Summaries of books about Science & Math:
Bottled Lightning
Superbatteries, Electric Cars, and the New Lithium Economy
Seth Fletcher
The book delves into the history and development of lithium-ion batteries, exploring their critical role in powering electric vehicles and shaping the future of global energy. It examines the science behind these batteries, the business and geopolitical battles over lithium resources, and the technology's potential to drive a cleaner, more sustainable economy.
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The Body Builders
Inside the Science of the Engineered Human
Adam Piore
The book explores the advancements in bioengineering, showcasing how scientists and innovators are enhancing human capabilities by merging technology with the human body. It delves into stories of individuals benefiting from these breakthroughs, from limb regeneration and bionic limbs to sensory augmentation and the potential future of human evolution.
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The Switch
How solar, storage and new tech means cheap power for all
Chris Goodall
The book explores the transformative potential of solar energy combined with battery storage and technological innovations to provide affordable, clean electricity worldwide. It delves into the economic and environmental benefits of this shift and how it could revolutionize energy production and consumption.
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The Neuroscience of You
How Every Brain Is Different and How to Understand Yours
Chantel Prat
The book explores the unique nature of individual brains, examining the biological and experiential factors that contribute to the diversity in human cognition and behavior. It delves into the science behind how each person's brain develops differently, offering insights into personal strengths and how to leverage them for success.
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The Illusion of God's Presence
The Biological Origins of Spiritual Longing
John C. Wathey
The book explores the hypothesis that human spiritual longing and the sense of God's presence are rooted in instinctive biological mechanisms, primarily as an extension of the infant's innate need for a parental figure. It delves into neurobiology, evolutionary psychology, and the development of religious feelings, suggesting that these spiritual experiences are an evolutionary byproduct of brain functions related to attachment and social bonding.
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Overcomplicated
Technology at the Limits of Comprehension
Samuel Arbesman
The book explores the complexity of modern technological systems and how their intricacy exceeds our ability to fully understand or predict their behavior. It delves into the challenges this poses for society and suggests embracing these limitations through interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of new tools to better manage and adapt to technological complexity.
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This Is Your Brain on Sports
The Science of Underdogs, the Value of Rivalry, and What We Can Learn from the T-Shirt Cannon
L. Jon Wertheim|Sam Sommers
The book delves into the psychological and social factors that influence sports behavior and experiences, from the allure of underdogs to the intensity of rivalries. It uses scientific research and engaging anecdotes to explore phenomena such as fan loyalty, superstitions, and the motivational power of promotional giveaways like the T-shirt cannon.
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Simply Complexity
A Clear Guide to Complexity Theory
Neil F. Johnson
The book provides an accessible introduction to complexity theory, explaining how simple rules can lead to complex patterns and behaviors in various systems, from ant colonies to human societies. It explores the implications of this theory across different fields, including biology, economics, and technology, illustrating the interconnectedness and unpredictability of complex systems.
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Epidemic
Ebola and the Global Scramble to Prevent the Next Killer Outbreak
Reid Wilson
The book provides an in-depth look at the Ebola outbreak that began in West Africa in 2014, detailing the international response and the challenges faced in containing the virus. It also examines the broader implications for global health security and the necessary steps to prevent future pandemics.
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The Twenty-four Hour Mind
The Role of Sleep and Dreaming in Our Emotional Lives
Rosalind D. Cartwright
The book explores the significance of sleep and dreaming in processing emotions and maintaining mental health, drawing on scientific research to illustrate how our brains work through emotional experiences during different stages of sleep. It delves into the therapeutic functions of dreaming, the impact of sleep disorders on emotional well-being, and the potential for dreams to help in resolving emotional distress.
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