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Nature and Science February 2018
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| The Telescope in the Ice: Inventing a New Astronomy at the South Pole by Mark BowenWhat it is: A physicist's book-length tour of the South Pole's IceCube Observatory, which contains a telescope that searches not for stars but for high-energy neutrinos -- sub-atomic particles that originate in places like supernovae and black holes.
What reviewers say: "Bowen relates the story of IceCube with wry humor and enthusiasm, bringing to life the researchers, their rivalries, and their challenges, as well as the science. Infusing groundbreaking inquiry with the spirit of those who carry it out, Bowen delivers a tale that's part educational, part inspirational, and all adventure." (Publishers Weekly) |
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| Reading the Rocks: How Victorian Geologists Discovered the Secret of Life by Brenda MaddoxWhat it is: In brief but informative vignettes, biographer and science writer Brenda Maddox profiles the Victorian geologists who revolutionized our understanding of Earth's history and human evolution. This book tells the individual stories of this group, their hope and fears, triumphs and disappointments, the theological, philosophical and scientific debates their findings provoked, and the way that as a group, they were to change our understanding of the world.
Contains: biographical portraits of notable figures such as Charles Lyell, Mary Anning, James Hutton, and Louis Agassiz, as well as historical context that puts their discoveries in perspective. |
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| The Last Man Who Knew Everything: The Life and Times of Enrico Fermi... by David N. SchwartzWhat it is: the first English-language biography of Italian-born physicist Enrico Fermi to be published in nearly 50 years.
Why you should read it: Despite impressive accomplishments in experimental and theoretical physics, Fermi hasn't received nearly as much attention as some of his Manhattan Project peers.
Reviewers say: In a starred review, Publishers Weekly praises this "scrupulously researched and lovingly crafted portrait" of a brilliant scientist. |
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The spinning magnet : the electromagnetic force that created the modern world--and could destroy it
by Alanna Mitchell
What it is: A prize-winning science journalist narrates the history of electromagnetism and discusses how the earth’s magnetic force field is eroding 10 times faster than previously believed, which will result in pole reversal and seriously dire consequences for modern technology.
What reviewers say: "Pop science readers and science policy wonks will find plenty to think-and worry-about here." (Publishers Weekly)
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The cat in the box : a history of science in 100 experiments
by Mary Gribbin
What it does: Distills the history of science into 100 notable experiments, including James Lind's treatment for scurvy, Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin, and the race to map the human genome.
What reviewers say: "The authors present all of the concepts in very readable language, making this book highly accessible to nonscientists. They also relate the experiments to each other, giving the reader a sense of how science builds upon earlier concepts and ideas." (Booklist)
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The Practical Astronomer : Explore the Wonders of the Night Sky
by Anton Vamplew
What it is: A complete introduction to observing and understanding the night sky, explaining and demystifying stargazing to recognize objects and explain how they move through the sky over the night and the year.
What reviewers say: "Astronomer Vamplew helps readers become stargazers with colorful illustrations and informative content. The book assumes no previous knowledge on the subject and is perfect for beginners, and even those with experience who want an update on equipment and techniques." (Library Journal)
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Timekeepers : how the world became obsessed with time
by Simon Garfield
What it is: An entertaining and authoritative exploration of how and why time has come to rule our lives.
What reviewers say: "British journalist and author Garfield (To the Letter) chronicles the very human obsession with time in this lively, wry, and captivating work of pop science...Garfield tackles such topics as luxury watchmaking, political filibusters, and railway timetables, providing a sumptuous banquet of food for thought... Exhibiting dry wit and fizzing with insatiable curiosity, Garfield collects enough eccentric characters, places, and ideas to entertain every reader." (Publishers Weekly)
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Aerial geology : a high-altitude tour of North America's spectacular volcanoes, canyons, glaciers, lakes, craters, and peaks
by Mary Caperton Morton
What it does: Provides a bird’s eye view of North America’s most gorgeous and spectacular geological formations, from the Great Salt Lake in Utah to the Chicxulub Crater in Mexico, along with information on each site’s formation and what makes each one noteworthy.
Why you might like it: If you're a photography enthusiast, armchair traveler, or geology buff, there's something here for you.
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