Addresses the mystery of the disappearing sunspots, why sunsets and geraniums are red, how lightning strikes, and the riddle of ball lightning and UFOs

Meditations at Sunset: A Scientist Looks at the Sky (1st Edition)

Science & Math

TREFIL, JAMES

Earth Sciences

Collier Book / Macmillan Pub Co

Discoveries In Modern Science

Macmillan Reference Usa, A Part Of Cengage Learning

The question of whether abortion should or should not be permitted, and under what circumstances, is among the most difficult and sometimes anguished decisions for contemporary men and women. How we feel about this issue, and what actions we take, help to define our image of who we are as social beings. In the midst of the surrounding political, ethical, and religious debate, people everywhere are once again examining their conscience and their beliefs, and turning to unutilized sources of information as they seek to come to terms with this contentious issue. And as emotions run high, it is helpful to step back from the highly charged arena to reconsider the underlying scientific facts about human development. In The Facts of Life, Harold Morowitz and James Trefil, two distinguished scientists and science writers, examine what modern biology can contribute to our understanding of this debate. Sensitive to the myriad ethical and religious arguments beyond the realm of science that swirl around abortion, the authors focus on one crucial question--when does a fetus acquire "humanness," that quality that sets us apart from all other living things. From the viewpoint of science, they argue, "humanness" begins with the possession of a highly developed cerebral cortex. While humans are linked via cell structure and cell chemistry with all life on our planet--from monkeys to fruit flies to pumpkins--it is the human brain structure which makes us who we are. Reviewing the latest advances in molecular biology, evolutionary biology, embryology, neurophysiology, and neonatology--fields that all bear on this question--the authors reveal a surprising consensus of scientific opinion on when humanness begins. A lucid primer on the biological aspects of the abortion issue, The Facts of Life is also a fascinating inquiry, across various scientific disciplines, into what makes us uniquely human. Anyone who struggles with the issue of abortion will be grateful to find a work that moves this heated issue from the intensely emotional area it has occupied to the calmer domain of science.

The Facts of Life: Science and the Abortion Controversy

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Morowitz, Harold J.

Women's Health

Oxford University Press

In The Facts of Life, Harold Morowitz and James Trefil, two distinguished scientists and science writers, examine what modern biology can contribute to our understanding of the abortion debate. Sensitive to the myriad ethical and religious arguments beyond the realm of science that swirl around abortion, the authors focus on one crucial question-when does a fetus acquire "humanness," that quality that sets us apart from all other living things. While humans are linked via cell structure and cell chemistry with all life on our planet-from monkeys to fruit flys to pumpkins-it is the human brain structure which makes us who we are. Reviewing the latest advances in molecular biology, evolutionary biology, embryology, neurophysiology, and neonatology-fields that all bear on this question-the authors reveal a surprising consensus of scientific opinion; that humanness begins around the twenty-forth week of gestation when connections needed for brain function are finally made. A fascinating inquiry, moving across various scientific disciplines, The Facts of Life makes a valuable contribution to the continuing abortion controversy, and offers a fascinating glimpse of what makes us uniquely human.

History

Military

This collection of scientific facts and figures answers key questions for the general reader. Covering every field from astronomy to zoology, it explores such topics as the expansion of the universe, the origins of the Moon, and the death of cells.

1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Science (Paperback 1992)

Reference

DOUBLEDAY

Predicts the course of future breakthoughs over the whole range of physical sciences. It looks at topics such as time travel, why AIDS cannot be cured, how the world will end and what is the exact weight of one kilogram.

101 Things You Don't Know About Science

Cassell Illustrated*

Knowledge of the basic ideas and principles of science is fundamental to cultural literacy. But most books on science are often too obscure or too specialized to do the general reader much good. Science Matters is a rare exception-a science book for the general reader that is informative enough to be a popular textbook for introductory courses in high school and college, and yet well-written enough to appeal to general readers uncomfortable with scientific jargon and complicated mathematics. And now, revised and expanded for the first time in nearly two decades, it is up-to-date, so that readers can enjoy Hazen and Trefil's refreshingly accessible explanations of the most recent developments in science, from particle physics to biotechnology.

Science Matters: Achieving Scientific Literacy

Hazen, Robert M.

Anchor

Good Seeing presents a readable, inspiring history of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, from its founding in 1902, through the emergence of "big science" after World War II, to the institution's role in addressing the major science questions of the 21st century. Authors James Refil and Margaret Hindle Hazen open their narrative with the story of Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish bobbin boy who used his ingenuity to build a fortune in industrial Americaâ€"and then turned his energy to giving that fortune away. The book then goes on to chronicle the groundbreaking work accomplished by the various Carnegie departments, tracing their growth and change as the frontiers of science expanded through the decades. And it looks at Carnegie's influence on the mechanisms of science funding, the institution's early support of ecology, and the building of the world's leading astronomical observatories. The authors offer fascinating glimpses into the lives of science giants Barbara McClintock, George Ellery Hale, Edwin Hubble, Vera Rubin, Alfred Kidderâ€"and the legendary Vannevar Bush, Institution President from 1939-1955. Lavishly illustrated with historical photos and drawings, this celebration of the Carnegie Institution's century of discovery will be a delightful read for scientists, science advocates, and students of American science leadership. Table of Contents

Good Seeing: A Century of Science at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, 1902-2002

Biographies & Memoirs

Hazen, Margaret Hindle

FERRIS,Timothy

Professionals & Academics

Joseph Henry Press

A selection of 1,001 entries offers information on such broad topics as classical and molecular biology, evolution, classical and modern physical science, earth science and astronomy

1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Science

A best-selling science writer explores the technology behind the modern city; how it works, what it can tell us about ourselves, and what new developments in science portend for the city of tomorrow.

Scientist in the City

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by TREFIL, JAMES. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by TREFIL, JAMES

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by TREFIL, JAMES. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Meditations at Sunset: A Scientist Looks at the Sky (1st Edition)

Discoveries In Modern Science

The Facts of Life: Science and the Abortion Controversy

The Facts of Life: Science and the Abortion Controversy

1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Science (Paperback 1992)

101 Things You Don't Know About Science

Science Matters: Achieving Scientific Literacy

Good Seeing: A Century of Science at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, 1902-2002

1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Science

Scientist in the City