Science 1001: Absolutely Everything that Matters in Science

Book excerpt: Science 1001 provides clear and concise explanations of the most fundamental and fascinating scientific concepts. Distilled into 1001 bite-sized mini-essays arranged thematically, this unique reference book moves steadily from the basics through to the most advanced of ideas, making it the ideal guide for novices and science enthusiasts. Whether used as a handy reference, an informal self-study course or simply as a gratifying dip-in, this book offers--in one volume--a world of cutting-edge scientific knowledge for the general reader. Science 1001 is an incredibly comprehensive guide, spanning all of the key scientific disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, The Earth, Space, Health and Medicine, Social Science, Information Science, the Applied Sciences and Futurology. From Newton's elemental laws of motion and the physics of black holes, through the fundamental particles of matter, to the extraordinary Human Genome Project and the controversial possibilities of cloning and gene therapy, Dr. Paul Parsons demystifies the key concepts of science in the simplest language and answers its big questions: Will scientists find a cure for AIDS? How did the universe begin? And will we conquer space? Concluding with an exciting glimpse of what's to come for science--from the possibility of time travel to the specter of trans-humanism--this really is the only science book you'll ever need.