Reviews

Environment

The world has water problems. This book has solutions

The Last Drop tackles global water problems and explores how humans can better manage the precious resource.

Neuroscience

‘Do I Know You?’ explores face blindness and the science of the mind

In her memoir, journalist Sadie Dingfelder draws on her own experiences to highlight the astonishing diversity of people’s inner lives.

Climate

In ‘Warming Up,’ the sports world’s newest opponent is climate change

In her debut book, Madeleine Orr presents an authoritative account of climate change’s impact on sports, and how the industry can fight back.

Science & Society

‘After 1177 B.C.’ describes how societies fared when the Bronze Age ended

Archaeologist Eric H. Cline’s new book reconstructs ancient examples of societal resilience and fragility that have modern-day relevance.

Animals

‘Cull of the Wild’ questions sacrificing wildlife in the name of conservation

In his new book, ecologist Hugh Warwick seeks middle ground in the waging battle that is wildlife management.

Genetics

Thomas Cech’s ‘The Catalyst’ spotlights RNA and its superpowers

Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Thomas Cech’s new book is part ode to RNA and part detailed history of the scientists who’ve studied it.

Environment

‘The High Seas’ tells of the many ways humans are laying claim to the ocean

The book explains how the race for ocean resources from fish to ores to new medicines — the Blue Acceleration — is playing out.

Chemistry

‘Flavorama’ guides readers through the complex landscape of flavor

In her new book, Arielle Johnson, former resident scientist at the restaurant Noma, explains how to think like a scientist in the kitchen.

Science & Society

In ‘Get the Picture,’ science helps explore the meaning of art

Journalist Bianca Bosker infiltrates the secretive art world to understand the science and psychology of why art matters to the human experience.

Climate

‘On the Move’ examines how climate change will alter where people live

Journalist Abrahm Lustgarten explores which parts of the United States are most vulnerable to the effects of global warming and how people's lives might change.

Space

‘Space: The Longest Goodbye’ explores astronauts’ mental health

The documentary follows NASA astronauts and the psychologists helping them prepare for future long-distance space trips to the moon and Mars.

Physics

‘Countdown’ takes stock of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile

Physicists grapple with their role as stewards of the United States’ aging nuclear weapons in the new book by Sarah Scoles.