Science & Nature Books

Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Best Book of the Year 2017 One day in November 1994, Lawrence Levy received a phone call out of the blue from Steve Jobs, whom he’d never met, offering him a job running Pixar, a little-known company that had already lost Jobs $50 million. With Pixar’s prospects looking bleak, it was with some trepidation that Levy accepted the position. After a few weeks he discovered that the situation was even worse than he’d imagined. Pixar’s advertising division just about broke even, its graphics software had few customers, its short films didn’t make any money and, on top of all that, Jobs was pushing to take the company public. Everything was riding on the studio’s first feature film, codenamed Toy Story, and even then it would have to be one of the most successful animated features of all time… Full of wisdom on bringing business and creativity together, and recounting the touching story of Levy’s enduring friendship with Jobs, To Pixar and Beyond is a fascinating insider’s account of one of Hollywood’s greatest success stories.Trade Review‘A fascinating tale of creative and business brilliance, and of a remarkable friendship.’ * Sunday Times *‘A highly readable and gripping story.’ * Mail on Sunday *'A charming, upbeat tale...much like one of the studios own animated features.' * Financial Times *'A magnifying glass held to the small print that is needed to make magic.' * The Sunday Times *'Levy’s memoir of his time heading the most dazzling entertainment studio of our times, has all the twists and turns of one of Pixar’s own films.' -- Francine Stock * Prospect *'This book, like Pixar's story, is truly remarkable.' * E&T Magazine *‘[An] enchanting memoir…Mr Levy has quite a story to tell.’ * New York Times *‘Those interested in how start-ups work or how film studios make money will love the book.’ * MoneyWeek *‘I love this book! I think it is brilliant. Of course I am biased, but even so, I think people will love this story – one they didn’t even know existed. And Lawrence has told it beautifully.’ -- Ed Catmull, co-founder and president of Pixar Animation, president of Disney Animation, bestselling author of Creativity Inc.‘A lovely and surprising discourse on topics business books rarely touch…eye-opening and inspiring… This delightful book is about finance, creative genius, workplace harmony, and luck… Life obviously is about more than business, but few books discuss both so well.’ * Fortune *‘What a delightful book about the creation of Pixar from the inside. I learned more about Mr. Jobs, Pixar and business in Silicon Valley than I have in quite some time. And like a good Pixar film, it’ll put a smile on your face.’ * Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times *‘A finely sketched insider’s account of the hard-fought success of a pathbreaking company. Lawrence Levy goes surprisingly and refreshingly deep on the business details behind Pixar’s creative achievements. He also shows an intimate side of Steve Jobs that will delight the mercurial businessman’s many admirers.’ -- Adam Lashinsky, assistant managing editor of Fortune Magazine and author of Inside Apple‘To Pixar and Beyond is part business book and part thriller – a tale that’s every bit as compelling as the ones Pixar tells in its blockbuster movies. It's also incredibly inspirational, a story about a team that took big risks and reaped the rewards. This is a must-read book for anyone who cares about corporate culture and wants to learn how to build a business, as well as everyone who loves Woody, Buzz, and all of the other beloved Pixar characters. I loved this book and could not put it down.’ -- Dan Lyons, bestselling author of Disrupted‘The gripping story of how through hard work, vision, and a devotion to excellence, tiny Pixar transformed itself into a Hollywood powerhouse. But it also something more: a wonderful buddy story – between Levy and Steve Jobs – and how their friendship and partnership transformed them both.’ -- William D. Cohan, bestselling author of House of Cards and Money and Power

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Book SynopsisIn the dawning age of brilliant machines, what will people do better than computers?It's easy to imagine a frightening future in which technology takes over the jobs that we now get paid to do, working more accurately and for barely any cost. Computers can already perform surgery, drive vehicles, write articles and do intricate legal work, so what hope will there be for tomorrow's workforce?Drawing on a wealth of research, Geoff Colvin uncovers the skills that will be in great demand as technology advances - and how they can be developed. In this new machine age, we shouldn't try to beat computers at what they can do. We'll lose that contest. Instead we must look to unlikely places, learn from the best, and cultivate the human abilities that make us unique.Trade ReviewIn Humans are Underrated, Geoff Colvin makes the case that there is no point trying to beat machines at their own game. What makes people special is their inbuilt propensity for social interaction. We work well in groups — communicating, collaborating and, yes, empathising. Our best hope lies in what makes us most different from the logic-processors…in the softer side of human nature. * Financial Times *An intriguing book. Humans need humanness, so that's what will retain market value. Not that the argument's solely economic. It also helps explain, for example, why face-to-face interaction is so critical for wellbeing. Computers can (and probably will) take over or transform every human job, except one: that of being human. -- Oliver Burkeman * Guardian *As machines inexorably become ever more competent at doing machinelike things, interpersonal skills, irreplaceable skills of human interaction, will come to be recognized as being even more valuable than they've always been. This is an extremely important, highly practical, and indeed exhilarating book. -- Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO, WPPBeautifully written and deeply researched, Humans Are Underrated is one of the most creative and insightful leadership books I have ever read. It is a triumph! -- Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize winning historian and author of Team of RivalsA powerful exposition of the strengths and limitations of technology in shaping our lives and addressing today's greatest challenges. More than ever, as Colvin demonstrates, we need people who embody the most human of qualities. An uplifting account of the enduring potential of humanity itself. -- Paul Polman, CEO, UnileverThrough a series of practical case studies and insights, Colvin clearly demonstrates that regardless of where the future takes us emotional intelligence will remain one of the most valuable human skills and the Human Element will remain a differentiator. -- Andrew N. Liveris, chairman and CEO, Dow Chemical CompanyGeoff Colvin's fresh take on how to respond to the rise of brilliant machines and the changing nature of work is as wise as it is inspiring. -- Dominic Barton, global managing director, McKinsey & CompanyA measured and comprehensive case for the edge that human beings will have over their titanium brethren in the future job market. Packed full of insightful research and case studies, Humans are Underrated makes a compelling case that people aren't surplus to requirements just yet. * Elite Business *A compelling insight into how the human brain can trump technology. * Engineering and Technology *Enlightening. The message here is ultimately a positive one for humanity. * Irish Times *Colvin gives all of us mortals hope. -- Luke Jonhson * Management Today *Captivating and convincing. I think this book will change the way people think about the future. Take time and read it. -- Alan Murray, editor at FortuneCorporate leaders often say, 'People come first'. True innovation is realized only when their actions match their words. -- Robert Greifeld, CEO, Nasdaq

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Book SynopsisThe definitive guide to the birds of Bhutan, Sikkim and Arunachal PradeshThe nation of Bhutan and the Indian states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh together form the eastern arm of the Himalayas. This book is the definitive field guide to the birds of this magical corner of Asia.This field guide covers all 809 species that regularly occur in the region, including most vagrants. There are 152 superb colour illustrations, with concise text on facing pages for quick and easy reference covering essential identification information such as voice, habits, habitats, distribution and status.The introduction further includes information on popular birding sites and conservation.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction National Organisations International Organisations References Glossary Family Summaries Species Accounts (1-152) Appendix I: Vagrants Appendix II: List Of Alternative English Names Appendix III: List Of Alternative Generic Names Index Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisFully revised and expanded second edition of a ground-breaking book that made the fascinating micro-moth group accessible to the general naturalist.Key updates to the second edition include:- addition of c. 300 new species, taking the total covered to more than 1,300 - more than 100 new artworks added to the introduction and colour plate section- names and species order revised to reflect the latest published taxonomy- many more common names now included- all maps replaced with up-to-date species distributions- new colour photographs throughout, including many that will help with identifying larval stages- index revised by species name.Praise for the first edition:''Here, at long last, is a warm and inviting introduction to the broad subject of British microlepidoptera'' - Birdguides

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Book SynopsisThis fully updated edition of Birds of Nepal is the most comprehensive guide to the birds of this beautiful Himalayan country. Every species of bird recorded in Nepal is covered in this fantastic guide, including vagrants, with accurate distribution maps for most species. More than 790 species are featured with illustrations and concise text covering essential information for quick and easy reference. The comprehensive text covers voice, habits, habitats, altitudinal range, distribution and status to aid accurate identification.The texts have been completely re-written for this edition and many of the illustrations have been replaced. In addition, maps have been included for the first time.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Map of Nepal Introduction Bird Conservation National Organisations International Organisations References Family Summaries Species Accounts (1-142) Appendices Index

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Book SynopsisA scientific and globetrotting exploration of the physics experiments changing the ways we understand our universe bringing the science of cosmology down to earth.Trade Review'A remarkable narrative that combines fundamental physics with high adventure' New Scientist'A travelogue that celebrates the blood, sweat and tears that drive our understanding of the universe' Guardian'Clean, elegant prose, humming with interest' Robert MacFarlane, author of The Wild Places'An accomplished and timely overview of modern cosmology and particle astrophysics' Nature'An excellent book. The author has a great knack of making difficult subjects comprehensible. I thoroughly enjoyed it' Sir Patrick Moore'Ananthaswamy displays a writer's touch for the fascinating detail... whether he is in an abandoned iron mine in Minnesota's Mesabi Range or the frigid Siberian expanse of Lake Baikal, he finds intrepid physicists and explains to us why these weird places are the only locations on the planet where these experiments could be done' Washington Post'Quite simply, the ultimate physics-adventure travelogue... as an adventure story and a fly-on-the-wall account of remote places that most of us will never visit, The Edge of Physics is brilliant' Physics World'A grand tour of modern day cosmology's sacred places... evocative... engaging... refreshing... a taste of science in the heroic mode' Sky At Night magazine'Smoothly weaves together the stories of people who help push science forward, from principal investigators to research institute gardeners, with exquisitely clear explanations of the questions they hope to solve - and why some research can be done only at the edge of the world' Science News'While Ananthaswamy... focuses heavily on the science, The Edge of Physics reads like a travel-adventure story or a work of fiction' Failure Magazine'From the top of Hawaii's Mauna Kea to Switzerland's Large Hadron Collider and more, Ananthaswamy paints a vivid picture of scientific investigations in harsh working conditions... even for readers who don't know a neutrino from Adam, these interesting tales of human endeavor make The Edge of Physics a trip worth taking' The BookPage'A stirring, scenic narrative... Ananthaswamy journeys to several geographically and scientifically extreme outposts, and returns not only with engaging portraits of the men and women who work there, but also a vibrant glimpse of how cutting-edge research is actually performed. Part history lesson, part travelogue, part adventure story, The Edge of Physics is a wonder-steeped page-turner' Seed Magazine'Physicists are trying to understand the furthest reaches of space and the furthest extremes of matter and energy. To do it, they have to trek to some of the furthest places on Earth from deep underground, to forbidding mountains, to the cold of Antarctica. Anil Anathaswamy takes us on a thrilling ride around the globe and around the cosmos, to reveal the real work that goes into understanding our universe' Sean Carroll, Caltech physicist and author of From Eternity to Here'Ananthaswamy's juxtaposition of extreme travel and extreme science offers a genuinely novel route into the story of modern cosmology... A well written and genuinely accessible tale of what it takes to push past the edge of human knowledge' Thomas Levenson, author of Newton and the Counterfeiter

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Book SynopsisThird edition of the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to the larger moths of Great Britain and Ireland.This latest edition of the Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland has been fully revised, updated and restructured, bringing it in line with the latest thinking in taxonomy. Moths are illustrated in their natural resting postures, and there are also paintings of different forms, underwings and other details to help with identification.New descriptions and illustrations have been included for species that have been newly recorded in Britain and Ireland since the last edition of the guide was published. The text descriptions of all other species covering field characters and similar species, flight season, life cycle, larval foodplants, and habitat have been revised and updated where necessary, and particular attention has been paid to updating the distribution information, which is now supported by maps.The revised general introduction explains Trade ReviewQuite simply the best in the field. -- Caroline Moore * The Spectator *The first two editions were already established classics ... This brand-new edition maintains the brilliance of its predecessors (the finest illustrations and best text around) and enhances it with an impressive update. -- James Lowen * Rare Bird Alert *There can be few moth enthusiasts without a well-thumbed copy of this book on their shelves. Whether you have an earlier version or not this edition has much new information, maintains the previous high standard, and is well worth adding to your library – it won’t remain unread for long. -- Graham Geen * BTO book reviews *If you are after just one tome on the larger moths of Britain and Ireland then this is it. -- Mark Parsons * British Wildlife *It is hard work to find fault with this book ... Wholly reliable. -- Colin Plant * Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation *The most important book on moths published since Skinner. * British Birds *An excellent updated version of a well-loved guide. -- Mark Young * Atropos *

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Book SynopsisAn indispensible guide to raising your new puppy from the author of The Dog Listener. From teething to training, this book follows the development of your puppy from new pet to best friend.In The Puppy Listener Jan Fennell presents a simple-to-follow yet detailed handbook for puppy owners. Whether this is your first pup or you are a seasoned dog-owner, the hints and tips in this concise guide are valuable and well informed.This handy guide follows the life of your puppy from weaning to walking. Jan Fennell covers every aspect of caring for your new best friend from introducing a puppy into its new home and handling it in public, to dealing with behavioural problems. With detailed sections on everything from exercise to diet, there are problem-solving guides dealing with worries such as biting or anxiety.Once again Jan illustrates her points with entertaining and inspiring real-life cases from her own work with damaged and delinquent dogs. Her love of animals is contagious and she inspires owners to persevere with their pups and show them who is boss.The book contains photographs and plate sections which accompany the text.Trade Review'British dog owner Jan Fennell has devised a revolutionary method of training. It's gentle, simple and remarkably effective.'Mail on Sunday 'Jan Fennell may not have danced with wolves, but she's stood nose to nose with them – and if she was given half a chance, I'm sure she could make lions lie down with lambs.'Daily Record

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Book SynopsisTo understand modern principles of sustainable management and the conservation of wildlife species requires intimate knowledge about demography, animal behavior, and ecosystem dynamics. This book weaves together these disparate elements for senior undergraduate and graduate students.Trade Review“I recommend the book unreservedly to wildlife managers, park rangers, biological resource managers, and those working in ecotourism.” (Tahrcountry, 10 August 2014)Table of ContentsPreface xi About the companion website xiii 1 Introduction: goals and decisions 1 1.1 How to use this book 1 1.2 What is wildlife conservation and management? 2 1.3 Goals of management 3 1.4 Hierarchies of decision 6 1.5 Policy goals 7 1.6 Feasible options 7 1.7 Summary 8 Part 1 Wildlife ecology 9 2 Food and nutrition 11 2.1 Introduction 11 2.2 Constituents of food 11 2.3 Variation in food supply 14 2.4 Measurement of food supply 17 2.5 Basal metabolic rate and food requirement 20 2.6 Morphology of herbivore digestion 23 2.7 Food passage rate and food requirement 26 2.8 Body size and diet selection 27 2.9 Indices of body condition 28 2.10 Summary 33 3 Home range and habitat use 35 3.1 Introduction 35 3.2 Estimating home range size and utilization frequency 36 3.3 Estimating habitat availability and use 38 3.4 Selective habitat use 40 3.5 Using resource selection functions to predict population response 42 3.6 Sources of variation in habitat use 42 3.7 Movement within the home range 45 3.8 Movement among home ranges 48 3.9 Summary 51 4 Dispersal, dispersion, and distribution 53 4.1 Introduction 53 4.2 Dispersal 53 4.3 Dispersion 55 4.4 Distribution 56 4.5 Distribution, abundance, and range collapse 61 4.6 Species reintroductions or invasions 62 4.7 Summary 67 5 Population growth and regulation 69 5.1 Introduction 69 5.2 Rate of increase 69 5.3 Geometric or exponential population growth 73 5.4 Stability of populations 73 5.5 The theory of population limitation and regulation 76 5.6 Evidence for regulation 81 5.7 Applications of regulation 85 5.8 Logistic model of population regulation 86 5.9 Stability, cycles, and chaos 88 5.10 Intraspecific competition 90 5.11 Interactions of food, predators, and disease 93 5.12 Summary 93 6 Competition and facilitation between species 95 6.1 Introduction 95 6.2 Theoretical aspects of interspecific competition 96 6.3 Experimental demonstrations of competition 98 6.4 The concept of the niche 103 6.5 The competitive exclusion principle 106 6.6 Resource partitioning and habitat selection 106 6.7 Competition in variable environments 113 6.8 Apparent competition 113 6.9 Facilitation 114 6.10 Applied aspects of competition 119 6.11 Summary 122 7 Predation 123 7.1 Introduction 123 7.2 Predation and management 123 7.3 Definitions 123 7.4 The effect of predators on prey density 124 7.5 The behavior of predators 125 7.6 Numerical response of predators to prey density 129 7.7 The total response 130 7.8 Behavior of the prey 136 7.9 Summary 138 8 Parasites and pathogens 139 8.1 Introduction and definitions 139 8.2 Effects of parasites 139 8.3 The basic parameters of epidemiology 140 8.4 Determinants of spread 143 8.5 Endemic pathogens 144 8.6 Endemic pathogens: synergistic interactions with food and predators 144 8.7 Epizootic diseases 146 8.8 Emerging infectious diseases of wildlife 147 8.9 Parasites and the regulation of host populations 150 8.10 Parasites and host communities 151 8.11 Parasites and conservation 152 8.12 Parasites and control of pests 155 8.13 Summary 156 9 Consumer–resource dynamics 157 9.1 Introduction 157 9.2 Quality and quantity of a resource 157 9.3 Kinds of resource 157 9.4 Consumer–resource dynamics: general theory 158 9.5 Kangaroos and their food plants in semi-arid Australian savannas 161 9.6 Wolf–moose–woody plant dynamics in the boreal forest 167 9.7 Other population cycles 172 9.8 Summary 175 10 The ecology of behavior 177 10.1 Introduction 177 10.2 Diet selection 177 10.3 Optimal patch or habitat use 183 10.4 Risk-sensitive habitat use 186 10.5 Social behavior and foraging 187 10.6 Summary 190 11 Climate change and wildlife 191 11.1 Introduction 191 11.2 Evidence for climate change 191 11.3 Wildlife responses to climate change 192 11.4 Mechanisms of response to climate change 196 11.5 Complex ecosystem responses to climate change 199 11.6 Summary 201 Part 2 Wildlife conservation and management 203 12 Counting animals 205 12.1 Introduction 205 12.2 Total counts 205 12.3 Sampled counts: the logic 207 12.4 Sampled counts: methods and arithmetic 212 12.5 Indirect estimates of population size 220 12.6 Indices 227 12.7 Harvest-based population estimates 228 12.8 Summary 231 13 Age and stage structure 233 13.1 Introduction 233 13.2 Demographic rates 233 13.3 Direct estimation of life table parameters 235 13.4 Indirect estimation of life table parameters 236 13.5 Relationships among parameters 238 13.6 Age-specific population models 239 13.7 Elasticity of matrix models 242 13.8 Stage-specific models 243 13.9 Elasticity of the loggerhead turtle model 245 13.10 Short-term changes in structured populations 246 13.11 Environmental stochasticity and age-structured populations 246 13.12 Summary 249 14 Experimental management 251 14.1 Introduction 251 14.2 Differentiating success from failure 251 14.3 Technical judgments can be tested 252 14.4 The nature of the evidence 255 14.5 Experimental and survey design 257 14.6 Some standard analyses 262 14.7 Summary 271 15 Model evaluation and adaptive management 273 15.1 Introduction 273 15.2 Fitting models to data and estimation of parameters 274 15.3 Measuring the likelihood of the observed data 276 15.4 Evaluating the likelihood of alternate models using AIC 278 15.5 Adaptive management 281 15.6 Summary 284 16 Population viability analysis 285 16.1 Introduction 285 16.2 Environmental stochasticity 285 16.3 PVA based on the exponential growth model 286 16.4 PVA based on the diffusion model 287 16.5 PVA based on logistic growth 290 16.6 Demographic stochasticity 291 16.7 Estimating both environmental and demographic stochasticity 294 16.8 PVA based on demographic and environmental stochasticity 296 16.9 Strengths and weaknesses of PVA 296 16.10 Extinction caused by environmental change 298 16.11 Extinction threat due to introduction of exotic predators or competitors 298 16.12 Extinction threat due to unsustainable harvesting 300 16.13 Extinction threat due to habitat loss 302 16.14 Summary 302 17 Conservation in practice 305 17.1 Introduction 305 17.2 How populations go extinct 305 17.3 How to prevent extinction 315 17.4 Rescue and recovery of near-extinctions 316 17.5 Conservation in National Parks and reserves 317 17.6 Community conservation outside National Parks and reserves 322 17.7 International conservation 323 17.8 Summary 324 18 Wildlife harvesting 325 18.1 Introduction 325 18.2 Fixed-quota harvesting strategy 325 18.3 Fixed-proportion harvesting strategy 329 18.4 Harvesting in practice: dynamic variation in quotas or effort 332 18.5 No-harvest reserves 334 18.6 Age- or sex-biased harvesting 335 18.7 Commercial harvesting 340 18.8 Bioeconomics 340 18.9 Game cropping and the discount rate 344 18.10 Summary 346 19 Wildlife control 347 19.1 Introduction 347 19.2 Definitions 347 19.3 Effects of control 348 19.4 Objectives of control 348 19.5 Determining whether control is appropriate 349 19.6 Methods of control 350 19.7 Summary 356 20 Evolution and conservation genetics 357 20.1 Introduction 357 20.2 Maintenance of genetic variation 358 20.3 Natural selection 359 20.4 Natural selection and life history tradeoffs 361 20.5 Natural selection due to hunting 363 20.6 Natural selection due to fishing 365 20.7 Selection due to environmental change 367 20.8 Ecological dynamics due to evolutionary changes 372 20.9 Heterozygosity 374 20.10 Genetic drift and mutation 375 20.11 Inbreeding depression 376 20.12 How much genetic variation is needed? 377 20.13 Effective population size 378 20.14 Effect of sex ratio 379 20.15 How small is too small? 380 20.16 Summary 380 21 Habitat loss and metapopulation dynamics 381 21.1 Introduction 381 21.2 Habitat loss and fragmentation 381 21.3 Ecological effects of habitat loss 384 21.4 Metapopulation dynamics 386 21.5 Territorial metapopulations 389 21.6 Mainland–island metapopulations 390 21.7 Source–sink metapopulations 391 21.8 Metacommunity dynamics of competitors 392 21.9 Metacommunity dynamics of predators and prey 393 21.10 Corridors 394 21.11 Summary 398 22 Ecosystem management and conservation 399 22.1 Introduction 399 22.2 Definitions 400 22.3 Gradients of communities 400 22.4 Niches 400 22.5 Food webs and intertrophic interactions 400 22.6 Community features and management consequences 402 22.7 Multiple states 404 22.8 Regulation of top-down and bottom-up processes 405 22.9 Ecosystem consequences of bottom-up processes 407 22.10 Ecosystem disturbance and heterogeneity 408 22.11 Ecosystem management at multiple scales 410 22.12 Biodiversity 411 22.13 Island biogeography and dynamic processes of diversity 413 22.14 Ecosystem function 415 22.15 Summary 417 Appendices 419 Glossary 423 References 435 Index 489

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Book Synopsis Where do our thoughts come from? How can we manipulate our dreams? What is the role of the unconscious? How do we make decisions and trust the judgement of both others and ourselves? In this mind-bending international bestseller by Mariano Sigman, one of the world's leading neuroscientists reveals his life's work exploring the intricacies of the human brain. Building on his awe-inspiring TED talk and drawing on examples in science and the arts, The Secret Life of the Mind offers an accessible guide to how the human brain works and its impact on our everyday life. This informative, lucid book is essential reading for anyone curious about how we perceive, reason and communicate.Trade Review‘Sigman finds the sweet spot between findings and experimental detail, and it makes for a compelling read. Entertaining… with moments of exhileration’Financial Times ‘Mariano Sigman writes and thinks in a uniquely provocative way. He is a gifted cognitive neuroscientist, and we are lucky to have him excavating the secret life of the mind. He makes learning about the mind and brain easy and almost automatic. He is the Richard Feynman of the brain’Andrew Meltzoff, Professor of Psychology, the University of Washington; co-author of ‘The Scientist in the Crib ‘The author takes us on grand tour covering an extraordinarily diverse range of topics that are of interest to readers and specialists alike’ VS Ramachandran FRCP, author of The Tell-Tale Brain ‘The brain is the star of this book, with chapters focussing on its characteristics throughout childhood and youth, identity, decision-making, consciousness, education and its capacity to transform itself. In exploring the psychological element of neuroscience, Mariano Sigman tells the story of the human mind as a journey through some of the least travelled paths of mankind … A wonderful read’ La Nacion ‘The idea of the mind as a tabula rasa is only one of many erroneous notions that Sigman’s brilliant book helps to correct’ El Mundo ‘What differentiates The Secret Life of the Mind from other books about the mind is that it takes on neuroscience from a psychological point of view, as well as taking into account psychoanalysis, behavioural economics and philosophy’ Nosotras ‘Sigman confirms that although we are capable of detecting and manipulating consciousness, science is still not able to physically break it down. The idea of the mind as a tabula rasa is only one of many erroneous notions that Sigman’s brilliant book helps to correct’ El Cultural, El Mundo

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Book SynopsisQuantum Physics is the study of the behaviour of matter and energy at the molecular, atomic, nuclear and even smaller microscopic levels. Like the other titles in our For Dummies Workbook series, this book allows you to hone your skills at solving the difficult and often confusing equations you encounter in this subject.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Part I: Getting Started with Quantum Physics. Chapter 1: The Basics of Quantum Physics: Introducing State Vectors. Chapter 2: No Handcuffs Involved: Bound States in Energy Wells. Chapter 3: Over and Over with Harmonic Oscillators. Part II: Round and Round with Angular Momentum and Spin. Chapter 4: Handling Angular Momentum in Quantum Physics. Chapter 5: Spin Makes the Particle Go Round. Part III: Quantum Physics in Three Dimensions. Chapter 6: Solving Problems in Three Dimensions: Cartesian Coordinates. Chapter 7: Going Circular in Three Dimensions: Spherical Coordinates. Chapter 8: Getting to Know Hydrogen Atoms. Chapter 9: Corralling Many Particles Together. Part IV: Acting on Impulse — Impacts in Quantum Physics. Chapter 10: Pushing with Perturbation Theory. Chapter 11: One Hits the Other: Scattering Theory. Part V: The Part of Tens. Chapter 12: Ten Tips to Make Solving Quantum Physics Problems Easier. Chapter 13: Ten Famous Solved Quantum Physics Problems. Chapter 14: Ten Ways to Avoid Common Errors When Solving Problems. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe past, present and future of the world''s most popular and beloved pet, from a leading evolutionary biologist and great cat lover.Engaging and wide-ranging The Age of Cats is a readable and informed exploration of the wildcat that lurks within Fluffy' Washington PostWhy don't lions meow? Why does my cat leave a dead mouse at my feet? And why is a pet ocelot a bad idea?Jonathan B. Losos unravels the secrets of the cat using all the tools of modern technology, from GPS tracking (you'll be amazed where they roam) and genomics (what is your so-called Siamese cat, really?) to forensic archaeology. He tells the story of the cat's domestication (if you can call it that) and gives us a cat''s-eye view of the world today. Along the way we also meet their wild cousins, whose behaviours are eerily similar to even the sweetest of house cats.Drawing on his own research and life in his multi-cat household, Losos deciphers complex science and history and explores how selection, both natural and aTrade Review‘Excellent. Losos is an engaging and often funny guide who explains the science clearly and with nuance’ New Scientist ‘Losos is entertaining and anecdotal, learned and chatty … The book, surveying cats’ evolutionary history, behavioural habits and potential future, has a lovely cast list of felines wild and domestic, large and small’ Spectator ‘Cats are amazing. They fascinate and bewilder us … [The] cat stories detailed here will only heighten the reader's amazement. And Losos has done cats at least as proud as we imagine they pride themselves’ Science ‘A must-read’ Marc Bekoff, Psychology Today ‘Reaching back into the evolutionary history of the cat family, brought right up to date with the emergence of new breeds and hybrids, this fascinating book deserves to be on every cat-lover's nightstand’ John Bradshaw, author of Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet ‘If you have ever lived with a feline long enough to reach an accommodation, you’ve probably asked yourself: Am I training the cat, or is the cat training me? That question is a gateway to the labyrinth of fascinating riddles explored by Jonathan Losos – himself a lifelong ailurophile as well as an eminent evolutionary biologist – In this engaging and very smart book.’ David Quammen, author of Spillover and The Song of the Dodo ‘Fascinating, fun and full of facts, this thorough investigation will appeal to general readers and cat lovers alike’ Booklist ‘Not just another cat book, this enthusiastic study traces the evolution of the domesticated house cat from the African wildcat and explores the scientific questions it raises … A vivid, well-rounded treat for anyone interested in cats.’ Kirkus Reviews ‘Splendid … The surprising trivia … and stimulating scientific background shed light on what goes on in the minds of humans’ second-best friend’ Publisher’s Weekly

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Book SynopsisProfessor Stephen Hawking has been at the heart of this new scientific renaissance.Now, in The Universe in a Nutshell, beautifully illustrated with original artwork commissioned for this project, Stephen Hawking brings us fully up-to-date with the advances in scientific thinking.Trade ReviewA Brief History of Time has now sold an estimated nine million copies worldwide - something of a hard act for its author to follow. In what is being promoted as the 'sequel' to that book, Professor Hawking gives an account of his attempt to combine Einstein's Theory of Relativity with Richard Feynman's idea of multiple histories, in order to reach the grail of a Theory of Everything - or big TOE, as it's charmingly named. This is a book about superstrings and p-branes, holography and supergravity, about how the 'cosmic seed' from which our universe derived was as small as a nut. The publishers are not yet releasing much text, but enough to see that it will be a fascinating (if challenging) read. And one enhanced throughout with 200 striking full colour illustrations and jazzed-up diagrams.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive, fully-illustrated guide to the trees of Britain and non-Mediterranean Europe.This brand-new field guide to the trees of northern Europe contains some of the finest original tree illustrations ever produced. The introduction contains illustrations of the main leaves, buds, and firs you are likely to find, and these provide the starting point for identification by leading you to a ''key'' species.Within each tree family there is a list of key species and a guide to the most important features to look for when identifying a particular tree from that family. Then individual species are clearly described and a detailed illustration is given on the same page.Covering all the tree species found outside the major arboretums, from the olive tree to the eucalyptus, this is one of the most important tree guides to have appeared in the last 20 years. The illustrations are annotated with essential identification features, and the text highlights the most important things to look for

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Book SynopsisThe social dynamics of “alternative facts”: why what you believe depends on who you knowTrade Review“Methodical and earnest.”—Jennifer Szalai, New York Times“The Misinformation Age covers big subjects like truth and the fate of the species” —Jennifer Szalai, International New York Times“The Misinformation Age fills an important void in the literature on misinformation . . . a valuable aid to anyone concerned with the alarmingly increasing prevalence of misinformation and polarization.”—Davis Kuykendall, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences “An important book for an era of weaponized information.”—George Musser, contributing editor, Scientific American and Nautilus"Fake news has revealed a dark side of networks: an almost unstoppable ability to spread false and misleading information, changing people's perception of reality and shaking the political establishment. The Misinformation Age is a timely, engaging narrative of how this happened and how the mix of fake news and networks is changing our world."—Albert-László Barabási, author of Linked: The New Science of Networks"In this perilous moment—when knowledge is powerfully eroded by new and effective campaigns of misinformation—O’Connor and Weatherall offer a critically important philosophical defense of evidence, facts, and above all, the truth."—Allan M. Brandt, Harvard University“The Misinformation Age is the best book I've read on why the fake-news epidemic is afflicting us and what we can do about it. It offers in-depth reporting and provocative analysis delivered in lively prose, a rare combination.”—John Horgan, director of the Center for Science Writings, Stevens Institute of Technology

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Book SynopsisPlant Science for Gardeners is the key to growing better plants. This easy introduction to plant biology and chemistry gives you the knowledge and confidence to analyze problems, find solutions, and make better decisions in the garden to optimize plant health and productivity. Learn the science and ditch the rules!Trade Review"Robert Pavlis hit the nail on the head: know the science and you can grow anything. Plant Science for Gardeners, Pavlis' latest, is a sure (and enjoyable) way to learn that science. Mind you, Pavlis is not just a gardener who knows his science, he is a great science writer who does a fabulous job of making science fun. I am quite sure you are one read away from being a much better gardener." — Jeff Lowenfels, author, DIY Autoflowering Cannabis and Teaming with Microbes "A work of genuine importance by an author for whom the phrase "received wisdom" is a contradiction in terms. You will never take horticultural lore at face value again." — James Armitage, editor, The Plant Review, magazine of the Royal Horticultural Society "Knowing just how plants work is an interesting and useful way to ratchet up your gardening game and Robert Pavlis has provided that story in his engaging new book Plant Science for Gardeners. Read it and your garden will blossom, literally and figuratively." — Lee Reich, author, Growing Figs in Cold Climates and The Ever Curious Gardener "Robert Pavlis has provided another detailed, yet accessible, addition to gardeners' home libraries. Be sure to give Plant Science for Gardeners an honored place on your bookshelves, next to Mr. Pavlis' groundbreaking Garden Myths series." — Rebecca Martin, technical editor, Mother Earth News magazine "Plant Science for Gardeners is at once easy to read and comprehensive in presentation. Robert Pavlis has updated and made accessible information that in the past I have gleaned here and there from old textbooks and the odd gardening book. It's a great reference and a fascinating read. This book will be the next gift I buy for my budding botanist granddaughter!" — Darrell Frey, author, The Bioshelter Market Garden, co-author, The Food Forest Handbook "Whether you grow plants for fun or for profit, Plant Science for Gardeners does a great job of explaining how plants work without overcomplicating it. This is an excellent book not only for the basics, but also to explain some of the lesser known aspects of plants. Whether you've taken plant biology and physiology or not, it is a good read for anyone who's interested in plants, and to keep on the shelf as a reference for when you forget the difference between a node and internode. Get this book to understand what to do to keep your plants healthy and why." — Andrew Mefferd, editor and publisher, Growing for Market magazine, author, The Organic No-Till Farming RevolutionTable of ContentsIntroduction Introduction to Plant Science Organization of the Book Terms Used in This Book 1. Plant Basics Cells Xylem and Phloem Photosynthesis Plant Myth: Plants Raise the Oxygen Level in Homes ATP and the Energy Cycle Respiration Meristematic Cells Classification of Plants 2. Roots Root Basics Types of Roots Plant Myth: Feeder Roots Are Located Under the Dripline Effect of Gravity Cut Roots and Side Roots Plant Myth: Circulating Roots Continue to Circulate Conditions That Affect Root Growth Plant Myth: Transplant Solutions Grow Better Roots Root Growth in Winter Absorption of Water and Nutrients Plant Myth: Is Soil pH Important? Roots and Microbes Plant Myth: Purchased Mycorrhizal Fungi Are Good for Plants Plant Myth: Roots Grow Towards Water The Rhizosphere 3. Stems The Outer Structure of Stems Internal Structure of Stems Trichomes Buds How Stems Grow The Importance of Photosynthesis Underground Stems Plant Myth: Plant Bulbs after the Ground Is Frozen Plant Myth: Bearded Iris Should Be Planted with Rhizome Showing 4. Leaves Leaf Structure How Sun Affects Leaves Why Are Some Leaves Red? Plant Myth: Evergreen Needles and Oak Leaves Are Acidic Functionality of Damaged Leaves Natural Pesticides Signaling Between Plants Pest-Proof Leaves Water Stress and Wilting Leaves Leaf Abscission Variegated Leaves 5. Flowers Parts of a Flower Pollination What Causes Flowering? Why Do Plants Not Flower? Plant Myth: High Phosphate Grows More Blooms Tough Love for Plants Attracting Pollinators Enjoy the Bracts Dioecious and Monoecious Plants 6. Fruits and Seeds What Is a Fruit? The Importance of Fruit Different Types of Fruits Fruit Development Seed Development Suckering Tomato Plants Seeds from Non-Flowering Plants Soil Seed Bank 7. The Whole Plant Life Cycle of Plants Plant Dormancy Movement of Water Movement of Nutrients Plant Myth: Leaves Can Be Used to ID Nutrient Deficiencies Movement of Sugars Seasonal Sharing of Resources Overcoming Physical Damage How Do Plants Get Taller? Following the Sun How Light Affects Plant Growth Gravity 8. Woody Plants What Are Woody Plants? Structure of Woody Stems Where Does Wood Come From? Plant Myth: Newly Planted Trees Need to Be Staked Storage of Sugars Taproots vs. Fibrous Roots Composition of Wood Apical Dominance Healing Damage Plant Myth: Damage on Trees Should Be Painted Conifers 9. Environmental Factors Garden Hardiness Zones Dealing with Cold Protecting Plants from Cold Dealing with Heat Dealing with Water Extremes Adaptability of Plants How Climate Change Affects Gardens 10. Growing from Seeds When Is Seed Mature? The Seed Germination Process The Mysterious Cotyledons Why Do Seeds Stay Dormant? Breaking Dormancy Plant Myth: Seeds Can Have Double Dormancy Seed Storage Best Method for Starting Seeds Indoors 11. Selecting Seeds Basic Genetics Hybrids vs. Heirlooms GMO Seeds Days to Maturity Buying Unusual Seeds 12. Vegetative Reproduction Natural Vegetative Reproduction Rooted Stems and Leaves Artificial Vegetative Reproduction Plant Myth: Homemade Rooting Hormones Work Well Grafting 13. Plant Names Why Use Botanical Names? Naming Conventions The Proper Way to Name Your Plants Index About the Author Connect with Robert Pavlis About New Society Publishers

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Book SynopsisWhy are some people smarter than others? This volume presents scientific research about the fundamental human attribute of intelligence. Written by two internationally recognised experts in straightforward language, the chapters address mental processes, brain imaging, genetics, aging, evidence-based prospects for enhancing intelligence and more.Trade Review'A riveting survey of modern research to unlock the nature and biological foundations of human intelligence by pioneers in the field.' Aron K. Barbey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA'The Science of Human Intelligence by Richard J. Haier and Roberto Colom is probably the best book about human intelligence ever written. It comes as the second edition of Human Intelligence, written by Earl Hunt 12 years ago. Hunt's book was already a great text, which influenced research and teaching in the field considerably. This edition is much more than Hunt's book. It covers virtually everything we know about human intelligence: it provides an accurate and up-to-date picture of research findings and ideas, including the history, and the current cognitive and psychometric models, of intelligence, and summarizes and evaluates research on the brain, and the genetic, cultural, and environmental bases of intelligence. It is strongly suggested to anyone who wants to know how the human mind works and why humans differ on many of its functions.' Andreas Demetriou, University of Cyprus'Human intelligence is the major adaptive mechanism for humans. If humans and this planet are to survive, it will be important that we understand and optimize our intellectual capabilities. This book presents our current best understanding of human intelligence and how it should be studied.' Douglas K. Detterman, Psychologist, USA'To update Hunt's book must have been a challenging job. Roberto and Richard did so dexterously by inserting new and solid information. The result is a delightful book full of important information for those who want to learn from the best researchers in human intelligence.' Carmen Flores-Mendoza, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil'Perennially, there have been too few higher-level textbooks devoted to human intelligence differences. This engagingly voiced book is commendable as clear, current, comprehensive, and cautious.' Ian Deary, University of Edinburgh, UK'An excellent textbook that will leave readers with an informed and nuanced grasp of core and emerging findings in intelligence research. Drs. Haier and Colom succeed in presenting complex topics accessibly, and in modeling the commitment to scientific-mindedness and respectful discussion that is critical to progress in understanding human intelligence.' Matthew Euler, University of Utah, USA'The Science of Human Intelligence is a superb book. It provides an authoritative review of what is known about human intelligence, from its measurement to underlying brain systems to real-world consequences. The approach is balanced and up to date and does not shy away from controversial topics. This is a highly recommended must-read for anyone interested in the facts about human intelligence, and is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals who work in related areas, and the educated public.' David Geary, University of Missouri, USA'The Science of Human Intelligence is a great book. It provides a wealth of up-to-date scientific information and a comprehensive, thoughtful, and balanced evaluation of what is known, what is not known, and what still needs to be learned about human intelligence. It also provides much food for thought for those who are willing to learn from open discussions and even from constructive confrontation of competing ideas. It will answer many questions that readers might have about intelligence. More importantly, it will help them to ask new questions that they have not yet thought of.' Yulia Kovas, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK'A towering accomplishment! Human behavior can be better understood when variation in intelligence is considered. Engagingly written and packed with constructive insights, this book should be considered a must-read for advanced undergraduates and all persons interested in how post-industrial societies are structured. I expect many of its older, open-minded readers will feel educationally cheated if unexposed to this vibrant scientific arena earlier in their lives. Throughout, the authors demonstrate how many current explanations of human behavior that neglect the vast range of individual differences in cognitive functioning are untenable. If such problems as climate change, cyber-insecurity, educational-occupational disparities, pandemics, and even finding a fulfilling life are to be addressed realistically and humanely, individual differences in cognitive functioning must be considered. This book is the field as it now stands.' David Lubinski, Vanderbilt University, USA'With their 75 years of combined research experience in the field of intelligence, no other pair of authors could have written such an authoritative and comprehensive book. It lucidly covers the theories, methods, and results of intelligence research, from the environment and training to genes and the brain throughout the life course. Clear and engaging, the book doesn't shy away from controversial issues. Highly recommended.' Robert Plomin, King's College London, UK'This book critically analyzes research on human intelligence, distinguishing between science and politics. The authors admit that much still remains to be discovered and therefore address all those aspects easily susceptible to manipulation in a balanced way. This is an important merit of this book.' Aristide Saggino, University of Chieti-Pescara, ItalyTable of ContentsList of figures; List of tables; List of boxes; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. A brief voyage to the past; 2. Basic concepts; 3. Psychometric models of intelligence; 4. Cognitive models of intelligence and information processing; 5. Intelligence and the brain; 6. The genetic basis of intelligence; 7. Experience and intelligence; 8. Intelligence and everyday life; 9. Introduction to the scientific study of population differences; 10. Sex differences and intelligence; 11. Intelligence and aging; 12. Intelligence in the world; 13. Enhancing intelligence; 14. A final word; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisWe love to imagine the future. But why are groundbreaking future technologies always just around the corner, and never a reality?For decades we''ve delighted in dreaming about a sci-fi utopia, from flying cars and bionic humans to hyperloops and smart cities. And why not? Building a better world - be it a free-flying commute or an automated urban lifestyle - is a worthy dream. Given the pace of technological change, nothing seems impossible anymore. But why are these innovations always out of reach?Delving into the remarkable history of technology, The Long History of the Future introduces us to the clever scientists, genius engineers and eccentric innovators who first brought these ideas to life and have struggled to make them work since. These stories reveal a more realistic picture of how these technologies may evolve - and how we''ll eventually get to use them. You may never be able to buy a fully driverless car, but automated braking and steering

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Book SynopsisThe Science of Chocolate leads the reader to an understanding of the complete chocolate making process and includes the ways in which basic science plays a vital role in its manufacture, testing and consumption. Originally based upon a talk to encourage school children to study science, the book is now widely used within industry and academia. The third edition of this international best seller has been fully revised and updated. The author has now included methods of sensory evaluation, designing and modifying chocolate flavour to suit the product and the history and manufacture of some well-known confectionery products. Fat, calorie and sugar reduction are also covered including a review of patents in this area. In addition, the section on why chocolate might be good for you has been updated to include some more recent research results. Three new experiments have been added, so there are now twenty of them, which use simple materials and apparatus to demonstrate the scientific and mathematical principles found in the rest of the book. Most are easily adapted to suit different student abilities. This book will appeal to those with a fascination for chocolate and will be of specialist interest to those studying food sciences and working in the confectionery industry. Extracts from reviews of 2nd Edition: "...I found this to be an interesting read, and I think the book would be useful to graduates thinking of a career in the food industry (and not just the chocolate industry specifically), to schoolteachers looking for some interesting experiments, and to lecturers (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Botany, Food science) looking for interesting facts to enliven their lectures." Bioscience Education, Volume 12, 2008, E J Wood. "...very well written and complete book for everyone who wants to learn more about chocolate and its production process." Crystallography Reviews, Volume 15, 2009 – Issue 4, pages 275-277, Henk Schenk. "The easy reading style of the book makes it valuable not only to school and university students, but also to those who are new to working with chocolate or those needing a good summary of chocolate science." Chemistry World, for the Christmas BooksTable of ContentsThe History of Chocolate; Chocolate Ingredients; Cocoa Bean Processing; Liquid Chocolate Making; Controlling the Flow Properties of Liquid Chocolate; Crystallising the Fat in Chocolate; Standard Product Manufacturing Processes; Modifying Chocolate’s Eating Properties: How Do They Make That? (Some Distinctive Products); Analytical Techniques; Legislation, Shelf Life and Packaging; Nutrition and Health; Experiments with Chocolate and Chocolate Products; Glossary; Subject Index

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Book SynopsisA young theoretical physicist''s guide to how the radical new science of counterfactuals can reveal the full scope of our universeThere is a vast class of properties that science has so far almost entirely neglected. These properties are central to an understanding of physical reality both at an everyday level and at the level of fundamental phenomena, yet they have traditionally been thought of as impossible to incorporate into fundamental explanations. They relate not only to what is true - the actual - but to what could be true - the counterfactual. This is the science of can and can''t.Chiara Marletto, a pioneer in this field, explores the promise that this fascinating, far-reaching approach holds not only for revolutionizing how fundamental physics is formulated, but also for confronting existing technological challenges, from delivering the next generation of information-processing devices to designing AI. In each chapter, Marletto sets out how counterfactuals can solve a vexed open problem in science, and demonstrates that by contemplating the possible as well as the actual, we can break down barriers to knowledge and form a more complete and fruitful picture of the universe.''Clear, sharp and imaginative... The Science of Can and Can''t will open the doors to a dazzling set of concepts and ideas that will change deeply the way you look at the world'' David Deutsch, bestselling author of The Beginning of InfinityTrade ReviewChiara Marletto is trying to build a master theory - a set of ideas so fundamental that all other theories would spring from it. Her first step: Invoke the impossible * Quanta Magazine *A wonderful book, which has taught me new ways of thinking and expanded my mind. It's extremely beautifully written, full of wonder and passion and humour and energy -- Hermione LeeClear, sharp and imaginative... The Science of Can and Can't will open the doors to a dazzling set of concepts and ideas that will change deeply the way you look at the world -- David Deutsch, author of The Beginning of InfinityI enjoyed this book very much, not least because of the freshness of its approach to a subject that can easily become hard for the non-scientific mind to grasp. The theory of 'can and can't' is an intriguing way of describing problems that are not only scientific (it describes very well what a storyteller does, for instance), and Marletto's account of some things I thought I more or less understood (the nature of digital information, for one) illuminated them from an angle that showed them more clearly than I'd seen them before. -- Philip PullmanA revolutionary recasting of physics... [It] re-enchants the world and enriches our place in it. * New Scientist *Hugely ambitious, Chiara Marletto is the herald for a revolutionary new direction for physics. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of physics -- Professor Lee Smolin, author of Time RebornChiara Marletto writes well about deep issues. I particularly like her suggestion that the current impasse in attempts to unite gravity and quantum mechanics might be broken if we concentrate on what things the two theories tell us can and can't be done -- Julian Barbour, author of The Janus Point[Marletto] calls for physics to move beyond its dependence on such conditions and rules as Newton's laws of motion, argues that the "traditional conception" of physics is limiting, and urges that counterfactuals offer a more complete picture of the physical world. Marletto leads a whirlwind tour of such scientific concepts as motion and the possibility of a perpetual motion machine; thermodynamics and "the theory of the universal constructor"; and quantum computing and the possibility of a universal quantum computer that uses "all of quantum theory" * Publishers Weekly *Novel and interesting -- Priyamvada Natarajan * Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Gut by Giulia Enders Eating is the most pleasurable, gross, necessary, unspeakable biological process we undertake. But very few of us realise what strange wet miracles of science operate inside us after every meal – let alone have pondered the results (of the research). How have physicists made crisps crispier? What do laundry detergent and saliva have in common? Was self-styled ‘nutritional economist’ Horace Fletcher right to persuade millions of people that chewing a bite of shallot seven hundred times would yield double the vitamins? In her trademark, laugh-out-loud style, Mary Roach breaks bread with spit connoisseurs, beer and pet-food tasters, stomach slugs, potato crisp engineers, enema exorcists, rectum-examining prison guards, competitive hot dog eaters, Elvis' doctor, and many more as she investigates the beginning, and the end, of our food.Trade Review‘A wonderful nonfiction read…The journalism is gripping and the writing is intensely funny. If biology had been like this at school, my life would have taken a different path’. -- Viv Groskop * Observer, Hidden Gems of 2016 *‘The funniest book [of the year] by far... almost every page made me laugh out loud.’ * Sunday Times, Best Science Books of 2013 *‘Witty, illuminating and at times astonishing.’ * Mail on Sunday *‘Witty [and] enjoyable’ * Independent on Sunday *‘The best kind of lavatory reading… exhaustive and irreverent’ * Sunday Telegraph, paperback review *‘Mary Roach is a science writer who looks very closely at normal things — and close up, lots of things look weird or horrifying… The bit you will talk about most is how prisoners hide things up their bottoms’ * Evening Standard *'Far away her funniest and most sparkling book' * New York Times *‘Engrossingly gross’ * Scotsman *'The best kind of lavatory reading' * Sunday Telegraph *'Insightful, sharp science writing that will have you snorting with laughter is Mary Roach's speciality' * New Scientist *‘Disgustingly good... Roach takes a superbly witty prod at our innards.’ * The Times *'Roach writes clearly, with gallows humour...compelling' * Evening Standard *'A wonderful read' * BBC Focus *'Joyously funny and intrepidly smart' * Saga *

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Book SynopsisMichael T. Madigan has taught courses in introductory Microbiology and Bacterial Diversity for 33 years as a Professor of Microbiology at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Mike's research focuses on phototrophic bacteria that inhabit extreme environments, and for the past 20 years, his emphasis has been Antarcticmicrobiology. Kelly S. Bender is' an Associate Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and has served as Chair of the SIUC Department of Microbiology since 2018. Kelly teaches courses in introductory Microbiology and Microbial Diversity, and her lab studies a range of topics, including regulation of sulphate-reducing bacteria and the microbial community dynamics of sites impacted by acid mine drainage. Daniel H. Buckley is a Professor at Cornell University in the School of Integrative Plant Science and the Department of Microbiology. He has taught both introductory and advanced courses i

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Book SynopsisLong before GPS and Google Earth, humans traveled vast distances using environmental clues and simple instruments. What is lost when technology substitutes for our innate capacity to find our way? Illustrated with 200 drawings, this narrative—part treatise, part travelogue, and part navigational history—brings our own world into sharper view.Trade ReviewOne of the repeated themes of The Lost Art of Finding Our Way is that even the most confused of us can improve our navigational understanding by paying closer attention to the world around us… A learned and encyclopedic grab bag, packed with information drawn from study and Huth’s own experience. -- Michael Dirda * Washington Post *It’s a great reference, filled with personal and historical anecdotes and fascinating bits of physics, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology. And that’s one of Huth’s central points: To find your way in a world without maps, you can’t rely on any single cue—you need to make the best of whatever combination of cues is available to you… With a little study, The Lost Art of Finding Our Way could be your guide to reconnecting with the navigational aids in the world around you. -- Greg Miller * Wired *John Huth’s The Lost Art of Finding Our Way is a book for anyone who’s ever cursed themselves for not being able to get home by way of the stars and winds. Or for anyone who wants to learn how the Vikings and others once managed to. -- Thomas Meaney * Times Literary Supplement *Full of wisdom that is fast disappearing in an age of satnav and GPS. -- Arthur Musgrave * The Guardian *[Huth’s] exuberance shines through: he makes gadgets in his garage and narrates adventures at sea. Huth’s is a book filled with joy about what we might term the everyday mathematics of living on the Earth… Huth is concerned that we have become desensitized to our physical environment because of technology such as smartphones and global positioning systems, which do the work of plotting and routefinding for us. To live in what Huth dubs ‘the bubble’ created by such devices is to lose not only our wonder at the world but also a bundle of precious survival skills. To be able to find our way in the world is to reconnect with its value in a virtuous spiral of environmental awareness. -- Robert J. Mayhew * Times Higher Education *The book offers a clear, comprehensive, and entertaining short course in navigation that draws on Earth science, history, anthropology, neuroscience, archaeology, and linguistics. It provides both a primer on navigational techniques and a tour through ‘the historical evolution of way finding.’ Huth punctuates instruction on celestial navigation and reading wind, weather, and currents with engaging stories and images. These are derived from sources as varied as the oral histories of Pacific Islanders and Inuit hunters, Homer’s Odyssey, Icelandic sagas, navigational tables from the medieval Islamic world, and contemporary news reports and sailing accounts. -- Deirdre Lockwood * Science *Humanity’s lust for exploring terra incognita shaped and tested our prodigious capacity for mental mapping. Now, with the advent of the Global Positioning System, wayfaring skills are on the wane. Physicist John Edward Huth turns explorer in this rich, wide-ranging and lucidly illustrated primer on how to find yourself in the middle of somewhere. Huth’s prescription for navigating fog, darkness, open ocean, thick forests or unknown terrain rests first on harnessing compass, Sun and stars; then on the subtleties of weather forecasting and decoding markers such as the wind, waves and tides. * Nature *[An] irresistible book… Huth has an affable, smart tone, as welcoming as a Billy Collins poem. His knowledge of way-finding and its history is rangy and detailed, but his enthusiasm never flickers, lifting the educational factor to higher ground: rewarding, artful, ably conveying what can be some fairly abstruse material, the finer points of navigation being among them. There are, by the way, many, many fine points regarding navigation, and if Huth gets a bit windy in pointing them out, well, let the wind blow. It’s refreshing. -- Peter Lewis * Barnes & Noble Review *Early humans learned to navigate on land and sea by watching the world around them… Huth recovers some of this history by looking at Norse legends, the records of Arab traders moving across the Indian Ocean and Pacific Islanders… Huth’s subject is fascinating… We have lost many of our innate abilities on the way to this technologically advanced moment in time. But John Edward Huth believes, and his book shows, that some of what was lost can still be found. We just need to relearn how to read the signs. -- Anthony Sattin * Literary Review *Lamenting the loss of navigational skills, [Huth] set out to collect in one volume the many schemes that kept our forebears alive. Ancient explorers could, through navigational nous, undertake voyages over great expanses of ocean and land to establish settlements and trade routes, and return home. -- Peter Monaghan * Chronicle of Higher Education *Just as we are said to have abandoned the art of memory when we started writing things down, so Huth says that we have lost our instinct for knowing how to get from here to there. Before the scientific revolution we had the ability to interpret environmental information that enabled us to navigate long distances. Huth surveys Pacific Islanders, medieval Arab traders, Vikings and early Western European travellers before examining techniques for navigators to look to the stars for astronomical beacons, as well as to the weather and the water. -- Iain Finlayson * The Times *

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Book SynopsisThis book explains the complex origins and behaviours of the Merlin, from its obscure fossil ancestors through to the contemporary challenges that it faces from habitat destruction, environmental pollution and climate change. Reveals some surprising regional differences that offer new understanding of this fascinating bird.

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Book SynopsisCompletely new edition of this best-selling book, fully updated and expandedEssential handbook for aroid researchers, collectors and growersBeautifully illustrated with line drawings, historical paintings and photographs taken by the author and contributorsAccessible and authoritative text written by aroid expertIncludes a checklist of genera, full glossary, extensive references and a detailed index

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Book SynopsisThe transformative effect of technological change on households and culture, seen from a macroeconomic perspective through simple economic models.In Evolving Households, Jeremy Greenwood argues that technological progress has had as significant an effect on households as it had on industry. Taking a macroeconomic perspective, Greenwood develops simple economic models to study such phenomena as the rise in married female labor force participation, changes in fertility rates, the decline in marriage, and increased longevity. These trends represent a dramatic transformation in everyday life, and they were made possible by advancements in technology. Greenwood also addresses how technological progress can cause social change.Greenwood shows, for example, how electricity and labor-saving appliances freed women from full-time household drudgery and enabled them to enter the labor market. He explains that fertility dropped when higher wages increased the opportunity co

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Book SynopsisA unique and personal insight into the ecology and evolution of pollinators, their relationships with flowers, and their conservation in a rapidly changing world. The pollination of flowers by insects, birds and other animals is a fundamentally important ecological function that supports both the natural world and human society. Without pollinators to facilitate the sexual reproduction of plants, the world would be a biologically poorer place in which to live, there would be an impact on food security, and human health would suffer. Written by one of the world's leading pollination ecologists, this book provides an introduction to what pollinators are, how their interactions with flowers have evolved, and the fundamental ecology of these relationships. It explores the pollination of wild and agricultural plants in a variety of habitats and contexts, including urban, rural and agricultural environments. The author also provides practical advice on how individuals and organisations can study, and support, pollinators. As well as covering the natural history of pollinators and flowers, the author discusses their cultural importance, and the ways in which pollinator conservation has been portrayed from a political perspective. The book draws on field work experiences in South America, Africa, Australia, the Canary Islands and the UK. For over 30 years the author has spent his career researching how plants and pollinators evolve relationships, how these interactions function ecologically, their importance for society, and how we can conserve them in a rapidly changing world. This book offers a unique and personal insight into the science of pollinators and pollination, aimed at anyone who is interested in understanding these fascinating and crucial ecological interactions.Trade ReviewSUPERB. It contains everything I've spent the last 10 years trying to grasp, all in one book, AND written in a way I can understand! It makes such a difference to a non-scientist (like me) to be able to grasp the facts, and the science behind the facts, without having to first look up dozens of terms I don't understand. -- Brigit Strawbridge Howard * Author of Dancing with Bees: A Journey Back to Nature *Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgements 1. The importance of pollinators and pollination 2. More than just bees: the diversity of pollinators 3. To be a flower 4. Fidelity and promiscuity in Darwin's entangled bank 5. The evolution of pollination strategies 6. A matter of time: from daily cycles to climate change 7. Agricultural perspectives 8. Urban environments 9. The significance of gardens 10. Shifting fates of pollinators 11. New bees on the block 12. Managing, restoring and connecting habitats 13. The politics of pollination 14. Studying pollinators and pollination References Index

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Book SynopsisWhy is it that the behaviour of teenagers can be so odd? As they grow older, young children steadily improve their sense of how to behave, and then all of a sudden, they can become totally uncommunicative, wildly emotional and completely unpredictable.We used to think that erratic teenage behaviour was due to a sudden surge in hormones, but modern neuroscience shows us that this isn't true. The Teenage Brain is a journey through the new discoveries that show us exactly what happens to the brain in this crucial period, how it dictates teenagers' behaviour, and how the experiences of our teenage years are what shape our attitudes, and often our happiness in later life.Many of our ideas about our growing brains are completely re-written. They don't stop developing at the end of our teens they keep adapting until we are in our mid-twenties. They are wired back to front, with the most important parts, the parts that we associate with good judgement, concentration, organization and emotionaTrade Review“Dr. Jensen uses her considerable expertise as a neuroscientist and a mother to explain the recent explosion of adolescent brain research and how this research can help us better understand and help young people. This book also highlights biologically inherent opportunities to enhance the health and well-being of young people during the second decade of life… opportunities we should not be missing.”— Carol A. Ford, M.D. President, Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine; Professor of Paediatrics, University of Pennsylvania; and Chief, Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia “Jensen has brilliantly translated academic science and clinical studies into easily understandable chapters to highlight the many changes in connections and plasticity of the brain. The book is a ‘must read’ for parents, teachers, school nurses, and many others who live with or interact with teens. Understanding the susceptibility of the brain to drugs and stressors is not presented as an excuse but rather as a new framework for readers to approach parenting or teaching with more science and more evidence-based, practical advice.” — S. Jean Emans, MD. Chief, Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital; Professor of Paediatrics, Harvard Medical School

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Book SynopsisIn Don’t Be Such a Scientist, Randy Olson recounts the lessons from his own hilarious—and at times humiliating—evolution from science professor to Hollywood filmmaker, sharing the secrets of talking substance in an age of style. The key, he argued, is to stay true to the facts while tapping into something more primordial, more irrational—and ultimately more human. Now, in this second edition of his provocative and groundbreaking book, Olson builds upon the lessons and storytelling of Don’t Be Such a Scientist, providing an epilogue to each chapter for the current times, and adding a fresh introduction and new chapter on the importance of listening for science communicators (and beyond).Don’t Be Such a Scientist, Second Edition is a cutting and irreverent manual to speaking out and making your voice heard in an age of attacks on science.Invaluable for anyone looking to break out of the boxes of academia or research, Olson’s writing will inspire readers to “make science human”—and to enjoy the ride along the way.

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Book SynopsisAn in-depth guide for aspiring astronomers and Moon observers from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Includes detailed Moon maps and covers the history of lunar observation and exploration, the properties of the Moon, its origin and orbit. This is the ideal book for Moon observers covering essential equipment, and the key events to look out for.Detailed advice is given on how to choose a telescope and how to capture the Moon in sketches.Discover all you need to know about eclipses, blue moons, supermoons, conjunctions and occultations.A comprehensive section covers astrophotography using lenses, telescopes, Smartphones, including video and how to process your images.Comes with a photographic atlas of lunar features with plates and annotated maps.A glossary of key terms, index of lunar features and software references are also provided.

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Book SynopsisA classic text on esoteric traditional herbalism from one of the most influential herbalists of the Paris occult revival• Includes a dictionary of nearly 300 magical plants with descriptions of each plant’s scientific name, common names, elemental qualities, ruling planets, and zodiacal signatures, with commentary on medico-magical properties and uses • Explores methods of phytotherapy and plant magic, including the Paracelsian “transplantation of diseases,” ritual pacts with trees, the secret ingredients of witches’ ointments, and the composition of magical philters • Explains the occult secrets of phytogenesis, plant physiology, and plant physiognomy (classification of plants according to the doctrine of signatures) Merging the scientific discipline of botany with ancient, medieval, and Renaissance traditions of occult herbalism, this seminal guide was first published in French in 1902 as a textbook for students of Papus’s École hermétique and sparked a revival in the study of magical herbalism in early twentieth-century France. Author Paul Sédir, pseudonym of Yvon Le Loup (1871-1926), explains the occult secrets of phytogenesis (the esoteric origin and evolutionary development of the plant kingdom), plant physiology (the occult anatomy of plants), and plant physiognomy (classification of plants according to the doctrine of signatures). Unveiling the mysteries behind planetary and zodiacal attributions, he provides readers with the keys to make their own informed determinations of the astral properties of plants. Moving from theory into practice, Sédir explores various methods of phytotherapy and plant magic, including the Paracelsian “transplantation of diseases,” the secret ingredients of witches’ ointments, and the composition of magical philters. In the third section of the book, Sédir offers a dictionary of magical plants that covers nearly 300 plant species with descriptions of their astral signatures, occult properties, and medico-magical uses. Compiled from an array of rare sources and esoterica, this classic text includes a wealth of additional materials and supplemental charts and diagrams drawn from Sédir’s occult colleagues, all of whom adopted and expanded upon Sédir’s pioneering system of plant correspondences.Trade Review“Reading Occult Botany was a deeply enjoyable experience that satisfied many diverse urges for botanical knowledge, from within one compendium.This strange and intriguing miscellany leads one through portals and fields, gardens and celestial realms. The plant entries are helpful for quickly finding zodiac and planetary correspondences; they also include a peppering of rare pieces of occult lore alongside many medicinal applications of old. The footnotes are very helpful and detailed, as are the charts, tables, and appendices within the book. It is a must-have for students and seekers who wish to blend the magical with the medicinal, the earth with the stars.” * Corinne Boyer, folk herbalist, teacher, and author of Under the Witching Tree *“A refreshing look at the treatises of occult herbalism. A fascinating, in-depth deep dive and understandable approach to the esoteric arts as they pertain to plant, animal, and mineral medicines with an emphasis on occult botany and the Hermetic arts, including lab alchemy. A one-of-a-kind, expansive dictionary of magical plants with special care given to the translation and annotations in the footnotes to further illustrate the understanding of these plants then and now. A must-have for any seeker of esoteric herbalism.” * Catamara Rosarium, master herbalist, owner of Rosarium Blends LLC *“Occult Botany gives us a needed look at esoteric herbalism from 1902, when philosophical arts had not yet veered dangerously into the pseudoscience of the new age that we have today. We can see whole philosophies at work within these pages that should help modern readers navigate their way out of the philosophical cul-de-sacs that modern herbalism has been circling for too long.” * Marcus McCoy, blacksmith, herbalist, editor of Verdant Gnosis *"I have got some SUPER, SUPER sexy book porn for you today! Sedir, pseudonym of Yvon Le Loup, passed away in 1926, but not before becoming a pivotal figure in the French occult revival. Occult Botany was first published in 1902 as a textbook for students of Papus’s Ecole hermetique where he was a professor. This is being presented in a 448-page hardcover tome loaded with original illustrations and built-in ribbon bookmark. I told you it was sexy! This book is a wonderful, if sometimes dated, resource for lovers of plants and their magical potential." * The Magical Buffet *Table of ContentsSymbols and Tables Translator’s Foreword Introduction PART ONE The Plant Kingdom1 Phytogenesis 2 Plant Physiology 3 Plant Physiognomy PART TWO Plants and Humans 4 Alimentation 5 Phytotherapy 6 Plant Magic 7 Occult Horticulture 8 Vegetation Magic9 The Vegetable Phoenix 10 Plant Palingenesis in History and PracticePART THREE A Concise Dictionary of Magical Plants A Acacia-Asphodel B Bachelor’s Button-Buttercup C Cabbage-Cypress D Daffodil–Dittany of Crete E Edelweiss-Eyebright F Fava Bean-FumitoryG Garlic-Grapevine H Hazel-Hyacinth I Iris-Ivy J Jimsonweed-JuniperK Knotweed-Kusha Grass L Larkspur-Lungwort M Madder-Myrtle N Needleleaf-Nutmeg O Oak-OreganoP Palm-Purslane Q Quince R Raisin Tree-Rue S Saffron-Strawberry T Tamarind-Turnip U Usnea V Valerian-Violet W Wallflower-Wormwood Y Yarrow APPENDIX 1 Occult MedicineAPPENDIX 2 Paracelsian Physiology APPENDIX 3 On Opium Use Glossary of Herbal Actions Concordance of Elemental and Astral Plant Signatures Notes Bibliography Index of Ancient Sources Index of Plant Names Index of Authors and Subjects

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Book SynopsisExplore the physics behind the world of Star Wars, with engaging topics and accessible information that shows how we’re closer than ever before to creating technology from the galaxy far, far away—perfect for every Star Wars fan!Ever wish you could have your very own lightsaber like Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi? Or that you could fly through space at the speed of light like Han Solo and Poe Dameron? Well, those ideas aren’t as outlandish as you think. In The Physics of Star Wars, you’ll explore the mystical power of the Force using quantum mechanics, find out how much energy it would take for the Death Star or Starkiller Base to destroy a planet, and discover how we can potentially create our very own lightsabers. The fantastical world of Star Wars may become a reality!Trade Review"When you think of the science behind Star Wars, what do you think of? In this new book you can delve into the science of the galaxy far, far away and maybe get some answers." * Geek Girl Authority *"Patrick Johnson … breaks down the Star Wars franchise into its constituent parts, and offers scientific explanations, grounded in reality, for just about every detail … .A compulsive pleasure to read." * VICE *"Gets a fun conversation about physics brewing in the zeitgeist, but also might neatly explain everything that’s weird about the Star Wars galaxy. The wonderful thing about Johnson’s way of thinking is that nearly every quibble we might have about the science mistakes or fallacies inherent to Star Wars could have a neat explanation." * Inverse.com *"A stellar read …. a deep dive into the real science behind the world of Star Wars. You can really tell how big a fan the author is, which makes for an extra fun read. By comparing the galaxy to our own, the author makes it very accessible and even more interesting. If you’re interested in this book and don’t have a science background, you’ll still enjoy it … .A fun, educational read." * Hypable *"As part of his mission to communicate science to nonscientists, physicist Patrick Johnson uses the fictional world of Star Wars to explore real-life science. The book is divided into categorized topics … followed by an analysis of the physics involved in the Star Wars universe compared with current science and technology here on Earth. Aimed at a general audience, The Physics of Star Wars could stimulate some thought-provoking discussions." * Physics Today *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Quantum Field Theory, As Simply As Possible is delivered with humour and erudition by Anthony Zee. What better way to get the little grey cells going than by unifying quantum mechanics and special relativity?" * New Scientist *"Certain to appeal to, instruct, and entertain at many levels"---J. F. Burkhart, Choice

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Book SynopsisThe Architecture of Clouds describes in a visual, poetic, and personal way how clouds are related to our everyday life and the weather. It expertly details how the art and science of clouds are interconnected with straightforward scientific explanations of the meteorological context in which clouds appear and why they form, alongside in-depth descriptions of the visual and artistic aspects of clouds. The air motion dynamics, cloud microphysics and thermodynamics discussed are written in a style accessible to all readers.The clouds showcased within the text range from placid ground fog to smoothly sculpted, stationary, mountain-wave clouds to violent clouds associated with convective storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Clouds are classified as whether they are buoyant or not, and if they are, how deep they extend through the atmosphere. An exhaustive and impressive compilation of photos taken from all over the world, including photographs taken from satellites, are featured in each chapt

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Book Synopsis‘If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe’ - Carl SaganInspired by Sagan’s famous line, How To Make An Apple Pie From Scratch sets out on a journey to unearth everything we know about our universe: how it started, how we found out, and what we still have left to discover . . .‘Witty, approachable and captivating’ - Robin Ince‘A fascinating exploration of how we learned what matter really is’ - Sean CarrollWill we ever be able to understand the very first moments of the world we inhabit? What is matter really made of? How did anything survive the fearsome heat of the Big Bang?In pursuit of answers, we meet the scientists, astronomers and philosophers who brought us to our present understanding of the world – offering readers a front-row seat to the most dramatic journey human beings have ever embarked on.TED Talk speaker and academic Harry Cliff's How To Make An Apple Pie From Scratch is an essential, fresh and funny guide to how we got to where we are now – and what we have to come.‘A delightfully fresh and accessible approach to one of the great quests of science’ - Graham Farmelo‘Lays out not just what we know, but how we found out (and what is left to be discovered’ - Katie MackTrade ReviewCliff's engaging and personable writing style, along with his infectious enthusiasm, follows in the best traditions of Feynman and Sagan . . . a page-turner. -- Jim Al-KhaliliWitty, approachable and captivating . . . Every time you eat a pie, you'll find yourself contemplating the universe and why exactly there is one in the first place - a wild ride through the remarkable adventures and thoughts that have led to a species beginning to work out why it is and why everything else is too. -- Robin InceA fascinating exploration of how we learned what matter really is, and the journey matter takes from the Big Bang, through exploding stars, ultimately to you and me. -- Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of SpacetimeA delightfully fresh and accessible approach to one of the great quests of science . . . Harry Cliff has found a recipe for an easily digestible approach to this subject, and the results go down a treat. -- Graham Farmelo, author of The Strangest ManScience is all about successful recipes and here’s a mouthwateringly good one for life, the universe and everything. The cosmic detail in chef Cliff’s climactic de novo apple pie makes the efforts of celebrity cooks seem thin and insubstantial. -- Roger Highfield, Science Director at the Science MuseumCovers a vast amount of ground whilst remaining easy to read: from the birth of modern chemistry through to the very latest ideas in particle physics. All done with a light-hearted rigour . . . Brilliant. -- Jeff Forshaw, Professor of Particle Physics, University of ManchesterHow to Make an Apple Pie from Scratch lays out not just what we know, but how we found out (and what is left to be discovered), and gives us intriguing glimpses into the lives of the thinkers and tinkerers who put all the pieces together for us. -- Katie Mack, author of The End of Everything[An] outstanding book, sometimes as funny as The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy * Kirkus *Cliff is an expert writer who artfully takes on a complex subject in a comprehensible, entertaining, and humorous manner . . . Highly recommended. * Library Journal *

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