Summaries of books about Science & Math:
The Social Leap
The New Evolutionary Science of Who We Are, Where We Come From, and What Makes Us Happy
William von Hippel
The book explores the evolutionary journey that shaped human social behavior, tracing back to our ancestors' transition from the trees to the savanna. It examines how evolutionary pressures led to the development of unique social skills, cooperation, and the psychological mechanisms that contribute to our happiness and social success.
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The Extended Phenotype
The Long Reach of the Gene
Richard Dawkins
The book explores the concept that a gene's influence extends beyond the organism's body to affect the environment and other organisms, arguing that genes are the primary units of natural selection. It discusses how animal behavior, such as the construction of nests or the manipulation of host species, can be viewed as an extension of a gene's survival strategy.
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Strange Glow
The Story of Radiation
Timothy J. Jorgensen
The book traces the history of radiation, from its discovery to its various applications in medicine, industry, and energy, and explores the impact of radiation on human health and the environment. It provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind radiation, demystifying its risks and benefits, and delves into the stories of both the pioneers in the field and those affected by radiation exposure.
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Ending Aging
The Rejuvenation Breakthroughs That Could Reverse Human Aging in Our Lifetime
Aubrey de Grey|Michael Rae
The book presents a comprehensive plan for combating the aging process through advanced biotechnology, detailing seven types of molecular and cellular damage that lead to aging and proposing strategies, known as the SENS (Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence) approach, for repairing this damage to extend healthy human lifespan. It combines scientific explanations with a call to action, urging support for the research that could transform the way humanity approaches the aging process and related diseases.
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Our Final Warning
Six Degrees of Climate Emergency
Mark Lynas
The book presents a detailed exploration of the catastrophic impacts that each degree of global warming, up to six degrees Celsius, could have on the planet, including extreme weather events, ecosystem collapse, and societal disruption. It synthesizes scientific research to illustrate the urgency of addressing climate change and the potential for irreversible damage to the Earth's systems with each incremental rise in temperature.
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Countdown
Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?
Alan Weisman
The book explores the environmental and demographic challenges facing the planet, examining the impact of human population growth on natural resources, wildlife, and climate change. It presents a series of narratives from around the world, discussing potential solutions and the urgent need for sustainable practices to ensure the future well-being of Earth.
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The Powerhouse
Inside the Invention of a Battery to Save the World
Steve LeVine
The book chronicles the intense competition and innovation in the race to develop a superior lithium-ion battery, focusing on the scientists and entrepreneurs involved. It explores the technical challenges, business strategies, and geopolitical implications of creating a battery that could revolutionize energy storage and help combat climate change.
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Life at the Speed of Light
From the Double Helix to the Dawn of Digital Life
J. Craig Venter
The book explores the scientific journey and implications of synthetic biology, detailing the creation of the first synthetic cell and the potential for engineering life. It discusses the convergence of biological and digital technologies, envisioning a future where life forms can be designed and programmed like computer software.
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Survival of the Prettiest
The Science of Beauty
Nancy Etcoff
The book delves into the evolutionary and psychological underpinnings of human attraction, exploring why certain physical features are universally considered beautiful. It examines the role of beauty in human behavior, relationships, and cultural standards, drawing on research from biology, anthropology, and psychology.
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Electrify
An Optimist's Playbook for Our Clean Energy Future
Saul Griffith
The book presents a roadmap for transitioning to a fully electrified, carbon-neutral society, detailing the technological innovations and policy changes necessary to achieve a sustainable energy future. It emphasizes the role of electrification in various sectors, including transportation, heating, and industry, and advocates for the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources to power this transformation.
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