Tag: popular science

Science Behind the Scenes

Xinxin

This booklist explores the science behind the fictional inventions, mythical animals, unusual science jobs, science shows and much more. This blog is suited for scientists and people who would like to read something interesting.

The science of superheroes : the secrets behind speed, strength, flight, evolution, and more / Brake, Mark
“Discover the science behind the abilities of your favourite superheroes!  Superheroes fascinate their fans with their incredible superhuman abilities and impressive technology. But are they plausible or real examined through the scientific lens? For example, Can an Iron Man suit be made? How does Thor’s hammer work? Could any known forms of radiation cause superpowers? How many calories does Superman need each day? ” (Adapted from the Catalogue)

Every tool’s a hammer : life is what you make it / Savage, Adam
“Adam Savage, star of Discovery Channel’s MythBusters shares his golden rules of creativity, through forty-plus years of making, molding, building and breaking, this book hope to save you a few mistakes (and fingers) and help you turn your curiosities into creations. This toolbox also includes lessons from many other incredible makers and creators, including: Jamie Hyneman, Nick Offerman, Pixar director Andrew Stanton, Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro, artist Tom Sachs, and chef Traci Des Jardins. ” (Adapted from the Catalogue)

Worlds in shadow : submerged lands in science, memory and myth / Nunn, Patrick D.
“What’s beneath the ocean surface is a fertile ground for speculation, even myth-making, but also a topic on which geologists and climatologists have increasingly focused on in recent decades. This is the first book to present the science of submergence in a popular format. Patrick Nunn sifts the fact from the fiction, using the most up-to-date research to work out which submerged places may have actually existed versus those only exist in myth.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)

Unusual and awesome jobs using science : food taster, human lie detector, and more / Wendinger, Jennifer
“Discover fascinating facts, figures, and pictures while learning about the most interesting and extreme jobs that use science. Find out what kind of training it takes to be a food taster, how much money a human lie detector makes, and exactly what in the world a professional beard grower does!” (Catalogue)

 

Author interview: Physicist and science writer Laurie Winkless

Neil
Image of the Laurie Winkless with her new book Sticky.


Laurie Winkless is a physicist and science writer. She has contributed to Forbes Magazine and worked with both the Royal Society and The Naked Scientists. She has a BSc in Physics with Astrophysics from Trinity College Dublin, has worked at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and has done some impressive mahi with the Materials Team at the National Physical Laboratory, focussing on thermoelectric energy harvesting!  She has also researched the use of nanomaterials in the space industry for the European Space Agency.

Her first book, Science, and the City: The Mechanics Behind the Metropolis, explains the science behind aspects of urban living, including skyscrapers and subways. She recently took some time out from her busy schedule to talk to us about her latest book, Sticky, which is an exploration of the amazing world of surface science.

This interview with Laurie Winkless was done in conjunction with the Caffeine and Aspirin arts and entertainment review show on Radioactive FM. Below is the podcast of that interview for your enjoyment:

We are thrilled that Winkless took time out from her very busy schedule to talk to us about her new book, her career, and loads of other fascinating scientific topics. We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to her.

 For more information on Laurie, visit https://www.lauriewinkless.com/

 And for more information on her new book Sticky, visit HERE. 

Both of Laurie’s books are available to borrow from the library.

 

Sticky: The Secret Science Of Surfaces / Winkless, Laurie
“In Sticky, physicist Laurie Winkless brings the amazing world of surface science to the popular science market. Using her characteristic fun and relaxed tone, she introduces us to the glues, adhesives and textures that rule and improve stickiness to give plants and animals an advantage, as well as uncovering the physics behind our sense of touch.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

 

Science and the city : the mechanics behind the metropolis / Winkless, Laurie
“A window into the hidden science and engineering that are the backbone and lifeblood of the city, now and in the future.” (Adapted from Catalogue)