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Why Evolution Is True
by Jerry A. CoyneIn this succinct and accessible summary of the facts supporting the theory of natural selection, Coyne dispels common misunderstandings and fears about evolution and clearly confirms the scientific truth that supports this amazing process of change.
The Why Files
by Terry Devitt David J. TenenbaumScience magazine meets The Onion, Mental Floss, and Mad magazine in this ingenious guide to the science behind the newsFor more than a decade , the intrepid folks at whyfiles.org-the #1 science destination on the web-have been exploring the science behind newsworthy events. Now condensed into a book written with the site's characteristic wit, The Why Files features scores of articles organized into sections that mirror any city's daily newspaper: World News, Metro, Business Life, Sports, Arts & Leisure, Travel, Style, Opinion Page, and more. Who knew that science can explain why extremists say "God Told Us to Kill," how poker can make you sick, why great racehorses have big butts, and if electrocution is the best way to zap a bug? For those who love accurate science served up with humor in a one-of-a-kind newscast, this decidedly non-geeky guide is a must.
Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life
by Lulu MillerA wondrous debut from an extraordinary new voice in nonfiction, Why Fish Don&’t Exist is a dark and astonishing tale of love, chaos, scientific obsession, and—possibly—even murder. David Starr Jordan was a taxonomist, a man possessed with bringing order to the natural world. In time, he would be credited with discovering nearly a fifth of the fish known to humans in his day. But the more of the hidden blueprint of life he uncovered, the harder the universe seemed to try to thwart him. His specimen collections were demolished by lightning, by fire, and eventually by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake—which sent more than a thousand of his discoveries, housed in fragile glass jars, plummeting to the floor. In an instant, his life&’s work was shattered. Many might have given up, given in to despair. But Jordan? He surveyed the wreckage at his feet, found the first fish he recognized, and confidently began to rebuild his collection. And this time, he introduced one clever innovation that he believed would at last protect his work against the chaos of the world. When NPR reporter Lulu Miller first heard this anecdote in passing, she took Jordan for a fool—a cautionary tale in hubris, or denial. But as her own life slowly unraveled, she began to wonder about him. Perhaps instead he was a model for how to go on when all seemed lost. What she would unearth about his life would transform her understanding of history, morality, and the world beneath her feet. Part biography, part memoir, part scientific adventure, Why Fish Don&’t Exist reads like a fable about how to persevere in a world where chaos will always prevail.
Why Fish Fart
by Francesca Gould Jp CoovertGet ready to squeal! Have you ever wondered: How many pounds of insect parts the average person eats each year? Which specialty coffee is made from poop? How someone turned farting into a job? No? Then don't open this book. The world around you is pretty wonderful, but also extremely weird.
Why Fish Fart and Other Useless (Or Gross) Information About the World
by Francesca GouldFrom the author of the New York Times bestseller* Why You Shouldn?t Eat Your Boogers and Other Useless (or Gross) Information About Your Body: the be-all and end-all compendium of odd, quirky, and otherwise nauseating information. H ere is another thoroughly distasteful yet utterly compelling book from the author of the New York Times (extended list) bestseller Why You Shouldn?t Eat Your Boogers and Other Useless (or Gross) Information About Your Body. In Why Fish Fart and Other Useless (or Gross) Information About the World, Francesca Gould sifts through the world?s most unpleasant creatures, diseases, physical deformities, culinary delicacies, ritual practices, and hideous torture tactics to uncover every horrifying and stomach-turning fact under the sun. This book is full of questions you never thought to ask?and perhaps will wish you?d never had answered?including: ?What exactly is maggot cheese? ?How did anal hair help to lead to the conviction of the Great ?Train Robbers? ?What is the job of a ?fart catcher?? How exactly do ?crabs? cause such intense itching around one?s private parts? ?The real story behind why the toilet is often referred to as ?the john. ? ?Why you might want to steer clear of some coffees. (Hint: If poo isn?t exactly your idea of appetizing . . . ) Why Fish Fart and Other Useless (or Gross) Information About the World is sure to delight any and all hard-core fans of the obscure, esoteric, and?last but not least?grotesque. .
Why, Fly Guy?: Answers to Kids' BIG Questions (Fly Guy Presents) (Fly Guy Presents)
by Tedd ArnoldCome along with Fly Guy as he asks (and answers!) over fifty "why?" questions! Why do I have to brush my teeth? Why do cats climb trees if they can't get down? Why do elephants have trunks? And more! There are also science projects and fun activities -- so kids can use what they've learned in a hands-on way! With engaging full-color photographs on every page, content appropriate for a young audience, humorous artwork, and colorful comic strips starring their favorite character Fly Guy, this book is perfect for kids in Pre-K and Kindergarten! *This 128-page paper-over-board book even has eye-catching holographic foil on the front cover and spine!*
Why Free Will Is Real
by Christian ListMany scientists and scientifically-minded philosophers are skeptical that free will exists. In clear, scientifically rigorous terms, Christian List explains that free will is like other real phenomena that emerge from physical laws but are autonomous from them—like an ecosystem or the economy—and are indispensable for explaining our world.
Why Frogs Are Wet (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)
by Judy HawesRead and find out about frogs in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.Frogs can jump thirty times their own body length, catch insects on the wing, and breathe underwater or on land. But they must always keep their skins wet. Read and find out why! This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:hands-on and visualacclaimed and trustedgreat for classroomsTop 10 reasons to love LRFOs:Entertain and educate at the same timeHave appealing, child-centered topicsDevelopmentally appropriate for emerging readersFocused; answering questions instead of using survey approachEmploy engaging picture book quality illustrationsUse simple charts and graphics to improve visual literacy skillsFeature hands-on activities to engage young scientistsMeet national science education standardsWritten/illustrated by award-winning authors/illustrators & vetted by an expert in the fieldOver 130 titles in print, meeting a wide range of kids' scientific interestsBooks in this series support the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Let's-Read-and-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.
Why Garden in Schools? (Routledge Spaces of Childhood and Youth Series)
by Lexi Earl Pat ThomsonThis book delves into the complex history of the gardening movement in schools and examines the question why gardens should be built in schools. It offers practical guidance for teachers to begin thinking about how to approach educational gardening. A resurgence of interest in school gardens is linked to concerns about children’s health, food knowledge, lack of outdoor play and contact with the natural world. This book warns against simplistic one-best approaches and makes a case about the complexity of gardening in schools. It is the first critical attempt to address the complex and conflicting notions about school gardens and to tackle the question ‘what is the problem to which school gardens are the answer?’ Examining the educational theory in which gardening has been explained and advocated, the book explores the way contemporary gardens research has been conducted with specific questions such as ‘what works well in school gardens?’ Based on case studies of a school establishing a garden and another one maintaining a garden, chapters look at the way in which schools come to frame their gardens. The authors suggest that there are four issues to consider when setting up a school garden or evaluating a pre-existing one – wider social context, public policy, the whole school, and the formal and informal curriculum. The book ends with a call for consideration of the ways in which school gardens can be built, the myriad practices that constitute an educational garden space and the challenges of maintaining a school garden over the long term. It will be of interest to teachers in primary schools, as well as a key point of reference for scholars, academics and students researching school gardens.
Why Geology Matters: Decoding the Past, Anticipating the Future
by Doug MacdougallVolcanic dust, climate change, tsunamis, earthquakes--geoscience explores phenomena that profoundly affect our lives. But more than that, as Doug Macdougall makes clear, the science also provides important clues to the future of the planet. In an entertaining and accessibly written narrative, Macdougall gives an overview of Earth's astonishing history based on information extracted from rocks, ice cores, and other natural archives. He explores such questions as: What is the risk of an asteroid striking Earth? Why does the temperature of the ocean millions of years ago matter today? How are efforts to predict earthquakes progressing? Macdougall also explains the legacy of greenhouse gases from Earth's past and shows how that legacy shapes our understanding of today's human-caused climate change. We find that geoscience in fact illuminates many of today's most pressing issues--the availability of energy, access to fresh water, sustainable agriculture, maintaining biodiversity--and we discover how, by applying new technologies and ideas, we can use it to prepare for the future.
Why God Won't Go Away: Brain Science and the Biology of Belief
by Andrew Newberg Eugene G. D'AquiliWhy have we humans always longed to connect with something larger than ourselves? Why does consciousness inevitably involve us in a spiritual quest? Why, in short, won't God go away? Theologians, philosophers, and psychologists have debated this question through the ages, arriving at a range of contradictory and ultimately unprovable answers. But in this brilliant, groundbreaking new book, researchers Andrew Newberg and Eugene d'Aquili offer an explanation that is at once profoundly simple and scientifically precise: the religious impulse is rooted in the biology of the brain. Newberg and d'Aquili base this revolutionary conclusion on a long-term investigation of brain function and behavior as well as studies they conducted using high-tech imaging techniques to examine the brains of meditating Buddhists and Franciscan nuns at prayer. What they discovered was that intensely focused spiritual contemplation triggers an alteration in the activity of the brain that leads us to perceive transcendent religious experiences as solid and tangibly real. In other words, the sensation that Buddhists call "oneness with the universe" and the Franciscans attribute to the palpable presence of God is not a delusion or a manifestation of wishful thinking but rather a chain of neurological events that can be objectively observed, recorded, and actually photographed.The inescapable conclusion is that God is hard-wired into the human brain.In Why God Won't Go Away, Newberg and d'Aquili document their pioneering explorations in the field of neurotheology, an emerging discipline dedicated to understanding the complex relationship between spirituality and the brain. Along the way, they delve into such essential questions as whether humans are biologically compelled to make myths; what is the evolutionary connection between religious ecstasy and sexual orgasm; what do Near Death Experiences reveal about the nature of spiritual phenomena; and how does ritual create its own neurological environment. As their journey unfolds, Newberg and d'Aquili realize that a single, overarching question lies at the heart of their pursuit: Is religion merely a product of biology or has the human brain been mysteriously endowed with the unique capacity to reach and know God?Blending cutting-edge science with illuminating insights into the nature of consciousness and spirituality, Why God Won't Go Away bridges faith and reason, mysticism and empirical data. The neurological basis of how the brain identifies the "real" is nothing short of miraculous. This fascinating, eye-opening book dares to explore both the miracle and the biology of our enduring relationship with God.
Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned
by Kenneth O. Stanley Joel LehmanWhy does modern life revolve around objectives? From how science is funded, to improving how children are educated -- and nearly everything in-between -- our society has become obsessed with a seductive illusion: that greatness results from doggedly measuring improvement in the relentless pursuit of an ambitious goal. In Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned, Stanley and Lehman begin with a surprising scientific discovery in artificial intelligence that leads ultimately to the conclusion that the objective obsession has gone too far. They make the case that great achievement can't be bottled up into mechanical metrics; that innovation is not driven by narrowly focused heroic effort; and that we would be wiser (and the outcomes better) if instead we whole-heartedly embraced serendipitous discovery and playful creativity. Controversial at its heart, yet refreshingly provocative, this book challenges readers to consider life without a destination and discovery without a compass.
Why Greenland Is an Island, Australia Is Not, and Japan Is Up for Grabs
by Joyce DavisFrom the book: Any geographer will tell you that a map is but one of many tools used in the field, yet every geography book on the market tries to teach geography simply by having you identify Belize on a map or memorize the capital of Idaho. While the where is important, it is useful only for trivial reasons, and once national boundaries change or disappear, such as we've recently seen in the former Yugoslavia, the information is all but useless. In Why Greenland Is an Island, Australia Is Not-and Japan Is Up for Grabs, Joyce Davis tells you the why behind the where, offering one of the most interesting and useful books on geography currently found on the market. In Why Greenland Is an Island you will discover a clear method of approaching any geographical dilemma you might face. Through six simple steps Joyce Davis shows not only how to gather geographical information about any region, but also how to understand other aspects of the region seemingly not related to geography. You will also gain a solid background in basic geography skills, and will even touch base on what the capital of Idaho is and learn how to read a map. If you're tired of geography books that leave you feeling more helpless than when you first opened them, then it's time to get your bearings and read Joyce Davis's Why Greenland Is an Island now. Joyce Davis is a teacher of geography and former head of the history and geography departments at the Grace Church School in New York City. An originator of the geographic curriculum there and founder of the school's annual "geography bee," she currently lives 74 degrees west longitude and 40.5 degrees north latitude, also known as New York City.
Why Gut Microbes Matter: Understanding Our Microbiome (Fascinating Life Sciences)
by Harry J. FlintGiven the at times confusing new information concerning the human microbiome released over the last few years, this book seeks to put the research field into perspective for non-specialists. Addressing a timely topic, it breaks down recent research developments in a way that everyone with a scientific background can understand.The book discusses why microorganisms are vital to our lives and how our nutrition influences the interaction with our own gut bacteria. In turn, it goes into more detail on how microbial communities are organised and why they are able to survive in the unique environment of our intestines. Readers will also learn about how their personal microbial profile is as unique as their fingerprint, and how it can be affected by a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle. Thanks to the open and easy-to-follow language used, the book offers an overview for all readers with a basic understanding of biology, and sheds new light on this fascinating and important part of our bodies.
Why I Am Not a Buddhist
by Evan ThompsonA provocative essay challenging the idea of Buddhist exceptionalism, from one of the world&’s most widely respected philosophers and writers on Buddhism and science Buddhism has become a uniquely favored religion in our modern age. A burgeoning number of books extol the scientifically proven benefits of meditation and mindfulness for everything ranging from business to romance. There are conferences, courses, and celebrities promoting the notion that Buddhism is spirituality for the rational; compatible with cutting-edge science; indeed, &“a science of the mind.&” In this provocative book, Evan Thompson argues that this representation of Buddhism is false. In lucid and entertaining prose, Thompson dives deep into both Western and Buddhist philosophy to explain how the goals of science and religion are fundamentally different. Efforts to seek their unification are wrongheaded and promote mistaken ideas of both. He suggests cosmopolitanism instead, a worldview with deep roots in both Eastern and Western traditions. Smart, sympathetic, and intellectually ambitious, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Buddhism&’s place in our world today.
Why I Am Not a Christian: Four Conclusive Reasons to Reject the Faith
by Richard CarrierDr. Richard Carrier, world renowned philosopher and historian, explains the four reasons he does not accept the Christian religion, describing four facts of the world that, had they been different, he would believe. He is brief, clear, and down to earth, covering the whole topic in under ninety pages of easy to-read explanation. Those four reasons are God's silence, God's inaction, the lack of evidence, and the way the universe looks exactly like a godless universe would, and not at all like a Christian universe would, even down to its very structure. Dr. Carrier addresses all the usual replies to these claims, in ways you might not have heard before, relying on his wide experience in debating and studying these issues all over the world for more than fifteen years. A perfect book to introduce yourself, or your friends, to why fewer educated people are embracing Christianity than ever before. Ideal for handing out to door-to-door missionaries.
Why I Am Not a Scientist: Anthropology and Modern Knowledge
by Jonathan MarksThis book casts an anthropological eye on the field of science in a wide-ranging and innovative discussion that integrates philosophy, history, sociology, and auto-ethnography. Marks examine biological anthropology, the history of the life sciences, and the literature of science studies while upending common understandings of science.
Why in the Cold Does Your Snot Start Dripping?
by Lizzie WadeThe Director of the Sinus Center at Johns Hopkins University explains why our noses start to run in cold weather.
Why Is Milk White?: & 200 Other Curious Chemistry Questions
by Simon Quellen Field Alexa CoelhoWhen it comes to chemistry, most kids have more questions than answers. Why do you get cavities when you eat too much sugar? How does sun block protect your skin from getting a sunburn? What makes soda so fizzy? And why do you need antifreeze in your car? Teenager Alexa Coelho quizzed her neighbor, chemist Simon Field, with hundreds of perplexing questions, and now she has the answers. Field covers a wide variety of concepts from simple to complex, but always with straightforward, easy-to-understand explanations. And for those readers who want to see chemistry in action, Why Is Milk White? also includes a dozen unique experiments to try at home. Lift latent fingerprints from a "crime scene" using super glue (for a glass or smooth surface) or iodine (for paper). Hollow out the zinc interior of a penny using muriatic acid, leaving only a thin copper shell. Conduct a paper chromatography experiment to separate food coloring into its component dyes. Or use easy-to-find chemicals to create plastic "slime," Silly Putty, or a bouncing ball. This book is the perfect resource for budding scientists everywhere.
Why is Mommy's Tummy So Big? Questions Children Ask About the Facts of Life
by Mary AtkinsonWhy is Mommy's tummy getting so big? Why can't I remember being born? Why do babies cry so much? Why do boys and girls look different? Why do some children grow up faster than others? Why does my big brother like girls? Why does Dad shave his face? Why do grown-ups kiss for so long?
Why Is Sex Fun?: The Evolution of Human Sexuality (SCIENCE MASTERS)
by Jared DiamondA fascinating insight into how human sexuality came to be the way it is now - Jared Diamond explains why we are different from the animal kingdom.Why are humans one of the few species to have sex in private? Why do humans have sex any day of the month or year, including when the female is pregnant, beyond her reproductive years, or between her fertile cycles? Why are human females one of the few mammals to go through menopause?Human sexuality seems normal to us but it is bizarre by the standards of other animals. Jared Diamond argues that our strange sex lives were as crucial to our rise to human status as were our large brains. He also describes the battle of the sexes in the human and animal world over parental care, and why sex differences in the genetic value of parental care provide a biological basis for the all-too-familiar different attitudes of men and women towards extramarital sex.
Why Is Sex Fun?: The Evolution of Human Sexuality (SCIENCE MASTERS)
by Jared DiamondWhy are humans one of the few species to have sex in private? Why do humans have sex any day of the month or year, including when the female is pregnant, beyond her reproductive years, or between her fertile cycles? Why are human females one of the few mammals to go through menopause?Human sexuality seems normal to us but it is bizarre by the standards of other animals. Jared Diamond argues that our strange sex lives were as crucial to our rise to human status as were our large brains. He also describes the battle of the sexes in the human and animal world over parental care, and why sex differences in the genetic value of parental care provide a biological basis for the all-too-familiar different attitudes of men and women towards extramarital sex.(p) 1997 Orion Publishing Group
Why Is Summer Hot?
by Kathleen Weidner ZoehfeldHave you ever wondered why the days are so long in the summer and short in the winter? Or why we have hot weather and colder weather? Read on to learn about how the Earth, how it spins around the Sun, and the seasons!
Why Is the Statue of Liberty Green? (Cloverleaf Books (tm) -- Our American Symbols Ser.)
by Martha E. Rustad Holli CongerDo you know that the Statue of Liberty hasn't always looked green? Or that the first torch had to be replaced? Lady Liberty has been an important US symbol for more than one hundred years. Join Mrs. Bolt's class as they visit the statue and learn where the statue came from, how she was built, and what American ideas she represents.
Why is Water So Important?
by Lizzie WadeWhether you're an amoeba, a human, or anything in between, you need water to survive. But why? Find out in this informative Q & A.