8/8/14
Its been a few years since I last blogged. After some thought, I have decided to get back into it. I figured I would start with some reviews of science- related books I have read recently:
Periodic Tales: A Cultural History of the elements, from arsenic to zinc- Hugh Aldersey- Williams
Great book about some of the elements of the periodic table. The author looks at the elements from a cultural standpoint; from their discovery, to their culture influence, to their application in the present day. The book separates the elements into five different sections: 1) Power 2) Fire 3) Craft 4) Beauty 5) Earth. I found the "Fire" section to be the most interesting, especially the chapters on Phosphorous and Chlorine.
Missing Microbes- Martin J. Blaser, MD
This book was written by a doctor whose specialty is the human microbiome (the biome of microorganisms [bacteria, etc] on the human body). His main theory is that the overuse of antibiotics and increased numbers of C-Sections have caused a spike in diseases in the last 30 years.
Survival of the Sickest: The Suprising Connections between Disease and Longevity- Dr. Sharon Moalem
This book looks at immunology and how it has evolved over time. This is a very accessible and enjoyable read. You do not need a background in Biology to enjoy this book. The best part about it is that the author makes his points through narrative. He is telling the reader a story, yet connecting the dots and making you see the bigger, scientific picture.
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