Scientific American Explores Big Ideas
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Engineering for the Future
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Engineering impacts many aspects of daily life, from the vehicles we drive, to the software that runs our smartphones and tablets, to the infrastructure that surrounds us. The field of engineering is constantly evolving, and recent technological strides have caused it to change even faster. This volume looks at the ways in which various branches of engineering-including biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, and geological engineering-use new technology to improve and optimize life. It also considers how engineers are attempting to meet the challenges of today and the future by addressing the environmental impacts of climate change, incorporating smart technologies into community infrastructure, and treating major health issues like cancer.
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Is There Extraterrestrial Life?
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Since the early modern period, humans have wondered if life exists beyond Earth. For many years over the past century, the search for alien lifeforms was relegated to the fringes of the scientific community, often considered the domain of conspiracy theorists. However, in recent years, compelling evidence has been found supporting the concept of extraterrestrial life, encouraging more serious consideration from both the scientific community and general public. This volume gives readers a better understanding of the evidence for and against the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the ways in which scientists research astrobiology, and predictions from the scientific community on what forms extraterrestrial life might take.
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The Science of Death
by Various Authors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Death is considered by many to be one of the greatest mysteries. What does it feel like to die? Can anything be done to prevent it? Is it possible to cheat death entirely? The articles in this title aim to help elucidate this topic by offering information from scientific experts on the many questions we have about death. They explain a number of issues related to mortality, including what happens to the mind and body during and after death, what societal and individual factors contribute to premature deaths and mass deaths, potential ways of forestalling one's demise, and what scientists do and do not know about the experience of death and dying.
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Food Systems of the Future
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
The world population continues to grow, and sources of food that we have come to depend on are increasingly threatened by climate change. Some people fear that there may come a time when there simply will not be enough food to support the earth's human po
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Evolution of War
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
With the introduction of new technologies in the industrial era, warfare-along with most other areas of life-went through a major change. During the American Civil War and World War I, advances in transportation, communication, and weaponry changed the way wars were fought. In the decades since World War I, warfare has continued to evolve. This title examines the history of modern warfare and how technology shapes war today, exploring topics such as drone warfare, cyberattacks and social media propaganda, and the role chemical weapons, nuclear weapons, and artificial intelligence play in twenty-first century warfare.
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Understanding Violence
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Teens are likely familiar with headlines about mass shootings and other hate crimes flashing across their smartphones. This may cause them to search for answers about what drives people to commit such brutal acts of violence. With sensitive, explanatory text, this title explores some of the biological and psychological factors that can drive hate crimes and other aggressive actions. These causes can include intimacy, bias, genetics, and some psychological conditions that can be successfully treated if properly understood.
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The Science of Sports
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Sports are a human universal: humans in all cultures play them, and they've done so for a long, long time. This title is for readers whose interest in sports and athleticism goes deeper than stats of their favorite players and the standings of their favorite teams. The articles collected here answer questions about the physical and psychological conditions that make elite athletes, they look at the effects of technology in sports, and they explore the ways sports interact with the larger culture.
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The Debate over Creationism vs. Evolution
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Since the theory of evolution was popularized by Charles Darwin in the mid-nineteenth century, it has been a source of intense controversy. To some, evolution is viewed as fundamentally opposed to creationism, or the belief that all living things are the product of divine creation. To others, it is considered a scientific fact. This title considers how the debate has influenced scientific research and science education in the centuries since. It also examines the scientific evidence that plays a role in this debate. Readers will be exposed to a range of evidence and viewpoints on this controversial topic.
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Smart Cities of the Future
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Through the use of smart technology-an integrated network of computers and telecommunication devices that collect a large amount of data to facilitate machine learning and artificial intelligence-urban areas have the opportunity to optimize public services, improve infrastructure, and operate in a more environmentally friendly way. However, those who are skeptical of smart cities argue that the large amount of data that is collected could easily be abused or fall into the wrong hands, violating the privacy of city-dwellers. This volume offers a wide range of perspectives on the potential high-tech future of cities.
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Understanding Consciousness
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Consciousness is often regarded as a uniquely human characteristic. It includes emotion, cognition, perception, and self-awareness, and is considered both an essential and mysterious aspect of the human experience. However, some question whether consciousness could be programmed through the use of artificial intelligence. This volume examines what exactly consciousness, what is currently known about it from a neurological perspective, what mysteries still exist in our understanding of consciousness, and what the future of research and technology related to consciousness may hold.
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The Science of Identity
by Various Authors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
This compilation of articles written by the editors of Scientific American explores the complicated subject of identity from a scientific perspective. What determines which traits, qualities, and beliefs a person will possess or be drawn to in other people? Researchers have examined genetic makeup, brain activity, emotional responses, and social structures to find patterns that can help explain how identity is formed. Science can be used to explain stereotyping, gender and sexuality, our tastes and beliefs, and the factors that shape our personalities.
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How COVID-19 Changed the World
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of life-from short- and long-term health problems to how students attend school to the availability of milk in the grocery store. In this book, Scientific American explores how COVID has changed the world over the past two years: how it has disrupted society, accelerated research, and amplified the need for science and humanity. We look at endeavors that have been directly and dramatically transformed, such as disease testing and vaccine development, as well as some of the more unexpected impacts, such as on climate conferences and rocket launches.
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The Future of Medicine
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Over the past century, enormous strides have been made in the field of medicine. Diseases and conditions that were once considered life-threatening have been made manageable through modern prevention methods and treatments. The development of vaccines, an
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Extreme Animals
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
As a species, humans tend to view ourselves as the top of the natural order for our exceptional intelligence and emotional depth, but there are many other metrics for determining what makes a species remarkable. This volume looks at some of the world's st
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Our Planet, Our Choice
The Science of Climate Change
by Scientific American
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Climate change is increasingly causing challenges worldwide. However, scientists are also learning more about its causes, effects, and how to prevent some of the worst outcomes. This important title allows readers to explore these discoveries about how climate change and global warming are shaping human communities and the natural world. It also empowers budding scientists and leaders to advance technology that limits carbon emissions and allows communities and wildlife to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
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Cyberattacks
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
The ubiquity of computers and smartphones has reshaped nearly every aspect of contemporary life, from how we communicate to how we shop. However, it has also provided a new avenue for criminal activity. Cyberattacks can take many forms, but in general the
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The Science of Mental Health
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Despite being such a significant part of human experience and everyday life, much about mental health remains a mystery. Mental health encompasses how someone feels, acts, interacts with other people, perceives the world, and thinks. There are many different disorders that can shape mental health, as well as lifestyle choices one can make to improve or degrade their mental health. In recent decades scientific and medical research has enabled more to be understood about mental health, but many questions remain. This volume explores various aspects of mental health, including the factors that help shape it, lifestyle choices and treatments that may help improve it, and the research being done by scientists and doctors to offer a clearer understanding of mental health.
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Truth, Lies, and Technology
by Scientific Americanrs
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
With the accelerating rise of online communication, there has also been an unprecedented spread of falsehoods. Readers coming of age in this world of information spreading at speeds faster than ever before may wonder about how technology can spread pervasive lies-and how they can play a part in making it more truthful. This enlightening title aims to guide readers in exploring how technology such as deepfakes and social media algorithms can convincingly distort the truth. They will not only learn to recognize Internet fabrications but also how to stop their spread.
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Quantum Concepts
by Various Authors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
While the smallest physical matter in the universe may seem insignificant, this couldn't be further from the truth. Quantum mechanics has helped us understand that examining the world on the scale of atoms and electrons can reveal much about what truly is behind the functions of our everyday lives. This title will fascinate readers as they learn about intriguing theoretical conundrums of quantum mechanics including entanglement. Explanatory text will also allow readers to explore practical uses of quantum mechanics involving computing, communications, and the limits of the imagination!
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Navigating Anxiety & Depression
by Various Authors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Anxiety and depression are on the rise among American teens. Many are searching for resources to manage these mental health conditions-this empowering title is here to help. It features explanatory text that allows readers to understand what is going on in their brains when they experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. It also covers key ways those with these common mental health conditions can find support and relief, including lifestyle changes, technology advancements, and talk therapies. Teens can use these techniques and tools to help themselves as well as others enduring anxiety or depression.
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The Science of Elections
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Studying politics and elections generally is considered the realm of political scientists, but other fields-such as psychology, computational science, and data science-play an important role in understanding how elections work, what influences voters, and who is likely to win an election. This volume offers readers an inside look at how data and technology impact elections and help inform how candidates and their teams run campaigns. It also explores what is and is not known about the psychological aspects of voting and how this can be used for political forecasting, along with the limitations to predicting the outcomes of elections.
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Exploring Mars
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Since the first Mars-bound probes were launched in the 1960s, the planet has intrigued scientists and the public alike due to its potential for human habitability. However, despite its many similarities to Earth, so far there has been no conclusive evidence that life has existed on Mars. Although no human has actually traveled to the planet, the scientific community has extensively studied its geology, climate, and history. This title examines past explorations of Mars, the challenges faced on these explorations, important discoveries, and the potential future of humans on Mars.
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The Science of Sleep
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
It is commonly understood that sleep in some form or another is an almost universal phenomenon among animals, including humans. However, the specific reasons why we need sleep are not as clear. The articles in this volume explain what sleep is, the benefi
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Covid's Lasting Impacts
by Various Authors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
The beginning of the COVID pandemic-which started with an outbreak in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread to all corners of the world-has brought significant and likely permanent changes to many spheres of life. It has impacted the medical and scientific community's understanding of epidemiology, vaccinations, and public health, but it has also had significant effects on individuals. The impacts of the COVID pandemic on mental health are widely recognized but still being explored, and much about long COVID and its persistent effects on some COVID patients remain mysterious. This volume examines many of the enduring effects of the COVID pandemic on a personal and societal level through expertly written articles.
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Reproductive Rights
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
With the changing political climate around reproductive rights, many wonder what effect limiting access to abortion and other forms of birth control may have on women's health from a medical and scientific perspective. The debate surrounding reproductive rights has also raised questions about the role politicians, doctors, and pharmacists should have in determining what options are available for reproductive care, as well as the relationship between moral beliefs and medicine. This title gives readers access to a wide variety of perspectives on this timely debate from members of the scientific and medical community.
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Discoveries in Astronomy
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Since ancient times, people have been trying to make sense of celestial bodies and phenomena. Early civilizations attempted to track the motions of stars, planets, and other objects, mapping their place in the sky. This laid the groundwork for the study of astronomy today, but advancements in fields such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics have led to exciting new astronomical discoveries in recent decades. This volume examines some of the discoveries that have impacted the field of astronomy-both impactful new innovations and historical findings that have changed the trajectory of research in the field. It also offers readers a better understanding of some of the methods used for making these discoveries.
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Understanding Cancer
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Less than a century ago, the prognosis for those diagnosed with cancer tended to be bleak. However, in recent decades massive strides have been made in the understanding and treatment of cancer. This volume examines the advancements that have occurred in
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The Science of Stress
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
When people say they feel stressed out, what exactly do they mean? This volume looks at the topic of stress from physiological and psychological perspectives to explain what processes in the body and mind create this feeling of stress. It considers resear
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Understanding the Bond Between Humans and Pets
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Tens of millions of households in the United States have pets. They are often considered integral parts of families and close companions. There is a long history of domesticating animals, and this volume in part considers the intertwined evolution of animals and domestic animals to examine how these relationships have developed. It discusses the characteristics and behaviors of cats, dogs, and other animals that allows humans to create such a strong bond with them. It also looks at recent research on the advantages pets have on physical and mental health.
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In Concert: How Music Affects the Brain
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Research suggests that almost every region of the brain is affected when you listen to music. It has a profound impact on emotional response, cognition, sensory experience, and motor function. This volume considers the role of brain anatomy and neuroscience in relation to music, music's role in social and emotional connection, and its potential to assist in treating brain injuries and neurological disorders. Through this volume, readers will gain a stronger understanding of the complex and fascinating relationship between music and the brain.
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The Evolution of Computers
by Various Authors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Many people think of computers as relatively recent inventions that only came into existence within the past century. In many ways, they're right-the devices we recognize as computers are fairly new. However, computing-or making a calculation-has existed for far longer than that. Ancient civilizations depended on computing to better understand the cosmos and the world around them, and as early as the 19th century machines were used to assist in computing. This volume looks at many of the important advancements in the history of computers, including the shift from human computing to mechanical computers and mechanical computers to digital ones, the development of computer programming and the internet, and potential next steps in the advancement of computers.
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Is There More Than One Universe?
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
For centuries, the concept of the multiverse-meaning the idea that there are multiple hypothetical universes beyond our observable universe-has fascinated both scientists and philosophers. The laws of physics are considered a fundamental building block of experience as we know it, but this volume considers what would happen if slight changes were made to the laws of physics that allow for multiple parallel universes. This title offers arguments both supporting and opposing the concept of the multiverse, giving readers the opportunity to form their own opinions.
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Confronting Racism
by Scientific American
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
In 2013, a powerful phrase appeared for the first time on social media in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of 17-year-old Black teen Trayvon Martin: Black Lives Matter (BLM). Many adolescents have been empowered by Black Lives Matter posts and protests to take on anti-Black violence and racism. This title is an important resource that highlights Black and Brown voices standing up to oppressive systems. Explanatory text also allows readers to understand and confront the ways racism influences public health crises such as COVID-19 and the scientific and academic realms.
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Immune System Hacks
by Scientific American
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
The COVID-19 pandemic certainly made many more people aware of the importance of our incredible immune systems. It has also raised many questions about vaccines that involve the immune system. Readers have likely heard a lot about the COVID vaccines and have questions about how they are made and what they do inside the body. This stimulating title has answers! It also allows readers to explore innovative treatments for infectious diseases other than COVID. These include immunotherapies and even a universal flu vaccine.
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Extraterrestrial Physics
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Many of the laws of physics we take for granted do not apply outside the earth's atmosphere. Extraterrestrial physics tend to differ considerably from physics on Earth, and astrophysicists and other scientists who study space use experiments and theoretic
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The Science of Habits
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Today, society exults those who "work on themselves" and commit to self-improvement through changing habits, either by breaking bad ones or making good ones. New Year's resolutions are a major tradition in American culture, and everywhere you look there a
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The Science of Monsters
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Zombies seem to be taking over pop culture in recent years. Readers are likely familiar with popular shows such as the Walking Dead and movies like Zombieland. However, they may be surprised to learn that zombies are not only found in fiction! This fascinating title uncovers how real zombies can be found in nature, comparing them to the zombies that have been featured in stories for centuries. It also delves into some scientific ways that zombies like those portrayed in the media today could one day truly walk among us!
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Smartphone Generation
The Effects of Smartphones on Teens
by Scientific American
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Many teenagers today are used to hearing about the adverse health effects of their smartphone obsession. But is there really science to back this up? This intriguing title will allow readers to find out for themselves! It features explanatory text that reveals the latest scientific research about how smartphone and social media usage affect developing brains. It also covers key ideas including how smartphones and social media impact relationships, change thought processes, and how they may even offer tools for improving mental wellness.
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The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
by Scientific American
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Many who gaze up at the stars twinkling at night wonder if there could be life somewhere out in the universe. This exciting title allows budding astronomers to explore the scientific ways this could be possible! It begins with explanatory text covering key concepts behind the formation of life on our own planet. The fascinating text covers the theories behind what makes life possible, some of the most extreme conditions in which it can exist, and what is involved in trying to find other life-forms in our vast universe.
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Science's Greatest Mysteries
by Various Authors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Although science has played an important role in answering many significant questions that concern humankind, there are also many questions that have been left unanswered-and could potentially remain that way. This volume examines many of the mysteries scientists have explained and continue to attempt to explain, including the origins and evolution of life on Earth, the possibility of life beyond Earth, the inner workings of the human mind, and seemingly inexplicable phenomena on Earth and in space. These articles are a testament to the amazing accomplishments of the scientific community in solving mysteries as well as an acknowledgment of the limits of current scientific knowledge.
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Genetic Engineering
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Genetic engineering refers to the ability to manipulate DNA, and ever since its invention in the 1970s it has been a source of controversy. Some argue that it allows scientists to "play God," which could have unintended negative consequences. However, gen
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The Origins of Humanity
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
How did humans get their start as a species? This is one of the core questions that have preoccupied humankind for centuries. This volume considers the complex and often mysterious characteristics that define humanity, including its unique anatomical and neurological features, behaviors such as use of tools and language, and the social structures that are unique to the species. The book also considers how the species has evolved over time and how it may continue to evolve.
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The Science of Addiction
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
The opioid crisis brought increased attention to the issue of addiction, but the disorder has impacted many lives since long before the current addiction crisis. This volume examines addiction from a psychological, biochemical, and medical perspective to give readers a better understanding of how addictions form, what sustains them, and ways in which people recover from them. It considers not only addiction to substances like drugs and alcohol, but behavioral addictions as well, such as internet addiction, gambling, and binge eating. Readers will also become more familiar with the latest advancements in the treatment of addiction as well as lifestyle choices that impact addiction.
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The End of the World
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
For millennia there have been predictions about the end of the world. But between climate change, global pandemics, and the possibility of nuclear war, humankind faces an unprecedented number of existential threats today. Will any of these bring an end to life on Earth, or even to the existence of Earth itself? This volume explains and assesses some of the factors that scientists have identified as major threats to human life to give readers a clearer sense of the dangers they pose. It also, more optimistically, offers suggestions on ways that these threats can be eliminated or at least mitigated.
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The Math Behind Science, Society, and Technology
by Scientific American
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
Albert Einstein once said, "Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." While readers may see math as an isolated discipline, in reality, it is at the core of many social, economic, and physical realms of society. This title offers explanatory text that helps readers understand key mathematical concepts such as the importance of p values in statistical analysis. It also reveals how math can be used in unexpected ways, including to combat gerrymandering. Complete with an exploration of theoretical issues in mathematics, this intriguing title will help readers see how math is crucial to our understanding of the world.
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How the Brain Works
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
The brain is generally considered the most complex part of the body. Although scientists understand its basic anatomy, much remains uncertain about how the brain impacts behavior, sensation, emotion, intelligence, and consciousness. This volume explores what is currently known about the brain's functions and how it impacts the way we understand and interact with the world around us. It also discusses some of the questions that persist about the brain and attempts to improve our understanding of the brain's activities through various scientific disciplines. Through looking at issues such as consciousness, brain injuries, and abnormal brain activity, readers will gain more insight into the complex inner workings of the brain.
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Women in Science
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
The number of women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industry has grown considerably in recent decades, but for many years there were far fewer opportunities for women in the field, and the accomplishments of women in scienc
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Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Scientific American Editors
Part of the Scientific American Explores Big Ideas series
In recent years, the medical and psychiatric community's understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has evolved considerably. It is now recognized as a range of conditions that can cause social, behavioral, and communication difficulties, though it manifests differently from person to person. This title will help readers better understand the changing perspectives on what causes autism spectrum disorder, how it presents in different people, and the therapies available to people with autism spectrum disorder. It will also examine changing attitudes toward neurodiversity, or the natural differences in how people think, behave, and experience the world around them.