Search results for ""Author Michael Brooks""

Book SynopsisDestinado a convertirse en un hito de la literatura científica, este libro recupera del olvido la polifacética figura de Girolamo Cardano, un ciudadano del siglo XVI.Jugador empedernido y hereje, tan erudito como ingenioso y oportunista, atormentado por demonios y dudas existenciales, Cardano ejerció como astrólogo de reyes, papas y emperadores y, a pesar de haber sido ignorado por la historia, fue el descubridor de los fundamentos matemáticos de la física cuántica.El manual del astrólogo cuántico presenta, como el propio Cardano, múltiples facetas: es a la vez una biografía, un libro de historia de la ciencia, una explicación de la teoría cuántica y una emocionante narración que se lee como la mejor de las novelas. Un libro de ciencia único sobre un científico único.

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Book SynopsisScience starts to get interesting when things don't make sense. Even today there are experimental results that the most brilliant scientists can neither explain nor dismiss. In the past, similar anomalies have revolutionised our world: in the sixteenth century, a set of celestial irregularities led Copernicus to realise that the Earth goes around the sun and not the reverse. In 13 Things That Don't Make Sense Michael Brooks meets thirteen modern-day anomalies that may become tomorrow's breakthroughs. Is ninety six percent of the universe missing? If no study has ever been able to definitively show that the placebo effect works, why has it become a pillar of medical science? Was the 1977 signal from outer space a transmission from an alien civilization? Spanning fields from chemistry to cosmology, psychology to physics, Michael Brooks thrillingly captures the excitement and controversy of the scientific unknown.Trade ReviewFascinating ... Brooks reawakens us to the astonishing fact of our mere existence, the strangeness of the world around us, and the astonishing amount that science has yet to discover -- Christopher Hart * Sunday Times *Outstanding non-fiction reading * Esquire *Impressively knowledgeable, articulate -- Christopher Hirst * Independent *An admirably clear and clever writer * Evening Standard *Proof that science gets interesting when things get weird * Weekend Australian *

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Book SynopsisCan We Travel Through Time? addresses 20 of the most fundamental and frequently asked questions in physics. What is the God particle? Does chaos theory spell disaster? Am I unique in the universe? What is light? Each 3,000 word essay examines these eternally perplexing questions in a way that is comprehensible to everyone, providing the ultimate guide to understanding the very nature of the world we live in.Trade Review'clearly and concisely encapsulates some of the more interesting conundrums that those not in the know might want to ask those who ought to know ' How It Works Works magazine. * How It Works Works magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction. What is the point of physics? - Impossible questions, unexpected rewards, and the never-ending quest for understanding. What is time? - Progress, disorder and Einstein's elastic clocks. What happened to Schrodinger's cat? - Quantum physics and the nature of reality. Why does an apple fall? - Gravity, mass and the enigma of relativity. Are solids really solid? - Atoms, quarks and solids that slip through your fingers. Why is there no such thing as a free lunch? - Energy, entropy and the search for perpetual motion. Is everything ultimately random? - Uncertainty, quantum reality and the probably role of statistics. What is the God Particle? - The Higgs boson, the LHC and the search for the meaning of mass. Am I unique? - The limits of our universe and the search for parallel worlds. Can we travel through time? - Where relativity meets science fiction. Is Earth's magnetic shield failing? - Drifting poles, the planet's churning core and the threat to life on Earth. Why does E=mc2? - The equation that underpins the universe. Can I change the universe with a single glance? - Spooky quantum links and the chance to rewrite history. Does chaos theory spell disaster? - The butterfly effect's influence on weather, climate and the motions of the planets. What is light? - A strange kind of wave, and an even stranger kind of particle. Is string theory really about strings? - The vibrations that create our universe. Why is there something rather than nothing? - The Big Bang, antimatter and the mystery of our existence. Do we live in a simulation? - Human nature, the laws of physics, and the march of technological progress. Which is nature's strongest force? - The ties that bind the universe, and their origin in the superforce. What is the true nature of reality? - Beyond the quantum world lies the realm of information. Glossary. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book is recommended reading for planners preparing to take the AICP exam. In this new book, the author bridges the gap between theory and practice. The author describes an original approach-Feedback Strategy-that builds on the strengths of previous planning theories with one big difference: it not only acknowledges but welcomes politics-the bogeyman of real-world planning. Don''t hold your nose or look the other way, the author advises planners, but use politics to your own advantage. The author admits that most of the time planning theory doesn''t have much to do with planning practice. These ideas rooted in the planner''s real world are different. This strategy employs everyday poltiical processes to advance planning, trusts planners'' personal values and professional ethics, and depends on their ability to help clients articulate a vision. This volume will encourage not only veteran planners searching for a fresh approach, but also students and recTable of ContentsPlanning Practice and Political Power, Planning Practice and Planning Theory, Running the Gauntlet of Planning Critics, Rationales for Public Planning, The Critical Role of Values and Ethics, Centralized Rationality: The Planner as Applied Scientist, Centralized Non-Rationality: The Planner Confronts Politics, Decentralized Rationality: The Planner as Political Activist, Decentralized Non-Rationality: The Planner as Communicator, Setting the Stage: Ideas, Feedback, Goals-and Trial Balloons, The Feedback Strategy of Public Planning, The Politically Savvy Planner, Vision

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Book Synopsis"A brilliant critique of the Right with very sharp insight on some of the shortcomings of the Left, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand how dishonest actors spread their propaganda." Ana Kasparian, Host and Executive Producer of The Young Turks Michael Brooks takes on the new "Intellectual Dark Web". As the host of The Michael Brooks Show and co-host of the Majority Report, he lets his understanding of the new media environment direct his analysis of the newly risen conservative rebels who have taken YouTube by storm. Brooks provides a theoretically rigorous but accessible critique of the most prominent "renegades"; including Sam Harris, Jordan Peterson, and Brett Weinstein while also examining the social, political and media environment that these rebels thrive in.

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Book SynopsisA Daily Telegraph book of the year. This is a landmark in science writing that resurrects from the vaults of neglect the polymath Jerome Cardano, a Milanese of the sixteenth century. Who is he? A gambler and blasphemer, inventor and chancer, plagued by demons and anxieties, astrologer to kings, emperors, and popes, and the unacknowledged discoverer of the mathematical foundations of quantum physics. The Quantum Astrologer's Handbook, like Jerome, has multiple occupations: it is at once a biography, a history of science, an explanation of quantum theory, and an engrossing story which reads like the best kind of novel. It is a science book like no other about a scientist like no other. Trade Review‘Jerome Cardano is my all-time favourite mathematical rogue. Michael Brooks has brought him vividly to life in entertaining, informative, and highly original conversations about frontier physics, held across a gulf of centuries. A daring and successful experiment and a new kind of popular science writing.’ -- Ian Stewart“A near-novelistic account that’s part quantum science, part biography, and part history, this story of 16th-century polymath Jerome Cardano delivers enjoyment on every level … The author breathes life into the intrigues of the 16th century, from a political crisis point which turns on a king receiving a favorable horoscope, to public math battles in the town square between bitter rivals. Brooks’s work offers a bewitching and intimate mix of biography and science.” STARRED REVIEW * Publishers Weekly *‘Michael Brooks is a magician in the old sense — both scientist and artist. He uses both disciplines to create a compelling, fresh look at the quantum world. A fantastic read for students of reality.’ -- Gwyneth Lewis, author of Sunbathing in the Rain‘Michael Brooks is the canniest science writer around. He writes, above all, with attitude.’ * The Independent *‘Brooks communicates difficult stuff in an amiable and lucid manner.’ * New Statesman *‘[Brooks’s] history of [quantum theory] and his sketches of its principals — Einstein, Schrödinger, Bohr — are swift and precise, but he really shines in his lucid discussions of theory and experiment.’ * Financial Times *‘4 stars ... Cardano turns out to be an intriguing figure, deserving of Brooks’ obsession ... [they] make for very entertaining and illuminating companions.’ * The Mail on Sunday * ‘An enthralling biography of the polymath Jerome Cardano, which doubles as a primer on the strangeness of quantum physics ... This vivid book offers belated recompense to a gambler who lost more than he won in an eventful and turbulent life.’ * The Sunday Times *‘This beautifully written book is a kind of experimental scientific biography that mashes up science with what seems to be non‑science, the better to explore the boundaries of what we still don’t know … a quite superb book.’ * The Guardian *‘A beautifully novelistic fusion of physics and biography.’ * The Daily Telegraph *‘This unconventional biography reads like a playful, postmodern novel full of ambition, intrigue, tragedy and an amazing array of scientific discoveries … a risky conceit but Brooks pulls it off magnificently.’ * The Sydney Morning Herald *‘Brooks is an exemplary science writer. His explanations have the sort of clarity you often yearn for when you read about science, but rarely find.’ * The Daily Telegraph *‘[A] fascinating and accessible primer on some of the meatiest and most controversial ideas in modern science … Brooks is known for his ability to explain difficult science to non-specialist audiences, and his passionate interest in quantum physics and history animates every page of this engrossing book.’ * The Saturday Paper *‘The premise of Michael Brooks’s book linking Cardano and quantum physics is bonkers but curiously effective.’ * New Statesman *‘The most original non-fiction book I’ve read in years.’ -- Andrea Wulf, author of The Invention of Nature and Founding Gardeners‘This is one of the best & imaginative non-fiction books I’ve ever read. Hands down. US readers ... I promise. Absolutely fantastic.’ -- Andrea Wulf

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Book SynopsisQuadratic equations, Pythagoras’ theorem, imaginary numbers, and pi — you may remember studying these at school, but did anyone ever explain why? Never fear — bestselling science writer, and your new favourite maths teacher, Michael Brooks, is here to help. In The Maths That Made Us, Brooks reminds us of the wonders of numbers: how they enabled explorers to travel far across the seas and astronomers to map the heavens; how they won wars and halted the HIV epidemic; how they are responsible for the design of your home and almost everything in it, down to the smartphone in your pocket. His clear explanations of the maths that built our world, along with stories about where it came from and how it shaped human history, will engage and delight. From ancient Egyptian priests to the Apollo astronauts, and Babylonian tax collectors to juggling robots, join Brooks and his extraordinarily eccentric cast of characters in discovering how maths made us who we are today.Trade Review‘At school, many of us wondered about the point of geometry, calculus, and algebra. Brooks shows how the childhood question “What’s the point of this?” can be reframed: esoteric concepts such as imaginary numbers, cryptography, and the semi-mystical digits of pi are revealed to be the essential building blocks of the 21st century.’ -- Liz Else and Simon Ings * New Scientist *‘An alternative textbook that suggests a new way of thinking about maths, and a more congenial way of teaching it — as not simply an abstract science but as a cultural achievement, an indelible and indispensable part of human history.’ -- Lola Seaton * New Statesman *‘How brilliant of Michael Brooks to be able to reignite my almost-forgotten childhood love of mathematics. Written with beauty, style, and care for the history as well as for the science. A tour de force.’ -- Angela Saini, author of Superior: the return of race science‘Michael Brooks has written the formula that reduces to near zero any sense that maths could be a dull subject to study. [The Maths That Made Us] brings to life in accessible, lively terms how maths helps us navigate pandemics, space travel, and encrypted apps — all while celebrating the complicated and fascinating characters, from Euclid to Florence Nightingale, who have pushed our knowledge forward. Why isn’t school maths taught like this?’ -- David Rowan, founding editor-in-chief of WIRED UK and author of Non-Bullshit Innovation‘In this thrilling, colourful, and deeply researched book, Michael Brooks tells the epic story of how mathematics has driven human progress, spanning millennia to trace the numerical innovations — from geometry and algebra to the mind-bending landscapes of imaginary numbers and extra dimensions — that have woven our history and shape our lives today. Along the way, he explores the passions and intrigues of the people behind the numbers, transforming mathematics from dry equations into a gripping drama. This is maths as you’ve never experienced it: inspiring, fun, and utterly human.’ -- Jo Marchant, author of The Human Cosmos‘Michael Brooks has a rare gift for making science come to life, and in this book he is at his best, fusing mathematics with storytelling as he takes us on an exhilarating sweep through human history. [The Maths That Made Us] shows just how deeply numbers have propelled the advance of civilisation. And it does so with enormous narrative brio and good cheer. This is a serious — but seriously readable — history which I enjoyed from the first page to the last.’ -- Dan Jones, New York Times bestselling historian‘A friendly, readable account of the huge influence that mathematics has had on human civilisation. If you’ve ever wondered what the maths you did at school was for, and what it has done for us, you’ll find the answer here. Michael Brooks’s enthusiasm for the beauty and utility of the subject shines from every page.’ -- Ian Stewart, author of What’s the Use?‘From Fermat’s last theorem to quantum computers, pi to probability, slides rules to golden ratios, [The Maths That Made Us] is no mere bluffer’s guide, but a rich introduction to the elegance and importance of mathematics. Michael Brooks shows what a global and multicultural task it has been, ever since prehistory, to figure out how we can benefit from quantification and calculation. He shows that maths is not just, as Eugene Wigner said, unreasonably effective for understanding the world, but also unfathomably wonderful in its own right.’ -- Philip Ball, science writer and author of Beyond Weird‘Suddenly it all makes sense. This brilliant book shows maths as something concrete, real, and crucial to our lives, rather than some dry, abstract code designed to make school kids’ lives miserable.’ -- Charlie Higson, actor, comedian, and author of the Enemy series‘Michael Brooks has written both a lively history of civilisation, and a delightful introduction to the power of mathematics. Either would be an achievement, but to do both simultaneously is a wonder.’ -- Tim Harford, author of How To Make the World Add Up‘If you love maths, you’ll enjoy this book. But if you’re a little scared of maths (as I am), you’ll adore [The Maths That Made Us]. Michael Brooks knows how to tell the hidden stories behind numbers, formulas, and logarithms.’ -- Andrea Wulf, author of The Invention of Nature‘Mathematics is quite unique in that even much earlier results do not change with the passing of time. This book is not only a passionate love letter to mathematics, it offers an important lesson in the appreciation of mathematics, and of its crucial role in humanity’s history.’ -- Mario Livio, astrophysicist, and author of Galileo and The Science Deniers‘A more or less chronological history and compelling case that advances in mathematics provided the foundation for the advance of civilisation … An unabashed lover of mathematics, Brooks refuses to take the traditional pop writer’s pledge to eschew equations. Most readers will follow his description of ancient navigation across the Mediterranean and the birth of linear perspective in Renaissance Italy, but when he turns his attention to calculus, logarithms, statistics, and cryptography, there is no shortage of complex equation … Not a mathematics-is-fun romp but a serious, persuasive effort to describe how its discoveries paralleled human progress.’ * Kirkus Reviews *‘An enviably good history of how ideas in mathematics have shaped (and been shaped by) the progress of civilisation.’ -- Tim Harford, author of How To Make the World Add Up‘What is the driving force behind the development of human civilisation? In this unique and surprising book, Michael Brooks makes the case that it is the growth and progress of mathematics — and he does it in a way that will be interesting to the mathematical and math-phobic alike! As entertaining as it is informative, [The Maths That Made Us] takes us on a journey through the ages, demonstrating how mathematics played a crucial role in the evolution of how we live. Not since Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel has there been such an insightful and compelling analysis of how we got here.’ -- Leonard Mlodinow, New York Times bestselling author of The Drunkard’s Walk‘Moving from ancient Egyptian priests to a hobbyist who solved a mapmaking puzzle that confounded NASA and the US Geological Survey, science writer Brooks aims to persuade readers that mathematics was one of the great innovations that made civilisation happen.’ -- Barbara Hoffert * Library Journal *‘He begins by diligently explaining the basics of algebra, arithmetic, calculus, and geometry, and introducing key figures in math’s history … Brooks uses the work of these thinkers to break down the math behind facets of everyday life: he describes the statistics that underlie life expectancies; the equations that allow scientists to understand the cosmos; and the imaginary numbers that give guitar amplifiers their power … It’s a show-stopping paean to the wonder of numbers.’ * Publishers Weekly, starred review *‘Ambitious.’ -- Tom Gatti * New Statesman *

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Book SynopsisThe atom. The Big Bang. DNA. Natural selection. All ideas that have revolutionised science - and that were dismissed out of hand when they first appeared. The surprises haven't stopped: here, Michael Brooks, bestselling author of 13 Things that Don't Make Sense, investigates the new wave of unexpected insights that are shaping the future of scientific discovery. Through eleven radical new insights, Brooks takes us to the extreme frontiers of what we understand about the world. He journeys from the observations that might rewrite our history of the universe, through the novel biology behind our will to live, and on to the physiological root of consciousness. Along the way, he examines how the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials means that many of the drugs we use are less effective on women than men and more likely to have adverse effects, explores how merging humans with other species might provide a solution to the shortage of organ donors, and finds out if there is such a thing as the will to live. When we think about science, we often think of iron-clad facts. But today more than ever, our unshakeable truths have been shaken apart. As Michael Brooks reveals, the best science is about open-mindedness, imagination and a love of mind-boggling adventures at the edge of uncertainty.Trade ReviewMichael Brooks is the canniest science writer around. He writes, above all, with attitude * Independent *Brooks reawakens us to the astonishing fact of our mere existence, the strangeness of the world around us, and the astonishing amount that science has yet to discover * Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis'A wonderful book... Delightfully varied... As with all the best science writing, this book doesn't just give answers, it also asks interesting questions.' Daily Mail'Captivating and intelligent! Who knew death could be this much fun?' Richard OsmanAsteroids, killer sharks, nuclear bombs, viruses, deadly robots, climate change, the apocalypse - why is Hollywood so obsessed with death and the end of the world? And how seriously should we take the dystopian visions of our favourite films? With wit, intelligence and irreverence, Rick Edwards and Dr Michael Brooks explore the science of death and mass destruction through some of our best-loved Hollywood blockbusters. From Armageddon and Dr Strangelove to The Terminator and Contagion, they investigate everything from astrophysics to AI, with hilarious and captivating consequences. Packed with illustrations, fascinating facts and numerous spoilers, Hollywood Wants to Kill You is the perfect way into the science of our inevitable demise.Trade ReviewA wonderful book... Delightfully varied... As with all the best science writing, this book doesn't just give answers, it also asks interesting questions. * Daily Mail *A witty and informative look at how Hollywood kills us off. As a film buff and scientist I love this book. * Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist and presenter of The Sky at Night *Great fun and makes you feel a hundred times cleverer. * Charlie Higson, actor, comedian, and bestselling author *Explores everything from the ins and outs of black holes (Interstellar) to artificial intelligence (Ex Machina)... Edwards and Brooks don't take themselves too seriously and their cartoon heads pop up throughout deconstructing the films wittily while explaining the underlying science simply. * Sunday Times on Science(ish) *Deeply funny, academically accomplished, and unfalteringly engaging. Entertaining as it may be, it's difficult to escape the fact that Edwards and Brooks have just made the world of popular science much harder work for the rest of us. * Ben Miller - comedian and author of It’s Not Rocket Science on Science(ish) *Chirpy [and] bantering. * Strong Words *Table of Contents1: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH A VIRUS! 2: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH ASTEROIDS! 3: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH PREDATORS! 4: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH ROBOTS! 5: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH INFERTILITY! 6: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH CLIMATE CHANGE! 7: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH INSOMNIA! 8: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH PLANTS! 9: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH OLD AGE! 10: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH NUCLEAR ARMAGEDDON! 11: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH DEATH!

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Book SynopsisIn der Wissenschaft geht alles Wir stellen uns die Wissenschaften und besonders die Naturwissenschaften oft als den Inbegriff der Vernunft vor: kühl, logisch, objektiv und frei von menschlichen Fehlern und Gefühlen. Doch Wissenschaft wird von Wissenschaftlern gemacht − und die sind nichts von alledem, sagt Michael Brooks. Für die bedeutsamen Fortschritte in der Forschung sorgen fast immer die subversiven Radikalen, die sich ganz ihrer Mission verschreiben und lieber Revolutionen anzetteln, als sich an die Regeln zu halten. Um einen Durchbruch zu erzielen oder an die Spitze zu gelangen, scheuten die berühmtesten Denker vor nichts zurück: Einstein folgte mystischen Visionen, Galilei täuschte und betrog, Steve Jobs nahm Drogen. Einige führten gewagte Experimente mit sich selbst und mit anderen durch, und manche kamen dabei sogar zu Tode. Der Bestsellerautor Michael Brooks belegt seine These an zahlreichen Beispielen – und mit einem Augenzwinkern. Er zeigt, dass die wirklich bahnbrechende Wissenschaft nur selten das Ergebnis penibler Forschungsarbeit ist. Sie bricht vielmehr alle Konventionen, schert sich wenig um die Folgen und zelebriert ihre geheime Anarchie. Brooks zeigt uns die radikalen Forscher: verrückt, böse und gefährlich. The Times Trade Review“… Fast immer gelingt es dem Wissenschaftsautor, auch für Leser ohne Fachkenntnisse verständlich zu erzählen. Seine Sprache ist bildgewaltig und macht Spaß ... Mit Gewinn liest man das Buch trotzdem: Die Geschichten lassen den Leser abwechselnd auflachen und dann wieder sich die Haare raufen.” (Florian Kammermeier, in: DLRmagazin, Heft 159, November 2018)Table of ContentsProlog.- 1 Wie alles anfängt - Träume, Drogen und Visionen von Gott.- 2 Täter und Opfer - Regeln sind dazu da, gebrochen zu werden.- 3 Zauberkünstler und Hexenmeister - Ein Beweis ist nicht alles.- 4 Spiel mit dem Feuer - Freud und Leid.- 5 Sakrileg - Tabus zu brechen gehört zum Spiel.- 6 Fight Club.- Der Zweite geht leer aus.- 7 Den Thron verteidigen - Machiavelli wäre stolz gewesen.- 8 In der Schusslinie - Das Leben auf den Barrikaden.- Epilog.- Danksagungen.- Index.

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Book of the YearA New Scientist Gift Pick"Bright, nerdy and funny! Of course I loved it." Dara Ó BriainCan we resurrect dinosaurs? Is a Martian holiday good for your health? Can we build a time machine? (And more importantly, can it look like the DeLorean?)Answering these questions and more, Rick Edwards and Dr Michael Brooks delve into the real science behind the greatest sci-fi movies ever made. From Planet of the Apes to Interstellar, each chapter probes a different classic, blasting apart tricky topics like astrophysics, neuroscience, psychology, botany, artificial intelligence, evolution, and plenty more. Packed with illustrations, bizarre facts and indispensable movie trivia, Science(ish) is the perfect read for curious minds.Trade ReviewBright, nerdy and funny! Of course I loved it. * Dara Ó Briain *Fun, scary answers to the "sci" in sci-fi movies. * The New Scientist *Fascinating and hilarious. * Richard Osman, co-host of Pointless *If you are a geek, a film buff, curious or simply want to know whether you still get BO in space, this is the book you have got to have. * Kate Humble *It's the kind of book I love. -- Joel Dommett * Shortlist *Explores everything from the ins and outs of black holes (Interstellar) to artificial intelligence (Ex Machina)... Edwards and Brooks don't take themselves too seriously and their cartoon heads pop up throughout deconstructing the films wittily while explaining the underlying science simply. * Sunday Times *Deeply funny, academically accomplished, and unfalteringly engaging. Entertaining as it may be, it's difficult to escape the fact that Edwards and Brooks have just made the world of popular science much harder work for the rest of us. * Ben Miller - comedian and author of It’s Not Rocket Science *Table of Contents0: Introduction 1: The Martian 2: Jurassic Park 3: Interstellar 4: Planet of the Apes 5: Back to the Future 6: 28 Days Later 7: The Matrix 8: Gattaca 9: Ex Machina 10: Alien 11: Acknowledgements 12: Index

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Book Synopsis'A wonderful book... Delightfully varied... As with all the best science writing, this book doesn't just give answers, it also asks interesting questions.' Daily Mail'Captivating and intelligent! Who knew death could be this much fun?' Richard OsmanAsteroids, killer sharks, nuclear bombs, viruses, deadly robots, climate change, the apocalypse - why is Hollywood so obsessed with death and the end of the world? And how seriously should we take the dystopian visions of our favourite films? With wit, intelligence and irreverence, Rick Edwards and Dr Michael Brooks explore the science of death and mass destruction through some of our best-loved Hollywood blockbusters. From Armageddon and Dr Strangelove to The Terminator and Contagion, they investigate everything from astrophysics to AI, with hilarious and captivating consequences. Packed with illustrations, fascinating facts and numerous spoilers, Hollywood Wants to Kill You is the perfect way into the science of our inevitable demise.Trade ReviewA wonderful book... Delightfully varied... As with all the best science writing, this book doesn't just give answers, it also asks interesting questions. * Daily Mail *A witty and informative look at how Hollywood kills us off. As a film buff and scientist I love this book. * Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist and presenter of The Sky at Night *Great fun and makes you feel a hundred times cleverer. * Charlie Higson, actor, comedian, and bestselling author *Explores everything from the ins and outs of black holes (Interstellar) to artificial intelligence (Ex Machina)... Edwards and Brooks don't take themselves too seriously and their cartoon heads pop up throughout deconstructing the films wittily while explaining the underlying science simply. * Sunday Times on Science(ish) *Deeply funny, academically accomplished, and unfalteringly engaging. Entertaining as it may be, it's difficult to escape the fact that Edwards and Brooks have just made the world of popular science much harder work for the rest of us. * Ben Miller - comedian and author of It’s Not Rocket Science on Science(ish) *Chirpy [and] bantering. * Strong Words *Table of Contents1: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH A VIRUS! 2: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH ASTEROIDS! 3: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH PREDATORS! 4: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH ROBOTS! 5: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH INFERTILITY! 6: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH CLIMATE CHANGE! 7: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH INSOMNIA! 8: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH PLANTS! 9: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH OLD AGE! 10: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH NUCLEAR ARMAGEDDON! 11: Hollywood Wants to Kill You. WITH DEATH!

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Book SynopsisThis new edition of the well-established Kearey and Brooks text is fully updated to reflect the important developments in geophysical methods since the production of the previous edition. The broad scope of previous editions is maintained, with even greater clarity of explanations from the revised text and extensively revised figures.Trade Review"The book is popular with geophysics students, a result of its clear and concise style, the presentation of information a the level required for the earlier years of an undergraduate degree, and figures which are also clear and concise." Geophysical Journal International on the second edition "No doubt that this volume will once again prove to be a classic textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in geology, geophysics, and for anyone interested in Earth Science." The EGGS, February 2003 "Overall...this is an excellent book and no doubt will continue to be recommended for many undergraduate courses." Geological Magazine, August 2003Table of ContentsPreface ix 1 The principles and limitations of geophysical exploration methods 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 The survey methods 1 1.3 The problem of ambiguity in geophysical interpretation 6 1.4 The structure of the book 7 2 Geophysical data processing 8 2.1 Introduction 8 2.2 Digitization of geophysical data 8 2.3 Spectral analysis 10 2.4 Waveform processing 13 2.4.1 Convolution 13 2.4.2 Deconvolution 16 2.4.3 Correlation 16 2.5 Digital filtering 17 2.5.1 Frequency filters 18 2.5.2 Inverse (deconvolution) filters 19 2.6 Imaging and modelling 19 Problems 20 Further reading 20 3 Elements of seismic surveying 21 3.1 Introduction 21 3.2 Stress and strain 21 3.3 Seismic waves 22 3.3.1 Body waves 23 3.3.2 Surface waves 24 3.3.3 Waves and rays 25 3.4 Seismic wave velocities of rocks 26 3.5 Attenuation of seismic energy along ray paths 27 3.6 Ray paths in layered media 28 3.6.1 Reflection and transmission of normally incident seismic rays 28 3.6.2 Reflection and refraction of obliquely incident rays 30 3.6.3 Critical refraction 31 3.6.4 Diffraction 31 3.7 Reflection and refraction surveying 32 3.8 Seismic data acquisition systems 33 3.8.1 Seismic sources and the seismic/acoustic spectrum 34 3.8.2 Seismic transducers 39 3.8.3 Seismic recording systems 41 Problems 42 Further reading 42 4 Seismic reflection surveying 43 4.1 Introduction 43 4.2 Geometry of reflected ray paths 43 4.2.1 Single horizontal reflector 43 4.2.2 Sequence of horizontal reflectors 45 4.2.3 Dipping reflector 46 4.2.4 Ray paths of multiple reflections 47 4.3 The reflection seismogram 48 4.3.1 The seismic trace 48 4.3.2 The shot gather 49 4.3.3 The CMP gather 50 4.4 Multichannel reflection survey design 51 4.4.1 Vertical and horizontal resolution 52 4.4.2 Design of detector arrays 53 4.4.3 Common mid-point (CMP) surveying 54 4.4.4 Display of seismic reflection data 57 4.5 Time corrections applied to seismic traces 57 4.6 Static correction 57 4.7 Velocity analysis 59 4.8 Filtering of seismic data 61 4.8.1 Frequency filtering 62 4.8.2 Inverse filtering (deconvolution) 62 4.8.3 Velocity filtering 65 4.9 Migration of reflection data 67 4.10 3D seismic reflection surveys 72 4.11 Three component (3C) seismic reflection surveys 76 4.12 4D seismic reflection surveys 77 4.13 Vertical seismic profiling 79 4.14 Interpretation of seismic reflection data 80 4.14.1 Structural analysis 81 4.14.2 Stratigraphical analysis (seismic stratigraphy) 82 4.14.3 Seismic modelling 84 4.14.4 Seismic attribute analysis 85 4.15 Single-channel marine reflection profiling 86 4.15.1 Shallow marine seismic sources 89 4.15.2 Sidescan sonar systems 90 4.16 Applications of seismic reflection surveying 92 Problems 97 Further reading 98 5 Seismic refraction surveying 99 5.1 Introduction 99 5.2 Geometry of refracted ray paths: planar interfaces 99 5.2.1 Two-layer case with horizontal interface 100 5.2.2 Three-layer case with horizontal interface 101 5.2.3 Multilayer case with horizontal interfaces 102 5.2.4 Dipping-layer case with planar interfaces 102 5.2.5 Faulted planar interfaces 104 5.3 Profile geometries for studying planar layer problems 105 5.4 Geometry of refracted ray paths: irregular (non-planar) interfaces 106 5.4.1 Delay time 106 5.4.2 The plus–minus interpretation method 108 5.4.3 The generalized reciprocal method 109 5.5 Construction of wavefronts and ray-tracing 110 5.6 The hidden and blind layer problems 110 5.7 Refraction in layers of continuous velocity change 112 5.8 Methodology of refraction profiling 112 5.8.1 Field survey arrangements 112 5.8.2 Recording scheme 113 5.8.3 Weathering and elevation corrections 114 5.8.4 Display of refraction seismograms 115 5.9 Other methods of refraction surveying 115 5.10 Seismic tomography 117 5.11 Applications of seismic refraction surveying 119 5.11.1 Engineering and environmental surveys 119 5.11.2 Hydrological surveys 120 5.11.3 Crustal seismology 120 5.11.4 Two-ship seismic surveying: combined refraction and reflection surveying 122 Problems 123 Further reading 124 6 Gravity surveying 125 6.1 Introduction 125 6.2 Basic theory 125 6.3 Units of gravity 126 6.4 Measurement of gravity 126 6.5 Gravity anomalies 129 6.6 Gravity anomalies of simple-shaped bodies 130 6.7 Gravity surveying 132 6.8 Gravity reduction 133 6.8.1 Drift correction 133 6.8.2 Latitude correction 133 6.8.3 Elevation corrections 134 6.8.4 Tidal correction 136 6.8.5 Eötvös correction 136 6.8.6 Free-air and Bouguer anomalies 136 6.9 Rock densities 137 6.10 Interpretation of gravity anomalies 139 6.10.1 The inverse problem 139 6.10.2 Regional fields and residual anomalies 139 6.10.3 Direct interpretation 140 6.10.4 Indirect interpretation 142 6.11 Elementary potential theory and potential field manipulation 144 6.12 Applications of gravity surveying 147 Problems 150 Further reading 153 7 Magnetic surveying 155 7.1 Introduction 155 7.2 Basic concepts 155 7.3 Rock magnetism 158 7.4 The geomagnetic field 159 7.5 Magnetic anomalies 160 7.6 Magnetic surveying instruments 162 7.6.1 Introduction 162 7.6.2 Fluxgate magnetometer 162 7.6.3 Proton magnetometer 163 7.6.4 Optically pumped magnetometer 164 7.6.5 Magnetic gradiometers 164 7.7 Ground magnetic surveys 164 7.8 Aeromagnetic and marine surveys 164 7.9 Reduction of magnetic observations 165 7.9.1 Diurnal variation correction 165 7.9.2 Geomagnetic correction 166 7.9.3 Elevation and terrain corrections 166 7.10 Interpretation of magnetic anomalies 166 7.10.1 Introduction 166 7.10.2 Direct interpretation 168 7.10.3 Indirect interpretation 170 7.11 Potential field transformations 172 7.12 Applications of magnetic surveying 173 Problems 180 Further reading 181 8 Electrical surveying 183 8.1 Introduction 183 8.2 Resistivity method 183 8.2.1 Introduction 183 8.2.2 Resistivities of rocks and minerals 183 8.2.3 Current flow in the ground 184 8.2.4 Electrode spreads 186 8.2.5 Resistivity surveying equipment 186 8.2.6 Interpretation of resistivity data 187 8.2.7 Vertical electrical sounding interpretation 188 8.2.8 Constant separation traversing interpretation 193 8.2.9 Limitations of the resistivity method 196 8.2.10 Applications of resistivity surveying 196 8.3 Induced polarization (IP) method 199 8.3.1 Principles 199 8.3.2 Mechanisms of induced polarization 199 8.3.3 Induced polarization measurements 200 8.3.4 Field operations 201 8.3.5 Interpretation of induced polarization data 201 8.3.6 Applications of induced polarization surveying 202 8.4 Self-potential (SP) method 203 8.4.1 Introduction 203 8.4.2 Mechanism of self-potential 203 8.4.3 Self-potential equipment and survey procedure 203 8.4.4 Interpretation of self-potential anomalies 204 Problems 205 Further reading 207 9 Electromagnetic surveying 208 9.1 Introduction 208 9.2 Depth of penetration of electromagnetic fields 208 9.3 Detection of electromagnetic fields 209 9.4 Tilt-angle methods 209 9.4.1 Tilt-angle methods employing local transmitters 210 9.4.2 The VLF method 210 9.4.3 The AFMAG method 212 9.5 Phase measuring systems 212 9.6 Time-domain electromagnetic surveying 214 9.7 Non-contacting conductivity measurement 216 9.8 Airborne electromagnetic surveying 218 9.8.1 Fixed separation systems 218 9.8.2 Quadrature systems 220 9.9 Interpretation of electromagnetic data 221 9.10 Limitations of the electromagnetic method 221 9.11 Telluric and magnetotelluric field methods 221 9.11.1 Introduction 221 9.11.2 Surveying with telluric currents 222 9.11.3 Magnetotelluric surveying 224 9.12 Ground-penetrating radar 225 9.13 Applications of electromagnetic surveying 227 Problems 228 Further reading 230 10 Radiometric surveying 231 10.1 Introduction 231 10.2 Radioactive decay 231 10.3 Radioactive minerals 232 10.4 Instruments for measuring radioactivity 233 10.4.1 Geiger counter 233 10.4.2 Scintillation counter 233 10.4.3 Gamma-ray spectrometer 233 10.4.4 Radon emanometer 234 10.5 Field surveys 235 10.6 Example of radiometric surveying 235 Further reading 235 11 Geophysical borehole logging 236 11.1 Introduction to drilling 236 11.2 Principles of well logging 236 11.3 Formation evaluation 237 11.4 Resistivity logging 237 11.4.1 Normal log 238 11.4.2 Lateral log 239 11.4.3 Laterolog 240 11.4.4 Microlog 241 11.4.5 Porosity estimation 241 11.4.6 Water and hydrocarbon saturation estimation 241 11.4.7 Permeability estimation 242 11.4.8 Resistivity dipmeter log 242 11.5 Induction logging 243 11.6 Self-potential logging 243 11.7 Radiometric logging 244 11.7.1 Natural gamma radiation log 244 11.7.2 Gamma-ray density log 244 11.7.3 Neutron–gamma-ray log 245 11.8 Sonic logging 246 11.9 Temperature logging 247 11.10 Magnetic logging 247 11.10.1 Magnetic log 247 11.10.2 Nuclear magnetic resonance log 247 11.11 Gravity logging 247 Problems 248 Further reading 249 Appendix: SI c.g.s. and Imperial (customary USA) units and conversion factors 250 References 251 Index 257

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