The Secret Life Of Science

A revealing and provocative look at the current state of global science We take the advance of science as given. But how does science really work? Is it truly as healthy as we tend to think? How does the system itself shape what scientists do? The Secret Life of Science takes a clear-eyed and provocative look at the current state of global science, shedding light on a cutthroat and tightly tensioned enterprise that even scientists themselves often don't fully understand. The Secret Life of Science is a dispatch from the front lines of modern science. It paints a startling picture of a complex scientific ecosystem that has become the most competitive free-market environment on the planet. It reveals how big this ecosystem really is, what motivates its participants, and who reaps the rewards. Are there too few scientists in the world or too many? Are some fields expanding at the expense of others? What science is shared or published, and who determines what the public gets to hear about? What is the future of science? Answering these and other questions, this controversial book explains why globalization is not necessarily good for science, nor is the continued growth in the number of scientists. It portrays a scientific community engaged in a race for limited resources that determines whether careers are lost or won, whose research visions become the mainstream, and whose vested interests end up in control. The Secret Life of Science explains why this hypercompetitive environment is stifling the diversity of research and the resiliency of science itself, and why new ideas are needed to ensure that the scientific enterprise remains healthy and vibrant.

A biochemist shows how we can finally control our fat—by understanding how it works. Fat is not just excess weight, but actually a dynamic, smart, and self-sustaining organ that influences everything from aging and immunity to mood and fertility. With cutting-edge research and riveting case studies—including the story of a girl who had no fat, and that of a young woman who couldn’t stop eating—Dr. Sylvia Tara reveals the surprising science behind our most misunderstood body part and its incredible ability to defend itself. Exploring the unexpected ways viruses, hormones, sleep, and genetics impact fat, Tara uncovers the true secret to losing weight: working with your fat, not against it.

A timely and accessible synthesis of the strengths, weaknesses and reality of science through the eyes of a practicing scientist.

Explore the inner world of plants and its fascinating relation to mankind, as uncovered by the latest discoveries of science. A perennial bestseller. In this truly revolutionary and beloved work, drawn from remarkable research, Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird cast light on the rich psychic universe of plants. Now available in a new edition, The Secret Life of Plants explores plants' response to human care and nurturing, their ability to communicate with man, plants' surprising reaction to music, their lie-detection abilities, their creative powers, and much more. Tompkins and Bird's classic book affirms the depth of humanity's relationship with nature and adds special urgency to the cause of protecting the environment that nourishes us.

Discover the delightfully disgusting science of boo-boos in this colorful biology picture book for kids! Why do bruises change color? Why do we get scabs? What does blood do? Find out the surprising scientific answers to these questions and many more in The Secret Life of Boo-Boos! This bright and informative picture books includes: practical info and gross details about boo-boos and injuries scientific fun facts about how your body heals basic first aid tips for future boo-boos and more! The perfect book to empower kids with knowledge so they can face boo-boos with courage and curiosity!

The Secret Lives of Scientists, Engineers, and Doctors: Volume 1 is the first in a series of books that shares uniquely personal stories of the growth, struggle, and success of twelve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals. From a geneticist, to a scientist at National Institutes of Health, to a biologist, to a cancer researcher and beyond, The Secret Lives of Scientists, Engineers, and Doctors: Volume 1 contains stories from a variety of professions that are sure to inspire children and young adults of all ages.

Blending Eastern and Western philosophies with insights into nature, ecology, and physiology, this exploration of the place of humankind within the universe —and our individual stations—is both intellectual and approachable. Thinkers, writers, scientists, and educators of all stripes come together to examine subjects ranging from the nature of reality to brain science to the impact of technology on our world views, and more. They reveal that "the universe" may actually be comprised of multiple "universes" that overlap like the skin of an onion; peel away one layer of reality, and there’s others waiting to be experienced, if not completely understood. The book presents intriguing ideas from visionaries ranging from Jesus to Galileo, Newton to Descartes, and Kant to Einstein, among many others.

Discover the slightly disgusting, super fascinating science of viruses in this colorful biology picture book for curious kids! Packed with fascinating facts and science, The Secret Life of Viruses teaches young readers all about: What viruses are and where they live How vaccines work and how your body fights viruses Why pandemics happen How to stop the spread of viruses and stay healthy and more! Viruses are all around us—but it's not as scary as it sounds! This is the perfect book to ease fears and empower kids with knowledge to keep themselves and others healthy.