Science & Nature Books

Book Synopsis Dive into the mind of Nikola Tesla! Written in his own words, this Nikola Tesla book features the lectures, illustrations, and other works that established Tesla as one of history’s great geniuses. During the early twentieth century, the eccentric and brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla blazed the path that electrical development followed for many years to come. This fascinating illustrated record of Tesla’s pioneering work gathers many of his most famous findings and theories, allowing contemporary readers to experience the amazing range of his thinking. It includes lectures, articles, and discussions—particularly those bearing on polyphase motors and the effects obtained with currents of high potential and high frequency—and gives us a rare glimpse of a genius at work.A fascinating look at Tesla’s contributions to the history of electricity, including the electric motor that inspired Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors. Filled with Tesla facts and diagrams of his groundbreaking work, this is the perfect book for anyone searching for a Tesla biography focused on his scientific discoveries.  

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Book SynopsisExam Board: EdexcelLevel: AS/A-levelSubject: BiologyFirst Teaching: September 2015First Exam: June 2016Endorsed by Edexcel Supports Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Biology B (9BI0) specificationBuild investigative skills, test understanding and apply biological theory to topical examples with this Edexcel Year 1 Student Book- Supports all 16 required practicals with activities and questions to help students explain procedures, analyse data and evaluate results- Provides clear definitions, as well as explanations, of the meanings of all technical vocabulary needed for the new specification- Helps bring students up to speed with a summary of prior knowledge and diagnostic questions at the start of each chapter- Offers assessment guidance with Exam Practice Questions at the end of each chapter, graded by difficulty to support progression, along with Challenge Questions to stretc

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Book SynopsisExam Board: OCRLevel: A-levelSubject: ChemistryFirst Teaching: September 2015First Exam: June 2016This is an OCR endorsed resourceStretch and challenge your students'' knowledge and understanding of Chemistry, build their mathematical and practical skills, and provide plenty of assessment guidance with this OCR Year 1 Student Book. - Build understanding with a summary of prior knowledge and diagnostic questions at the start of each chapter to help bring students up to speed- Support practical assessment with Practical Skill summaries that help develop your students'' knowledge and skills- Test understanding and provide plenty of practice to assess progression, with Test Yourself Questions and multiple choice questions- Provide mathematical support with examples of method integrated throughout and a dedicated ''Maths in Chemistry'' chapter- Develop understanding with free online access to

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Exam Board: OCRLevel: A-levelSubject: BiologyFirst Teaching: September 2015First Exam: June 2016Encourage students to learn independently and build on their knowledge with this textbook that leads students seamlessly from basic biological concepts to more complicated theories.- Develop experimental, analytical and evaluation skills with activities that introduce the practicals required by OCR and other experimental investigations in Biology- Provide assessment guidance with synoptic questions and multiple choice questions throughout the book, and revision tips and skills all in one chapter- Strengthen understanding of key concepts with contemporary and engaging examples, illustrated with accessible diagrams and images- Give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of all aspects of practical work with Test Yourself Questions and Exam Practice Questions- Offer detailed gui

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Book SynopsisOur brains evolved to solve the survival problems of our Stone Age ancestors, so when faced with modern day situations that are less extreme, they often encounter a mismatch. Our primitive brains put us on the wrong foot by responding to stimuli that - in prehistoric times - would have prompted behaviour that was beneficial. If you''ve ever felt an anxious fight or flight response to a presenting at a board meeting, equivalent to facing imminent death by sabre-toothed tiger, then you have experienced a mismatch.Mismatch is about the clash between our biology and our culture. It is about the dramatic contrast between the first few million years of human history - when humans lived as hunters and gatherers in small-scale societies - and the past twelve thousand years following the agricultural revolution which have led us to comfortable lives in a very different social structure. Has this rapid transition been good for us? How do we, using our primitive minds, try to su

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Book SynopsisFundamental does for physics what Tim''s first book, Elemental, does for chemistry: it demystifies the topic in his trademark humorous, engaging style, including the most recent developments in the field.At the start of the twentieth century, science appeared complete and the laws of nature were almost all discovered, but then we woke a sleeping giant - we discovered quantum mechanics. In the quantum realm, objects can be in two places at once. It''s a place where time travel is not only possible, but necessary. It''s a place where cause and effect can happen in reverse and observing something changes its state. From parallel universes to antimatter, quantum mechanics has revealed that when you get right down to it, the laws of nature are insane. The scientist J. B. S. Haldane once said, ''Reality is not only stranger than we imagine . . . it''s stranger than we can imagine.'' Never is this more true than with quantum mechanics; our best, most recenTrade ReviewA hugely entertaining tour of the periodic table and the 118 elements that are the basic building blocks of everything. - Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisA biography of the strangest molecule in the universe. Alok Jha takes the most every day of subjects - water - and explodes it into a story that takes us from the Big Bang to the latest developments of modern scienceTrade ReviewIt delights again and again because, as in all the best science writing, the tale is stranger and more curious than one could ever imagine - GuardianOne of the brightest young science writers around . . . He belongs to a select band of science communicators, and knows his science at a deep level and can put it across. - The Independent

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Book SynopsisThe discovery of the Higgs boson made headlines around the world. Two scientists, Peter Higgs and François Englert, whose theories predicted its existence, shared a Nobel Prize. The discovery was the culmination of the largest experiment ever run, the ATLAS and CMS experiments at CERN''s Large Hadron Collider.But what really is a Higgs boson and what does it do? How was it found? And how has its discovery changed our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature? And what did it feel like to be part of it?Jon Butterworth is one of the leading physicists at CERN and this book is the first popular inside account of the hunt for the Higgs. It is a story of incredible scientific collaboration, inspiring technological innovation and ground-breaking science. It is also the story of what happens when the world''s most expensive experiment blows up, of neutrinos that may or may not travel faster than light, and the reality of life in an underground bunker in Switzerland.Trade Review[An] excellent account of one of the greatest intellectual adventures of modern times . . . I loved this insider's story of the discovery of the Higgs boson. -- Roger Highfield * Sunday Times *Like The Lord of the Rings, Smashing Physics takes readers on a long path with many moments of peril and uncertainty to reach the triumphant discovery of the Higgs Boson * Jim Gates, US Science advisor to President Obama *This is more than just another telling of the story of the hunt for the Higgs at the LHC - the reader here is utterly immersed in the politics, excitement and sheer intellectual adventure of discovery... from someone who was actually there! The process of scientific research is laid bare in all its glory, warts and all, and emerges as a delightful example of what is best about human intellectual endeavour. * Jim Al-Khalili *The author's enthusiasm would excite any reader to want to be part of the adventure, too, and this book will surely inspire a new generation into science * Frank Close *

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Book SynopsisIn his beautifully written prose, Dr Jonathan Reisman - physician, adventure traveller and naturalist - allows readers to navigate their insides like an explorer discovering a new world.Through his offbeat adventures in healthcare and travel, Reisman discovers new perspectives on the body: a trip to the Alaskan Arctic reveals that fat is not the enemy, but the hero; a stint in the Himalayas uncovers the boundary where the brain ends and the mind begins; and eating a sheep''s head in Iceland offers a lesson in empathy. By relating his experiences in far-flung lands and among unique cultures back to the body''s inner workings, he shows how our organs live inextricably intertwined lives in an internal ecosystem that reflects the natural world around us.Reisman''s unique perspective on the natural world and his expert wielding of wit ultimately helps us make sense of our lives, our bodies and our world in a way readers have never before imagined.''An elTrade ReviewA fascinating, lyrical book . . . Reisman's experiences in other cultures bring a richness and depth to The Unseen Body. The way he thinks about the body and medicine - the rivers and tributaries, the flowing and unclogging, the top-down organisation of the brain - is extraordinary! * Mary Roach, author of STIFF *A magnificent travelogue through the human body by a truly intrepid explorer. A genuine 'must' for anyone who is even remotely curious about their own body and how it works. I really loved it. * Professor Sue Black, author of WRITTEN IN BONE and ALL THAT REMAINS *An intelligent, innovative, eclectic and accessible book in which Reisman views the human body with a remarkable degree of lateral thinking. Sometimes funny, often gruesome but always entertaining and educational. * Samer Nashef, author of THE ANGINA MONOLOGUES *The author's literary approach to this complicated subject proved excellent bedside material. [Reisman] comes across as a generous and thoughtful physician . . . [who can] make sense out of it all. -- Ms. Bone * Wall Street Journal *If you are fascinated by the human body and how it works, or you are thinking about studying medicine, or you are just a curious person you will find this book a joy to read . . . This is a great and easy read which I heartily (excuse the pun) recommend. * Professor Alex Rodgers, author of THE DEEP *Terrific, memorable, original, and full of information that informs one's understanding not only of the body but what has stopped us from knowing more. There is palpable joy at learning in Reisman's writing and readers will know him as an individual whose humility and empathy are as impressive as his adventurous, travel-hungry spirit. * Kenneth S. Brecher, cultural anthropologist and author of TOO SAD TO SING *Through his acute and extensive observations of the seen world of nature and human nature, Reisman illuminates the analogous workings of our unseen bodies. An Alexander von Humboldt of the human body, Dr. Reisman's comparisons give us an ingenious perspective from which to understand the ways in which our internal organs function alone and together. I highly recommend this book to everyone interested in understanding and appreciating the marvels of the human body. * Warren Zapol. M.D., professor of anesthesiology at Harvard Medical School, Antarctic researcher, and inventor *THE UNSEEN BODY is an elegant, elegiac, and deeply enjoyable meander through human anatomy, by way of brain-tanned buckskin, blood as the last salty remnant of life's oceanic origins, and the World Testicle Cooking Championships. The images Reisman conjures will linger long after you've devoured his delightful prose. * Nicola Twilley, co-author of UNTIL PROVEN SAFE and co-host of GASTROPOD podcast *A remarkable travel narrative that documents the author's trip through a seemingly familiar place, the human body, and with a blend of science and personal experience renders that place both strange and fascinating, so much so that the reader will feel not only delighted, but also proud to be a lifelong inhabitant of it. * Lawrence Millman, award-winning author of FUNGIPEDIA *Quirky, never-dull popular science * Kirkus Reviews *An engaging book likely to pique the curiosity of readers interested in a wide range of medical conditions or naturalistic medicine * Library Journal *Dr Reisman engagingly relates provocative stories for the fifteen body parts uncovered in this treatise, and goads the reader to re-evaluate their perception of the body * City Book Review *Physician and naturalist Reisman offers a 'behind-the-scenes look at life itself' via an odyssey through the human body . . . deep curiosity driv[es] his narrative * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisA witty and informative account that busts the myths about Britain''s most captivating butterfly species.When summer is at its zenith and the sallow foliage develops a bluish tinge, a giant butterfly beautiful, bold and brazen flies powerfully over the tree canopy. Females of this species, wary yet determined, haunt the sallow thickets, depositing their eggs, while the males establish treetop territories and descend to the woodland floor in search of indelicacies to feed upon. Mysterious, elusive and enthralling in equal measure, this is the butterfly that Victorian collectors yearned for above all others: His Imperial Majesty, the Purple Emperor. A wondrous enigma, the Purple Emperor is our most elusive and least-known butterfly we glimpse it only through fissures in its treetop world, yet this giant insect has fascinated us for centuries and has even inspired its own ''Emperoring'' language. Matthew Oates became captivated by the Purple Emperor following his first sighting Trade ReviewCaptivating ... an exuberant natural history. * Daily Mail *One of the greatest naturalists of our time, Matthew is also one of science's most articulate and generous communicators, the kind of champion nature needs now more than ever. -- Isabella Tree, author of WildingDogbarking wood, cherry-pickers, shrimp paste, caterpillars called Sir Cloudesley Shovell – this monumental, transcendent, hilarious book is a natural history like no other. This profound work of genius brings us alive to the pulsating wonder of an English woodland in June – to life, the universe and everything. -- Patrick Barkham, author of The Butterfly IslesMatthew Oates's beatification of one of our most – he would say the most – spectacular insects is a total delight. In prose which soars as high as its subject, he blends mythology, history, biology and exceptional field skills to create the ultimate butterfly biography. -- Brett Westwood, presenter and authorWith its beautiful jacket cover and subject matter, His Imperial Majesty conjures intrigue from the off. Delving page by page into the natural history of one of Britain's most spectacular and mysterious insects, Matthew Oates reflects on almost 50 years of personal observations, study, musings, and what is, quite frankly, obsession, setting you on course for a riveting and riotous rollercoaster ride through the life and times of this remarkable butterfly. -- Simon Breeze * British Wildlife *Table of ContentsForeword Introduction: Adrift on the wind Chapter 1: A glorious history Chapter 2: The modern era Chapter 3: The Purple Empire Chapter 4: Introduction to the adult stage Chapter 5: Beauty as a weapon: the male Purple Emperor Chapter 6: The Empress: a life apart Chapter 7: Looking for Purple Emperors Chapter 8: Habitats and breeding grounds Chapter 9: Sallow identification and preferences: a veritable nightmare Chapter 10: Eggs and late summer larvae Chapter 11: Hibernation and the winter months Chapter 12: Spring larvae and the pupal stage Chapter 13: Adventures with remarkable caterpillars Chapter 14: Looking for Purple Emperor eggs and larvae Chapter 15: The Purple land that England gained Chapter 16: Conservation issues Chapter 17: The future Appendix: The history and current status of the Purple Emperor, by region and country Glossary References and further reading Epilogue Acknowledgements Index of species and scientific names General index

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Book SynopsisA lavish celebration of 47 of the most frequent and familiar birds found in gardens around the British Isles.From urban rooftops to open meadows, the incredible diversity of gardens in the British Isles can provide refuge and feeding opportunities for a vast array of birds. Even the smallest gardens can attract some birdlife and watching garden birds is a great joy for all nature lovers, brightening each day and providing an immediate connection with the wider and wilder world beyond the fence. Nature is facing challenges throughout the world, including right here in the UK, and the changing fortunes of our garden birds are strong indicators of the overall health of our wildlife. With information on how to encourage birds to visit our gardens and boost their survival and breeding success, and how to identify them, this book describes the small steps we can all take to help these birds survive the hardships of winter and bring forth a healthy new generation that we can recognise,Table of ContentsIntroduction Bird Species Tits Finches Sparrows and buntings Thrushes Small insect-eaters Crows Woodpeckers and other tree-climbers Pigeons and Doves Birds of prey Aerial feeders Other garden birds Further reading Acknowledgements Photographic credits Index

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Book SynopsisThis friendly, practical guide includes everything you need to know to help wetland wildlife flourish outside your back door.The Wildlife Pond Book offers a fresh and unique perspective on ponds, encouraging readers of any budget to reach for the spade and do something positive to benefit their shared neighbourhood nature. With up-to-date, clear guidance on a range of innovative pond designs, this new book aims to encourage a wider audience to connect with freshwater habitats and offers readers unique and creative tips on how to observe, study and enjoy pond wildlife through microscopy, dipping, torching and traditional wildlife spotting. Written by zoologist, science writer and conservation practitioner Jules Howard, The Wildlife Pond Book is filled with creative ideas never before put to paper (and not found online) that Jules has trialed over ten years of pond building and kept secret until now. This will be the go-to pond guide for swathes ofTrade ReviewIf you are considering installing a pond this season, this is an invaluable book to hand. - English Garden -- English Garden * English Garden *This is a handy, accessible softback, filled with clear images that illustrate practical concepts. - English Garden -- English Garden * English Garden *Table of ContentsForeword by Kate Bradbury Introduction – the wonder of ponds What makes ponds so special? Prehistoric ponds Ponds and civilisation The birth of the ornamental pond The state of Britain’s ponds Hidden values of ponds The Idea Stage Preparing your pond Managing your pond Planting up your pond Pond animals to look out for Exploring your pond Glossary Useful organisations Taking inspiration from nature Further reading Image credits Index Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisRSPB Spotlight: Snakes is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.Snakes are superbly secretive reptiles, celebrated by many for their highly tuned senses and their complex and mysterious seasonal behaviours. Though some people may be fearful of them, these important reptiles play a crucial role in many habitats. And an encounter with any one of our native snake species is an experience worth cherishing.In Spotlight Snakes, Jules Howard takes readers on a journey through the ecology and lifestyle of Britain's three native snake species: the Barred Grass Snake, the Smooth Snake and our only venomous snake species, the Adder. As well as uncovering their unique hunting styles and courtship rituals, he delves into the myths and legends at the heart of humankind's widespread and sometimes troublesome fascination with these animals. He also charts the conservation challenges our nativTable of ContentsThe Wonder of Snakes Meet the Residents A Day in the Life Snakes and the Seasons Snakes on the Slide Snakes in Culture A Future for Snakes Glossary Further Reading and Resources Acknowledgements Image Credits Index

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Book SynopsisRacing Green is the story of how advances in motorsport science are changing the world, helping it become smarter and more environmentally friendly. Motor racing is already one of the most scientifically demanding sports: it involves a combination of peak physical and mental skill, world-class mechanical nous and perennial technological innovation. These innovations, first developed for racing, have been incorporated into everyday car designs to improve their safety from ABS brakes to crash helmets and ecological impact, via electric engines and more efficient fuels and tyres. Author Kit Chapman is a lifelong motorsports fan who has previously worked with Virgin Racing's Formula E team on the chemistry and material science of their cars. With help from his wide range of contacts in the industry, Kit criss-crosses the globe from Ohio to Monaco, Spain to Bahrain. He steps behind the scenes of current engineering breakthroughs, picking up extraordinary tales along the way,Trade ReviewChapman writes engagingly about the benefits motor racing has brought to a climate problem that needs all hands on the wheel. * Financial Times *An entertaining and often insightful read that will be enjoyed by both racing fans and people generally interested in processes of innovation. * Science *A reminder of the crucial role that motorsport plays in the mission to save our planet. * Lucas di Grassi *Chapman expertly places scientific developments in societal and historical contexts while making you feel like he’s sharing stories over beer at the local pub … If you’re not a racing fan, you probably know one. Racing Green would be an excellent way to get them interested in the science behind the cars. But I also highly recommend Chapman’s book to scientists as a case study in how story can be just as powerful a force for change as fact. -- Diandra Leslie-Pelecky * Physics World *Chapman’s clear passion for all things motorsport seeps heavily through the narrative of this book, and he engagingly walks us through the history of motorsport, and the extraordinary engineering that goes into all the materials and parts. * Engineering & Technology *Motorsport science isn’t a thrilling topic for most people, but it’s presented so well here and the writing is so compelling that it’s undeniably interesting. * Auto Express *Table of ContentsIntroduction PART I: THE FASTEST R&D LAB ON EARTH Chapter One: Fire and ICE Chapter Two: Speeding Bullets Chapter Three: Together in Electric Dreams Chapter Four: Applying the Brakes Chapter Five: The Last Airbenders Chapter Six: Going with the Flow Chapter Seven: Virtually There PART II: RACING FOR LIFE Chapter Eight: The Full Might of What We Can Do Chapter Nine: Matters of Life and Death Chapter Ten: Twenty-Seven Seconds Chapter Eleven: Rise of the Robots PART III: THE MATERIAL WORLD Chapter Twelve: Flax, Fibres and Floating Frogs Chapter Thirteen: All That’s Fit to Print Chapter Fourteen: Fuelling the Future Chapter Fifteen: The Terrible History of Tyres Chapter Sixteen: Going to Extremes Appendix: Martin, Mosler & Me Acknowledgments Index

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Book Synopsis Astronomy: A Complete Introduction will ensure you recognize what you are seeing in the night sky. You will investigate the sun, moon, planets comets and stars and learn how to observe them. This comprehensive guide, complete with star charts, will map out the skies and allow you to impress your friends with your knowledge of the sky at night.Astronomy: A Complete Introduction includes:Chapter 1: Introducing AstronomyChapter 2: The spinning skyChapter 3: Sky-watchersChapter 4: The astronomer''s telescopeChapter 5: Into spaceChapter 6: The SunChapter 7: The MoonChapter 8: The Sun''s familyChapter 9: The inner planetsChapter 10: The outer planetsChapter 11: Minor members of the Solar SystemChapter 12: The starsChapter 13: Pattern of starsChapter 14: Double and variable starsChapter 15: The life and times of a starChapter 16: The Star-clusters and nebulaeChapter 17: The depths of the univers

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Book SynopsisHow has the climate changed in the past? How is it changing now? How do we know?And what kind of a future do we want to create?Trade Review2071 is better than good: it is necessary * Guardian *An engrossing overview of the most urgent issue of the century * The Times *Pretty essential if you want a sensible overview on what is happening to our planet * Time Out *Urgent and accessible. It's also hard to argue with, and scary. Essential reading ahead of December's key UN Climate Change conference * Evening Standard *

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Book Synopsis''If we hope to meet the moral test of our times, then I think we''re going to have to talk more about the empathy deficit. The ability to put ourselves in somebody else''s shoes, to see the world through somebody else''s eyes . . .'' Barack ObamaEmpathy is the power of understanding others, imaginatively entering into their feelings. It is a fundamental human attribute, without which mutually co-operative societies cannot function. In a revolutionary development, we now know who has it, who lacks it and why. Via the MRI scanner we are mapping the human brain. This is a new frontier that reveals a host of beneficial ideas for childcare, teens challenged by the internet, the justice system, decent healthcare, tackling racism and resolving conflicts. In this wide-ranging and accessible book full of entertaining stories that are underlined by the latest scientific research, Peter Bazalgette also mounts a passionate defence of arts and popular culture as a means of bridgTrade ReviewThe Empathy Instinct should be required reading * Irish Examiner *Sir Peter argues that politicians and the public must also be made to see that there are certain human aptitudes that can best be nurtured by an engagement with the arts and humanities * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom the phenomenal New Scientist series, with over 2,500,000 copies soldThe second compilation of readers'' answers to the questions in the ''Last Word'' column of New Scientist, the world''s best-selling science weekly. Following the phenomenal success of Does Anything Eat Wasps? - the Christmas 2005 surprise bestseller - Why Don''t Penguins'' Feet Freeze? includes answers to the most fascinating, trivial, idiosyncratic, baffling and strange questions in popular science. Ever wondered why we have fingerprints? Or whether bumblebees really defy the laws of physics when they fly? And why are eggs egg-shaped? And dogs'' noses black? Why do our eyes water when we cut onions? Why doesn''t superglue stick to the inside of its tube?Why Don''t Penguins'' Feet Freeze? is popular science at its most entertaining and enlightening.

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Basic Mathematics teaches you all the maths you need for everyday situations. If you are terrified by maths, this is the book for you.Do you shy away from using numbers? Basic Mathematics can help. An easy-to-follow guide, it will ensure you gain the confidence you need to tackle maths and overcome your fears. It offers simple explanations of all the key areas, including decimals, percentages, measurements and graphs, and applies them to everyday situations, games and puzzles to help you understand mathematics quickly and enjoyably.Everything you need is here in this one book. Each chapter includes clear explanations, worked examples and test questions. At the end of the book there are challenges and games to give you new and interesting ways to practise your new skills.

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Book SynopsisAn explosive popular science book that brings to life the overwhelming evidence contradicting the perception we have of ourselves as independent beingsTrade ReviewConsciousness is one of the greatest of scientific mysteries . . . Fascinating * MAIL ON SUNDAY *The idea of the self as a relatively closed system is a delusion that has often conferred advantage, but is now a dangerous trap. Moving through difficult science with valuable clarity, Oliver tells us why . . . [a] timely, challenging book * GUARDIAN *Ambitious . . . it has several important messages, many of which need to be more widely understood . . . a thought-provoking and worthwhile read * THE TIMES *This book is absolutely fantastic -- Russell BrandHumans are less discrete entities than mash-ups of microbiota and shifting beliefs, declares ecologist Tom Oliver in this rich, intriguing book. We are, he shows, so interfused with the environment that all life might be seen as a web of genes, and all minds a web of memes. Oliver reframes the self as a fleeting union of molecules, a target for manipulation by parasites, a cooperative co-creator who is also destroying the biosphere. But by recognizing our connectedness, he argues, we enable needed societal and environmental change -- Barbara Kiser * NATURE *THE SELF DELUSION is a book of wonders. It articulately explores the infinite web of connection that humans have with one another, as well as with those that lived before them and those yet to be born. But Oliver also takes us beyond the body to tease out our many connections with the world around us and far, far beyond it. How can we really be individuals when trillions of atoms from the farthest reaches of the galaxy can be found in our bodies? A timely, fascinating and quite brilliant bookAs a recovering individualist, I need to be reminded of the dangers of the self delusion and the benefits of dispelling it, and this book is a fascinating and compelling presentation of the scientific evidenceAs Tom Oliver takes us through this enlightening tour of our interconnectedness, from microscopic interactions to our collective cultural mind, he mercilessly dissects the very notion that our cherished individuality exists at all. Entertaining and thought-provoking, this book offers an urgently needed revaluation of our place in the world and what the next steps in our evolution might beUntil you've read Tom Oliver's delightful THE SELF DELUSION you'll never have guessed that, from the ground up, you and your self-identity are constructions, built like an Arcimboldo painting, but of cells from many sources, neurons, ideas and finally connections to others. Read this book for a compelling way of thinking about how and why the 'you' that you see when you look inside yourself arises, and its place in the universeTom Oliver tells a compelling story, firmly rooted in biological evidence, that will make you think differently about yourself and your relationship with the world around youA vision of a connected society - one that is conscious of its dependency on nature - is a glistening beacon in a gloomy ecological present. In an era that will be defined by its planetary action, Oliver's argument is timely and thorough * GEOGRAPHICAL *Interweaving the natural sciences with case studies from neuroscience and psychology, The Self Delusion assembles a compelling thesis.... It's easy to see why he has won awards for communicating science to a general audience * SUNDAY BUSINESS POST, IRELAND *If there was ever a book that connected us to current world it's this one. From how our bodies are made, the life of bacteria and its transmission between us, to how we create identity and what that means, and our connection and relationship to the natural world. Tom Oliver takes us on a revealing and important journey -- Alan Moore, author of DO DESIGNHeraclitus famously said that no man can step in the same river twice. Oliver has the science to back up the philosophy -- Christopher Bray * THE TABLET *

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Book SynopsisWhether you’re a student or an adult looking to refresh your knowledge, Barron’s Painless Biology provides review and practice in an easy, step-by-step format.An essential resource for: Virtual Learning Homeschool Learning pods Supplementing classes/in-person learning Inside you’ll find: Comprehensive coverage of biology, including, nature of science, cell anatomy, biochemistry, animals and plants, genetics, and much more Diagrams, charts, and instructive science illustrations Painless tips, common pitfalls, and informative sidebars Brain Tickler quizzes and answers throughout each chapter to test your progress

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Book SynopsisScience and politics have collaborated throughout human history, and science is repeatedly invoked today in political debates, from pandemic management to climate change. But the relationship between the two is muddled and muddied. Leading policy analyst Geoff Mulgan here calls attention to the growing frictions caused by the expanding authority of science, which sometimes helps politics but often challenges it. He dissects the complex history of states’ use of science for conquest, glory and economic growth and shows the challenges of governing risk – from nuclear weapons to genetic modification, artificial intelligence to synthetic biology. He shows why the governance of science has become one of the biggest challenges of the twenty-first century, ever more prominent in daily politics and policy. Whereas science is ordered around what we know and what is, politics engages what we feel and what matters. How can we reconcile the two, so that crucial decisions are both well informed and legitimate? The book proposes new ways to organize democracy and government, both within nations and at a global scale, to better shape science and technology so that we can reap more of the benefits and fewer of the harms.Trade Review“In this groundbreaking book, Geoff Mulgan masterfully dissects the complex dance between science, technology, and power, exposing perilous gaps in oversight. With practical idealism, Mulgan lights a path toward aligning humanity’s scientific powers with our common hopes through politicizing science and scientizing politics. Essential reading for all who care about steering technology for the greater good, When Science Meets Power brims with radical insights to fuse the strengths of science and democracy.”Azeem Azhar, author of The Exponential Age“With his acute practitioner’s lens, Geoff Mulgan has written a timely, provocative yet constructive exploration of the nexus between modern science and the institutions of power and democracy. He highlights the need for a new mindset and new institutions if science is to effectively impact on local and global challenges. An important read for all those interested in how the relationships between politicians, bureaucracies and science need to evolve.”Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council, and former President of the International Network of Government Science Advice“A great contribution to the science policy debate! Science Meets Power describes many of my daily experiences, offering stories and examples to back its rigorous and surprising analyses. Mulgan makes a plea for an intelligence about intelligence, proposing ‘knowledge commons’ in which the logic of the scientist, the logic of the politician and the logic of the bureaucrat can interact in constructive ways. A must read for anyone involved in policy-making for science or in science for policy-making. And a good read too…”Caroline Nevejan, Chief Science Officer, City of Amsterdam“I have always said that technology alone can’t solve our political problems. Geoff Mulgan shows us how we got to a point where science and politics seem increasingly at odds – and how we can come to a healthier understanding of the role of science to inform policy.”Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Chair of GoogleTable of ContentsIntroduction: The science–politics paradox PART I. How Science Meets PowerChapter 1: Uneasy interdependenceChapter 2: What is science and how does it connect to power? PART II. How States Have Used ScienceChapter 3: The ages of techne and epistemeChapter 4: Science bites backChapter 5: The scientist’s view of politics as corruptor PART III. The Problem of Truths and LogicsChapter 6: Master, servant and multiple truthsChapter 7: Clashing logics PART IV. The Problem of Institutions: Solving the Science–Politics ParadoxChapter 8: Split sovereignty, or the role of knowledge in corroding the supremacy of politicsChapter 9: Democracy meets scienceChapter 10: The flawed reasoning of democracy and its remedies PART V. The Problem of Scales: Borderless Science in a World of BordersChapter 11: The clash between global and national interestChapter 12: Governing global science and technology PART VI. The Problems of Meaning: Synthesis, Wisdom and JudgementChapter 13: Science, synthesis and metacognitionChapter 14: The dialectics of what is and what matters

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Book SynopsisTake a trip beyond this Earth to explore the myths of The Mandalorian and uncover the anatomy of the newest space western in the Star Wars Universe.Star Wars dominates the film world. The combined box office revenue of the Star Wars movies equates to over $10 billion, making it the second highest-grossing film franchise of all time. But this franchise is no blaster from the past. Its fantastically successful films have now been followed by multiple television series set in that same galaxy far, far away. The franchise’s flagship television series, and likely the firmest fan favorite for some time to come, is The Mandalorian. Tracing the tale of the titular bounty hunter, traveling across the furthest reaches of that mythic galaxy, The Mandalorian has been greatly praised and highly acclaimed for creating characters with gravitas and originality, worlds with depth and impact, resulting in some of the best Star Wars content ever. Even though it’s set in deep space, The Mandalorian has as much in common with Western movies as it does with science fiction. Saloons. Bandits. “Gun” duels. Bounty hunters. Outlaws with a price on their heads. Space exploration as a “final frontier.” And a wild hero who doesn’t quite belong in a lawless part of the Galaxy after the fall of the Empire.The Science of The Mandalorian takes you on a badass journey with a mysterious, lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, where your beskar armor will protect you from many things, but not the sight of a small, green, carnivorous humanoid with big black eyes and mysterious powers. This is the way.

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Book SynopsisJust what is it like living on board the International Space Station? Well, now you can find out in this fascinating book ... illustrations have a really key role ... they are technically accurate and provide true representations of the mechanics, modules and equipment on board the ISS. (Parents In Touch) What is the space station and how did it get into space? How do astronauts get there and what do they do once they're there? How do astronauts eat, sleep, or even breathe, in space? What effect does living in space have on the human body, from making you taller to losing your muscles because of zero gravity. If everything floats, then how can you go to the toilet and where does your wee and poo go? Uncover all of the answers and more in this beautifully illustrated and fun book for children. Find out what it takes to become an astronaut and about the essential science experiments that are being carried out there. Written to inspire a new generation of astronauts, Clive's detailed and fact-filled text will make you think you've visited the space station yourself. Fully illustrated by self-confessed space geek illustrator, Dan Schlitzkus, the illustrations are technically accurate and provide true representations of the mechanics, modules and equipment on board the ISS.Trade ReviewAn excellent information source for project work as well as being a good browsable reading book. * The School Librarian *Just what is it like living on board the International Space Station? Well, now you can find out in this fascinating book ... illustrations have a really key role in this book - they are technically accurate and provide true representations of the mechanics, modules and equipment on board the ISS. * Parents In Touch *Table of Contents 1: What is a space station?; 2: Space's Biggest Building Site; 3: Piece by Piece; 4: So You Want to be an Astronaut; 5: Blast Off!; 6: Life in Space; 7: A Day in the Life; 8: Science in Space; 9: What's For Dinner?; 10: At Your Leisure; 11: Going Outside; 12: Coming Home; 13: Glossary and resources; 14: Index;

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Book Synopsis'A stunner ... If you haven't got this book in your house, I don't know why' Chris Evans 'A startling wake-up call . . . Writing with the vim of a Bill Bryson and the technical knowledge of a scientist, Steele gives us a chance to grasp what's at stake' Independent 'An exhilarating journey . . . Steele is a superb guide' Telegraph 'A fascinating read with almost every page bursting with extraordinary facts . . . Read it now' Mail on Sunday Ageless is a guide to the biggest issue we all face. Ageing – not cancer, not heart disease – is the world's leading cause of death and suffering. What would the world be like if we could cure it? Living disease-free until the age of 100 is achievable within our lifetimes. In prose that is lucid and full of fascinating facts, Ageless introduces us to the cutting-edge research that is paving the way for this revolution. Computational biologist Andrew Steele explains what occurs biologically as we age, as well as practical ways we can slow down the process. He reveals how understanding the scientific implications of ageing could lead to the greatest discovery in the history of civilisation – one that has the potential to improve billions of lives, save trillions of dollars, and transform the human condition.Trade ReviewA tour de force of anti-ageing science * The Times *Steele is a superb guide to the wilder fringes of real medicine . . . He understands that ageing is an experience to be lived meaningfully and fully, as well as a fascinating medical problem to be solved. His vision is very tightly controlled . . . I heartily recommend Ageless. It’s modest in scope, and generous in detail. It’s an honest and optimistic contribution * Telegraph *Ambitious and energetic . . . Give[s] a startling round-up of the biological factors that make us age and the emerging techniques to tackle them . . . Writing with the vim of a Bill Bryson and the technical knowledge of a scientist, Steele gives us a chance to grasp what’s at stake in this dazzling, daunting age where big data meets human biology * Independent *Ageless employs a scientific vocabulary – autophagy, amyloids, adducts and countless other specialised terms abound. But the book is nevertheless accessible, its style chatty and engaging . . . This is an enthralling book . . . Ageless is a rich and exciting exploration of that surprisingly intriguing topic we’d rather not talk about: old age * Irish Times *A fascinating read with almost every page bursting with extraordinary facts . . . Steele is not a crank or a snake-oil salesman. He’s not a ‘wellness’ YouTuber. He doesn’t work for Goop. He’s a biologist . . . We can take what he says seriously * Mail on Sunday *There are some incredible revelations in this book. The science is fascinating . . . What Steele says is both revolutionary and important – life-changing in the true sense of the word. His thinking is bold, visionary, utopian * The Herald *A fascinating book delivering an education into the ageing process and an insight into the possibilities of the future -- Tim LovejoyAn immensely important book. Steele surveys the biology of human ageing, as well as the cutting-edge research on how to prevent it. The first person to achieve immortality may already have been born. Is it you?! -- Professor Lewis Dartnell, author of 'Origins'This is an essential book for anyone interested in the fast-developing science of longevity -- Jim Mellon, Chairman of JuvenescenceAgeless is a fascinating, stimulating and pleasingly practical guide to the science of ageing and how we might be able to bend the arrow of biological time to improve our health -- Kat Arney, author of 'Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution and the Science of Life'Few issues can be more important for our future than ensuring we age as well as possible. Ageless explains the extraordinary achievements and promise of current scientific research around longevity. Read it and prepare to think differently about your future -- Andrew Scott, Professor of Economics, London Business School and co-author of 'The 100-Year Life'In his book Ageless, Andrew Steele describes how the field of ageing biology moved from hope to promise. This is a masterful roadmap for interested lay people, scientists at large and also geroscientists like myself – I was surprised how much I learned -- Nir Barzilai, founding director of the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva UniversityA fascinating look at how scientists are working to help doctors treat not just one disease at a time, but the ageing process itself, helping us all to lead longer, healthier lives -- Sanjay Gupta, Associate Chief of the Neurosurgery Service at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the Emory University School of Medicine and Chief Medical Correspondent for CNNA rigorous yet enjoyably readable, spellbinding tale -- George Church, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School

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Book SynopsisWhat’s the best book ever written? What would happen if we all stopped eating meat? What's the secret to living past 110? And what actually is the best thing since sliced bread? In An Answer For Everything, 200 of the world’s most intriguing questions are settled once and for all through beautiful and brilliant infographics. The results will leave you shocked, informed and thoroughly entertained. Created by the team behind the award-winning Delayed Gratification magazine, these compelling, darkly funny data visualisations will change the way you think about ... everythingTrade ReviewFresh, fascinating, and fun – a visual and verbal treat * Ian Hislop *A chunky, colourful book packed with fascinating facts and figures in infographic form * Daily Mirror, Books of the Year *Data just got a lot more fun * It's Nice That *Achieves the ultimate factual book goal; makes you cleverer, with minimal effort on your part. You’ll learn from it but somehow it makes that pleasurable * Rachel Parris, The Mash Report *A fabulous compendium of a thousand new things you didn’t know you didn’t know. And it looks very nice too * Andrew Hunter Murray, No Such Thing as a Fish, QI *Delayed Gratification is one of my favourite magazines, and one of the best things about it is the infographics. They've now published a book of them and it's glorious! * Alex Bellos *

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Book SynopsisWe don't know what we've got until it's gone...This brief, lucid book by the Director of Science at Royal Botanical Gardens takes you on an unforgettable tour of the natural world, showing how biodiversity - the rich variety of life in the world and in our own backyards - provides both the source and the salvation of our existence. Combining inspiration stories and the latest scientific research, Alex Antonelli reveals the wonders of biodiversity at a genetic, species and ecosystem level - what it is, how it works, and why it's the most important tool in our battle against climate change.A deeper understanding of biodiversity has never been more important, as the slow violence of habitat loss has put the fate of almost one-fifth of all species on Earth at risk of extinction in the coming decades. These building blocks of life form a network that underpins almost every aspect of our lives, providing invaluable sources of food, medicine, fibre, clothing, building material and more. With simplicity and clarity, The Hidden Universe shows you not only what's at stake, but what can be done (and is already being done) to protect and restore biodiversity around the world. It marks the arrival of a bold new voice in popular science.Trade Review'Engaging and urgent' * Nature *'The Hidden Universe is a smooth read ... biological facts are leavened by personal stories Antonelli tells of his "adventures" as a botanist traveling the world in search of plants.' * NewCity Lit *'For anyone who still needs winning around to our planet's beauty - and wants to know how we can save it - this is the book they should read.' * The Guardian *

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Book Synopsis'Amazing. It would be my desert island choice' Martin Rees'Fascinating, beautiful, alarming and revelatory use of mapping and infographics' Stephen Fry on EarthTime maps'An indispensable read' Arianna Huffington From the global impact of the Coronavirus to exploring the vast spread of the Australian bushfires, join authors Ian Goldin and Robert Muggah as they trace the ways in which our world has changed and the ways in which it will continue to change over the next hundred years. Map-making is an ancient impulse. From the moment homo sapiens learnt to communicate we have used them to make sense of our surroundings. But as Albert Einstein once said, 'you can't use old maps to explore a new world.' And now, when the world is changing faster than ever before, our old maps are no longer fit for purpose.Welcome to Terra Incognita. Based on decades of research, and combining mesmerising, state-of-the-art satellite maps with enlightening and passionately argued analysis, Ian and Robert chart humanity's impact on the planet, and the ways in which we can make a real impact to save it, and to thrive as a species.Learn about: fires in the arctic; the impact of sea level rise on cities around the world; the truth about immigration - and why fears in the West are a myth; the counter-intuitive future of population rise; the miracles of health and education that are waiting around the corner, and the reality about inequality, and how we end it. The book traces the paths of peoples, cities, wars, climates and technologies, all on a global scale. Full of facts that will confound you, inform you, and ultimately empower you, Terra Incognita guides readers to a new place of understanding, rather than to a physical location.Trade ReviewAmidst an abundance of global crisis and unrest, it's easy to feel as if there's no prescription for the future. But Terra Incognita provides us with just that, through stunning maps and visual aides that illuminate the most pressing issues of our time. -- Chris Anderson, New York Times Bestselling author of Ted Talks and Head and Curator of TedA completely brilliant guide to global survival * Jon Snow *Terra Incognita take us on an exhilarating journey of the mega-trends that are remaking our world. Using powerful maps and graphics, it provides much-needed guideposts to the incredible shifts and challenges going on all around us. Ian Goldin and Robert Muggah provide a necessary antidote to the paralyzing uncertainty and pessimistic fatalism that threatens to overwhelm us all. This book offers a bold new perspective not just on the challenges we face, but how, armed with the right data and information, we can go about fixing them -- Richard Florida, University of Toronto Professor and author of The Rise of the Creative ClassAmazing . . . it would be my desert island choice! This extraordinary book - with 100 fascinating maps, embedded in a richly informative text - offers a comprehensive perspective on global trends. It is amazing how much analysis the distinguished authors have distilled into a single volume. The book is especially welcome at a time when COVID-19 is disrupting our interconnected planet. It would be hard to imagine a better text to guide and enlighten us as we aim to 'remake' a better world. It deserves a very wide readership. -- Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and author of On the FutureTerra Incognita draws readers into multiple worlds and provides the tools to navigate between them. Goldin and Muggah use powerfully-engaging maps to help understand and confront our biggest challenges - from climate change to inequality. By inviting readers to traverse a vast range of disciplines and ideas, their volume helps each of us better appreciate how our problems are interconnected. This is a must read for everyone striving to make a better world. -- Saskia Sassen, Lynd Professor of Sociology at Columbia University, author of Expulsions and The Global CityEvery young person must read this book. Full of mesmerizing maps and powerful story-telling, Terra Incognita is an indispensable guide to change our futures for the better. -- Marvin Rees, Mayor of BristolFascinating, beautiful, alarming and revelatory use of mapping and infographicsA riveting account of humanity´s most pressing challenges and innovative solutions, fusing mesmerizing maps and compelling analysis to help navigate our complex future.An indispensable read. Ian Goldin and Robert Muggah´s hypnotic maps surprise and amaze. This book offers a future-looking guide to navigate our uncertain times. Offering an unflinching account of our challenges and ways to fix them, it willleave you optimistic about the future.A stunning account of our fast-changing world. Earth Time is a wake-up call and blueprint for future change. Ian Goldin and Robert Muggah´s extraordinary maps offer an entirely new perspective on some of our most urgent environmental and geopolitical conundrums.The mapmakers of old wrote "Here Be Dragons" to designated unknown and uncharted areas. Terra Incognita simultaneously shows us how much of our world we can see and map and how many dark places still remain to be explored. Most important, it is a vital tool for teaching students, researchers, and analysts how to change our mental models -- our imagined maps -- of the worlds we think we inhabit. Our future depends on it. -- Anne-Marie SlaughterTerra Incognita is a terrific achievement. It utilises maps as a graphic foil to a wide-ranging and deeply informed argument about our current international challenges and the possibilities for future collective action. The result is both compelling and subtle. Situating the argument within the current pandemic is very powerful and timely. Essential reading-and viewing-for anyone engaged in the global state we are in. -- Jerry Brotton, author of A History of the World in 12 MapsIt not only charts the mesmerising development of geographical maps, [...] but also contains maps that reveal insights into global cultural developments, including the incredible rise of McDonald's and Netflix. * Mail Online *

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Book SynopsisYou've got questions: about space, time, gravity, and the odds of meeting your older self inside a wormhole. All the answers you need are right here.As a species, we may not agree on much, but one thing brings us all together: a need to know. We all wonder, and deep down we all have the same big questions. Why can't I travel back in time? Where did the universe come from? What's inside a black hole? Can I rearrange the particles in my cat and turn it into a dog?Physics professor Daniel Whiteson and researcher-turned-cartoonist Jorge Cham are experts at explaining science in ways we can all understand, in their books and on their popular podcast, Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe. With their signature blend of humour and oh-now-I-get-it clarity, Jorge and Daniel offer short, accessible, and lighthearted answers to some of the most common, most outrageous, and most profound questions about the universe they've been asked.This witty, entertaining, and fully illustrated book is an essential troubleshooting guide for the perplexing aspects of reality, big and small, from the invisible particles that make up your body to the identical version of you currently reading this exact sentence in the corner of some other galaxy. If the universe came with an FAQ, this would be it.Trade ReviewDelightful, funny, and yet rigorous and intelligent: only Jorge and Daniel can reach this exquisite balance -- CARLO ROVELLI, author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and HelgolandEasy-to-understand explanations of complex scientific theories and concepts. . . . This quirky, easily digestible book makes for a fun read * Library Journal *Cham and Whiteson use nontechnical language and humor to discuss the most up-to-date theories about the cosmos and humans' place in it. Illustrated with Cham's science-themed cartoons, the book is both educational and entertaining * Physics Today *Amusing intro to the mysteries of the cosmos. . .The authors' answers always feel fresh, and Cham's fun cartoons are a treat. Entertaining and satisfying, this is sure to please * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *The authors' work fits neatly into the recently burgeoning market of breezy pop-science books full of jokes, asides, and cartoons that serve as introductions to concepts that require much further study to fully understand. A solid foundational education in a handful of lively scientific topics * Kirkus *These are some of the biggest questions humanity has ever asked and the authors tackle them with wit, humor, expertise, and humility . . . an excellent, easy-to-understand resource for curious people who want to start learning about cosmology * Booklist *A treat of a read * The Sun *

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Book SynopsisCAN YOU BOOST YOUR IQ? WHAT IF YOU COULDN'T FORGET ANYTHING? WHAT HAPPENS IN YOUR BRAIN WHEN YOU GET AN IDEA? COULD YOU BE A PSYCHOPATH? . . . NEW SCIENTIST HAS ALL THE ANSWERSFrom the strange ways to distort what we think of as 'reality' to the brain hacks that can improve memory, The Brain takes you on a journey through intelligence, memory, creativity, the unconscious and beyond to help you understand your brain - and show you what it's truly capable of.

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Book SynopsisDROPOUT. PACIFIST. PHYSICIST. CASANOVA. REFUGEE. REBEL. GENIUS.THINK YOU KNOW EINSTEIN? THINK AGAINHis face is instantly recognisable. His name is shorthand for genius. Today, he's a figurehead as much as a man, symbolic of things larger than himself: of scientific progress, of the human mind, even of the age. But who was Einstein really?The Nobel Prize-winning physicist who discovered relativity, black holes and E = mc2, dined with Charlie Chaplin in Hollywood and was the inspiration for (highly radioactive) element 99, Albert Einstein was also a high school dropout with an FBI file 1,400 pages long.In this book, Samuel Graydon brings history's most famous scientist back to life. From his lost daughter to escaping the Nazis, from his love letters to unlikely inventions, from telling jokes to cheer up his sad parrot Bibo to refusing the Presidency of Israel, through the discoveries and thought experiments that changed science, Einstein in Time and Space tells 99 unforgettable stories of the man who redefined how we view our universe and our place within it.Trade ReviewIlluminating * Nature *A mosaic biography of an exceptional scientist . . . [pieced together] with illuminating skill, style, candour and charm * TLS *For all the thousands of biographies previously written of him, I think Graydon has done a fine and often fascinating job here, and anyone with an interest in science and scientists will absolutely lap this up * Mail on Sunday *A masterful biography and a hugely entertaining read * i Paper *An intriguing, mosaic-like portrait of the great physicist * Literary Review *A great biography. Einstein is not treated as an unknowable genius, but as a flawed individual with interesting stories . . . an incredibly enjoyable read * Sky At Night *A fresh take . . . compelling and beautifully written. Enhances our understanding of both a great scientist and an exemplary humanist * Wall Street Journal *An immensely readable work about the man himself, collected into 99 short, mostly two-page, chapters, exploring his scientific ideas, quoting his letters, and telling many revealing anecdotes. * Church Times *Gems about this icon of modern physics continue to be written because he is such a rich subject, with more original sources referring to him becoming public every year. Still, it does take a new angle on Einstein to get publishers and reviewers excited. Samuel Graydon has achieved just that. * Physics World *A mosaic biography of an exceptional scientist . . . [pieced together] with illuminating skill, style, candour and charm -- Andrew Robinson, author of EINSTEIN: A HUNDRED YEARS OF RELATIVITY * TLS *For all the thousands of biographies previously written of him, I think Graydon has done a fine and often fascinating job here, and anyone with an interest in science and scientists will absolutely lap this up. * Mail on Sunday *

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Book Synopsis'Real science can be far stranger than science fiction, and much more satisfying'Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?Is there other intelligent life in the universe?Throughout his extraordinary career, Stephen Hawking expanded our understanding of the universe and unravelled some of its greatest mysteries. Will Artificial Intelligence Outsmart Us? considers the threat of artificial super-intelligence - as well as the likelihood of intelligent life beyond our planet.'Modest, profound and sometimes very funny' Sunday TimesBrief Answers, Big Questions: this stunning paperback series offers electrifying essays from one of the greatest minds of our age, taken from the original text of the No. 1 bestselling Brief Answers to the Big Questions.

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Book SynopsisWhat happens when you really get under the skin of the world around you? Everything that surrounds us - and we ourselves - are made of molecules, constructed from a limited set of elements that can combine to form an almost limitless kaleidoscope of possibilities.Dr Kathryn Harkup reveals the inner lives of the invisible molecules that make up our world, ranging from the fundamental to the frivolous; via the psychedelic effects of caffeine to the deadly march of CO2 emissions. This is a book about the stories of discovery, the quirks of science and of human history that have enhanced our appreciation and understanding of the world.

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Book SynopsisSince the beginning of humanity's existence, plants have provided us with everything we need for our survival - they sustain us with air to breathe, food to eat, materials to make clothes and shelter with, and medicine to treat and prevent disease. Their beauty can also enhance our mood and provide spiritual and emotional nourishment.Western science has 'discovered' and named innumerable plant species over the course of its colonial history. To many Indigenous peoples, however, plants have been recognised for centuries as sentient beings, imbued with spirit and agency to help humanity. Publishing in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, The Ethnobotanical offers a unique and beautiful perspective on plants and their roles in the lives of peoples from across the planet.

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Book SynopsisIncreasing evidence suggests that hidden, low-level inflammation may be the number one cause of modern disease. Shilpa Ravella, an expert in nutrition and the gut, explains why our immune systems are turning against us and what we might do about it.'Controlling inflammation is the key to good health and this beautifully written and researched book is the best way to understand it' TIM SPECTOR, #1 bestselling author of Food for Life'A beautiful and authoritative dive into one of the most important scientific frontiers of our time' DANIEL M. DAVIS, Professor of Immunology and author of The Beautiful Cure___Inflammation is the body's response to injury and foreign microbes. But as our environments and diets have changed, low-level inflammation, simmering quietly and undetected, has been identified behind everything from heart disease and cancer to mysterious autoimmune conditions.Shilpa Ravella is a doctor at the forefront of this field, specialising in gut transplants, nutrition and the microbiome. In A Silent Fire she interweaves the latest research with unusual case studies from her own practice and the history of immunology to explain what we know about this elusive phenomenon. She debunks common myths about 'anti-inflammatory' lifestyles and explains the simple principles by which we can reform our relationship with food and our microbiomes to benefit our health.___'As gripping as a mystery story and as useful as a self-help book' BEE WILSON, author of First Bite'Compelling, thoughtful and rigorously researched' The TimesTrade ReviewAs gripping as a mystery story and as useful as a self-help book, A Silent Fire may change the way you eat as well as opening your eyes to the hidden connections between microbes and medicine, the food we eat and the air we breathe * Bee Wilson, author of First Bite and The Way We Eat Now *Controlling Inflammation is the key to good health and this beautifully written and researched book is the best way to understand itCompelling, thoughtful and rigorously researched ... Ravella fuses scientific history with something more in the line of a self-help guide ... if your new year's resolution involves a promise to take care of yourself, this book might just help it stick too * The Times *A beautiful and authoritative deep dive into one of the most important scientific frontiers of our time. Big new ideas in health and medicine are explained brilliantly, using case studies, history and cutting-edge research. Every page is fascinating * Daniel M. Davis, author of The Beautiful Cure and The Secret Body *A must read ... Shilpa Ravella, a gastroenterologist with a writer's gift for translating complex science into clean, beautiful prose, is the perfect person to tell this gripping taleRavella's fascinating exploration of the body food, and history will sweep you up ... A book that could not only reshape readers' understanding of their own systems and choices but possibly medicine itselfA spellbinding tale ... unveils how the two-edged sword of inflammation shapes the past, present, and future of our healthAn enlightening dive into the medical science at the root of the modern epidemic of chronic diseases and what it all means for healthy eatingAccessible and engaging, [winds] together a wonderful historical perspective with cutting-edge scienceA fascinating primer on the crucial role of inflammation in our bodies ... Ravella's writing style keeps even the most dense page engaging. She breathes life into biological functions ... [this] book is perfect for those looking to delve deeper into the history and intricate workings of immunology, diet and disease * New Scientist *[A] fascinating, case-oriented, story of inflammation, diet and disease * Nature *

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Book SynopsisWhen scientists peer through a telescope at the distant stars in outer space or use a particle-accelerator to analyze the smallest components of matter, they discover that the same laws of physics govern the whole universe at all times and all places. Physicists call the eternal, ubiquitous constancy of the laws of physics symmetry. Symmetry is the basic underlying principle that defines the laws of nature and hence controls the universe. This all-important insight is one of the great conceptual breakthroughs in modern physics and is the basis of contemporary efforts to discover a grand unified theory to explain all the laws of physics. Nobel Laureate Leon M. Lederman and physicist Christopher T. Hill explain the supremely elegant concept of symmetry and all its profound ramifications to life on Earth and the universe at large in this eloquent, accessible popular science book. They not only clearly describe concepts normally reserved only for physicists and mathematicians, but they also instill an appreciation for the profound beauty of the universe's inherent design. Central to the story of symmetry is an obscure, unpretentious, but extremely gifted German mathematician named Emmy Noether. Though still little known to the world, she impressed no less a scientist than Albert Einstein, who praised her "penetrating mathematical thinking." In some of her earliest work she proved that the law of the conservation of energy was connected to the idea of symmetry and thus laid the mathematical groundwork for what may be the most important concept of modern physics. Lederman and Hill reveal concepts about the universe, based on Noether's work, that are largely unknown to the public and have wide-reaching implications in connection with the Big Bang, Einstein's theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and many other areas of physics. Through ingenious analogies and illustrations, they bring these astounding notions to life. This book will open your eyes to a universe you never knew existed.Table of ContentsIntroduction: What is Symmetry?; Children of the Titans; Time & Energy; Emmy Noether; Symmetry, Space & Time; Noether's Theorem; Inertia; Relativity; Reflections; Broken Symmetry; Quantum Mechanics; The Hidden Symmetry of Light; Quarks & Leptons; An Epilogue for Educators; Notes; Index.

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Book SynopsisRereko is just your average high-school girl from Electopia, the land of electricity, but she's totally failed her final electricity exam! Now she has to go to summer school on Earth. And this time, she has to pass. Luckily, her ever-patient tutor Hikaru is there to help. Join them in the pages of The Manga Guide to Electricity as Rereko examines everyday electrical devices like flashlights, heaters, and circuit breakers, and learns the meaning of abstract concepts like voltage, potential, current, resistance, conductivity, and electrostatic force. The real-world examples that you'll find in The Manga Guide to Electricity will teach you: What electricity is, how it works, how it's created, and how it can be used The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance (Ohm's law) Key electrical concepts like inductance and capacitance How complicated components like transformers, semiconductors, diodes, and transistors work How electricity produces heat and the relationship betwTable of ContentsPrefacePrologue: From Electopia, The Land of ElectricityChapter 1: What is Electricity?Chapter 2: What are Electric Circuits?Chapter 3: How Does Electricity Work?Chapter 4: How Do You Create Electricity?Chapter 5: How Can You Conveniently Use Electricity?EpilogueIndex

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Book SynopsisStudent nurse Kumiko has just flunked her physiology exam and has one last shot at passing her makeup test. Lucky for her, newbie health science professor Kaisei needs a guinea pig for his physiology lectures. Join Kumiko in The Manga Guide to Physiology as she examines the inner workings of the body while training hard for the campus marathon. You ll learn all about: How the digestive system and the Citric Acid Cycle break food down into nutrients and energy How the body regulates temperature and vital fluids The body s powerful cell defense system, led by helper T cells and enforced by macrophages The architecture of the central nervous system The kidneys many talents: blood filtration, homeostasis, and energy production You ll also gain insight into medical procedures like electrocardiograms, blood pressure tests, spirograms, and more. Whether you re cramming for a test like Kumiko or just want a refresher, The Manga Guide to Physiology is your fun, cartoon guide to the humanTrade Review “A great supplemental text for science classes or anyone who wants to learn or review the subject.”—Booklist“The illustrated format [allows] for easy introduction of various diagrams and visual metaphors.”—Comics Worth Reading“Manga, the hugely popular Japanese genre of graphic novels, turns out to be surprisingly well suited to teaching human physiology . . . An entertaining supplement to standard physiology textbooks.”—American Scientist“These manga guides not only entertain, they teach and inform at the same time. Personally, I wish I had these in school.”—Parade“A wonderfully crafted, entertaining, and enriching learning experience. This manga is most useful and educational for the budding student of science at the high school or collegiate level.”—In-Training, Albany Medical College“An amazing marriage of description, explanation, everyday interactions and visual analysis...Highly recommended!”—Scientific Computing“Capturing the charm of its predecessors, this 240ish page book delivers not only delivers a decent storyline, but true to its title, serves as a great introductory guide to the various facets of the human body.”—The Otaku's Study"A thoroughly accessible and user-friendly guide to physiology . . . an excellent text for classroom use or self-study, and especially ideal for students with a keen interest in careers related to health care! Highly recommended especially for high school, college, and public library science collections."—Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsPrologueChapter 1: The Circulatory SystemChapter 2: The Respiratory SystemChapter 3: The Digestive SystemChapter 4: The Kidneys and the Renal SystemChapter 5: Body Fluids and BloodChapter 6: The Brain and the Nervous SystemChapter 7: The Sensory Nervous SystemChapter 8: The Musculo-Skeletal SystemChapter 9: Cells, Genes, and ReproductionChapter 10: The Endocrine SystemEpilogue

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Book SynopsisLike a lot of people, Miu has had trouble learning regression analysis. But with new motivation in the form of a handsome but shy customer and the help of her brilliant caf© coworker Risa, she s determined to master it. Follow along with Miu and Risa in The Manga Guide to Regression Analysis as they calculate the effect of temperature on iced tea orders, predict bakery revenues, and work out the probability of cake sales with simple, multiple, and logistic regression analysis. You ll get a refresher in basic concepts like matrix equations, inverse functions, logarithms, and differentiation before diving into the hard stuff. Learn how to: Calculate the regression equation Check the accuracy of your equation with the correlation coefficient Perform hypothesis tests and analysis of variance, and calculate confidence intervals Make predictions using odds ratios and prediction intervals Verify the validity of your analysis with diagnostic checks Perform chi-squared tests and F-testsTrade Review“Like Larry Gonick’s Cartoon Guide to Statistics, The Manga Guide to Regression Analysis similarly helps students grasp the meaning of R-squared, correlation coefficients, and null hypotheses—terms that have proved to be the bane of many students’ college careers.”—Foreword Reviews“It’s a great little book if you need to know regression, without doing a full-on mathematical course.”—Cosmos Magazine“The Manga Guide to Regression Analysis makes learning about complex math equations sound much less like a chore and more like a fun afternoon.”—GeekMom“The manga sections nail down all the big concepts in an easy-to-read way so that the reader is better prepared for the traditional sections that follow. Don't let the manga brand fool you; it's a legitimate way to learn the material.”—Otaku USA Magazine“Each chapter begins with an overview of the problem at hand, a very 'high-level' discussion of the proposed regression technique, a clear outline of the necessary steps involved, and then the complete regression procedure is worked out. . . . Students will benefit greatly from this.”—The Mathematical Association of America“The use of manga might lull you into thinking that it lacks depth, but autocorrelation, logistic regression, and even the Mahalanobis difference are covered so it goes well beneath the surface.”—Dr. Catey Bunce, Lead Statistician at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust“Another fantastic Manga Guide book. Everyone learns differently, and this method of using an example tied to characters in a logical (business) situation makes learning the basics of regression analysis fun and relatively easy.”—Sequential Tart“Reading this book might be a nice prelude to diving into a statistical programming environment like R, since topics like ANOVA, confidence intervals, residuals, R-squared, multicollinearity etc. will make a lot more sense. As an added bonus, the book covers binomial logistic regression which is another popular supervised learning method designed to predict probabilities whether or not something will happen.”—insideBIGDATA“Never have I seen such an adorable way to learn higher-level mathematical techniques...The characters are fun and lively. It’s encouraging to see someone so eager to learn more about variance analysis and confidence intervals.”—Comics Worth Reading"A detailed, in-depth educational tool ideal for classroom use or self-study! Highly recommended, especially for high school, college, and public library mathematics collections." —Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsPrologue: More Tea?Chapter 1: A Refreshing Glass of MathChapter 2: Regression AnalysisChapter 3: Multiple Linear Regression AnalysisChapter 4: Logistic Regression Analysis

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Book SynopsisPublished by Sinauer Associates, an imprint of Oxford University Press. Biogeography, first published in 1983, is one of the most comprehensive text and general reference books in the natural sciences. The fifth edition builds on the strengths of previous editions to provide an insightful and integrative explanation of how geographic variation across terrestrial and marine environments has influenced the fundamental processes of immigration, extinction, and evolution to shape species distributions and nearly all patterns of biological diversity. It is an empirically and conceptually rich text that illustrates general patterns and processes using examples from a broad diversity of life forms, time periods and aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Biogeography, Fifth Edition, is written as a primary text for undergraduate and graduate courses, and is also an invaluable reference for biogeographers, ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and conservation biologists. Its fundamental assertion is that patterns in biological diversity make little sense unless viewed within an explicit geographic context. Starting from principal patterns and fundamental principles, and assuming only a rudimentary knowledge of biology, geography, and Earth history, the text explains the relationships between geographic variation in biological diversity and the geological, ecological, and evolutionary processes that have produced them. The use of color illustrations, evaluated and optimized for colorblind readers, has transformed our abilities to illustrate key concepts and empirical patterns in the geography of nature. By providing a description of the historical development of biogeography, evolution and ecology, along with a comprehensive account of the principal patterns, fundamental principles and recent advances in each of these fields of science, our ultimate vision is for Biogeography to serve as the centerpiece of a one- or two-semester core course in biological diversity.Table of ContentsUNIT ONE. INTRODUCTION TO THE DISCIPLINE.- 1. The Science of Biogeography 2. The History and Reticulating Phylogeny of Biogeography UNIT TWO. THE GEOGRAPHIC AND ECOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF BIOGEOGRAPHY.- 3. The Geographic Template: Visualization and Analysis of Biogeographic Patterns 4. Distributions of Species: Ecological Foundations 5. The Distribution and Dynamics of Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems UNIT THREE. FUNDAMENTAL BIOGEOGRAPHIC PROCESSES AND EARTH HISTORY.- 6. Dispersal and Immigration 7. Speciation and Extinction 8. The Changing Earth 9. Glaciation and Biogeographic Dynamics of the Pleistocene UNIT FOUR. EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF LINEAGES AND BIOTAS.- 10. The Geography of Diversification and Regionalization 11. Reconstructing the Evolutionary History of Lineages 12. Reconstructing the History of Biotas UNIT FIVE. ECOLOGICAL BIOGEOGRAPHY.- 13. Island Biogeography 14. Areography, Ecogeography and Macroecology of Continental and Oceanic Biotas UNIT SIX. CONSERVATION AND THE FRONTIERS OF BIOGEOGRAPHY.- 15. Biogeography of Humanity, Biological Diversity and Conservation Biogeograph 16. From the Foundations to the Frontiers of Biogeography.

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Book SynopsisNearly two decades in the making, The Warped Side of Our Universe marks the historic collaboration of Nobel Laureate Kip Thorne and award-winning artist Lia Halloran. It brings to vivid life the wonders and wildness of our universe’s “Warped Side”—objects and phenomena made from warped space and time, from colliding black holes and collapsing wormholes to twisting space vortices and down-cascading time. Through poetic verse and otherworldly paintings, the authors explicate Thorne’s and colleagues’ astrophysical discoveries and speculations, with an epic narrative that asks: How did the universe begin? Can anything travel backwards in time? And what weird and marvellous phenomena inhabit the Warped Side? Featuring more than 100 paintings, including a soaring Stephen Hawking, this one-of-a-kind volume, with its multiple gatefolds, takes us on an Odyssean voyage into and through The Warped Side of Our Universe.Trade Review"A fascinating account of our universe's most bewildering phenomena written entirely in verse... Dimension-defying paintings decorate every page. The textual and visual narrative that emerges is something akin to an epic poem about the nature of spacetime.... The enigmatic concepts discussed in ‘The Warped Side of Our Universe’ are some of the most difficult for humans to understand, but Mr. Thorne’s verse and Ms. Halloran’s art bring these far-out concepts down to earth. Even what the eye can’t see can be beautiful." -- Angelina Torre - The Wall Street Journal"Evocative... an ambitious art-science artifact.. grounded in cutting-edge research" -- David Kaiser - Science Magazine"Physicist Kip Thorne and artist Lia Halloran find a novel approach to exploring these topics in startling detail. The collaboration between the two is just as fascinating as the book itself...Written in verse form, Thorne’s writing is perfectly complemented by Halloran’s vivid illustrations in explaining how that research has pierced a universe that is ‘varied and vast.’ The paintings portray a swirling universe of wonders, explaining a black hole’s characteristics with images of Halloran’s wife being bent by its warped spacetime." -- Andrew DeMillo - Associated Press

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Book SynopsisDiscover the Science of (not so) Imaginary Creatures “The sheer depth of material covered in its pages is amazing”….” ―Fortean Times Magazine #1 Bestseller in the Occult and Unexplained Mysteries This is a book about monsters. From an early age we are taught that monsters do not exist. The reality is that monsters walk the earth today. Explore the world through its most unlikely creatures. Cryptozoology, the study of hidden, monstrous, and legendary animals, is truly the art of discovering the unknown. Richard Freeman, Zoological Director of Centre for Fortean Zoology, has explored the corners of the five continents on the search for creatures that many people believe are non-existent. In this book, he shares the exciting stories of his investigations of the Yeti, Mongolian Deathworm, Loch Ness Monster, Orang-Pendak, Ninki-Naka, and more. The line between myth and reality may be more narrow than you think. Cryptozoologists throughout the years have studied unknown species of reptiles, lake and sea creatures, apes, and hominins. The science and history of this field of study includes examples of creatures that were once thought to be mythological, but that have since been proven to exist. Our monsters and ourselves. The history of fabulous beasts and our searches for them is a history of the cultures of the world and the secrets we keep. If you’re ready to begin your search for Sasquatch and learn to hunt monsters, Adventures in Cryptozoology is your guide. In these pages you’ll find: Tales of mythical, extinct, and out-of-place creatures Hints about Bigfoot and other ape-men Tips for equipping your own cryptozoology adventure, including all the gear, field craft, and resources you’ll need to record your findings You’ve read Cryptozoology A to Z, Expedition Unknown, or Chasing American Monsters? Then you’ll want to read Adventures in Cryptozoology

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