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Pendulum
by Amir D. AczelHe was neither a mathematician nor a trained physicist and yet Léon Foucault always knew that a mysterious force of nature was among us. Like Newton, Galileo, Copernicus, and others before him, Foucault sensed a dramatic relationship between the rotating skies above and the seemingly motionless ground beneath our feet. But it wasn't until 1851 -- in Paris, inside the Panthéon, and in the company of fellow amateur scientist Napoleon III -- that Foucault swung a pendulum and demonstrated an extraordinary truth about the world: that it turns on its axis. Pendulum is a fascinating journey through the mind and findings of one of the most important and lesser-known characters in the history of science. Through careful research and lively anecdotes, world-renowned author Amir D. Aczel reveals the astonishing range and breadth of Foucault's discoveries. For, in addition to offering the first unequivocal proof of Earth's rotation, Foucault gave us the modern electric compass and microscope, was a pioneer in photographic technology, and made remarkable deductions about color theory, heat waves, and the speed of light. At its heart, Pendulum is a story about the illustrious period in France during the Second Empire; the crucial triumph of science over religion; and, most compelling, the life of a struggling, self-made man whose pursuit of knowledge continues to inform our notions about the universe today.
Present at the Creation: Discovering the Higgs Boson
by Amir D. AczelThe Large Hadron Collider is the biggest, and by far the most powerful, machine ever built. A project of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, its audacious purpose is to re-create, in a 16.5-mile-long circular tunnel under the French-Swiss countryside, the immensely hot and dense conditions that existed some 13.7 billion years ago within the first trillionth of a second after the fiery birth of our universe. The collider is now crashing protons at record energy levels never created by scientists before, and it will reach even higher levels by 2013. Its superconducting magnets guide two beams of protons in opposite directions around the track. After accelerating the beams to 99.9999991 percent of the speed of light, it collides the protons head-on, annihilating them in a flash of energy sufficient--in accordance with Einstein's elegant statement of mass-energy equivalence, E=mc2--to coalesce into a shower of particles and phenomena that have not existed since the first moments of creation. Within the LHC's detectors, scientists hope to see empirical confirmation of key theories in physics and cosmology.In telling the story of what is perhaps the most anticipated experiment in the history of science, Amir D. Aczel takes us inside the control rooms at CERN at key moments when an international team of top researchers begins to discover whether this multibillion-euro investment will fulfill its spectacular promise. Through the eyes and words of the men and women who conceived and built CERN and the LHC--and with the same clarity and depth of knowledge he demonstrated in the bestselling Fermat's Last Theorem--Aczel enriches all of us with a firm grounding in the scientific concepts we will need to appreciate the discoveries that will almost certainly spring forth when the full power of this great machine is finally unleashed.Will the Higgs boson make its breathlessly awaited appearance, confirming at last the Standard Model of particles and their interactions that is among the great theoretical achievements of twentieth-century physics? Will the hidden dimensions posited by string theory be revealed? Will we at last identify the nature of the dark matter that makes up more than 90 percent of the cosmos? With Present at the Creation, written by one of today's finest popular interpreters of basic science, we can all follow the progress of an experiment that promises to greatly satisfy the curiosity of anyone who ever concurred with Einstein when he said, "I want to know God's thoughts--the rest is details."From the Hardcover edition.
A Strange Wilderness: The Lives of the Great Mathematicians
by Amir D. AczelThe international bestselling author of Fermat&’s Last Theorem explores the eccentric lives of history&’s foremost mathematicians. From Archimedes&’s eureka moment to Alexander Grothendieck&’s seclusion in the Pyrenees, bestselling author Amir Aczel selects the most compelling stories in the history of mathematics, creating a colorful narrative that explores the quirky personalities behind some of the most groundbreaking, influential, and enduring theorems. Alongside revolutionary innovations are incredible tales of duels, battlefield heroism, flamboyant arrogance, pranks, secret societies, imprisonment, feuds, and theft—as well as some costly errors of judgment that prove genius doesn&’t equal street smarts. Aczel&’s colorful and enlightening profiles offer readers a newfound appreciation for the tenacity, complexity, eccentricity, and brilliance of our greatest mathematicians.
Why Science Does Not Disprove God
by Amir D. AczelThe renowned science writer, mathematician, and bestselling author of Fermat's Last Theorem masterfully refutes the overreaching claims the "New Atheists," providing millions of educated believers with a clear, engaging explanation of what science really says, how there's still much space for the Divine in the universe, and why faith in both God and empirical science are not mutually exclusive.A highly publicized coterie of scientists and thinkers, including Richard Dawkins, the late Christopher Hitchens, and Lawrence Krauss, have vehemently contended that breakthroughs in modern science have disproven the existence of God, asserting that we must accept that the creation of the universe came out of nothing, that religion is evil, that evolution fully explains the dazzling complexity of life, and more. In this much-needed book, science journalist Amir Aczel profoundly disagrees and conclusively demonstrates that science has not, as yet, provided any definitive proof refuting the existence of God.Why Science Does Not Disprove God is his brilliant and incisive analyses of the theories and findings of such titans as Albert Einstein, Roger Penrose, Alan Guth, and Charles Darwin, all of whose major breakthroughs leave open the possibility— and even the strong likelihood—of a Creator. Bolstering his argument, Aczel lucidly discourses on arcane aspects of physics to reveal how quantum theory, the anthropic principle, the fine-tuned dance of protons and quarks, the existence of anti-matter and the theory of parallel universes, also fail to disprove God.
The Artist and the Mathematician
by Amir AczelNicolas Bourbaki, whose mathematical publications began to appear in the late 1930s and continued to be published through most of the twentieth century, was a direct product as well as a major force behind an important revolution that took place in the early decades of the twentieth century that completely changed Western culture. Pure mathematics, the area of Bourbaki's work, seems on the surface to be an abstract field of human study with no direct connection with the real world. In reality, however, it is closely intertwined with the general culture that surrounds it. Major developments in mathematics have often followed important trends in popular culture; developments in mathematics have acted as harbingers of change in the surrounding human culture. The seeds of change, the beginnings of the revolution that swept the Western world in the early decades of the twentieth century -- both in mathematics and in other areas -- were sown late in the previous century. This is the story both of Bourbaki and the world that created him in that time. It is the story of an elaborate intellectual joke -- because Bourbaki, one of the foremost mathematicians of his day -- never existed.
The Jesuit and the Skull
by Amir AczelFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Fermat's Last Theorem, "an extraordinary story"( Philadelphia Inquirer) of discovery, evolution, science, and faith. In 1929, French Jesuit priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a part of a group of scientists that uncovered a skull that became known as Peking Man, a key evolutionary link that left Teilhard torn between science and his ancient faith, and would leave him ostracized by his beloved Catholic Church. His struggle is at the heart of The Jesuit and the Skull, which takes readers across continents and cultures in a fascinating exploration of one of the twentieth century's most important discoveries, and one of the world's most provocative pieces of evidence in the roiling debate between creationism and evolution.
Investigating Groundwater (IAH - International Contributions to Hydrogeology #29)
by Ian AcworthInvestigating Groundwater provides an integrated approach to the challenges associated with locating groundwater. Uniquely, the book provides a review of the wide range of techniques that can be deployed to investigate this important resource. Many of the practical examples given are based upon Australian experience but the methods have worldwide applicability. The book is published in colour and includes many original diagrams and photographs. Particular effort has been made to provide consistent terminology and SI units are used throughout the text. <P><P>Investigating Groundwater starts with an introduction to the historical significance of groundwater and gives an account of climate change. A description of the occurrence of groundwater in different rock types is then provided. A detailed account of surface water techniques is then followed by an account of the interconnections between surface water and groundwater. Four chapters describing groundwater hydraulics are then followed by four chapters describing the latest geophysical techniques. Once the best location of a borehole is determined using these techniques; chapters then describe appropriate drilling methods to use; provide a wide ranging review of geophysical logging, hydrochemical and isotopic techniques, before concluding with a detailed description of groundwater flow to a well. <P><P>Written for a worldwide audience of degree level geology/engineering practitioners, academics and students involved in groundwater resource investigation methods; Investigating Groundwater is essential reading for those involved in groundwater research. <P><P>Key Features: <li>Presents the theoretical background and a detailed description of the techniques used in the investigation of groundwater. <li>Describes the general occurrence of groundwater in different rock types; surface water hydrology and interconnected surface and groundwater systems. <li>Provides detailed descriptions of geophysical techniques (seismic, electrical, gravity and heat) and an account of available geophysical logging methods. <li>Reviews hydrochemical and isotope methods, followed by an account of drilling techniques. <li>Gives a detailed account of radial flow to a well, including appropriate modelling and pump-testing techniques and a consideration of non-linear flow. <P><P>Of interest to anyone involved in the development of groundwater resources, either for domestic supply, for agriculture or for mining.
Coulometric Electrode Array Detectors for HPLC
by I. N. Acworth M. Naoi H. Parvez S. ParvezThis sixth volume in the book series Progress in HPLC-HPCE examines the enhancement of high- performance liquid chromatography through the development of an advanced mode of electrochemical detection (ECD) --- the coulometric array detection --- from its initial, yet problematic, amperometric (thin-layer) design to the highly sensitive, selective and stable coulometric (flow-through) design. Unlike amperometric electrodes, the coulometric electrode is 100% efficient and measures signals from all of the analyte passing through it, which leads to improved sensitivity as well as unique selectivity. The coulometric electrode array offers the resolution of the photodiode array with the extreme sensitivity of an electrochemical detector.
Choices: Science Level Six
by AcsiYour sixth graders will acquire valuable skills through age-appropriate scientific inquiry while gaining a deeper appreciation of God's creation. This colorful hardcover text provides an engaging, hands-on, full-time instructional program. This science series was developed to guide students through investigating, observing and thinking about the world around them. Every chapter is designed to bring together the wonders of God's world and a Biblical worldview. The title of the series comes from the idea that God's design of creation was on purpose, and that theme is reflected throughout the lessons.
Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding
by George AcquaahThe revised edition of the bestselling textbook, covering both classical and molecular plant breeding Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding integrates theory and practice to provide an insightful examination of the fundamental principles and advanced techniques of modern plant breeding. Combining both classical and molecular tools, this comprehensive textbook describes the multidisciplinary strategies used to produce new varieties of crops and plants, particularly in response to the increasing demands to of growing populations. Illustrated chapters cover a wide range of topics, including plant reproductive systems, germplasm for breeding, molecular breeding, the common objectives of plant breeders, marketing and societal issues, and more. Now in its third edition, this essential textbook contains extensively revised content that reflects recent advances and current practices. Substantial updates have been made to its molecular genetics and breeding sections, including discussions of new breeding techniques such as zinc finger nuclease, oligonucleotide directed mutagenesis, RNA-dependent DNA methylation, reverse breeding, genome editing, and others. A new table enables efficient comparison of an expanded list of molecular markers, including Allozyme, RFLPs, RAPD, SSR, ISSR, DAMD, AFLP, SNPs and ESTs. Also, new and updated “Industry Highlights” sections provide examples of the practical application of plant breeding methods to real-world problems. This new edition: Organizes topics to reflect the stages of an actual breeding project Incorporates the most recent technologies in the field, such as CRSPR genome edition and grafting on GM stock Includes numerous illustrations and end-of-chapter self-assessment questions, key references, suggested readings, and links to relevant websites Features a companion website containing additional artwork and instructor resources Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding offers researchers and professionals an invaluable resource and remains the ideal textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduates in plant science, particularly those studying plant breeding, biotechnology, and genetics.
Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding
by George AcquaahTo respond to the increasing need to feed the world's population as well as an ever greater demand for a balanced and healthy diet there is a continuing need to produce improved new cultivars or varieties of plants, particularly crop plants. The strategies used to produce these are increasingly based on our knowledge of relevant science, particularly genetics, but involves a multidisciplinary understanding that optimizes the approaches taken.Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding, 2nd Edition introduces both classical and molecular tools for plant breeding. Topics such as biotechnology in plant breeding, intellectual property, risks, emerging concepts (decentralized breeding, organic breeding), and more are addressed in the new, updated edition of this text. Industry highlight boxes are included throughout the text to contextualize the information given through the professional experiences of plant breeders. The final chapters provide a useful reference on breeding the largest and most common crops.Up-to-date edition of this bestselling book incorporating the most recent technologies in the fieldCombines both theory and practice in modern plant breedingUpdated industry highlights help to illustrate the concepts outlined in the textSelf assessment questions at the end of each chapter aid student learning Accompanying website with artwork from the book available to instructors
Ecology of Wildlife Diseases in the Neotropics
by Gerardo Acosta-Jamett Andrea ChavesThis contributed volume focuses on the Neotropical region, and explores the environmental, ecological and socio-economic components that facilitate the emergence of zoonotic diseases. This book highlights the primary ecological, environmental, social, and economic variables associated with the risk of maintenance, transmission, and dissemination of emerging, re-emerging, and neglected infectious diseases, in which Neotropical vertebrates are involved. It compiles up-to-date knowledge and research for the neotropical region, as well as discusses the current needs of knowledge improvement. The chapters include various examples of the cycles of infectious diseases, all with world-wide relevance where neotropical wild vertebrates are affected or involved.
The Mercury 13: The Untold Story of Thirteen American Women and the Dream of Space Flight
by Martha AckmannFor readers of The Astronaut Wives Club, The Mercury 13 reveals the little-known true story of the remarkable women who trained for NASA space flight. <p><p> In 1961, just as NASA launched its first man into space, a group of women underwent secret testing in the hopes of becoming America’s first female astronauts. They passed the same battery of tests at the legendary Lovelace Foundation as did the Mercury 7 astronauts, but they were summarily dismissed by the boys’ club at NASA and on Capitol Hill. The USSR sent its first woman into space in 1963; the United States did not follow suit for another twenty years. <p><p> For the first time, Martha Ackmann tells the story of the dramatic events surrounding these thirteen remarkable women, all crackerjack pilots and patriots who sometimes sacrificed jobs and marriages for a chance to participate in America’s space race against the Soviet Union. In addition to talking extensively to these women, Ackmann interviewed Chuck Yeager, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, and others at NASA and in the White House with firsthand knowledge of the program, and includes here never-before-seen photographs of the Mercury 13 passing their Lovelace tests. <p><p> Despite the crushing disappointment of watching their dreams being derailed, the Mercury 13 went on to extraordinary achievement in their lives: Jerrie Cobb, who began flying when she was so small she had to sit on pillows to see out of the cockpit, dedicated her life to flying solo missions to the Amazon rain forest; Wally Funk, who talked her way into the Lovelace trials, went on to become one of the first female FAA investigators; Janey Hart, mother of eight and, at age forty, the oldest astronaut candidate, had the political savvy to steer the women through congressional hearings and later helped found the National Organization for Women. <p><p> A provocative tribute to these extraordinary women, The Mercury 13 is an unforgettable story of determination, resilience, and inextinguishable hope.
Investigative and Forensic Interviewing: A Personality-focused Approach
by Craig N. Ackley Shannon M. Mack Kristen Beyer Philip ErdbergInvestigative and Forensic Interviewing: A Personality-Focused Approach looks at the personality styles most commonly encountered in the criminal justice system and demonstrates how to use this insight to plan and conduct a productive interview. The book includes chapters on narcissistic, antisocial, psychopathic, borderline, inadequate/immature, p
Sergei Vinogradskii and the Cycle of Life
by Lloyd AckertThis is one of those biographies that provide a window onto the broader understanding of science in its social and cultural context. Using Sergei Nikolaevich Vinogradskii's career and scientific research trajectory as a point of entry, this book illustrates the manner in which microbiologists, chemists, botanists, and plant physiologists inscribed the concept of a "cycle of life" into their investigations. Their research transformed a longstanding notion into the fundamental approaches and concepts that underlay the new ecological disciplines that emerged in the 1920s. The book presents a reconstruction of significant episodes of Vinogradskii's laboratory practices and the role of theory in their development. It paints the broader picture of the history of ecology, microbiology and soil science and how these are uniquely united: through the concept of the cycle of life.
Virus Life in Diagrams
by Hans-Wolfgang Ackermann Laurent Berthiaume Michel TremblayThis atlas presents 233 virus diagrams selected for their scientific content, clarity, originality, and historic, didactic, and aesthetic value. Virus Life in Diagrams assembles the many diagrams of viral life cycles, particle assembly, and strategies of nucleic acid replication that are scattered throughout the literature. The diagrams cover vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, bacterial, fungal, and protozoal viruses, viroids, and prions. They offer a dynamic illustration of the time course of viral life cycles not available in photographs. They also offer speculative elements that project the possible results of future research, as well as historical documentation that shows the development of virology. This valuable reference book for virologists, microbiologists, molecular biologists, geneticists, and students in these areas is the first atlas to compile illustrations of viral morphogenesis in one complete source.
Atlas of Virus Diagrams
by Hans-Wolfgang Ackermann Laurent BerthiaumeAuthored by electron microscopists and leading members of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), the Atlas of Virus Diagrams includes chapters on virus classification. The diagrams, selected for content and historic and aesthetic value, illustrate vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant bacterial viruses taken from English, French, and German language virological literature. The book presents this information in three sections: Overviews, including vertebrate and plant virusesViruses with cubic and helical symmetryViruses with binary symmetry (tailed bacteriophages).
Jewel on a Journey
by Susan Yoder Ackerman Betsy JamesTrey and Susannah hear a loud thump and learn that the fallen tiny bird laying on their deck is a Hummingbird! Miss Nora, their neighbor, cares for birds and may be able to help them save the bird. Discover what Miss Nora does to help the Hummingbird. Will the injured bird fly again?
Butterfly with a Broken Wing
by Susan Yoder AckermanWhen Ella tries to fly like a butterfly, she ends up with an injury to her arm.
Cheetah Chase
by Susan Yoder AckermanDuma the cheetah is showing her cubs how to hunt in the Africa grasslands. Learn all about cheetahs and the speedy qualities they have that allow them to be effective hunters. WIll Duma be able to catch her family’s next meal?
A Fanfare for Sir Frederick
by Susan Yoder AckermanAgnes is learning how to play the trumpet! Every time she tries to practice, though, an old knight bursts in because he thinks her trumpet sounds like a dragon. Through these interruptions, she learns the knight is responsible for stopping attacks on their kingdom. How can she help this bored hero?
Fennec Foxes Fit for the Desert
by Susan Yoder AckermanHere is the story of Zerda, a little fennec fox from the Sahara Desert. She lives with her parents and brothers in a den.
The Great Scientific Cookie Caper
by Susan Yoder AckermanLucas and Samia decide to use the scientific method when helping Grandma bake cookies. They change ingredients one by one to result in a unique cookie each time. Samia tries adding more flour for softer cookies, and Lucas tries adding melted butter with dissolved sugar for crispier cookies.
Horse Country
by Susan Yoder AckermanKyle is afraid of horses, so the last thing he wants to do is go horseback riding with his Aunt Maggie. As he interacts with them and learns more about them, however, he begins to appreciate them. He learns that horses are not just pets—they can also be friends!
Kittens Next Door
by Susan Yoder AckermanTrixie the cat next door had kittens! John's friend Everrett teaches him all about newborn kittens in the first six weeks of life.