Chasing the Sun: How the Science of Sunlight Shapes Our Bodies and Minds

Chasing the Sun: How the Science of Sunlight Shapes Our Bodies and Minds

by Linda Geddes
Chasing the Sun: How the Science of Sunlight Shapes Our Bodies and Minds

Chasing the Sun: How the Science of Sunlight Shapes Our Bodies and Minds

by Linda Geddes

Hardcover

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Overview

A fascinating look at how humans’ relationship with the sun continues to shape our bodies, attitudes, and societies.

Our biology is set up to work in partnership with the sun. Little wonder then that humans have long worshipped and revered our nearest star: life itself arose on earth because its relationship with the sun was a special one, and that relationship still affects us well into the era of electric lighting, indoor workdays, and vitamin D supplements.

What we are losing when we sever this ancient biological tie to the sun by spending more and more time inside during the day and surrounded by screens at night? Informed by cutting-edge scientific research and sparkling with memorable characters — from the modern druids who worship at Stonehenge each solstice to the Amish farmers who may have the right idea about healthy sleep patterns — Linda Geddes’s Chasing the Sun analyzes all aspects of our relationship to the sun, which continues to shape our bodies and minds in the twenty-first century.

The fascinating stories, innovative science, and unique perspectives in this book make it clear that the ancients were right to put the sun at the center of our world, and it is crucial that we remember this bond as we shape our lives today.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781643132174
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Publication date: 10/01/2019
Pages: 256
Sales rank: 658,457
Product dimensions: 5.60(w) x 8.30(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Linda Geddes is a science journalist who specializes in biology, medicine, and technology. She is the author of one previous book, Bumpology, has worked as both an editor and reporter for New Scientist magazine, and has received numerous awards for her journalism, including the Association of British Science Writers' award for Best Investigative Journalism. She lives in England.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 The Body Clocks 16

2 The Body Electric 40

3 Shift Work 67

4 Doctor Sunshine 89

5 Protection Factor 111

6 A Dark Place 127

7 Midnight Sun 145

8 Light Cure 156

9 Fine-tuning the Clock 177

10 Clocks for Society 189

Epilogue 206

Acknowledgements 211

Notes 215

Index 227

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