Science & Nature Books

Book SynopsisWhat makes a quark? How many quarks make a proton? How many protons make an oxygen atom? How many oxygen atoms make a carbon dioxide molecule? How many carbon atoms make you? In this accessible little book, packed with helpful diagrams and interesting information, science writer Matt Tweed takes us on a whirlwind tour into the tiny realms, the stuff we are all made of, the building blocks of the material world, the elements of chemisty.Trade ReviewWooden Books are: "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

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Book SynopsisOliver Sacks is a physician and the author of many books, including The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Awakenings (which inspired the Oscar-nominated film) and Musicophilia. Born in London and educated at Oxford, he held positions at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine and was Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at Columbia University. He is the first, and only, Columbia University Artist, and is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. In 2008, he was appointed Commander of the British Empire. His memoir, On the Move, was published shortly before his death in August 2015.Trade ReviewLike all the best journals, it has a rich immediacy . . . the book is a rare treat. * Globe and Mail *Sacks’s boundless curiosity is always a reward. * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisFor many centuries, Aristotle''s Physics was the essential starting point for anyone who wished to study the natural sciencesThis book begins with an analysis of change, which introduces us to Aristotle''s central concepts of matter and form, before moving on to an account of explanation in the sciences and a defence of teleological explanation. Aristotle then turns to detailed, important, and often ingenious discussions of notions such as infinity, place, void, time, and conintuity. He ends with an argument designed to show that the changes we experience in the world demand as their cause a single unchanging cause of all change, namely God.This is the first complete translation of Physics into English since 1930. It presents Aristotle''s thought accurately, while at the same time simplifying and expanding the often crabbed and elliptical style of the original, so that it is very much easier to read. A lucid introduction and extensive notes explain the general structure of each sectionTrade Reviewthe editions deserve great credit for the enthusiasm of their approach ... The introductions by eminent scholars put the thoughts of the author and the history of the time into clear perspective. Oxford should be given credit for making the classics accessible for all rather than just crib notes for students. * Jonathan Copeland, Lincolnshire Echo *

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Book SynopsisAstrobiologists study the origin and evolution of life on Earth and the possibility of life beyond Earth; a question that has fascinated scientists for hundreds of years. In this Very Short Introduction, David C. Catling introduces the latest scientific understanding of astrobiology, incorporating aspects of microbiology, geology, and astronomy.Trade ReviewAlthough this is a very short introduction, it is very comprehensive. The subject is introduced and pursued with a workman-like manner, getting down to the essentials directly. * The Skeptic, Norman Hansen *Table of Contents1. What is astrobiology? ; 2. From stardust to planets, the abodes for life ; 3. Origins ; 4. From slime to sublime ; 5. Life: a genome's way of making more and fitter genomes ; 6. Life in the solar system ; 7. Far-off worlds, distant suns ; 8. Controversies and prospects

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Book SynopsisA FINANCIAL TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020How did we end up in a world where humans coexist with technologies we can no longer fully control or understand?George Dyson plots an unexpected course through the past 300 years to reveal the hidden connections that underpin our digital age, ending with a premonition of what lies ahead. From an eighteenth-century Russian voyage across the North Pacific, to the mirror signals that heralded the age of digital telecommunications and the invention of the vacuum tube, Analogia interweaves historical adventure with scientific insight in a deeply personal story that frames the pursuit - and cost - of the digital revolution in a captivating new light.Trade ReviewThis book pierces through the fog of everyday life. Read and you will become aware of history you need to know, and of how the last few centuries of the human story sit within a much larger, epochal frame. An extra treat is insight into the remarkable Dyson family -- Jaron Lanier * Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now *The most delightfully peculiar book I've ever read. It's grand and intimate, personal and cosmic, and about digital computing and archaic hunter gatherers. Every paragraph is a surprise -- Kevin Kelly * Wired *An odyssey of discovery ... part autobiography, part science manual, part history book -- Izabella Kaminska * Financial Times *Few writers could string together a coherent and compelling tale out of elements as varied as the Bering-Chirikov expedition to Siberia in 1741, the construction of a US heliograph intelligence network, tree houses, kayak designs and the future of artificial intelligence. Dyson is one in this quirky personal history of technology. -- John Tothill * Financial Times *Brilliant ... idiosyncratic ... to read him is to be led on the strangest of adventures, on paths untread, up and down trees, and through rivers of time -- Jason Kehe * WIRED *

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Book SynopsisIn 1859, Charles Darwin shocked the world with a radical theory - evolution by natural selection. One hundred and fifty years later, his theory still challenges some of our most precious beliefs.Introducing Evolution provides a step-by-step guide to 'Darwin's dangerous idea' and takes a fresh look at the often misunderstood concepts of natural selection and the selfish gene. Drawing on the latest findings from genetics, ecology and animal behaviour- as well as the work of best-selling science writers such as Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker- this book reveals how the evidence in favour of evolutionary theory is stronger than ever.

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Book SynopsisGenetics is the newest of all sciences - nothing useful was known about inheritance until just over a century ago. Now genetics is exploding, and before long we will have the complete code, written in three thousand million letters of DNA, of what makes a human being. Introducing Genetics takes us from the early work of Mendel to the discovery of DNA, the human gene map and the treatment of inborn disease. No one can afford to be ignorant of genetics. This book is the perfect introduction.

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Book SynopsisWe are becoming less intelligent. This is the shocking yet fascinating message of At Our Wits'' End. The authors take us on a journey through the growing body of evidence that we are significantly less intelligent now than we were a hundred years ago. The research proving this is, at once, profoundly thought-provoking, highly controversial, and it's currently only read by academics. But the authors are passionate that it cannot remain ensconced in the ivory tower any longer. With At Our Wits' End, they present the first ever popular scientific book on this crucially important issue. They prove that intelligence which is strongly genetic was increasing up until the breakthrough of the Industrial Revolution, because we were subject to the rigors of Darwinian Selection, meaning that lots of surviving children was the preserve of the cleverest. But since then, they show, intelligence has gone into rapid decline, because large families are increasingly the preserve of the least intelligent. The book explores how this change has occurred and, crucially, what its consequences will be for the future. Can we find a way of reversing the decline of our IQ? Or will we witness the collapse of civilization and the rise of a new Dark Age?

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Book SynopsisEvery day, most of us will read or watch something in the news that is based on statistics in some way. Sometimes it''ll be obvious - ''X people develop cancer every year'' - and sometimes less obvious - ''How smartphones destroyed a generation''. Statistics are an immensely powerful tool for understanding the world, but in the wrong hands they can be dangerous.Introducing you to the common mistakes that journalists make and the tricks they sometimes deploy, HOW TO READ NUMBERS is a vital guide that will help you understand when and how to trust the numbers in the news - and, just as importantly, when not to.Trade ReviewA charming, practical and insightful guide. You might not even notice how much you're learning - you'll be too busy having fun -- TIM HARFORD, author of HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD ADD UPA vital plea to take statistics more seriously - the prose being as clear and elegant as the numbers -- SATHNAM SANGHERA, author of EMPIRELANDReading this book is strongly correlated with not looking stupid. Highly recommended -- HELEN LEWIS, author of Difficult WomenAn excellent guide to everyday statistics . . . the authors do a splendid job of stringing words together so smartly that even difficult concepts are explained and so understood with ease. [A] timely and lively book -- Manjit Kumar * THE TIMES *Wonderfully written - incredibly readable. It should be made compulsory reading for everyone before they leave school -- EVAN DAVISAn erudite, enlightening guide to the numbers we read in the news - and why they are so often wrong. The authors make sense of dense material and offer engrossing insights into sampling bias, statistical significance and the dangers of believing the casual language used in newspapers * INDEPENDENT *[A] fascinating, easy-to-read explanation of how to interpret numbers in the news . . . their enlightening book provides us with the tools to spot when we're being led astray -- Nick Rennison * DAILY MAIL *An absolute lifesaver . . . Breezy, easy to read, funny and loaded with useful information -- IAN DUNT, author of HOW TO BE A LIBERALA great combination of important and accessible -- MISHAL HUSAINBrilliant . . . part of the joy of How to Read Numbers is how light and fun it is. At the end of the process, you'll be better equipped to understand what it means when a glass of red wine can both increase and decrease your chances of getting cancer, how many portions of fruit and veg you need to eat each day, and any number of stories about numbers you might read or hear * THE BIG ISSUE *

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Book SynopsisRanging across the 4.6 billion year history of the planet, geology is the subject that encompasses almost all that we see around us, in one way or another, and also much that we cannot see, beneath our feet, and on other planets. The fruits of geology provide most of the materials that give us shelter, and most of the energy that drives our modern lives. Within the study of geology lie some of the clues to the extraordinary impact our species is going to play out on the planet, in centuries and millennia to come.In this Very Short Introduction Jan Zalasiewicz gives a brief introduction to the fascinating field of geology. Describing how the science developed from its early beginnings, he looks at some of the key discoveries that have transformed it, before delving into its various subfields, such as sedimentology, tectonics, and stratigraphy. Analysing the geological foundations of the Earth, Zalasiewicz explains the interlocking studies of tectonics, geophysics, and igneous and metamorphic petrology and geochemistry; and describes how rocks are dated by radiometric dating. Considering the role and importance of geology in the finding and exploitation of resources (including fracking), he also discusses its place in environmental issues, such as foundations for urban structures and sites for landfill, and in tackling issues associated with climate change. Zalasiewicz concludes by discussing the exciting future and frontiers of the field, such as the exploration of the geology of Mars.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewIf you do not want to have to wade through heavy tomes and are equipped with only school-level knowledge of science, to gain a basic appreciation of this subject, then this 150 page short book could well be just what you need. * Jonathan Cowie, Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation *I have never read a better introduction to this vast, fascinating, and vital subject. It really is like seeing the world in a grain of sand. * Dr Ted Nield, Editor, Geoscientist magazine *How much do we know about our home? Jan Zalasiewicz's brief history of Earth is fun to read, yet strong on science too. It's a clear and accurate guide to our planet, and also addresses the challenge of caring for the environment. Just right for that flight or a long train trip! * Euan Nisbet, Foundation Prof. of Earth Science, Royal Holloway, Univ. of London *Table of Contents1: What is geology? 2: Geology: the early days 3: Modern breakthroughs and revolutions 4: Deep Earth geology 5: Earth surface geology 6: Geological fieldwork 7: Geology for resources 8: Geology for society and the environment 9: A very brief history of the Earth

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Book SynopsisSleep. Memory. Pleasure. Fear. Language. We experience these things every day, but how do our brains create them? Your Brain, Explained is a personal tour around your gray matter. Neuroscientist Marc Dingman gives you a crash course in how your brain works and explains the latest research on the brain functions that affect you on a daily basis.You''ll also discover what happens when the brain doesn''t work the way it should, causing problems such as insomnia, ADHD, depression, or addiction. You''ll learn how neuroscience is working to fix these problems, and how you can build up your defenses against the most common faults of the mind.Along the way you''ll find out: Why brain training games don''t prevent dementia What it''s like to remember every day of your life as if it were yesterday Which popular psychiatric drug was created from German rocket fuel How you might unknowingly be sabotaging your sleep

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents1. Chemistry: An Introduction. 2. Measurements and Calculations. 3. Matter. 4. Chemical Foundations: Elements, Atoms, and Ions. 5. Nomenclature. 6. Chemical Reactions: An Introduction. 7. Reactions in Aqueous Solutions. 8. Chemical Composition. 9. Chemical Quantities. 10. Energy. 11. Modern Atomic Theory. 12. Chemical Bonding. 13. Gases. 14. Liquids and Solids. 15. Solutions. 16. Acids and Bases. 17. Equilibrium. 18. Oxidation���Reduction Reactions and Electrochemistry. 19. Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy. 20. Organic Chemistry. 21. Biochemistry.

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Book SynopsisUnderstand the real-life science behind crime scene investigation Forensics For Dummiestakes you inside the world of crime scene investigation to give you the low down on this exciting field. Written by a doctor and former Law & Order consultant, this guide will have you solving crimes along with your favorite TV shows in no time. From fingerprints and fibers to blood and ballistics, you''ll walk through the processes that yield significant information from the smallest clues. You''ll learn how Hollywood gets it wrong, and how real-world forensics experts work every day in fields as diverse as biology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, information technology, and more. If you''re interested in a forensics career, you''ll find out how to break in?and the education you''ll need to do the type of forensics work that interests you the most. Written for the true forensics fan, this book doesn''t shy away from the details; you''ll learn what goes on at the morgue asTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 2 Beyond the Book 3 Where to Go from Here 3 Part 1: Cracking Open the Case 5 Chapter 1: Understanding the World of Forensic Science 7 Defining Forensics: The Science of Catching Criminals 8 Integrating science into the practice of law 8 Drawing from other sciences 9 Getting the Big Picture: Forensic Science in Action 9 Starting out small: Basic forensic services 10 Looking at physical forensic science 11 Delving into biological forensic science 11 Investigating the Crime Lab 12 Creating the first crime lab 12 Identifying common procedures 13 Peeking Inside the Criminalist’s Toolbox 15 The Cornerstone of Forensic Science: Locard’s Exchange Principle 15 Looking at Locard’s principle in action 16 Reading the trace evidence 17 Determining who did what where 17 Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Forensics Team 19 Gathering the Evidence: The Criminalist at Work 20 From Analyzing Blood to Identifying Bugs: Forensic Science Specialists 22 Forensic Investigation’s Head Honcho: The Medical Examiner 24 Looking at two forensic systems 24 Checking out the duties of a coroner or medical examiner 25 Following the medical examiner in action 26 Dealing with the Dead: The Coroner’s Technician 27 Testifying as an Expert 28 Understanding the court system 28 Getting to the heart of the “truth” 30 Understanding the role of expert testimony 30 Chapter 3: Collecting and Protecting the Evidence 33 Assessing the Scene of the Crime 33 Distinguishing between primary and secondary crime scenes 34 Arriving at a crime scene 34 Preserving and processing the scene 35 Documenting the procedure 36 Reconstructing the crime scene 37 Recognizing a staged crime scene 39 Classifying the Evidence 39 Determining whether evidence is direct or circumstantial 40 Discerning physical from biological evidence 40 Understanding reconstructive evidence 41 Identifying associative evidence 41 Differentiating class and individual evidence 41 Analyzing the evidence 43 Locating the Evidence 43 Obtaining a search warrant 44 Searching without a warrant 45 Collecting and Preserving the Evidence 46 Searching the area 46 Gathering the evidence 47 Packaging the evidence 48 Collecting control samples 48 Protecting the chain of custody 49 Locating a Missing Corpse 50 Chapter 4: Delving into the Criminal Mind 53 Defining the Role of the Forensic Psychiatric Professional 53 Differentiating forensic from clinical psychiatry 54 How the mind matters in forensics 55 Assessing the Brain 55 Getting started with a medical history and physical exam 56 Digging into the psyche 57 Asking the right questions 58 Employing dubious techniques 58 Dealing with Deception 59 Recognizing lying perps 59 Debunking the eyewitness 60 Dealing with false confessions 61 Assessing Competence and Sanity 62 Determining a defendant’s competence 63 Defining insanity, loosely 63 Tracking Serial Offenders 64 Classifying the multiple murderer 65 Making the monsters 65 Profiling the Perpetrator 68 Assessing the perpetrator’s psyche 70 Taking trophies and souvenirs 72 Distinguishing MO from signature 72 Profiling the victim: Victimology 74 Drawing boundaries: The killer’s domain 75 Linking Criminals and Crime Scenes 76 Part 2: Analyzing the Evidence 77 Chapter 5: Fingerprints: Your Personal Signature 79 Getting a Grip on Fingerprints 79 Measuring bodies: A precursor to fingerprinting 80 Using ridge patterns 83 Making Matching Easier: Classifying Prints 84 Grouping by arches, loops, and whorls 84 Developing the Henry System 86 Speeding up identification: AFIS 86 Locating Those Sneaky Prints 88 Seeking latent prints 89 Powdering the print 89 Using chemistry to expose prints 90 Cleaning up the print: Digital techniques 91 Chapter 6: Painting A Gruesome Picture: Bloodstain Analysis 93 Understanding Blood’s Character 94 Thicker than water 94 Looking into blood clotting 95 Oozing, gushing, and dripping 95 Analyzing Bloodstain Patterns 96 Finding clues in passive bloodstains 96 Analyzing projected blood spatters 98 Classifying projected spatters 100 Latching on to transfer patterns 103 Reconstructing the crime scene from bloodstains 105 Putting It All Together: A Hypothetical Case 106 Chapter 7: Leaving Impressive Impressions: Shoes, Tires, and Tools 109 Stepping Out: Shoeprints as Evidence 110 Characterizing and using shoeprints 111 Matching sole to soul — so to speak 111 Collecting shoe impressions 113 Making the match 115 Tracking Down Tires 116 Analyzing tire-track evidence 117 Obtaining tire impressions 119 Prying Clues from Tool Marks 120 Characterizing and using tool marks 120 Capturing tool impressions 121 Finding Facts in Fabrics 123 Chapter 8: Burning Down the House: Is It Arson? 125 Striking the Match: Looking into Fire-Starters 126 Determining Where and How the Fire Started 127 Using other people’s eyes and ears 128 Locating the point of origin 128 Figuring out how it happened 129 Igniting the blaze 130 Heating Things Up: Accelerants 131 Collecting samples at the scene 131 Taking it to the lab 132 Digging deeper into iffy samples 133 Drawing conclusions from testing 135 Investigating Homicidal Fires 135 Location, location, location 135 Poisoned by air 136 Evaluating Explosive Situations 137 Defining explosives 137 Investigating a bombing scene 138 Part 3: Examining the Body 139 Chapter 9: Determining the Cause and Manner of Death: Forensic Autopsies 141 Defining Death and Declaring It as Such 141 Searching for a definitive method 142 Determining the causes and mechanisms of death 143 Uncovering the four manners of death 144 Shadowing the Forensic Pathologist 145 Discovering what makes an autopsy forensic 146 Deciding who gets autopsied 146 Performing an Autopsy 148 Identifying the body 148 Conducting an external examination 148 Dissecting the body 152 Sniffing out clues in chemicals: Toxicology 155 Filing the Official Autopsy Report 155 Chapter 10: Identifying Unknown Victims 157 Identifying the Body 158 Sifting through the artifacts 159 Examining scars, birthmarks, and tattoos 160 Finding evidence of wounds or disease 160 Fingerprinting the dead 162 Checking out the choppers 162 Using DNA To Make the ID 164 Dem Bones, Dem Bones: Working with Skeletons 164 Determining whether bones are human 165 Determining age 165 Estimating stature 166 Determining sex 167 Determining race 168 Seeking individual characteristics 169 Estimating time since death 170 Handling burned bones 171 Determining cause and manner of death 171 Reconstructing Faces 173 Comparing Photographs 174 Chapter 11: Estimating the Time of Death 177 Defining Time of Death 178 Examining the Body to Estimate Time of Death 178 Measuring body temperature 178 Stiffening up: Rigor mortis 179 Getting the blues: Lividity 181 Determining the rate of decay 182 Dealing with other possibilities 186 Breaking the surface: When sinkers become floaters 186 Gazing into the eyes 187 Gathering Other Clues 187 Discovering what was on the menu 187 Getting buggy 188 Checking other scene markers 189 Chapter 12: Ouch! That Hurts: Traumatic Injuries and Deaths 191 Unleashing the Power of Guns and Gun Evidence 192 Tracking those tricky bullets 192 Studying entry and exit wounds 192 Analyzing shotgun patterns 194 Slicing, Dicing, and Stabbing 195 Taking the Hit: Blunt-Force Trauma 197 Scraping and abrading 197 Bruising and battering 198 Breaking bones 200 Getting toothy: Bite marks 202 Moaning and groaning: My aching head 204 A Shocking Situation: Electrocution 207 Wreaking havoc: Electricity’s path through your body 207 Assessing the damage 208 The R Word: Dealing with Rape 209 Conducting a rape exam 210 Dealing with fatal assaults 212 Chapter 13: Gasping for Air: Asphyxia 213 Understanding Asphyxia 213 Gasping for Oxygen: Suffocation 214 Suffocating environments 214 Smothering 215 Choking sensations 215 Applying pressure: Mechanical asphyxia 216 Suffocating gases 216 Grasping Strangulation 217 Finding common threads in strangulations 218 Hands on: Manual strangulation 218 Applying a ligature 220 Hangings 221 Inhaling Deadly Air: Toxic Gases 223 That sneaky carbon monoxide 223 Deadly cyanide 224 Getting down with sewer gas 226 Drowning: Water, Water Everywhere 226 Finding the manner of death 226 Diving deeper to identify drownings 227 Part 4: Utilizing the Crime Lab 229 Chapter 14: Analyzing Blood and Other Bodily Fluids: Serology 231 Blood: Life’s Most Precious Fluid 231 Understanding blood 232 Blood typing: The ABO system 232 Identifying a Bloodstain’s Source 233 Answering the first question: Is it blood? 234 Knowing when blood’s really human 235 Narrowing the focus: Whose blood is it? 237 Testing for Paternity 239 Inheriting your blood type 239 Determining fatherhood 240 Looking at Other Bodily Fluids 241 Checking for semen 241 Checking for saliva 243 Detecting vaginal fluid 244 Chapter 15: Looking Deep Inside: DNA Analysis 245 Opening an Instruction Manual for Your Cells 245 Understanding the nuts and bolts of DNA 246 Mine, mine, all mine: Uniqueness and DNA 247 Fingering Criminals Using DNA Fingerprints 248 Tracking down and preserving DNA 249 Looking into the genome 249 Repeating yourself: How duplication identifies you 251 Understanding the DNA Fingerprinting Process 252 Getting even smaller with SNPs 253 Making the match 254 Shedding cells: Touch DNA 256 Keeping it in the family: Familial DNA 256 Using DNA to Determine Lineage 256 Who’s yer daddy? Paternity testing 257 Who’s yer granny and granddaddy? Mitochondrial and Y-STR DNA 258 Indexing DNA: The CODIS system 261 Chapter 16: Testing for Drugs and Poisons: The Toxicology Lab 263 Understanding Poisons 263 Defining Toxicology 264 Seeking Toxins 265 Collecting samples 266 Determining the cause and manner of death 268 Examining the Testing Procedures 269 Presuming the results 270 Confirming the results 271 Interpreting the results 272 Looking at Common Drugs 274 Understanding alcohol 275 Getting down with depressants 277 Hopping up: Stimulants 278 Taking a trip with hallucinogens 279 Dirty deeds: Date rape drugs 281 Sniffing and huffing 282 Bulking up 282 Checking Out Familiar Poisons 283 Chapter 17: Picking Apart Trace Evidence 287 Defining Trace Evidence 287 Understanding Analytical Instruments 288 Peering through the microscope 289 Testing the chemical makeup of trace materials 290 Splitting Hairs: Linking Crime to Coiffure 291 Dissecting hair’s anatomy 291 Matching criminal to curly lock 292 Fiddling with Fibers 296 Classifying fibers 296 Collecting fibers 297 Comparing fibers 297 Breaking down the fiber 298 Cracking the Mysteries of Glass 298 Looking into how glass becomes evidence 299 Analyzing and matching glass 299 Breaking glass 300 Puttering with Paints 302 Dissecting paint 303 Solving the puzzle 304 Getting Down and Dirty: Soils and Plants 304 Identifying soils 304 Looking at plants and seeds 305 Chapter 18: Bang! Bang!: Analyzing Firearms Evidence 307 Figuring Out Firearms 308 Extracting Info from Ammo 309 Handling bullets 310 Breaking down bullets 310 Determining caliber and gauge 311 Shuffling through shell casings 312 Getting Groovy: Comparing Rifling Patterns 312 Understanding rifling 313 Reading the ridges 314 Searching for answers in databases 315 The Proof’s in the Powder: Gunshot Residues 316 Tracing gasses and particles 316 Testing for GSR 317 Determining distance 318 Chapter 19: Questioning the Validity of Documents 321 Analyzing Handwriting 322 Obtaining standards 323 Comparing handwriting 324 Fingering forgers 326 Exposing Alterations 327 Wiping away writing 327 Eradicating the original 327 Adding words 328 Looking for Indentions 329 Examining Papers and Inks 329 Distinguishing papers 330 Identifying inks 330 Dissecting Typewriters and Photocopiers 332 Hunting and pecking for clues 332 Finding distinctive traits in copies 333 Part 5: The Part of Tens 335 Chapter 20: Ten Famous Forensic Cases 337 Using a Homemade Ladder: The Lindbergh Kidnapping 337 Sacco and Vanzetti and Sacco’s Gun 339 Ted Bundy’s Bite Marks 340 Stella Nickell’s Trail of Fingerprints 341 Finding Fibers on Jeffrey MacDonald 342 Georgi Markov and the Lethal Umbrella 344 The Hendricks Family’s Last Meal 345 Picturing John List 346 Being Anastasia Romanov 347 Faking Hitler’s Diaries 348 Chapter 21: Ten Ways Hollywood Gets It Wrong 351 The Quick Death 351 The Pretty Death 352 The Bleeding Corpse 352 The Exact Time of Death 353 The One-Punch Knockout 353 The Disappearing Black Eye 354 The Fast-Acting Poison 354 The Untraceable Poison 355 The Instant Athlete 355 The High-Tech Lab 356 Chapter 22: Ten Great Forensic Careers 357 Criminalist 358 Crime Scene Investigator 359 Forensic Investigator 359 Forensic Pathologist 360 Forensic Pathology Technician 360 Forensic Anthropologist 361 Forensic Toxicologist 361 Fingerprint Examiner 362 Forensic Document Examiner 362 Forensic DNA Analyst 363 Index 365

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Book Synopsis''Packed with insight and anecdote, his story brings the Tower ravens to vivid life, each bird with a personality of its own. I''ve been fortunate enough to tour the Tower and meet the ravens a few times in years past; after reading this book, I cannot wait to go back'' George R. R. MartinFor centuries, the Tower of London has been home to a group of famous avian residents: the ravens. Each year they are seen by millions of visitors, and they have become as integral a part of the Tower as its ancient stones themselves. But their role is even more important than that legend has it that if the ravens should ever leave, the Tower will crumble into dust, and great harm will befall the kingdom.One man is personally responsible for ensuring that such a disaster never comes to pass the Ravenmaster. The current holder of the position is Yeoman Warder Christopher Skaife, and in this fascinating, entertaining and touching book he memorably describes the ravens' formidable intelligence, their iTrade Review‘He is a born storyteller’ Evening Standard ‘A born storyteller with a gift for banter honed by years in the British army, Skaife has written a book that is far from a dry monograph about the species … [it is] a beguiling, fascinating, and highly amusing account of the strangely magical birds. He is making us love them in a way that makes them more than mere symbols’ Helen Macdonald, author of H is for Hawk, Atlantic ‘A natural story teller, Skaife writes with affection and insight about these powerful, unpredictable and highly intelligent birds … a wonderfully personal account’ Guardian ‘The best Christmas presents are often a little unexpected and this lovely memoir of Yeoman Warder Christopher Skaife's experience of looking after the Tower of London ravens fits the bill. A beguiling mixture of personal experience, folklore and humour, The Ravenmaster is a charming delight’ iNews ‘A strange, wise and fascinating book that takes you deep into the interwoven myth and history of the raven. At a time when we're thinking more than ever about tradition and identity, this is a book that feels both urgent and timeless, with the Ravenmaster himself an eccentric, genial and quintessentially British narrator’ Alex Preston, author of When Kingfishers Catch Fire ‘The London book of the year this year has to be The Ravenmaster, a funny and informative account of life with the royal ravens’ Evening Standard ‘Balancing fascinating tidbits with macabre details (blood-soaked dog biscuits and ghostly sightings), [Skaife] titillates as he educates, rehabilitating the gloomy reputation of the raven. Skaife’s conversational style and disarming candor make this a rollicking tale fit for nearly any armchair adventurer’ Publisher's Weekly

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Book SynopsisEpigenetics is the most exciting field in biology today, developing our understanding of how and why we inherit certain traits, develop diseases and age, and evolve as a species. This non-fiction comic book introduces us to genetics, cell biology and the fascinating science of epigenetics, which is rapidly filling in the gaps in our knowledge, allowing us to make huge advances in medicine. We'll look at what identical twins can teach us about the epigenetic effects of our environment and experiences, why certain genes are 'switched on' or off at various stages of embryonic development, and how scientists have reversed the specialization of cells to clone frogs from a single gut cell. In Introducing Epigenetics, Cath Ennis and Oliver Pugh pull apart the double helix, examining how the epigenetic building blocks and messengers that interpret and edit our genes help to make us, well, us.

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Book SynopsisMolecules of Murder is about infamous murderers and famous victims; about people like Harold Shipman, Alexander Litvinenko, Adelaide Bartlett, and Georgi Markov. Few books on poisons analyse these crimes from the viewpoint of the poison itself, doing so throws a new light on how the murders or attempted murders were carried out and ultimately how the perpetrators were uncovered and brought to justice. Part I includes molecules which occur naturally and were originally used by doctors before becoming notorious as murder weapons. Part II deals with unnatural molecules, mainly man-made, and they too have been dangerously misused in famous crimes. The book ends with the most famous poisoning case in recent years, that of Alexander Litvinenko and his death from polonium chloride. The first half of each chapter starts by looking at the target molecule itself, its discovery, its history, its chemistry, its use in medicine, its toxicology, and its effects on the human body. The second half then investigates a famous murder case and reveals the modus operandi of the poisoner and how some were caught, some are still at large, and some literally got away with murder. Molecules of Murder will explain how forensic chemists have developed cunning ways to detect minute traces of dangerous substances, and explain why some of these poisons, which appear so life-threatening, are now being researched as possible life-savers. Award winning science writer John Emsley has assembled another group of true crime and chemistry stories to rival those of his highly acclaimed Elements of Murder.Trade Review"Molecules of murder is a paean to forensic chemistry. It is also an eminently readable discussion of classic poisoning cases and the science behind them." * Molecular Interventions, P146. *"This very well written book should find its way into most school libraries, as it will appeal to those - young and old - who are fascinated either by the chemistry involved, or by the history of several murder cases." * Science in School, issue 13, Tim Harrison, University of Bristol. *"...each chapter is full of interesting nuggets of information that you just don't find in the standard toxicology textbooks.""...an excellent read for the chemist, toxicologist or occupational hygienist who is interested in the world of "true crime.""...the writing is a model of clarity, the stories logically laid out.""Highly recommended, too, for anybody who enjoys a good thriller!" * Safety and Health Practitioner *"This book is clearly written and much easier to digest than the compounds it describes.""Emsley has written a book that satisfies the true-crime reader as well as the science-orientated specialist.""I'm sure Gil Grisson, former head of the forensic investigation team in the TV Show "CSI" would have a copy on his shelf" * Chemical and Engineering News, Feb 2 2009, Volume 87, Number 05, Charles Tumosa *"In this highly engaging, detailed and morbidly fascinating slim volume, chemist John Emsley narrates the stories of those who made use of science for killing their fellow beings through deadly means""The cases are fascinating for science buffs because of the scientific background about the poisons, and for others for the ingenious thinking that went both into murders and the detective work involved in solving them." * Ashutosh Joglekar Blog, December 04, 2008 *"The accounts are superbly written, with appropriate ammounts of chemistry expertly blended with gripping accounts of criminal acts.""...I found this book fascinating and a brilliant mixture of chemistry and crime. The writing is excellent, the research thorough and the resulting book outstanding." * Education in chemistry, John Nicholson. *"This book is a must read for students of forensic science.""...is the right balance between a book on toxicology and an analysis of the use of poisons in crime""The case study analysis makes the book useful in other disciplines apart from a pure science and this would be a very good text for use in criminolgy or other social science based courses""The book has a very good glossary making it a useful reference source" * Physical Science Centre, Volume 9, Issue 2 *Table of ContentsPart I: From medicine to murder; Chapter 1: Ricin and the assassination of Georgi Markov; Chapter 2: Hyoscine and the murder of Belle Elmore; Chapter 3: Atropine and Mrs Agutter's gin and tonic; Chapter 4: Diamorphine and the Dr Jekyll of Hyde; Chapter 5: Adrenaline and the near-perfect murders of Kirsten Gilbert; Part II: So simple, so useful, so deadly; Chapter 6: Chloroform and the murder of Edwin Bartlett; Chapter 7: Life & Death & CO; Carbon monoxide and the homemade gas chamber; Chapter 8: Cyanide and the death on the Nile; Chapter 9: Paraquat and the poisoned gravy; Chapter 10: Polonium and the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko;

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Book SynopsisAn introduction to the biology, behaviour and classification of bats.

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Book SynopsisA guide to the 99% of the Universe our eyes can’t see from a dazzling new voice in popular scienceTrade Review‘Engaging…this book will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about how we’ve learned what we know about the Universe.’ -- Chris North, BBC Sky at Night‘Matthew Bothwell’s excellent book is a compelling read. He sets the latest fascinating discoveries in their historical context, and highlights the mysteries that challenge future astronomers. The coverage is comprehensive and clear. The book stands out in a crowded field and deserves very wide readership.’ -- Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal‘Matthew Bothwell has opened a new window onto the night sky for his readers… A unique and compelling read that will open your eyes to the beautiful and multifaceted universe that scientists are exploring today.’ -- Emily Levesque, author of The Last Stargazers‘Matt’s book is an excellent introduction to how astronomers have learnt "what’s out there", particularly using radiation invisible to the human eye. He deftly conveys ideas with a cheerful and infectious enthusiasm, using humour, vivid analogies and personal anecdotes to bring our understanding of the Universe to life, without losing any scientific rigour. Highly readable, it offers an increased sense of wonder at the workings of the cosmos.’ -- Carolin Crawford, Emeritus Gresham Professor of Astronomy‘The Invisible Universe shows everything in a new light. In clear language this book takes you from the familiar to the deeply strange, from blue skies to black holes and beyond, showing how much we’ve learned and the immensity of what we have yet to understand.’ -- Ken MacLeod, author of the award-winning Fall Revolution series‘Matt Bothwell guides us through the world of astronomy and astrophysics with an engagingly written, up-to-date view of some of the key current frontiers. He opens our eyes to wavelengths beyond the light we can see. His journey includes galaxies, black holes, star formation, dust, gravitational waves, dark matter and dark energy – all with interesting historical context, accessible explanations and richly peppered with accurate analogies. A compelling read.’ -- Andrew Coates, Professor of Physics at UCL and Deputy Director (Solar System) at UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory‘This book bursts with information without once becoming dull or over-complicated. Ideas are introduced at an accessible level, and unique analogies put abstract concepts and almost inconceivable quantities into a context that we can understand intuitively… Some of the core scientific content of this book may have been covered in other popular astronomy books, but rarely in such an engaging, warm, and readable way. Readers of all ages who want to gain a better understanding of the unseen Universe will find something here to enjoy.’ -- Astronomy Now‘Intriguing… In Dr Bothwell’s fascinating new book, we are taken on a cosmic journey… beautifully presented in a way that makes for compelling reading and opens up your mind to the unseen. A book that fully deserves to be on any curiously minded person’s book shelf.’ * Astronomy Ireland *‘A fascinating account that particularly stands out in the crowded field of scientific literature… Explaining difficult concepts in a digestible way, The Invisible Universe is a must-read for those seeking a straightforward route into the world of astronomy. One can’t help being attracted to Bothwell’s infectious passion for science, prompting us to stare out at the night sky and wonder what other discoveries lie hidden amongst the stars.’ -- Reaction‘A highly recommended and enjoyable read, especially if this is your first guidebook for this armchair trip… Dr. Bothwell examines each topic with the right mix of history, anecdote, analogy, science and implications… captivating.’ -- Starvind‘Matthew Bothwell has opened a new window onto the night sky for his readers, taking us on a sweeping tour of some of the most cutting-edge phenomena in the cosmos and using his knack for clear, precise, and inventive explanations to help us all see the unseen. A unique and compelling read that will open your eyes to the beautiful and multifaceted universe that scientists are exploring today.’ -- Emily Levesque, author of The Last Stargazers‘Excellent… a great read… Matthew Bothwell has a sense of wonder and joy about the concepts and ideas he is explaining. His enthusiasm and marvel are contagious… definitely the best book we have read and reviewed in 2022.’ -- Simon Cocking, Irish Tech News‘This is a beautifully articulated and informative book all about the wonders of our universe and the history behind it all. I was drawn to this book because the concept of space and all that’s in it interested me, and reading this has made me even more fascinated. It is truly a page-turner and was really hard to put down once I started reading.’ -- SMS Non-fiction Book Reviews

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Book SynopsisA fascinating look at the cutting-edge science and technologies that are on the cusp of changing everything from where we’ll live, how we’ll look, and who we’ll be, by the popular science broadcaster and bestselling author Jay Ingram. Where will we live? How will we get around? What will we look like? These are just some of the questions bestselling author and popular science broadcaster Jay Ingram answers in this exciting examination of the science and technologies that will affect every aspect of human life. In these pages, Ingram explores the future of our technological civilization. He reports on cutting-edge research in organ and limb regeneration, advances in prosthetics, the merging of the human and the synthetic, and gene editing. Vertical farming and lab-grown food might help feed millions and alleviate pressure on the planet. Cities could accommodate green space and the long-awaited flying car. Finally, he speculates on the future of artificial general intelligence, even artificial superintelligence, as well as our place on Earth and in the universe. The potential impact of these developments in science and technology will be powerful and wide-ranging, complicated by ethics and social equity. And they will inevitably revolutionize every aspect of life and even who we are. This is The Future of Us.Trade Review“We are the only species on Earth capable of radically changing our future. In The Future of Us, Jay Ingram expertly reveals how state of the art science and technology is transforming the human body and the planetary body. From evolving extra fingers to cyborgs and from ‘sponge cities’ to space colonies, this book is an essential guide to understanding the challenges and opportunities for humanity’s survival in the years ahead.” — ZIYA TONG, award-winning broadcaster and author of The Reality Bubble“Jay’s done it again, pulling threads from the past, present, and future to spin a surprising tale about where we’re headed as a species. I give The Future of Us two thumbs up . . . (and if Jay’s right about our future, maybe soon I’ll give it three or four!)” — DAN RISKIN, evolutionary biologist, author, and former cohost of Daily Planet on Discovery“Readers couldn't ask for a better guide through the weird and wonderful near future than Jay Ingram. In spite of the sometimes-troubling views of the world to come, Ingram writes with a clear sense of hope for a better tomorrow.” — MARCELLO DI CINTIO, award-winning author of Walls and Driven“In his fascinating book The Future of Us, author Jay Ingram pulls back the curtain on what our future might hold. While highlighting the promise of emerging innovations such as geoengineering, AI, and vertical farms, Jay also shines a critical light on impracticalities and ethical implications. This book is a must-read for anyone who desires a comprehensive and well-documented look at where the future is leading us, while avoiding the hype and technocratic jargon.” — ROBERT THIRSK, former Canadian Space Agency astronaut

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents1 Measurement 2 Motion Along a Straight Line 3 Vectors 4 Motion in Two and Three Dimensions 5 Force and Motion--I 6 Force and Motion--II 7 Kinetic Energy and Work 8 Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy 9 Center of Mass and Linear Momentum 10 Rotation 11 Rolling, Torque, and Angular Momentum 12 Equilibrium and Elasticity 13 Gravitation 14 Fluids 15 Oscillations 16 Waves--I 17 Waves--II 18 Temperature, Heat, and the First Law of Thermodynamics 19 The Kinetic Theory of Gases 20 Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics 21 Coulomb's Law 22 Electric Fields 23 Gauss' Law 24 Electric Potential 25 Capacitance 26 Current and Resistance 27 Circuits 28 Magnetic Fields 29 Magnetic Fields Due to Currents 30 Induction and Inductance 31 Electromagnetic Oscillations and Alternating Current 32 Maxwell's Equations; Magnetism of Matter 33 Electromagnetic Waves 34 Images 35 Interference 36 Diffraction 37 Relativity 38 Photons and Matter Waves 39 More About Matter Waves 40 All About Atoms 41 Conduction of Electricity in Solids 42 Nuclear Physics 43 Energy from the Nucleus 44 Quarks, Leptons, and the Big Bang

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Book SynopsisThis advanced undergraduate textbook provides a thoroughly modern overview of plate tectonics so that readers grasp how the outer part of our planet works in relation to the deep interior. The text is supported by clear prose, helpful analogies, stunning colour imagery, and a rich suite of online resources.

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Book SynopsisCharles Darwin is best known for his work on the evolution of animals, but in fact a large part of his contribution to the natural sciences is focused on plants. His observations are crucial to our modern understanding of everything from the amazing pollination process of orchids to the way that vines climb. Darwin and the Art of Botany collects writings from six often overlooked texts devoted entirely to plants, and pairs each excerpt with beautiful botanical art from the library at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, creating a gorgeously illustrated volume that never existed in Darwin's own lifetime, and hasn't since. Evolutionary botanist and science historian James Costa brings his expertise to each entry, situating Darwin's words in the context of the knowledge and research of the time. The result is a new way of visualizing Darwin's work, and a greater understanding of the ways he's shaped our world.

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Book SynopsisA stunning gift for admirers of astrophotography.From the number one Astronomy publisher, this book showcases the most spectacular space photography, taken from locations across the globe. Marvel at the wonders of the universe captured by the most talented astrophotographers.Be captivated by 140 winning and shortlisted images from the 2023 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. These awe-inspiring images are submitted in several categories: Skyscapes, Our Sun, Galaxies, Our Moon, Aurorae, Planets, Comets and Asteroids, People and Space, Stars and Nebulae. Plus Best Newcomer, Image Innovation and Young Competitor categories. Each image is accompanied by caption, photographer, location and technical details. There is also a location map showing the origin of all images and a visual appendix of all images.The judges are from an expert panel of distinguished astronomy experts.The ExhibitionThe National Maritime Museum hosts an exhibition of the winners of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing these incredible images of the sky.www.rmg.co.uk/astrophotoTrade Review“Spectacular views of the universe” - The Guardian “Insight Astronomy Photos of the year are stellar and stunning” - Irish Examiner “It’s always amazing to see how photographers push the boundaries each year in this competition and the quality of the work in this book is phenomenal. Astronomers love to be inspired by the images and everybody, including those with only a passing interest in the night sky, will be wowed by them. This is a must-have “coffee table book” that you will keep wanting to look through again and again.” - Mary McIntyre FRAS

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Book SynopsisOrganic Chemistry has been designed to meet the needs of the two-semester, undergraduate organic chemistry course. This best-selling text gives students a solid understanding of organic chemistry by focusing on how fundamental reaction mechanisms function and reactions occur. The authors strive for students to have a deeper understanding of the physical concepts that underlie organic chemistry, and for them to have a broader knowledge of the role of organic chemistry in biological systems.The text is strengthened by its offering in ALEKS, now featuring Custom Question Authoring, Video Assignments, Virtual Labs, and more!Table of ContentsChapter 1: Structure Determines PropertiesChapter 2: Alkanes and Cycloalkanes: Introduction to HydrocarbonsChapter 3: Alkanes and Cycloalkanes: Conformations and cis–trans StereoisomersChapter 4: ChiralityChapter 5: Alcohols and Alkyl Halides: Introduction to Reaction MechanismsChapter 6: Nucleophilic SubstitutionChapter 7: Structure and Preparation of Alkenes: Elimination ReactionsChapter 8: Addition Reactions of AlkenesChapter 9: AlkynesChapter 10: Introduction to Free RadicalsChapter 11: Conjugation in Alkadienes and Allylic SystemsChapter 12: Arenes and AromaticityChapter 13: Electrophilic and Nucleophilic Aromatic SubstitutionChapter 14: SpectroscopyChapter 15: Organometallic CompoundsChapter 16: Alcohols, Diols, and ThiolsChapter 17: Ethers, Epoxides, and SulfidesChapter 18: Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition to the Carbonyl GroupChapter 19: Carboxylic AcidsChapter 20: Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Nucleophilic Acyl SubstitutionChapter 21: Enols and EnolatesChapter 22: AminesChapter 23: CarbohydratesChapter 24: LipidsChapter 25: Amino Acids, Peptides, and ProteinsChapter 26: Nucleosides, Nucleotides, and Nucleic AcidsChapter 27: Synthetic Polymers

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Book SynopsisRay Kurzweil, one of the world's leading AI researchers, innovators and futurists, offers a provocative exploration of the most important project in human-machine civilisation: reverse-engineering the brain to understand precisely how it works and using that knowledge to create even more intelligent machines.

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Book SynopsisBrainjacking explores the psychology of storytelling - the ability that makes us human. To discover how science intersects with our desires and decisions, the book pulls together three ways that we use story to modify others'' brains: informing, influencing and manipulating. Running through education and politics, advertising and marketing we discover how techniques can range from subtle nudges and subliminal influences to powerful emotional manipulation. With Brian Clegg as your guide, this is a book that will help you unpick the insidious world of brainjacking. Expertly pulling together different strands on disparate topics including AI, Big Data, social media and more, this essential investigation shows how new and old technology and science can be combined to influence human behavior and beliefs.

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Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Fluid mechanics is an important branch of physics concerned with the way in which fluids, such as liquids and gases, behave when in motion and at rest. A quintessential interdisciplinary field of science, it interacts with many other scientific disciplines, from chemistry and biology to mathematics and engineering.This Very Short Introduction presents the field of fluid mechanics by focusing on the underlying physical ideas and using everyday phenomena to demonstrate them, from dripping taps to swimming ducks. Eric Lauga shows how this set of fundamental physical concepts can be applied to a wide range of flow behaviours and highlights the role of fluid motion in both the natural and industrial worlds. This book also considers future applications of fluid mechanics in science.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewOverall, the book should definitely be an individual's go-to source when seeking an authoritative perspective on the field of fluid mechanics. * Anita T. Layton, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Vol 65.4 *Table of Contents1: Fluids 2: Viscosity 3: Pipes 4: Dimensions 5: Boundary layers 6: Vortices 7: Instabilities 8: Researching fluids and flows Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT GIFT FOR ALL BIBLIOMANIACS A BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE TIMES, FINANCIAL TIMES, SPECTATOR AND DAILY MAIL A WATERSTONES BEST POPULAR SCIENCE BOOK Plunge into this rich and thought-provoking A-Z compendium to discover how our fixations have taken shape, from the Middle Ages to the present day, as bestselling author Kate Summerscale deftly traces the threads between the past and present, the psychological and social, the personal and the political. 'Fascinating' Malcolm Gaskill, author of the No. 1 bestseller The Ruin of All Witches 'Fascinating' Observer 'An endlessly intriguing book ... All the bibliomanes (book nutters) I know will love it' Daily MailTrade ReviewFascinating ... Summerscale uses the same talent for elaborating on psychological tics that made her non-fiction thriller The Suspicions Of Mr. Whicher a top bestseller * Mail on Sunday *This fascinating compendium traces phobias and manias through their rich social, cultural and medical history -- Hannah Beckerman * Observer *An endlessly intriguing book * Daily Mail *Magnificent -- Marcus BerkmannThought-provoking, eloquent and entertaining * Fortean Times *Endlessly fascinating. It's a tantalising glimpse into the labyrinth of the human unconscious -- The TabletAmusing and oddly unsettling * The Times *Fascinating ... Phobias and manias create a magical space between us and the world -- Malcolm Gaskill, author of the No. 1 bestseller The Ruin of All WitchesWe are all, in some way or other, plagued by fears and desires beyond our control ... Fascinating, beautifully written and thoroughly researched * Irish Times *Thought-provoking and such fun -- Ian Mortimer, bestselling author of The Time Traveller's GuidesA fascinating book -- David CrystalA new book from Summerscale is always a treat. She does vast amounts of research, and then manages to let go of it, and take flight in prose that is both forensic and conversational ... Her sub-title - 'A History of the World in 99 Obsessions' - might echo Neil MacGregor, but this reads more like a book by Oliver Sacks, with dashes of Roald Dahl * Spectator *An intriguing guide to human fixations * Guardian *Fascinating... Exquisitely detailed and consistently insightful, this is an entertaining guide to humanity's compulsions * Publishers Weekly *99 hard-to-stop-reading histories ... from the familiar (homophobia) to surprising fears of eggs, hair, silence and everything (pantophobia) * Chicago Tribune *Informative, witty, and unique ... Summerscale, author of The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher and other well-regarded books, lists 99 fears and compulsions, and the result is a peculiarly engaging book * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisFor centuries, scientists had only one way to study the brain: wait for misfortune to strike - strokes, seizures, infections, lobotomies, horrendous accidents, phantom limbs, Siamese twins - and see how the victims changed afterwards. In many cases their survival was miraculous, and observers marvelled at the transformations that took place when different parts of the brain were destroyed. Parents suddenly couldn't recognise their children. Pillars of the community became pathological liars and paedophiles. Some people couldn't speak but could still sing. Others couldn't read but could write.The stories of these people laid the foundations of modern neuroscience and, century by century, key cases taught scientists what every last region of the brain did. With lucid explanations and incisive wit, Sam Kean explores the brain's secret passageways and recounts the forgotten tales of the ordinary individuals whose struggles, resilience and deep humanity made neuroscience possible.Trade ReviewKean's lively new book unpacks a bundle of fascinating, alarming and sometimes heartbreaking case histories * Mail on Sunday *Entertaining... Some of his stories are astonishing... Kean tells a good story and asks the right questions * The Sunday Times *Kean...reveal[s] how intracranial calamities have built neuroscience case by puzzled-out case, gross anatomy to consciousness. However pop the science, there is much to compel * Nature *The author's skill in illuminating how the brain functions and malfunctions manifest themselves in people's lives makes for absorbing reading....These avowals ultimately raise weighty, compelling questions about the nature of identity and what it means to be human * Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisThe most up-to-date and complete textbook for first time genomics students, Introduction to Genomics offers a fascinating insight into how organisms differ or match; how different organisms evolved; how the genome is constructed and how it operates; and what our understanding of genomics means in terms of our future health and wellbeing.

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Book SynopsisWriter, editor, artist, and identification expert, Rob Hume is highly adept at penning detailed identification notes for rarity watchers yet is also skilled at providing interesting descriptions for armchair birdwatchers. He is a lifelong birdwatcher who worked for the RSPB for over 30 years and edited the RSPB's award-winning Birds magazine.

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Book Synopsis An entertaining guide to how maths is relevant to our everyday lives. Why is it better to buy a lottery ticket on Friday? Why are showers always too hot or too cold? And which classic puzzle was destroyed by Allied bombing in the war? These and many other questions are answers in this entertaining and highly informative book. Why do Buses Come in Threes? is for anyone who wants to remind themselves – or discover for the first time – that maths is relevant to almost everything we do. Dating, cooking, travelling by car, gambling and life-saving techniques all have links with intriguing mathematical problems that you will find explained here – including the odd coincidence of 4 July, the exponential growth of Australian rabbits and a surprising formula for running in the rain without getting wet. Whether you have a degree in astrophysics or haven't touched maths since you left school, this book will change the way you view the world around you.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive and fully illustrated guide, this book is the definitive photographic reference guide for anyone interested in butterflies and moths found in Britain and Ireland.Every species that occurs regularly in Britain and Ireland is included, along with a section dealing with the rarest of the rare' extinct species or very rare immigrants. There follows the main section of the book, which covers our larger moths; every species that occurs regularly in Britain and Ireland is mentioned.Trade ReviewPraise for Paul Sterry: 'Wonderfully descriptive photographs'BBC Wildlife ‘Whether you are a keen amateur or someone with a passing interest, this book will satisfy your needs.’The Sea 'Packs in lots of well-chosen detail in compact form'British Wildlife Magazine ‘A bookshelf essential’The Field

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Book SynopsisOur understanding of the British Palaeolithic and Mesolithic has changed dramatically over the last three decades, and yet not since H. J. Fleure's A Natural History of Man in Britain (1951) has the New Naturalist Library included a volume focused on the study of early humans and their environment.In this long overdue new book, distinguished archaeologist Nick Ashton uncovers the most recent findings, following the remarkable survival and discovery of bones, stone tools and footprints which allow us to paint a picture of the first human visitors to this remote peninsula of north-west Europe.As part of the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain project and subsequent research, Ashton is involved in an unrivalled collaborative effort involving archaeologists, palaeontologists, and earth scientists at different British institutes, including the Natural History Museum and the British Museum. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the book explores the latest discoveries such as footprints at HaTrade Review‘[An] insightful study’ Nature ‘Early Humans packs in a huge amount of data, yet its research anecdotes, clear style and light humour make it accessible to a wide readership – ideal for students and researchers, but equally to be enjoyed by anyone curious about our extraordinary story on the edge of the early human world.’ British Archaeology ‘Well-designed … the images and illustrations are crisp andcolourful … the professional, the amateur and the dilettante alike will find something of interest from Early Humans, and will learn a great deal about Britain’s Ice Age past.’ Antiquity Praise for the New Naturalist series: ‘Taken either individually or as a whole, they are one of the proudest achievements of modern publishing’ The Sunday Times ‘The series is an amazing achievement’ The Times Literary Supplement ‘The books are glorious to own’ Independent

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Book SynopsisAnaesthetising a fish, x-raying a frog and hospitalising a walrus are all in a day's work for the world's wildest veterinarian.Travelling from the rainforests of Sierra Leone to the jungles of Borneo, Romain Pizzi has caught, anaesthetised, diagnosed, operated on, medicated, and then released some of the world''s most endangered wild animals.From disease testing Polynesian snails to keyhole surgery in Sumatran orangutans; from endoscopy in sharks to ultrasound on a chimpanzee. Sometimes this is high tech work, such as the first robotic surgery in a tiger, or giant panda cloning attempts. Sometimes the situations are more primitive, from anaesthetising a bear with a bicycle pump, old plumbing tubes and a plank, to operating on a vulture using an old metal spoon.In Exotic Vetting, Romain recalls his many interesting patients, while taking readers on a tour of the challenges of treating the world's amazing spectrum of wild animal species.Trade Review‘A highly entertaining and thought-provoking tour de force. Thoroughly recommended.’ Veterinary Record ‘Romain Pizzi, who pioneered keyhole surgery foranimals, is arguably the most versatile and inventivevet in the world.’ Guardian ‘We have other vets who are incredibly talented, butRomain is one of a kind.’ Matt Hunt, CEO of Free the Bears One of the most innovative wildlife surgeons in Europe and perhaps the world … he has operated on giraffes and tarantulas, penguins and baboons, giant tortoises and at least one shark, and maintains a reputation for taking on cases others won't. If you're in possession of a tiger with gallstones, or a suspiciously sickly beaver, you call Pizzi.’ Wired magazine

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Book SynopsisThis is a tale of human obsession, one intrepid tuna, the dedicated fisherman who caught and set her free, the promises and limits of ocean science and the big truth of how our insatiable appetite for bluefin transformed a cottage industry into a global dilemma.In 2004, an enigmatic charter captain named Al Anderson caught and marked one Atlantic bluefin tuna off New England's coast with a plastic fish tag. Fourteen years later that fish dubbed Amelia for her ocean-spanning journeys died in a Mediterranean fish trap, sparking Karen Pinchin's riveting investigation into the marvels, struggles, and prehistoric legacy of this remarkable species.Over his fishing career Al marked more than sixty thousand fish with plastic tags, an obsession that made him nearly as many enemies as it did friends. His quest landed him in the crossfire of an ongoing fight between a booming bluefin tuna industry and desperate conservation efforts, a conflict that is once again heating up as overfishing and clTrade Review‘Karen Pinchin has written a moving, vivid, often heart-pounding narrative of the love, greed and dramas surrounding the lives and deaths of a fish upon whom human fortunes rise and fall–each an individual animal who surely loves his or her life as much as we love ours. Kings of Their Own Ocean is a moving and ultimately hopeful story, reminding us that if we are honest and we are wise, we still may save the denizens of our imperiled seas.’ Sy Montgomery, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus ‘Pinchin has written pathos, poetry and adrenaline into a story about one of the most famed and endangered sea creatures on the planet: the bluefin tuna. Not easy to get the science right while making the reporting riveting. But she did … Well worth the read.’ Ian Urbina, nationally bestselling author of The Outlaw Ocean ‘Awash in lyricism and anchored in science and history, Kings of Their Own Ocean submerges readers in the enthralling lives of Al Anderson and Amelia to explore the depths of the Atlantic bluefin tuna industry. Eloquent and sobering, Pinchin uncovers the tenuous fate of the bluefin, and deftly explains why the choices we make about the ocean matter.’ Gloria Dickie, author of Eight Bears and a National Geographic Explorer ‘In Kings of Their Own Ocean, Karen Pinchin has brought vigor and pathos to the human relationship with the inhabitants of our oceans—and what this complex relationship means for the future of the planet.’ Alicia Kennedy, author of No Meat Required ‘Strap in to your deck chairs and prepare to land the story of several lifetimes. In Kings of Their Own Ocean, a church launches a global seafood empire, researchers feud, the tuna leap, and most of all, fishermen and citizen scientists manage to save a vital species, armed only with their wits and a few plastic tags. Pinchin’s deep reporting and stunning prose ensure tuna will never taste the same.’ Lizzie Stark, author of Egg: A Dozen Ovatures

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Book SynopsisEvokes the thrill of the chase' SPECTATORThis book is a revelation' THE HERALDBaird writes with gusto . . . her remarkable book can guide all of us back towards the light' SCOTTISH DAILY MAILGreen Longhorns, Pimpinel Pugs and Peacock Moths these are just some of the striking species that catch ecologist Katty Baird's attention. Roaming Scotland in all manner of weather, she climbs down abandoned mines and ventures behind waterfalls in search of these misunderstood and maligned creatures. Meetings with Moths is an uplifting call for everyone to look more closely at their surroundings and discover nature's hidden secrets, but perhaps more importantly to find the passion that ignites us.

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Book SynopsisIan Stewart (Author) Professor Ian Stewart is the author of many popular science books. He is the mathematics consultant for New Scientist and a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Warwick. He was awarded the Michael Faraday Prize for furthering the public understanding of science, and in 2001 became a Fellow of the Royal Society.Terry Pratchett (Author) Terry Pratchett was the acclaimed creator of the global bestselling Discworld series, the first of which, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983. In all, he was the author of over fifty bestselling books which have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal. He was awarded a knighthood for services to literature in 2009, although he always wryly maintained that his greatest service to literature was to avoid writing any. www.terrypratchettbooks.comJack Cohen (Author) Dr Jack Cohen is an internationally-known reproductive biologist, and lives in Newent, Gloucestershire. Jack has a laboratory in his kitchen, helps couples get pregnant by referring them to colleagues, invents biologically realistic aliens for science fiction writers and, in his spare time, throws boomerangs. Jack, who has more letters to his name than can be repeated here, writes, lectures, talks and campaigns to promote public awareness of science, particularly biology. He is mostly retired.Trade ReviewIt is exhilarating to feel yourself immersed in such well-expressed and up-to-date debates... * New Scientist *The hard science is as gripping as the fiction * The Times *Entertaining and illuminating * New Scientist *Fantastic... this is some of the best science writing around today, intelligent and witty, creative and playful... if only science could be taught like this in school, many of us would have paid more attention * Fortean Times *

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Book SynopsisDiscover Charles Darwin''s most important ideas... When the eminent naturalist Charles Darwin returned from South America on board the H.M.S Beagle in 1836, he brought notes and evidence that would form the basis of his landmark theory: that species evolve by a process of natural selection. This theory, published as The Origin of Species in 1859, is the basis of modern biology and the concept of biodiversity. It also sparked a fierce scientific, religious and philosophical debate that still rages today. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY DARWIN''S GREAT-GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER, RUTH PADELTrade ReviewWhy does Darwin's theory matter now? Because it is the basis of modern biology and much medical research; it provides a tool with which to understand the natural world; it offers a deeper, if imperfect, understanding of our behaviour, about where we came from and where we might be going * Observer *The single best idea anybody ever had -- Daniel Dennet, philosopherThe most important book ever written * New Scientist *No other book has so transformed how we look at the natural world and mankind's origins * Sunday Telegraph *There are few books that I read more than once but The Origin Of Species by Charles Darwin is one -- David Attenborough

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Book Synopsis** Winner of Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books 2015 **We live in epoch-making times. The changes we humans have made in recent decades have altered our world beyond anything it has experienced in its 4.6 billion-year history. As a result, our planet is said to be crossing into the Anthropocene the Age of Humans. Gaia Vince decided to travel the world at the start of this new age to see what life is really like for the people on the frontline of the planet we've made. From artificial glaciers in the Himalayas to painted mountains in Peru, electrified reefs in the Maldives to garbage islands in the Caribbean, Gaia found people doing the most extraordinary things to solve the problems that we ourselves have created. These stories show what the Anthropocene means for all of us and they illuminate how we might engineer Earth for our future.Trade ReviewA heroic and important work -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *An excellent book... Vince writes with great freshness and vigour, and her stories are hard to stop reading * Daily Telegraph *It holds a mirror up to humanity and says: look what you have done to the world, the only world you will ever have... in every sense a good book, as well as a compelling read * Guardian *A masterpiece... a wondrous, remarkable, but heart-rending story * Ecologist *A masterpiece... a wondrous, remarkable, but heart-rending story * Ecologist *A story of optimism about how 10 billion people can in future live together and prosper... Fresh and unencumbered, Vince glides from ecology to economics, politics to philosophy, seeing it all through the people she meets * New Scientist *

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsI. Preclinical essentials 1. Physiology of pituitary hormones 2. Principles of laboratory investigation for pituitary hormones 3. Pathophysiology and genetics in pituitary tumors 4. Pathophysiology and genetics in craniopharyngioma 5. Anatomy of the pituitary region II. Neuroradiological and ophthalmological diagnosis in pituitary tumors 6. Morphological imaging including imaging anatomy 7. Functional imaging 8. Neuroophthalmological diagnosis III. Endocrinological diagnosis and replacement therapy for hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus in pituitary tumors 9. Endocrinological diagnosis and replacement therapy for hypopituitarism 10. Endocrinological diagnosis and replacement therapy for diabetes insipidus 11. The role of nurses in supporting selfmanagement for patients with hypopituitarism IV. Endocrinological diagnosis and medical treatment in functioning pituitary adenomas 12. Prolactinomas: Diagnosis and medical treatment 13. Endocrinological diagnosis in acromegaly 14. Medical treatment in acromegaly 15. The diagnosis of Cushing’s disease 16. Medical management of Cushing’s disease 17. Endocrinological diagnosis and treatment V. Surgical treatment of pituitary tumors 18. Microscopic transsphenoidal surgery 19. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: Including a brief history of transsphenoidal surgery 20. Risks of transsphenoidal surgery 21. Ophthalmologic outcome of transsphenoidal surgery 22. Endocrinological outcome of transsphenoidal surgery in pituitary adenomas 23. Extended transsphenoidal surgery 24. Transcranial surgery 25. Video presentations of pituitary surgery VI. Histo-pathological classification of pituitary tumors 26. Pathology of pituitary adenoma 27. Pathology of nonadenomatous pituitary tumors and tumor-like lesions VII. Perioperative and postoperative management in patients with pituitary adenomas 28. Perioperative neurosurgical management 29. Perioperative endocrinological management in patients with pituitary adenomas 30. Perioperative and postoperative nursing care 31. Postoperative endocrinological follow-up 32. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging use in the posttreatment follow-up of secreting pituitary adenomas VIII. Radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas 33. Fractionated radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas 34. Pituitary adenomas: Radiosurgery IX. Aggressive pituitary adenomas and carcinomas 35. Management of aggressive pituitary tumors 36. Medical treatment of aggressive pituitary tumors X. Diagnosis, treatment and outcome in nonfunctioning pituitary tumors and lesions 37. Clinically nonfunctioning pituitary tumors 38. Childhood-onset craniopharyngiomas 39. Adult craniopharyngiomas 40. Rathke’s cleft cysts and arachnoid cysts 41. Perisellar solid tumors 42. Inflammatory pituitary lesions 43. Vascular lesions and aneurysms XI. Diagnosis and treatment of co-morbidities in pituitary tumors 44. Psychiatric disorders 45. Metabolic disorders 46. Osteoporosis and arthropathy in functioning pituitary tumors XII. Special issues 47. Pituitary incidentaloma 48. Pituitary apoplexy 49. Management of pituitary tumors in pregnancy 50. Quality of life in pituitary tumors 51. Multidisciplinary team perspective: A model of care for patients with pituitary tumors

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Book SynopsisON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS tells a compelling story, using original papers from Einstein, Copernicus, Galilei, Kepler and Newton. Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking explains how these works changed the course of science, ushering astronomy and physics out of the Middle Ages and into the modern world.Table of ContentsNicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543): his life and work; "On the Revolution of Heavenly Spheres. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) - his life and work; "Dialogues Concerning Two Sciences". Johannes Kepler (1571-1630): his life and work; "Harmony of the World" book five. Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727): his life and work; "Principia". Albert Einstein (1879-1955): his life and work; selections from "The Principle of Relativity".

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Book Synopsis***20th Anniversary Edition - With a New Introduction***Cover note: Each copy of the anniversary edition of Climbing Mount Improbable features a unique shell. No two covers are exactly alike.How could such an intricate object as the human eye - so complex and so precise - have come about by chance? In this masterful piece of popular science, Richard Dawkins builds a powerful and carefully reasoned argument for evolutionary adaptation as the force behind all life on earth. The metaphor of ''Mount Improbable'' represents the combination of perfection and improbability that we find in the seemingly ''designed'' complexity of living things. And through it all runs the thread of DNA, the molecule of life, responsible for its own destiny on an unending pilgrimage through time. Evocative illustrations accompany Dawkins'' eloquent descriptions of astonishing adaptations in the living world.Trade ReviewA beautiful, barnstorming thunderclap of a book -- Michael White * Mail on Sunday *Mount Improbable is Dawkins's metaphor for natural selection: its peaks standing for evolution's most complex achievements ... a perfect, elegant riposte to a great deal of fuzzy thinking * Observer *One of the most gifted storytellers of our generation ... he writes like an angel * Scotland on Sunday *A cracking good book -- John Gribbin

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Book SynopsisMichio Kaku''s Physics of the Future: The Inventions that will Transform our Lives is a hypothetical journey through the next 100 years of scientific innovation, as told by the scientists who are making it happen. We all wish we could predict the future, but most of us don''t know enough about the science that makes it possible. That''s why Michio Kaku decided to talk to the people who really know - the visionaries who are already inventing the future in their labs. Based on interviews with over three hundred of the world''s top scientists, Kaku gives us an insider''s perspective on the revolutionary advances that mean we''ll soon be able to take an elevator into space, access the internet via our contact lenses, scan our DNA for signs of disease and even change the shape of objects - and all still within the laws of known physics. This isn''t just the shape of things to come - as Kaku shows, it''s already happening. ''Summons up theTrade ReviewSummons up the sheer wonder of science * Daily Telegraph *A wide-ranging tour of what to expect from technological progress over the next century or so ... fascinating * Walll Street Journal *Mind-bending ... fascinating ... engrossing * San Francisco Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisIn recent decades, we have witnessed an explosion in the number of visual images we encounter, as our lives have become increasingly saturated with screens. From Google Images to Instagram, video games to installation art, this transformation is confusing, liberating and worrying all at once, since observing the new visuality of culture is not the same as understanding it. Nicholas Mirzoeff is a leading figure in the field of visual culture, which aims to make sense of this extraordinary explosion of visual experiences. As Mirzoeff reminds us, this is not the first visual revolution; the 19th century saw the invention of film, photography and x-rays, and the development of maps, microscopes and telescopes made the 17th century an era of visual discovery. But the sheer quantity of images produced on the internet today has no parallels. In the first book to define visual culture for the general reader, Mirzoeff draws on art history, theory and everyday experience to prTrade ReviewA dizzying and delightful book * New Scientist *Deploying a blend of semiotics, sociology, and art history, Mirzoeff shows us how to interpret everything from old masters to selfies, from Rashomon to a map of the Mississippi. Mirzoeff says he owes much of his approach to John Berger, and this is evident in the way he argues how inevitably political visual images are... Mirzoeff draws on theorists such as Benjamin, Foucault, and Deleuze, but thankfully is much clearer and easier to read than any of those writers * Independent on Sunday *In our fluid world, we need reminding how strange our visual culture has become. Artist John Berger did that job for the 1970s with his classic book Ways of Seeing; now Nicholas Mirzoeff teaches us how to "read" an astronaut's 2012 space-walk selfie - and how to decode military photos smothered with labels that claim to show weapons we cannot in fact see -- New Scientist 'Books of the Year'

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Book SynopsisAs a new wave of interplanetary exploration unfolds, a talented young planetary scientist charts our centuries-old obsession with Mars.''Beautifully written, emotive - a love letter to a planet'' DERMOT O''LEARY, BBC Radio 2Mars - bewilderingly empty, coated in red dust - is an unlikely place to pin our hopes of finding life elsewhere. And yet, right now multiple spacecraft are circling, sweeping over Terra Sabaea, Syrtis Major, the dunes of Elysium and Mare Sirenum - on the brink, perhaps, of a discovery that would inspire humankind as much as any in our history. With poetic precision and grace, Sarah Stewart Johnson traces the evocative history of our explorations of Mars. She interlaces her personal journey as a scientist with tales of other seekers - from Galileo to William Herschel to Carl Sagan - who have scoured this enigmatic planet for signs of life and transformed it in our understanding from a distant point of light into a compTrade ReviewBeautifully written, emotive - a love letter to a planet -- Dermot O'Leary * BBC Radio 2 *Elegantly written and boundlessly entertaining * Sunday Telegraph *Beguiling * The Times *Johnson's prose swirls with lyrical wonder, as varied and multi-hued as the apricot deserts, butterscotch skies and blue sunsets of Mars -- Anthony Doerr * New York Times Book Review *The inside story of the exploration of Mars. A young woman scientist shows what it is like to be in the thick of exciting and ground-breaking research. -- Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Professor of Astrophysics, University of OxfordExhilarating, informative, always engaging... beautiful in its descriptions -- Andrew Crumey * Literary Review *This elegantly crafted book conveys what it's like to be a young scientist involved in the quest. -- Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and author of On the Future: Prospects for HumanityA celebration of human curiosity, passion and perseverance. Superb in its storytelling, majestic in its vision, The Sirens of Mars will give readers a new appreciation for the preciousness of life in the cosmos. -- Alan Lightman, author of Einstein's DreamsThe Sirens of Mars provides the prospect of great discovery, and an introduction to a writer of the first rank. -- Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard UniversityThere's no better guide to what NASA's various Mars missions have revealed ... A true love letter to geology, on this world and others * Nature *A must-read for fans of our Martian neighbour and humanity's longstanding search for life elsewhere in the Universe * BBC Sky At Night *Mars is an exceptionally inhospitable place. The coldest Antarctic winter, the windiest Everest December - each is as nothing compared with an unremarkable day on the red planet. That is precisely why Mars is such a good place to look for life. If it exists there, Sarah Stewart Johnson writes, "the smallest breath in the deepest night", then the only conclusion is there must be life throughout the universe. This beguiling book is about the search for life on Mars - from those who thought the planet was criss-crossed with canals to those, like the author, who just hope for a microbe or two. * Times (best books of the year) *Brilliantly realised... Full of joy and existential curiosity, the book's images and metaphors take up residence in our minds and burn there, connecting scientific inquiry with deep questions about human existence. In every line Johnson makes us feel the passion for discovery and the desire to connect * The Whiting Award Selection Committee *

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