Summaries of books about Science & Math:
Universe
The Definitive Visual Guide
DK
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the cosmos, featuring detailed information on the planets, stars, galaxies, and the history of space exploration, complemented by vivid photographs, illustrations, and diagrams. It also delves into the fundamental concepts of astronomy and astrophysics, offering insights into the latest scientific discoveries and theories about the universe.
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Spook
Science Tackles the Afterlife
Mary Roach
The book investigates the scientific efforts to prove or disprove the existence of an afterlife, exploring a range of topics from reincarnation and near-death experiences to ghost hunting and the history of spirit communication. It combines humor with a critical eye, as the author participates in various experiments and interviews experts in an attempt to understand humanity's enduring quest to answer the question of what happens after death.
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Tripping over the Truth
How the Metabolic Theory of Cancer Is Overturning One of Medicine's Most Entrenched Paradigms
Travis Christofferson
The book explores the theory that cancer is primarily a metabolic disease rather than a genetic one, suggesting that mutations in cancer cells are a symptom rather than the cause. It delves into the history and resurgence of research on cancer metabolism, advocating for a shift in focus towards treatments that target the energy production of cancer cells.
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Michigan Rocks & Minerals
A Field Guide to the Great Lake State
Dan R. Lynch|Bob Lynch
The book serves as a practical field guide, providing detailed descriptions, photos, and identification tips for various rocks, minerals, and fossils found throughout Michigan. It includes information on where to locate geological treasures and how to classify and understand them, catering to both amateur geologists and curious explorers.
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The Book of Eels
Our Enduring Fascination with the Most Mysterious Creature in the Natural World
Patrik Svensson
The book blends natural history, memoir, and philosophy while exploring the enigmatic world of eels, delving into the science, mythology, and personal stories surrounding these creatures. It examines the eel's life cycle, the historical human fascination with them, and the author's own reflections on fatherhood and his relationship with his father through the lens of eel fishing.
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The Water Will Come
Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World
Jeff Goodell
The book explores the imminent threat of rising sea levels due to climate change, detailing the potential impacts on coastal cities worldwide. It combines scientific research with on-the-ground reporting to illustrate the environmental, political, and economic challenges posed by the encroaching oceans.
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Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension
A Mathematician's Journey Through Narcissistic Numbers, Optimal Dating Algorithms, at Least Two Kinds of Infinity, and More
Matt Parker
The book explores a variety of mathematical concepts and puzzles, ranging from simple arithmetic to complex ideas like higher dimensions and infinity. It presents these topics in an engaging and accessible way, often using humor and practical examples to demonstrate how mathematics is intertwined with everyday life and how it can be both fun and fascinating.
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Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology
Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications
Stephen M. Stahl
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of psychopharmacology, explaining how drugs affect the brain and behavior for various psychiatric disorders. It combines neuroscientific foundations with clinical applications, offering detailed mechanisms of action for psychotropic drugs and their practical use in patient care.
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507 Mechanical Movements
Henry T. Brown
The book is a compendium of various mechanical devices, illustrating their components and how they operate through detailed diagrams and concise descriptions. It covers a wide range of mechanisms, from simple gears and levers to more complex systems like escapements and pumps, serving as a reference for inventors, engineers, and hobbyists.
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The Language Instinct
How The Mind Creates Language (P.S.)
Steven Pinker
The book argues that humans are born with an innate capacity for language, drawing on evidence from developmental psychology, neurology, and linguistics. It explores the idea that language is a fundamental part of human biology, akin to a biological adaptation, rather than a cultural invention.
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