Science & Nature - Books

Trous noirs et distorsions du temps

Science & Nature

Kip S. Thorne a été l’un des acteurs privilégiés d’une quête grandiose consistant à comprendre l’héritage transmis par Einstein. Pour nous faire vivre la captivante chronique des découvertes scientifiques prédites par la théorie de la relativité, il nous entraîne à travers un labyrinthe d’objets exotiques – naines blanches, étoiles à neutrons, ondes gravitationnelles, etc. –, dont les trous noirs sont peut-être les plus mystérieux de l’univers. Jonglant avec les décennies, évoquant la multiplicité des collaborations scientifiques à l’échelle de la planète, montrant l’enchevêtrement de la recherche et de la guerre froide, Kip S. Thorne peint une fresque fascinante et contrastée, où se côtoient astrophysique, sociologie, physique et spéculations audacieuses.

Nanoscale Materials in Water Purification

Science & Nature

Novel nanoscale materials are now an essential part of meeting the current and future needs for clean water, and are at the heart of the development of novel technologies to desalinate water. The unique properties of nanomaterials and their convergence with current treatment technologies present great opportunities to revolutionize water and wastewater treatment. Nanoscale Materials for Water Purification brings together sustainable solutions using novel nanomaterials to alleviate the physical effects of water scarcity. This book covers a wide range of nanomaterials, including noble metal nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, dendrimers, bioactive nanoparticles, polysaccharidebased nanoparticles, nanocatalysts, and redox nanoparticles for water purification. Significant properties and characterization methods of nanomaterials such as surface morphology, mechanical properties, and adsorption capacities are also investigated - Explains how the unique properties of a range of nanomaterials makes them important water purification agents - Shows how the use of nanotechnology can help create cheaper, more reliable, less energy-intensive, more environmentally friendly water purification techniques - Includes case studies to show how nanotechnology has successfully been integrated into water purification system design

Carbon Nanotubes

Science & Nature

This new book discusses a selection of advanced topics on carbon nanotubes—their extraordinary properties, structure, design, fabrication, development, engineering, functionalization, carbon nanotube enabled nanocomposites, characterization, and, moreover, their utility in many applications. The volume highlights the amazing potential of advanced CNT composites in automotive, aeronautics, spacecrafts, transistors replacing Si electronics, energy, purification, hydrogen storage, tissue regeneration, electrochemical supercapacitors, sensing, biomedical applications, agriculture, energy, and technical applications.The book specifically discusses the applications of carbon nanotubes for a greener environment, as well as applications for biomedical uses, in drug delivery, and in display technology. It also explores the uses of CNTs in the energy and aerospace industries, such as for solar energy conversion, as a lubricant additive for enhancing energy efficiency, and more. Other chapters explore the potential of carbon nanotubes in hydrogen storage and carbon nanotube electronics.

Hidden Dimensions

Science & Nature

Bridging the gap between the world of science and the realm of the spiritual, B. Alan Wallace introduces a natural theory of human consciousness that has its roots in contemporary physics and Buddhism. Wallace's "special theory of ontological relativity" suggests that mental phenomena are conditioned by the brain, but do not emerge from it. Rather, the entire natural world of mind and matter, subjects and objects, arises from a unitary dimension of reality that is more fundamental than these dualities, as proposed by Wolfgang Pauli and Carl Jung.To test his hypothesis, Wallace employs the Buddhist meditative practice of samatha, refining one's attention and metacognition, to create a kind of telescope to examine the space of the mind. Drawing on the work of the physicist John Wheeler, he then proposes a more general theory in which the participatory nature of reality is envisioned as a self-excited circuit. In comparing these ideas to the Buddhist theory known as the Middle Way philosophy, Wallace explores further aspects of his "general theory of ontological relativity," which can be investigated by means of vipasyana, or insight, meditation. Wallace then focuses on the theme of symmetry in reference to quantum cosmology and the "problem of frozen time," relating these issues to the theory and practices of the Great Perfection school of Tibetan Buddhism. He concludes with a discussion of the general theme of complementarity as it relates to science and religion.The theories of relativity and quantum mechanics were major achievements in the physical sciences, and the theory of evolution has had an equally deep impact on the life sciences. However, rigorous scientific methods do not yet exist to observe mental phenomena, and naturalism has its limits for shedding light on the workings of the mind. A pioneer of modern consciousness research, Wallace offers a practical and revolutionary method for exploring the mind that combines the keenest insights of contemporary physicists and philosophers with the time-honored meditative traditions of Buddhism.

Green Polymer Chemistry and Composites

Science & Nature

This new book examines the latest developments in the important and growing field of producing conventional polymers from sustainable sources. With recent advancements in synthesis technologies and the discovery of new functional monomers, research shows that green polymers with better properties can be produced from renewable resources. This volume describes these advances in synthesis, processing, and technology and provides not only state-of-the-art information but also acts to stimulate research in this direction. Green Polymer Chemistry and Composites: Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction illustrates how chemical industries play an essential role to sustain the world economies and looks at forthcoming technologies and scientific developments in novel products, less toxicological materials, and industrial procedures with high efficiency and renewable energy products. Green chemistry seeks for the design of innovative chemical products with higher efficiency and lowest hazardous substances for the health and the environment.

The Dawn of a Mindful Universe

Science & Nature

An award-winning astronomer and physicist’s spellbinding and urgent call for a new Enlightenment and the recognition of the preciousness of life using reason and curiosity—the foundations of science—to study, nurture, and ultimately preserve humanity as we face the existential crisis of climate change.Since Copernicus, humanity has increasingly seen itself as adrift, an insignificant speck within a large, cold universe. Brazilian physicist, astronomer, and winner of the 2019 Templeton Prize Marcelo Gleiser argues that it is because we have lost the spark of the Enlightenment that has guided human development over the past several centuries. While some scientific efforts have been made to overcome this increasingly bleak perspective—the ongoing search for life on other planets, the recent idea of the multiverse—they have not been enough to overcome the core problem: we’ve lost our moral mission and compassionate focus in our scientific endeavors.Gleiser argues that we’re using the wrong paradigm to relate to the universe and our position in it. In this deeply researched and beautifully rendered book, he calls for us to embrace a new life-centric perspective, one which recognizes just how rare and precious life is and why it should be our mission to preserve and nurture it. The Dawn of a Mindful Universe addresses the current environmental and scientific impasses and how the scientific community can find solutions to them.Gleiser’s paradigm rethinks the ideals of the Enlightenment, and proposes a new direction for humanity, one driven by human reason and curiosity whose purpose is to save civilization itself. Within this model, we can once again see ourselves as the center of the universe—the place where life becomes conscious—and regain a clear moral compass which can be used to guide both science and the politics around it.

Anaximander

Science & Nature

THIS BOOK WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE AFTER SEPTEMBER 10, 2021.Carlo Rovelli, a leading theoretical physicist, uses the figure of Anaximander as the starting point for an examination of scientific thinking itself: its limits, its strengths, its benefits to humankind, and its controversial relationship with religion. Anaximander, the sixth-century BC Greek philosopher, is often called the first scientist because he was the first to suggest that order in the world was due to natural forces, not supernatural ones. He is the first person known to understand that the Earth floats in space; to believe that the sun, the moon, and the stars rotate around it—seven centuries before Ptolemy; to argue that all animals came from the sea and evolved; and to posit that universal laws control all change in the world. Anaximander taught Pythagoras, who would build on Anaximander’s scientific theories by applying mathematical laws to natural phenomena.In the award-winning The First Scientist: Anaximander and His Legacy, translated here for the first time in English, Rovelli restores Anaximander to his place in the history of science by carefully reconstructing his theories from what is known to us and examining them in their historical and philosophical contexts. Rovelli demonstrates that Anaximander’s discoveries and theories were decisive influences, putting Western culture on its path toward a scientific revolution. Developing this connection, Rovelli redefines science as a continuous redrawing of our conceptual image of the world. He concludes that scientific thinking—the legacy of Anaximander—is only reliable when it constantly tests the limits of our current knowledge.

What If We Get It Right?

Science & Nature

“With a thoughtfully curated series of essays, poetry, and conversations, the brilliant scientist and climate expert Ayana Elizabeth Johnson has assembled a group of dynamic people who are willing to imagine what seems impossible, and articulate those visions with enthusiastic clarity.”—Roxane GayOur climate future is not yet written. What if we act as if we love the future?Sometimes the bravest thing we can do while facing an existential crisis is imagine life on the other side. This provocative and joyous book maps an inspiring landscape of possible climate futures.Through clear-eyed essays and vibrant conversations, infused with data, poetry, and art, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson guides us through solutions and possibilities at the nexus of science, policy, culture, and justice. Visionary farmers and financiers, architects and advocates, help us conjure a flourishing future, one worth the effort it will take—from every one of us, with whatever we have to offer—to create.If you haven’t yet been able to picture a transformed and replenished world—or to see yourself, your loved ones, and your community in it—this book is for you. If you haven’t yet found your role in shaping this new world or you’re not sure how we can actually get there, this book is for you.With grace, humor, and humanity, Johnson invites readers to ask and answer this ultimate question together: What if we get it right?On possibility and transformation with:Paola Antonelli • Xiye Bastida • Jade Begay • Wendell Berry • Régine Clément • Steve Connell • Erica Deeman • Abigail Dillen • Brian Donahue • Jean Flemma • Kelly Sims Gallagher • Rhiana Gunn-Wright • Olalekan Jeyifous • Corley Kenna • Bryan C. Lee Jr. • Franklin Leonard • Adam McKay • Bill McKibben • Kate Marvel • Samantha Montano • Kate Orff • Leah Penniman • Marge Piercy • Colette Pichon Battle • Kendra Pierre-Louis • Judith D. Schwartz • Jigar Shah • Ayisha Siddiqa • Bren Smith • Oana Stănescu • Mustafa Suleyman • Jacqueline Woodson

Vegetable Oil in Energy, Volume 2

Science & Nature

Vegetable Oil in Energy: The Conversion of Seed Oil to Biofuel, Volume Two presents the latest catalysts, composites, methodologies and technologies used in the conversion of seed oil to biofuel. With an emphasis on feedstock, the book discusses the availability, potential future output, and production pathways for edible and non-edible seed oil. Sections provide an overview of production pathways for seed oil conversion to biofuel and examine engine performance of common seed oil-based biofuels. Chapters also discuss availability and cultivation, production pathways and performance optimization. Feedstock considered include jatrophra, lemon strip, palm, rapeseed, sunflower, olive, coconut, peanut, soya, cotton, and more.The book's final chapters examine the sustainability of vegetable oil as a viable long-term replacement for fossil fuels. This comprehensive resource will be of interest to students, researchers and industry professionals involved in bioenergy and renewable energy, and may be of interest to interdisciplinary teams working across biotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science and sustainability sciences. - Presents the latest developments in the cultivation, production, processing and conversion of vegetable seed to green oil - Reviews the existing availability, present production and future potential of edible and non-edible seed oil feedstock - Assesses the sustainability of edible and non-edible vegetable seed as feedstock for biofuels, including the socioeconomic and environmental impact

Innovations in Biomedical Engineering

Science & Nature

Innovations in Biomedical Engineering: Trends in Scientific Advances and Application addresses the burgeoning demand for a comprehensive resource that not only showcases the latest advancements in this dynamic field but also shows how these innovations can be effectively translated into real-world applications. In essence, the book acts as a bridge, connecting discoveries, research, and innovations in biomedical engineering to tangible, real-world applications. - Provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent advancements in biomedical engineering - Includes real-world case studies that offer insights into the practical application of these innovations - Presents in-depth discussions on ethical and regulatory considerations that are guiding biomedical engineering - Discusses the key theme of collaboration between engineers and clinicians

Stephen Hawking

Science & Nature

Icona della fisica, Stephen Hawking sembra l'incarnazione stessa del genio; dai tempi di Albert Einstein, è la prima figura scientifica tanto ammirata dal pubblico. In questa coinvolgente biografia, lo scrittore e fisico Leonard Mlodinow racconta la storia del suo amico e collega, offrendo un'intima descrizione di questo gigante della scienza. I due si incontrarono nel 2003, quando Stephen chiese a Leonard se volesse scrivere un libro con lui. Negli anni trascorsi a lavorare alla Grande storia del tempo e poi al Grande disegno, forgiarono un legame profondo e Leonard arrivò a capire e interpretare la vita quotidiana di Stephen, nelle sue difficoltà e nel suo humour. Insieme discutevano in modo ossessivo sulla frase perfetta, ragionavano di fisica e a volte facevano punting sui canali di Cambridge con champagne e fragole. Con il tempo, Leonard imparò a finire le battute di Stephen e capì come gli ostacoli determinati dalla malattia lo avessero aiutato a elaborare una prospettiva unica sull'universo. Intrecciando la storia della loro amicizia con una descrizione chiara e accessibile delle conquiste scientifiche di Hawking, Mlodinow ritrae Stephen come uomo brillante, irriverente e generoso, la cui vita è stata non solo eccezionale ma anche un esempio stimolante.

Le roman de la radio

Science & Nature

« (...) Dans ce livre, c’est toute la radio — avant, pendant, après la guerre — qu’il raconte. Cette radio qui lui a toujours été nécessaire, autant que l’air qu’il respire. Roland Dhordain n’a pas seulement fait de la radio toute sa vie, il est la radio. Je l’ai toujours connu débordant d’enthousiasme, épanoui dès qu’il entrait dans un studio, dans une régie, dès qu’il se penchait vers un micro ou invitait quelqu’un à y parler. « Dans cette histoire, qu’il conte avec tant d’allégresse — à chaque instant, le témoin et l’expert viennent donner à l’historien un inestimable coup de main — c’est comme une épopée qu’il ressuscite (...) » Alain Decaux, de l’Académie française.

About Time

Science & Nature

The Big Bang is all but dead, and we do not yet know what will replace it. Our universe’s “beginning” is at an end. What does this have to do with us here on Earth? Our lives are about to be dramatically shaken again—as altered as they were with the invention of the clock, the steam engine, the railroad, the radio and the Internet. In The End of the Beginning, Adam Frank explains how the texture of our lives changes along with our understanding of the universe’s origin. Since we awoke to self-consciousness fifty thousand years ago, our lived experience of time—from hunting and gathering to the development of agriculture to the industrial revolution to the invention of Outlook calendars—has been transformed and rebuilt many times. But the latest theories in cosmology— time with no beginning, parallel universes, eternal inflation—are about to send us in a new direction. Time is both our grandest and most intimate conception of the universe. Many books tell the story, recounting the progress of scientific cosmology. Frank tells the story of humanity’s deepest question— when and how did everything begin?—alongside the story of how human beings have experienced time. He looks at the way our engagement with the world— our inventions, our habits and more—has allowed us to discover the nature of the universe and how those discoveries, in turn, inform our daily experience. This astounding book will change the way we think about time and how it affects our lives.

Blockchain-Based Smart Grids (Enhanced Edition)

Science & Nature

Blockchain-Based Smart Grids presents emerging applications of blockchain in electrical system and looks to future developments in the use of blockchain technology in the energy market. Rapid growth of renewable energy resources in power systems and significant developments in the telecommunication systems has resulted in new market designs being employed to cover unpredictable and distributed generation of electricity. This book considers the marriage of blockchain and grid modernization, and discusses the transaction shifts in smart grids, from centralized to peer-to-peer structures. In addition, it addresses the effective application of these structures to speed up processes, resulting in more flexible electricity systems.Aimed at moving towards blockchain-based smart grids with renewable applications, this book is useful to researchers and practitioners in all sectors of smart grids, including renewable energy providers, manufacturers and professionals involved in electricity generation from renewable sources, grid modernization and smart grid applications. Considers the current challenges facing smart grids and presents solutions on how blockchain technology could counter these issues Incorporates detailed applications of blockchain in smart grids based on dynamic research and developments Includes models, algorithms, and frameworks to practically demonstrate the uses of blockchain technology Written by a global group of authors for worldwide coverage

O Cérebro em Ação

Science & Nature

Vítima de uma doença neurológica raríssima, Matthew começou a ter convulsões muito frequentes. Aos seis anos, o seu estado era tão grave que os médicos propuseram uma solução radical: retirar-lhe metade do cérebro. Os pais aceitaram. E a criança, que depois da operação até a fala perdeu, é hoje um adulto saudável. Como é possível viver sem metade do cérebro? Ou aprender a "ver" com o tacto quando se fica cego? Ou tornar-se o melhor arqueiro do mundo sem ter braços? A resposta reside na extraordinária capacidade que o cérebro humano tem.

HOW TO - Wie man's hinkriegt

Science & Nature

»Randall Munroe, Nerd und Genie.« ZEIT onlineFür jede Aufgabe gibt es einen richtigen Weg, einen falschen und einen, der so offensichtlich absurd ist, dass man ihn niemals in Betracht ziehen würde. »How to« ist eine Anleitung zu diesem dritten Ansatz. Randall Munroe erklärt, wie wir digitale Daten versenden, indem wir Mikrochips an Schmetterlingen befestigen. Oder wie wir's schaffen, pünktlich zu sein, indem wir die Länge der Tage ändern. Einfache Probleme auf allerschwierigste Weise gelöst, cleverste Unterhaltung garantiert! Durchgehend illustriert mit den berühmten Strichzeichnungen des Kultautors.

Rasse, Klasse, Nation

Science & Nature

Was ist die Spezifik des gegenwärtigen Rassismus? Wie lässt sie sich mit dem Kapitalismus und den Widersprüchen des Nationalstaats verknüpfen? Wann artikulieren sich Konflikte zwischen den Klassen rassistisch? Und sind hier noch andere als ökonomische Strukturen im Spiel? Diesen Fragen gehen Étienne Balibar und Immanuel Wallerstein in diesem Grundlagenwerk der Rassismustheorie nach. Sie belegen, dass die Konflikte zwischen den Klassen noch in andere als nur ökonomische Strukturen eingebunden sind; die Widersprüchlichkeit des Rassismus zeigt sich in der Formierung nationaler und ethnischer Identitäten ebenso wie in der zweideutigen Wirksamkeit herrschender Ideologien.

Climate Change Alleviation for Sustainable Progression

Science & Nature

The change in climatic conditions has resulted in a series of events from the melting of polar ice to the rising of sea levels. This has affected low-lying coastal areas by endangering plants and animals, agriculture and livelihood patterns in general, not to mention causing the outbreak of diseases like dengue, malaria, etc. It is, thus, imperative that mitigation measures to stabilize or reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide is brought about. A key step is the bio-fixation of carbon from the atmosphere.This book attempts to bring forth the role of vegetation in carbon sequestration. The introductory chapters of the book deal with the understanding of the physical attributes governing climate on earth, historical account of climate change, impacts of climate change on different environs and eco-strategies to combat climate change. Detailed account of mechanism of carbon sources and sinks, carbon credits and REDD+ are also discussed. A sizeable portion of the book is dedicated to the climate change and phonological variability, clean development mechanism and economic stability through natural resource management. Academicians, researchers, policy makers and environmental stakeholders will find it a useful and comprehensive guide in the floristic and arboreal potential to sequester carbon dioxide and will suffice the diverse needs of teaching and research.

Stephen Hawking

Science & Nature

Traducere de Ines Simionescu Stephen Hawking nu este un om de știință obișnuit. El a reușit, poate mai mult decât oricine altcineva, să ne ajute să descifrăm enigmele universului. Cercetările sale cu privire la găurile negre și nașterea universului au fost cu adevărat revoluționare, iar boala care l-a țintuit într-un scaun cu rotile nu i-a limitat în nici un fel strălucirea intelectuală și cariera științifică. Mai mult, Hawking a contribuit din plin la popularizarea științei, iar cărțile sale s-au vândut în milioane de exemplare în toată lumea. Stephen Hawking: O viață dedicată științei are darul de a prezenta pe larg atât ideile științifice care l-au făcut un veritabil star la nivel internațional, cât și viața sa personală, cel puțin la fel de pasionantă din multe puncte de vedere. „Această biografie extraordinară ne dezvăluie dârzenia care l-a ajutat pe Hawking să răzbată în ciuda oricărei adversități.“ — Mail on Sunday „Povestea fascinantă a fizicianului ale cărui idei se pot dovedi la fel de revoluționare ca cele ale lui Einstein... Stilul plin de erudiție și căldură se potrivește de minune cu subiectul cărții.“ — New Statesman „Prezentând atât opera profesorului Hawking, cât şi viaţa sa personală, sperăm să-l ajutăm pe cititor să le poată vedea pe ambele din perspective diferite. Deşi există suprapuneri inevitabile, nădăjduim că acest lucru va da ideilor ştiinţifice o dimensiune umană; vom vedea că pentru Stephen Hawking ştiinţa şi viaţa sunt legate inextricabil.“ — MICHAEL WHITE, JOHN GRIBBIN

Re-Use and Recycling of Materials

Science & Nature

In recent years, a considerable amount of effort has been devoted, both in industry and academia, towards the recycling and reuse of materials. Most nations are now trying to reduce the amount of waste materials, through the proper recycling of materials.Re-Use and Recycling of Materials will help readers to understand the current status in the field of waste management, as well as what research is taking place to deal with such issues.Technical topics discussed in the book include: Municipal solid waste management Recycling of WEEE Waste to industrially important product like lignin and cellulose Recycling of agriculture waste Polymer and plastic recycling

Science & Nature Books