Ingenious Ireland

Ingenious Ireland takes readers on a magnificent tour of the country's natural wonders, clever inventions, and historic sites. Richly illustrated and meticulously compiled, Ingenious Ireland introduces readers to the complete history, culture, and landscape of all thirty-two Irish counties. Mary Mulvihill unearths Ireland's treasures and divulges her secrets, such as the oldest fossil footprints in the Northern hemisphere, the advent of railways, the invention of milk of magnesia, and why the shamrock is a sham. Fascinating and comprehensive, Ingenious Ireland unravels the mysteries and marvels of this remarkable country.

Ingenious Ireland is a unique study of this country's natural wonders, clever inventions, and historic industries. Richly illustrated, meticulously researched, and lucidly written, it brings the reader on a fascinating county-by-county tour of Ireland, with details of what to see and places to visit. Find out why half of Ireland really belongs to North America and why Connemara rain is so salty. Marvel at the natural wonders that surround you, among them the oldest fossil footprints in the Northern hemisphere, and the disappearing springs of Fore. Read about the advent of railways and modern timekeeping. Discover why the shamrock is a sham, and the Dublin Bay prawn is a fraud. Meet the ingenious Irish and wonder at the range of their inventions: from Milk of Magnesia to the hypodermic syringe; from the steam turbine to the ejector seat; from the modern tractor to the first guided missile. Mary Mulvihill's knowledge is encyclopaedic and her enthusiasm for unravelling the mysteries and marvels of Ireland irresistible. Dip into Ingenious Ireland and you may discover that history was made on your own doorstep.

Modern science communication has emerged in the twentieth century as a field of study, a body of practice and a profession—and it is a practice with deep historical roots. We have seen the birth of interactive science centres, the first university actions in teaching and conducting research, and a sharp growth in employment of science communicators. This collection charts the emergence of modern science communication across the world. This is the first volume to map investment around the globe in science centres, university courses and research, publications and conferences as well as tell the national stories of science communication. How did it all begin? How has development varied from one country to another? What motivated governments, institutions and people to see science communication as an answer to questions of the social place of science? Communicating Science describes the pathways followed by 39 different countries. All continents and many cultures are represented. For some countries, this is the first time that their science communication story has been told.

The trouble with innovation is that it can seldom be undone. We invent technologies to modify our environments in immediately beneficial ways, but the long-term consequences can be costly. From obesity to antibiotic resistance, we pay for our successes. Peter Gluckman and Mark Hanson explore what happens when our creations lead nature to bite back.