Summaries of books about Science & Math:
Cradle to Cradle
Remaking the Way We Make Things
William McDonough|Michael Braungart
The book advocates for a transformative approach to production and design that emulates nature's regenerative cycle, where waste is eliminated and materials are perpetually reused. It challenges the traditional "cradle to grave" manufacturing model and proposes a "cradle to cradle" framework that promotes sustainability, efficiency, and the creation of products that can be fully reclaimed or re-purposed.
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Ignition!
An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants
John D. Clark
The book provides a detailed and humorous account of the development and experimentation with liquid rocket fuels from the early 20th century to the 1960s, highlighting the scientific challenges, explosive failures, and eccentric personalities involved in the field of rocketry. It covers both successful and disastrous attempts to create powerful propellants, offering insight into the chemistry and engineering behind space exploration.
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Life on the Edge
The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology
Johnjoe McFadden|Jim Al-Khalili
The book explores the intersection of quantum mechanics and biology, presenting the idea that quantum phenomena are integral to the processes of life, from photosynthesis to enzyme function. It delves into scientific research and theories that suggest quantum mechanics play a role in phenomena such as bird navigation, olfaction, and genetic mutation.
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Calculus For Dummies
Mark Ryan
The book simplifies the concepts and techniques of calculus, providing clear explanations, practical examples, and practice problems for topics such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. It serves as a comprehensive guide for beginners to understand and apply the fundamental principles of calculus in various problems.
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The Epigenetics Revolution
How Modern Biology Is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Inheritance
Nessa Carey
The book explores the field of epigenetics, detailing how gene expression is influenced by external factors without altering the DNA sequence itself. It discusses the implications of these mechanisms for understanding genetics, disease, and heredity, and how they challenge traditional views on biological inheritance.
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Beyond Words
What Animals Think and Feel
Carl Safina
The book explores the rich emotional lives of animals, delving into the inner worlds of elephants, wolves, and killer whales to reveal their intelligence and the complexity of their social behaviors. It challenges the traditional view of human exceptionalism by presenting compelling evidence of deep similarities between humans and other animals in experiencing joy, grief, jealousy, and love.
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The Planets
The Definitive Visual Guide to Our Solar System
DK
This visual guide offers an in-depth exploration of the solar system, featuring detailed images and information about the planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. It includes the latest scientific discoveries, data, and high-quality photographs from space missions, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of our cosmic neighborhood.
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Forces of Nature
Professor Brian Cox|Andrew Cohen
The book explores the fundamental forces that shape our universe, from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies, blending physics with stunning photography and real-world examples. It delves into the laws of nature that govern the cosmos, explaining complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
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Superior
The Return of Race Science
Angela Saini
The book critically examines the resurgence of race science in contemporary society, debunking the pseudoscientific claims that attempt to link intellectual and physical traits to racial differences. It explores the history and impact of race-based research, highlighting its flawed methodologies and the social and political agendas that often drive it.
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Subliminal
How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior
Leonard Mlodinow
The book explores the influence of the subconscious on decision-making and behavior, revealing how much of what we do is shaped by brain processes we are not aware of. It delves into scientific research and psychological studies to demonstrate the hidden power of the unconscious mind in our everyday lives.
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