Summaries of books about Science & Math:
Unsettled
What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters
Steven E. Koonin
The book presents a critical examination of the current consensus on climate science, arguing that the science is not as settled as it is often portrayed and that there are uncertainties and nuances that are not adequately discussed in public discourse. It delves into the complexities of climate models, the interpretation of data, and the challenges of making reliable long-term predictions, suggesting a need for more open and nuanced debate on climate policy.
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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Young Readers Edition
William Kamkwamba|Bryan Mealer
The book tells the inspiring true story of a Malawian teenager who builds a windmill from scrap materials to generate electricity for his family's farm, overcoming poverty and famine. It highlights his determination, ingenuity, and the impact of education and innovation in facing global challenges.
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Endurance
My Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery
Scott Kelly
The memoir recounts astronaut Scott Kelly's experiences during his record-breaking year aboard the International Space Station, detailing the challenges of long-term spaceflight on both body and mind. It also reflects on his life's journey, from a troubled youth to becoming a veteran of four space missions.
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Other Minds
The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness
Peter Godfrey-Smith
The book explores the evolution of intelligence and consciousness by examining the biology and behavior of cephalopods, particularly octopuses. It delves into the philosophical and scientific implications of these creatures' alien minds, which evolved independently from vertebrates.
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The Day After Roswell
William J. Birnes|Philip Corso
The book claims to reveal the U.S. government's secret history of recovered alien technology from the supposed UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. It details how the author, a former U.S. Army officer, was involved in reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology and integrating it into American industry and military development.
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Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?
And Other Questions About Dead Bodies
Caitlin Doughty
The book is a collection of curious and humorous questions about death and the human body, answered by a mortician with scientific accuracy and a touch of wit. It addresses common myths and misconceptions about decomposition and funeral practices, providing readers with a candid look at what happens after we die.
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Thinking in Systems
International Bestseller
Donella H. Meadows
The book provides an introduction to systems thinking and its applications, offering insights into how complex systems operate and how they can be managed effectively. It explores the interrelated elements of systems, their feedback loops, and how understanding these can lead to better problem-solving and sustainable solutions.
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How Not to Be Wrong
The Power of Mathematical Thinking
Jordan Ellenberg
The book explores the hidden structures and principles of mathematics that underpin everyday life, demonstrating how mathematical thinking can help us make better decisions and avoid fallacies. It weaves together historical anecdotes, real-world examples, and accessible explanations to show how understanding math can change the way we see the world and approach various problems.
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Relativity
The Special and General Theory
Albert Einstein
The book introduces the core concepts of the special theory of relativity, explaining the physics of moving bodies and the equivalence of mass and energy, then extends these ideas to the general theory of relativity, which deals with gravity and the curvature of spacetime. It aims to make these revolutionary scientific theories accessible to a general audience without requiring advanced mathematical knowledge.
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SuperFreakonomics
Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance
Steven D. Levitt|Stephen J. Dubner
The book delves into unconventional analysis of real-world issues using economic principles, exploring topics like climate change, the economics of prostitution, and counterintuitive insights into terrorism. It challenges conventional wisdom through data-driven stories and examines incentives that drive human behavior in surprising and provocative ways.
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