Summaries of books about Science & Math:
The Extended Mind
The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain
Annie Murphy Paul
The book explores the concept that cognition is not confined to the brain but is a process that involves our bodies, our surroundings, and our interactions with other people. It presents evidence and arguments for harnessing the external environment and tools to enhance our thinking, learning, and decision-making capabilities.
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The Control of Nature
John McPhee
The book explores humankind's attempts to control natural forces in different parts of the world, detailing efforts such as diverting lava flows in Iceland, managing debris flows in Los Angeles, and controlling the Mississippi River's course. It delves into the complex interactions between geology, engineering, and the persistent challenge of living in areas prone to natural disasters.
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Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology E-Book
John E. Hall|Michael E. Hall
The book provides a comprehensive overview of human physiology, explaining how the body's systems function both individually and in concert. It covers topics ranging from cellular physiology and neurophysiology to cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and immune system functions, integrating clinical connections and emphasizing the principles essential for understanding human biology and disease processes.
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Parasite Rex
Inside the Bizarre World of Nature's Most Dangerous Creatures
Carl Zimmer
The book delves into the complex and often gruesome world of parasites, exploring their sophisticated behaviors, lifecycles, and the significant impact they have on ecosystems and human health. It examines the evolutionary arms race between parasites and their hosts, shedding light on the scientific discoveries that reveal how these organisms manipulate biology in extraordinary ways.
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The Influential Mind
What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others
Tali Sharot
The book explores the neuroscience behind influence, examining how the human brain responds to attempts at persuasion and why certain methods of communication are more effective than others. It provides insights into how understanding the way people think and feel can lead to more impactful ways of changing opinions and behaviors.
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Beyond Weird
Why Everything You Thought You Knew about Quantum Physics Is Different
Philip Ball
The book delves into the counterintuitive nature of quantum physics, challenging common misconceptions and exploring the complex, often misunderstood principles that govern the quantum world. It presents an accessible explanation of quantum phenomena and the philosophical implications of quantum theory, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of what quantum mechanics really tells us about reality.
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Organic Chemistry
Wade Leroy G|Simek Jan W.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of organic chemistry, covering fundamental concepts such as structure, nomenclature, reactivity, and mechanisms of organic reactions. It also delves into the synthesis and properties of different classes of organic compounds, with an emphasis on problem-solving and real-world applications.
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Billions & Billions
Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium
Carl Sagan
The book is a collection of essays that explore a range of topics including humanity's future, science, and morality, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities that faced the world as it approached the 21st century. It also reflects on environmental issues, the importance of scientific literacy, and the author's personal battle with myelodysplasia, a disease that would eventually lead to his death.
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The Lost Family
How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are
Libby Copeland
The book explores the impact of home DNA testing on individual identity, family, and society, delving into personal stories of unexpected ancestry results and the ethical implications of genetic data. It examines how these revelations can redefine relationships, heritage, and our understanding of who we are.
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Physics
Principles with Applications
Douglas C. Giancoli
The book provides a comprehensive introduction to fundamental physics concepts, covering topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. It integrates real-world applications and problem-solving techniques to help students understand the principles of physics and their relevance to everyday life and technology.
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