Uncategorized
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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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Making Data Work
Researchers pursue analogy between statistical evidence and thermodynamics.
- Earth
The facts behind the frack
The gas, primarily methane, is cheap and relatively clean. Because America is brimful of the stuff, harvesting the fuel via fracking could provide the country jobs and reduce its dependence on foreign sources of energy.
- Life
Average bear could be pretty smart
Computer tests of solitary species reveal animals’ ability to learn concepts.
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As Told By the Egg
The story of fertilization, from the female point of view.
- Astronomy
Black hole’s annual feast begins
Astronomers offer explanations for source of light around object with an unusual yearly behavior.
- Life
Kick in the gut may lead to IBD
Short-term infection could create conditions for long-term intestinal illness, a study suggests.
- Humans
Language family may have Anatolian origins
Major language family started in Anatolia 8,000 years ago or more, a contentious analysis concludes.
