Summaries of books about Science & Math:
Numbers Don't Lie
71 Things You Need to Know About the World
Vaclav Smil
The book presents a collection of 71 short essays that delve into various statistics and facts about technology, energy, the environment, and global development, offering insights into how numbers reveal essential truths about the state of the world. Each chapter uses data and evidence to debunk myths, clarify complex issues, and provide a clearer understanding of how the world really works.
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Inside of a Dog
What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
Alexandra Horowitz
The book delves into the canine mind, exploring the world from a dog's perspective, particularly focusing on their powerful sense of smell and how they perceive their surroundings. It combines scientific research with personal anecdotes to shed light on how dogs understand and interact with humans and their environment.
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The Genius of Birds
Jennifer Ackerman
The book explores the intelligence of birds, delving into their problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and social structures. It presents scientific research and anecdotes that reveal the complex and often surprising cognitive capacities of various bird species.
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Deadliest Enemy
Our War Against Killer Germs
Mark Olshaker|Michael T. Osterholm
The book provides an in-depth look at the world of infectious diseases, detailing the threats posed by various pathogens and the challenges in combating them. It offers insights into public health strategies, the importance of preparedness, and the potential for future pandemics, drawing on the expertise of a leading epidemiologist.
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Plague
One Scientist's Intrepid Search for the Truth about Human Retroviruses and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Autism, and Other Diseases
Kent Heckenlively|Judy Mikovits
The book delves into Judy Mikovits' research on the possible link between retroviruses and a range of chronic diseases, including ME/CFS and autism. It chronicles her controversial journey in the scientific community as she faces both professional challenges and legal battles while advocating for a paradigm shift in understanding these illnesses.
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Deep
Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us About Ourselves
James Nestor
The book explores the world of freediving and the human connection to water, delving into the physiological and psychological aspects of diving deep without oxygen. It also examines the groundbreaking marine science that freedivers help advance, revealing surprising insights about the ocean and our own potential.
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Underland
A Deep Time Journey
Robert Macfarlane
The book explores the hidden worlds beneath our feet, from ancient burial chambers and subterranean rivers to nuclear bunkers, weaving together natural history, mythology, and the author's personal journeys. It delves into the concept of "deep time," the vast timescales that govern the Earth's geology and life, and how humanity's legacy will be embedded in these underland realms.
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Why Fish Don't Exist
A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life
Lulu Miller
The book intertwines the biography of taxonomist David Starr Jordan with the author's personal reflections on chaos and order in life. It explores themes of scientific discovery, existential crises, and the human desire to find meaning amidst life's unpredictability and the arbitrary nature of categorization.
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Fuzz
When Nature Breaks the Law
Roach Mary
The book explores the complex interactions between humans and wildlife, particularly when animals commit acts that, if done by humans, would be considered criminal, such as breaking and entering, assault, or murder. It delves into the science, ethics, and challenges of managing these encounters, blending humor with research as it examines our coexistence with the natural world.
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Chemistry
Inc. BarCharts
The book serves as a concise reference guide, providing an overview of fundamental chemistry concepts, formulas, and principles. It includes quick-access information such as periodic tables, chemical equations, and definitions essential for students or professionals in the field of chemistry.
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