From the Big Bang to Big Storms: New Science Books
From mysterious ocean depths to mind-melting physics theories, here's a selection of science books recently added to our collection.
This month's picks include stories of ocean adventures, modern healthcare challenges, mind-expanding theoretical physics and more - have a browse and enjoy!
Ocean : Earth's last wilderness / Attenborough, David, 1926-
A companion book to Attenborough's latest film 'Ocean' and an instant Sunday Times bestseller; this book is a not-to-be-missed title from cultural icon and award-winning natural historian, David Attenborough. Explore coral reefs, kelp forests, mangroves, the Arctic and more! This is not just a call-to-action to save our fragile marine ecosystems, this book also offers an optimistic dream of what a fully restored marine world could look like. Ocean: Earth's last wilderness is a love letter to the mysterious and wonderful world underwater, and Attenborough's life-long history exploring it. A poetic celebration of our "last wilderness", and a compelling argument for why, and how, we might save it.
Booster shots : the urgent lessons of measles and the uncertain future of children's health / Ratner, Adam
Ratner began writing this book, covering the importance of vaccinations and why people stop believing in them, during the 2018 measles outbreak in New York City. His topic soon expanded with the increase in anti-vaccination discourse around COVID-19, and the following uptick in mistrust towards public health. Speaking from his experience as an infectious disease physician, in this book Ratner explores the importance of vaccines through the case study of measles, why people stop believing in vaccines and public healthcare, and how he approaches these conversations with patients. Positively reviewed by both critics and readers, this appears to be an interesting read for anyone curious about vaccines or working in public health.
Battle of the Big Bang : the new tales of our cosmic origins / Afshordi, Niyayesh, 1978-
A dizzying look into the many current theories about the start of our known universe. In this book cosmologist Niayesh Afshordi and science communicator Phil Halper come together to explore many of the current theories regarding the beginning of our universe. Described by reviewers as a "fever dream of a science book", 'Battle of the Big Bang' leads its readers through all sorts of mind-melting concepts, such as holographic cosmology and eternal inflation. Readers anxious about the complexity of this work might find comfort in the fact that the appendix contains a handy “Big Bang Models Cheat Sheet” that lists twenty-five models, each summed up in a sentence. This book does not aim to offer any definitive answers to this huge mystery, it sounds like instead its goal is to get the reader excited about how many theories we have, and delight in the unsolved mysteries of the universe.
Time expansion experiences : the psychology of time perception and the illusion of linear time / Taylor, Steve, 1967-
Next on this list is a book about another trippy scientific enquiry, this time into the world of time expansion experiences. A 'time expansion experience', or 'TEE', is described as those moments when, perhaps due to being in an accident, time feels like it slows down or even stops completely. This book collects first-hand accounts of these experiences, digs into the science behind the reported phenomena and, following the science, explores whether it's possible for us to change how we experience time in our everyday lives.
The ocean's menagerie : how Earth's strangest creatures reshape the rules of life / Harvell, C. Drew, 1954-
If you're after a book packed with interesting natural science facts, the strange abilities of sea creatures, and incredible scientific breakthroughs, then this is the book for you! Dive into the surreal and mind-blowing world of marine biology, specifically the often-overlooked invertebrates. Explore coral acts as a "hall of mirrors" for algae, sponges who create compounds which fight of disease, hundred-year-old clams and reefs the size of cities. A fascinating look into how our oldest creatures might hold the solutions to modern day problems. Described by The Times as "An enchanting book", this looks like a great read for anyone with an interest in marine biology and the weird and wonderful world that is the ocean.
Cloud warriors : deadly storms, climate chaos - and the pioneers creating a revolution in weather forecasting / Weber, Thomas E., 1967-
With the increasing impact of climate change, predicting catastrophic weather events is as vital as ever. In this book journalist Thomas E. Weber talks to storms chasers, physicists, scientists grappling with how to communicate to the general public about the weather, and humanitarian aid workers working on the frontlines of climate crisis around the globe. This book also explores new technology being used in the weather prediction field, such as AI and drones. This looks like a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the intersections between meteorology and social science.