New Releases by James Trefil

Nuestro planeta no es frágil. Es un sistema complejo y resistente que podemos gestionar con éxito. En este provocador libro, Trefil analiza a fondo nuestro futuro medioambiental y descubre que, en contra de lo que comúnmente se piensa, existen motivos de celebración. Trefil sostiene que los humanos llevamos demasiado tiempo tratando la naturaleza como algo ajeno a nosotros: bien como fantasía primigenia que conservar, bien como fuente de recursos materiales que explotar. En lugar de eso, Trefil nos propone abordar la cuestión del medio ambiente desde un enfoque científico, que nos ayude a transformar la naturaleza en beneficio de todos. En Gestionemos la naturaleza, Trefil pone de manifiesto las ventajas de las especies transgénicas; describe el papel que desempeñan las glaciaciones, las extinciones de especies y el calentamiento global; y ofrece diversos ejemplos de gestión medioambiental en los que la satisfacción de las necesidades humanas rinde beneficios harto más provechosos para el entorno que la protección de algunas especies animales. Y lo que es más importante, muestra cómo los avances en genómica, teoría de la complejidad, ecología experimental y tecnología de la información habrán de proporcionarnos las herramientas necesarias para convertirnos en gestores activos y responsables del planeta. Trefil nos ilustra de manera cautivadora sobre la cooperación entre el hombre y la naturaleza con el fin de demostrar que, si aceptamos el desafío, podemos llegar a gestionar el planeta con éxito. Éste libro, al igual que ocurriera con Primavera silenciosa de Rachel Carson, o La bomba demográfica de Paul Ehrlich, promete alterar radicalmente el concepto que tenemos de nuestra relación con la Tierra, pero desde el optimismo, no desde la alarma. "Una obra importante . . . una alternativa al movimiento ecologista para salvaguardar el futuro del planeta." -New Scientist "Original y refrescante. Además, Trefil tiene razón." -Michael Ruse, The New York Times Book Review Traducción de Víctor Úbeda

From amusement park rides to critical environmental issues such as energy generation-physics affects almost every aspect of our world. In PHYSICS MATTERS, James Trefil and Robert Hazen examine the fundamental physics principles at work behind the many practical applications that fuel our society and individual lives. Their goal is to promote a deeper understanding of how the great ideas of physics connect to form a much larger understanding of the universe in which we live. Highlights Helps readers build a general knowledge of key ideas in physics and their connection to technology and other areas of science. Promotes an appreciation of what science is, how scientific knowledge is developed, and how it differs from other intellectual activities. Examines modern technologies, including GPS, the Internet, and information technologies, as well as medical technologies, such as MRI, PET scans, CAT scans, and radioisotope tracers. Explores key issues facing the world today, such as global warning, nuclear waste, and government funding for research.

Written by authors who have vast experience in communicating science to general audiences, Physics Matters conveys the principles of physics in a manner that is understandable to non-majors. In a prose style that is clear, engaging, and contemporary, it pays particular attention to the relevance of physics in comprehending our modern technological society and the issues created by those technologies.It offers a broad, relatively non-mathematical, and highly readable survey of all the standard topics in physics.Before you buy, make sure you are getting the best value and all the learning tools you''ll need to succeed in your course. If your professor requires eGrade Plus, you can purchase it now at no additional cost!With this special eGrade Plus package you get the new text_no highlighting, no missing pages, no food stains_an activity book with class activities, self study and homework assignments, as well as a registration code to eGrade Plus, a suite of effective learning tools to help you get a better grade.eGrade Plus gives you:A complete online version of the textbookVideo experimentsStudent web projectsSelf assessment testsHomework questions with links to the relevant section of the online bookeGrade Plus is a powerful online tool that provides students with an integrated suite of teaching and learning resources and an online version of the text in one easy-to-use website.

Prize-winning theoretical physicist and outspoken advocate for scientific literacy Trefil looks squarely at our environmental future and finds--contrary to popular wisdom--reason to celebrate.

Activity Book From amusement park rides to critical environmental issues such as energy generation-physics affects almost every aspect of our world. In PHYSICS MATTERS, James Trefil and Robert Hazen examine the fundamental physics principles at work behind the many practical applications that fuel our society and individual lives. Their goal is to promote a deeper understanding of how the great ideas of physics connect to form a much larger understanding of the universe in which we live. Highlights: Helps readers build a general knowledge of key ideas in physics and their connection to technology and other areas of science. Promotes an appreciation of what science is, how scientific knowledge is developed, and how it differs from other intellectual activities. Examines modern technologies, including GPS, the Internet, and information technologies, as well as medical technologies, such as MRI, PET scans, CAT scans, and radioisotope tracers. Explores key issues facing the world today, such as global warning, nuclear waste, and government funding for research.

Work more effectively and gauge your progress along the way! Designed to be used alongside Trefil’s The Sciences, 4th Edition, this Study Guide contains many elements that foster student success. Included are chapter reviews, learning objectives, key chapter concepts and key concept charts. The ties between science and math are reinforced with key formulas and equations. Links to scientists and their findings are outlined to help improve your comprehension of key subject area concepts. The Sciences, 4th Edition integrates major concepts from physics, chemistry, astronomy, earth sciences, and biology to help anyone become science-literate. Even readers with little or no science background will find this unique book an indispensable guide to understanding the latest headlines, controversies, and scientific developments. The new edition keeps pace with the dynamic nature of the sciences by incorporating the most up-to-date discoveries in all five disciplines.

The ultimate science handbook for the home explains in everyday terms 200 of the most important laws and principles that define one''s sense of the physical world. 100 full-color illustrations & photos.

Good Seeing presents a readable, inspiring history of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, from its founding in 1902, through the emergence of "big science" after World War II, to the institution''s role in addressing the major science questions of the 21st century. Authors James Refil and Margaret Hindle Hazen open their narrative with the story of Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish bobbin boy who used his ingenuity to build a fortune in industrial America-and then turned his energy to giving that fortune away. The book then goes on to chronicle the groundbreaking work accomplished by the various Carnegie departments, tracing their growth and change as the frontiers of science expanded through the decades. And it looks at Carnegie''s influence on the mechanisms of science funding, the institution''s early support of ecology, and the building of the world''s leading astronomical observatories. The authors offer fascinating glimpses into the lives of science giants Barbara McClintock, George Ellery Hale, Edwin Hubble, Vera Rubin, Alfred Kidder-and the legendary Vannevar Bush, Institution President from 1939-1955. Lavishly illustrated with historical photos and drawings, this celebration of the Carnegie Institution''s century of discovery will be a delightful read for scientists, science advocates, and students of American science leadership.

Destined to be a leader in the field, this Encyclopedia is a full-colour, A to Z guide that sets a new standard for science reference. It contains 1000 entries, combining in-depth coverage with a vivid graphic format.

This lavishly illustrated, visually stunning book on the cosmos melds together the very best imagery available from the Hubble Space Telescope and other sources, with lucid and timely text by award-winning science writer Trefil. 175 full-color photos.

Within this text, the authors explore the main aspects of physical and life sciences and will show how to integrate these scientific principles into everyday life and events. The reader/student will examine such issues as human health, technology, environmental concerns and more.

In this fascinating book on an exciting and timely topic, James Trefil explores just exactly what it is that is so special about the human mind that sets us so far from all the other animals and that also makes it impossible to design a computer that coul

Explores scientific questions on a variety of topics including astronomy, genetics, geology, and information technology.

Science is central to daily life. As consumers, we are besieged by new products and processes, not to mention a bewildering variety of warnings about health and safety. As taxpayers, we must vote on issues that directly affect our communities - energy taxes, recycling proposals, and more. A firm grasp of the principles and methods of science will help you make life''s important decisions in a more informed way.

A best-selling science writer explores the technology behind the modern city; how it works, what it can tell us about ourselves, and what new developments in science portend for the city of tomorrow.

Scientific discoveries make headlines almost daily, and many of the most important issues of our time require an understanding of basic science. This book explains the science that affects you - from the basic elements to the latest breakthroughs.

"Makes important contributions to the tendentious debate about abortion....Should be indispensable to that vast majority of citizens who are troubled by the simplistic polemics that have (mis)informed much of the debate."--Joshua Lederberg