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Nature and ScienceAugust 2014
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"Θάλαττα! Θάλαττα! ('The Sea! The Sea!')" ~ Xenophon (c. 430-354 BCE), ancient Greek historian, Anabasis
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New and Recently Released!
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| A Sting in the Tale: My Adventures with Bumblebees by Dave GoulsonBiologist Dave Goulson's childhood in rural Shropshire inspired a lifelong passion for nature -- especially insects. Falling in love with the humble bumblebee, Goulson established the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, dedicated to studying and protecting this "most gentle and friendly of insects." In addition to describing the biology, behavior, and life cycle of the numerous species of the tribe Bombini, he also recounts his attempts to reintroduce the once-common English short-haired bumblebee to the United Kingdom by importing a colony from New Zealand. As much a naturalist's memoir as it is a natural history of the bumblebee, this engaging and richly detailed book will delight fans of these fuzzy, buzzing pollinators. |
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| The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons: The History of the Human Brain... by Sam Kean"Where does the brain stop and the mind start?" That's what science writer Sam Kean sets out to explore in this engaging, witty, and anecdote-rich book. Beginning with the dueling neurosurgeons of the title -- Ambroise Pare and Andreas Vesalius -- and their attempts to treat an ultimately fatal head injury sustained by King Henri II of France, Kean goes on to explore the mystery of the mind-body connection in five discrete but closely linked sections. "Gross Anatomy" describes the physical structure of the brain and skull. "Cells, Senses, Circuits" concerns neurotransmitters and biochemistry. "Body and Brain" maps the regions of the brain. "Beliefs and Delusions" focuses on brain disorders. Finally, "Consciousness" attempts to tie everything together. As in his previous books, The Disappearing Spoon and The Violinist's Thumb, Kean provides a lively and accessible introduction to a complex subject. |
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| The Reef: A Passionate History by Iain McCalmanMore than 1,400 miles in length, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest structure ever built by living organisms (so big it's visible from space). This organic maze of coral reefs, islands, and estuaries is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet, home to thousands of species from microscopic organisms to megafauna. However, like other natural wonders, it's also in danger of being destroyed by human activity. While describing the natural history (extensive) and ecological value (priceless) of the Reef, author Iain McCalman traces the region's influence on European explorers, indigenous peoples, and individuals inspired by its unique natural beauty. Pick up this book and learn more about this amazing place while it still exists. |
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| Proof: The Science of Booze by Adam RogersIt certainly doesn't take a scientific genius to get drunk, but as Wired editor Adam Rogers points out, the history of alcohol and the history of science are inextricably intertwined. While documenting the life cycle of alcohol from creation to consumption, Rogers introduces readers to relevant aspects of molecular biology, organic chemistry, physics, metallurgy, psychology, and neuroscience. For a more anthropological look at the story of alcohol (and other influential beverages), check out Tom Standage's A History of the World in Six Glasses. |
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| Is That a Fact? Frauds, Quacks, and the Real Science of Everyday Life by Joe Schwarcz"The annals of history are replete with examples of educated people who have succumbed to nonsense," declares Dr. Joe Schwarcz, chemist, science writer, and longtime radio host. Beginning with an impassioned plea for critical thinking in an era of pseudoscience, Schwarcz divides 60 areas of inquiry into three sections, based on scientific validity: black (unsubstantiated), white (factual), and gray (a blend of fact and falsehood). Readers who value factual accuracy and scientific validity and pride themselves on a healthy sense of skepticism may also enjoy physician Ben Goldacre's books, Bad Science and Bad Pharma. |
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| The Empty Ocean: Plundering the World's Marine Life by Richard EllisYes, humans are destroying Earth's oceans -- i.e., over 70 percent of our own (and only) planet. Yet despite the ominous title, marine biologist Richard Ellis' The Empty Ocean isn't all doom and gloom. Although its true that the world's oceans are becoming increasingly polluted and depleted, their surviving flora and fauna remain awe-inspiring. Moreover, it's not entirely this generation's fault: the present state of the sea is due to thousands upon thousands of years of human interference. Outlining the economic, political, historical, and biological factors that have contributed to the extinction of species, the depletion of worldwide fisheries, the rising sea levels, the acidification of the ocean, and more, Ellis combines elegant prose with detailed line drawings to reveal the marvels of marine life while reminding readers that time is running out. |
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| Descent: The Heroic Discovery of the Abyss by Brad MatsenBetween 1929 and 1934, oceanographer William Beebe and engineer Otis Barton made 16 death-defying sea dives in the Bathysphere, a primitive homemade submersible. Comprised of a steel ball four and a half feet in diameter that dangled from a wire rope and was equipped with a ventilation "system" that required occupants to wave palm leaf fans, the Bathysphere shouldn't have worked, but did. Repeatedly reaching record-setting depths of 3,000 feet, the duo -- despite mutual dislike -- became pioneering figures in deep sea exploration, paving the way for future explorers. |
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| The Power of the Sea: Tsunamis, Storm Surges, Rogue Waves, and Our Quest to Predict Disasters by Bruce ParkerWe never know when disaster will strike -- or do we? This "lucid, original" (Kirkus Reviews) look at ocean modeling and forecasting starts with an explanation of how tidal forces work (lunar and solar gravity both play a role, as do the earth's rotation and the tilt of its axis), and then examines how geography and weather influence the size and force of waves, tidal bores, storm surges, and tsunamis. Oceanographer Bruce Parker, former chief scientist for the National Ocean Service, provides modern and historical examples of natural disasters to trace the development of the science that allows us to predict them -- and prepare ourselves. If you're interested in reading more about the destruction that the ocean can cause, you might also like Susan Casey's The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks and Giants of the Ocean. |
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| The Ocean of Life: The Fate of Man and the Sea by Callum RobertsIn The Unnatural History of the Sea, biologist and conservationist Callum Roberts documented the longstanding, increasingly dysfunctional relationship between humans and the ocean. Now he turns his attention to the present and future of our hydrosphere, which, along with the rest of the planet, is currently undergoing the most dramatic environmental changes to occur in the past 65 million years. Filled with fascinating tidbits (Did you know that albatross chicks eat an average of 70 pieces of plastic per meal?) as well as meticulous scientific detail -- Roberts provides a four-billion-year history of oceanic life while outlining the manifold environmental threats to its existence -- The Ocean of Life makes a powerful case for taking action to preserve one of the planet's most precious, least replaceable resources. |
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| The Gulf Stream: Tiny Plankton, Giant Bluefin, and the Amazing Story of the Powerful River... by Stan UlanskiThe Gulf Stream is a powerful ocean current that originates near the tip of Florida and flows up the east coast of North America before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the system of ocean currents known as the North Atlantic Gyre, the Gulf Stream influences both climate and weather patterns (particularly cyclone formation) on both sides of the pond. In this book, geologist and avid recreational fisherman Stan Ulanski follows the Gulf Stream from beginning to end, describing the vast and diverse ecosystem it supports, from phytoplankton to bluefin tuna to giant squid. While describing its biological wonders, Ulanski recounts how the Gulf Stream has shaped the course of human history, citing explorers, pirates, and others who have sailed this "mighty oceanic river." |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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