thoughtful and thought-provoking - you need to read this book' Gina Rippon'An affecting and illuminating book for anyone who has feelings, and who wants to know why.' Katie MackEmotions can be a pain. After losing his dad to Covid-19, Dean Burnett found himself wondering what life would be like without them. And so, he decided to put his feelings under the microscope - for science.In Emotional Ignorance, Dean takes us on an incredible journey of discovery, stretching from the origins of life to the end of the universe. Along the way he reveals:- why we would ever follow our gut;- whether things really were better in the old days;- why doomscrolling is so addictive;- and how sad music can make us happier.Combining expert analysis, brilliant humour and powerful insights into the grieving process, Dean uncovers how, far from holding us back, our emotions make us who we are.Readers love Emotional Ignorance:'Intriguing, illuminating and thought-provoking.''A fascinating exploration of our emotions and how they enhance all of our lives (and why it doesn't always feel that way).''A scientific book about emotions that causes emotions. A wonder indeed.'
£9.49
Michael O'Mara Books Ltd Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand: Fifty Wonders
Book SynopsisBestselling author Marcus Chown explores some of the most profound and important science about us, our world and the universe with fifty fascinating and mind-bending facts.Our adventures in space, our deepening understanding of the quantum world and huge leaps in technology over the last century have revealed a universe far stranger than we could ever have imagined. With brilliant clarity and wit, bestselling author Marcus Chown examines the profound science behind fifty remarkable scientific facts that help explain the vast complexities of our existence. Did you know that you could fit the whole human race in the volume of a sugar cube? Or that the electrical energy in a single mosquito is enough to cause a global mass extinction? Or that, out there in the universe, there are an infinite number of copies of you reading an infinite number of copies of this? Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand is a mind-bending journey through some of the most weird and wonderful facts about our universe, vividly illuminating the hidden truths that govern our everyday lives.Trade ReviewAn ideal book for those who might not normally consider reading about science, making a great present for a teenager or adult. Excellent stuff. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *Mind-expanding stuff. * The Sun *This accessible book addresses all your questions about the Big Bang * Science Focus *A genial tour of the universe and its mysteries... Heavy stuff lightly spun - just the thing for the science buff in the house. * Kirkus Reviews *A thought-provoking and funny guide to the universe * John Simpson *
£8.99
Icon Books Hacking the Code of Life: How gene editing will
Book Synopsis'An excellent, brisk guide to what is likely to happen as opposed to the fantastically remote.' - Los Angeles Review of BooksIn 2018 the world woke up to gene editing with a storm of controversy over twin girls born in China with genetic changes deliberately introduced by scientists - changes they will pass on to their own offspring. Genetic modification (GM) has been with us for 45 years now, but the new system known as CRISPR or gene editing can manipulate the genes of almost any organism with a degree of precision, ease and speed that we could only dream of ten years ago. But is it ethical to change the genetic material of organisms in a way that might be passed on to future generations? If a person is suffering from a lethal genetic disease, is it unethical to deny them this option? Who controls the application of this technology, when it makes 'biohacking' - perhaps of one's own genome - a real possibility?Nessa Carey's book is a thrilling and timely snapshot of a cutting-edge technology that will radically alter our futures and the way we prevent disease.'A focused snapshot of a brave new world.' - Nature 'A brisk, accessible primer on the fast-moving field, a clear-eyed look at a technology that is already driving major scientific advances - and raising complex ethical questions.' - Emily Anthes, UndarkTrade ReviewCarey's trawl of potential applications - such as high-yield rice varieties, therapies for sickle-cell disease and germline gene editing - is edifying. A focused snapshot of a brave new world. * Nature *[A]n excellent, brisk guide to what is likely to happen as opposed to the fantastically remote. * Los Angeles Review of Books *A brisk, accessible primer on the fast-moving field, a clear-eyed look at a technology that is already driving major scientific advances - and raising complex ethical questions. -- Emily Anthes * Undark *
£8.24
Icon Books Gravitational Waves: How Einstein’s spacetime
Book SynopsisOn 14 September 2015, after 50 years of searching, gravitational waves were detected for the first time and astronomy changed for ever.Until then, investigation of the universe had depended on electromagnetic radiation: visible light, radio, X-rays and the rest. But gravitational waves - ripples in the fabric of space and time - are unrelenting, passing through barriers that stop light dead.At the two 4-kilometre long LIGO observatories in the US, scientists developed incredibly sensitive detectors, capable of spotting a movement 100 times smaller than the nucleus of an atom. In 2015 they spotted the ripples produced by two black holes spiralling into each other, setting spacetime quivering.This was the first time black holes had ever been directly detected - and it promises far more for the future of astronomy. Brian Clegg presents a compelling story of human technical endeavour and a new, powerful path to understand the workings of the universe.
£8.24
Vintage Publishing Brainstorm: Detective Stories From the World of
Book Synopsis'I loved it. She is in my view the best science writer around - a true descendant of Oliver Sacks' Sathnam Sanghera, author of The Boy with the TopknotThe brain is the most complex structure in the universe. In Brainstorm the Wellcome Prize-winning author of It’s All in Your Head uncovers the most eye-opening symptoms medicine has to offer.‘Powerfully life-affirming... Brainstorm is testament to O'Sullivan's unshowy clarity of thought and her continued marvelling at the mysteries of the brain’ GuardianBrainstorm examines the stories of people whose symptoms are so strange even their doctor struggles to know how to solve them. A man who sees cartoon characters running across the room; a teenager who one day arrives home with inexplicably torn clothes; a girl whose world turns all Alice in Wonderland; another who transforms into a ragdoll whenever she even thinks about moving. The brain is the most complex structure in the universe, and neurologists must puzzle out life-changing diagnoses from the tiniest of clues – it’s the ultimate in medical detective work. In this riveting book, one of the UK’s leading neurologists takes you with her as she follows the trail of her patients’ symptoms: feelings of déjà vu lead us to a damaged hippocampus; spitting and fidgeting to the right temporal lobe; fear of movement to a brain tumour; a missed heart beat to the limbic system.It’s a journey that will open your eyes to the unfathomable intricacies of the brain, and the infinite variety of human capacity and experience.Trade ReviewPowerfully life-affirming... Brainstorm is testament to O'Sullivan's unshowy clarity of thought and her continued marvelling at the mysteries of the brain -- Colin Grant * Guardian *A fascinating attempt to draw the lay reader into understanding more about the function and malfunction of the brain by using real-life stories... O'Sullivan is a good, clear writer, lacks pomposity and avoids cliché -- her first book, It's All in Your Head, won the Wellcome Prize -- David Aaronovitch * The Times *O'Sullivan writes beautifully and is full of wonder... a pleasure -- John Preston * Mail on Sunday *A tremendously interesting work of medical humanity... The main effect of this fascinating collection of clinical stories, by the end, is to make any reader without brain dysfunction exceedingly grateful for the fragile miracle going in inside their own skull every second -- Steven Poole * Daily Telegraph *I loved it. She is in my view the best science writer around - a true descendant of Oliver Sacks * Sathnam Sanghera, author of The Boy with the Topknot *
£10.44
Canongate Books Mauve: How one man invented a colour that changed
Book Synopsis1856. Eighteen-year-old chemistry student William Perkin's experiment has gone horribly wrong. But the deep brown sludge his botched project has produced has an unexpected power: the power to dye everything it touches a brilliant purple. Perkin has discovered mauve, the world's first synthetic dye, bridging a gap between pure chemistry and industry which will change the world forever.From the fetching ribbons tying back the hair of every fashionable head in London to the laboratories in which scientists developed modern vaccines against cancer and malaria, Simon Garfield tells the story of how the colour purple became a sensation.Trade ReviewA book about science which also happens to be a miniature work of art * * Daily Telegraph * *Intriguing and elegant * * Guardian * *Thoroughly researched and beautifully written * * New Scientist * *By bringing Perkin into the open and documenting his life and work, Garfield has done a service to history * * Chicago Tribune * *Simon Garfield's history of the synthetic dye industry mixes chemistry and social history into quite a colourful tale * * Observer * *A one-man Blue Peter team for intelligent adults, a great British explainer * * Observer * *Witty, erudite and entertaining * * Esquire * *Garfield has a talent for being sparked to life by esoteric enthusiasm and charming readers with his delight * * The Times * *A sort of museum between hard covers . . . as good as pop history gets * * Sunday Express * *Simon Garfield has made his name as an author who can spin fascinating narratives out of subjects that seem, on the face of it, narrow to the point of being dull * * Financial Times * *
£10.44
Profile Books Ltd Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel
Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER I wanted to know what they were experiencing, and why to us they feel so compelling, and so close. This time I allowed myself to ask them the question that for a scientist was forbidden fruit: Who are you? Weaving decades of field observations with exciting new discoveries about the brain, Carl Safina's landmark book offers an intimate view of animal behavior to challenge the fixed boundary between humans and animals. Travelling to the threatened landscape of Kenya to witness struggling elephant families work out how to survive poaching and drought, then on to Yellowstone National Park to observe wolves sort out the aftermath of one pack's personal tragedy, the book finally plunges into the astonishingly peaceful society of killer whales living in the crystalline waters of the Pacific Northwest. Beyond Words brings forth powerful and illuminating insight into the unique personalities of animals through extraordinary stories of animal joy, grief, jealousy, anger, and love. The similarity between human and nonhuman consciousness, self-awareness and empathy calls us to re-evaluate how we interact with animals. Wise, passionate, and eye-opening at every turn, Beyond Words is ultimately a graceful examination of humanity's place in the world.Trade ReviewDr. Safina is a terrific writer, with a contagious enthusiasm ... draws out haunting resonances between animal lives and our own ... Captivating * New York Times *At once moving and surprising, Beyond Words asks us to reexamine our relationship to other species-and to ourselves -- Elizabeth Kolbert, author of * The Sixth Extinction *This book breathes love of and respect for animals and is rich with observations and extraordinary travel experiences. It is a delightful and enlightening account of both how we relate to them and how they relate to each other -- Frans de WaalCombines lambent writing with dazzling facts, while also illuminating our knowledge of significant and engaging subjects ... Exemplary * Washington Post *Wise, passionate, and eye-opening at every turn, Beyond Words is ultimately a graceful examination of humanity's place in the world * Psychology Today *Safina's engaging writing takes readers along on his journey ... The result is a meandering, entertaining tour of the animal kingdom, with pit stops for both amusing anecdotes and the latest scientific studies of animal behavior ... entertaining and informative * Slate *Brilliant ... makes intimate these wild animals in vivid family portraits ... Safina is a font of research, his wonder contagious * Elle *Safina offers a rich and often heart-touching account of his journeys with scientists exploring the minds and emotions of elephants, wolves, and dolphins. His compassion and empathy for animals shines throughout, and he uses both to illuminate the booming field of animal cognition. A beautifully written, accessible, and compelling read -- Virginia Morrell, author of * Animal Wise: How We Know Animals Think and Feel *
£9.99
