Technology & Science
The Ministry for the Future
Kim Stanley Robinson
In a near-future world ravaged by climate change, a devastating heatwave in India claims millions of lives, forcing the global community to confront the dire consequences of inaction. This catastrophic event propels the newly formed 'Ministry for the Future' into a desperate race against time, as nations grapple with geoengineering, political tensions, and the very survival of humanity. This novel explores the complex interplay of science, politics, and human resilience in the face of an existential crisis.
Responding to the Climate Threat
Gary Yohe
This compelling collection of essays, penned by a quartet of distinguished experts, delves into the multifaceted challenge of climate change. Aimed at informing both the general public and policymakers, the book meticulously unpacks the scientific, economic, and political complexities surrounding our planet's gravest threat. From debunking climate denial to analyzing policy responses like the Green New Deal and the actions of various administrations, the authors advocate for urgent, informed action and effective communication. Discover how scientific understanding, political will, and public engagement are inextricably linked in humanity's fight for a sustainable future.
The Three-Body Problem
Cixin Liu
During China's tumultuous Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space, leading to humanity's first contact with an alien civilization. Decades later, a nanomaterials researcher and a police detective are drawn into a global conspiracy as elite scientists commit suicide and a mysterious online game, 'Three Body,' reveals the terrifying truth about an impending interstellar invasion. As the world grapples with this existential threat, humanity's deepest flaws and the ethics of survival are brought into sharp focus, forcing a choice between fighting for Earth's future or welcoming an alien 'savior.'
Mathematics for Ladies
Jessy Randall
A captivating collection of poems that celebrates the lives and groundbreaking contributions of often-overlooked women in science throughout history. From ancient pioneers to modern-day innovators, this book reclaims the narratives of brilliant minds like Marie Curie, Lise Meitner, and Maryam Mirzakhani, challenging historical biases and highlighting their profound impact on scientific discovery through evocative verse.
The Visual Elements Photography
Felice C. Frankel
Unlock the power of visual communication in science and engineering with this essential handbook. From mastering scanners and phone cameras to utilizing professional DSLRs and microscopes, learn to create stunning, honest, and technically superior photographs that effectively convey your research. This guide emphasizes image integrity and practical techniques for making your scientific work accessible and compelling to a broad audience.
The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage
Sydney Padua
Embark on a witty and imaginative graphic novel journey through the lives and groundbreaking work of Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, the visionary pioneers of computing. Blending meticulous historical research with fantastical adventures and comedic flair, this book explores their brilliant minds, eccentric personalities, and their quest to build the world's first computer, the Analytical Engine, in a way that is both profoundly educational and hilariously entertaining.
Carbon Queen
Maia Weinstock
Discover the extraordinary life of Mildred Dresselhaus, the 'Queen of Carbon,' who defied poverty and societal expectations to become a trailblazing physicist and engineer. This captivating biography chronicles her journey from a challenging childhood in Depression-era New York to her groundbreaking research in nanoscience, including her pivotal predictions about carbon nanotubes. More than a scientist, Dresselhaus was a tireless educator, mentor, and advocate for women in STEM, leaving an indelible legacy that reshaped our understanding of matter and inspired countless individuals.
The Miraculous from the Material
Alan Lightman
In this captivating exploration, physicist and writer Alan Lightman delves into the profound wonder of the natural world, from the intricate dance of atoms to the majestic rings of Saturn. He argues for a 'spiritual materialism,' demonstrating how a deep understanding of scientific laws and material reality can amplify, rather than diminish, our sense of awe and connection to the cosmos. Through accessible explanations of phenomena like DNA, galaxies, and bioluminescence, Lightman invites readers to discover the miraculous inherent in the material, leaving them with a renewed appreciation for the universe and our place within it.