Summaries of books about Science & Math:
The Serengeti Rules
The Quest to Discover How Life Works and Why It Matters - With a new Q&A with the author
Sean B. Carroll
The book explores the fundamental principles that govern the functioning of ecosystems, drawing parallels between the regulatory rules that control life at the cellular level and those that dictate the balance of species in the wild. It combines scientific discovery stories with insights into conservation, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preserving the natural world's interconnected systems.
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Mozart's Starling
Lyanda Lynn Haupt
The book intertwines the story of a starling adopted by the author with historical accounts of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's own pet starling, exploring the bird's influence on the composer's work. It delves into the connections between humans and nature, particularly the surprising and often overlooked bond between one of history's greatest musical minds and a common, mischievous bird.
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The Hidden Spring
A Journey to the Source of Consciousness
Mark Solms
The book explores the intersection of psychoanalysis and neuroscience, proposing a new theory of consciousness based on the workings of the brain's affective systems and their role in feeling and perception. It challenges traditional cognitive theories by emphasizing the importance of emotions and the subjective experience of being alive in understanding consciousness.
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The Hour Between Dog and Wolf
How Risk Taking Transforms Us, Body and Mind
John Coates
The book explores the connection between physical responses and risk-taking behavior, particularly in the financial world, examining how stress and hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can influence traders' decisions and potentially destabilize markets. It delves into the biological underpinnings of economic decision-making and the implications for understanding market behavior and managing risk.
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Useful Delusions
The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
Shankar Vedantam|Bill Mesler
The book explores the psychological mechanisms and evolutionary benefits of self-deception, arguing that certain illusions can be adaptive, fostering mental health and social harmony. It delves into stories and scientific research to illustrate how delusions can play a crucial role in our lives, from sustaining personal relationships to enabling societal functions.
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The Science of Evil
On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty
Simon Baron-Cohen
The book explores the concept of human cruelty through the lens of empathy, proposing that a lack of empathy is at the core of what the author terms "evil" behavior. It delves into the psychological and neuroscientific aspects of empathy, examining how differences in empathy levels can lead to acts of cruelty and discussing potential interventions to increase empathy in individuals.
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Built
The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures
Roma Agrawal
The book explores the engineering marvels behind iconic structures, delving into the scientific principles and human stories that have shaped architecture and construction throughout history. It provides insights into the materials, challenges, and innovations that have enabled humans to create skyscrapers, bridges, and other feats of engineering.
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A Natural History of the Senses
Diane Ackerman
The book delves into the complexities and delights of human senses, exploring the science, history, and cultural influences that shape our experiences of taste, touch, smell, hearing, and sight. It weaves personal anecdotes with rich descriptions to illuminate the profound impact senses have on our connection with the world around us.
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Microbiology
A Systems Approach
Cowan Marjorie Kelly
The book presents an integrated approach to microbiology, focusing on the interactions between microbial organisms and human health, with an emphasis on the pathogenicity, immune response, and control of microorganisms. It covers fundamental concepts, including microbial genetics and growth, as well as applied topics such as infectious diseases, environmental and industrial microbiology.
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The Great Mental Models Volume 3
Systems and Mathematics
Rhiannon Beaubien|Rosie Leizrowice
The book explores the fundamental concepts of systems theory and mathematical thinking, providing readers with tools to better understand and navigate complex systems and problems. It covers a range of models and principles that can be applied across various disciplines to improve decision-making and critical analysis.
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