Here's what the editors of the journal Nature choose from the five best 2019 science books

By sergign

Nature 's editor, Barbara Kaiser , appeared in 2019 on FIVE BOOKS, a website where experts from different disciplines showcase the five books they think are the best on their subject. Introducing 5 books from books in the field of science.

The Best Science Books of 2019 | Five Books Expert Recommendations
https://fivebooks.com/best-books/science-2019-barbara-kiser/

◆ 1: 'The Moon: A History for the Future' by Oliver Morton


The author, Oliver Morton, is a former editor-in-chief of Nature and a science journalist at The Economist . Kaiser describes Morton as 'a person who loves the beauty of the moon, which changes from a crescent moon to a full moon.'

Since the Apollo program, the science of the moon has faded over time. Many astronomers think that the moon is an obstacle that hides the stars, and there is a theory that there are few physical mysteries compared to the earth. However, Kaiser states that Morton's book 'opens the way for the moon to fascinate people again.'

The book is fascinating with the cultural and scientific history of Morton's research on 'how people came to understand the moon.' Over the centuries, celebrities such as artist Jan van Ake , natural philosopher Robert Hooke , and inventor James Nasmis have attempted to 'read' the look of the moon. Kaiser learns that Leonardo da Vinci has found that the moon does not emit light, and that NASA's lunar exploration and Apollo landing reproduce the thrill of the moment of landing by analyzing recorded audio. He appreciates.

'Mr. Morton continues to weave stories that drive us to the mysteries of the moon, whether parody or scientific. Science-based stories can even envision the moon of the future. 'I will do it,' Kaiser said.

◆ 2: 'The Second Kind of Impossible' by Paul J. Steinhardt


Cosmologist Paul Steinhardt, author of The Second Kind of Impossible, is fascinated by the new forms of matter and is studying the impossible shapes of quasicrystals . 'The journey of quest attracts people, and not only the math and physics that Steinhart tells, but his own story immerses us in the book,' Kaiser said.

Kaiser's favorite is about how Steinhart and PhD student Dob Levine approached theoretical experiments on atomic arrangements using paper, magnets, Styrofoam, and pipe cleaners. thing.

The story extends to the realms of geology and exploration. Regarding the contents of the team by Steinhart and others searching for quasicrystals to the Far East of Russia, Kaiser said, 'The adventure of Steinhart, who is not only in the laboratory but also thrilled with mud, does not disappoint. '.

◆ 3: 'The Snow Leopard Project: And Other Adventures in Warzone Conservation' by Alex Dehgan


The Snow Leopard Project is a new book on conservative biology research focusing on both snow leopards and Afghanistan. 'We are reminded that nature conservation is most successful not only for human protection, but also for biodiversity,' Kaiser said.

'It's a book that proves that Afghanistan's biology, which has been divided between tribes for about 40 years, is' amazing at all levels, 'says Kaiser. A vivid and heart-warming book about the setbacks and stresses of the author and evolutionary biologist Alex Digan's field research in the wilderness of scattered bullets and the establishment of a national park on Lake Band-e-Amir. It has been done.

Digan is also the Chief Scientist of the United States Agency for International Development and co-founder of Conservation X Labs , an endangered and conservation company. 'We also see why the snow leopards in Afghanistan attracted him,' Kaiser said, as Digan works in harsh environments such as Russia, Madagascar and Iraq.

◆ 4: 'The Gendered Brain' by Gina Rippon


Regarding the book 'The Gendered Brain' by cognitive neuroscientist Gina Rippon, Kaiser reminds us that 'everything from profession to clothing is still seen through colored glasses named gender. The persistent stereotypical branding, like wearing pink or blue clothing, affects our brains as a weakness in which women are routinely unstable and have neurological defects. It continues with amazing regularity from the 18th century anthropology that was seen. '

In his book, Rippon describes the results of an investigation into how sexism was created. On average, male brains tend to be larger than females in terms of gender differences by size, for example. However, there are many uncertainties about the relationship between the structure and size of the brain and the behaviors and expressions that the brain is presumed to be involved in. We are also investigating the psychology of gender differences and how to collect data.

Rippon also delves deeper into social brain science. You can continually refer to what others think and feel and understand how their brains are affected by the prejudices of those around them, such as parents, teachers, and colleagues. I will.

◆ 5: 'Waters of the World' by Sarah Dry


'This book is both a history of science and a history of emotions,' writes author and climate historian Sarah Dry. 'Waters of the World' consists of the stories of six researchers.

It contains a record of about 150 years of research on water by physicist John Tyndall , astronomer Charles Piazzi Smith , and meteorologist Joan Simpson . In the book, the author, Dry, states that 'water follows the flow of human activity and thought, not the flow of energy.'

'How scientific diversity is united, and how generations of insights from space physicists, geologists, oceanographers, glaciers, and meteorologists converge and connect the system of the Earth.' It's a wonderful way to tell if it's combined. '