Reviews
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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
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Gravity: How the Weakest Force in the Universe Shaped Our Lives by Brian Clegg
A history of attempts to understand the universe’s most mysterious force also explores gravity’s importance in people’s everyday lives.St. Martin’s, 2012, 336 p., $25.99
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Is American Science in Decline? By Yu Xie and Alexandra A. Killewald
Two sociologists look at fears of falling behind the global competition and find that U.S. research is changing but is still in good health. Harvard Univ., 2012, 230 p., $45
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101 American Geo-Sites You’ve Gotta See (Geology Underfoot) by Albert B. Dickas
This handy guide has plenty of labeled photos and diagrams to help you find geological sites of interest in all 50 states. Mountain Press, 2012, 250 p., $24
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BOOK REVIEW: The Marvelous Learning Animal: What Makes Human Nature Unique
Review by Bruce Bower.
