Reviews
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The Case of the Green Turtle: An Uncensored History of a Conservation Icon by Alison Rieser
The story of efforts to save green sea turtles, including by farming them, illustrates conflicts common to conservation work. Johns Hopkins, 2012, 338 p., $45
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From Here to Infinity: A Vision for the Future of Science by Martin Rees
An astrophysicist proposes ways for scientists and the public to tackle problems together, from climate change and energy to health care and population growth. W.W. Norton & Co., 2012, 144 p., $23.95
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A Field Guide to Radiation by Wayne Biddle
From “absorbed dose” to zirconium-95, this alphabetical collection of essays makes an interesting guide to the nuclear age. Penguin, 2012, 258 p., $16
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Mathematical Excursions to the World’s Great Buildings by Alexander J. Hahn
Explore math principles behind the designs of structures from the Parthenon to the Sydney Opera House. Princeton Univ., 2012, 317 p., $49.50
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Secret Chambers: The Inside Story of Cells & Complex Life by Martin Brasier
A paleontologist takes a deep look at the early days of complex cells, more than a billion years ago. Oxford Univ., 2012, 298 p., $29.95
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The Good, the True, and the Beautiful: A Neuronal Approach by Jean-Pierre Changeux
A neurobiologist ponders Plato’s idea of three fundamental “essences” in the context of the human brain. Yale Univ., 2012, 386 p., $35
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Darwin’s Ghosts: The Secret History of Evolution by Rebecca Stott
This history of evolutionary science sheds light on Darwin’s many predecessors who saw evidence for natural selection. Spiegel & Grau, 2012, 380 p., $27
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Born Together – Reared Apart: The Landmark Minnesota Twin Study by Nancy L. Segal
The story of the Minnesota Twin Study, ongoing since the 1970s, shows the work’s role in untangling the genetics of personality, intelligence and health. Harvard Univ., 2012, 410 p., $49.95
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BOOK REVIEW: Under the Surface: Fracking, Fortunes and the Fate of the Marcellus Shale by Tom Wilber
Review by Rachel Ehrenberg.
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BOOK REVIEW: Turing’s Cathedral: The Origins of the Digital Universe by George Dyson
Review by Tom Siegfried.
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Rainy Brain, Sunny Brain: How to Retrain Your Brain to Overcome Pessimism and Achieve a More Positive Outlook by Elaine Fox
An overview of recent research suggests ways to take advantage of the brain’s malleability to change patterns of thinking. Basic Books, 2012, 256 p., $26.99
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Gifts of the Crow: How Perception, Emotion, and Thought Allow Smart Birds to Behave Like Humans by John Marzluff and Tony Angell
Tales of crows’ amazing feats are complemented by original artwork in this look at the birds’ intelligence. Free Press, 2012, 289 p., $25
