The Best American Science Writing 2012

by Michio Kaku, Jesse Cohen

Overview

The Best American Science Writing 2012 is yet another endlessly fascinating and mind-expanding installment of the popular science series that Kirkus Reviews calls, “Superb brain candy.” Edited by renowned theoretical physicist and bestselling author Michio Kaku, co-founder of string field theory, this collection contains the most engaging and provocative science writing of the year—gathering in one volume enthralling and eye-opening essays about the latest developments in biochemistry, physics, astronomy, genetics, evolutionary theory, cognition, and more.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062117915
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/04/2012
Series:	Best American Science Writing Series
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	853,936
Product dimensions:	5.36(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.72(d)

About the Author

Dr. Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist and the cofounder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and he continues Einstein’s search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory. He is also the New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including his most recent work, Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100.

Jesse Cohen is a writer and freelance editor. He lives in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

Theoretical physicist and self-described "science junkie" Kaku serves as guest editor of this intriguing collection of science-related articles published in 2011. The pieces featured here—which originally appeared in publications such as The New York Times and National Geographic—ripple outward from a focus on the human body to explore the environment, the space program, the universe, and finally the physical limits of science itself when it runs contrary to popular opinions, widely-held religious beliefs, and other social issues. Many of the authors investigate cutting-edge and controversial research, such as experiments that use blood vessels grown in a lab to replace malfunctioning ones in humans. Another essay proposes a new hypothesis as to why teenagers do dangerous things; the author asserts that "…the willingness to take risks during this period of life has granted an adaptive edge." Ethical concerns are addressed in a study of physical predictors of criminal behavior and in the consequences of allowing those with mental illness to decide whether or not to take medication, and an essay on the hunt for the Higgs boson (purportedly discovered in July 2012) showcases the exponential progress of science. Kaku writes that his hope for this book is that it might "inspire young scientists… to spark… a new era of innovation and discovery." While only time will tell whether Kaku's hopes will be fulfilled, in the meantime, this anthology is guaranteed to pique readers' interests. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly