Научная литература Лабиринт

On the Shoulders of Giants tells a compelling story, using original papers from Einstein, Copernicus, Galilei, Kepler and Newton. Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking explains how these works changed the course of science, ushering astronomy and physics out of the Middle Ages and into the modern world.

Stephen Hawking's closest collaborator offers the intellectual superstar's final thoughts on the universe. Perhaps the biggest question Stephen Hawking tried to answer in his extraordinary life was how the universe could have created conditions so perfectly hospitable to life. In order to solve this mystery, Hawking studied the big bang origin of the universe, but his early work ran into a crisis when the math predicted many big bangs producing a multiverse - countless different universes, most of which would be far too bizarre to harbour life. Holed up in the theoretical physics department at Cambridge, Stephen Hawking and his friend and collaborator Thomas Hertog worked on this problem for twenty years, developing a new theory of the cosmos that could account for the emergence of life. Peering into the extreme quantum physics of cosmic holograms and venturing far back in time, they were startled to find a deeper level of evolution in which the physical laws themselves transform and simplify until particles, forces, and even time itself fades away. This discovery led them to a revolutionary idea: The laws of physics are not set in stone but are born and co-evolve as the universe they govern takes shape. As Hawking's final days drew near, the two collaborators published their theory, which proposed a radical new Darwinian perspective on the origins of our universe. On the Origin of Time offers a striking new vision of the universe's birth that will profoundly transform the way we think about our place in the order of the cosmos and may ultimately prove to be Hawking's greatest legacy.

From icy polar tundra to lush tropical rainforests, readers can explore the wonders of the planet we call home in this spectacular visual guide. This beautiful jacketed hardback introduces the many landscapes and systems that make up Planet Earth, from its molten core and plate tectonics to the different landscapes which make up its surface. Readers can explore the Amazon basin, taiga forests across the frozen wastes of Siberia and vast deserts on almost every continent. Includes: • Land: volcanoes, glaciers, caves, wetlands... • Air: the geomagnetic field, weather, the auroras... • Sea: tides, coral reefs, fjords... The text is brought to life by superb full-colour photos, charts, maps and infographics to reveal the planet in all its splendor. A fascinating guide to the world which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Oceans are the most mysterious places on earth. Their depths remain largely unexplored, yet ninety-five percent of the planet's habitable space lies within them. And now the life they support is in the balance. Callum Roberts uses his lifetime's experience working with the oceans to take us on a panoramic tour beneath the seas, exploring the richness of life in the deep and how it has altered over the centuries. He shows the catastrophic impact of humanity on the oceans, but also how we can restore them to life.

From early humans carving notches in bones to the discovery of quantum mechanics, mathematics has certainly come a long way. Fully illustrated and augmented with helpful timelines and diagrams, Great Breakthroughs in Mathematics explores some of history's greatest mathematical breakthroughs. Covering topics from Ancient Egyptian geometry to chaos theory, readers will learn about Euclid of Alexandria, Brahmagupta, Sir Isaac Newton, Alan Turing and more. Whether solving practical or abstract problems, these mathematicians have each sought to improve our lives, and have bought us to the world we know today. With each concept explained in easy-to-understand language, there's no need to be a calculus genius to marvel at these incredible feats of problem-solving brilliance.

Energising Your Classroom is an exciting and inspirational resource book with short physical and mental activities which teachers can use to bring energy to their classrooms, their students and themselves. Energising Your Classroom is about creating a stimulating environment, in which regular teaching is enhanced by a variety of additional activities. Sometimes these raise energy levels through physical movement; sometimes they allow the students a moment to relax and switch off; sometimes they challenge them to refocus their thoughts. All have the aim of giving the students the opportunity to recharge their batteries, refresh their thinking and return to their language learning with renewed vitality, enthusiasm and the capacity for increased concentration. The activities in Energising Your Classroom are divided into three main sections: Energisers, Brain boosters and Breathers. In addition, there are activities to assist teachers in identifying and clarifying their students' reasons for learning, and tips to help them cope with the stresses of the teaching environment and maintain their own levels of energy and enthusiasm.

Albert Einstein changed the way physicists view the universe – and transformed the way we all see the world. Just over one hundred years ago, his Theory of Relativity stunned scientists, but today it is integral to modern thought as the most important scientific discovery of the twentieth century. In this unique single volume, Stephen Hawking has assembled the highlights of Einstein’s groundbreaking scientific work. Collected here are Einstein’s own illuminating writings on the Theory of Relativity, which present a world of paradoxes in which space is bent and time is curved. Yet Einstein was known not only for his landmark ideas in physics. Here too are his reflections on politics and religion, and his musings on the ultimate significance of his scientific findings.

This is a completely new and fully comprehensive edition aimed at anyone who has contact with the construction industry. Written in a simple, easily accessible fashion the book contains major features on sustainability and the environment, hazard, vulnerability and uncertainty management together with new categories on business and finance, sustainability, water and transport. This edition offers easy and extensive cross referencing and definitions designed to help students to learn and associate ideas making this the perfect guide for anyone interested in any aspect of civil engineering.

This volume of John Muir's selected writings chronicles the key turning points in his life and study of the American wilderness. The Story of My Boyhood and Youth is Muir's account of his childhood on a Wisconsin farm, where his interest in nature was first piqued; in The Mountains of California, The Yosemite, and Travels in Alaska we follow him on long journeys into stunning mountain ranges and valleys, where he records native flora and fauna and finds proof of his theories of the effect of glaciers on landscape formation. These four full-length works--along with a selection of important essays also included here--helped galvanize American naturalists, leading to the founding of the Sierra Club and several national parks. In these pages, written with meticulous thoroughness and an impassioned lyricism, we witness Muir's awakening to the incredible beauty of our planet, and the honing of an eye turned as acutely toward the scientific as the spiritual.

All matter in the universe - including our own bodies - is made of a relatively small number of basic ingredients known as elements. From the lead used in Ancient Roman plumbing to the hydrogen that powers the stars, elements make up everything there is and has ever been. The Periodic Table of the chemical elements is one of the iconic achievements of recent times. This book tells its story, revealing how humankind has struggled to understand the nature and composition of matter. It traces a journey of experiment and discovery, from the dawn of science to the space age, revealing the elements and the individuals who recognized, named, and classified them. Topics include: • exploring the nature of matter • defining and discovering the elements • atomic structure and the elements • finding and understanding periodicity • building the PeriodicTable • the search for more elements Beautifully Illustrated throughout.

Featuring a giant timeline wallchart, this illustrated guide traces humankind's greatest achievements in mathematics, plotting a journey from innumerate cave-dwellers, through the towering intellects of the last 4,000 years, to where we stand today. In order to understand the universe you must know the language in which it is written. And that language is mathematics - Galileo (1564-1642) For hundreds of thousands of years, we have sought order in the apparent chaos of the universe. Mathematics has been our most valuable tool in that search, uncovering the patterns and rules that govern our world and beyond. This illustrated guide traces humankind's greatest achievements in mathematics, plotting a journey from innumerate cave-dwellers, through the towering intellects of the last 4,000 years, to where we stand today. Including a giant timeline wallchart, Foundations is a brilliant hardback reference book which charts the development of this intriguing and expansive discipline, from early history to modern day.

When and how did the universe begin? Why are we here? Is the apparent 'grand design' of our universe evidence for a benevolent creator who set things in motion? Or does science offer another explanation? In The Grand Design, the most recent scientific thinking about the mysteries of the universe is presented in language marked by both brilliance and simplicity. Model dependent realism, the multiverse, the top-down theory of cosmology, and the unified M-theory - all are revealed here. This is the first major work in nearly a decade by one of the world's greatest thinkers. A succinct, startling and lavishly illustrated guide to discoveries that are altering our understanding and threatening some of our most cherished belief systems, The Grand Design is a book that will inform - and provoke - like no other.

The Million Copy Bestseller What makes us brilliant? What makes us deadly? What makes us Sapiens? This bestselling history challenges everything we know about being human. Earth is 4.5 billion years old. In just a fraction of that time, one species among countless others has conquered it: us. In this bold and provocative book, Yuval Noah Harari explores who we are, how we got here and where we're going. 'I would recommend Sapiens to anyone who's interested in the history and future of our species' Bill Gates 'Interesting and provocative... It gives you a sense of how briefly we've been on this Earth' Barack Obama One Of The Guardian's 100 Best Books Of The 21st Century

The Language of the Genes and In the Blood revisits Darwin's The Origin of Species, and updates it for the twenty-first century. In his new book, Steve Jones takes on the challenge of going back to the book of the millennium, Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species. Before The Origin, biology was a set of unconnected facts. Darwin made it into a science, linked by the theory of evolution, the grammar of the living world.It reveals ties between cancer and the genetics of fish, between brewing and inherited disease, between the sex lives of crocodiles and the politics of Brazil. Darwin used the biology of the nineteenth century to prove his case. Now, that science has been revolutionized and his case can be reargued using the twentieth century's astonishing advances. From AIDS to dinosaurs, from conservation to cloned sheep, bursting with anecdotes, jokes and irresistible facts, Almost Like a Whale is a popular account of the science that makes biology make sense. It will catch the millennial mood and tell all those for whom Darwin is merely a familiar name what he really meant. It exposes the Darwinian delusions which try (and fail) to explain human behaviour in evolutionary terms, and, while giving an up-to-date account of our own past, shows how humans are the first species to step beyond the constraints of biology.

Discover the lost art of reading nature's own signposts with this beautiful tenth anniversary edition of The Natural Navigator. Starting with a simple question – 'Which way am I looking?' – Tristan Gooley blends natural science, myth, folklore and the history of travel to introduce you to the forgotten art of finding your way using nature's clues, from the feel of a rock to the look of the moon. Using Tristan's expert insight and anecdotes, you'll develop a unique insight into the world around you. From learning why some trees grow the way they do and how they can help you find your way in the countryside, to discovering how it's possible to find North simply by looking at a puddle and how natural signs can be used to navigate on the open ocean or in the heart of the city. Wonderfully detailed and full of fascinating stories, this is the seminal guide to the rediscovered art of natural navigation. The Natural Navigator is user-friendly, practical and packed with beautiful illustrations to help natural navigators on their instrument-free journey. Beautifully repackaged, this edition includes a new tenth anniversary preface from the author, celebrating ten years of this seminal guide to nature.

For fans of Charles Duhig, Malcolm Gladwell and Nate Silver, a brilliant and buoyant investigation into the existence (or not) of hot streaks. For decades, psychologists and economists have studied the science of streaks to determine whether the ‘hot hand’ exists. Is there such a thing as being in the zone? Or it simply a case of seeing patterns in randomness? Genius scholars and Nobel Prize winners have dedicated years to answering this question. A substantial number of the decisions we make each day are rooted in two opposing beliefs: that if something happened before, it will happen again – or if it happened before, it probably won’t happen again. The Hot Hand is an incredibly entertaining and provocative investigation into the seductive idea that streaks not only exist but can be created. Every day we look for patterns in coincidence, and coincidence in patterns. Is there a hidden logic that defies our basic understanding of probability? If we recognize someone has a hot hand, can we adjust to take advantage? If we mistakenly assume they have the hot hand, what are the costs? What happens when we’re wrong – and what happens when maybe we were right all along? To answer these questions, Ben Cohen embarks on a kaleidoscopic investigation that ranges from the magical night that forever changed NBA’s superstar Stephen Curry’s life to a billionaire investor who made a fortune betting against streaks; the mystery of a missing World War II hero to the authentication of a lost Van Gogh painting; how Shakespeare’s success was abetted by a flea to how Spotify had to make its shuffle feature less random to feel more random. The Hot Hand takes us to the jungles of the Amazon, a sugar-beet farm in the northern United States, and strip mall arcades to show us how recognition of patterns can be both fruitful – and disastrous.

Explore the mysteries of the cosmos in this highly visual hardback guide, written by leading NASA astronomer and educator Sten Odenwald. Have you ever wondered how the first stars were born? Or pondered what really happens around a black hole? Here Sten Odenwald answers these questions and many more as he takes you on a mesmerizing journey across the entire history of the universe, brought to life by spectacular, full-colour space photography. You will learn about the composition of planets, galaxy mergers, asteroid belts, the fundamental nature of spacetime, and much, much more. Other topics include: • The Big Bang • Dark matter • The life cycle of stars • Planets both inside and outside our solar system. Featuring a range of diagrams and infographics to aid understanding, this large-format hardback guide casts your eye towards the stars and unlocks the many mysteries of the universe.

Discover the wonders of the natural world and the animals that inhabit it in this stunningly visual hardback guide. Nature writer Marianne Taylor guides readers through the development of life on earth, from the first living cells to the astonishing diversity we see in species today. Journeying from the invertebrates, including spiders, crustaceans and insects, to fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, this fascinating book explores the animal kingdom is all its oddity and splendour. A numbers of feature spreads give a deeper focus on themes such as coral reefs, the importance of insects in ecology and the era of the dinosaurs. Sections include: • Animal Evolution • Invertebrates: insects, molluscs, • Vertebrates: fish, reptiles, birds, mammals • Ecology and conservation Featuring superb full-colour wildlife photography as well as a range of diagrams and infographics, this is a captivating guide to the wonders of the animal kingdom which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The more we learn about fungi, the less makes sense without them. They can change our minds, heal our bodies and even help us avoid environmental disaster; they are metabolic masters, earth-makers and key players in most of nature's processes. In Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake takes us on a mind-altering journey into their spectacular world, and reveals how these extraordinary organisms transform our understanding of our planet and life itself.

'Through the windows of the slowly turning spacecraft they looked out at the place where the sun had once been, and there was the moon: a huge, magnificent sphere bathed in the eerie blue light of earthshine, each crater rendered in ghostly detail.' The race to the moon was won spectacularly by Apollo 11 on 20 July 1969. When astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took their 'giant step' across a ghostly lunar landscape, they were watched by some 600 million people on Earth 250,000 miles away. A Man on the Moon is the definitive account of the heroic Apollo programme: from the tragedy of the fire in Apollo 1 during a simulated launch, through the euphoria of the first moonwalk, to the discoveries made by the first scientist in space aboard Apollo 17. Drawing on hundreds of hours of in-depth interviews with the astronauts and team, this is the story of the twentieth century's greatest human achievement, minute-by-minute, in the words of those who were there.

Richard Dawkins - author of The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker, and The God Delusion - is one of science's greatest communicators. This anthology of more than forty pieces is a kaleidoscopic argument for the power and the glory of science. Breathtaking, brilliant and passionate, these essays, journalism, lectures and letters make an unanswerable case for the wonder of scientific discovery and its power to stir the imagination; for the practical necessity of scientific endeavour to society; and for the importance of the scientific way of thinking - particularly in today's `post-truth' world. With an introduction and new commentary by the author, subjects range from evolution and Darwinian natural selection to the role of scientist as prophet, whether science is itself a religion, the probability of alien life in other worlds, and the beauties, cruelties and oddities of earthly life in this one. Alongside the explications, the celebrations and the controversies are wonderfully funny ventures into satire and parody, and moving personal reflections in memory and honour of others. Science in the Soul is a sparkling showcase for Professor Dawkins' rapier wit, the clarity, precision and vigour he brings to an argument, the beauty of his prose, the depth of his feeling and his capacity for joy.

From Cnut to D-Day, the history and science of the unceasing tide is explored for the first time. Half of the world's population lives in coastal regions lapped by tidal waters. Yet how little most of us know about the tide - a key force on our planet that has altered the course of history and will transform our future. Our ability to predict and understand the tide depends on centuries of science, from the observations of Aristotle and the theories of Newton to today's supercomputer calculations. This story is punctuated here by notable tidal episodes in history, from Caesar's thwarted invasion of Britain to the catastrophic flooding of Venice, and interwoven with a rich folklore that continues to inspire art and literature today. With Aldersey-Williams as our guide to the most feared and celebrated tidal features on the planet, from the original maelstrom in Scandinavia to the world's highest tides in Nova Scotia to the crumbling coast of East Anglia, the importance of the tide, and the way it has shaped - and will continue to shape - our civilization, becomes startlingly clear.

Imagine a world where all the news you see is defined by your salary, where you live, and who your friends are. Imagine a world where you never discover new ideas. And where you can't have secrets. Welcome to 2011. Google are already feeding you what they think you want to see. Advertisers are following your every click. Your computer monitor is becoming a one-way mirror, reflecting your interests and reinforcing your prejudices. The internet is no longer a free, independent space. It is commercially controlled and ever more personalised. The Filter Bubble reveals how this hidden web is starting to control our lives - and shows what we can do about it.

A ground-breaking book by the world-leading expert in sensory science: Freakonomics for food Why do we consume 35% more food when eating with one more person, and 75% more when with three? Why are 27% of drinks bought on aeroplanes tomato juice? How are chefs and companies planning to transform our dining experiences, and what can we learn from their cutting-edge insights to make memorable meals at home? These are just some of the ingredients of Gastrophysics, in which the pioneering Oxford professor Charles Spence shows how our senses link up in the most extraordinary ways, and reveals the importance of all the 'off-the-plate' elements of a meal: the weight of cutlery, the placing on the plate, the background music and much more. Whether dining alone or at a dinner party, on a plane or in front of the TV, he reveals how to understand what we're tasting and influence what others experience. Mealtimes will genuinely never be the same again.

As a young man, I felt I was out there in the wild, experiencing the untouched natural world - but it was an illusion. The tragedy of our time has been happening all around us, barely noticeable from day to day - the loss of our planet's wild places, its biodiversity. I have been witness to this decline. A Life on Our Planet contains my witness statement, and my vision for the future - the story of how we came to make this, our greatest mistake, and how, if we act now, we can yet put it right. We have the opportunity to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited. All we need is the will do so.

As you read this, thousands of remote computers are refining secret models of who you are, using the information to make huge fortunes for a few people. Does the future have to be this way? How can we change it? In this visionary book Jaron Lanier imagines an alternative, where economic power is given back to creators. Drawing on sources ranging from ancient philosophy to the latest technology, he proposes a radical system that truly rewards endeavour - whether it's in the media or manufacturing - and ultimately preserves human dignity.

Chris Stringer's bestselling The Origin of our Species tackles the big questions in the ongoing debate about the beginnings of human life on earth. Do all humans originate from Africa? How did we spread across the globe? Are we separate from Neanderthals, or do some of us actually have their genes? When did humans become 'modern' - are traits such as art, technology, language, ritual and belief unique to us? Has human evolution stopped, or are we still evolving? Chris Stringer has been involved in much of the crucial research into the origins of humanity, and here he draws on a wealth of evidence - from fossils and archaeology to Charles Darwin's theories and the mysteries of ancient DNA - to reveal the definitive story of where we came from, how we lived, how we got here and who we are.

Readers worldwide know the work of Stephen Hawking through his phenomenal bestseller A Brief History of Time. In this collection of essays and other pieces - on subjects that range from warmly personal to the wholly scientific- he is revealed variously as the scientist, the man, the concerned world citizen, and - as always - the rigorous and imaginative thinker. Whether remembering his first experience of nursery school; puncturing the arrogance of those who think science can best be understood only by other scientists and should be left to them; exploring the origins and the future of the universe; or reflecting on the phenomenon of A Brief History of Time, Stephen's wit, directness of style and absence of pomp are vital characteristics at all times.

In this myth-busting guide to AI past and present, one of the world's leading researchers shows why our fears for the future are misplaced. The ultimate dream of AI is to build machines that are like us: conscious and self-aware. While this remains a remote possibility, rapid progress in AI is already transforming our world. Yet the public debate is still largely centred on unlikely prospects, from sentient machines to dystopian robot takeovers. In this lively and clear-headed guide, Michael Wooldridge challenges the prevailing narrative, revealing how the hype distracts us from both the more immediate risks that this technology poses - from algorithmic bias to fake news - and the true life-changing potential of the field. The Road to Conscious Machines elucidates the discoveries of AI's greatest pioneers from Alan Turing to Demis Hassabis, and what today's researchers actually think and do.

Jennifer Doudna, the world-famous scientist behind CRISPR, 'one of the most monumental discoveries in biology' (New York Times), describes its power to reshape the future of all life and warns of its use. A handful of discoveries have changed the course of human history. This book is about the most recent and potentially the most powerful and dangerous of them all. It is an invention that allows us to rewrite the genetic code that shapes and controls all living beings with astonishing accuracy and ease. Thanks to it, the dreams of genetic manipulation have become a stark reality: the power to cure disease and alleviate suffering, to create new sources of food and energy, as well as to re-design any species, including humans, for our own ends. Jennifer Doudna is the co-inventor of this technology - known as CRISPR - and a scientist of worldwide renown. Writing with fellow researcher Samuel Sternberg, here she provides the definitive account of her discovery, explaining how this wondrous invention works and what it is capable of. She also asks us to consider what our new-found power means: how do we enjoy its unprecedented benefits while avoiding its equally unprecedented dangers? The future of humankind - and of all life on Earth - is at stake. This book is an essential guide to the path that now lies ahead.

Edited and introduced by Bill Bryson, with contributions from Richard Dawkins, Margaret Atwood, Richard Holmes, Martin Rees, Richard Fortey, Steve Jones, James Gleick and Neal Stephenson amongst others, this beautiful, lavishly illustrated book tells the story of science and the Royal Society, from 1660 to the present. Since its inception in 1660, the Royal Society has pioneered scientific discovery and exploration. The oldest scientific academy in existence, its backbone is its Fellowship of the most eminent scientists in history including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. Today, its Fellows are the most influential men and women in science, many of whom have contributed to this ground-breaking volume alongside some of the world's most celebrated novelists, essayists and historians. This book celebrates the Royal Society's vast achievements in its illustrious past as well as its huge contribution to the development of modern science. With unrestricted access to the Society's archives and photographs, Seeing Further shows that the history of scientific endeavour and discovery is a continuous thread running through the history of the world and of society - and is one that continues to shape the world we live in today.

A series of glasses of transparent liquids is in front of you: but which will quench your thirst and which will kill you? And why? Why does one liquid make us drunk, and another power a jumbo jet? From the bestselling author of Stuff Matters comes a fascinating tour of these surprising or sinister substances - the droplets, heartbeats and ocean waves we all encounter every day. Structured around a plane journey, encountering water, wine, oil and more, Miodownik shows that liquids are agents of death and destruction as well as substances of wonder and fascination. His unique brand of scientific storytelling brings them and their mysterious properties alive in a captivating new way.

For readers of George Monbiot, Isabella Tree and Robert Macfarlane - an urgent and lyrical account of endangered places around the globe and the people fighting to save them. All across the world, irreplaceable habitats are under threat. Unique ecosystems of plants and animals are being destroyed by human intervention. From the tiny to the vast, from marshland to meadow, and from Kent to Glasgow to India to America, they are disappearing. Irreplaceable is a love letter to the haunting beauty of these landscapes and their wild species. Exploring coral reefs and remote mountains, tropical jungle, ancient woodland and urban allotments, it traces the stories of threatened places through local communities, grassroots campaigners, ecologists and academics. Julian Hoffman's rigorous, impassioned account is a timely reminder of the vital connections between humans and nature - and all that we stand to lose. It is a powerful call to arms in the face of unconscionable natural destruction.

The Most Human Human by Brian Christian is a mind-blowing piece of reportage that will appeal to readers of Jon Ronson's The Psychopath Test, and an inspiring riposte to John Gray's classic Straw Dogs - a book that will change your whole understanding of what being human actually means... AI is on the brink of a new dawn. And so are we... Telling the difference between humans and computers used to be easy. But artificial intelligence is now so advanced that it is capable of behaving, and even thinking, in ways that have long been considered exclusive to humankind. The time has come to rethink what being human actually means... In The Most Human Human Brian Christian meets the world's leading artificial intelligences, finds out what they're capable of - and what makes us unique. The result is a funny, shocking, inspiring, deeply humane and intelligent book that reaches into every aspect of our lives.

Now recognized as one of the most influential books of the twentieth century, Silent Spring exposed the destruction of wildlife through the widespread use of pesticides Rachel Carson's Silent Spring alerted a large audience to the environmental and human dangers of pesticides, spurring revolutionary changes in the laws affecting our air, land, and water. Despite condemnation in the press and heavy-handed attempts by the chemical industry to ban the book, Carson succeeded in creating a new public awareness of the environment which led to changes in government and inspired the ecological movement. It is thanks to this book, and the help of many environmentalists, that harmful pesticides such as DDT were banned from use in the US and countries around the world.

What really makes us who we are? In this groundbreaking book, pioneering neuroscientist Sebastian Seung shows that our identity does not lie in our genes, but in the connections between our brain cells - our own particular wiring, or 'connectomes'. Everything about us - emotions, thoughts, memories - is encoded in these tangled patterns of neural connections, and now Seung and a dedicated team are mapping them in order to uncover the basis of personality, explain disorders such as autism and depression, and even enable us to 'upload' our brains. This book reveals the secrets of the brain, showing how our connectome makes each of us uniquely ourselves.

'A necessary book for our times. But also just great fun' Saul Perlmutter, Nobel Laureate The world is awash in bullshit, and we're drowning in it. Politicians are unconstrained by facts. Science is conducted by press release. Start-up culture elevates hype to high art. These days, calling bullshit is a noble act. Based on a popular course at the University of Washington, Calling Bullshit gives us the tools to see through the obfuscations, deliberate and careless, that dominate every realm of our lives. In this lively guide, biologist Carl Bergstrom and statistician Jevin West show that calling bullshit is crucial to a properly functioning social group, whether it be a circle of friends, a community of researchers, or the citizens of a nation. Through six rules of thumb, they help us recognize bullshit whenever and wherever we encounter it - even within ourselves - and explain it to a crystal-loving aunt or casually racist grandfather.

If reason is what makes us human, then why do we humans often behave so irrationally? Taking us from desert ants to Aristotle, cognitive psychologists Hugo Mercier and Dan Sperber explore how our 'flawed superpower' of reason works, how it doesn't, and how it evolved to help us develop as social beings.

We live in a world of information overload. Facts and figures on absolutely everything are at our fingertips, but are too often biased, distorted, or outright lies. From unemployment figures to voting polls, IQ tests to divorce rates, we're bombarded by seemingly plausible statistics on how people live and what they think. Daniel Levitin teaches us how to effectively ask ourselves: can we really know that? And how do they know that? In this eye-opening, accessible guide filled with fascinating examples and practical takeaways, acclaimed neuroscientist Daniel Levitin shows us how learning to understand statistics will enable you to make better, smarter judgements on the world around you.

When exactly did life begin? What really happened during the big bang - and before it? Is the universe expanding? Is dark matter real? Do we live in one of many worlds? What's more, how can we prove any of this? This book is all about how we - any of us - can gain an understanding of the Universe in all its awe-inspiring glory. Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw take us on an epic journey of scientific exploration, revealing how the biggest questions - from the size of the earth to the distance to the stars - are answerable from our own back gardens. You don't need a Large Hadron Collider or a Hubble Space Telescope to explore the cosmos. You just need this book.

John Bradshaw, one of the world's leading experts on animal behaviour, overturns many of the myths surrounding cats to reveal the true nature of our most enigmatic companions: what makes them tick, how they relate to humans (and each other), and what they really need to make them happy. From John Bradshaw, one of the world's leading experts on animal behaviour, and the author of the Sunday Times Bestseller, In Defence of Dogs, Cat Sense shows us the true, surprising nature of cats Cats are the most popular pet in the world. They outnumber the dog, man's 'best friend', by three to one. Yet today, they face unprecedented challenges in their life with humans: from conservationists who cast them as a threat to wildlife; from other cats who they compete for territory with; and from good-intentioned owners and vets with misconceptions of what they require. Cats need not so much our sympathy, but our understanding. Cat Sense offers us for the first time a truly scientific, yet deeply affectionate, picture of one of humanity's closest and most enigmatic companions. 'A mind-altering book ... delightful' - Lynne Truss, The Times 'Exceptionally thorough ... Bradshaw's concern and love for cats shines through ... You could buy a dozen books by the many cat whisperers, cat gurus and cat therapists that exist in our feline-obsessed modern world, but their accumulated wisdom would probably not help you understand your cats as well as Cat Sense' - Tom Cox, Observer 'An entertaining book, written in a relaxed style' - James McConnachie, Sunday Times 'Witty, surprising writing ... There is his delight in detail, a talent for dismantling myths, but most importantly an ability to build a coherent and entertaining theory from an apparent contradiction that all cat-lovers will recognise: we seek to understand cats even though it is our lack of understanding that makes us love them' - Herald John Bradshaw is a biologist who founded and directs the world-renowned Anthrozoology Institute, based at the University of Bristol. He has been studying the behaviour of domestic cats and their owners for over 25 years, and is the author of many scientific articles, research papers and reviews.

What incredible innovations have changed the course of history? From rudimentary metalwork to 3-D printing, human ingenuity has set us apart from other animals on earth. Great Breakthroughs in Technology explores man's most ingenious inventions and how they have solved some of life's most pressing challenges. In this highly illustrated, full-colour hardback, Robert Snedden takes the reader on a chronological journey from our creation of fire to robots and artificial intelligence. Each chapter opens with a helpful overview and timeline of events, introducing remarkable inventors and their creations. Includes: • Clockwork • Flight • Steam Engines • The Printing Press • Nuclear Power • The Internet Featuring useful timelines, text boxes and diagrams, this lavishly illustrated reference book is the perfect overview for anyone interested in the ingenuity of the human race and the possibilities of the future...

In our small corner of the universe, we know how some matter behaves most of the time and what even less of it looks like, and we have some good guesses about where it all came from. But we really have no clue what's going on. In fact, we don't know what about 95% of the universe is made of. So what happens when a cartoonist and a physicist walk into this strange, mostly unknown universe? Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson gleefully explore the biggest unknowns, why these things are still mysteries, and what a lot of smart people are doing to figure out the answers (or at least ask the right questions). While they're at it, they helpfully demystify many complicated things we do know about, from quarks and neutrinos to gravitational waves and exploding black holes. With equal doses of humour and delight, they invite us to see the universe as a vast expanse of mostly uncharted territory that's still ours to explore. This is a book for fans of Brian Cox and What If. This highly entertaining highly illustrated book is perfect for anyone who's curious about all the great mysteries physicists are going to solve next.

At night, the normal rules of Nature do not apply. In the night-wood I have met a badger coming the other way, tipped my cap, said hello. The animals do not expect us humans to be abroad in the dark, which is their time, when the world still belongs to them. That was in winter. The screaming of a tawny owl echoed off the bare trees. For all of our street-lamp civilization, you can still hear the call of the wild. If, if, you go out after the decline of the day... As the human world settles down each evening, nocturnal animals prepare to take back the countryside. Taking readers on four walks through the four seasons, acclaimed nature writer and farmer John Lewis-Stempel reveals a world bursting with life and normally hidden from view. Out beyond the cities, it is still possible to see the night sky full of stars, or witness a moonbow, an arch of white light in the heavens. It is time for us to leave our lairs and go tramping. To join our fellow creatures of the night.

In this compelling journey through twenty-six countries, Simon Mundy traces how the struggle to respond to the climate crisis is rapidly reshaping the modern world - shattering communities, shaking global business and propelling waves of cutting-edge innovation. Telling unforgettable human stories, meeting scientists and business tycoons, activists and political leaders, this is an account of disaster and survival, of frantic adaptation and groundbreaking innovation, of hope, and of the forces that will define our future.

Was there a beginning of time? Could time run backwards? Is the universe infinite or does it have boundaries? These are just some of the questions considered in an internationally acclaimed masterpiece by one of the world's greatest thinkers. It begins by reviewing the great theories of the cosmos from Newton to Einstein, before delving into the secrets which still lie at the heart of space and time, from the Big Bang to black holes, via spiral galaxies and strong theory. To this day A Brief History of Time remains a staple of the scientific canon, and its succinct and clear language continues to introduce millions to the universe and its wonders.

Great advances in human history have often rested on and prompted progress in chemistry.The exploitation of fire, the development of pigments, and the discovery that metals could be smelted and worked laid the foundations of civilization.The search for better tools and weapons drove metallurgy, and the need for medicines and perfumes lay behind the first laboratories. This book traces a story of exploration and discovery, from the earliest applications of chemistry by our ancient forebears. For more than 1,000 years alchemists pursued the transformation of matter, until the advent of modern chemistry in the 17th century set us on the path to the complex science of today. Topics include: - Prechemistry since prehistory - Alchemy and the transmutation of metals - The rise of the scientific method - Identifying the chemical elements - Understanding gases - The nature of the atom - Organic chemistry - Chemical analysis Beautifully illustrated throughout.

In this engaging and accessible account, Anne Rooney explores the formation of Planet Earth and its lifeforms, featuring stunning full-colour photography, textboxes and diagrams. In over four and a half billion years of existence, Planet Earth has gone from a hostile, sterile lump of hot rock to a temperate oasis teeming with life. How the World Works: Planet Earth is a fascinating synthesis of this transformation, exploring the landforms, plants and animals that make up its unique environment. Brought to life by full-colour photography, this comprehensive guide includes useful textboxes, diagrams and profiles of key scientists. Topics include: - The Earth's atmosphere - The formation of mountains - Plate tectonics - Extinction of the dinosaurs - Climate change A perfect read for anyone wanting to learn the science behind of our extraordinary planet.

Sapiens shows us where we came from. Homo Deus shows us where we're going. Yuval Noah Harari envisions a near future in which we face a new set of challenges. Homo Deus explores the projects, dreams and nightmares that will shape the twenty-first century and beyond - from overcoming death to creating artificial life. It asks the fundamental questions: how can we protect this fragile world from our own destructive power? And what does our future hold? 'Homo Deus will shock you. It will entertain you. It will make you think in ways you had not thought before' Daniel Kahneman

Издание на английском языке. В этой книге собраны статьи, в которых методом матриц плотности были изложены новые квантовые теории сверхтекучести и сверхпроводимости. В первой статье развита теория сверхтекучести, в которой была получена зависимость теплоемкости от температуры. Остальные статьи посвящены явлению сверхпроводимости. В этих работах было показано, как вариацианный принцип приводит к уравнению для функции распределения электронов по волновым векторам. Электроны есть частицы, которые называются фермионами. Это утверждение дает возможность найти зависимость энергии взаимодействия двух электронов от их волновых векторов. Потенциальная энергия взаимодействия электронов в координатном пространстве есть положительная величина, что свидетельствует об отталкивании двух электронов один от другого. Это кулоновское отталкивание электронов приводит к зависимости энергии взаимодействия электронов от волновых векторов, которое для кристаллических металлов имеет два слагаемых. Первое слагаемое есть положительная величина. Она зависит от волновых векторов, которые равны по величине и противоположны по направлениям. Это слагаемое говорит об отталкивании электронов и приводит к наличию анизотропии электронов, которое означает, что вероятности двух некоторых электронов не равны друг другу. В этом проявляется сверхпроводимость. Второе слагаемое есть отрицательная величина, которая зависит от равных друг другу волновых векторов. Это слагаемое приводит к энергетической щели. Все эти явления возникают при низких температурах. Было исследовано влияние магнитного поля на сверхпроводник. Показано, что при увеличении внешнего магнитного поля происходит смещение функции распределения электронов в сторону больших энергий. Такое смещение дает возможность объяснить эффект Мейснера - Оксенфельда. Кроме внешнего магнитного поля существует внутреннее магнитное поле, обусловленное сверхпроводящим электрическим током. Найдены плотность этого тока и напряженности внутреннего и внешнего магнитных полей. Показано, что выталкивание внешнего магнитного поля из сверхпроводника обусловлено большей по модулю напряженностью внутреннего магнитного поля, которое возникает внутри сверхпроводника. Дано объяснение явления квантовой левитации сверхпроводника. Книга может представлять интерес для студентов старших курсов высших учебных заведений, аспирантов, преподавателей и научных работников.

With his extraordinary charm and sense of wonder, bringing together science, art and philosophy, Carlo Rovelli unravels this mystery, inviting us to imagine a world where time is in us and we are not in time. Time is a mystery that does not cease to puzzle us. Philosophers, artists and poets have long explored its meaning while scientists have found that its structure is different from the simple intuition we have of it. From Boltzmann to quantum theory, from Einstein to loop quantum gravity, our understanding of time has been undergoing radical transformations. Time flows at a different speed in different places, the past and the future differ far less than we might think, and the very notion of the present evaporates in the vast universe.

From the birth of stars to the movements of planetary systems and the galaxies themselves, astrophysics provides us with the tools to understand the universe we live in. Whether searching for extra-terrestrial life, managing the effects of space weather, or learning about dark matter, the study of the cosmos has profound implications for us all. Ranging across the whole breadth of the subject, Knowledge in a Nutshell: Astrophysics explains everything from the theory of relativity to the Big Bang in easy-to-understand language. Filled with helpful diagrams and simple summaries of complex theories, this essential introduction brings you all the great ideas about the nature of space.

A new, fully updated edition of David Attenborough's groundbreaking Life on Earth. David Attenborough's unforgettable meeting with gorillas became an iconic moment for millions of television viewers. Life on Earth, the series and accompanying book, fundamentally changed the way we view and interact with the natural world setting a new benchmark of quality, influencing a generation of nature lovers. Told through an examination of animal and plant life, this is an astonishing celebration of the evolution of life on earth, with a cast of characters drawn from the whole range of organisms that have ever lived on this planet. Attenborough's perceptive, dynamic approach to the evolution of millions of species of living organisms takes the reader on an unforgettable journey of discovery from the very first spark of life to the blue and green wonder we know today. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the book's first publication, David Attenborough revisited Life on Earth, completely updating and adding to the original text, taking account of modern scientific discoveries from around the globe. This paperback edition also includes more than 60 full colour photographs, chosen by the author to help illustrate the book in a much greater way than was possible forty years ago. This updated edition provides a fitting tribute to an enduring wildlife classic, destined to enthral the generation who saw it when first published and bring it alive for a whole new generation.

In order to understand the universe you must know the language in which it is written. And that language is mathematics. - Galileo (1564-1642) People have always sought order in the apparent chaos of the universe. Mathematics has been our most valuable tool in that search, uncovering the patterns and rules that govern our world and beyond. This book traces humankind's greatest achievements, plotting a journey through the mathematical intellects of the last 4,000 years to where we stand today. It features the giants of mathematics, from Euclid and Pythagoras, through Napier and Newton, to Leibniz, Riemann, Russell, and many more. Topics include: • Counting and measuring from the earliest times • The Ancient Egyptians and geometry • The movements of planets • Measuring and mapping the world • Fuzzy logic and set theory • The death of numbers

'Everyone knows we're doomed by runaway overpopulation, pollution, or resource depletion, whichever comes first. Not only is this view paralysing and fatalistic, but, as Andrew McAfee shows in this exhilarating book, it's wrong... More from Less is fascinating, enjoyable to read, and tremendously empowering' Steven Pinker Bestselling author and co-director of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy Andrew McAfee says there's a new reason for optimism: we're past the point of 'peak stuff' - from here on out, it'll take fewer resources to make things, and cost less to lead a comfortable life. This turn of events invalidates the predictions of overpopulation alarmists and those who argue we need to drastically reduce our conception of how much is enough. What has made this turnabout possible? One thing primarily: the collaboration between technology and capitalism. Capitalism's quest for higher profits is a quest for lower costs; materials and resources are expensive, and technological progress allows companies to use fewer of them even as they grow their markets. Modern smartphones take the place of cameras, GPS units, landline telephones, answering machines, tape recorders and alarm clocks. Precision agriculture lets farmers harvest larger crops while using less water and fertiliser. Passenger cars get lighter, which makes them cheaper to produce and more fuel-efficient. This means that, even though there'll be more people in the future, and they'll be wealthier and consume more, they'll do so while using fewer natural resources. For the first time ever, and for all time to come, humans will live more prosperous lives while treading more lightly on the Earth. The future is not all bright, cautions McAfee. He warns of issues that still haven't been fully solved. (For example, our oceans are still vulnerable to overfishing; global warming is still running largely unchecked; and even as 'dematerialisation' - the reduced need for raw materials - improves our global situation, power and resources are getting more concentrated. That creates an even larger division between the haves and the have nots.) More From Less is a revelatory, paradigm-shifting account of how we've stumbled into an unexpected balance with nature, and the possibility that our most abundant centuries are ahead of us.

Учебник "Как написать научную статью" предназначен для начинающих исследователей, планирующих опубликовать свои статьи в международных рецензируемых журналах. Они узнают о конвенциях написания научных работ на английском языке и подготовят свои проекты к публикации с помощью комплекса руководимых мероприятий. Учебник также содержит стратегии и контрольные списки, приложения, дополнительные материалы, ссылки на полезные ресурсы и ключи ответов. Учебник предназначен для совместного использования в классе, но его можно использовать и самостоятельно.

Ask an Astronaut is Tim Peake`s personal guide to life in space, based on his historic Principia mission, and the thousands of questions he has been asked since his return to Earth. He reveals for readers of all ages the extraordinary secrets, cutting-edge science, and everyday wonders of life onboard the International Space Station.

A revised checklist of the Palaearctic Procridinae is given. The order of tribes, genera and species differs from that published in the previous checklists (Efetov & Tarmann, 1995; 1999). Artonini are placed at the beginning as they are considered to represent a more ancient group than Procridini. The 'Clelea-group' as well as Chrysartona, Hysteroscene, Tasema, Morionia, and Inope are transferred to Artonini. Funeralia is transferred to Procridini. The order of the genera Theresimima, Rhagades, Zygaenoprocris, Adscita, Jordanita and their subgenera is in accordance with the latest phylogenetic investigations (Efetov, 2004; 2005) and new molecular data (Efetov et al., 2010; 2011; 2012). The following taxa are newly described: Fuscartona Efetov & Tarmann, gen. n., Striartona Efetov & Tarmann, gen. n., Pseudoilliberis Efetov & Tarmann, gen. n., and Nikilliberis Efetov & Tarmann, subgen. n. In addition, Hedina Alberti, 1954, stat. n., and Zama Herrich-Schaffer, 1855, stat. rev., are raised from subgeneric to generic rank.

In the present work we attempt to provide a complete overview of the contemporary knowledge on Chrysartona Swinhoe, 1892, summarizing already published and new information in one volume. This includes all known data on systematics, distribution and biology. All taxa are figured in colour. Photographs of the type specimens and their labels, and drawings of the genitalia of all known species are presented. A key to the subgenera and species is provided.

В книге "Единая формула взаимодействия полей и тел" исследован процесс взаимодействия (формула взаимодействия) полей между собой и взаимодействие полей с телами, находящимися в этих полях. Выведена единая формула силы взаимодействия полей и тел. Любое поле представляет собой пространство, заполненное движущимися микрочастицами. Процесс взаимодействия микрочастиц полей между собой и с телами, находящимися в этих полях состоит в следующем. Направленный поток микрочастиц поля, создаёт на эквипотенциальных поверхностях напряжённость. Напряжённость представляет собой способность направленно движущихся микрочастиц произвести действие (давление). Введено понятие давления. Определена формула взаимодействия микрочастиц поля с телом или другим полем, внесённым в это поле. Формула взаимодействия заключается в следующем: При внесении на эквипотенциальную поверхность поля, какого либо тела или другого поля, поток микрочастиц поля создаёт давление на внесённое тело или на микрочастицы внесённого поля. Давление переходит в силу, приложенную к внесённому телу, или микрочастицам внесённого поля. Сила - причина ускорения. Тело или микрочастицы внесённого поля получают ускорение и скорость. С помощью единой формулы силы взаимодействия полей и тел получены формулы сил взаимодействия ряда полей, окружающего нас мира. Используя единую формулу силы взаимодействия полей и тел, выведены формулы сил, полученные экспериментально на протяжении нескольких столетий Ньютоном, Кулоном, Ампером, Лапласом, Омом, Джоулем, Ленцем, Лоренцем и др. Получены формулы взаимодействия кулоновского поля и ядерного поля атомов. Получена формула силы взаимодействия магнитного поля постоянного магнита с телом, находящимся между полюсами магнита. Издание на английском языке.