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The Fifth Miracle: The Search for the Origin and Meaning of Life (Penguin Press Science Ser.)
by Paul DaviesARE WE ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE?In his latest far-reaching book, The Fifth Miracle, internationally acclaimed physicist and writer Paul Davies confronts one of science's great outstanding mysteries -- the origin of life.Three and a half billion years ago, Mars resembled Earth. It was warm and wet and could have supported primitive organisms. If life once existed on Mars, might it have originated there and traveled to Earth inside meteorites blasted into space by cosmic impacts?Davies builds on the latest scientific discoveries and theories to address the larger question: What, exactly, is life? Is it the inevitable by-product of physical laws, as many scientists maintain, or an almost miraculous accident? Are we alone in the universe, or will life emerge on all Earth-like planets? And if there is life elsewhere in the universe, is it preordained to evolve toward greater complexity and intelligence?On the answers to these deep questions hinges the ultimate purpose of mankind -- who we are and what our place might be in the unfolding drama of the cosmos.
The Fig: Botany, Production and Uses (Botany, Production and Uses)
by Patrick Brown Zhihong Li Yue Zhang Dr Ioannis Tzanetakis Giuseppe Massimino Cocuzza Professor Jose Ignacio Hormaza Giancarlo Colelli Louise Ferguson Margarita López Corrales Manuel Joaquín Serradilla Sánchez Giuseppe Ferrara Andrea Mazzeo Diganta Narzary Zeinab Shokoohi Federica Spagnoli Alimohammad Yavari Simon Van Noort Mohammad Abdolahipour Fateh Aljane Azam Amiri Maria L Amodio Francisco C Balas Zeinab Bolboli Anshul Chawla Pasqualina Colasuonno Neda Dalir Naser Davatgar Birgül Ertan Engin Ertan Badii Gaaliche Ana I Galván A. J Galán Carlos A. Garza Jan H. Giliomee Phoebe Gordon Matthew J. Grieshop G Dalkiliç Günver Akihiro Hosomi Hidetoshi Ikegami Ali Akbar Kamgar-Haghighi Finn Kjellberg Moslem Jafari Mahshad Maghoumi Chabane Mazri Themis J. Michailides Reza Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa Mohamed H Neily Hitoshi Nogata Professor A Aytekin Polat Asghar Ramezanian Jean-Yves Rasplus Maria G.F. Rodrigues Sead Sabanadzovic Rajwinder K. Sandhu Vassilio Stournaras Mohammad H. Tarazkar Hiroshi Yakushiji Megan Crivelli Tatjana K Kokaj Souhila Mahmoudi Ilaria MarcotuliThe common fig Ficus carica L. is an ancient fruit native to the Mediterranean. Dried figs have been successfully produced and processed in arid regions with little sophisticated infrastructure for centuries. Figs are rich in fibre, trace minerals, polyphenols and vitamins, with higher nutrient levels than most fruits. Advances in agricultural production and postharvest technologies have not only improved the efficiency of dried fig production but have facilitated the development of high value fresh fig industries both for export and domestic markets. The result is high quality fresh figs that are marketed internationally throughout the year. This book provides a comprehensive summary of fig growing, processing and marketing from a scientific and horticultural perspective. It is comprised of 19 chapters that include in-depth discussions of: History of fig cultivation; Physiology; Breeding and cultivars; Propagation; Site selection and orchard establishment; Nutrition and irrigation management; Pollination management; Integrated pest management; Greenhouse production; Harvesting, dried and fresh fig processing; The medicinal uses of figs; and World fig markets. The Fig: Botany, Production and Uses is a comprehensive applied resource for academic researchers, as well as producers, processors, and marketers of dried and fresh figs.
The Fight Against Monsanto's Roundup: The Politics of Pesticides
by Vandana Shiva Mitchel CohenA Comprehensive Look at the Worldwide Battle to Defend Ourselves and Our Environment Against the Peddlers of Chemical Poisons Chemical poisons have infiltrated all facets of our lives – housing, agriculture, work places, sidewalks, subways, schools, parks, even the air we breathe. More than half a century since Rachel Carson issued Silent Spring – her call-to-arms against the poisoning of our drinking water, food, animals, air, and the natural environment – The Fight Against Monsanto's Roundup takes a fresh look at the politics underlying the mass use of pesticides and the challenges people around the world are making against the purveyors of poison and the governments that enable them. The scientists and activists contributing to The Fight Against Monsanto's Roundup, edited by long-time Green activist Mitchel Cohen, explore not only the dangers of glyphosate – better known as “Roundup” – but the campaign resulting in glyphosate being declared as a probable cancer-causing agent. In an age where banned pesticides are simply replaced with newer and more deadly ones, and where corporations such as Monsanto, Bayer, Dow and DuPont scuttle attempts to regulate the products they manufacture, what is the effective, practical, and philosophical framework for banning glyphosate and other pesticides?The Fight Against Monsanto's Roundup: The Politics of Pesticides takes lessons from activists who have come before and offers a radical approach that is essential for defending life on this planet and creating for our kids, and for ourselves, a future worth living in.
The Fight for Privacy: Protecting Dignity, Identity, and Love in the Digital Age
by Danielle Keats CitronThe essential road map for understanding—and defending—your right to privacy in the twenty-first century. Privacy is disappearing. From our sex lives to our workout routines, the details of our lives once relegated to pen and paper have joined the slipstream of new technology. As a MacArthur fellow and distinguished professor of law at the University of Virginia, acclaimed civil rights advocate Danielle Citron has spent decades working with lawmakers and stakeholders across the globe to protect what she calls intimate privacy—encompassing our bodies, health, gender, and relationships. When intimate privacy becomes data, corporations know exactly when to flash that ad for a new drug or pregnancy test. Social and political forces know how to manipulate what you think and who you trust, leveraging sensitive secrets and deepfake videos to ruin or silence opponents. And as new technologies invite new violations, people have power over one another like never before, from revenge porn to blackmail, attaching life-altering risks to growing up, dating online, or falling in love. A masterful new look at privacy in the twenty-first century, The Fight for Privacy takes the focus off Silicon Valley moguls to investigate the price we pay as technology migrates deeper into every aspect of our lives: entering our bedrooms and our bathrooms and our midnight texts; our relationships with friends, family, lovers, and kids; and even our relationship with ourselves. Drawing on in-depth interviews with victims, activists, and advocates, Citron brings this headline issue home for readers by weaving together visceral stories about the countless ways that corporate and individual violators exploit privacy loopholes. Exploring why the law has struggled to keep up, she reveals how our current system leaves victims—particularly women, LGBTQ+ people, and marginalized groups—shamed and powerless while perpetrators profit, warping cultural norms around the world. Yet there is a solution to our toxic relationship with technology and privacy: fighting for intimate privacy as a civil right. Collectively, Citron argues, citizens, lawmakers, and corporations have the power to create a new reality where privacy is valued and people are protected as they embrace what technology offers. Introducing readers to the trailblazing work of advocates today, Citron urges readers to join the fight. Your intimate life shouldn’t be traded for profit or wielded against you for power: it belongs to you. With Citron as our guide, we can take back control of our data and build a better future for the next, ever more digital, generation.
The Finch in My Brain: How I forgot how to read but found how to live
by Martino Sclavi'Whenever I see Martino I am reminded of how little I know about life and death compared to him. How we don't know what is within us or what may lie on the other side. I hope it's as magical and beautiful as this book.' --Russell BrandWhen film producer Martino Sclavi began experiencing intense headaches, he attributed them to his frenetic lifestyle. As it turned out, he had grade 4 brain cancer and was given 18 months to live. After undergoing brain surgery - while awake - Martino found he had lost the ability to recognise words. His response was to close his eyes and begin to move his fingers across the keyboard to write this, an account of life before diagnosis and since. Defying all predictions Martino is still very much alive, words read out to him by the monotone of a computerised voice he calls Alex. But he must now live in a new way. This book - that he has written but cannot read - charts the effects of his experience: on his relationship with his young son, his marriage, his work and with himself. In the wake of his illness, everything must be reconfigured and Martino is made to question the habits, dreams and beliefs of his old life and confront the present. What he finds is strange and beautiful. Searching for the words between life and death, Sclavi shows that with determination and a subtle, persistent sense of humour, it is possible to change the story of our lives.
The Finch in My Brain: How I forgot how to read but found how to live
by Martino Sclavi'It's eerily joyful to write a foreword for Martino Sclavi's book because five years ago I accepted that he was going to die.' Russell Brand. Diagnosed with fatal brain cancer, the treatment that follows renders the writer of this extraordinary memoir unable to recognise words. This is the inspiring story he can no longer read. With a foreword by Russell Brand.This is the story of a successful Italian-born, London-based film writer who is suddenly, wholly unexpectedly diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. The prognosis is bad: there's a 98% likelihood he'll be dead within 18 months. He undergoes two operations, including one in which he must remain awake throughout. Part of his brain is removed, the part that enables us to recognise written words - to read. As someone who relies on words for their livelihood, their very identity, this presents impossible questions as to what happens next. Defying all predictions, Martino is still very much alive five years on, and is writing and being read to by a monotonous computerised voice he calls Alex. His marriage suffered, his relationship with his young son - whom he will never read bedtime stories to again - must be reconfigured and he is made to question all that his previous life gave him, along with his habits, dreams and beliefs.As Sclavi faces the reality of the narrative he's been presented by doctors, he shows us that with determination, it is possible to change that narrative, and in doing so inspires and empowers us all to believe that it is possible to change the story of our lives.'Whenever I see Martino I am reminded of how little I know about life and death compared to him. How we don't know what is within us or what may life on the other side. I hope it's as magical and beautiful as this book.'Russell Brand.(P)2017 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
The Finger Millet Genome (Compendium of Plant Genomes)
by B. Dayakar Rao Anil Kumar Salej Sood B. Kalyana Babu Sanjay Mohan GuptaThis book is the first comprehensive compilation of deliberations on domestication, genetic and genomic resources, breeding, genetic diversity, molecular maps & mapping of important biotic stress as well as nutritional quality traits, genome sequencing, comparative genomics, functional genomics and genetic transformation. The economic, nutritional and health benefits especially antioxidants mediated antiaging effects of finger millet are also discussed. It also presents the input use efficiency, wide adaptation, post-harvest processing and value addition of the crop. Altogether, the book contains about 300 pages over 16 chapters authored by globally reputed experts on the relevant field in this crop. This book is useful to the students, teachers and scientists in the academia and relevant private companies interested in genetics, pathology, molecular genetics and breeding, genetic engineering, structural and functional genomics and nutritional quality aspects of the crop. This book is also useful to seed and pharmaceutical industries.
The Finite Element Analysis Program MSC Marc/Mentat
by Andreas Öchsner Marco ÖchsnerBased on simple examples, this book offers a short introduction to the general-purpose finite element program MSC Marc, a specialized program for non-linear problems (implicit solver) distributed by the MSC Software Corporation, which is commonly used in academia and industry. Today the documentation of all finite element programs includes a variety of step-by-step examples of differing complexity, and in addition, all software companies offer professional workshops on different topics. As such, rather than competing with these, the book focuses on providing simple examples, often single-element problems, which can easily be related to the theory that is discussed in finite element lectures. This makes it an ideal companion book to classical introductory courses on the finite element method.
The Finite Element Method and Applications in Engineering Using ANSYS®
by Erdogan Madenci Ibrahim GuvenThis textbook offers theoretical and practical knowledge of the finite element method. The book equips readers with the skills required to analyze engineering problems using ANSYS®, a commercially available FEA program. Revised and updated, this new edition presents the most current ANSYS® commands and ANSYS® screen shots, as well as modeling steps for each example problem. This self-contained, introductory text minimizes the need for additional reference material by covering both the fundamental topics in finite element methods and advanced topics concerning modeling and analysis. It focuses on the use of ANSYS® through both the Graphics User Interface (GUI) and the ANSYS® Parametric Design Language (APDL). Extensive examples from a range of engineering disciplines are presented in a straightforward, step-by-step fashion. Key topics include: * An introduction to FEM * Fundamentals and analysis capabilities of ANSYS® * Fundamentals of discretization and approximation functions * Modeling techniques and mesh generation in ANSYS® * Weighted residuals and minimum potential energy * Development of macro files * Linear structural analysis * Heat transfer and moisture diffusion * Nonlinear structural problems * Advanced subjects such as submodeling, substructuring, interaction with external files, and modification of ANSYS®-GUI Supplementary materials for this book may be downloaded from http://extras. springer. com. This convenient online feature, which includes color figures, screen shots and input files for sample problems, allows for regeneration on the reader's own computer. Students, researchers, and practitioners alike will find this an essential guide to predicting and simulating the physical behavior of complex engineering systems.
The Finite Element Method for Boundary Value Problems: Mathematics and Computations (Applied and Computational Mechanics)
by Karan S. Surana J. N. ReddyWritten by two well-respected experts in the field, The Finite Element Method for Boundary Value Problems: Mathematics and Computations bridges the gap between applied mathematics and application-oriented computational studies using FEM. Mathematically rigorous, the FEM is presented as a method of approximation for differential operators that are mathematically classified as self-adjoint, non-self-adjoint, and non-linear, thus addressing totality of all BVPs in various areas of engineering, applied mathematics, and physical sciences. These classes of operators are utilized in various methods of approximation: Galerkin method, Petrov-Galerkin Method, weighted residual method, Galerkin method with weak form, least squares method based on residual functional, etc. to establish unconditionally stable finite element computational processes using calculus of variations. Readers are able to grasp the mathematical foundation of finite element method as well as its versatility of applications. h-, p-, and k-versions of finite element method, hierarchical approximations, convergence, error estimation, error computation, and adaptivity are additional significant aspects of this book.
The Finite Element Method for Initial Value Problems: Mathematics and Computations
by J. N. Reddy Karan S. Surana<p>Unlike most finite element books that cover time dependent processes (IVPs) in a cursory manner, The Finite Element Method for Initial Value Problems: Mathematics and Computations focuses on the mathematical details as well as applications of space-time coupled and space-time decoupled finite element methods for IVPs. Space-time operator classification, space-time methods of approximation, and space-time calculus of variations are used to establish unconditional stability of space-time methods during the evolution. Space-time decoupled methods are also presented with the same rigor. Stability of space-time decoupled methods, time integration of ODEs including the finite element method in time are presented in detail with applications. Modal basis, normal mode synthesis techniques, error estimation, and a posteriori error computations for space-time coupled as well as space-time decoupled methods are presented. This book is aimed at a second-semester graduate level course in FEM.
The Finite Element Method for Mechanics of Solids with ANSYS Applications (Advances in Engineering Series)
by Ellis H. DillWhile the finite element method (FEM) has become the standard technique used to solve static and dynamic problems associated with structures and machines, ANSYS software has developed into the engineer's software of choice to model and numerically solve those problems. An invaluable tool to help engineers master and optimize analysis, The Finite El
The Finite Element Method in Electromagnetics (Wiley - IEEE)
by Jianming JinA new edition of the leading textbook on the finite element method, incorporating major advancements and further applications in the field of electromagneticsThe finite element method (FEM) is a powerful simulation technique used to solve boundary-value problems in a variety of engineering circumstances. It has been widely used for analysis of electromagnetic fields in antennas, radar scattering, RF and microwave engineering, high-speed/high-frequency circuits, wireless communication, electromagnetic compatibility, photonics, remote sensing, biomedical engineering, and space exploration.The Finite Element Method in Electromagnetics, Third Edition explains the method's processes and techniques in careful, meticulous prose and covers not only essential finite element method theory, but also its latest developments and applications--giving engineers a methodical way to quickly master this very powerful numerical technique for solving practical, often complicated, electromagnetic problems.Featuring over thirty percent new material, the third edition of this essential and comprehensive text now includes:A wider range of applications, including antennas, phased arrays, electric machines, high-frequency circuits, and crystal photonicsThe finite element analysis of wave propagation, scattering, and radiation in periodic structuresThe time-domain finite element method for analysis of wideband antennas and transient electromagnetic phenomenaNovel domain decomposition techniques for parallel computation and efficient simulation of large-scale problems, such as phased-array antennas and photonic crystalsAlong with a great many examples, The Finite Element Method in Electromagnetics is an ideal book for engineering students as well as for professionals in the field.
The Finite Element Method in Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics (Applied and Computational Mechanics)
by J. N. Reddy D.K. GartlingAs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational Heat Transfer (CHT) evolve and become increasingly important in standard engineering design and analysis practice, users require a solid understanding of mechanics and numerical methods to make optimal use of available software. Considered to be among the very best in the field, this masterwork from renowned experts J. N. Reddy and D. K. Gartling is the latest version of a book that has long been relied upon by practicing engineers, researchers, and graduate students. Noted for its powerful methodology and clear explanations of the subject, this third edition contains considerably more workable exercises and examples associated with problems in heat conduction, incompressible viscous flow, and convection heat transfer. It also uses applied examples to illustrate applications of FEM in thermal and fluid design analysis.
The Finite Element Method with Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics Applications
by Erian A. BaskharoneIntended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, the first four chapters of this book are devoted to the introduction of the finite element concept. The focus then covers two essential areas - heat transfer and fluid mechanics: topics with different finite element formulations. Heat transfer applications begin with the classical one-dimensional thin-rod problem, followed by the two-dimensional heat transfer problem including a variety of boundary conditions. Finally, a complicated-geometry three-dimensional problem, involving a cooled radial turbine rotor, is presented, with the cooling passages treated as 'heat sinks' in the finite element analysis. For fluid mechanics, the concept of 'nodeless' degrees of freedom is introduced, with real-life fluid-flow applications. The time-dependent finite-element analysis topic is addressed through the problem of unsteady stator/rotor flow interaction within a turbomachinery stage. Finally, the concept of 'virtually-deformable finite elements', as it relates to the problem of fluid-induced vibration, is explained in detail with many practical applications.
The Finite Element Method: Basic Concepts and Applications with MATLAB, MAPLE, and COMSOL (3rd Edition) (Series in Computational and Physical Processes in Mechanics and Thermal Sciences)
by Darrell W. Pepper Juan C. Heinrich<p>This self-explanatory guide introduces the basic fundamentals of the Finite Element Method in a clear manner using comprehensive examples. Beginning with the concept of one-dimensional heat transfer, the first chapters include one-dimensional problems that can be solved by inspection. The book progresses through more detailed two-dimensional elements to three-dimensional elements, including discussions on various applications, and ending with introductory chapters on the boundary element and meshless methods, where more input data must be provided to solve problems. Emphasis is placed on the development of the discrete set of algebraic equations. The example problems and exercises in each chapter explain the procedure for defining and organizing the required initial and boundary condition data for a specific problem, and computer code listings in MATLAB and MAPLE are included for setting up the examples within the text, including COMSOL files. <p>Widely used as an introductory Finite Element Method text since 1992 and used in past ASME short courses and AIAA home study courses, this text is intended for undergraduate and graduate students taking Finite Element Methodology courses, engineers working in the industry that need to become familiar with the FEM, and engineers working in the field of heat transfer. It can also be used for distance education courses that can be conducted on the web. Highlights of the new edition include:- Inclusion of MATLAB, MAPLE code listings, along with several COMSOL files, for the example problems within the text. Power point presentations per chapter and a solution manual are also available from the web.</p>
The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of
by Kirsten W. LarsonA poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne!Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. But she didn't start out as the groundbreaking scientist she would eventually become. She started out as a girl full of curiosity, hoping one day to unlock the mysteries of the universe. With lyrical, evocative text by Kirsten W. Larson and extraordinary illustrations by award-winning illustrator Katherine Roy, this moving biography powerfully parallels the kindling of Cecilia Payne's own curiosity and her scientific career with the process of a star's birth, from mere possibility in an expanse of space to an eventual, breathtaking explosion of light.WOMEN IN STEM CAN CHANGE HISTORY: With women making up less than 30 percent of the science and engineering workforce, supporting young girls who are interested in STEM fields is more important than ever! This picture book tells the story of Cecilia Payne, a trailblazing female astronomer and role model for young girls to relate to and see themselves in, from even the youngest age.LOOK TO THE STARS: Any reader or stargazer who feels dazzled by the striking night sky will be enchanted by this true story of discovery and invention, as Cecilia's contributions to science prompt us to wonder: What else is out there?BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRING GIFT: With compelling visual storytelling and an inspiring role model for aspiring astronomers, scientists, and engineers (and for young girls in particular), this stellar biography makes a great choice for any giving moment, from birthdays to celebrations to the holidays.Perfect for:Parents, teachers, and librarians looking to instill curiosity and encourage scientific explorationLovers of astronomy, stargazing, space travel, and outer spaceAnyone seeking narrative nonfiction and biography books about women in STEM for the classroom or choice readingGift-givers looking for a unique true story to delight and inspire girls and boysFans of Hidden Figures, Rad American Women A-Z, and I Am Malala
The Firmament of Time
by Loren C. EiseleyLoren Eiseley examines what we as a species have become in the late twentieth century. His illuminating and accessible discussion is a characteristically skillful and compelling synthesis of hard scientific theory, factual evidence, personal anecdotes, haunting reflection, and poetic prose.
The Firmament of Time: A Library of America eBook Classic
by Loren Eiseley William CrononIn The Firmament of Time--nominated for a National Book Award--Loren Eiseley offers a series of brilliant, provocative excursions through the history of science. A paleontologist with the soul and skill of a poet, he reflects on the many ways in which the quest for knowledge has been shaped by the changing cultures in which it emerged and developed. Examining the role of metaphor in scientific thought, anticipations of scientific discoveries in the works of poets and novelists, and the "unconscious conformity" of scientific theory to prevailing orthodoxies, he argues for the ongoing relevance of dreams, the imagination, and the irrational to scientific progress.
The First 20 Minutes Personal Trainer
by Gretchen ReynoldsA terrific companion to Gretchen Reynolds's New York Times bestseller THE FIRST 20 MINUTES, this Penguin Special features new material and a wealth of perscriptive insight for those looking to get in shape, stay in shape, or push themselves even farther. The First 20 Minutes Personal Trainer offers detailed advice and instruction on how to exercise, how not to exercise, and what to do in order to get the most from your workout.
The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How we can Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer
by Gretchen ReynoldsEvery Wednesday, Gretchen Reynolds singlehandedly influences how millions of Americans work out. In her Phys Ed column for the New York Times, she debunks myths, spurs conversation, and creates arguments among her readers by questioning widely held beliefs about exercise. Expanding upon her popular columns, Reynolds tackles the questions we all have and (sometimes) ask about exercise. Consulting experts in physiology, biology, psychology, neurology, and sports, she uncovers how often we should exercise, how long workouts should be, how to avoid injury, and how to find the right form, routine and equipment for our goals. She also reveals some surprising answers, like: 20 minutes of cardio at a time is enough to obtain maximum health benefits. (And in some cases, just six minutes is all you need. ) Stretching before a workout is counterproductive. (It's better to just start easy, i. e. , walk before you run. ) Core strength is nice but not necessary. (A six-pack looks great but actually has little bearing on performance. ) Walking improves your memory; housecleaning improves your mood. (The brain is like a muscle,; it likes to exercise. ) Chocolate milk is better than Gatorade for recovery. (Providing the best sports nutrition is often the simplest. ) Drawing on scientific expertise as well as her own athletic experiences, Gretchen Reynolds will help you find the right workout for your body, age, fitness and goals. Whether your desire is to be fit for the rest of your life, to look great in a smaller dress size or to run your third marathon in Boston, The First 20 Minutes will make your workouts work for you.
The First Atomic Age
by Matthew LavineAt the close of the 19th century, strange new forms of energy arrested the American public's attention in ways that no scientific discovery ever had before. This groundbreaking cultural history tells the story of the first nuclear culture, one whose lasting effects would be seen in the familiar "atomic age" of the post-war twentieth century.
The First Cell: The Mystery Surrounding the Beginning of Life
by Christian Mayer Ulrich C. SchreiberThis book introduces a fresh perspective on the conditions for the genesis of the first cell. An important possible environment of the prehistoric Earth has long been overlooked as a host to the perfect biochemical conditions for this process. The first complexes of continental crust on the early Earth must have already contained systems of interconnected cracks and cavities, which were filled with volatiles like water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. This book offers insights into how these conditions may have provided the ideal physical and chemical setting for the formation of protocells and early stages of life.The authors support their hypothesis with a number of astonishing findings from laboratory experiments focusing on a variety of organic compounds, and on the formation of key cellular ingredients and of primitive cell-like structures. Moreover, they discuss the principles of prebiotic evolution regarding the aspects of order and complexity. Guiding readers through various stages of hypotheses and re-created evolutionary processes, the book is enriched with personal remarks and experiences throughout, reflecting the authors' personal quest to solve the mystery surrounding the first cell.
The First City on Mars: An Urban Planner’s Guide to Settling the Red Planet (Springer Praxis Books)
by Justin B. HollanderHundreds of novels, films, and TV shows have speculated about what it would be like for us Earthlings to build cities on Mars. To make it a reality, however, these dreamers are in sore need of additional conceptual tools in their belt—particularly, a rich knowledge of city planning and design. Enter award-winning author and Tufts University professor, Justin Hollander. In this book, he draws on his experience as an urban planner and researcher of human settlements to provide a thoughtful exploration of what a city on Mars might actually look like. Exploring the residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure elements of such an outpost, the book is able to paint a vivid picture of how a Martian community would function – the layout of its public spaces, the arrangement of its buildings, its transportation network, and many more crucial aspects of daily life on another planet. Dr. Hollander then brings all these lessons to life through his own rendered plan for “Aleph,” one of many possible designs for the first city on Mars. Featuring a plethora of detailed, cutting-edge illustrations and blueprints for Martian settlements, this book at once inspires and grounds the adventurous spirit. It is a novel addition to the current planning underway to colonize the Red Planet, providing a rich review of how we have historically overcome challenging environments and what the broader lessons of urban planning can offer to the extraordinary challenge of building a permanent settlement on Mars.
The First Dinosaur: How Science Solved the Greatest Mystery on Earth
by Ian LendlerJoin early scientists as they piece together one of humanity’s greatest puzzles—the fossilized bones of the first dinosaur! <P><P>Dinosaurs existed. That’s a fact we accept today. But not so long ago, the concept that these giant creatures could have roamed Earth millions of years before humans was unfathomable. People thought what we know as dinosaur bones were the bones of giant humans. Of large elephants. Of angels, even. So, how did we get from angel wings to the T-Rex? <P><P> The First Dinosaur tells the story of the idea of dinosaurs, and the chain of fossil discoveries and advances in science that led to that idea. Be prepared to meet eccentric men and overlooked women who uncovered the pieces to a puzzle so much bigger than themselves, a puzzle far stranger and more spectacular than they could have ever imagined.