Gorges, Waterfalls, and Wildflowers
Where Georgia, North and South Carolina meet, the falling headwaters of the Savannah River have carved a series of spectacular gorges and rivers. Hidden among these landforms are magnificent waterfalls and rare, beautiful wildflowers. Let the images of this book guide you through this unique region.
Foundations of Neural Development
Foundations of Neural Development offers a unique perspective designed to make complex topics accessible and memorable for undergraduate students. It explores how a single microscopic cell, a human zygote, can develop into the brain--the most complex machine on Earth! The text is purposefully structured to present topics in the chronological order of brain development. It integrates evolutionary content with philosophical ideas to help students grasp the big picture and aid in learning and retention. Featuring exceptional illustrations and clear explanations, Foundations of Neural Development combines engaging storytelling with rigorous science, guiding students through the intricacies of the topic.
The Landscapes of Science and Religion
The relationship between science and religion has long been a heated debate and is becoming an ever more popular topic. The scientific capacity to manipulate and change humans and their environment through genetic engineering, life extension, and AI is going to take a huge leap forward in the twenty-first century, provoking endless debates around humans "playing God". But what do we mean by this? Asking this question is surprisingly hard work. Attempts to 'essentialise' science, let alone religion, quickly run into trouble. Where are the boundaries? Whose definition of science is definitive? Which concept of religious is the authoritative one? Ultimately, neither "science" nor "religion" can be pinned down to one single meaning or definition. Rather, they encompass a family of definitions that relate to one another in a complex web of shifting ways. Drawing on extensive research with over a hundred leading thinkers in the UK -- including Martin Rees, Brian Cox, Susan Greenfield, A.C. Grayling, Ray Tallis, Linda Woodhead, Steve Bruce, Adam Rutherford, Robin Dunbar, Francesca Stavrakopoulou, and Iain McGilchrist -- The Landscapes of Science and Religion takes the much-needed step of asking what science and religion actually are, before turning to the familiar question of how they relate to one another. Building on this, by paying particular attention to those who sense some form of conflict here, Spencer and Waite explore where the perceived conflict really lies. What exactly are people disagreeing about when they disagree about science and religion, and what, if anything, can we do to improve that disagreement and bring about a fruitful dialogue between these two important human endeavours.
Out of Nowhere
The two fundamental pillars of physics for over 100 years have been quantum theory and general relativity, but their unification at short distances remains elusive, both technically and conceptually. This work is a philosophical investigation of the second kind of problem, and in particular of the striking fact that in many approaches to 'quantum gravity' classical spacetime structures are not merely quantized, but arguably absent—so that spacetime is not merely a classical limit, but 'emergent'. This issue is not only central to the problem of quantum gravity, but of deep significance for our philosophical understanding of physical reality, promising a conceptual revolution at least as profound as Einstein's. Nick Huggett and Christian W羹thrich explore the question of spacetime emergence, for philosophers of metaphysics and science, and argue for spacetime functionalism as the answer to seeing how something non-spatiotemporal could ever appear as space and time. More technical chapters investigate the issue in detail for causal set theory, loop quantum gravity, and string theory, and the book also serves as a philosophical introduction to those theories for philosophers of physics. Out of Nowhere helps physicists clarify what new conceptual framework—not resting on space and time—may be necessary to achieve a theory of quantum gravity. This book also shows philosophers how the world may not be spatiotemporal at root, and what kind of a world we might then live in.
Metallic Nanostructures
Metallic nanoparticles have a rich historical presence, having been utilized in ancient artifacts long before the advent of modern nanotechnology. Among these artifacts are the legendary Damascus sword, renowned for its strength and sharpness and the vibrant colors of stained-glass windows in medieval churches. It was not until the discovery of the scanning electron microscope that scientists began to understand the extraordinary properties of these ancient marvels. This book delves into the science behind why metallic nanostructures exhibit such exceptional behaviors, including their unique physical properties and the underlying principles that govern them. This book provides an in-depth look at the methods used to fabricate these structures, the techniques for characterizing and modeling them, and the wide range of applications they have in today's technology-driven world. From medical diagnostics and electromagnetic detection to energy storage, the potential of metallic nanostructures is vast and ever-expanding.
Dark Matters
Work in clinical and laboratory settings has indicated that lack of bright light during the day can compromise mood, accelerate cancer growth, and impair cognition. Even sustained exposure to the equivalent of a child's night light has been shown to have an impact on everything from how well our brains function every day to how well our bodies recover from injury. Professor Randy J. Nelson brings together the most reliable research on the different ways exposure to light at night affects how our bodies function and, ultimately, our health. Each chapter explores the role of light and dark in our bodies' most important regulatory processes. In humans, virtually every aspect of our physiology and behavior is mediated by our internal biological clocks. One feature of modern life that may have negative consequences for our health is exposure to light levels that are not aligned with the 24-hour solar day. Circadian rhythms, the internal biological rhythms of our body's processes, require short wavelength (blue) light early during the day to optimize their temporal regulation. Experiencing light at night or insufficient light during the day can lead to a host of problems such as obesity, major depression, bipolar depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, sleep disorders, cancer, heart disease and more. Dark Matters sets out to shine a light on the health and well-being consequences of poor circadian hygiene and provide strategies to offset the negative health effects of disrupted circadian rhythms.
The Golden Toad
The Costa Rican cloud forest, a mysterious amphibian killer, and a vanished species: with support from Leonardo DiCaprio's Re: wild campaign, twin documentarians and environmental writers follow their father's footsteps into the heart of the modern extinction crisis. As young boys, Trevor and Kyle Ritland were fascinated by the magnificent golden toad of Costa Rica, a brilliant species their biologist father showed them in his projector's slide shows. Native to only one wind-battered ridgeline high on the continental divide above the cloud forests of Monteverde, thousands of golden toads would congregate for a few weeks each year in ephemeral pools among the twisted roots to mate, deposit their offspring, and retreat again beneath the earth. But from one year to the next, the toads disappeared without a trace; the last of them vanished more than thirty years ago. Since then, only rumors remain--alleged sightings by local residents, which beg the question: could the golden toad still be alive? In The Golden Toad, Trevor and Kyle set off to investigate an environmental mystery with unexpected revelations, a story that speaks to our own collective and uncertain future. Guided by Costa Rican naturalists--including the last person to have seen the golden toad alive--Trevor searches for survivors while Kyle hunts the killer, and their paths lead them through an imperiled forest, a deadly pandemic, and a changing climate, finally intertwining at the site of the golden toad's last emergence deep in Monteverde's Bosque Eterno de Los Ni簽os. The toad's demise becomes a haunting foretelling of approaching ecological crisis, but with a gold lining on the horizon. The Golden Toad changes the conversation around extinction, climate change, and conservation while exploring environmental grief, resurrection, and hope in a changing world.
Fabrica Mundi
How do humans shape their reality? This book delves into the fascinating world of cognitive constructivism, exploring how individual and social processes actively create our understanding of the world. From neural networks to cultural dynamics and the challenges of a digital future, Fabrica Mundi weaves science, philosophy, and psychology into a comprehensive exploration of how knowledge and identity are constructed. An invitation to uncover the mechanisms behind perception and redefine the boundaries of understanding.
Sex and Gender
This open access book provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the study of sex and gender and suggests directions for future research in multiple fields. Sex and gender are understood, measured, and applied in different ways across society and science. To foster interdisciplinary dialogue and to promote informed applications in research, policy, medicine, and public health, the Ernst Str羹ngmann Forum convened scholars from diverse fields to examine a widely held assumption that sex and gender are conceptually separate. Synthesizing the interdisciplinary perspectives that emerged from this discourse, this volume explores the entanglement of sex and gender, suggesting that they are co-constituted in ways that have not been fully understood. This entanglement is examined from multiple perspectives, research challenges are explored, and ways to move forward are proposed to advance basic and developmental systems biology, human biomedical and clinical research as well as policy and practice. The book should be of interest to policymakers as well as researchers working in anthropology, behavioral neuroendocrinology, cellular and molecular neuroscience, clinical psychology, epidemiology, and feminist, gender, and transgender studies.
Global Forest Visualization
This book project examines global forest monitoring as a means to understand the promises and problems of global visualization for climate management.Specifically, the book focuses on Global Forest Watch, the most developed and widely available forest-monitoring platform, created in 1997 by the World Resource Institute. Forest maps are always political as they visualize power relations and form the grid within which forests become commodities. This dislocation of the idea of the forest from its literal roots in the ground has generated problems for forest visualization efforts designed to empower local communities. This book takes a critical humanistic approach to this problem, combining methods from the fields of rhetoric and media studies to suggest solutions to these problems for designers and users of platforms like the Global Forest Watch. To explain why global views of forests can be disempowering, the book relies on biopolitical and rhetorical theories of panopticism and how these views unfold a different violence on different regions of the Earth in relation to colonial history. Using this theoretical framework, the book explains the historical process by which forests came to be classified, quantified, and mapped on a global scale. Interviews with end-users of global forest visualization platforms reveal if and how these platforms support local action. Lastly, the book provides rhetorical solutions to articulate global and local views of forests without reducing one view to the other. These solutions involve looking to forests themselves for clues about how to generate more broadly effective and resilient visualizations.This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of forest studies, climate change, science communication, visualization studies, environmental communication, and environmental conservation.The Open Access version of this book, available at http: //www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.**Winner of the 2025 National Communication Association's Tarla Rai Peterson Book Award in Environmental Communication**
Desert And Water Gardens Of The Red Sea
Embark on a mesmerizing journey along the enchanting shores of the Red Sea with Cyril Crossland's "Desert and Water Gardens of the Red Sea." This captivating classic, out of print for decades, has been lovingly restored and republished by Alpha Editions, offering a rare glimpse into a world where nature and culture intertwine in breathtaking harmony. Crossland's vivid narrative and keen observations transport readers to a land of vibrant coral gardens and resilient desert landscapes, unveiling the timeless beauty and rich traditions of the native peoples. This edition is not just a reprint; it is a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously preserved for today's and future generations. Whether you're a casual reader or a collector of classic literature, this book promises an unforgettable exploration of the Red Sea's hidden wonders. Dive into a world where every page is a testament to the enduring allure of nature and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants. Rediscover a lost masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate, now available for all to cherish.
Common Poisonous Plants Of New England
Unlock the secrets of nature's hidden dangers with "Common Poisonous Plants of New England," a timeless classic that has been out of print for decades and is now beautifully restored by Alpha Editions. This captivating guide, penned by Joseph S. Karas and Jr. Heber W. Youngken, is not just a book it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously preserved for today's and future generations. Dive into the enchanting yet perilous world of New England's flora, where beauty and danger intertwine. This unique volume offers an invaluable exploration of the region's most notorious plants, blending scientific insight with engaging storytelling. Whether you're a casual reader, a nature enthusiast, or a collector of classic literature, this book promises to enrich your understanding of the natural world. With its compelling narrative and stunning restoration, "Common Poisonous Plants of New England" is more than a reprint it's a journey through time, inviting you to discover the delicate balance of nature's allure and its hidden threats. Don't miss the chance to own this exquisite edition, a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and the beauty of the written word.
Whale Primer, With Special Attention To The California Gray Whale
Dive into the mesmerizing world of the majestic California Gray Whale with "Whale Primer" by Theodore J. Walker a timeless classic that resurfaces after decades out of print. This beautifully restored edition by Alpha Editions is not just a reprint; it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously preserved for today's and future generations. "Whale Primer" offers an unparalleled exploration of the enigmatic lives of whales, with a special focus on the California Gray Whale. Walker's captivating narrative and insightful observations transport readers into the depths of the ocean, unveiling the mysteries and marvels of these gentle giants. This book is a unique blend of scientific inquiry and poetic reverence, making it an invaluable resource for both casual readers and dedicated collectors of classic literature. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a marine biology aficionado, or simply someone who cherishes beautifully crafted books, "Whale Primer" promises to inspire and educate. Rediscover this lost gem and let it ignite your imagination and deepen your appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. Secure your copy today and become part of the legacy of preserving literary and ecological heritage.
The Curious Crew Explores Sleep
Curious Sofia explores why sleep is important and her friend, Mr. Tie, helps her find the answers with the help of a magical tie. Like any other kid, Sofia loves to play and gets really sad when it's time to go home and sleep. Her parents keep insisting on the importance of sleep but she struggles to understand why sleep is so important. She calls on her friend - Mr. Tie, a dog with a magical tie to help her understand what happens to her body when she sleeps. Mr. Tie uncovers the amazing benefits of sleep, from mending our bruises and balancing our emotions to making space for new memories in our brains. He explains how, each night, an invisible army gets to work, repairing our bodies, strengthening our immune system, and helping us fight off germs and bacteria. Sofia and Mr. Tie discover that sleep isn't just a routine part of the day; it's an exciting adventure that prepares them for anything that comes their way.
Was Man Created?
Unlock the mysteries of human existence with "Was Man Created?" by Henry A. Mott, a thought-provoking classic that has been out of print for decades and is now beautifully republished by Alpha Editions. This restored edition is not just a reprint; it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously preserved for today's and future generations. Dive into Mott's compelling exploration of creation, where science meets philosophy in a timeless debate that challenges the very essence of our origins. With eloquent prose and insightful analysis, Mott navigates the intricate dance between faith and reason, offering readers a unique perspective that remains as relevant today as it was at the turn of the 20th century. Whether you're a casual reader intrigued by the mysteries of life or a collector of classic literature, this edition promises to captivate and inspire. Rediscover a forgotten masterpiece that bridges the gap between past and present, inviting you to ponder the eternal question: Was man created? Embrace this rare opportunity to own a piece of literary history, and let Mott's enduring wisdom enrich your understanding of the world.
Graphene from Natural Sources
This book examines the synthesis of graphene obtained from different natural raw materials and waste products as a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative that delivers a quality final product. Expert researchers review potential sources of natural raw materials and waste products, methods or characterization, graphene synthesis considerations, and important applications.FEATURES Explores the different approaches to the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) from natural and industrial carbonaceous wastes Outlines the modification and characterization methods of GO and rGO Addresses the characterization methods of GO and rGO Details applications of GO and rGO created from natural sources Graphene is a multidisciplinary material with applications in almost every sector of science and engineering. Graphene from Natural Sources: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications is a noteworthy reference for material scientists and engineers in academia and industry interested in reducing costs and employing green synthesis methods in their work.
Application of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems in Inflammatory Diseases
This book discusses the application of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDs) in different inflammatory diseases. It introduces the principles, formulation, components, and characterization techniques of SNEDD, intended for researchers, pharmacologists, pharmaceutical scientists, and clinicians involved in drug delivery.
Trails Across Missouri
You've probably heard the story about a journey that begins in Kansas and ends in a fanciful place to the east. That adventure followed a path that passed through a bucolic countryside filled with hayfields, wide rivers, deep woods, and steep cliffs. Along the way you met a collection of colorful characters--all you had to do was follow the yellow brick road. This book takes you on a journey from very close to Kansas to a city in the east. While crushed limestone is not yellow bricks, our destination does not include witches and flying monkeys! Welcome to the Katy and Rock Island Trails--a path across Missouri that is unique in America. These trails cross almost the entire state from the flat plains that extend east from Kansas, through the Missouri River valley. The trail ends in a place not far from where America's two greatest rivers meet--near a fanciful structure in its own right-- the Gateway Arch. On the Katy and Rock Island Trails, the length of the trip is up to you. You don't have to make the entire journey, just pick the part that fits your slippers--or cycling shoes and walking boots. Your adventure starts here!
The Lie of the Land
*A WATERSTONES AND GUARDIAN BEST BOOK OF 2024* *SHORTLISTED FOR THE WESTMINSTER BOOK AWARDS* 'Both dynamite and medicine' AMY-JANE BEER 'It couldn't be more relevant' JAMES O'BRIEN 'Timely and rousing' THE TIMES The lie of the land: that Britain's landowners care for the countryside. Our landowning elite are paid billions of taxpayer pounds to be good stewards. But these same landowners have carelessly trampled over our best-loved landscapes, leaving the rivers polluted, fenlands drained, and moorlands burned.Guy Shrubsole has travelled across Britain to expose the lie and meet the communities fighting back to restore our lost landscapes. This is a bold, shared vision for our nation's wild places, and how we can treat them with the awe and care they deserve.
100 Ways To Future-Proof Your Brain
In a world racing toward AI dominance, 100 Ways to Future-Proof Your Brain offers a functionally human roadmap to build resilience, clarity, and cognitive control.Blending neuroscience, storytelling, and practical tools, AI neuroscientist and TED speaker Sarah Baldeo delivers 100 modular practices drawn from neuroscience and lived experience-each designed to rewire your mind, reclaim your focus, and reimagine how your brain thrives in complexity.This is not a book of hacks-it's a handbook for authorship: of thought, identity, and the future. Whether you're facing burnout, chasing reinvention, or trying to build a brain that still feels like you, this guide offers realistic, sometimes even fun, ways to evolve.From decoding dopamine to rewiring anxiety, from sparking awe and creativity to reviving ancient rituals, Baldeo's insights offer cognitive nutrition for the 21st-century mind.Based on research shared across 1,100+ global stages and major media outlets-CTV News, NBC, FOX, and TED-100 Ways to Future-Proof Your Brain invites you to stop performing productivity and start redesigning the way your mind works.
Desolation Wilderness
Desolation Wilderness, Stories and Photos from a Sublime Landscape, by Kevin Patrick Smith is the author's details of 50 years of hiking in this wilderness. California's federally designated Desolation Wilderness Area is home to countless trails, beautiful lakes, stunning views and rare wildlife. Endangered by the encroachment of urban space insight into the value of wilderness and its preservation is provided along with descriptions and photos from great adventures.
Trusting Science
In today's world of social media and information overload, certain science topics related to policy decisions, such as vaccination, ignite controversy. Beyond the usual explanations of science denial and ideological battles lies a deeper issue: a widespread distrust fueled by poor science communication. Trusting Science: Why We Need to Reconsider School Science Teaching reveals how a lack of understanding of how science is done can result in distrust among those who aren't inherently against science. This book highlights the urgent need for better public education on how science truly works-from gathering evidence and understanding uncertainties to recognizing the role of experts and even the biases scientists may have. Drawing on historical and contemporary socio-scientific controversies, particularly - but not only - in the realm of vaccination, Dr. Kostas Kampourakis offers insightful solutions to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. By enhancing communication and education, he argues, we can foster a more realistic and appreciative view of science, recognizing both its immense potential and its limitations. Trusting Science is a must-read for anyone interested in better understanding science and in the future of public trust in science.
London's Royal Parks
A comprehensive celebration of the historic buildings, monuments, and "parkitecture" that define these beloved green spaces.London's Royal Parks are among its most beautiful and beloved spaces: just as much as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace or St Pancras Station, the mere mention of Hyde Park or Greenwich Park is enough to evoke the capital in all its glory for residents and tourists alike. They have a magnificent history - some were royally owned as far back as the Norman conquest, others were acquired by Henry VIII during the Reformation and were great hunting grounds for successive monarchs - and since being opened to the public, they have hosted some of London's great events, including the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park and innumerable jubilees, international games and competitions and celebrations. Today, the Royal Parks are visited by over 77 million visitors. But what are the ingredients of these magnificent green spaces? We often think of wider landscapes of trees, grass, lakes, meandering footways, bedding displays and herbaceous borders. But the Royal Parks are much more than this. Defined as 'parkitecture', we find royal palaces, stately homes, villas, monuments, memorials, statues of national figures and war heroes, public art, often controversial yet inspiring, sculpture, bandstands, gates and railings of exquisite designs, fountains, refreshments rooms, lodges and pavilions, bridges and boathouses. Each of the Royal Parks is defined by its 'parkitecture', from the formality of Regent's and St James's Parks to the rurality of Bushy and Richmond Parks. This new book is a long overdue complete celebration of the many buildings and monuments of London's Royal Parks with over 250 beautiful illustrations.
Principles of Biological Autonomy, a New Annotated Edition
A new, updated edition of the 1979 classic from one of the foremost authors in cognitive science and theoretical biology, with the original text as well as more than 200 citations to current scientific developments. Francisco Varela's Principles of Biological Autonomy was a groundbreaking text when it was first published in 1979, putting forth a novel theory of how living systems produce and maintain themselves. This new edition, edited and annotated by cognitive scientists Ezequiel Di Paolo and Evan Thompson--revised and complemented with introductory essays for each part of the book--contains a wealth of ideas relevant to current projects in theoretical biology, cognitive science, systems theory, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of biology. Over 220 margin annotations supplement the reading of the text, linking to subsequent research and broader contemporary debates. This foundational book introduces the key concept of autonomy derived as an elaboration of the idea of autopoiesis (the self-production and self-distinction) of living organisms. Varela covers topics in systems theory, neuroscience, theories of perception, and immune networks and offers a participatory epistemology that goes on to be further developed in later enactive literature. These ideas are compelling not only for historical reasons but also because they still illuminate current efforts in developing the enactive approach toward wider and more challenging goals (including language, human cognition, ethics, and environmentalism).
The Science of the Beatles
An In-Depth Analysis of The Beatles' Music and the Theory, Techniques, and Technology That Made It Possible When people look back in two hundred years time at our culture, whose music will have survived from today? Who will be our equivalent of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven? The big story of contemporary popular music has been The Beatles. They were the chief architects of the fusion of classical and popular music to create a new musical mainstream. From the time we humans first made our art, music and technology have been inseparable. And that symbiotic relationship has never been so excitingly orchestrated than with the musical history of The Beatles. They absorbed many other styles around them in an extraordinary and unprecedented melting pot of music. And they embraced new technologies with enthusiasm and imagination. As pioneers of recording tech and artistic presentation, making American music with a British twist, The Beatles revolutionized many aspects of music tech, and became leaders of the era's youth and sociocultural movements. Their music was both genuinely sophisticated and hugely popular. For a generation, they were the most important composers in the world, and became the most influential band of all time. Putting the band's thirteen legendary studio albums under a microscope, The Science of The Beatles looks at the science, poetry, and raw-power in the music that started a revolution.
Molecular Imaging for Brain Diseases
This volume aims provides timely reviews with special focus on the clinical aspects of brain molecular imaging. The chapters reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the field detailing, glutamate receptor imaging, tau and amyloid imaging, glucose metabolism, opioid receptor, dopamine receptor imaging, brain metabolite measurements by 1H-MRS, and analytical methods using artificial intelligence, which have become extremely important in recent years. In the Neuromethods series style, chapters include the kind of detail and key advice from the specialists needed to get successful results in your laboratory. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Molecular Imaging for Brain Diseases provides methods to navigate this complex field and inspire a deeper appreciation for the brain's molecular underpinnings.
Uncommon Ground
'A curious-minded and subtle intervention in the politics of the countryside' Sunday Times 'Galbraith spent three years investigating the truth about rural Britain and how we treat it. Uncommon Ground is the brilliant result' Daily Telegraph 'Very funny. Acutely observed. An attempt to look beyond the usual clich矇s of country life' Observer "Brilliant. This book is a sort of necessary clever trespass itself, on everyone's notions about 'our land'." Country Life "Filled with voices from people who don't always make the headlines in the UK land access debate." Scotsman The countryside is under increasing pressure and people, the science shows, need nature. Access to the countryside is essential for our health, our happiness and our future. But does nature need us?In January 2023, the largest land access demonstration since the 1930s took place on a bright wintery morning on Dartmoor. The access movement demands that the countryside be thrown open. This, they argue, would help nature by giving the public the opportunity to hold farmers and wealthy landowners to account.But would it really work for Britain's growing population to spill out across the countryside, and is access quite as restricted as we are led to believe?In Uncommon Ground, Patrick Galbraith takes us on an extraordinary tour of rural Britain, from the Hebrides to Devon, and from Anglo-Saxon England to the present day. To uncover the truth and fully understand our deep connection with the land, he meets farmers, Irish Travellers, politicians, salmon poachers, and the nation's most-hated landowners, as well as activists calling for a total abolition of the right to own land.In his much-celebrated style, Galbraith works hard to listen to those who often don't get listened to. This raking survey of our fast-changing country, reveals the essence of rural Britain's soul. Uncommon Ground argues that what matters is not greater access but how we engage with the land and demands that landowners give us more opportunities to do so, while also giving endangered wildlife the right to tranquility.
Elusive Cures
A neuroscientist's bold proposal for tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time--brain and mental illnesses Brain research has been accelerating rapidly in recent decades, but the translation of our many discoveries into treatments and cures for brain disorders has not happened as many expected. We do not have cures for the vast majority of brain illnesses, from Alzheimer's to depression, and many medications we do have to treat the brain are derived from drugs produced in the 1950s--before we knew much about the brain at all. Tackling brain disorders is clearly one of the biggest challenges facing humanity today. What will it take to overcome it? Nicole Rust takes readers along on her personal journey to answer this question. Drawing on her decades of experience on the front lines of neuroscience research, Rust reflects on how far we have come in our quest to unlock the secrets of the brain and what remains to be discovered. She shows us that treating a brain disorder is more like redirecting a hurricane than fixing a domino chain of cause and effect, arguing that only once we embrace the idea of the brain as a complex system do we have any hope of finding cures. Rust profiles the pioneering ideas about the brain that are driving research at the cutting edge to illuminate exactly how much we know about disorders such as Parkinson's, epilepsy, addiction, schizophrenia, and anxiety--and what it will take to eradicate these scourges. Elusive Cures sheds light on one of the most daunting challenges ever confronted by science while offering hope for revolutionary new treatments and cures for the brain.
Brain Aging and Resilience
This book explores the remarkable adaptability of the human brain in the face of aging and adverse conditions. Through the lens of groundbreaking research, personal interactions, anecdotes, and historical context, Dr. Nicolas Bazan challenges current misconceptions about aging and demonstrates how our neural networks can continue to adapt, fostering quality of life as we age. Brain Aging and Resilience traces the evolution of key neurobiological ideas, from early theories of neural degeneration to the advances in brain plasticity and regenerative medicine. The book delves into diverse topics such as oxidative stress, neurogenesis, the role of lifestyle in cognitive health, and emerging therapeutic avenues that promise to enhance brain resilience. Additionally, Dr. Bazan provides readers with actionable insights into enhancing their own cognitive resilience through scientifically grounded strategies. "In this remarkable book, Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan presents a truly enlightening, unique, and timely view on aging and longevity. Drawing on his knowledge as a distinguished neuroscientist, he skillfully navigates through the intricate workings of the human brain to unveil hidden secrets to successful, healthy aging. This book is unlike any other on aging because of the author's rich personal relationships with remarkable individuals who clearly enjoyed healthy aging." Lou Ignarro, 1998 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine "Dr. Nicolas Bazan's remarkable book is a masterpiece in the art of aging gracefully, a testament to the potential that lies within each of us. With his guidance, we can navigate the intricacies of our aging brains, embrace changes, and pave the way for a future where aging is not a burden but a journey of self-empowerment. He artfully demonstrates how the power of neuroplasticity and the regenerative capacity of our brain cells can be harnessed to promote longevity and resilience as we age." --Dr. Susumu Tonegawa from MIT, Massachusetts, 1987 Nobel Prize of Physiology or Medicine "Nicolas Bazan is a remarkable author and neuroscientist. He is indeed an inspiration and truly a Renaissance man." --Dr. Jerome Issac Friedman, 1990 Nobel Prize in Physics Cover image is an MRI scan of the brain of a man who died at 103 years of age with documented normal cognition, shows moderate to severe generalized brain atrophy but striking preservation of the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (left side is shown). Microscopic examination of the same patient's anterior cingulate cortex revealed preserved von Economo neuron numbers and morphology. Courtesy William Seeley, MD, University of California, San Francisco.
