Summaries of books about Science & Math:
Where the Water Goes
Life and Death Along the Colorado River
David Owen
The book explores the complex journey of the Colorado River, detailing the myriad uses, politics, and environmental issues surrounding this crucial water source for millions of people. It examines the river's role in agriculture, urban development, and conservation efforts, highlighting the challenges of managing and sharing a finite resource in a region prone to drought.
See full summary
Personality
What makes you the way you are
Daniel Nettle
The book explores the five-factor model of personality, delving into the genetic and environmental influences that shape our traits such as extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness. It examines how these personality dimensions affect our lives, from career choices to interpersonal relationships, and discusses the evolutionary significance of personality variation.
See full summary
The Disordered Mind
What Unusual Brains Tell Us About Ourselves
Eric R. Kandel
The book explores how various brain disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, and autism, provide insights into the functioning of the normal brain. It examines the relationship between brain function and mental experiences, drawing on research in neuroscience to understand the biological basis of cognitive processes and mental illnesses.
See full summary
The Secret Life of Pronouns
What Our Words Say About Us
James W. Pennebaker
The book delves into the psychological insights that can be gleaned from the seemingly trivial words we use, such as pronouns, articles, and prepositions. It presents research on how these function words reflect our emotions, social status, and personality traits, revealing the hidden meanings behind our everyday language.
See full summary
Fooling Houdini
Magicians, Mentalists, Math Geeks, and the Hidden Powers of the Mind
Alex Stone
The book delves into the world of magic and illusion through the author's personal journey, exploring the art of deception, the psychology behind it, and the community of magicians and mentalists. It also examines the intersection of magic with science, revealing how magicians exploit cognitive biases and principles of mathematics and physics.
See full summary
Why Information Grows
The Evolution of Order, from Atoms to Economies
César A. Hidalgo
The book explores the concept that the growth of information is fundamental to understanding the dynamics of economies and innovation. It delves into how physical order and information underpin economic growth, drawing parallels between the entropy and structure of information in both biological and economic systems.
See full summary
The Triumph of Seeds
How Grains, Nuts, Kernels, Pulses, and Pips Conquered the Plant Kingdom and Shaped Human History
Thor Hanson
The book explores the evolutionary success of seeds, detailing their biological mechanisms and the ways they have influenced human civilization. It combines scientific information with historical anecdotes to illustrate the profound impact seeds have had on agriculture, culture, and the environment.
See full summary
The World in a Grain
The Story of Sand and How It Transformed Civilization
Vince Beiser
The book delves into the surprisingly critical role of sand in modern society, exploring its use in everything from construction to technology. It also examines the environmental and geopolitical consequences of the world's insatiable demand for this seemingly mundane yet vital resource.
See full summary
The Alignment Problem
Machine Learning and Human Values
Brian Christian
The book explores the challenges and risks associated with machine learning algorithms as they increasingly influence decision-making in ways that may not align with human ethics and values. It delves into case studies and research efforts aimed at ensuring that AI systems act in ways that are beneficial and fair to society.
See full summary
The Distracted Mind
Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World
Adam Gazzaley|Larry D. Rosen
The book explores the impact of digital technology on our cognitive functions, particularly how constant interruptions and multitasking strain our brains, which evolved in a less frenetic environment. It offers insights into the science of attention, memory, and goal management, and provides strategies to navigate and improve focus in the modern, tech-saturated world.
See full summary