Science & Nature Books

Book Synopsis''A gem of a book'' Carlo Rovelli, author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics''A unique and beautifully written masterpiece'' Max Tegmark, author of Life 3.0Could there be a civilization on a mote of dust? How much of your fate have you made? Who cleans the universe?Through more than fifty Koans - pleasingly paradoxical vignettes following the ancient Zen tradition - leading physicist Anthony Aguirre takes us across the world from Japan to Italy, and through ideas spanning the age, breadth and depth of the Universe. Using these beguiling stories and a flair for explaining complex science, he covers cosmic questions that giants from Aristotle to Galileo to Heisenberg have grappled with - from the nature of time to the origin of multiple universes to the meaning of quantum theory.Playful and enlightening, Cosmological Koans invites the reader into an intellectual adventure of the highest order, givingTrade ReviewThis unique and beautifully written masterpiece transforms the deepest mysteries of our universe into a captivating and accessible quest for personal enlightenment -- Max Tegmark, author of Life 3.0A gem of a book -- Carlo Rovelli, author of Seven Brief Lessons on PhysicsA delight for readers raised on Gödel, Escher, Bach and The Dancing Wu Li Masters * Kirkus *This is calisthenics for the mind - it will stretch your imagination almost to the breaking point, and your understanding of reality will come away more healthy and flexible than before -- Sean Carroll, author of The Big PictureA truly creative exploration of physics and its profound insights into the Universe -- Adam Frank, author of Light of the StarsThe paradoxes of Zen Buddhism could help us grasp fundamental physics. . . What Aguirre does remarkably well is to find a way of threading many of the most interesting questions in theoretical physics onto a single narrative chain. . . At its heart the book offers a compelling answer to the question of how to talk about the un-talk-about-able -- Gilead Amit * The New Scientist *

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Book SynopsisA stimulating and highly readable introduction to the science of imperfections, this book focuses on their crucial role in technology, as well as their influence on society, love, life, health, politics, career development, and key environmental issues, enabling readers to counteract scientific misinformation.Trade ReviewTownsend authored one of the most eloquent and lovely statements in the science of crystals: "Crystals are like people and it is their imperfections that make them interesting". This book is beautifully written and the wide range of topics fit well together. * Vasily V. Bulatov, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory *The range of topics is accessibly presented with confidence and there are interesting and often unexpected things to learn throughout. This is a book that is completely accessible to non-scientists, while not at all boring or tedious to more scientifically literate readers. * Gary Atkinson, University of the West of England *The book is written in an enjoyable style. The author adequately mixes scientific explanations with personal experiences and matters of topical interest. * Ginés Lifante Pedrola, Autonomous University of Madrid *Peter Townsend's book is highly readable, often provocative, and full of insights into technology, the nature of science, and even the broader nature of life. * N. David Mermin, Cornell University *In The Power of Imperfections, Peter Townsend argues that we are conditioned to orient toward a fictional ideal of perfection that leads to a disregard of any form of imperfection. His book is an attempt to overcome this conditioning and show that praising imperfection is justifed in many cases. * Bas de Boer, Metascience *The book attempts to make the general public sensitive to the beauty of imperfections in the context of technology, as well as show how the recognition of imperfections helps people to flourish in their social and professional lives. * Bas de Boer, Metascience *Table of Contents1: Before We Begin 2: The Case for Technological Imperfections 3: Cookery and Technological Spices 4: A Short Log of Technology from Wood 5: Reader Beware 6: Key Features of Chemistry and Solids 7: Examples of New Glass Technologies 8: Optical Fibre Communication 9: Beauty from Imperfections 10: Valuable Imperfections in Crystal Lattices 11: Impurities and the Growth of Semiconductors 12: Small Anomalies and Long-range Consequences 13: Photonics in the 21st Century 14: Chemistry and Catalysis 15: Imperfections in Music 16: Evolution Achieved through Imperfections 17: Hints for a Successful Scientific Career 18: Science in the Realm of Opinion 19: Improving our Future Lives 20: The Greatest Challenges that We Face

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Book SynopsisSensation & Perception, Sixth Edition, introduces students to their own senses, emphasizing human sensory and perceptual experience and the basic neuroscientific underpinnings of that experience. The authors, specialists in their respective domains, strive to spread their enthusiasm for fundamental questions about the human senses and the impact that answers to those questions can have on medical and societal issues.Trade ReviewThis is one of the most complete texts of sensation and perception on the market. It includes great examples and recent research to help students understand one of the most important pieces of experimental psychology. * Adam Hutcheson, Georgia Gwinnet College *This is the best perception book on the market. It has been honed through multiple editions and is up-to-date and clear without pandering. * Colin Ellard, University of Waterloo *Sensation & Perception does a great job linking neurophysiology to behavior and perceptions. It also offers a good balance between neuroscience and cognitive psychology. * Dave Pittman, Wofford College *Sensation & Perception is clearly-written, with well-placed examples and graphics to effectively demonstrate the components and the significance of perception. Students will like the succinctness and simplicity of the author's writing style. * T.C. Sim, Sam Houston State University *Table of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. The First Steps in Vision: From Light to Neural Signals Chapter 3. Spatial Vision: From Spots to Stripes Chapter 4. Perceiving and Recognizing Objects Chapter 5. The Perception of Color Chapter 6. Space Perception and Binocular Vision Chapter 7. Attention and Scene Perception Chapter 8. Visual Motion Perception Chapter 9. Hearing: Physiology and Psychoacoustics Chapter 10. Hearing in the Environment Chapter 11. Music and Speech Perception Chapter 12. Vestibular Sensation Chapter 13. Touch Chapter 14. Taste Chapter 15. Olfaction

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Book SynopsisDirectly linked to Oxford''s bestselling DP Science resources, this new Course Preparation resource thoroughly prepares students to meet the demands of IB Diploma Programme Chemistry. Ideal for students who have studied non-IB courses at pre-16 level, the text introduces learners to the IB approach, terminology and skills. Answers are available online.

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Book SynopsisThe renowned Oxford Chemistry Primers series, which provides focused introductions to a range of important topics in chemistry, has been refreshed and updated to suit the needs of today''s students, lecturers, and postgraduate researchers. The rigorous, yet accessible, treatment of each subject area is ideal for those wanting a primer in a given topic to prepare them for more advanced study or research. The learning features provided, including questions at the end of every chapter and online multiple-choice questions, encourage active learning and promote understanding. Furthermore, frequent diagrams, margin notes, and glossary definitions all help to enhance a student''s understanding of these essential areas of chemistry.Chemical Bonding gives a clear and succinct explanation of this fundamental topic, which underlies the structure and reactivity of all molecules, and therefore the subject of chemistry itself. Little prior knowledge or mathematical ability is assumed, making this thTable of Contents1: Simple bonding schemes 2: Atomic Structure 3: Diatomic molecules 4: Molecular geometry: VSEPR 5: Hybrid orbital description of bonding 6: The molecular orbital approach and polyatomic molecules

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Book SynopsisSince the dawn of human civilization, forests have provided us with food, resources, and energy. The history of human development is also one of forest loss and transformation, and yet even in our increasingly urbanized societies we remain surprisingly dependent on forests for a wide range of goods and services. Moreover, forests still retain a remarkable hold on our environmental values. In an era of continuing tropical deforestation and temperate forest resurgence, and in the midst of uncertainties of climate and land use changes, it is more important than ever to understand what forests are, how they contribute to our livelihoods, and how they underpin our cultural histories and futures. In this Very Short Introduction Jaboury Ghazoul explores our contrasting interactions with forests, as well as their origins, dynamics, and the range of goods and services they provide to human society. Ghazoul concludes with an examination of the recent history of deforestation, transitions to reforestation, and the future outlook for forests particularly in the context of expected climate change.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 ReviewAlthough the Very Short Introduction books aim to be accessible introductions to someone new to their subject, there is ample here to stimulate anyone with an interest in forests. * Wilma Harper, Scottish Forestry *I very much enjoyed this book, and the exercise of thinking of things that I would have liked mentioned was part of the fun there weren't many of these; Jaboury Ghazoul has packed a huge amount into this slim volume. Reading about favourite examples like the Sook Plain and the Eastern White Pine was like seeing old friends again. I heartily recommend this book to forest ecologists, and suggest that anyone beginning a degree in ecology spend an evening reading it. * BES Forest Ecology Group, Dan Bebber *Table of Contents1. Forests in human culture ; 2. Forest origins ; 3. Many forests ; 4. Forest dynamics ; 5. Good and services ; 6. Past, present and future ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisProving to be both varied and fascinating, moons are far more common than planets in our Solar System. Our own Moon has had a profound influence on Earth, not only through tidal effects, but even on the behaviour of some marine animals. Many remarkable things have been discovered about the moons of the giant outer planets from Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, and other spacecraft. Scientists have glimpsed volcanic activity on Io, found oceans of water on Titan, and captured photos of icy geysers bursting from Enceladus. It looks likely that microbial life beyond the Earth may be discovered on a moon rather than a planet.In this Very Short Introduction David Rothery introduces the reader to the moons of our Solar System, beginning with the early discoveries of Galileo and others, describing their variety of mostly mythological names, and the early use of Jupiter''s moons to establish position at sea and to estimate the speed of light. Rothery discusses the structure, formation, and influence Trade Reviewan excellent introduction to Moons in a genuinely pocket-sized book that won't break the bank. * Astronomy Now *delightful * Lewis Dartnell, BBC Sky at Night *A highly readable and informative book. * Network Reviews *This small, densely packed paperback is a fantastic starting point for those interested in learning more about the 190 or so moons found within our solar system. Not merely a book of tables and facts about these celestial bodies, Moons covers the rich history of exploration and discovery along with the ideas that were shaped and moulded by astronomers across the ages. * Geoscientist *Table of Contents1. The discovery and significance of moons ; 2. The Moon ; 3. The Moon's influence on us ; 4. The moons of giant planets ; 5. Giant planet regular satellites in close up ; 6. The moons of Mars - captured asteroids ; 7. Moons of small bodies ; 8. Moons in other planetary systems: exomoons ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisThe human body is a complicated and beautiful machine, governed by the laws of physics and chemistry. By understanding its physiology - how it performs its varied functions - it is possible to build strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. In this latest edition, expanded and restructured coverage of sensory physiology and the respiratory system, a new comprehensive glossary of key terms, and additional online learning resources make Human Physiology even more student-friendly than its predecessors. Human Physiology provides clear explanations of the principles that govern the body''s physiological processes and shows how these can be applied. This is the ideal course companion for any student needing a solid foundation in the subject for a future career in human biology, biomedical science, or medicine. Online resourcesStudent resources- Numerical and clinical problems - Multiple choice questions - Web linksLecturer resources- Figures from the bookTrade ReviewReview from previous edition Helped me to pass my first year of university with a First Class. Would recommend as it details many important concepts and explains them really easily. * Amazon customer review *An excellent book; very well explained and very detailed. * Amazon customer review *This welcomed fourth edition builds upon the positive aspects of previous editions and provides a fresh perspective to a complex area of study. Ease of reading and understanding is a key strength for this text and students will obtain detailed content, balanced with key effective learning tools to enhance knowledge exchange. * Dr Jamie O'Driscoll, Department of Sport Science, Tourism and Leisure, Canterbury Christ Church University *Table of ContentsSECTION 1 BASIC CONCEPTS IN PHYSIOLOGY; SECTION 2 THE ORGANIZATION AND BASIC FUNCTIONS OF CELLS; SECTION 3 THE EXCITABLE TISSUES - NERVE AND MUSCLE; SECTION 4 THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND SPECIAL SENSES; SECTION 5 THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM; SECTION 6 BLOOD AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM; SECTION 7 THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM; SECTION 8 THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM; SECTION 9 THE REGULATION OF THE INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT; SECTION 10 THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM; SECTION 11 REPRODUCTION AND GROWTH

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Book SynopsisJohn Parrington argues that social interaction and culture have deeply shaped the exceptional nature of human consciousness.The mental capacities of the human mind far outstrip those of other animals. Our imaginations and creativity have produced art, music, and literature; built bridges and cathedrals; enabled us to probe distant galaxies, and to ponder the meaning of our existence. When our minds become disordered, they can also take us to the depths of despair. What makes the human brain unique, and able to generate such a rich mental life?In this book, John Parrington draws on the latest research on the human brain to show how it differs strikingly from those of other animals in its structure and function at a molecular and cellular level. And he argues that this ''shift'', enlarging the brain, giving it greater flexibility and enabling higher functions such as imagination, was driven by tool use, but especially by the development of one remarkable tool - language.The complex sociaTrade Reviewimpressive study * David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer *John Parrington gives us a very personal take on what it is to be human from the viewpoint of the mind/brain... a genuinely interesting [book]... Parrington's theme is fascinating, and the book is loaded with ideas. * Popular Science *A tour de force that will equally interest both scientists and those who consider themselves over on the humanities side. * Richard Lofthouse, Quad *John Parrington has already proved himself a master-explainer, transmitting the extraordinary breakthroughs in contemporary science to a non-specialist readership. Now he takes on the big question of the relationship between cultural change and the development of the human brain. The result is a book of remarkable range and empathy, in which readers with a background in the humanities will learn a great deal of neuroscience and those with scientific interests will encounter great cultural riches, as Parrington brings together the theory of play, problems of mental illness and much, much more. * Sir Jonathan Bate, Foundation Professor of Environmental Humanities, Arizona State University *What is it about the human brain that allowed it to take over every corner of the planet? And what does that have to do with language, culture, art, and consciousness? With a keen and insightful eye, Parrington dissects what we know about the mind and rebuilds it into a powerful framework. * David Eagleman, neuroscientist at Stanford and NYT best-selling author of Livewired and The Runaway Species *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part 1: Origins of Mind 1: Mind and Matter 2: Tool and Symbol 3: Individual and Society Part II: Mind and Brain 4: Nerve and Brain 5: Genome and Epigenome 6: Growth and Development Part III: The Dynamic Mind 7: Learning and Memory 8: Thought and Language 9: Creativity and Imagination 10: Emotion and Reason 11: Conscious and Unconscious Part IV: Mind in Trouble 12: Sanity and Madness 13: Depression and Anxiety 14: Normality and Diversity 15: Crime and Punishment Part V: The Social Mind 16: Class and Division 17: Resistance and Rebellion Part VI: Mind and Culture 18: Music and Rhythm 19: Art and Design 20: Fact and Fiction 21: Science and Technology Part VII: The Future of Mind 22: Mind and Meaning 23: Mind and Machine A 21st Century Mind Glossary Endnotes

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Book SynopsisLess than 450 years ago, all European scholars believed that the Earth was at the centre of a Universe that was at most a few million miles in extent, and that the planets, sun, and stars all rotated around this centre. Less than 250 years ago, they believed that the Universe was created essentially in its present state about 6000 years ago. Even less than 150 years ago, the view that living species were the result of special creation by God was still dominant. The recognition by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace of the mechanism of evolution by natural selection has completely transformed our understanding of the living world, including our own origins. In this Very Short Introduction Brian and Deborah Charlesworth provide a clear and concise summary of the process of evolution by natural selection, and how natural selection gives rise to adaptations and eventually, over many generations, to new species. They introduce the central concepts of the field of evolutionary biology, as they have developed since Darwin and Wallace on the subject, over 140 years ago, and discuss some of the remaining questions regarding processes. They highlight the wide range of evidence for evolution, and the importance of an evolutionary understanding for instance in combating the rapid evolution of resistance by bacteria to antibiotics and of HIV to antiviral drugs. This reissue includes some key updates to the main text and a completely updated Further Reading section.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsREFERENCES; FURTHER READING; INDEX

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Book SynopsisA refreshing, student-focused introduction to the use of statistics in the study of the biosciences. Emphasising why statistical techniques are essential tools for bioscientists, Biomeasurement removes the stigma attached to statistics by giving students the confidence to use key techniques for themselves.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition Biomeasurement does a wonderful job of keeping the biology the focus of analysis, and highlighting the fact that statistics is simply another useful tool to help biological understanding. * Dr Shane Richards, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, UK *This book represents the best I have seen for teaching undergraduate biologists statistics. * Dr Chris Venditti, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Hull, UK *It demystifies and clarifies topics that students can normally find confusing and challenging. It is a must for biologists! * Dr Maria G. Tuohy, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway *This book was a blessing when I got it for my first year, and I'm still finding it helpful in my second year! It is so easy to navigate; you can read it cover to cover if you are very confused, or just dip into the topics you need. I would definitely recommend it to any students doing a bioscience degree which involves statistical elements. * Bethany Richmond, student at the University of Warwick *As a student with limited mathematical ability, new to statistics who believed I would not be able to pass this module, I read this book chapter by chapter prior to my weekly lectures and everything fell into place without a struggle. A 100% necessary purchase. A 100% necessary read. The book is appealing and very easy to navigate. I have tried to read other statistics books aimed at beginners but this was the only book which I clearly understood. * Julie Carter, student at Anglia Ruskin University *Table of Contents1: Why am I reading this book?2: Getting to grips with the basics3: Describing a single sample4: Inferring and estimating5: Choosing the right test and graph6: Overview of null hypothesis significance testing7: Tests on frequencies8: Tests of difference: two unrelated samples9: Tests of difference: two related samples10: Tests of difference: more than two samples11: Tests of relationship: regression12: Tests of relationship: correlation13: Introducing the generalized linear model: general linear model14: More on the generalized linear model: logistic and loglinear modelsAppendix I How to enter data into SPSSAppendix II Statistical tables of critical valuesAppendix III Summary guidance on reporting statistical resultsAppendix IV Statistics and experimental designRelated Titles

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Book SynopsisMartin Stevens explores the extraordinary variety of senses in the animal kingdom, and discusses the cutting-edge science that is shedding light on these secret worlds. Our senses of vision, smell, taste, hearing, and touch are essential for us to respond to threats, communicate and interact with the world around us. This is true for all animals - their sensory systems are key to survival, and without them animals would be completely helpless. However, the sensory systems of other animals work very differently from ours. For example, many animals from spiders to birds can detect and respond to ultraviolet light, to which we are blind. Other animals, including many insects, rodents, and bats can hear high-frequency ultrasonic sounds well beyond our own hearing range. Many other species have sensory systems that we lack completely, such as the magnetic sense of birds, turtles, and other animals, or the electric sense of many fish. These differences in sensory ability have a major bearing on the ways that animals behave and live in different environments, and also affect their evolution and ecology.In this book, Martin Stevens explores the remarkable sensory systems that exist in nature, and what they are used for. Discussing how different animal senses work, he also considers how they evolve, how they are shaped by the environment in which an animal lives, and the pioneering science that has uncovered how animals use their senses. Throughout, he celebrates the remarkable diversity of life, and shows how the study of sensory systems has shed light on some of the most important issues in animal behaviour, physiology, and evolution. He also describes evidence of the disruptive effects of human activities on the way other animals navigate the world.Trade Reviewa riveting new volume that explores the extraordinary senses of animals....This volume brings the wonders of these sensory worlds to a more general audience. * Michael J. Ryan, Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol.97, no.1 *While paying its dues to those amazing abilities of animals, Secret Worlds has some very intriguing things to say about the evolution and plasticity of the sense - and above all, the cost of acquiring them. [... ] One can only hope that Stevens will return with fresh insights in a few years. * Simon Ings, New Scientist *Table of ContentsPreface 1: A Plethora of Senses 2: Singing Mice and Painting Pictures with Sound 3: For My Eyes Only 4: Electric Attraction 5: Stars of the Tactile World 6: Smelling in Stereo 7: Homing Turtles and Animal Magnetism 8: A Changing World

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Book SynopsisToday there is no place on Earth that does not harbour invasive exotic species. Invasive plants and animals can be found on every continent, including Antarctica, and within all waterbodies, including all oceans. In our increasingly connected world, with speedy commercial and recreational travel and the global movement of biological matter for food, invasive species are showing up at such a fast rate that there is no way to accurately count how many currently exist or how many are likely to emerge in the coming decades. Monitoring these species and controlling their spread is essential, as we increasingly understand the negative impacts they pose: their threat to our health; the toll they take on our commercial production; and the threat they pose to native ecosystems. This Very Short Introduction provides a clear definition of an invasive species, and considers the myriad ways they are moved around the globe, and the ecological, social, and economic impacts they often impose. Exploring the way Earth''s biodiversity is being affected by global change, Julie Lockwood also discusses policy and management approaches to combating the ill-effects of invasive species, and how invasive species fit within the broader context of environmental change. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsList of illustrations 1: What is an invasive species? 2: Invasion pathways 3: Establishment 4: Spread 5: Ecological impact 6: Socio-economic impact 7: Policy and management 8: Future of invasion science Future reading Index

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Book SynopsisThe exceptional quality of previous editions has been built upon to make the twelfth edition of Atkins'' Physical Chemistry even more closely suited to the needs of both lecturers and students. The writing style has been refreshed in collaboration with current students of physical chemistry in order to retain the clarity for which the book is recognised while mirroring the way you read and engage with information.The new edition is now available as an enhanced e-book, which offers you a richer, more dynamic learning experience. It does this by incorporating digital enhancements that are carefully curated and thoughtfully inserted at meaningful points to enhance the learning experience. In addition, it offers formative auto-graded assessment materials to provide you with regular opportunities to test their understanding.Digital enhancements introduced for the new edition include dynamic graphs, which you can interact with to explore how the manipulation of variables affects the results Trade ReviewAn excellent textbook: very easy to read and fosters great understanding. Physical chemistry can be a very mathematical and complex area, but this textbook makes it easy to understand and is something I see myself using to help me carry out both lab work and physical chemistry questions. * Sophie Shearlaw, student, University of Strathclyde *This book continuously improves and makes the learning process enjoyable. There are countless examples and exercises which can provide enormous support to both learners and lecturers. * Milan Antonijevic, lecturer, University of Greenwich *The explanation of the concepts is great. The examples are really helpful: the authors really address almost every way in which the equations could be used. Truly a helpful textbook. * Eva Pogacar, student, Heriot-Watt University *Covers all the topics that you would want in an undergraduate course on physical chemistry. It includes succinct overviews of mathematical concepts that students need to understand, and is extremely well-organised, breaking material into manageable sections. * Kristin Dawn Krantzman, lecturer, College of Charleston *This textbook has always been, and continues to be, an excellent physical chemistry textbook. I highly recommend. * Mikko Linnolahti, lecturer, University of Eastern Finland *Extremely useful Physical Chemistry textbook. Contains helpful overviews of useful equations and concepts. Schematics break down concepts and are good to support learning. Detailed content throughout. * Gabrielle Rennie, student, University of Strathclyde *Table of ContentsFocus 1: The properties of gases Focus 2: The First Law Focus 3: The Second and Third Laws Focus 4: Physical transformations of pure substances Focus 5: Simple mixtures Focus 6: Chemical equilibrium Focus 7: Quantum theory Focus 8: Atomic structure and spectra Focus 9: Molecular structure Focus 10: Molecular symmetry Focus 11: Molecular spectroscopy Focus 12: Magnetic resonance Focus 13: Statistical thermodynamics Focus 14: Molecular interactions Focus 15: Solids Focus 16: Molecules in motion Focus 17: Chemical kinetics Focus 18: Reaction dynamics Focus 19: Processes at solid surfaces

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Book SynopsisDavid Gibson explores the role played by plants (and fungi) in investigating crime. Highlighting a range of real cases in which botanical evidence was involved, he describes how leaves, seeds, and moss fragments can link a suspect to a crime scene. He also considers cases in which plants themselves can be the subject of crime.Trade ReviewThe narrative offers an interesting experience for the reader, who may learn and be entertained at the same time. * F. W. Yow, CHOICE *A great and fascinating read that will be devoured by both those lay folk into popular science and crime procedural stories alike, but also those who have studied biological sciences * Jonathan Cowie, SF2 Concatenation *There is some genuinely interesting material here... You can't fault Gibson's enthusiasm for the subject - and I suspect would-be botanists will enjoy it, while murder mystery writers will gain some excellent ideas for methods that their CSI teams can use. * Brian Clegg *A wide-ranging survey of forensic botany... [the book] has some great tales about how plants help solve crimes - and are used to commit them. * Kate Douglas, New Scientist *Gibson is a brisk, lucid writer...very good at conveying complex technical information smoothly. * Jake Kerridge, Daily Telegraph *Planting Clues opens up a world that few of us know about, and while the book is heavy on technical details, it manages to balance these with (often brutal) case studies that help to bring to life the many ways in which plants (and botanists) have helped to solve crimes. This makes the pages fly by. * Kit Gillet, Geographical *A great book... Written in a very accessible way, Planting Clues should not only appeal to the general reader, but will also serve well as a textbook for an undergraduate course on forensic... a most welcome addition to the literature on plant-based forensics. * Nigel Chaffey, Botany One *well-structured and readable * Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine *Gibson's case studies aren't for the faint of heart... Armchair criminologists...will find plenty to like. * , Publishers Weekly *Recommended reading for those interested in biology, forensic sciences, botany, and crime solving. * Defrosting Cold Cases *David Gibson provides an engaging introduction, eminently readable...Not only is Planting Clues a great and fascinating read that will be devoured by both those lay folk into popular science and crime procedural stories alike, but also those who have studied biological sciences, are doing so, or are thinking of embarking on a bioscience course...I highly recommend [it]. * Jonathan Cowie, SF2 Concatenation *This volume is an excellent, entirely new type of treatment of the subject matter, deeply researched, and clearly and succinctly written. * Shirley A. Graham, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri, The Quarterly Review of Biology *Gibson's book includes a wide range of examples of 'forensic botany'...Gibson makes clear that taxonomic classification is at the heart of all forensic applications of botany, from Locard's dandelion to Wiltshire's palynomorphs. * Liam Shaw, London Review of Books *Table of ContentsPrologue: An Entangled Bank 1: A Tree Never Lies 2: Everything That's Touched 3: Getting Caught Up 4: Every Particle Tells A Story 5: It's in the Genes 6: A Forensic Pharmacopoeia 7: Hiding in Plain SightCoda: Moving Forward

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Book SynopsisNanomaterials have been part of our world for centuries, although it is only in the last thirty years that we have come to understand that the color of nanomaterials, for example, is tied directly to their size, opening up a new realm of discovery. By controlling the size of nanocrystals, chemists have joined forces with physicists and theorists to explore the extraordinary and unexpected properties of nanomaterials.In particular, these properties depend not only on the size of the nanomaterials but also on their shape and the way in which they are assembled into crystalline networks. This book traces the remarkable journey that led to this discovery. This journey into the nanoworld invites both budding scientists and anyone fascinated by advancements in science to explore a universe where no prior knowledge of chemistry or physics is required, only curiosity and a willingness to embrace unexpected discoveries across various scientific domains. This book emphasises how foundational concepts transcend scales, offering insights from the nano to the meter scale, and highlights the immense potential of the nanoworld to revolutionize biomedical studies paving the way for innovations.

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Book SynopsisFrom the sudden expansion of a cloud of gas or the cooling of a hot metal, to the unfolding of a thought in our minds and even the course of life itself, everything is governed by the four Laws of Thermodynamics. These laws specify the nature of ''energy'' and ''temperature'', and are soon revealed to reach out and define the arrow of time itself: why things change and why death must come. In this Very Short Introduction Peter Atkins explains the basis and deeper implications of each law, highlighting their relevance in everyday examples. Using the minimum of mathematics, he introduces concepts such as entropy, free energy, and to the brink and beyond of the absolute zero temperature. These are not merely abstract ideas: they govern our lives. In this concise and compelling introduction Atkins paints a lucid picture of the four elegant laws that, between them, drive the Universe.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition It takes not only a great writer but a great scientist with a lifetime's experience to explains such a notoriously tricky area with absolute economy and precision, not to mention humour. * Books of the Year, Observer. *His engaging account...the lucid figures offer readers a firm understanding of energy and entropy. * Science *Concise, well-written, engaging and carefully structured... an enjoyable and informative read. * Chemistry World *Peter Atkins's account of the core concepts of thermodynamics is beautifully crafted. * Simon Mitton, THES *A brief and invigoratingly limpid guide to the laws of thermodynamics. * Saturday Guardian *Atkins's systematic foundations should go a long way towards easing confusion about the subject...an engaging book, just the right length (and depth) for an absorbing, informative read. * Mark Haw, Nature *[Atkins'] ultra-compact guide to thermodynamics [is] a wonderful book that I wish I had read at university. * New Scientist *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. The Zeroth Law ; 2. The First Law ; 3. The Second Law ; 4. The Third Law ; Afterword

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Book SynopsisWhy does holding a hot drink make us like people more?How can a soldier under fire not even notice he''s been shot?What makes sex so much fun?Touch is the most important sense we have. Without it, we cannot entirely feel pleasure or pain - we are less than human.In fact, as David Linden demonstrates in the astonishing stories gathered here, touch is central to who we are - from choosing our partners to comforting us on our deathbeds.Exploring the many surprising facts and myths about our sense of touch, Linden reveals how it defines us - and how, by understanding it, we can better know ourselves.Trade ReviewIlluminating. Drawing on a wide range of cutting-edge scientific research, Linden provides plenty of insights into how our sense of touch shapes our experience of the world and our idea of self * Sunday Times *This book is excellent. It tells you why footballers hug each other when a goal is scored, and why there are vampire bats. Linden is very good and clear on the raw neurology * Spectator *Absorbing. The bizarre vagaries of touch affect us all, [and] all this is backed up with a good deal of hard neuroscience. Following Linden's thread is worth it * The Times *Most of us take the tactile senses for granted. You won't after reading this book. The best science writers infect you with their fascination for the subject - that's exactly what Linden achieves here * BBC Focus *A treasure trove for anyone wanting to decode the frisson of a lover's caress * Playboy *Will make you think more deeply about every itch, scrape and caress * Washington Post *Fascinating. This book has changed my life -- Salley Vickers * Observer *A touching story? A tactless comment? So elemental is the sense of touch that it permeates metaphors we live by. Linden explores the 'weird, complex, and often counter-intuitive' tactile system and its intimate impact on the human experience * Nature *

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT ASTROLOGY GIFT FOR THE ZODIAC LOVER IN YOUR LIFE!Nobody''s future is written in the stars, but we can use the stars to help write our future.For thousands of years people have looked to the night sky for the answers to life''s problems. Today''s practice is a far cry from newspaper horoscopes and fortune-telling, but instead uses the ancient wisdom of astrology to help us better understand our choices and ourselves. It''s not about prescriptive descriptions of personality and fate, but about putting the individual at the centre of decision making.In The Signs, Carolyne Faulkner describes with warmth and humour the qualities associated with each star sign - the good and the bad - and explains how you can use your birth chart (a map of the night sky at the time you were born) to make smarter choices, avoid triggers to stress and forge stronger relationships. This is a clear and simple guide to using the stars to take control of every aspect of your life.Trade ReviewA new constellation of astrology guru * Vogue *The go to life coach for those in the know * InStyle Magazine *A pioneering new self-improvement method based on the stars * Soho House *The coach to get you to where you want to go * Harper's Bazaar *Carolyne is the woman making astrology cool again * Sunday Telegraph Stella Magazine *A new constellation of astrology guru * Vogue *The go to life coach for those in the know * InStyle Magazine *A pioneering new self-improvement method based on the stars * Soho House *The coach to get you where you want to go * Harper’s Bazaar *

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Book SynopsisWill Gater is an astronomy journalist and author. He has written for several of the UK's top astronomy and science magazines and promotes both these subjects with frequent appearances on television and radio, including the BBC's Sky at Night. Anton Vamplew is a freelance astronomer. As well as writing about astronomy in books and magazine articles, he has worked at the Royal Greenwich Observatory and made regular broadcasts on BBC television and radio.

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Book Synopsis''Punchy and to the point. No beating around the bush. This brilliant book contains all the information we need to have in our back pocket in order to move forward'' Christiana Figueres, Former Executive Secretary UN Climate Change Convention''Amazing book'' Chris Evans, Virgin Radio Breakfast Show''Everyone should have this book'' Rick Edwards, BBC Radio 5 Live''A timely and important book, not only laying out the facts...but suggesting real solutions to the challenges facing us'' Professor Alice Roberts, Anatomist, Professor of Public Engagement in Science, University of Birmingham_________________________ How can we save our planet and survive the 21st century? How can you argue with deniers? How can we create positive change in the midst of the climate crisis? Professor Mark Maslin has the key facts that we need to protect our future. Global awareness of climate chaTrade ReviewThe facts should speak for themselves, but we hardly ever let them. Each line of Mark Maslin's brilliant and comprehensive accounting offers a mesmerizing glimpse of humanity's appetite and ambition, blindness and brutality and capacity for self-destruction. Perhaps, one hopes, self-renewal, too. For that, we will have to wait and see, but How to Save Our Planet is an eye-opening start * David Wallace-Wells, author of 'The Uninhabitable Earth' *How to Save Our Planet: The Facts is a much needed evidence-based handbook and rallying cry for urgent climate action. Professor Mark Maslin unfolds the magnitude of what humans have done to our precious planet while pointing to how we can solve the climate emergency before it is too late * Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director, Greenpeace International *Climate change facts have never been as understandable or as compelling as in Professor Maslin's book. This is a book to be read, understood and acted upon * Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 2010-2016, author of The Future We Choose *Fascinating, terrifying, but ultimately hopeful, How To Save Our Planet is an important call to arms for the most important battle of all - the fight to secure our future. It injects much-needed clarity and offers practical advice for a problem that for many of us has felt too complex and overwhelming to face, let alone fix. Saving the world is no small thing, but picking up this book's a good start * Paris Lees, Contributing Editor at British Vogue, campaigner *Mark Maslin's book is a fact-bomb, one that blasts through climate denial to clear a path for action on the greatest threat that our planet faces * Roger Highfield, Science Director, Science Museum *A handbook of clearly established, authoritative facts and figures about the terrible toll we as humans have taken of our planet, plus ways in which we can lessen the impact. For laypeople like me, who can see what is happening but haven't always got the precise statistics to hand, it's hugely valuable. I think everyone should read it and absorb its contents: sobering, certainly, and more than a little frightening, but at least we won't be able to claim ignorance as we blunder on our destructive way * John Simpson CBE, BBC World Affairs Editor, Broadcaster, Author & Columnist *There are some books which are important, and there are others which are a necessity. This is certainly the latter. It's powerful, honest and really cleverly written. I am left feeling more informed of the solutions and more empowered to make a difference * Megan McCubbin, Wildlife TV Presenter BBC Springwatch, Zoologist, photographer *I love it. My kids love it * Chris Evans, Virgin Radio Breakfast Show *Mark Maslin is an environmental pathologist stripping away the superfluous and cutting to the very heart of the problem with a brilliant clarity. This book is a roadmap to recovery for humanity, informing and inspiring in equal measure. It is a book every human needs to have to hand as we tackle this crisis head on * Bella Lack, Conservationist and Environmental Activist *Ideological debates on Global Warming often produce a fog of confusion in public life. This book cuts through that fog and suggests a way forward. The handy list of salutary and indisputable facts that Maslin has assembled here will ensure that How to Save Our Planet will serve as a much-needed guidebook that will help us negotiate our disorienting times * Dipesh Chakrabarty, author of The Climate of History in a Planetary Age (forthcoming March 2021) *From the big bang to the future of our fast-warming world, Mark takes us at breakneck speed through the ways humanity is shaping the planet, and presents with amazing clarity steps everyone can take to make the world a better place * Will McCallum, Head of Oceans at Greenpeace UK and author of How to Give Up Plastic *A book for anyone who needs a crash course on the condition of our planet and what can be done about it, and it offers a perfect balance of climate realism and climate optimism * Jamie Margolin, Climate Justice Activist and Zero Hour Founder & Co-Executive Director *A valuable resource, in that epic struggle, now underway, to head off apocalypse. Mark does not pull punches about the nightmare that we are staring down the barrel of. He is helpfully clear that we cannot now prevent disasters: they are here, and we are going to have to adapt to a rising tide of them. He is right that there is enormous scope for us to act, collectively, to slow down that rising tide - and even perhaps, even now, to create an ecotopia on Earth * Prof. Rupert Read, former Extinction Rebellion spokesperson; author, PARENTS FOR A FUTURE, and co-author, FACING UP TO CLIMATE REALITY *A timely and important book, not only laying out the facts - what we know and how we know it - but suggesting real solutions to the challenges facing us * Professor Alice Roberts, Anatomist, author & broadcaster, Professor of Public Engagement in Science, University of Birmingham *A compelling and crystal clear narrative. By marshalling all the facts, by giving a reference for every single one of them, he has made this slim volume both a sword of truth and the doorway to a much deeper understanding of the facts * Vivienne Parry OBE, Writer and broadcaster *Professor Mark Maslin has produced what is an essential guide to climate solutions and a must for all our communities in order to tackle the minefield of climate action * Mya-Rose Craig, Birdgirl, Founder & President Back2Nature *More than anything this book is about empowerment. A reminder that facts and action matter, and that every one of us can make a difference. Professor Maslin has packed a rucksack for change. Pick it up and let's go save our planet! * Peter C. Kjærgaard, PhD, FLS Museum Director & Professor of Human History *A brilliantly crafted book that addresses one of the huge issues underlying the climate crisis: having the right tools and knowledge to clearly communicate facts, counter misinformation and offer up solutions. So we can effectively spread the word about how to collectively fix our planet * Edzard van der Wyck, CEO & Co-Founder Sheep Inc. *In a strikingly original and accessible format, Mark Maslin's book provides a fascinating collection of the most important facts about the climate crisis and how to tackle it * Prof. Peter Stott, leader of the Climate Monitoring and Attribution team at the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research at the UK Met Office *Don't let anyone tell you climate change is an insoluble problem. It can be solved, and in time to avoid the worst impacts. In this vital book Mark Maslin - punchily and entertainingly - tells us how * Mark Lynas, author of OUR FINAL WARNING: SIX DEGREES OF CLIMATE EMERGENCY *This book is for everyone. Climate change is happening to us all and we all have a responsibility to understand what is going on to be able to make a difference, this book is your quick and accessible guide to understanding the science and what it's going to take for each and every one of us to save our planet * Sara Essa, Founder of Sustainability Hub & Sustainability Club on Clubhouse *Everyone should have this book * Rick Edwards, BBC Radio 5 Live *Amazing book * Chris Evans, Virgin Radio Breakfast Show *A no-nonsense crib sheet on the state of the world and how to help it * The I Newspaper *If his book falls into the hands of the powerful then it could just save the planet. At the very least, it will provide some thought-provoking facts * The I Newspaper *Punchy and to the point. No beating around the bush. This brilliant book contains all the information we need to have in our back pocket in order to move forward * Christiana Figueres, author of The Future We Choose *

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Book SynopsisUnlock the secret code of cats for a deeper connection with the feline in your life.Have you ever wondered why your cats behave the way they do? This authoritative guide has all the answers! Cats can be quite sensitive to their surroundings, and sometimes their behaviour can leave you scratching your head. Discover what''s really behind those things cats do - whether they''re amusing, irritating, or just downright bizarre.What''s My Cat Thinking will help cat lovers build a deeper connection with the feline in their lives. Inside, you''ll find: - Accurate descriptions of behaviour will help you understand your cat''s body language nuances and act accordingly - Advanced Catwatching features put the spotlight on key behaviours such as sofa-scratching- Survival Guides offer top tips for managing challenges such as moving house, or introducing a new cat into the family.- A fun book for cat people t

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Book SynopsisMaths 100 Ideas in 100 Words offers the essential facts at your fingertips, satisfying your mathematical curiosity and helping you to understand the biggest concepts in maths in concise, 100-word summaries. One of the first titles in a cutting-edge new series created in partnership with The Science Museum, this book introduces 100 key areas of maths - such as prime numbers, algebra, probability, algorithms and pure maths - and explains each topic in just 100 words. Perfect for getting your head around big ideas clearly and quickly, or refreshing your memory of the fundamentals of maths, this book covers the most up-to-date terms and theories and inspires a heightened level of understanding and enjoyment to the core areas of maths you can discover in The Science Museum.

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Book SynopsisComprehensive, accessible, and lavishly illustrated, this is an essential and timely guide to the world''s key plant and fungus species.Written by specialist experts, Plants & Fungi is an illustrated exploration of the world''s most fascinating species, many of which are also highly valued for their ecological, economic, and cultural importance.Covering all of the main groups - from the fleeting wildflowers that bring life to deserts to the towering rainforest giants, and from the lichens of the Arctic to predatory species that feed on animals - the book reveals the spectacular diversity of plants and fungi, the ecosystems they support, their symbiotic relationships with animals, and each other, and their use in everything from food to clothing and medicine.The book explores how plants and fungi grow and reproduce, and the ways they have evolved to adapt to every continent on Earth even in the harshest of conditions while celebrating their beauty and diversity, and telling the story of the world''s more unusual and intriguing species

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Book SynopsisThe first book to chronicle how innovation in laboratory designs for botanical research energized the emergence of physiological plant ecology as a vibrant subdiscipline

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Book SynopsisThis title is printed in full color throughout.From one of the most original and...

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Book SynopsisForeword by Jonathan Haidt, author of THE RIGHTEOUS MINDAn invaluable guide to understanding the technology that captures our attention with anger.The original internet was not designed to make us upset, distracted, confused, and outraged. But something unexpected happened at the turn of the last decade, when a handful of small features were quietly launched at social media companies with little fanfare. Together, they triggered a cascading set of dramatic changes to how media, politics, and society itself operates-inadvertently creating an Outrage Machine we cannot ignore.Author, designer, and media researcher Tobias Rose-Stockwell shares the defining shifts caused by these technologies, and how they have ignited a society-wide crisis of trust. Drawing from cutting-edge research and vivid personal anecdotes, Rose-Stockwell illustrates how social media has bound us to an unprecedented system of public performance, training us to react rather than reflect, and attack rather than debate.OUTRAGE MACHINE reveals the triggers and tactics used to exploit our anger, unpacking how these tools hack our deep tribal instincts and psychological vulnerabilities, and how they have become opportunistic platforms for authoritarians and a threat to democratic norms everywhere.But this book is not just about the problem. In a story spanning continents and generations, Rose-Stockwell explores how every new media technology disrupts our ability to make sense of the world, from the printing press to the telegraph, from radio to television. OUTRAGE MACHINE situates social media within a historical cycle of confusion, violence, and emerging tolerance. Using clear language and powerful illustrations, this book reveals the magnitude of the challenges we face, while offering realistic solutions and a promising pathway out.Trade ReviewTobias is a master of intuition and metaphor. This is a vivid and unforgettable book -- Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist at New York University and bestselling author of THE RIGHTEOUS MINDWith insight and sensitivity, Tobias offers a deep examination of how digital technologies are shaping our perceptions, relationships, and even our sense of personal identity. This book offers a vital perspective that's needed for us to build a more humane future -- Tristan Harris, cofounder of Center for Humane Technology, cohost of Your Undivided Attention podcast, as seen in the Netflix documentary The Social DilemmaA riveting exploration of the double-edged sword of our time: social media. This book provides a road map of how we got here, what's really at stake, and how we can find our way out. An absolutely urgent read -- Ryder Carroll, New York Times bestselling author of THE BULLET JOURNAL METHODBased on solid research, this is a disturbing examination of the destructive impact of social media * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisA unique spiritual and astrological guide to deepening your relationships and romantic connections - or finding the love of your lifeWe are each made of stardust, and understanding how the cosmos affects us provides critical insight into our lives, our well-being, and matters of the heart. Tune into these pages to find how each sign matches up with the others; the potential and challenges of each pairing; interactive journaling prompts; perspective into your past unions; a deeper understanding of your partnerships in romance, family, and friendship; what it looks like when a particular match flows well - or not so well.Follow Carolyne Faulkner''s Dynamic Astrology approach for a simple, tried-and-tested framework to the signs and planets that explains how harmonious each match is likely to be, as well as how to build a solid foundation for a forever love.Trade ReviewA new constellation of astrology guru * Vogue *Carolyne is the woman making astrology cool again * Sunday Telegraph Stella Magazine *The coach to get you to where you want to go * Harper's Bazaar *

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Book SynopsisFrom the former president of MIT, the story of the next technology revolution, and how it will change our lives.Trade Review"... entertaining and prescient…" -- Science"Your amazing guide to the future of biology is the former president of the Aladdin's cave that is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology." -- Summer Reading 2019 - New Scientist

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Book SynopsisEssential Laboratory Skills for Biosciences is an essential companion during laboratory sessions. It is designed to be simple and give clear step by step instructions on essential techniques, supported by relevant diagrams.Table of ContentsList of Figures vii List of Tables xi Acknowledgements xiii Introduction xv Health and Safety xvii 1 Measurements and Calculations 1 1.1 Units and measurements 1 1.2 Measuring the volumes of liquids 4 1.3 Pipetting 8 1.4 Weighing 15 1.5 Calculations 19 2 Preparing Solutions 23 2.1 Common terms defining solutions 23 2.2 Precautions in making solutions 23 2.3 Making solutions 24 2.4 Dilutions to prepare standard solutions 26 2.5 Molar solutions 29 2.6 Calculations involving solutions 31 3 Separation of Liquids and Solids 35 3.1 Filtration 35 3.2 Centrifugation 39 3.3 Chromatography 45 3.4 Electrophoresis 51 4 Common Techniques and Equipment 55 4.1 Titration 55 4.2 Spectrophotometry 60 4.3 Aseptic techniques 69 4.4 Disinfectants 73 5 Microscopy and Histology 75 5.1 Light microscopy 75 5.2 Slide preparation 84 5.3 Cell Counting 89 6 Cardiorespiratory Measurements 93 6.1 Techniques to investigate cardiovascular function 93 6.2 Techniques to investigate respiratory function 104 7 Recording and Presenting Data 111 7.1 Keeping a laboratory book 111 7.2 Presentation of data 112 7.3 Recording data in tables 112 7.4 Presenting data in graphs 113 7.5 Describing data statistically 117 Recommended Reading 119 Appendices Appendix 1: Rules for Powers 121 Appendix 2: Rules for Logarithms 123 Appendix 3: Factors to Consider When Making Solutions 125 Appendix 4: Principle of Spectrophotometry 127 Appendix 5: Descriptive Statistics and Formulae 129 Appendix 6: Using Software to Draw Tables, Graphs and Calculating Descriptive Statistics 133 Index 137

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Book Synopsis. . . full of intellectual treats and tricks, of whimsy and deep scientific philosophy. It is highbrow entertainment at its best, a teasing challenge to all who aspire to think about the universe. — New York Herald TribuneOne of the world''s foremost nuclear physicists (celebrated for his theory of radioactive decay, among other accomplishments), George Gamow possessed the unique ability of making the world of science accessible to the general reader.He brings that ability to bear in this delightful expedition through the problems, pleasures, and puzzles of modern science. Among the topics scrutinized with the author''s celebrated good humor and pedagogical prowess are the macrocosm and the microcosm, theory of numbers, relativity of space and time, entropy, genes, atomic structure, nuclear fission, and the origin of the solar system.In the pages of this book readers grapple with such crucial matters as whether it is possible to bend space, why a rocket shrinks, the end of the world problem, excursions into the fourth dimension, and a host of other tantalizing topics for the scientifically curious. Brimming with amusing anecdotes and provocative problems, One Two Three . . . Infinity also includes over 120 delightful pen-and-ink illustrations by the author, adding another dimension of good-natured charm to these wide-ranging explorations.Whatever your level of scientific expertise, chances are you''ll derive a great deal of pleasure, stimulation, and information from this unusual and imaginative book. It belongs in the library of anyone curious about the wonders of the scientific universe. In One Two Three . . . Infinity, as in his other books, George Gamow succeeds where others fail because of his remarkable ability to combine technical accuracy, choice of material, dignity of expression, and readability. — Saturday Review of Literature

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Book SynopsisThis book is a course in modern quantum field theory for condensed matter physics. The book is intended for graduate students, postdoctoral associates and independent researchers working condensed matter physics.Trade ReviewFrom reviews of the first edition: '… bridges the gap in the current research literature on low-dimensional electron and spin model systems … I expect my copy to become one of the more ratty items on my shelf.' Physics Today'Throughout the whole book, the key concepts of QFT related to condensed matter physics are concisely introduced, with examples and excercises added at the end of the chapters when necessary and references listed for each chapter …' Materials Research BulletinTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Part I. Introduction to Methods: 1. QFT: language and goals; 2. Connection between quantum and classical: path integrals; 3. Definitions of correlation functions: Wick's theorem; 4. Free bosonic field in an external field; 5. Perturbation theory: Feynman diagrams; 6. Calculation methods for diagram series: divergences and their elimination; 7. Renormalization group procedures; 8. O(N)-symmetric vector model below the transition point; 9. Nonlinear sigma models in two dimensions: renormalization group and 1/N-expansion; 10. O(3) nonlinear sigma model in the strong coupling limit; Part II. Fermions: 11. Path integral and Wick's theorem for fermions; 12. Interaction electrons: the Fermi liquid; 13. Electrodynamics in metals; 14. Relativistic fermions: aspects of quantum electrodynamics; 15. Aharonov-Bohm effect and transmutation of statistics; Part III. Strongly Fluctuating Spin Systems: Introduction; 16. Schwinger-Wigner quantization procedure: nonlinear sigma models; 17. O(3) nonlinear sigma model in (2+1) dimensions: the phase diagram; 18. Order from disorder; 19. Jordan-Wigner transformations for spin S=1/2 models in D=1, 2, 3; 20. Majorana representation for spin S=1/2 magnets: relationship to Z2 lattice gauge theories; 21. Path integral representations for a doped antiferromagnet; Part IV. Physics in the World of One Spatial Dimension: Introduction; 22. Model of the free bosonic massless scalar field; 23. Relevant and irrelevant fields; 24. Kosterlitz-Thouless transition; 25. Conformal symmetry; 26. Virasoro algebra; 27. Differential equations for the correlation functions; 28. Ising model; 29. One-dimensional spinless fermions: Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid; 30. One-dimensional fermions with spin: spin-charge separation; 31. Kac-Moody algebras: Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten model; 32. Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten model in the Lagrangian form: non-Abelian bosonization; 33. Semiclassical approach to Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten models; 34. Integrable models: dynamical mass generation; 35. A comparative study of dynamical mass generation in one and three dimensions; 36. One-dimensional spin liquids: spin ladder and spin S=1 Heisenberg chain; 37. Kondo chain; 38. Gauge fixing in non-Abelian theories: (1+1)-dimensional quantum chromodynamics; Select bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis volume covers all aspects of cosmology and extragalactic astronomy at an advanced level. Topics are developed in a contemporary fashion, with emphasis on currently active research areas. Containing over one hundred exercises, this text is invaluable for researchers and graduate students of extragalactic astronomy, astrophysics and theoretical physics.Trade Review'The textbook develops all aspects of extragalactic astronomy and cosmology in a detailed and pedagogical way and will be invaluable to researchers and graduate students …'. OrionTable of Contents1. Overview: galaxies and cosmology; 2. Galactic structure and dynamics; 3. Friedmann model of the universe; 4. Thermal history of the universe; 5. Structure formation; 6. Cosmic microwave background radiation; 7. Formation of baryonic structures; 8. Active galactic nuclei; 9. Intergalactic medium and absorption systems; 10. Cosmological observations.

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Book SynopsisAs the study of cephalopod behaviour continues to fascinate biologists, this second edition reviews data from more than five hundred papers published since the original 1996 volume. Extensively illustrated, it discusses the causation, function, development and evolution of cephalopod behaviour, inviting students to explore the subject further.Trade Review'A treasure trove of information on the cognitively most advanced invertebrates on earth. This new edition is the update every marine biologist and diver has been waiting for. The last few decades have given us many new findings and insights, which are all covered here. This overview of the cephalopods by two of the world's foremost experts, ranges from their phylogeny, sensory systems and physiology to behaviour, communication and ecology. It is highly readable and beautifully illustrated to boot.' Frans de Waal, author of Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?'Written by two of the leaders in cephalopod research, this book is even better than the first edition. It is a 'must have' not just for scientists but for everyone who is interested in these amazing animals.' Nicola S. Clayton, FRS, University of Cambridge and Scientist in Residence, Rambert'People find cephalopods fascinating, and rightly so as this book demonstrates. It provides a masterly synthesis of cephalopod natural history, written by two scientists who have helped to shape the field. The book is filled with stunning photographs, often taken by the authors. It will be a tremendous boon to cephalopod biologists, as well as to other scientists interested in cephalopods. It provides handy tables summarizing behaviour across species within the Cephalopoda (e.g. mating styles). This book updates the first edition, detailing recent changes in fast moving areas such as phylogeny. The authors discuss a range of current hypotheses about cephalopods (e.g. the role of ink in anti-predator behaviour) in an even-handed manner. Although this book is written with a scientific audience in mind, cephalopods admirers of all types will find this work engaging.' Shelley Adamo, Dalhousie University, Canada'Cephalopods are undoubtedly among the most fascinating group of animals on the planet, varying enormously in appearance, behaviour, and ecology. Hanlon and Messenger do a wonderful job of illustrating how cephalopods thrive in a diverse range of habitats, how they communicate and avoid predators, how they reproduce, and their remarkable skills, ranging from colour change to cognition. The book is a wonderful tribute to these animals - indeed, how can one fail to be excited by a unique group of animals that range from less than 10mm to over 5m, can change colour in an instant, produce flashes of their own light, and solve complex problems? This clear and enlightening book is not only for those fascinated by cephalopods, but for any student and scientist interested in how animals behave, adapt, and diversity. The book beautifully, and in detail, outlines what we can learn from studying one remarkable group of animals for understanding ecology and evolution, and how animals cope with a variety of habitats to survive and reproduce.' Martin Stevens, University of Exeter'The book is a joy to read and, while academic and fact packed in nature, it is quite a page turner if you are interested in marine biology …' Amanda Hardy, The BiologistTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Senses, effectors and the brain; 3. Body patterning and colour change; 4. Feeding and foraging; 5. Defence; 6. Reproductive behaviour; 7. Communication; 8. The development of behaviour, learning and cognition; 9. Ecological aspects of behaviour; 10. Nautilus; 11. Synthesis: brains, behaviour and the future.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that the male brain is a lean, mean problem-solving machine that uses analytical brain structures, not emotional ones, to find solutions. This guide follows the male brain from infancy to adulthood. It unlocks many secrets and offers insights into a range of subjects, including emotional intimacy, anger, agression, and winning.Trade ReviewDr Louann Brizendine's lucid, lively, and always fascinating discussion of how the male brain works (and why) has enlightened me in more ways than I can count. * Jane Fonda, actress and writer *Dr Louann Brizendine brings the latest in state-of-the-art science in helping us to understand the most ancient and primal of male passions and desires ... Highly recommended. * Dr Dean Ornish, author of The Spectrum and Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCLA. *The book uses the latest research to follow the male brain from infanthood to old age, with fascinating results. * Daily Telegraph *A fascinating read... you will pick up some valuable tips to help you understand, appreciate and connect with the men in your life. * Helen Fisher, author of Why Him? Why Her? *

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Book SynopsisLed by Erasmus Darwin, the Lunar Society of Birmingham was formed from a group of amateur experimenters, tradesmen and artisans who met and made friends in the Midlands in the 1760s. Most came from humble families, all lived far from the centre of things, but they were young and their optimism was boundless: together they would change the world. Among them were the ambitious toy-maker Matthew Boulton and his partner James Watt, of steam-engine fame; the potter Josiah Wedgwood; the larger-than-life Erasmus Darwin, physician, poet, inventor and theorist of evolution (a forerunner of his grandson Charles Darwin). Later came Joseph Priestley, discoverer of oxygen and fighting radical. Led by Erasmus Darwin they joined a small band of allies, formed the Lunar Society of Birmingham (so called because it met at each full moon) and kick-started the Industrial Revolution. Blending science, art, and commerce, the Lunar Men built canals, launched balloons, named plants, gases and miner

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Book SynopsisAddresses the nature of space and time, the role of God in creation, the history and future of the universe. This book guides nonscientists in the search for the tantalizing secrets at the heart of time and space.

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Book SynopsisSTEPHEN HAWKING was a brilliant theoretical physicist and is generally considered to have been one of the world's greatest thinkers. He held the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge for thirty years and is the author of A Brief History of Time which was an international bestseller. His other books for the general reader include A Briefer History of Time, the essay collection Black Holes and Baby Universe, The Universe in a Nutshell, The Grand Design, and Black Holes: The BBC Reith Lectures.He died on 14 March, 2018.Trade ReviewThis book marries a child's wonder to a genius's intellect. We journey into Hawking's universe, while marvelling at his mind * The Sunday Times *A Brief History of Time:'It is the publishing sensation of the past decade' * Spectator *

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