Summaries of books about Science & Math:
Fundamentals
Ten Keys to Reality
Frank Wilczek
The book explores the essential principles that form the foundation of our understanding of the universe, from the nature of space and time to the workings of matter and energy. It delves into the deep laws of physics and the universe's fundamental building blocks, aiming to provide readers with a clearer view of reality's big picture.
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An Elegant Defense
The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System: A Tale in Four Lives
Matt Richtel
The book intertwines the personal stories of four individuals with diverse health challenges to explore the complexities of the human immune system. It delves into the latest scientific discoveries, explaining how the immune system works, its role in disease and health, and the implications of new treatments that harness its power.
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Survival of the Sickest
The Surprising Connections Between Disease and Longevity (P.S.)
Sharon Moalem|Jonathan Prince
The book explores the counterintuitive concept that certain diseases which are harmful in the modern world may have historically provided evolutionary advantages to our ancestors. It delves into the genetic legacy of these conditions, examining how traits linked to diseases like hemochromatosis or diabetes played a role in human survival and adaptation to different environments.
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Physics of the Impossible
A Scientific Exploration into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel
Michio Kaku
The book explores the scientific plausibility of various phenomena and technologies found in science fiction, such as invisibility, phasers, and time travel. It categorizes these concepts into three levels of impossibility, discussing current physics and potential future advancements that could make them possible.
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The Genius of Dogs
How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think
Brian Hare|Vanessa Woods
The book explores the cognitive abilities of dogs, presenting evidence of their intelligence and problem-solving skills. It delves into scientific studies and experiments that reveal how dogs have evolved to be adept at understanding human social cues and communicating effectively with humans.
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Origins
Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution
Neil deGrasse Tyson|Donald Goldsmith
The book explores the history of the universe from the Big Bang to the present, delving into the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, and the complex processes that led to the emergence of life on Earth. It combines astrophysics, cosmology, and astrobiology to explain how the cosmos has evolved over billions of years, presenting scientific concepts in an accessible manner.
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Organic Chemistry as a Second Language
David R. Klein
The book simplifies complex concepts in organic chemistry, providing clear explanations, helpful diagrams, and practice problems to enhance understanding of first-semester topics such as structure and bonding, resonance, and stereochemistry. It serves as a supplemental learning tool to bridge the gap between introductory chemistry and more advanced organic chemistry courses.
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The Astronomy Book
Big Ideas Simply Explained
DK
The book presents a comprehensive overview of astronomical concepts, discoveries, and theories, explaining complex ideas in an accessible manner. It covers the history of astronomy, the solar system, the universe, and the technology used in space exploration, all accompanied by visuals and infographics.
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Being You
A New Science of Consciousness
Anil Seth
The book explores the nature of consciousness, blending neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to argue that our experiences of the world and self are active constructions by the brain. It challenges traditional perceptions of reality and selfhood, proposing that we are "beings of perception," constantly creating the experiences that define our personal reality.
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The Greatest Story Ever Told--So Far
Why Are We Here?
Lawrence M. Krauss
The book delves into the discoveries and principles of modern physics, exploring how our understanding of the universe has evolved from fundamental particles to the forces that govern them. It examines the triumphs of scientific inquiry, revealing the beauty and intricacy behind the laws of nature and our place within the cosmos.
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