Inside Guide: The Microscopic World

Bugs make up more than 90 percent of all living things on Earth, but it can be difficult for people to remember that fact because of how tiny most are. Some bugs can only be viewed with the aid of a microscope. Others can be seen with the naked eye, but the details of their bodies must be magnified before they become visible. Through vivid full-color photographs and in-depth sidebars, this volume explores what exactly counts as a bug, why it is important to learn about them, and what they look like up close.

The discovery of DNA in 1869 changed the world forever. Each subsequent discovery-such as DNA's double helix structure and the nucleotides it contains-dramatically increased humanity's understanding of our own bodies. Of course, the invention of the microscope was crucial to these discoveries. As technology advances and scientists develop more powerful instruments, their knowledge of DNA also increases. Age-accessible main text, augmented with vibrant full-color photographs and informative graphic organizers, introduce young readers to this important scientific topic, making them more informed about their health and laying the foundation for future careers in science and medicine.

Viruses are some of the most feared organisms on the planet, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many can cause severe illness in humans and animals, although some viruses can actually have a protective effect. Viewing viruses under a microscope helps scientists understand more about them and figure out how to fight the ones that are harmful. Vibrant full-color photographs and illuminating graphic organizers help readers form a better understanding of these microorganisms, giving them insight into the ways we can both use and fight viruses.

Every living thing on the planet is comprised of cells. Even the smallest bacterium or virus is made up of one cell. By studying the cells of various living things, scientists can learn how to keep people healthy, how to treat disease, and even how to enhance crop growth and nutrition. This volume takes an in-depth look at the ways cells differ among various organisms and how they function. Eye-catching graphic organizers and informative fact boxes give young readers information that is crucial to understanding how the environment affects their body and provides an early foundation for future careers.

Minerals are a crucial part of our world. Not only are many necessary to keep our bodies in good working order, minerals can be used to make things that people use on a daily basis, including toothpaste, linoleum, and cell phones. By looking at these important materials under a microscope, we can gain better insight into the world around us. Informative sidebars and engaging fact boxes provide an in-depth look at the world of minerals, giving young readers a greater understanding of the planet we live on and the products we use.

Most people automatically associate bacteria with illness. However, 99 percent of all bacteria are either harmless to humans or actually helpful. For instance, we would not be able to digest food without our gut bacteria. Plants would not grow without bacteria to break down the nutrients in the soil for them. In fact, bacteria's ability to break things down is so helpful that scientists are working on harnessing it to clear plastic, oil, and other pollution from the environment. Informative fact boxes and engaging sidebars give readers an in-depth look at these important microorganisms.