Science & Nature Books

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 *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the final book from one of Europe's cultural giants.In this entertaining collection of essays about the modern world the celebrated author of The Name of the Rose explores everything from unbridled individualism to mobile phones.'He brilliantly exposes all that is absurd and paradoxical in contemporary behaviour. Eco's irony is disarming, his cleverness dazzling' Guardian'Eco has left us an intelligent, intriguing, and often hilariously incisive set of observations on contemporary follies and changing mores' Publisher's WeeklyTrade ReviewThere are people you’ve never met and yet you miss them when they are gone… Eco’s famously ironic voice is penetrating … The issues Eco addresses are so enormous in their scale they seem insurmountable, yet his measured, erudite commentary assures you that they can be understood and therefore resolved * Financial Times *He brilliantly exposes all that is absurd and paradoxical in contemporary behaviour. Eco’s irony is disarming, his cleverness dazzling -- Tim Parks * Guardian *A swan song from one of Europe's great intellectuals...Eco entertains with his intellect, humor, and insatiable curiosity...there's much here to enjoy and ponder * Kirkus Reviews *Eco has left us an intelligent, intriguing, and often hilariously incisive set of observations on contemporary follies and changing mores. * Publisher's Weekly *Illuminating, entertaining and humane. -- Emily Beament * UK Press Syndication *

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Book Synopsis‘This is a history of intellectual courage, hard work, occasional inspiration and every conceivable form of human failing. It is also an extended invitation to wonder, to pleasure’How far have we come in our understanding of the world around us? In this eye-opening collection, Ian McEwan looks back at the history of scientific discovery from Darwin to Dawkins as well as exploring, with brilliant originality, what a future with AI and climate change could hold for us. Selected from Solar, Enduring Love, Machines Like MeVINTAGE MINIS: GREAT MINDS. BIG IDEAS. LITTLE BOOKS.A series of short books by the world’s greatest writers on the experiences that make us humanAlso in the Vintage Minis 'Great Ideas' series:Religion by Karen ArmstrongArt by Simon SchamaTrade ReviewThey look good and read well. That’s win/win in our book * Stylist *Literature for the Twitter generation * Big Issue *

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Book Synopsis**Winner of the 2019 Transmission Prize****Longlisted for the 2019 Orwell Prize for Political Writing**‘A superb book by one of the world’s leading experts on the digital revolution’ David Patrikarakos, Literary Review‘This book could not have come at a better moment... The People Vs Tech makes clear that there is still time – just – for us to take back control’ - Camilla Cavendish, Sunday Times The internet was meant to set us free.Tech has radically changed the way we live our lives. But have we unwittingly handed too much away to shadowy powers behind a wall of code, all manipulated by a handful of Silicon Valley utopians, ad men, and venture capitalists? And, in light of recent data breach scandals around companies like Facebook and Cambridge Analytica, what does that mean for democracy, our delicately balanced system of government that was created long before big data, total information and artificial intelligence? In this urgent polemic, Jamie Bartlett argues that through our unquestioning embrace of big tech, the building blocks of democracy are slowly being removed. The middle class is being eroded, sovereign authority and civil society is weakened, and we citizens are losing our critical faculties, maybe even our free will.The People Vs Tech is an enthralling account of how our fragile political system is being threatened by the digital revolution. Bartlett explains that by upholding six key pillars of democracy, we can save it before it is too late. We need to become active citizens; uphold a shared democratic culture; protect free elections; promote equality; safeguard competitive and civic freedoms; and trust in a sovereign authority. This essential book shows that the stakes couldn’t be higher and that, unless we radically alter our course, democracy will join feudalism, supreme monarchies and communism as just another political experiment that quietly disappeared.Trade ReviewA superb book by one of the world’s leading experts on the digital revolution... Bartlett finishes by offering us “20 Ideas to Save Democracy". These thoughtful pointers ... provide both invaluable food for thought and a fitting end to an outstanding book -- David Patrikarakos * Literary Review *There are thousands of books about the internet and its impact on society, but this is the only one you really need... I can't think of a more important book right now -- Iain Macwhirter * Herald *The People Vs Tech is a vital guide and a call addressed to those who are unwilling to play the part of the hapless shipowner in the coming war for our minds and democracy itself -- Yiannis Baboulias * Spectator *A timely new book by Jamie Bartlett of Demos, The People Vs Tech, spells out why it's vital that politicians seize this moment to reform our attitudes to technology -- Helen Lewis * New Statesman *The People Vs Tech is an erudite book that sheds light on the unwanted social costs of the big tech revolution. An essential read for pretty much anyone in the world of politics -- Sam Bright * Progress *Highly readable... [Bartlett] is surely right to argue that our futures will be shaped by how the winners and losers respond to the changes unleashed by technology, as much as by the technology itself -- John Thornhill * Financial Times *Bartlett effectively manages to condense the political challenges of technology into his six-pillar framework. This book can therefore serve as both a foundational introduction to the current technological and political landscape, whilst also providing much-needed clarity to even the seasoned reader of such issues... When it comes to rapidly-scaling technology companies, society must now ask the right questions – and Bartlett’s book is a strong place to start. -- Kevin Seidler * LSE Review of Books *A fascinating, though sometimes sobering and even frightening, journey * The Quint *Fascinating -- Amber Rudd MPRemarkable -- David Anderson QC

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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.

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Book SynopsisRHS Weeds gathers together 50 untamed and beautifully wild plant species, illustrated with exquisite botanical images from the Royal Horticultural Society's archives. Their natural untamed beauty, ability to thrive under challenging conditions, and the attraction of growing species native to their surroundings have all taken weeds from undesirable to covetable. These subversive species no longer need to be seen as 'plants out of place'. In the modern garden, where harmony with nature is key, weeds are finally getting their moment in the sun.RHS Weeds highlights the delicate charms of some of the most fascinating vagabond plants around. Beautiful botanical illustrations from the Royal Horticultural Society's collections and captivating profiles by RHS author Gareth Richards provide key information for the modern gardener on the characteristics, usefulness and cultivation of 50 unsung heroes of the plant world.Table of ContentsIntroduction • Fifty weeds • References • Index.

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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 *

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Book SynopsisA TIMES ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 'The ideal guide to what is not just a fiendishly complex area of science but also an ethical minefield' Mail on Sunday A new gene editing technology, invented just seven years ago, has turned humanity into gods. Enabling us to manipulate the genes in virtually any organism with exquisite precision, CRISPR has given scientists a degree of control that was undreamt of even in science fiction. But CRISPR is just the latest, giant leap in a long journey to master genetics. The Genetic Age shows the astonishing, world-changing potential of the new genetics and the possible threats it poses, sifting between fantasy and the reality when it comes to both benefits and dangers. By placing each phase of discovery, anticipation and fear in the context of over fifty years of attempts to master the natural world, Matthew Cobb, the Baillie-Gifford-shortlisted author of The Idea of the Brain, weaves the stories of science, history and culture to shed new light on our future. With the powers now at our disposal, it is a future that is almost impossible to imagine - but it is one we will create ourselves.Trade ReviewFascinating, occasionally chilling and very readable -- Rhys Blakely * The Times *Detailed and deeply researched ... striking ... complex -- Henry Marsh * New Statesman *[A] deeply researched and often deeply troubling history of gene science ... [in search of] decency and honor in a morally complex field. -- Deborah Blum * New York Times *Disturbing and readable * New Scientist *Comprehensive ... you can sense Cobb's excitement and enthusiasm * TLS *The ideal guide to what is not just a fiendishly complex area of science but also an ethical minefield * Mail on Sunday *There are serious questions about the safety of genetic engineering, but also profound social and ethical questions about its use. Matthew Cobb, in his detailed and deeply researched book ... is concerned as much about these questions as he is about the technical details ... but the book is not a primer for understanding the field; it is much more than that. -- Henry Marsh * New Statesman *Wonderful ... a thoughtful, lively and evocative exposition of the history of genetic engineering. -- Adrian Woolfson * Wall Street Journal *Excellent and occasionally harrowing ... masterfully told history ... offers a clear-eyed, well-researched view of the promises and pitfalls of a necessary new technology * Forbes *[An] indefatigable exploration of the genesis of biology ... beautifully lays out the sheer improbability of our biosphere. * The Atlantic *A look at genetic engineering that provides valuable background for rethinking the appropriate uses for these technologies. * Kirkus *A truly valuable book ... most of us get very big picture ideas of what's going on with gene editing and other genetic modifications from the media. Now we've got the real story -- Brain Clegg * Popular Science *An engaging, intriguing book about the history of genetic engineering and where it might lead society ... Excellent. * Library Journal *[A] remarkable jaunt through the twists and turns of the genetic engineering revolution ... a valuable new go-to source. -- Luis A. Campos * Science *Cobb does an excellent job describing the history and the nuts and bolts of genetic engineering. But his real focus, as the title of his book implies, is on the sociological, psychological, and philosophical questions surrounding the genetic age. * GEN Biotechnology *His evenhanded critique balances caution about emergent technologies with tart scepticism of overreaching claims ... The result is an eye-opening - and occasionally hair-raising - indictment of scientific hubris and recklessness. * Publishers Weekly *The book provides such rich description that even the most knowledgeable readers ... will learn something new ... fascinating. * Journal of Medical Humanities *Powerful gene technologies, long foreseen, are finally with us. Taking the measure of this daunting prospect calls for historical acumen, technical appreciation, and a clear-eyed view of human foibles. As this book attests, Matthew Cobb has all three -- Jon TurneyA superb account of genetic engineering in life and culture, in all its myriad anxieties and exhilarations. Should we be scared? Read this book and you'll have a sense of the answer -- Adam Roberts, author * It's the End of the World *Matthew Cobb is a great storyteller of science, a tapestry of intriguing and enlightening ideas thoughtfully and entertainingly told -- Robin InceProfound and important ... Written with astute, calm and clear-sighted judgement, The Genetic Age is likely to be the definitive account of the rise of gene biotechnologies. Neither a credulous booster nor a doom-mongering catastrophist, Matthew Cobb steers a prudent path through the promise and perils of genetic engineering -- Philip Ball, author * Critical Mass *Faced with a new round of genetic dreams and nightmares, Matthew Cobb skilfully sifts the truth from the hype in this thrilling and alarming account of our most dangerous and exciting technology -- Paul Mason, author * How to Stop Fascism *The promise of genetic engineering is limitless, the stuff of dreams and nightmares, and that is also the problem, as Matthew Cobb shows us in this elegant and meticulously researched history. Packed with human stories and fascinating detail, this is the journey of discovery that changed how we view life itself. -- Gaia Vince, author * Transcendence, Adventures in the Anthropocene *A lucid and vigorously insightful account of the pitfalls and triumphs of the twenty-first century's most ethically challenging and potentially world-changing technology -- Paul McAuley, author * Fairyland *A superb guide to the global history of the dreams, fears and science of genetic engineering, and why it matters for tomorrow -- Jon Agar, author * Turing and the Universal Machine *A gripping, bawdy tale of science fiction morphing into business history ... Exhaustively researched and beautifully written ... the histories of recombinant DNA, biotech, GMOs, gene therapy, and cloning in a single lively, accessible account -- Nathaniel Comfort, Professor of the History of Medicine, John Hopkins University, and author * The Tangled Field: How Genetics Became the Heart of American Medicine *A riveting guide to the new age of genome engineering, revealing how ideas and technology that until recently existed only in science fiction are now a stunning clinical reality ... Required reading for anyone who cares about the future of humanity and our planet -- Kevin Davies, author * Editing Humanity *The genetic advances of the past half-century have raised the possibility that we can not only read the instructions that make living things, including ourselves, but also edit them at will. As a geneticist, Matthew Cobb celebrates the potential of these advances for medicine, agriculture and biodiversity. As a historian, however, he sets them against a complex social, political and cultural backdrop, arguing that everyone should have a voice in deciding what is necessary and right, not just what is possible. His riveting analysis warns that in a world beset by poverty, inequality and climate catastrophe, chasing apparently dazzling technofixes is rarely cost effective or morally justified. -- Georgina Ferry, scientist and broadcaster

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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.

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Book SynopsisThis Students' Dictionary of Zoo and Aquarium Studies contains over 5,000 terms (illustrated by 88 figures) used in zoos, aquariums, safari parks, birds of prey centres, petting zoos, animal rescue centres and other facilities that make up the 'zoo industry'. It covers a wide range of topics including animal behaviour, animal husbandry, animal welfare, ecology, law, taxonomy, classification, nutrition, parasitology, physiology, reproduction, experimental design, statistics, veterinary science, disease, visitor studies, water management, wildlife conservation and zoo design and architecture. It should be of great interest to those studying zoo biology, animal management, veterinary science and related subjects along with zookeepers and aquarists in the early stages of their careers.Dr Paul Rees has a long-standing interest in animals and in zoos. He has taught a wide range of subjects including ecology, animal behaviour, zoo biology, and wildlife and zoo law. While lecturing at the University of Salford he created the first undergraduate programme in Wildlife Conservation and Zoo Biology in the United Kingdom and over a period of some 20 years was an external examiner for BSc and MSc programmes in zoo biology and wildlife conservation at the Universities of Edinburgh, Chester, Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, Gloucestershire and Nottingham Trent University. Dr Rees has published research on the large mammal fauna of Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, the ecology and behaviour of elephants and cheetahs living in zoos, and the laws concerning wildlife reintroductions and the regulation of zoos.

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Book SynopsisHumanity has always looked up at the night sky and wondered what lies beyond our world. Now, we are on the precipice of stepping out among the stars, not just as lone astronauts or billionaire tech bros, but as a civilization. Our story is one of curiosity and an innate desire to explore and understand not only the world around us, but the world within us, and the worlds above us, from extremophiles to extraterrestrials, technosignatures to terraforming, DNA to Dyson Spheres. In this sweeping treatise on exploration, innovation and human ingenuity, theoretical physicist Adriana Marais explores the questions that stand at the heart of scientific endeavour: What are the building blocks of life and how does life emerge? Are we alone in the universe and if so, why? How did we get here - and where are we going next?

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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.

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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

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the eigen theory of the natural physical world of geometrical origin the principal feature of which happens to be the proper form of dark matter.

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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

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Book SynopsisThis book will take you on a journey through our physical universe, based on current, established science. The journey starts with the simplest fundamental particles, such as quarks and electrons, and ends with the most complex of all material objects our human brains.Our universe has evolved through forming communities of things, with simpler things coming together in new groupings to make more complex things. So, every thing in the universe is a community of things, and at every level a community is greater than the sum of its separate parts.If we view the universe in terms of communities, it takes the form of a hierarchy of eight levels of communities, from protons and neutrons to human societies. And at every level in this universal hierarchy, the communities are bound together by ceaseless interactive exchanges.So, our universe reveals itself as a dynamic hierarchy, sustained by endless exchanges between members of the communities at every level. Each of us is the universe in microcosm, for we each embody all eight levels of the universal hierarchy.It is through things coming together and forming communities that the universe, with us now in it, has come to be what it is.Andrew McNeil has a PhD in metallurgy. He first worked in university research and then, for twenty years, he taught secondary school science.

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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 *

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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 *

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Book SynopsisHumans, animals and disease. They're all inter-related, so why do we keep ignoring the elephant in the room?It's well known that Covid-19 may have come from a bat, but diseases are often transmitted in the other direction too. Humans have passed diseases to animals countless times through history, and it's the cross-currents of this relationship between humans, animals and disease that are explored by Liz Kalaugher in The Elephant in the Room. Taking the reader on a globe-trotting journey through time, Kalaugher presents a series of fascinating case histories of human-related wildlife diseases. Among the stories featured here are the early humans who may have carried pathogens responsible for the extinction of Neanderthals, the native birds of Hawaii that have been devasted by human-introduced disease, and the Tasmanian tiger that has been lost to the sands of time. Examining these tales and drawing on first-hand accounts from experts around the world, The Elephant in the Room is both a tragic history and an inspirational call to arms. It doesn't have to be this way. By learning from the past, it's possible to create a better, healthier environment for ourselves, our wildlife and our planet.

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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

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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.

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Book SynopsisTracing uranium's past, and how it intersects with our understanding of other radioactive elements, this book aims to disentangle our attitudes and to unpick the atomic mindset. Chain Reactions looks at the fascinating, often-forgotten, stories that can be found throughout the history of the element. Ranging from glassworks to penny stocks; medicines to weapons; something to be feared to a powerful source of energy, this global history not only explores the development of our scientific understanding of uranium, but also shines a light on its cultural and social impact. By understanding our nuclear past, we can move beyond the ideological opposition to atomic technology and encourage a more nuanced dialogue about whether it is feasible - and desirable - to have a genuinely nuclear-powered future.

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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 *

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Book SynopsisThis illustrated guide tells you everything you need to know to help you understand and bond with your cat. Filled with practical advice - including the secrets of cat body language and tips to help you nurture their happiness - it will deepen your knowledge and help you give your four-legged feline friend a life full of love, joy and affection.

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Book SynopsisMost of the world’s exquisite and rare bird species are found in tropical rainforests – the Amazon, Sumatra, Borneo, Daintree Rainforest in Australia, and the Congo basin in Africa. These lush, wet biospheres are home to some of the most colourful creatures on our planet. Did you know that parrots can live for 80 years or more? Or that most tropical birds are omnivores and will eat seeds, nuts, fruit and insects, while a few will eat small lizards or animals? The world’s longest parrot is the stunningly bright hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), checking in at more than a metre from tip to tail. From the screeching red-and-green macaw to the majestic great hornbill, from the rainbow lorikeet of northern Queensland to the endangered Spix’s macaw of the Amazonian rainforest, Tropical Birds explores the fascinating lifecycles, diets and, where applicable, migratory patterns, of hundreds of species from every part of the tropical belt. With full captions explaining the origins, habitat and behaviour of these exotic creatures, Tropical Birds is a concise exploration in 180 brilliant photographs.Table of ContentsContents include: Introduction 1: PARROTS AND CUCKOOS Parrots Lorikeets / Lories Parakeets / Lovebirds Macaws Cockactoos Turacos Hoatzin Cuckoos — tropical species 2: TOUCANS AND WOODPECKERS Toucans Honeyguides Barbets Woodpeckers 3: HORNBILLS AND RELATIVES Hornbills Kingfisher / Kookaburra Motmots Todies Bee-eaters Hoopoes Roller 4: HUMMINGBIRDS AND SWIFTS Hummingbirds Swifts Trogons / Quetzals 5: GROUND BIRDS Ratites: Ostrich /Emu / Rhea / Cassowaries Game birds: Pheasant / Guinea fowl / Megapodes Herons Stork Spoonbill Flamingo 6: SONGBIRDS Broadbills Lyrebird Ovenbird (with nest) Flycatchers (this name covers many groups) Pitta Cock of the rock Sunbirds Swallow Shrikes Warblers Flycatchers Tits White-eyes Honeyeaters Buntings Tanagers Finches Weavers (with nests) Orioles (with nests vis. golden oriole) Hooded pitohui (an oriole not New Guinea that is the only venomous bird.) Drongos Bowerbirds (with bower) Birds of paradise Magpies

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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

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Book SynopsisGet exam ready with our new edition Higher Chemistry Study Guide! Fully up-to-date with the latest course changes, this guide covers a wide range of topics to help build your knowledge and equip you with the tools needed to succeed at Higher. In this Study Guide, you will find clear and concise course coverage and exam advice; completely revamped area of study on Nature’s Chemistry; Don’t Forget pointers that offer advice on key facts and how to avoid common mistakes.; Things to Do and Think About sections which provide you with plenty of opportunities to put your knowledge into practice. This guide is also supported by a host of free additional material available on the BrightRED Digital Zone!Trade ReviewTwenty-five 5* reviews on Amazon.co.uk: "Very very very helpful. Good!"; "Great help. Bought for my son to help him with his studies, seems to be well laid out and informative. Excellent study aid".Table of ContentsChemical Changes and Structure, Nature’s Chemistry, Chemistry in Society, Researching Chemistry, Answers, Index

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Book SynopsisFascinating and richly illustrated stories of flowers for every day of the year. Every day of the year a different species of flower bursts into bloom somewhere in the world. This collection of 366 flowers reveals not only their beauty but the fascinating botanical, literary, folkloric and historical stories behind them. Discover the magnificent magnolia, which evolved more than 95 million years ago at the time of dinosaurs, and the specific perfumed rose that covers the land around Grasse in France. Read about the powerful medicinal elements of the Manuka bush flowers and the inspiration behind William Wordsworth's 'host of golden daffodils'. Here are also the cheerful Mexican marigolds bedecking urban graveyards, delicate cherry or sakura blossoming along Japanese avenues, spectacular tropical vines hanging in the Philippine rainforest and flamboyant wildflowers carpeting meadows across Europe, showcasing the amazing variety of the natural world. Illustrated with stunning photographs and works of art, this collection is a celebration of flowers and their special place in both the natural world and our culture.Trade Review‘This is such a lovely read and full of amazing plant facts for the plant obsessed… Like me!’ Frances Tophill 'An extraordinary beautiful and informative compendium of some of nature's most gorgeous temptresses' Joe Lycett 'I just love the simple discipline of dipping in and learning something new every day' Liz Earle Wellbeing ‘An inspiring collection of 366 flowers’ BBC Wildlife ’Varied and entertaining … the perfect book to dip into daily’ The Chatty Gardener ‘It would make a lovely present for anyone who loves flowers’ Urban Bees Both an enjoyable read and full of interesting facts … Miranda … knows her plants and weaves fascinating stories around them.’ The Middle-Sized Garden ‘Beautiful blooms for every day of the year’ Choice ‘One of the most beautiful botanical books of our time’ Potting Bench ‘Charming’ Naomi Slade, Garden News

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Book Synopsis‘Whether you are new to wanting to understand birdsong, or are already a fully fledged birdwatcher, this book casts a spell. A truly lovely reading experience’ - Love Reading This is a book full of fascinating stories about birdsong for every week of the year, with QR codes to bring each song to life. Leading bird expert and writer, Dominic Couzens, takes you on a journey to enjoy an authentic year of birdsong around the world, one for every week of the year. From the ancient song of the Rifleman that was likely the first sound made by a songbird to the Eurasian Skylark who evokes the zenith of summer, from the constant companion of the American Robin whose song resonates from the top of skyscrapers and complements the howling of a wolfpack in Alaska to the drumming rhythm of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. This book covers a myriad of topics including bird nature and behaviour, stories and literary masterpieces inspired by birdsongs, the musicality of the notes, and what different songs communicate. Each of these fascinating stories are accompanied by illustrations by award-winning artist Madeleine Floyd and a QR code to let you listen to the birdsong while you read. A natural wonder that has captivated and fascinated generations, birdsong is the soundtrack to life. This book offers the perfect tonic whether you are an avid birdwatcher or just want to understand the songs that are often the first thing we hear in the morning and the last thing we hear at night.Trade ReviewGorgeous illustrations' Evergreen ‘Delightful illustrations’ Country Life ‘Whether you are new to wanting to understand birdsong, or are already a fully fledged birdwatcher, this book casts a spell. A truly lovely reading experience’ Love Reading ‘Charming… I love the illustrations’ Miranda Mills YouTube

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Book SynopsisThis wonderful book describes the fascinating lives of the two most ubiquitous shorebirds in the world. Between them the Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) and Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) make use of a large part of the world's terrestrial habitat and they exhibit many of the exciting features of shorebirds. As the birds arrive on the breeding ground, their displays are spectacular and their sounds are an exciting announcement of springtime. Unusually, the Spotted Sandpiper appears to be the only bird where the female is the territory holder, laying successive clutches of eggs for different males to care for, while the male of the Common Sandpiper holds the territory, has one mate, and shares most duties. They stay on the breeding grounds only as long as is essential to reproduce before making a migration southwards to a broad range of non-breeding homes in Central and South America, Africa, India, and eastwards to Australia with vagrants reaching as far as Tristan da Cunha and New Zealand. The Common Sandpiper has also been recorded breeding in East Africa and wintering in Scotland so their flexibility is amazing. The author has spent over 40 years studying the lives of these fantastic birds and provides a wealth of information including their breeding behaviour, migrations, distribution, food sources, habitats and their history from the present back to 36 million years ago. This beautiful book will hopefully stimulate others to watch these worldwide birds more appreciatively and add to our knowledge.Trade Review`…a fascinating insight into the lives of the two Actitis species. It’s almost as if the reader is allowed to sit on a bank with the author and share intimate moments with these birds. Wader Tale Blog -------------------- `Much of this fascinating information will be new to general UK birders. Throughout, there are clear and concise tables, maps, and many well-chosen images on both species... The author's style here is relaxed and reveals a true affection for his study species and their habitats - he has produced a great addition to all birdwatchers' libraries, amateur and professionals alike'. Scottish Birds -------------------- `...this book will be appreciated by many wader and riverine enthusiasts. I am glad we have it'. Birdwatch -------------------- `...this would be perfect for anyone wanting to know these birds better...' The Birders Library -------------------- `...the book is a real compendium of information on the two species and will be a very useful addition to any shorebirder's library'. British Birds -------------------- `This delightful book brings all aspects of their behavior and ecology to life... ...this is an excellent book that makes the most of the long-term studies on Common Sandpipers undertaken in the UK by the author... ...is highly internationally relevant... I would heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in finding out more about these two fascinating species'. BTO - British Trust for Ornithology -------------------- `...I was very pleasantly surprised to receive an attractive softback book... The graphics are refreshingly original, adding greatly to the personal feel of the book...just the right amount of information, presented in an interesting and engaging way'. Sussex Ornithological Society Newsletter -------------------- `For those with a serious interest in either of these species'. The Birdbooker Report -------------------- `...is brim-full of photographs, sketches and graphs illustrating the points being made by the author, which make it a more informative read. The author ha crammed 40 years' experience of studying the live of these birds into a book which will undoubtedly give pleasure and knowledge to most birders'. Wildlife Detective, The blog of Alan Stewart -------------------- `This beautiful book describe the fascinating life of the two most popular species of wading birds in the world'. Alauda

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Book SynopsisViktor Schauberger was one of the first genuine environmentalists. In the 1930s he was predicting ecological catastrophe when no-one else could see it coming. He foresaw: Global warming and its devastating consequences Increasing violence and lawlessness as the direct result of destructive methods which block Nature's energies and balance. The destruction of the world's forests and ecosystems. This, and the fact that he developed free energy machines through harnessing the magical processes of Nature, has made Viktor Schauberger truly a man of our times. Nature as Teacher details Schauberger's thinking about environmental catastrophe. It includes correspondence with contemporaries and, in particular, his feelings of frustration at the blindness of those in mainstream science who seemed to him to be more concerned with their own welfare and pride than with the fate of humanity. This volume gives tremendous insight into what is happening on the Earth today and presents practical solutions on how we may yet save our precious world.

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Book SynopsisThe elimination of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) in 1995 came during a storm of budget cutting and partisan conflict. Operationally, it left Congress without an institutional arrangement to bring expert scientific and technological advice into the process of legislative decisionmaking. This deficiency has become increasingly critical, as more and more of the decisions faced by Congress and society require judgments based on highly specialized technical information. Offering perspectives from scholars and scientists with diverse academic backgrounds and extensive experience within the policy process, Science and Technology Advice for Congress breaks from the politics of the OTA and its contentious aftermath. Granger Morgan and Jon Peha begin with an overview of the use of technical information in framing policy issues, crafting legislation, and the overall process of governing. They note how, as nonexperts, legislators must make decisions in the face of scientific uncertainty and competing scientific claims from stakeholders. The contributors continue with a discussion of why OTA was created. They draw lessons from OTA's demise, and compare the use of science and technological information in Europe with the United States. The second part of the book responds to requests from congressional leaders for practical solutions. Among the options discussed are expanded functions within existing agencies such as the General Accounting or Congressional Budget Offices; an independent, NGO- administrated analysis group; and a dedicated successor to OTA within Congress. The models emphasize flexibility--and the need to make political feasibility a core component of design.Trade Review'Deserves to be read by every person concerned with the quality of technical input that Congress needs to absorb.' Amory Houghton, Jr., Former U.S. Representative 'In a climate where the objectivity and relevance of science seems nearly everywhere subjected to political scrutiny, [this book] is refreshing, if not poignant. . . . This little volume is positioned to help Congress think carefully about their own knowledge gaps and appropriate ways to close them.' Step Ahead, APSATable of ContentsPreface Contributors Part I: The Issue 1. Analysis, Governance, and the Need for Better Institutional Arrangements M. Granger Morgan and Jon M. Peha Part II: Background 2. Technical Advice for Congress: Past Trends and Present Obstacles Bruce L.R. Smith and Jeffrey K. Stine 3. The Origins, Accomplishments, and Demise of the Office of Technology Assessment Robert M. Margolis and David H. Guston 4. Insights from the Office of Technology Assessment and Other Assessment Experiences David H. Guston 5. The European Experience Norman J. Vig Contents Part III: Possible Institutional Models 6. Thinking about Alternative Models M. Granger Morgan and Jon M. Peha 7. An Expanded Analytical Capability in the Congressional Research Service, the General Accounting Office, or the Congressional Budget Office Christopher T. Hill 8. Expanded Use of the National Academies John Ahearne and Peter Blair 9. Expanding the Role of the Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Program Albert H. Teich and Stephen J. Lita 10. A Lean, Distributed Organization To Serve Congress M. Granger Morgan, Jon M. Peha, and Daniel E. Hastings 11. A Dedicated Organization in Congress Gerald L. Epstein and Ashton B. Carter 12. An Independent Analysis Group That Works Exclusively for Congress, Operated by a Nongovernmental Organization Caroline S. Wagner and William A. Stiles Jr. Part IV: Moving toward Solution 13. Where Do We Go from Here? M. Granger Morgan and Jon M. Peha Appendix 1: The Technology Assessment Act of 1972 Appendix 2: Details on the National Academies Complex Appendix 3: An External Evaluation of the GAO‘s First Pilot Technology Assessment Index About the Editors

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Book SynopsisVeterinarians, vet techs, dog breeders, trainers, and show judges will greatly benefit from this canine anatomy coloring atlas. Essential anatomic and physiologic concepts are explained and diseases common to each region are discussed. The 195 black and white line drawings allow readers to color the drawings of the anatomical structures: a 'do it yourself' format that maximizes comprehension and retention.Table of ContentsContentsHow to Use this Coloring AtlasSurface of the BodyPlate 1 Regions of the Dog’s BodyPlate 2 Directional TermsPlate 3 Body PlanesPlate 4 Anatomy of Canine SkinPlate 5 Functions of Canine SkinPlate 6 Types of Hair CoatsOrgans of Movement: Bones, Joints, and MusclesPlate 7 Skeleton of the DogPlate 8 Vertebral ColumnPlate 9 Ribs and SternumPlate 10 Anatomy of a Long BonePlate 11 Bone DevelopmentPlate 12 Bones of the Shoulder, Arm, and ForearmPlate 13 Carpal, Metacarpal, and Digital BonesPlate 14 Structure of JointsPlate 15 Joints of the ForelimbPlate 16 FasciaPlate 17 Superficial Muscles of the DogPlate 18 Deeper MusclesPlate 19 Deeper Shoulder and Arm MusclesPlate 20 Forearm and Forefoot MusclesPlate 21 Forelimb NervesPlate 22 Forelimb Blood VesselsPlate 23 The Dog’s Feet (Paws)Plate 24 Types of Feet (Paws)Plate 25 Bones of the PelvisPlate 26 Bones of the Thigh and LegPlate 27 Bones of the TarsusPlate 28 Joints of the HindlimbPlate 29 Hip JointPlate 30 Stifle JointPlate 31 Hindlimb Muscles – Lateral ViewsPlate 32 Hindlimb Muscles – Medial ViewsPlate 33 Hindlimb NervesPlate 34 Hindlimb Blood VesselsPlate 35 Back and Neck MusclesPlate 36 TailsPlate 37 Forelimb ConformationPlate 38 Hindlimb ConformationThe Dog’s HeadPlate 39 The Skull and Associated BonesPlate 40 Cavities and Openings in the SkullPlate 41 Types of SkullsPlate 42 The Eye and Accessory Ocular StructuresPlate 43 The Dog’s NosePlate 44 The Dog’s EarPlate 45 External Ear TypesPlate 46 Lateral Structures of the HeadPlate 47 Ventral Structures of the HeadDigestive SystemPlate 48 The Dog’s TeethPlate 49 Dental Variations in DogsPlate 50 Salivary GlandsPlate 51 Oral Cavity, Tongue, Pharynx, and EsophagusPlate 52 Contents of the Abdominal CavityPlate 53 Stomach and Small IntestinePlate 54 Liver and PancreasPlate 55 Large Intestine, Anus, and Anal SacsBody Cavities and Serous MembranesPlate 56 Body Cavities and Serous MembranesPlate 57 In Place Positions of Internal OrgansCardiovascular SystemPlate 58 Major Circulatory PatternsPlate 59 The Canine HeartPlate 60 Vessels and Related Organs in the Thoracic CavityPlate 61 Vessels of the Abdominal CavityPlate 62 Superficial Vessels of the Head and NeckPlate 63 The Dog’s Pulse. Venipuncture SitesImmune SystemPlate 64 Bone Marrow, Thymus, and SpleenPlate 65 Lymph Nodes and Lymph VesselsPlate 66 TonsilsRespiratory SystemPlate 67 Nasal Cavity and NasopharynxPlate 68 LarynxPlate 69 Trachea and LungsUrinary SystemPlate 70 Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder, and UrethraFemale Reproductive SystemPlate 71 Vulva and VaginaPlate 72 Uterus, Uterine Tubes, and OvariesPlate 73 Fetal Membranes. The PlacentaPlate 74 ParturitionPlate 75 Canine Mammary GlandsMale Reproductive SystemPlate 76 Genital Organs of the DogPlate 77 Prostate Gland. PenisPlate 78 Descent of the Canine TestesNervous SystemPlate 79 The Dog’s BrainPlate 80 Cranial NervesPlate 81 Spinal Cord and Spinal NervesPlate 82 Autonomic Nervous SystemPlate 83 Meninges and Cerebrospinal FluidEndocrine SystemPlate 84 Locations of Major Endocrine OrgansIndex

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Book SynopsisYou step out of the back door into the garden. There may be a few birds flitting around, perhaps butterflies or bumblebees on the wing, but often the garden can seem very still. However, if you look beyond the superficial inactivity there is an ecological web of wildlife to explore, to understand and then to encourage more biodiversity. The Science of Garden Biodiversity: The Living Garden shows how data and science can help to dispel myths, such as that wildlife gardens are great for wildlife (and other gardens aren’t), that a garden fit for wildlife must be ‘wild’ and that you must grow native plants. It also provides an understanding of how diverse life can be in gardens and how gardens work. And along the way there are scientific ‘signposts’ to better wildlife gardening. Julian Doberski explains the role of 'small things' - microorganisms and invertebrates - that are fundamental to the ecological functioning of gardens. Learning more about the ecology of a garden helps us understand what makes a garden a refuge for wildlife and how following the science may lead to a more thoughtful and constructive approach to gardening, garden design and garden planting.Trade Review"Brings an informed, academic element that will satisfy serious growers and nature lovers." * The English Garden *"Meticulously referenced with the latest research, this book will appeal to all gardeners who want to please the local wildlife and better know the scientific basis of what they're doing." -- Ken Thompson, plant ecologist and lecturer * The Garden *"Community ecology is so important in the garden habitat but the information in the academic literature almost never escapes into the gardening media. Julian Doberski has undertaken several small but important meta-analyses that are very revealing. It`s a terrific work, and deserves every accolade it will undoubtedly receive." -- Dr Jolyon Kirby, Garden Ecologist

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Book SynopsisA mind-bending, brain-expanding cornucopia of facts for curious minds from the bestselling author of Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze? and Does Anything Eat Wasps?Own the room with this hilarious collection of fact-tastic myth-busters and jaw-dropping trivia exploring science, history, sport and lesser-known facts from across the universe.Did you know that the Moon has a Bishop?That ostriches DON'T bury their heads in the sand?And that powdered rice was used as cement in the Great Wall of China?What do souls weigh?What can't 60% of the human population smell?And what on earth is rhinotillexomania?And the big one...are farts actually invisible?The answers to these questions are all here.Challenge your brain, turn your world upside down and relish the irresistible mix of wit and wisdom.It's also a perfect gift for the brainiac in your life.

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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

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a considered yet entertaining reflection on the progress of modern scientific research. The winding path of science can only be understood by revealing the personal, human side of scientific research, demystifying the actions of the scientist and exposing the human drama on the stage of science. The book looks at the true nature of contemporary science and scientists through the lens of the personal experiences of the author, a renowned and leading materials scientist, over the last half century. It examines the positive threads of modern scientific progress in sober juxtaposition to the manifest negative developments arising from stiff competition within the current academic landscape. A collection of stories and real-life anecdotes is presented in parallel to the career of the author, providing a first-hand account of important achievements in the field of materials science. As a result, this book provides fascinating reading for students, seasoned scientists, and anybody else interested in the workings and machinations of modern science.Trade Review“This is a fascinating book that should appeal to anyone wanting to have a view of the life of a typical academic scientist. … this book is thought provoking and should be of interest to anyone already working in science, especially those intending to work in science. There are many warnings and, at the same time, delights to be found in the numerous anecdotes and descriptions provided by the author. It is a generally good and entertaining read.” (A. Mike Glazer, Journal of Applied Crystallography, Vol. 56, 2023)“The book is a mixture of family history, the history of science, an insight into the politics of science, impressions of the publishing world … . It is recommended reading for researchers at all levels who are interested in materials-science research, funding and politics. … This book is a gem. A gem in the rough perhaps, but all the more genuine and valuable (to many) for that.” (C. Barry Carter, Journal of Materials Science, Vol. 58, 2023)Table of ContentsThe Parents.- Growing Up.- Touching Science; School Years.- The Notions Science and Physical Law.- The Becoming of a Scientist.

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Book Synopsis1. A Quantum Mechanic's Toolbox.- 2. Apples and Oranges: Matrix Representations.- 3. Circuit Model of Computation.- 4. Quantum Killer Apps: Quantum Fourier Transform and Search Algorithms.- 5. Quantum Mechanics According to Martians: Density Matrix Theory.- 6. No-Cloning Theorem, Quantum Teleportation and Spooky Correlations.- 7. Quantum Hardware I: Ion Trap qubits.- 8. Quantum Hardware II: cQED and cirQED.- 9. Errare Computatrum Est: Quantum Error Correction.

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Book SynopsisWritten with biologists, biochemists and other molecular scientists in mind, this volume meets the long-felt need for a textbook dedicated to the topic and recreates the excitement surrounding the scientific revolution sparked by the discovery of RNA interference in 1998. Students and instructors alike will profit from the author's exclusive first-hand knowledge, drawing on his breakthrough discoveries at the Tuschl lab at Rockefeller University. Gunter Meister abandons the traditionalist treatment of nucleic acids found in most biochemistry and molecular biology texts, adopting instead a modern approach in both concept and scope. The text is divided into three parts, on mRNA, non-coding RNA, and RNomics, and the author addresses the traditional roles of RNA in the transmission and regulation of genetic information, as well as the recently discovered functions of small RNA species in pathogen defense, cell differentiation and higher-level genomic regulation. All set to become the standard for teaching molecular science to biologists and biochemists.Trade Review"In summary, Gunter Meister has compiled a most timely textbook that gives an excellent overview of the fundamental biological role of RNA molecules. The book is a valuable resource of information for anyone interested in RNA biology. Its content goes well beyond the scope of standard molecular biology or biochemistry textbooks." (ChemMedChem, 2011) "Meister (biochemistry, U. of Regensburg, Germany) covers RNA biology comprehensively without getting into mechanistic detail, to provide an introduction for undergraduate students of all life sciences. Chapter-end references point to fuller treatments for students who are interested." (Book News, 1 October 2011) Table of ContentsPreface xv Part One mRNA Biology 1 1 Introduction 3 1.1 RNA Building Blocks 4 1.2 RNA Folding 6 1.3 The RNA World Hypothesis 10 1.4 Functions of RNA 11 1.5 Protein Classes that are Required for RNA Function 12 1.5.1 RNA Binding Proteins 12 1.5.1.1 Proteins that Interact with Single Stranded RNAs 12 1.5.1.2 Proteins that Interact with Double Stranded RNAs 14 1.5.2 RNA Helicases 14 References 15 2 Transcription of Pre-mRNAs 17 2.1 Structure and Organization of Protein Coding Genes 18 2.2 Transcription of Mrnas by Rna Polymerase II 20 2.2.1 Transcriptional Initiation of Protein Coding Genes 23 2.2.2 Regulation of Transcriptional Initiation of Rna Polymerase II 27 2.2.3 Transition from Preinitiation to Initiation and Promoter Clearance 27 2.2.4 Productive Elongation of mRNA Transcripts 29 2.2.4.1 The Nucleotide Addition Cycle (NAC) 29 2.2.4.2 Protein Factors that Influence Pol II Elongation 30 2.3 Transcriptional Termination of Pre-mRNAs 31 2.4 Transcription is Coupled to Other mRNA Maturation Steps 32 2.5 Summary 34 References 35 3 Capping of the Pre-mRNA 5 0 End 37 3.1 m 7 G-cap Structure 37 3.2 mRNA Capping Enzymes 39 3.2.1 RNA Triphosphatase 39 3.2.2 Guanylyltransferase 39 3.2.3 Guanine-N7-Methyltransferase 40 3.3 5 0 Capping is Coupled to Transcription 41 3.4 5 0 Cap Binding Proteins 41 3.5 Summary 42 References 43 4 3 0 End Processing of Pre-mRNAs 45 4.1 Polyadenylation Signals 46 4.2 Proteins Involved in 3 0 End Processing of Pre-mRNAs 47 4.2.1 Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specific Factor (CPSF) 47 4.2.2 Cleavage Stimulation Factor (CstF) 47 4.2.3 Mammalian Cleavage Factor I (CFI m) and II (CFII m) 48 4.2.4 The Poly(A) Polymerase (PAP) 49 4.2.5 Poly(A)-Binding Protein (PABP) 50 4.2.6 Symplekin 51 4.3 3 0 End Processing is Tightly Linked to Transcriptional Termination 51 4.4 Alternative Polyadenylation 51 4.5 Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation 53 4.6 3 0 End Processing of Histone mRNAs 54 4.7 Summary 56 References 57 5 Splicing of Eukaryotic Pre-mRNAs 59 5.1 Group I, II and III Introns 59 5.1.1 Group I Introns 59 5.1.2 Group II Introns 61 5.1.3 Group III Introns 61 5.2 The Mechanism of pre-mRNA Splicing 61 5.3 The Spliceosome 62 5.4 The U12-Dependent Minor Spliceosome 66 5.5 Coupling of Splicing with Transcription and 5 0 Capping 67 5.6 Alternative Splicing and the Complexity of Genomes 68 5.6.1 Mechanisms of Exon Inclusion into the Mature mRNA 69 5.6.2 Mechanism of Exon Exclusion from the Mature mRNA 70 5.7 Summary 70 5.8 Questions 71 References 72 6 mRNA Export from the Nucleus to the Cytoplasm 73 6.1 Nuclear Import and Nuclear Export 73 6.2 mRNA Export Receptors 75 6.3 Adaptors that Bridge mRNAs with Export Receptors 78 6.4 Mechanism of mRNA Export 78 6.5 Coupling of mRNP Export to Other Steps of mRNA Maturation 80 6.6 Summary 80 6.7 Questions 81 References 81 7 Translation 83 7.1 Amino Acids, mRNAs, tRNAs 83 7.1.1 mRNA 83 7.1.2 Amino Acids 84 7.1.3 Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) 86 7.1.4 Loading Amino Acids onto tRNAs 87 7.2 The Ribosome 89 7.3 The Mechanisms of Translation 90 7.3.1 Translation Initiation 90 7.3.1.1 Eukaryotes 90 7.3.1.2 Bacteria 93 7.3.1.3 Archaea 96 7.3.1.4 Internal Ribosome Entry Sites (IRESs) 96 7.3.2 Elongation 97 7.3.2.1 Polyribosomes 97 7.3.3 Termination 99 7.3.4 Recycling of the Ribosome 100 7.4 Translational Regulation 100 7.4.1 Regulation of Translation Initiation 100 7.4.2 Regulation of Translation Elongation and Termination 103 7.5 Coupling Translation with Other mRNA Maturation and Quality Control Steps 103 7.6 Summary 104 7.7 Questions 105 References 106 8 Deadenylation of mRNA 107 8.1 Deadenylating Enzymes 107 8.1.1 Poly(A) Nuclease 107 8.1.2 CCR4-NOT Complex 108 8.1.3 Poly(A) Ribonuclease 108 8.1.4 Other Deadenylases 110 8.2 Summary 111 8.3 Questions 111 References 112 9 mRNA Decapping 113 9.1 Decapping Enzymes are the Core of the mRNA Decapping Machinery 113 9.2 Scavenger Decapping Enzyme DcpS 115 9.3 Regulation of mRNA Decapping 115 9.3.1 Inhibitors of Decapping 115 9.3.2 Enhancers of Decapping 116 9.4 Intracellular Localization of mRNA Decapping 117 9.5 Summary 118 9.6 Questions 119 References 119 10 mRNA Decay Pathways 121 10.1 Deadenylation-Dependent mRNA Decay 122 10.1.1 The 5 0 to 3 0 Exoribonuclease Xrn 1 122 10.1.2 The Exosome 122 10.1.2.1 Structural Organization of the Exosome 125 10.1.2.2 Mechanism of Exosome-Mediated RNA Degradation 125 10.1.2.3 Regulation of Exosome Activity 126 10.2 Deadenylation-Independent mRNA Decay 127 10.3 Endoribonuclease-Mediated mRNA Decay 128 10.3.1 Eukaryotic Endoribonucleases 129 10.4 Regulation of mRNA Decay 131 10.5 RNA Degradation in Bacteria 131 10.6 Summary 133 10.7 Questions 134 References 135 11 mRNA Quality Control 137 11.1 Nuclear mRNA Quality Control Mechanisms 137 11.1.1 MRNP Retention at the Transcription Site 138 11.1.2 MRNP Quality Control at the Nuclear Pore Complex 138 11.2 Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD) 138 11.2.1 Protein Factors Required for NMD 139 11.2.1.1 UPF Proteins 139 11.2.1.2 The Exon–Exon–Junction Complex (EJC) and Nmd 140 11.2.1.3 SMG Proteins and the Phosphorylation of UPF 1 141 11.2.2 Mechanism of NMD in Mammals 142 11.2.3 Cytoplasmic Processing Bodies and NMD 143 11.2.4 Mechanism of NMD in Yeast and Flies 144 11.2.5 mRNA Degradation Pathways in NMD 146 11.3 Other mRNA Quality Control Pathways 146 11.3.1 Non-Stop mRNA Degradation 146 11.3.2 No-Go mRNA Decay (NGD) 148 11.4 Summary 148 11.5 Questions 149 References 149 Part Two Non-Coding RNA Biology 151 12 Ribosomal RNAs and the Biogenesis of Ribosomes 153 12.1 Genomic Organization of Ribosomal RNA Genes 153 12.1.1 Bacteria and Archaea 153 12.1.2 Eukaryotes 155 12.1.2.1 28S, 18S and 5.8S rRNAs 155 12.1.2.2 5S rRNA 156 12.2 Transcription of Ribosomal RNA Genes 157 12.2.1 RNA Polymerase I 157 12.2.1.1 Initiation of Pol I Transcription 158 12.2.1.2 Promoter Clearance, Transcript Elongation and Termination of Pol I Transcription 160 12.2.1.3 Regulation of RNA Polymerase I Transcription 161 12.2.2 RNA Polymerase III and the Transcription of the 5S rRNA 162 12.2.2.1 Pol III Promoters 163 12.2.2.2 Transcription Initiation and Elongation of Rna Polymerase III 165 12.2.2.3 Initiation of Type 3 Promoters 167 12.2.2.4 Termination and Re-Initiation 168 12.3 Maturation of rRNAs 169 12.3.1 Small Nucleolar RNAs are Required for Pre-rRNA Processing 170 12.4 Assembly of Ribosomal Subunits 172 12.5 Nuclear Export of Ribosomal Subunits 174 12.6 Modification, Structure and Function of rRNAs 175 12.7 Summary 178 12.8 Questions 179 References 180 13 Transfer RNAs 183 13.1 Genomic Organization and Transcription of tRNA Genes 183 13.2 Processing to Mature tRNAs 184 13.2.1 5 0 Maturation of tRNAs by the RNase P Enzyme Complex 184 13.2.2 3 0 End Maturation of tRNAs 186 13.2.3 tRNA Splicing 188 13.3 tRNA Modifications 191 13.4 Nuclear Export of tRNAs 193 13.5 Tertiary Structure of tRNAs 194 13.6 Summary 196 References 197 14 The 7SL RNA and the Signal Recognition Particle 199 14.1 Architecture of the SRP 199 14.1.1 The SRP RNA 199 14.1.2 Protein Components of the SRP 201 14.1.2.1 Eukaryotes 201 14.1.2.2 Archaea and Bacteria 203 14.2 SRP-Mediated Protein Translocation 204 14.3 Summary 206 References 208 15 Regulation of Transcription: the 7SK Small Nuclear RNA 209 15.1 Architecture of the 7SK snRNA 209 15.1.1 The 7SK snRNA 209 15.1.2 Protein Components of the 7SK snRNP 210 15.2 The 7SK snRNP Functions as Transcriptional Regulator 212 15.2.1 P-TEFb Function in Transcription 212 15.2.2 Repression of P-TEFb by the 7SK snRNP 214 15.3 Other Small Non-Coding RNAs that Interfere with Transcription 214 15.3.1 The 6S RNA in Bacteria 214 15.3.2 Alu, B1 and B2 Non-Coding RNAs in Mammals 215 15.4 Summary 215 References 216 16 Small Nucleolar RNAs 217 16.1 Genomic Organization and snoRNA Transcription 217 16.2 Box H/ACA snoRNAs 218 16.3 Box C/D snoRNAs 221 16.4 Maturation of Functional snoRNPs 223 16.5 Orphan snoRNAs 224 16.6 The Telomerase RNP 226 16.7 Summary 227 References 228 17 Spliceosomal Small Nuclear RNAs 229 17.1 Transcription and Maturation of Spliceosomal snRNAs 229 17.1.1 Transcription of Spliceosomal snRNAs 229 17.1.2 snRNA Maturation 230 17.1.3 SnRNA Export to the Cytoplasm 231 17.2 The Structure of UsnRNPs 232 17.2.1 Secondary Structure of Spliceosomal snRNAs 232 17.2.2 Protein Composition of UsnRNPs 233 17.2.2.1 The Sm/LSm Core Structure 233 17.2.2.2 UsnRNP-Specific Proteins 235 17.3 Assembly of Spliceosomal snRNPs 237 17.3.1 Cytoplasmic Assembly of the Sm Core Domain 237 17.3.2 Formation of the Tri-Methyl Guanine Cap 240 17.3.3 Import of Assembled UsnRNPs into the Nucleus 241 17.4 Summary 242 17.5 Questions 243 References 244 18 Small Non-Coding RNAs and the Mechanism of Gene Silencing 245 18.1 Short Interfering RNAs and the Mechanism of RNA Interference 245 18.2 Dicer 248 18.3 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases 248 18.4 Argonaute Proteins 251 18.5 microRNAs and the Regulation of Gene Expression 251 18.5.1 MiRNA Biogenesis 251 18.5.2 Non-Canonical miRNA Biogenesis Pathways 253 18.5.3 miRNA Functions 255 18.5.3.1 miRNAs Can Act as siRNAs 255 18.5.3.2 miRNAs Inhibit Translation 255 18.5.3.3 miRNAs Induce Deadenylation and mRNA Decay 256 18.6 PiRNAs and the Regulation of Mobile Genetic Elements in the Germ Line 257 18.6.1 Transposons as Driving Force Behind Evolution 258 18.6.2 PiRNAs Control Transposon Expression 259 18.7 Small RNAs with Functions in Chromatin Regulation 261 18.8 The CRISPR System – A Bacterial and Archaeal Defense Mechanism 263 18.8.1 The CRISPR Locus 263 18.8.2 Acquisition of CRISPR-Mediated Resistance 264 18.8.3 Mechanism of CRISPR Activity 265 18.9 Summary 266 References 269 19 Long Non-Coding RNAs 271 19.1 The XIST Non-Coding RNA and X Chromosome Inactivation 271 19.1.1 The X-Chromosome Inactivation Center (XIC) 272 19.1.2 the Xist Non-coding Rna and the Mechanism of X Inactivation 272 19.1.3 Regulation of XIST Function 274 19.2 Dosage Compensation in Flies 275 19.3 Non-Coding RNAs and the Regulation of Imprinting 276 19.4 The Regulation of HOX Genes by Long Non-Coding RNAs 278 19.5 Long non-Coding RNAs are Common in Complex Genomes 278 19.6 Summary 278 References 280 20 RNA Editing 281 20.1 RNA Editing by U Insertions or Deletions 281 20.1.1 Mechanisms of U Insertions or Deletions 282 20.2 RNA Editing by Base Modification 283 20.2.1 c to U conversion 284 20.2.2 Adenine to Inosine Editing 286 20.2.2.1 Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA 287 20.2.2.2 Editing Site Selectivity 288 20.2.2.3 Biological Consequences of A to I Conversions 288 20.3 Summary 290 References 291 21 Ribozymes – Catalytic RNA Molecules 293 21.1 Identification of Catalytic RNAs 293 21.2 Mechanisms and Secondary Structures of Different Ribozymes 294 21.2.1 Group I Introns 294 21.2.2 RNase P 295 21.2.3 The Diels–Alderase Ribozyme 296 21.2.4 Hammerhead Ribozymes 298 21.2.5 The glmS Ribozyme 298 21.3 Summary 300 References 301 22 Riboswitches and RNA Sensors 303 22.1 Mechanisms of Riboswitch Function 303 22.2 Riboswitch Structures 305 22.3 RNA Thermometers 305 22.4 Summary 307 References 308 23 RNomics 309 23.1 ‘‘Omics’’ Approaches 309 23.2 Experimental RNA Profiling Strategies 310 23.2.1 Northern Blotting 310 23.2.2 Microarray 311 23.2.3 Quantitative PCR 313 23.2.4 RNA Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization 314 23.2.5 Next Generation Sequencing 314 23.3 RNA Biology and the Complexity of Genomes 315 23.4 Summary 315 References 318 Appendix: Answers to Questions 319 Index 355

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Book SynopsisThis second, extended and updated edition presents the current state of kinetics of chemical reactions, combining basic knowledge with results recently obtained at the frontier of science. Special attention is paid to the problem of the chemical reaction complexity with theoretical and methodological concepts illustrated throughout by numerous examples taken from heterogeneous catalysis combustion and enzyme processes. Of great interest to graduate students in both chemistry and chemical engineering.Table of ContentsPreface to First Edition xv Preface to Second Edition xix 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Overview 1 1.2 Decoding Complexity in Chemical Kinetics 2 1.3 Three Types of Chemical Kinetics 2 1.3.1 Applied Kinetics 3 1.3.2 Detailed Kinetics 3 1.3.3 Mathematical Kinetics 3 1.4 Challenges and Goals. How to Kill Chemical Complexity 4 1.4.1 “Gray-Box” Approach 4 1.4.2 Analysis of Kinetic Fingerprints 5 1.4.3 Non-steady-state Kinetic Screening 6 1.5 What Our Book is Not About. Our Book among Other Books on Chemical Kinetics 6 1.6 The Logic in the Reasoning of This Book 7 1.7 How Chemical Kinetics and Mathematics are Interwoven in This Book 7 1.8 History of Chemical Kinetics 8 References 12 2 Chemical Reactions and Complexity 17 2.1 Introduction 17 2.2 Elementary Reactions and the Mass-Action Law 19 2.2.1 Homogeneous Reactions 19 2.2.2 Heterogeneous Reactions 21 2.2.3 Rate Expressions 22 2.3 The Reaction Rate and Net Rate of Production of a Component – A Big Difference 23 2.4 Dimensions of the Kinetic Parameters and Their Orders of Magnitude 24 2.5 Conclusions 26 Nomenclature 26 References 28 3 Kinetic Experiments: Concepts and Realizations 29 3.1 Introduction 29 3.2 Experimental Requirements 29 3.3 Material Balances 30 3.4 Classification of Reactors for Kinetic Experiments 31 3.4.1 Steady-state and Non-steady-state Reactors 31 3.4.2 Transport in Reactors 31 3.4.3 Ideal Reactors 32 3.4.3.1 Batch Reactor 32 3.4.3.2 Continuous Stirred-tank Reactor 33 3.4.3.3 Plug-flow Reactor 34 3.4.4 Ideal Reactors with Solid Catalyst 34 3.4.4.1 Batch Reactor 34 3.4.4.2 Continuous Stirred-tank Reactor 35 3.4.4.3 Plug-flow Reactor 35 3.4.4.4 Pulse Reactor 35 3.4.5 Determination of the Net Rate of Production 36 3.5 Formal Analysis of Typical Ideal Reactors 36 3.5.1 Batch Reactor 36 3.5.1.1 Irreversible Reaction 36 3.5.1.2 Reversible Reaction 38 3.5.1.3 How to Distinguish Parallel Reactions from Consecutive Reactions 40 3.5.2 Steady-state Plug-flow Reactor 43 3.5.3 Non-steady-state Continuous Stirred-tank Reactor 43 3.5.3.1 Irreversible Reaction 43 3.5.3.2 Reversible Reaction 44 3.5.4 Thin-zone TAP Reactor 45 3.6 Kinetic-model-free Analysis 46 3.6.1 Steady State 46 3.6.2 Non-steady State 47 3.6.2.1 Continuous Stirred-tank Reactor 47 3.6.2.2 Plug-flow Reactor 48 3.7 Diagnostics of Kinetic Experiments in Heterogeneous Catalysis 49 3.7.1 Gradients at Reactor and Catalyst-pellet Scale 49 3.7.2 Experimental Diagnostics and Guidelines 49 3.7.2.1 Test for External Mass-transfer Effect 51 3.7.2.2 Test for Internal Mass-transport Effect 51 3.7.2.3 Guidelines 52 3.7.3 Theoretical Diagnostics 52 3.7.3.1 External Mass Transfer 53 3.7.3.2 External Heat Transfer 54 3.7.3.3 InternalMass Transport 56 3.7.3.4 Internal Heat Transport 59 3.7.3.5 Non-steady-state Operation 59 Nomenclature 59 References 62 4 Chemical Book-keeping: Linear Algebra in Chemical Kinetics 65 4.1 Basic Elements of Linear Algebra 65 4.2 Linear Algebra and Complexity of Chemical Reactions 67 4.2.1 Atomic Composition of Chemical Components: Molecules “Consist of” Atoms 68 4.2.1.1 Molecular Matrix 68 4.2.1.2 Linear Algebra and Laws of Mass Conservation 68 4.2.1.3 Key Components and Their Number 70 4.2.2 Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions: Reactions “Consist of” Chemical Components 72 4.2.2.1 Stoichiometric Matrix 72 4.2.2.2 Difference and Similarity between the Conservation Law for Chemical Elements and the KineticMass-Conservation Law 74 4.2.2.3 Similarity and Difference between the Numbers of Key Components and the Number of Key Reactions 74 4.2.3 DetailedMechanism of Complex Reactions: Complex Reactions “Consist of” Elementary Reactions 75 4.2.3.1 Mechanisms and Horiuti Numbers 75 4.2.3.2 Matrices and Independent Routes of Complex Reactions 80 4.3 Concluding Remarks 83 4.A Book-Keeping Support in Python/SymPy 83 4.A.1 Skeleton Code Generation 83 4.A.2 Matrix Augmentation and Reduction 84 Nomenclature 88 References 90 5 Steady-State Chemical Kinetics: A Primer 93 5.1 Introduction to Graph Theory 93 5.2 Representation of Complex Mechanisms as Graphs 94 5.2.1 Single-route Mechanisms 95 5.2.2 Single-route Mechanism with a Buffer Step 97 5.2.3 Two-route Mechanisms 97 5.2.4 Number of Independent Reaction Routes and Horiuti’s Rule 99 5.3 How to Derive the Reaction Rate for a Complex Reaction 101 5.3.1 Introduction 101 5.3.2 Kinetic Cramer’s Rule and Trees of the Chemical Graph 104 5.3.3 Forward and Reverse Reaction Rates 110 5.3.4 Single-route LinearMechanism – General Case 111 5.3.5 How to Find the Kinetic Equation for the Reverse Reaction: The Horiuti–Boreskov Problem 112 5.3.6 What About the Overall Reaction – A Provocative Opinion 114 5.4 Derivation of Steady-State Kinetic Equations for a Single-Route Mechanism – Examples 116 5.4.1 Two-step Mechanisms 117 5.4.1.1 Michaelis–Menten Mechanism 117 5.4.1.2 Water–Gas Shift Reaction 118 5.4.1.3 Liquid-phase Hydrogenation 119 5.4.2 Three-step Mechanisms 120 5.4.2.1 Oxidation of Sulfur Dioxide 120 5.4.2.2 Coupling Reaction 121 5.4.3 Four-step Mechanisms 122 5.4.4 Five-step Mechanisms 124 5.4.5 Single-route Linear Mechanisms with a Buffer Step 125 5.5 Derivation of Steady-State Kinetic Equations for Multi Route Mechanisms: Kinetic Coupling 126 5.5.1 Cycles Having a Common Intermediate 127 5.5.2 Cycles Having a Common Step 129 5.5.3 Cycles Having Two Common Steps 130 5.5.4 Different Types of Coupling between Cycles 131 Nomenclature 132 References 133 6 Steady-state Chemical Kinetics:Machinery 137 6.1 Analysis of Rate Equations 137 6.1.1 Dependence of Parameters on Temperature and Number of Identifiable Parameters 138 6.1.2 Simplifying Assumptions 140 6.1.2.1 Fast Step 140 6.1.2.2 Rate-limiting Step 141 6.1.2.3 Quasi-equilibrated Step(s) 141 6.1.2.4 Irreversible Step(s) 142 6.1.2.5 Dependence of the Reaction Rate on Concentrations 143 6.2 Apparent Kinetic Parameters: Reaction Order and Activation Energy 143 6.2.1 Definitions 143 6.2.2 Two-step Mechanism of an Irreversible Reaction 145 6.2.2.1 Apparent Partial Reaction Order 145 6.2.2.2 Apparent Activation Energy 146 6.2.3 More Examples 147 6.2.3.1 Apparent Partial Reaction Order 147 6.2.3.2 Apparent Activation Energy 152 6.2.4 Some Further Comments 153 6.3 How to Reveal Mechanisms Based on Steady-state Kinetic Data 154 6.3.1 Assumptions 154 6.3.2 Direct and Inverse Problems of Kinetic Modeling 155 6.3.3 Minimal and Non-minimal Mechanisms 155 6.3.3.1 Two-step Catalytic Mechanisms 156 6.3.3.2 Three-step Catalytic Mechanisms 156 6.3.3.3 Four-step Catalytic Mechanisms 157 6.3.3.4 Five-step Catalytic Mechanisms 158 6.3.3.5 Summary 158 6.3.4 What Kind of Kinetic Model Do We Need to Describe Steady-state Kinetic Data and to Decode Mechanisms? 159 6.3.4.1 Kinetic Resistance 159 6.3.4.2 Analysis of the Kinetic Resistance in Identifying and Decoding Mechanisms and Models 160 6.3.4.3 Concentration Terms of the Kinetic Resistance and Structure of the Detailed Mechanism 160 6.3.4.4 Principle of Component Segregation 164 6.4 Concluding Remarks 165 Nomenclature 166 References 167 7 Linear and Nonlinear Relaxation: Stability 169 7.1 Introduction 169 7.1.1 Linear Relaxation 171 7.1.2 Relaxation Times and Steady-state Reaction Rate 173 7.1.2.1 Relaxation Times and Kinetic Resistance 173 7.1.2.2 Temkin’s Rule. Is it Valid? 174 7.1.3 Further comments 176 7.2 Relaxation in a Closed System − Principle of Detailed Equilibrium 177 7.3 Stability – General Concept 180 7.3.1 Elements of the Qualitative Theory of Differential Equations 180 7.3.2 Local Stability – Rigorous Definition 182 7.3.3 Local Stability – System with two Variables 184 7.3.3.1 Real Roots 186 7.3.3.2 Imaginary Roots 187 7.3.4 Self-sustained Oscillations and Global Dynamics 188 7.4 Simplifications of Non-steady-state Models 190 7.4.1 Abundance and Linearization 190 7.4.2 Fast Step − Equilibrium Approximation 191 7.4.3 Rate-limiting Step Approximation 191 7.4.4 Quasi-steady-state Approximation 192 Nomenclature 198 References 200 8 Nonlinear Mechanisms: Steady State and Dynamics 203 8.1 Critical Phenomena 203 8.2 Isothermal Critical Effects in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Experimental Facts 205 8.2.1 Multiplicity of Steady States 205 8.2.2 Self-sustained Oscillations of the Reaction Rate in Heterogeneous Catalytic Reactions 207 8.2.3 Diversity of Critical Phenomena and Their Causes 207 8.3 Ideal Simple Models: Steady State 209 8.3.1 Parallel and Consecutive Adsorption Mechanisms 209 8.3.2 Impact Mechanisms 210 8.3.3 Simplest Mechanism for the Interpretation of Multiplicity of Steady States 212 8.3.4 Hysteresis: Influence of Reaction Reversibility 218 8.3.5 Competition of Intermediates 223 8.4 Ideal Simple Models: Dynamics 227 8.4.1 Relaxation Characteristics of the Parallel Adsorption Mechanism 227 8.4.2 Catalytic Oscillators 234 8.4.2.1 Simplest Catalytic Oscillator 234 8.4.2.2 Relaxation of Self-sustained Oscillation: Model 239 8.4.2.3 Other Catalytic Oscillators 239 8.4.3 Fine Structure of Kinetic Dependences 242 8.5 Structure of Detailed Mechanism and Critical Phenomena: Relationships 244 8.5.1 Mechanisms without Interaction between Intermediates 245 8.5.2 Horn–Jackson–Feinberg Mechanism 247 8.6 Nonideal Factors 250 8.7 Conclusions 251 Nomenclature 251 References 253 9 Kinetic Polynomials 263 9.1 Linear Introduction to the Nonlinear Problem: Recap 263 9.2 Nonlinear Introduction 266 9.3 Principles of the Approach: Quasi-Steady-State Approximation. Mathematical Basis 267 9.3.1 Introduction 267 9.3.2 Examples 269 9.4 Kinetic Polynomials: Derivation and Properties 270 9.4.1 Resultant Reaction Rate: A Necessary Mathematical Basis 270 9.4.2 Properties of the Kinetic Polynomial 272 9.4.3 Examples of Kinetic Polynomials 273 9.4.3.1 Impact Mechanism 273 9.4.3.2 Adsorption Mechanism 274 9.5 Kinetic Polynomial: Classical Approximations and Simplifications 276 9.5.1 Rate-limiting Step 276 9.5.2 Vicinity of Thermodynamic Equilibrium 278 9.5.3 Thermodynamic Branch 279 9.6 Application of Results of the Kinetic-polynomial Theory: Cycles across an Equilibrium 282 9.7 Critical Simplification 289 9.7.1 Critical Simplification: A Simple Example 289 9.7.2 Critical Simplification and Limitation 295 9.7.3 Principle of Critical Simplification: General Understanding and Application 296 9.8 Concluding Remarks 297 9.A Appendix 298 Nomenclature 299 References 301 10 Temporal Analysis of Products: Principles, Applications, and Theory 307 10.1 Introduction 307 10.2 Characteristics of TAP 309 10.2.1 The TAP Experiment 309 10.2.2 Description and Operation of a TAP Reactor System 310 10.2.3 Basic Principles of TAP 312 10.3 Position of TAP among Other Kinetic Methods 314 10.3.1 Uniformity of the Active Zone 315 10.3.1.1 Continuous Stirred-tank Reactor 315 10.3.1.2 Plug-flow Reactor 315 10.3.1.3 TAP Reactor 315 10.3.2 Domain of Conditions 315 10.3.3 Possibility of Obtaining Relevant Kinetic Information 316 10.3.4 Relationship between Observed Kinetic Characteristics and Catalyst Properties 316 10.3.5 Model-Free Kinetic Interpretation of Data 317 10.3.6 Summary of the Comparison 318 10.3.7 Applications of TAP 318 10.4 Qualitative Analysis of TAP Data: Examples 318 10.4.1 Single-pulse TAP Experiments 319 10.4.2 Pump-probe TAP Experiments 322 10.4.3 Multipulse TAP Experiments 324 10.5 Quantitative TAP Data Description.Theoretical Analysis 326 10.5.1 One-Zone Reactor 327 10.5.1.1 Diffusion Only 327 10.5.1.2 Irreversible Adsorption 330 10.5.1.3 Reversible Adsorption 331 10.5.2 Two- and Three-Zone Reactors 332 10.5.3 Thin-Zone TAP Reactor Configuration 333 10.5.4 Moment-Based Quantitative Description of TAP Experiments 336 10.5.4.1 Moments and Reactivities 336 10.5.4.2 From Moments to Reactivities 342 10.5.4.3 Experimental Procedure 345 10.5.4.4 Summary 348 10.6 Kinetic Monitoring: Strategy of Interrogative Kinetics 348 10.6.1 State-by-state Kinetic Monitoring. Example: Oxidation of Furan 348 10.6.2 Strategy of Interrogative Kinetics 352 10.7 Theoretical Frontiers 353 10.7.1 Global Transfer Matrix Equation 353 10.7.2 Y Procedure 354 10.7.2.1 Principles of the Solution 355 10.7.2.2 Exact Mathematical Solution 358 10.7.2.3 How to Reconstruct the Active Zone Concentration and Net Rate of Production in Practice 359 10.7.2.4 Numerical Experiments 361 10.7.2.5 Summary of the Y Procedure 364 10.7.3 Probabilistic Theory of Single-particle TAP Experiments 366 10.8 Conclusions:What Next? 367 Nomenclature 368 References 371 11 Joint Kinetics 383 11.1 Events and Invariances 383 11.2 Single Reaction 384 11.2.1 Batch Reactor 384 11.2.1.1 Basics 384 11.2.1.2 Point of Intersection 386 11.2.1.3 Swapping the Equilibrium 387 11.2.2 Continuous Stirred-tank Reactor 388 11.2.2.1 Basis 388 11.2.2.2 Point of Intersection 388 11.2.3 Invariances 389 11.3 Multiple Reactions 391 11.3.1 Events: Intersections and Coincidences 391 11.3.2 Mathematical Solutions of Kinetic Models 393 11.3.2.1 Batch Reactor 393 11.3.2.2 Continuous Stirred-tank Reactor 394 11.3.3 First Stage: Occurrence of Single Kinetic Events 394 11.3.4 Second Stage: Coincidences: Ordering Events by Pairs 397 11.3.5 End Products Intersection: Intersection of B and C 402 11.3.6 Invariances 403 Nomenclature 405 References 406 12 Decoding the Past 407 12.1 Chemical Time and Intermediates. Early History 407 12.2 Discovery of Catalysis and Chemical Kinetics 407 12.3 Guldberg and Waage’s Breakthrough 409 12.4 Van’t Hoff’s Revolution: Achievements and Contradictions 409 12.4.1 Undisputable Achievements 409 12.4.2 Contradictions 410 12.5 Post-Van’t Hoff Period: Reaction is Not a Single-act Drama 411 12.6 All-in-all Confusion. Attempts at Understanding 411 12.7 Out of Confusion: Physicochemical Understanding 412 12.8 Towards Mathematical Chemical Kinetics 414 Nomenclature 418 References 419 13 Decoding the Future 425 13.1 A Great Achievement, a Great Illusion 425 13.2 A New Paradigm for Decoding Chemical Complexity 426 13.2.1 Advanced Experimental Kinetic Tools 427 13.2.2 New Mathematical Tools. Chemical Kinetics and Mathematics 428 References 430 Index 433

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisBeyond real GDP, innovative capacity is an important indicator of the economic strength of a nation. By studying innovative capacity and other indicators of success in innovation across the Group-of-Seven (G7) Countries, the East Asian Newly Industrialised Economies (EANIEs) and Mainland China, this book will systematically establish a positive relationship between innovation outputs and inputs of different economies. In doing so, it seeks to answer the question — are there laws of innovation? It seeks to identify the determinants of innovation at the economy-wide level, ascertain whether these determinants are similar across different economies, and find suitable metrics for comparing relative success in innovation across different economies. It concludes that innovation, rather than being a stroke of good fortune, comes from research and development activities conducted over a long period of time, and sheds light on future trends and areas for further research.

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Book SynopsisThis volume is a comprehensive compilation of carefully selected questions at the PhD qualifying exam level, including many actual questions from Columbia University, University of Chicago, MIT, State University of New York at Buffalo, Princeton University, University of Wisconsin and the University of California at Berkeley over a twenty-year period. Topics covered in this book include the basic principles of quantum phenomena, particles in potentials, motion in electromagnetic fields, perturbation theory and scattering theory, among many others.This latest edition has been updated with more problems and solutions and the original problems have also been modernized, excluding outdated questions and emphasizing those that rely on calculations. The problems range from fundamental to advanced in a wide range of topics on quantum mechanics, easily enhancing the student's knowledge through workable exercises. Simple-to-solve problems play a useful role as a first check of the student's level of knowledge whereas difficult problems will challenge the student's capacity on finding the solutions.

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