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Nature and Science August 2025 |
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| Fatal Abstraction: Why the Managerial Class Loses Control of Software by Darryl CampbellTech insider Darryl Campbell concludes that the era of ubiquitous computing has so far failed to deliver on its promise to humanity due to lack of oversight and profit-obsessed executives. Without sweeping industry regulations, Campbell foresees a time when applications actually impede human well-being in this “disturbing look at the evolution of digital technology” (Kirkus Reviews). |
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| Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance by Laura DelanoLaura Delano shares her experiences as an over-prescribed psychiatric patient. After being diagnosed with several psychiatric “conditions” starting in her teens, Delano came to the stark realization in her late twenties that the combination of psychotropic drugs that she was taking was causing a cascade of interrelated symptoms. Unshrunk is an emotionally powerful cautionary tale, suitable for readers who enjoyed Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne. |
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| The Neck: A Natural and Cultural History by Kent DunlapAnatomist Kent Dunlap relates an exhaustive history of this peculiar body part that first appeared some 375 million years ago. Filled with amusing cultural references and covering human and animal necks in their wide variety of shapes and functions, Dunlap’s well-researched book illustrates how having a neck presents both evolutionary advantages and vulnerabilities. For similar anatomical musings, take a look at Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle by Thor Hanson. |
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| Slither: How Nature's Most Maligned Creatures Illuminate Our World by Stephen S. HallScience writer Stephen S. Hall has been fascinated by snakes since childhood, and his enthusiasm comes through in this sweeping overview of all things herpetological. Hall covers topics including people’s fear of snakes, snake venom, locomotion, evolutionary history, religious symbolism, and the ease with which snakes adapt to their surroundings. This book is an enticing choice for snake lovers (and haters!). |
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| Dimming the Sun: The Urgent Case for Geoengineering by Thomas RamgeTechnologist Thomas Ramge advances the provocative argument for slowing global warming through short-term geoengineering projects, like human-made clouds that would temporarily dampen the greenhouse effect. Ramge contends that such measures, though widely criticized, could buy valuable time, considering the high stakes of environmental disasters. For more perspectives on climate change, try Solving the Climate Crisis by John Berger. |
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| In Praise of Floods: The Untamed River and the Life It Brings by James C. ScottAgrarian scientist James C. Scott urges the reader of his posthumously published book to think of a river watershed as a vast organism, expanding and contracting with an annual flood pulse, and supporting a complex biodiverse ecology through the seasons. This biome enables the flourishing of humans and other animals, but is grievously harmed by dams, levees, and artificial canals. Try this next: Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane. |
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| Nine Minds: Inner Lives on the Spectrum by Daniel TammetEssayist and memoirist Daniel Tammet, a writer who is himself on the autism spectrum, focuses on the lives of nine autistic individuals, highlighting the diversity of their various talents. It’s a sweeping and inspiring own voices journey that “captures the unique modes of autistic thought with sensitivity and lyrical flair” (Publishers Weekly). For fans of: We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation by Eric Garcia. |
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| Supermassive: Black Holes at the Beginning and End of the Universe by James Trefil and Shobita SatyapalPhysicists James Trefil and Shobita Satyapal do an admirable job of explaining the complex astronomical phenomena known as black holes, as well as the astrophysical theories that underpin them and the advancements that led to their discovery. The authors’ evident passion for this difficult subject matter brings their “thrilling tour of the universe” (School Library Journal) to life. For another accessible yet informative read on this topic, try Light in the Darkness: Black Holes, the Universe, and Us by Heino Falcke. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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