Reviews

  1. The Power of Music: Pioneering Discoveries in the New Science of Song by Elena Mannes

    A music lover interviews scientists and musicians in this fun exploration of the science of music. Walker & Company, 2011, 263 p., $26

    By
  2. The Quest for the Cure: The Science and Stories Behind the Next Generation of Medicines by Brent R. Stockwell

    In this well-researched look into the complexities of making  medicines, a chemical biologist gives a history of drug making and details innovative methods of drug discovery. Columbia Univ. Press, 2011, 265 p., $27.95

    By
  3. Book Review: A Planet of Viruses by Carl Zimmer

    Review by Tina Hesman Saey.

    By
  4. Book Review: Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain by David Eagleman

    Review by Laura Sanders.

    By
  5. The Ragged Edge of the World by Eugene Linden

    Buy this book A journalist follows cargo cults in New Guinea, Pygmies in Africa and other groups to trace industrialization’s effects. Viking, 2011, 256 p., $26.95

    By
  6. Epigenetics by Richard C. Francis

    Buy this book A rollicking narrative goes beyond the gene to show how external influences shape genetic legacy. W. W. Norton & Co., 2011, 224 p., $25.95

    By
  7. Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter by Ellen Prager

    Buy this book A tastefully scandalous tour of defensive secretions and extreme sexual flexibility backs up a plea for ocean conservation. Univ. of Chicago Press, 2011, 200 p., $26

    By
  8. Antarctic Wildlife: A Visitor’s Guide by James Lowen

    Buy this book This photographic field guide could come in handy on a cruise of the Antarctic Peninsula, or just be a fun way to learn about life way down under. Princeton Univ. Press, 2011, 240 p., $22.95

    By
  9. Out of Character: Surprising Truths About the Liar, Cheat, Sinner (and Saint) Lurking in All of Us by David DeSteno and Piercarlo Valdesolo

    Subtle changes in environment and context can lead anyone to act as either a saint or a sinner, two psychologists argue, highlighting the flexibility of character. OUT OF CHARACTER Crown Archetype, 2011, 259 p., $25

    By
  10. BOOK REVIEW: Annoying: The Science of What Bugs Us by Joe Palca and Flora Lichtman

    Review by Devin Powell.

    By
  11. The Dance of Air and Sea: How Oceans, Weather, and Life Link Together by Arnold H. Taylor

    An oceanographer explores the connectedness of the seas, atmosphere and weather, with implications for climate change. Oxford Univ. Press, 2011, 288 p., $29.95.

    By
  12. Finding Mars by Ned Rozell

    This travel yarn is set in the rugged regions of Earth, following permafrost scientist Kenji Yoshikawa as he traverses the frozen Arctic. Univ. of Alaska Press, 2011, 188 p., $22.95.

    By