Summaries of books about Science & Math:
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Neil de Grasse Tyson
The book offers a concise overview of the fundamental concepts of the universe, from the big bang to black holes, quantum mechanics to cosmic rays. It is designed to provide readers with a quick and accessible understanding of complex astrophysical ideas without requiring extensive scientific background knowledge.
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Homo Deus
‘An intoxicating brew of science, philosophy and futurism’ Mail on Sunday
Yuval Noah Harari
The book explores the potential future of humankind as we harness technology and biotechnology to surpass basic human needs and even death, potentially creating a new form of 'god-like' beings. It delves into the philosophical, ethical, and existential questions that arise as we gain the power to redesign ourselves and the world around us.
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What If?
Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
Randall Munroe
The book provides entertaining and well-researched responses to bizarre and imaginative questions, blending humor with scientific accuracy. It explores hypothetical scenarios using physics, biology, and chemistry to educate readers while indulging in the absurdity of the questions posed.
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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Rebecca Skloot
The book chronicles the life of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman whose cancer cells—taken without her knowledge in the 1950s—led to groundbreaking medical discoveries. It explores the ethical implications of her cells' use in research, known as HeLa cells, and the impact on her family, who remained unaware of her scientific legacy for decades.
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Factfulness
Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
Hans Rosling|Anna Rosling Rönnlund|Ola Rosling
The book challenges common misconceptions about global progress and development by presenting a data-driven analysis that illustrates how the world has improved in various aspects such as health, wealth, and education. It introduces ten instincts that distort our perspective and provides practical advice on how to overcome these biases to see the world more factfully.
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The Body
A Guide for Occupants - THE SUNDAY TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLER
Bill Bryson
The book is an exploration of the human body, its functions, and its remarkable ability to heal and maintain itself, presented with wit and extensive research. It delves into the complexities of each body part, the history of medicine, and the marvels of human biology, making scientific concepts accessible and engaging to a broad audience.
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Braiding Sweetgrass
Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer
The book intertwines indigenous wisdom with modern botany to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of reciprocity and gratitude. It presents a series of essays that draw on the author's experiences as a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and as a scientist, offering lessons on how plants and ecosystems can teach us about living sustainably and ethically.
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Brief Answers to the Big Questions
Stephen Hawking
The book explores some of the most profound questions about the universe, such as the existence of God, the potential for time travel, and the future of humanity. It compiles the late physicist's thoughts on these subjects, offering insights into his scientific perspectives and theories.
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The Hidden Life of Trees
What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries from A Secret World
Peter Wohlleben
The book explores the complex life of trees, revealing their ability to communicate, form communities, and support each other through intricate underground networks often referred to as the "wood wide web." It delves into scientific discoveries that show trees as sentient beings with adaptive behaviors, fostering a deeper understanding of forest ecosystems.
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Concepts of Physics 1
Harish Chandra Verma
The book covers the fundamentals of physics, including topics such as kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work and energy, and gravitation. It also delves into the concepts of friction, circular motion, and mechanical properties of matter, providing a comprehensive understanding of classical physics for high school and early college students.
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