Books matching: science writing
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'The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing' curated by Richard Dawkins is a collection of exemplary scientific writings by various authors from the last century. The book covers a wide spectrum of science areas including astrophysics, genetics, mathematics, philosophy, and more. Each excerpt is introduced by Dawkins with insightful commentary, providing a fine specimen of literary merit and scientific insight.
'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot delves into the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge and became the basis for groundbreaking medical research. The narrative alternates between the scientific advancements made using her cells and the struggles faced by her family who were unaware of her contribution to science. Skloot's writing style combines history, science, and ethics seamlessly, providing a comprehensive account of Henrietta Lacks' life and the impact of her cells on modern medicine.
On January 29, 1951, David Lacks sat behind the wheel of his old Buick, watching the rain fall. He was parked under a towering oak tree outside Johns Hopkins Hospital with three of his children—two st...'What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses' by Daniel Chamovitz is a fascinating exploration of the sensory world of plants, revealing how they see, feel, hear, smell, and remember. Through the eyes of the author, readers are taken on a journey to understand the genetic underpinnings that plants share with humans, shedding light on the evolutionary path that has led to the diverse plant kingdom we see today. Chamovitz's clear and simple explanations, coupled with real-life applications, make this book an engaging and informative read that changes the way we perceive plants and their abilities.
Chamovitz's writing style in 'What a Plant Knows' is described as fun, clear, and simple, making complex scientific concepts accessible without compromising on depth. The author's unique approach to science writing, coupled with a gentle sense of humor and deep integrity, guides readers through the world of plants in a way that is both enlightening and entertaining. not only educates readers on the sensory life of plants but also celebrates the role of scientists in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world, presenting a compelling narrative that highlights the beauty and power of well-done science.
My interest in the parallels between plant and human senses got its start when I was a young postdoctoral fellow at Yale University in the 1990s. I was interested in studying a biological process spec...- #4
Save:'The Immense Journey' by Loren Eiseley is a collection of natural history essays that explore various concepts related to evolution, anthropology, and man's connection to the natural world. Eiseley's writing style is described as lyrical, philosophical, and spiritual, as he muses on topics such as human origins, evolution, and the mysteries of nature. The book delves into the timeless themes of man's place in nature, the wonders of the world, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Eiseley's essays in 'The Immense Journey' cover a wide range of topics, from primordial ooze to the mysteries of human evolution, all presented in a poetic and thought-provoking manner. The author's deep appreciation for nature, combined with his scientific background, results in a unique blend of science, philosophy, and literature that invites readers to ponder the complexities of life on Earth and their own place within it.
Some lands are flat and grass-covered, and smile so evenly up at the sun that they seem forever youthful, untouched by man or time. Some are torn, ravaged and convulsed like the features of profane ol... - #5
Save:Bill Bryson puts his writing skills to science this time, written from the layman's point of view. The book covers a wide range of scientific topics, from the Big Bang to genetics, in an organized and informative manner. Bryson injects humor and historical context into complex subjects, making it an entertaining and educational read about the history of science and our understanding of the universe.
The book serves as a fantastic review of scientific milestones, blending well-known and lesser-known facts with humor and poignant reflections on humanity's impact on the planet. It presents a comprehensive overview of natural sciences, leaving readers in awe of the wonders of the universe and emphasizing the importance of scientific knowledge and responsibility.
A proton is an infinitesimal part of an atom, which is itself of course an insubstantial thing. Protons are so small that a little dib of ink like the dot on thisi can hold something in the region of ... 'The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time' by Jonathan Weiner is a captivating exploration of evolution and natural selection through the lens of the research conducted by biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant. The book delves into the study of Darwin's finches on the Galapagos Islands, showcasing the real-time evolution observed in these birds. Weiner's writing style is described as brilliant, engaging, and informative, offering a blend of scientific discussion and personal stories of the researchers behind the groundbreaking work.
The narrative of 'The Beak of the Finch' is lauded for its ability to simplify complex evolutionary concepts, making them accessible to readers with varying levels of scientific background. The book not only presents a detailed account of the Grants' research on finches but also extends to discussions on broader evolutionary scholarship, climate change, and the implications of ongoing evolutionary processes. Weiner's storytelling weaves together scientific discoveries, personal anecdotes, and historical context to provide a comprehensive understanding of evolution in action.
Half past seven on Daphne Major. Peter and Rosemary Grant sit themselves down on stones, a few steps from their traps. Peter opens a yellow notebook with waterproof pages. “Okay,” he says. “Today is t...- #7
Save:Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel is a nonfiction book that delves into the historical quest to solve the problem of determining longitude at sea. The narrative focuses on the life and work of John Harrison, a rogue clock maker who invents the chronometer, a groundbreaking timekeeping device that revolutionizes navigation. Through a blend of heroism and chicanery, the book provides a brief history of astronomy, navigation, and clockmaking, offering readers a new perspective on the world. Sobel's writing style is described as easily digestible, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a wide audience in a relatively short read.
The book is praised for its engaging storytelling that reads like a novel despite being nonfiction. It presents a captivating account of Harrison's forty-year obsession with building the perfect timekeeper, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs faced during the scientific quest to solve the longitude problem. Sobel's ability to bring the characters and historical events to life, coupled with her skill in explaining technical aspects in simple terms, makes Longitude a compelling and informative read for those interested in history, science, or navigation.
Once on a Wednesday excursion when I was a little girl, my father bought me a beaded wire ball that I loved. At a touch, I could collapse the toy into a flat coil between my palms, or pop it open to m... - #8
Save:'The Selfish Gene' by Richard Dawkins is a groundbreaking work that delves into the core principles of evolution through the lens of genes. Dawkins introduces the concept of the gene as the basic unit of evolution, shedding light on how natural selection functions and exploring the idea of genes as selfish entities striving for replication. The book also introduces thought-provoking concepts such as evolutionary stable sets, survival machines, and memes, offering a unique perspective on the evolutionary process. Despite some readers finding the writing style repetitive and the analogies clunky, Dawkins manages to present complex genetic theories in a clear and understandable manner.
Through 'The Selfish Gene', Dawkins challenges traditional views on evolution and behavior, emphasizing the role of genes in driving survival and shaping life. The book not only provides insight into evolutionary understanding but also acts as a historical account of significant scientific ideas. While some readers may find the content dense and tedious at times, others appreciate Dawkins' lucid arguments and thought-provoking ideas that have the potential to reshape moral concepts related to human nature. Overall, 'The Selfish Gene' remains a landmark science book that has influenced readers' perspectives on genetics, evolution, and the fundamental principles of life.
Intelligent life on a planet comes of age when it first works out the reason for its own existence. If superior creatures from space ever visit earth, the first question they will ask, in order to ass... Paranormality: Why we see what isn't there by Richard Wiseman is an interesting and light-hearted exploration of the psychology behind paranormal beliefs. Wiseman debunks various supernatural activities such as fortune telling, out of body experiences, and cult brainwashing, providing examples and experiments for readers to try themselves. The book is described as a 'pop' piece of science writing that is easy to read, occasionally funny, and aimed at proving that the supernatural does not exist, making it an excellent introduction to the world of the paranormal from a fair-minded skeptic.
As I gazed deep into the eyes of Jaytee, several thoughts passed through my mind. Was this cute little terrier really psychic? If not, how had he managed to make headlines around the world? And if he ...- #10
Save:"The Word for Woman is Wilderness" follows the journey of a 19-year-old narrator named Erin Miller as she embarks on a land and sea journey from England to Alaska. Through Erin's adventures, the novel explores themes of gender, wilderness exploration, and philosophical meditations intertwined with human history. The writing style of the book is described as ambitious, blending science writing, philosophical musings, and elements of American nature writing, all anchored in questions of gender and feminism.
The space probe Voyager 1 left the planet in 1977. Any month, day, minute, second now it will enter interstellar space and become the furthest-reaching man-made object, and the first to leave the heli...
