Science & Engineering

Although consciousness is at the very center of who we are, its exact nature continues to confound modern science. From where does consciousness originate? At our core, are we material bodies or immaterial conscious minds? Many assume that consciousness is a product of our complex brains, a product of evolution—and yet, there is no evolutionary reason that a mechanical function of the brain should allow us to enjoy the beauty of a sunrise or become intoxicated with the smell of rain on dry earth.

Botany For Dummies gives you a thorough overview of the fundamentals of botany, but in simple terms that anyone can understand. Great for supplementing your botany coursework or brushing up before an exam, this book covers plant evolution, the structure and function of plant cells, and plant identification. Plus, you'll learn about how plants of different types are changing and adapting in response to changing climates. This new edition goes into more detail on fungi—not technically plants, but no one is holding that against them.

Our sense of smell guides our lives far more than our screen-heavy, sight-privileged era would suggest. It animates our experience of food and drink, helps us access memories, and strengthens our intimacy with each other. But, long considered our most “beastly” sense, the inner workings of smell have stumped scientists for centuries. Now, cognitive scientist and leading smell researcher Jonas Olofsson uncovers the sophisticated biological processes that animate our olfactory system, with profound implications for how we perceive the world around us.

Scrolling through our daily newsfeeds we see violence and cruelty, turmoil and injustice, fake news and clickbait, and worsening environmental and social crises—just a few of the dark currents feeding a tidal wave of pessimism. In the face of so many challenges, how can we stay optimistic? And, more important, why should we? In The Bright Side, Sumit Paul-Choudhury answers these pressing questions, arguing that optimism is not only essential for overcoming the challenges we face, but also fundamental to human wellbeing

"What is the meaning of life? What is the future of humanity? Is there a God? And if so, why does he allow injustice and suffering?" If you find yourself searching for answers to these mysteries, this thought-provoking story is perfect for you.

In seinem berühmtesten Schriftstück liefert Alexander von Humboldt einen bemerkenswerten Text, der die Welt auf die endgültige Ausmessung derselbigen gründlich vorbereitete. Ein jeweils weit überproportionales Quantum an Erkenntnissucht, Abenteuerlust, Wissenschaftsgeist und Forscherdrang befähigten und beseelten diesen Mann ein bis dato unerreichtes Spektrum an geographischen, geologischen und naturwissenschaftlichen Fakten auf empirischer Basis in seinen Ansichten der Natur zu bündeln und dadurch dem geneigten Leser bzw. Zuhörer auf eine Reise durch die entlegensten, wildesten und erhabensten Naturwelten unseres Planeten mitzunehmen.

Oceanographer Dawn Wright made history in 2022 when she became the first Black person to visit Challenger Deep, the deepest and most unexplored place on Earth—a trip that took her over 10,000 meters beneath the Pacific Ocean’s surface. We know less about the ocean floor than we do about the surface of the moon. To date, barely one-fifth of the seabed has been mapped in high resolution. As an ocean scientist and explorer, Dawn has made it her mission to change that.

When empty nester Paula Whyman climbs to a peak in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, her plans for a backyard ecology project quickly morph into a massive endeavor. In Bad Naturalist, Whyman struggles with conflicting advice from experts, an influx of invasive species, delayed plans, and the occasional rattlesnake—but none of it dampens her irrepressible passion for protecting the land.

Cuando se encierra a un lobo, comienza a dar vueltas en su jaula, se activan sus mecanismos de defensa, su astucia natural se agudiza con el objetivo de escapar y, finalmente, aúlla. Si confinan a un zoólogo documentalista, se pondrá, de inmediato, a investigar acerca del motivo de su aislamiento; pero, cuando le digan que un pangolín y un murciélago son la causa de todo, se dará cuenta de que algo no encaja.

Are you ready to avoid bad decisions, advice, and repairs? If you are a homeowner that wants to learn how to avoid making bad decisions when properly repairing your crawl space, this is the book for you. Most homeowners are unaware of the role the crawl space has on indoor air quality. Many look for quick cheap fixes that can make the problems worse and are a complete waste of time and money.

As GTO poker gets more popular, and more solvers become available, it’s more important than ever to fully understand key GTO concepts. So we took our years of GTO solver exploration and distilled the major takeaways that you can actually use. We call these the gems.

Are you ready to join the ranks of entrepreneurs making a fortune with AI? In "ChatGPT Millionaire Fast Track," you’ll discover how to harness the revolutionary power of ChatGPT and other AI tools to create multiple streams of income—faster and smarter than ever before. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, freelancer, or side-hustler, this step-by-step guide will teach you exactly how to use AI to build profitable online ventures in 2024 and beyond.

In the 1850s, the United States was a nation divided. In the North, industrialization and urbanization were both significant drivers of change. In the South, a largely agrarian economy was supported by the institution of slavery. The East and West of the country were also divided, not by social or political differences but by a vast tract of largely untouched, rugged, and often hostile territory. There were just two ways to travel from the East Coast to the Pacific Coast or vice versa.

Step into the world of foraging with Foraging Wild Edibles for Beginners, the ultimate guide to identifying, harvesting, and enjoying wild foods. Whether you're a nature lover, a culinary enthusiast, or a beginner seeking self-reliance, this book provides the foundational skills you need to explore wild edibles safely and sustainably.

Master the art of beekeeping without the sting of uncertainty—even if you’re a complete beginner! Whether you’ve dreamed of nurturing your own hive, contributing to the environment, or enjoying the natural sweetness of honey, The Beekeeper’s Path is your guide to a rewarding and sustainable adventure.

If you feel like you just have a black thumb, and that you’re doomed to kill any plants under your care, think again. There are simple solutions to your problem that will make your home a haven of style, beauty, and flourishing greenery. Even if you don’t have much time, this guide organizes information in an easy-to-refer manner that you can quickly turn to when you need it. Everything you need to know is at your fingertips in this simple-to-follow book. Whether you’re a serial plant killer or a complete houseplant newbie, you can grow a happy and healthy indoor garden yourself.

Ace the California DMV exam with this complete guide for permits and licenses, covering everything you need to drive confidently and safely. Easy-to-understand explanations, practical tips, and a wide range of practice questions, this guide is designed to make your DMV preparation straightforward and effective. It provides in-depth coverage of California’s road signs, traffic laws, rules of the road, and safe driving practices.

Elevate your manufacturing processes with advanced Root Cause Analysis techniques that ensure precision, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Comprehensive RCA Methods: Delve into proven methodologies like Fishbone Diagrams, 5 Whys Analysis, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). This book provides detailed explanations and practical guidance on how to apply these techniques to identify and eliminate the root causes of problems in your manufacturing processes.

This audiobook takes you on an exciting journey into the past to uncover the story of the Denisovans. Hidden deep in the Denisova Cave in Siberia, their remains went unnoticed for centuries. But when scientists discovered them, it changed what we knew about human history.

Although, I do think it is potentially possible to harness, the static magnetic waves naturally produced by the Earth. The time and cost one would encounter in the process of experimentation may be more than I am willing to sacrifice. However, it is completely possible to make either your current home, a vacation home or cabin more sustainable. A little bit of daydreaming and a lot of elbow grease, these pursuits are entirely possible.

Oh dear ... we're back looking at more car books then, are we? I get it, it's okay. You're a car fan like me. Cars are important to you I suspect, they really matter to you. It says a lot about you, and the choice of car that you make ... well perhaps you think that it even defines you a little. Maybe a lot. It's that important, because it might affect how others think about you. Can that really be true? Well, let's see as we take a little journey through some of the more common brands of car ....

Stars through time highlights, the historical record and impact stars have had an all cultures. Whether accepted as literal truth or viewed as symbolic, it underscores the richness of human experience, offering explanations for the variances that make each individual distinct. By fostering an inclusive perspective that embraces the possibility of cosmic heritage, the Stars encourage us to celebrate our differences, ultimately drawing us closer to the cosmic tapestry of life.

Have you ever wondered how robots learn to think like humans? Or why the human brain is more powerful than any supercomputer? What about the secrets hidden in your favorite foods or the mysteries of the universe beyond our galaxy? Find the answers to these questions and so much more in The Amazing Big Book of Fun Facts! This ultimate trivia book is packed with engaging and educational tidbits to entertain curious minds of all ages while expanding your knowledge about the world and beyond.

Experts agree on the value of genetic testing when there is a family history of disease, or if the patient has an illness frequently caused by a mutation. Knowing the disease mutation lets family members find out if they have it too and need preventive care. The book explains that doctors can order tests with genetic counseling at relatively low cost and how this will help them prescribe preventive actions, make earlier diagnoses, and get better outcomes.

Much of the world's landmass is already known. Deep sea and outer space are beyond most people's reach. It feels like there are fewer places left to discover. Psychedelics, on the other hand, reveal worlds that remain largely obscure. Altered states offer modern, 21st-century audiences boundless opportunities to explore what a human being can experience. In this book, I show you how to become a capable discovery-maker, sample-collecting naturalist, and rational thinker of visionary phenomena.