Popular Science

Did NASA really spend millions creating a pen that would write in space? Is chocolate poisonous to dogs? Does stress cause gray hair? These questions are a sample of the urban lore investigated in this audiobook, Fact or Fiction: Science Tackles 58 Popular Myths. Drawing from Scientific American’s “Fact or Fiction” and “Strange But True” columns, we’ve selected 58 of the most surprising, fascinating, useful, and just plain wacky topics confronted by our writers over the years.

In an era overwhelmed with dietary advice and nutrition fads, making informed choices about what to eat can be challenging. "Beyond Calories: The Science and Benefits of Popular Diets" by Dr. Ferghal Armstrong provides a comprehensive, science-based exploration of various diets to help you navigate this complex landscape. This enlightening book delves into the true impact of our dietary choices on health, moving past the simplistic notion of calorie counting to uncover the deeper relationship between food and overall well-being.

Maybe you know someone who swears by the reliability of psychics or who is in regular contact with angels. Or perhaps you're trying to find a nice way of dissuading someone from wasting money on a homeopathy cure. How do you find a gently persuasive way of steering people away from unfounded beliefs, bogus cures, conspiracy theories, and the like? Longtime skeptic Guy P. Harrison shows you how in this down-to-earth, entertaining exploration of commonly held extraordinary claims.

Ao expor uma visão integral da cultura, considera tanto suas dimensões antropológica e política quanto o potencial econômico desta que é uma de nossas principais riquezas. A autora se vale de sua atuação como parlamentar e de sua experiência como Secretária Municipal de Cultura na cidade do Rio de Janeiro para demonstrar que a gestão democrática e inclusiva da vida cultural pode se converter em um instrumento poderoso de transformação. Conduzidos por Jandira Feghali somos levados à importante compreensão de que Cultura é Poder!

An Adult’s Guide to Modern Teen Language **Are you tired of hearing words from your kids or students and feeling completely lost? Ever wondered what “rizz,” “peng,” “NPC,” “delulu,” “snitching,” “gooning,” “W move,” or “glowdown” really mean—and which ones should concern you? You’re not alone. Teen slang is evolving faster than ever, and this book is your clear, safe, and trusted guide through it all. Whether you’re a parent, carer, teacher, youth worker, or simply curious, this resource helps you finally understand the language young people use every day—online and offline.

The editors of Scientific American’s best-selling Fact or Fiction: Science Tackles 58 Popular Myths return with Fact or Fiction 2: 50 (More) Popular Myths Explained. We cast an analytical eye on another collection of urban lore and cultural myths that persist so long in our collective consciousness they acquire a ring of truth. Who hasn’t heard the “five-second rule”, which insists that food dropped on the floor is safe to eat if it’s picked up within five seconds? How many of us have been told to “feed a cold, starve a fever"?

Something Bright and Beautiful by Cathryn Free is a forthcoming title from Feiwel & Freinds...

Discover the science behind the most popular sci-fi franchise of all time. Capturing the imagination and hearts of crowds worldwide, Star Wars is a fantastic feat of science fiction and fantasy. We marvel at the variety of creatures and technology and the mystery behind the force. But how much of the Star Wars world is rooted in reality? Could we see some of the extraordinary inventions materialize in our world?

Our enduring love of vampires - the bad boys (and girls) of paranormal fantasy - has persisted for centuries. Despite being bloodthirsty, heartless killers, vampire stories commonly carry erotic overtones that are missing from other paranormal or horror stories. Even when monstrous teeth are sinking into pale, helpless throats - especially then - vampires are sexy. But why? Author Violet Fenn takes the listener through the history of vampires in "fact" and fiction, their origins in mythology and literature, and their enduring appeal on TV and film.

Behind every Summer Olympic scoring soccer kick, tennis-ball bounce, and hard-hitting volleyball serve, science is at work. The type of kick used on a soccer ball affects its path. An equestrian leans forward during a jump to help the horse balance. Cyclists wear tight clothing to reduce drag. Find out how science is involved in several popular Summer Olympic events and how athletes take science into account in their quest for the gold medal.

The New York Times bestselling author brings his trademark legal acumen and passionate snark to offer a brilliant takedown of ten shocking pieces of legislation that continue to perpetuate hate, racial bias, injustice, and inequality today—an urgent yet hopeful story for our current political climate

A groundbreaking history of the human mind told through our experience of dreams—from the earliest accounts to current scientific findings—and their essential role in the formation of who we are and the world we have made. "A resounding case for the mystery, beauty and cognitive importance...

Why do superheroes choose to be superheroes? Where does Spider-Man's altruism come from, and what does it mean? Why is there so much prejudice against the X-Men, and how could they have responded to it, other than the way they did? Why are super-villains so aggressive? The Psychology of Superheroes answers these questions in a wide range of essays on topics from Aquaman to Arkham Asylum - exploring the inner workings our heroes usually only share with their therapists.

An Esquire Best Book of 2022! Written with inside access, comprehensive research, and a down-to-earth perspective, Phasers on Stun! chronicles the entire history of Star Trek, revealing that its enduring place in pop culture is all thanks to innovative pivots and radical change. For over five...

There’s no doubt that technology has made it easier to communicate. It’s also easier to shut someone out when we are confronted with online discourse. Why bother to understand strangers - or even acquaintances - when you can troll them, block them, or just click “Unfriend” and never look back? However briefly satisfying that might be, it’s also potentially eroding one of our most human traits: empathy.

The Mount of Olives has endured endless conflicts and wars. Recent events in the Middle East have sent clouds of sorrow and anger over seven continents. The Epstein Affair is a story of lust and revenge that occurs behind a hidden door of the Israeli / Palestinian conflict.

Was defeating the monsters under the seas of Europe the end of Zaena's worries? Well, no. She knows the worst battle will come at the Night Elves' abandoned enclave. Is it possible the demise of the Night Elves was exaggerated? Something is bringing back creatures that hadn't threatened humanity since elves walked among them. Zaena and Team Princess confront threats all over the country, but how can a warrior be prepared if she doesn't know what she might face?

What exactly made the earth round? How do boomerangs turn around mid-air? And why do cats always land on their feet? “A basic scientific concept receives long overdue attention” (Kirkus Reviews) in this “fascinating” (Wall Street Journal) new book from the masterful author of The Age of...

In The Book of Cannabis, Jeremy Narby―renowned author of The Cosmic Serpent―delivers a sweeping, clear-eyed exploration of cannabis as both plant and cultural phenomenon. From its ancient medicinal and ritualistic roles to its vilification, Narby traces how cannabis became one of the most controversial plants in modern history.

Ever wonder why comic book villains, such as Spiderman's bionic archenemy Dr. Octopus or the X-Men's eternal rival Magneto, are so scary and so much fun? It's not just their diabolical talent for confounding our heroes, it's their unrivalled techno-proficiency at creating global mayhem that keeps comic book fans captivated. But is any of the science actually true?