Books matching: popular science on evolution
23 result(s)
"Evolution Gone Wrong: The Curious Reasons Why Our Bodies Work" by Alex Bezzerides delves into the intricacies of human evolution and physiology, examining the reasons behind the imperfections in our bodies. The author's writing style is a mix of humor and informative content, making complex biological concepts accessible to readers. From discussing the evolution of the eye to the impact of dietary changes on teeth formation, Bezzerides takes readers on a journey through our evolutionary past, explaining the origins of various bodily features in an engaging manner.
The book covers a wide range of topics such as childbirth, back pain, foot evolution, color vision, and infertility, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of how evolution has shaped the human body. Despite some criticism regarding the author's writing style, the book is praised for its informative content, humor, and ability to make challenging scientific concepts understandable to a broad audience.
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'The Fabric of Reality' by David Deutsch delves into a wide array of topics such as quantum mechanics, epistemology, evolution, and computation, presenting a unique worldview that challenges traditional scientific views. Deutsch explores concepts like virtual reality, Turing's principle, quantum computers, DNA, the nature of time, and even time travel, all through the lens of a quantum mechanical multiverse. He argues that our common-sense perception of reality is an illusion and seeks to explain everything from computation to time using the multiverse as the foundational tool. The writing style is described as challenging yet informative, with Deutsch's deep and confident statements on various theories provoking readers to think critically and consider new perspectives on the nature of reality.
Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime by Val McDermid is a comprehensive exploration of forensic science techniques used in solving crimes over the ages. McDermid's writing style is engaging and informative, delving into various disciplines such as arson investigation, entomology, autopsies, DNA analysis, and more. The book is a mix of historical accounts, practical applications, and evolving technologies in forensics, presented in a way that appeals to both crime fiction fans and readers interested in the science behind crime solving.
‘It’s usually pretty dark, smelly, uncomfortable and physically demanding. The days are long and you come home filthy and stinking of burnt plastic. There’s nothing glamorous about it. But it is fasci...- #4
'The Age of Wonder' by Richard Holmes is a fascinating exploration of the Romantic Age in Europe, focusing on the intersection of science, literature, and art during a period of great discovery and innovation. The narrative delves into the lives of influential scientists and explorers like Joseph Banks, William Herschel, and Humphry Davy, highlighting their impacts on the cultural and intellectual landscape of the time. Through detailed biographies and historical context, Holmes paints a vivid picture of a time when scientists and artists collaborated, poets drew inspiration from scientific advancements, and the boundaries between disciplines blurred.
captures the essence of a transformative era where scientific progress intertwined with artistic expression, showcasing the interconnectedness of different fields and the profound impact of key figures like Banks, Herschel, and Davy. Holmes skillfully weaves together narratives of scientific exploration, technological advancements, and intellectual pursuits, offering a rich tapestry of stories that illuminate the wonders and complexities of the Romantic Generation's quest for knowledge and understanding.
In my first chemistry class, at the age of fourteen, I successfully precipitated a single crystal of mineral salts. This elementary experiment was done by heating a solution of copper sulphate (I thin... 'The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human' by Siddhartha Mukherjee takes readers on a historical and enlightening journey through the evolution of medicine, from early myths to recent advancements in medical science. Through his signature clarity and engaging storytelling, Mukherjee unravels the secrets within our cells and explores the profound implications for medicine, offering a glimpse into a future where medicine could be radically different and more effective. The author's ability to bridge scientific research with storytelling, using analogies and vivid descriptions, makes complex scientific concepts accessible to a diverse audience, creating a compelling narrative that is both educational and inspiring.
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'Almost Like a Whale' by Steve Jones is a modern take on Darwin's theory of evolution, written in an accessible and engaging manner for readers of all backgrounds. Jones successfully updates the original work, making it understandable for the modern layman without losing the depth of the subject matter. The book covers various topics in evolutionary biology, providing real-world examples and insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
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'The Rise and Reign of the Mammals' by Steve Brusatte explores the evolutionary history of mammals, starting from their obscure origins before the time of dinosaurs to their dominance in the Cenozoic era. Brusatte intertwines scientific facts with engaging narratives, discussing the development of mammals alongside dinosaurs and their eventual rise to dominance. The writing style is captivating, making complex scientific concepts accessible to readers of all levels, with a focus on storytelling to bring the history of mammals to life.
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'Ten Drugs: How Plants, Powders, and Pills Have Shaped the History of Medicine' by Thomas Hager traces the history and development of drugs that have had a significant impact on humanity. From antibiotics to opioids, the book delves into the evolution of these medications and their effects on healthcare and society. Hager's writing style is engaging, making complex scientific concepts easy to understand for readers. covers a wide range of drugs, providing insights into their discovery, development, and impact on modern medicine.
You can imagine an early hunter-gatherer in the Middle East looking for that next meal, roaming some new countryside, trying a taste of this or that insect, animal, or plant. Seeds, high in nutritiona... 'The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinctions' by David Quammen is an in-depth study of island biogeography and its close association to animal and plant extinctions, with a sufficient discussion of conservation ideas along the way. Quammen takes the reader on a scientific adventure, exploring the distribution of species on islands and the implications for evolution, biodiversity, and conservation science. Through engaging writing and storytelling, the author delves into the history of evolutionary theory as shaped by islands, the effects islands have on the evolution of species, and the increasing rate of extinction and loss of biodiversity due to human impact.
LET’S START indoors. Let’s start by imagining a fine Persian carpet and a hunting knife. The carpet is twelve feet by eighteen, say. That gives us 216 square feet of continuous woven material. Is the ...'Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation' by Bill Nye is a thought-provoking exploration of evolution and creation, challenging traditional religious beliefs with scientific evidence and reasoning. The book presents a clear and fresh message that aims to educate readers about the scientific truths behind evolution, while also delving into the complexities of human evolution and the mysteries of the fossil record. Bill Nye's writing style is engaging and entertaining, blending humor with scientific jargon to make complex topics accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
I think it started with the bees. I was about seven years old, and I watched them … all day. That Sunday, I had read the “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” column in The Washington Post, which claimed, “The...