Top Science & Nature eBooks

A Short History of Nearly Everything eBook by Bryson, Bill

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Bill Bryson is one of the world's most beloved and bestselling writers. In A Short History of Nearly Everything, he takes his ultimate journey&#8212;into the most intriguing and consequential questions that science seeks to answer. It's a dazzling quest, the intellectual odyssey of a lifetime, as this insatiably curious writer attempts to understand everything that has transpired from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization. Or, as the author puts it, "...how we went from there being nothing at all to there being something, and then how a little of that something turned into us, and also what happened in between and since." This is, in short, a tall order.To that end, Bill Bryson apprenticed himself to a host of the world's most profound scientific minds, living and dead. His challenge is to take subjects like geology, chemistry, paleontology, astronomy, and particle physics and see if there isn't some way to render them comprehensible to people, like himself, made bored (or scared) stiff of science by school. His interest is not simply to discover what we know but to find out how we know it. How do we know what is in the center of the earth, thousands of miles beneath the surface? How can we know the extent and the composition of the universe, or what a black hole is? How can we know where the continents were 600 million years ago? How did anyone ever figure these things out?On his travels through space and time, Bill Bryson encounters a splendid gallery of the most fascinating, eccentric, competitive, and foolish personalities ever to ask a hard question. In their company, he undertakes a sometimes profound, sometimes funny, and always supremely clear and entertaining adventure in the realms of human knowledge, as only this superb writer can render it. Science has never been more involving, and the world we inhabit has never been fuller of wonder and delight.<hr>&#8220;Stylish [and] stunningly accurate prose. We learn what the material world is like from the smallest quark to the largest galaxy and at all the levels in between... brims with strange and amazing facts... destined to become a modern classic of science writing.&#8221; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE NEW YORK TIMES&#8220;Bryson has made a career writing hilarious travelogues, and in many ways his latest is more of the same, except that this time Bryson hikes through the world of science.&#8221; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PEOPLE&#8220;Bryson is surprisingly precise, brilliantly eccentric and nicely eloquent... a gifted storyteller has dared to retell the world&#8217;s biggest story.&#8221; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SEATTLE TIMES&#8220;Hefty, highly researched and eminently readable.&#8221; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIMON WINCHESTER, THE GLOBE AND MAIL&#8220;All non-scientists (and probably many specialized scientists, too) can learn a great deal from his lucid and amiable explanations.&#8221; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NATIONAL POST"Bryson is a terrific stylist. You can&#8217;t help but enjoy his writing, for its cheer and buoyancy, and for the frequent demonstration of his peculiar, engaging turn of mind.&#8221; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OTTAWA CITIZEN&#8220;Wonderfully readable. It is, in the best sense, learned.&#8221; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WINNIPEG FREE PRESS<hr>

Bionanotechnology: Lessons from Nature eBook by Goodsell, David S.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Discussions of the basic structural, nanotechnology, and system engineering principles, as well as an introductory overview of essential concepts and methods in biotechnology, will be included. Text is presented side-by-side with extensive use of high-quality illustrations prepared using cutting edge computer graphics techniques. Includes numerous examples, such applications in genetic engineering. Represents the only available introduction and overview of this interdisciplinary field, merging the physical and biological sciences. Concludes with the authors' expert assessment of the future promise of nanotechnology, from molecular "tinkertoys" to nanomedicine. David Goodsell is author of two trade books, Machinery of Life and Our Molecular Nature, and Arthur Olson is the world's leader in molecular graphics and nano-scale representation.

After the Martian Apocalypse: Extraterrestrial Artifacts and the Case for Mars Exploration eBook by Tonnies, Mac

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Part exo-archaeological treatise and part cultural commentary, After The Martian Apocalypse is an uncompromising and groundbreaking perspective on a cosmic controversy that has perplexed scientists and astronomers for years. Here, Mac Tonnies details the latest Mars discoveries and their paradigm-toppling implications, offering strong new evidence that points to an extinct civilization on the Red Planet -- and explaining how our own survival may depend on confronting the strange and ancient truths to be found there. Facing the prospect of a previous intelligent extraterrestrial civilization, Tonnies portrays Mars as a scientific and cultural conundrum. He challenges orthodox notions of mankind's role in space -- and illuminates the imperative concept that to truly understand our own world, we must first understand our unsettling and enigmatic planetary neighbor.

Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles eBook by Bohren, Craig F. / Huffman, Donald R

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles
Treating absorption and scattering in equal measure, this self-contained, interdisciplinary study examines and illustrates how small particles absorb and scatter light. The authors emphasize that any discussion of the optical behavior of small particles is inseparable from a full understanding of the optical behavior of the parent material-bulk matter. To divorce one concept from the other is to render any study on scattering theory seriously incomplete.
Special features and important topics covered in this book include:
* Classical theories of optical properties based on idealized models
* Measurements for three representative materials: magnesium oxide, aluminum, and water
* An extensive discussion of electromagnetic theory
* Numerous exact and approximate solutions to various scattering problems
* Examples and applications from physics, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, and biophysics
* Some 500 references emphasizing work done since Kerker's 1969 work on scattering theory
* Computer programs for calculating scattering by spheres, coated spheres, and infinite cylinders

Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics eBook by Pevsner, Jonathan

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Eagerly awaited, the second edition of the best-selling Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics has been thoroughly updated and enhanced. The text continues to offer the most broad-based introduction to this explosive new discipline, combining theoretical context with practical applications.

Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics is a textbook for undergraduate students, graduate students, and anyone involved in biomedical research. The first third of this book covers bioinformatics, a new field at the interface of the ongoing revolutions in molecular biology and computers. A focus of this new discipline is the use of computer databases and computer algorithms to study proteins and genes, including sequence alignment, database searches, and phylogeny. The middle third of this book focuses on functional genomics including approaches such as gene expression profiling and proteomics that are used to study cellular function. The last third of the book is on genomics which is the study of the collection of DNA that comprises an organism, using the tools of bioinformatics. This portion of the book spans the tree of life from viruses to prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including a description of the human genome in health and disease.

Highlight features:

Attractive two-color design throughout, with a section of full-color figures
Lavishly illustrated, featuring over 500 figures and tables with 50 NEW figures and tables in this edition
Highlights how the tools of bioinformatics can be used to further our understanding of basic processes in cell and molecular biology and genomics
NEW to the second edition: Several fundamentally important proteins (such as histones, insulin, globins, and albumins) are included to better show how to apply bioinformatics tools to basic biological questions
Strong focus on the relevance of bioinformatics tools to the understanding of human disease
Each chapter includes a Problem Set, Pitfalls section, Boxes explaining key techniques and math/stats principles, Summary, Recommended Reading, and a list of freely available Software

Praise for the first edition:

"...ideal both for biologists who want to master the application of bioinformatics to real-world problems and for computer scientists who need to understand the biological questions that motivate algorithms." Quarterly Review of Biology

"… an excellent textbook for graduate students and upper level undergraduate students." Annals of Biomedical Engineering

"…highly recommended for academic and medical libraries, and for researchers as an introduction and reference…" E-Streams

Analysis of Genes and Genomes eBook by Reece, Richard J.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

"This beautifully illustrated textbook provides a clear guide to the tools and techniques of genetic engineering, gene cloning and molecular biology. All aspects of genetic engineering in the post-genomic era are covered, beginning with the basics of DNA structure and DNA metabolism. Using an example-driven approach, the fundamentals of creating mutations in DNA, cloning in bacteria, yeast, plants and animals are all clearly presented.

Strong emphasis is placed on the latest, post genomic technologies including DNA macro and microarrays, genome-wide two hybrid analysis, proteomics and bioinformatics.

A modern post-genome era introduction to key techniques used in genetic engineering.
An example driven past-to-present approach to allow the experiments of today to be placed in an historical context
The book is beautifully illustrated in full-colour throughout.
Associated website including updates, additional content and illusions

Crystals and Crystal Structures eBook by Tilley, Richard J. D.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

"Crystals and Crystal Structures is an introductory text for students and others who need to understand the subject without necessarily becoming crystallographers. Using the book will enable students to read scientific papers and articles describing a crystal structure or use crystallographic databases with confidence and understanding.

Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the subject the book includes a variety of applications as diverse as the relationship between physical properties and symmetry, and molecular and protein crystallography. As well as covering the basics the book contains an introduction to areas of crystallography, such as modulated structures and quasicrystals, and protein crystallography, which are the subject of important and active research.    

A non-mathematical introduction to the key elements of the subject
Contains numerous applications across a variety of disciplines
Includes a range of problems and exercises
Clear, direct writing style

Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Short Course eBook by Roat-Malone, Rosette M.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Bioinorganic chemical knowledge grows more interesting and more complex with each passing year. As more details about the usage and utility of metals in biological species and more mechanistic and structural information about bioinorganic molecules becomes available, scientists and students continue to turn their attention to this blossoming discipline. Rosette Roat-Malone's Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Short Course provides an accessible survey of bioinorganic chemistry for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Comprehensive coverage of several topics offers insight into the increasingly diverse bioinorganic area. Roat-Malone's text concentrates on bioinorganic chemistry's two major focuses: naturally occurring inorganic elements and their behavior in biological systems, and the introduction of inorganic elements into biological systems, often as medicines.
The book begins with two review chapters, Inorganic Chemistry Essentials and Biochemistry Fundamentals. Chapter 3, Instrumental and Computer-Based Methods, provides an introduction to some important instrumental techniques, including basic information about computer hardware and software.
Chapters on specific topics include:

Iron Containing Oxygen Carriers and Their Synthetic Models
Copper Enzymes
The Enzyme Nitrogenase
Metals in Medicine

The author also encourages instructors and students to pursue their own independent investigations in bioinorganic topics, providing a helpful, detailed list of suggestions. With a host of current bibliographic references, Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Short Course proves the premier text in its field.

Biochemistry For Dummies eBook by Moore, John T.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Covers proteins, carbohydrates, and genetics

Grasp biochem basics, apply the science, and ace your exams

Are you baffled by biochemistry? This unintimidating guide makes it easy to understand, explaining all the topics and practical applications in plain English. From cell ultrastructure and carbohydrates to amino acids, proteins, and supramolecular structure, you'll identify biochemical structures and reactions, improve your grades, and get ready to tackle your tests.

John Moore, EdD, is the author of Chemistry For Dummies and an editor for The Journal of Chemical Education. Richard Langley, PhD, is a grader for the Free Response portion of the AP Chemistry Exam.

Discover how to:

Master biochemistry basics

Work through biochem problems

Prepare for standardized tests

Apply biochem in everyday life

Explore a career in the field

Building Scientific Apparatus eBook by Moore, John H. / Davis, Christopher C. / Coplan, Michael A.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Unrivalled in its coverage and unique in its hands-on approach, this guide to the design and construction of scientific apparatus is essential reading for every scientist and student of engineering, and physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Covering the physical principles governing the operation of the mechanical, optical and electronic parts of an instrument, new sections on detectors, low-temperature measurements, high-pressure apparatus, and updated engineering specifications, as well as 400 figures and tables, have been added to this edition. Data on the properties of materials and components used by manufacturers are included. Mechanical, optical, and electronic construction techniques carried out in the lab, as well as those let out to specialized shops, are also described. Step-by-step instruction supported by many detailed figures, is given for laboratory skills such as soldering electrical components, glassblowing, brazing, and polishing.

Arrow-Pushing in Organic Chemistry: An Easy Approach to Understanding Reaction Mechanisms eBook by Levy, Daniel E.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Look at any typical organic chemistry book and you'll probably be intimidated by its sheer size, the encyclopedic presentation of reactions, and the huge amount of material to memorize. As this book explains, there is a better and easier way to approach the subject --- the arrow-pushing strategy that reduces organic chemistry to the study of interactions between organic acids and bases and builds from there. This approach helps you develop deductive or predictive insight into the progression of starting materials to products and by what mechanisms the transformations occurred.

Adventure Sport Physiology eBook by Draper, Nick / Hodgson, Christopher

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

This unique textbook provides a thematic approach to adventure sports physiology based upon applications to specific adventure sports. It covers basic aspects of physiology related to the demands of the activity, training for improving performance, and safety factors.

After a brief historical introduction subsequent chapters cover basic physiology and nutrition and then apply these principles to a variety of land and water based sports including kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, climbing, mountaineering and skiing. The concluding chapters deal with medical factors including risk assessment for individual participants and activities alike. Each chapter includes learning objectives, a good range of tests, problems and information about further reading.

Adventure Sports Physiology: A Thematic Approach is an invaluable guide for undergraduate students in a number of adventure/outdoor recreation courses and for sports science/physical education students taking electives in this area. The book is also of interest for professionals running outdoor activity centres and all those participating in adventure sports who want to learn about the basics of physiology.

A World Without Ice eBook by Pollack, Henry, Ph.D.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

A co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize offers a clear-eyed explanation of the planet's imperiled ice.

Much has been written about global warming, but the crucial relationship between people and ice has received little focus''until now. As one of the world's leading experts on climate change, Henry Pollack provides an accessible, comprehensive survey of ice as a force of nature, and the potential consequences as we face the possibility of a world without ice.

A World Withoout Ice traces the effect of mountain glaciers on supplies of drinking water and agricultural irrigation, as well as the current results of melting permafrost and shrinking Arctic sea ice''a situation that has degraded the habitat of numerous animals and sparked an international race for seabed oil and minerals. Catastrophic possibilities loom, including rising sea levels and subsequent flooding of lowlying regions worldwide, and the ultimate displacement of millions of coastal residents. A Wolrd Without Ice answers our most urgent questions about this pending crisis, laying out the necessary steps for managing the unavoidable and avoiding the unmanageable.

Bioinformatics For Dummies eBook by Claverie, Jean-Michel, Ph.D. / Notredame, Cedric, Ph.D.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Search databases and analyze sequences like a pro

Get the most out of your PC and the Web with the right tools

Explore the human genome and analyze DNA—without leaving your desktop! All it takes is the basics of molecular biology and the wealth of information in this friendly guide. You'll discover the online tools and useful tips you need to ask the right questions, analyze sequences, and compare results. It's a plain-English introduction to the field!

Discover how to

Do biological research online
Use gene-centric databases
Visualize proteins in 3-D
Interpret and analyze sequences
Produce and publish results

Biophysics: An Introduction eBook by Cotterill, Rodney M. J.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:18 GMT

Biophysics is an evolving, multidisciplinary subject which applies physics to biological systems and promotes an understanding of their physical properties and behaviour. Biophysics: An Introduction, is a concise balanced introduction to this subject. Written in an accessible and readable style, the book takes a fresh, modern approach with the author successfully combining key concepts and theory with relevant applications and examples drawn from the field as a whole. Beginning with a brief introduction to the origins of biophysics, the book takes the reader through successive levels of complexity, from atoms to molecules, structures, systems and ultimately to the behaviour of organisms. The book also includes extensive coverage of biopolymers, biomembranes, biological energy, and nervous systems. The text not only explores basic ideas, but also discusses recent developments, such as protein folding, DNA/RNA conformations, molecular motors, optical tweezers. and the biological origins of consciousness and intelligence. Biophysics: An Introduction Is a carefully structured introduction to biological and medical physics Provides exercises at the end of each chapter to encourage student understanding: Includes a supplementary website including simulations, colour images, additional content, solutions to problems and links to other key sites. Assuming little biological or medical knowledge, this book will be invaluable to undergraduate students in physics, biophysics and medical physics. The book will also be useful for graduate students and researchers looking for a broad introduction to the subject.