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Everything Your GP Doesn't Have Time to Tell You About Arthritis
by Matt PiccaverA practising GP has ten brief minutes to tell you everything you need to know about the disease he or she has just diagnosed. Sometimes it takes people half that time just to take their coat off. Research has shown that most people remember only one or two things said to them in a consultation. At a time of an ever aging population, and an increasing burden of arthritis, means an increasing need for reliable information. This book by a GP covers all aspects of arthritis, from common everyday aches and pains, to rarer forms of the disease. The book aims to help those with arthritis understand a little more about their disease, how they can help themselves, and what treatments are on offer. It also looks at some future developments in the treatment of arthritis.
The Everythning® Divining the Future Book
by Jenni KosarinThe practice of divination can be traced back more than 30,000 years--and it is still practiced today. The Everything Divining the Future Book blends all the best methods together in one volume, enabling you to pick and choose the techniques that best suit your personality and experience. Covering arts such as astrology, palmistry, numerology, tasseography, tarot, and many others, professional psychic Jenni Kosarin provides you with clear, step-by-step instruction on how to start making predictions. Whether you are at a beginner level with the use of tarot cards--or more advanced with I-Ching--The Everything Divining the Future Book is a must-have for all aspiring fortunetellers.
Eve's Rib: The Groundbreaking Guide to Women's Health
by Marianne J. LegatoFor decades, medicine saw men and women as essentially the same physically except in the area of reproduction. However, a new and groundbreaking science of gender-specific medicine has discovered astonishing distinctions between male and female bodies. From the thickness of our skin to the signs of a heart attack to ways we metabolize drugs, the sexes have significant physiological differences. But, what do these differences mean to you and your doctor?In this groundbreaking book, internationally respected academic physician and lecturer, Dr. Marianne Legato pulls together more than a decade of research into sex-specific health. The result is a powerful tool for anyone interested in the critical nuances in the ways men and women might present symptoms or be treated for disease. It's a book that will not only change the way you think about women's health, it just might save your life.
Evidence-based Approaches to Sexuality Education: A Global Perspective
by James J. Ponzetti Jr.This is the first book to provide a multidisciplinary and global overview of evidence-based sexuality education (SE) programs and practices. Readers are introduced to the fundamentals of creating effective programs to prepare them to design new or implement existing programs that promote healthy sexual attitudes and relationships. Noted contributors from various disciplines critically evaluate evidence –based programs from around the globe and through the lifespan. Examples and discussion questions encourage application of the material. Guidance for those who wish to design, implement, and evaluate SE programs in various social contexts is provided. Each chapter follows a consistent structure so readers can easily compare programs: Learning Goals; Introduction; Conclusion; Key Points; Discussion Questions; and Additional Resources. The editor taught human sexuality and family life education courses for years. This book reviews the key information that his students needed to become competent professionals. Highlights of the book’s coverage include: Interdisciplinary, comprehensive summary of evidence-based SE programs in one volume. Prepares readers for professional practice as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) or sex educator by highlighting the fundamentals of developing and implementing SE programs. Exposes readers to evidence-based SE programs from various social contexts including families, schools, communities, and religious institutions. Considers the developmental context of SE across the lifespan along with programs for LGBT individuals and persons with disabilities. Critically reviews SE programs from around the world including the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other developing countries. The book opens with an historical overview. Part I focus on general frameworks of sexuality education including UNESCO’s International Technical Guidelines. How to develop, deliver, and implement evidence based SE programs, including ethical concerns, are explored in Part II. Part III exposes readers to evidence-based programs in various social contexts--families, schools, communities, and religious institutions. Part IV considers the developmental context of SE from early childhood through adolescence and adulthood along with programs for LGBT individuals and persons with disabilities. Part V examines diverse global contexts from the US, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and other developing countries. The book concludes with future trends and directions. Ideal for graduate or advanced undergraduate courses in sex education, sexual health, human sexuality, sex or marriage counseling, intimate relationships, family life education, or home, school, and community services taught in human development and family studies, psychology, social work, health education, nursing, education, and religion, and in seminaries and family clinics, the book also serves as a resource for practitioners, counselors, researchers, clergy members, and policy makers interested in evidence based SE programs, or those seeking to become CFLEs or sexuality educators.
Evidence-Based Assessment Framework for Assistive Technology: The MPT and MATCH-ACES Assessments
by Susan A. ZapfThe primary focus of this book is to educate the reader on the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) model and assessment process that will guide the reader on consumer-centered assistive technology assessment and outcome measures designed to be used for individuals of all ages and all types of disabilities. The first section of the book introduces the MPT and Matching Assistive Technology and CHild (MATCH) assessment process and discusses key documents that align with the assessments including the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health and the Occupational Therapy Framework III. The second section of the book focuses on the international emphasis of the MPT and MATCH assessments. At present, there are eight countries that are represented in this section. Each chapter includes information on the assessment translations (with access to copies if available or at least access on how to obtain copies). The authors discuss research on the use of the assessment within their country to support the assessment use. Lastly, a case scenario is discussed in each chapter to provide the reader with an example of how the assessment was used with an actual consumer. The last section of the book includes a focus on outcome studies in the areas of early childhood, education (primary secondary, and postsecondary), work, and functional independence. This section provides the reader insight into how to outline outcome measures within the MPT and MATCH process. There is an additional section on future works that includes a brief introduction to the Service Animal Adaptive Intervention Assessment. This book is targeted to the Assistive Technology Providers (ATP) and policymakers (health care, education, and rehabilitation engineering), the university student pursuing a career in these areas, and the consumer of assistive technology.
Evidence-based Ayurveda: Defining a New Scientific Path
by C. P. KhareThis groundbreaking work calls for the overhaul of traditional Ayurveda and its transformation into a progressive, evidence-based practice. This book begins by looking back at the research of the last three centuries, Indian medicinal plants, and Ayurveda in a twenty-first-century context. The first part of this book explores the limitations of contemporary Ayurvedic pharmacognosy and pharmacology, discussing the challenges the practice faces from research and clinical trials. It makes a compelling argument for the necessity of change. The second part of the book defines and elaborates upon a new, scientific path, taking the reader from identification of the herb through all stages of drug development. An essential tool for herbal drug development, this text is designed for knowledgeable students, practitioners, and scholars of Ayurveda, pharmacy, and herbal medicine.
Evidence-based Care for Breastfeeding Mothers: A Resource for Midwives and Allied Healthcare Professionals
by Maria PollardBreastfeeding is a major public health issue. Breast milk provides all the nutrients a baby needs for their first six months. Research studies also show that breastfeeding doesn't just help to protect infants from infection, but has other benefits such as reducing obesity and can help protect mothers from some diseases in later life. Breastfeeding rates are low, however, and women need the support of their midwives and health visitors when beginning breastfeeding and throughout their child's infancy. Based on the UNICEF UK BFI Best Practice Standards for Higher Education Institutions, this accessible textbook addresses all 18 outcomes to ensure that students are equipped with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively promote and support breastfeeding mothers, including: anatomy and physiology; essential skills and good practice guidance; dealing with common problems; public health considerations; babies and mothers with special needs; complementary feeding. Suitable for both undergraduate students and practitioners undertaking continuing professional development, Evidence-based Care for Breastfeeding Mothers is designed to aid learning. Each chapter includes specific learning outcomes linked to the Baby Friendly standards, key fact boxes, clinical scenarios and activities.
Evidence-Based Care for Normal Labour and Birth: A Guide for Midwives
by Denis WalshEvidence-based care is a well established principle in contemporary healthcare and a world wide health care movement. However, despite the emphasis on promoting evidence-based or effective care without the unnecessary use of technologies and drugs, intervention rates in childbirth are rising rapidly. Evidence-based Care for Normal Labour and Birthbrings to light much of the evidence around what works best for normal birth which has, until now, remained largely hidden and ignored by maternity care professionals. Beginning with the decision about where to have a baby, through all the phases of labour to the immediate post-birth period, it systematically details research and other evidence sources that endorse a low intervention approach. The book: highlights where the evidence is compelling discusses its application where women question its relevance to them and where the practitioner's expertise leads them to challenge it gives background and context before discussing the research to date includes questions for reflection and practice recommendations generated from the evidence. Using research data, Evidence-based Care for Normal Labour and Birthcritiques institutionalised, scientifically managed birth and endorses a more humane midwifery-led model. Packed with up-to-date and relevant information, this controversial book will help all students, practising midwives and doulas keep abreast of the evidence surrounding normal birth and ensure their practice takes full advantage of it.
Evidence-Based Nursing: The Research-Practice Connection (Third Edition)
by Sarah Jo BrownEvidence-Based Nursing: The Research-Practice Connection, Third Edition introduces students to research methods and evidence-based practice (EBP). Written in an accessible style, the content moves readers through understanding how research is produced to appraisal at the critical thinking level. Timely information links evidence-based practice to recent work in the Safety and Quality programs that are underway in healthcare and nursing. Key Features:* Offers five common research designs, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines by using a consistent, easy-to-read "Why-How-What" approach. * Exemplar research reports include "Profile and Commentary" that explain results of studies and help students better understand the methodological components of a study Accompanied by Instructor Resources:* Save time with a Test Bank and sample syllabus* Encourage critical thinking using additional learning activities, including discussion questions and small group assignments * Plan classroom lectures using PowerPoint Presentations created by the authorNavigate eFolio Now Available! Navigate eFolio: Evidence-Based Nursing , a fully supported and hosted online learning solution featuring an ebook and course management tools is also available for purchase. Navigate eFolio transforms how students learn and instructors teach by bringing together authoritative and interactive content aligned to course objectives, with student practice activities and assessments, an ebook, and reporting tools. For more information visit go. jblearning. com/nursingef
Evidence-Based Practice in Dementia for Nurses and Nursing Students
by Karen Harrison Harrison Dening Alistair Burns Malarvizhi Babu Sandilyan Tom Dening Hilda Hayo Chris Knifton Caroline Baker Jan Leeks Esme Moniz-Cook Aileen Beatty Julian C. Hughes Sarah Rhynas Charlotte L. Clarke Jill Manthorpe Stephen Martineau Jane Youell Helen Scott Zena Aldridge Frances Bunn Claire Goodman Cheryl Holman Angela Moore Liz Sampson Jo Moriarty Steve Iliffe Katie Featherstone Andy Northcott Sharon TolmanThis essential textbook on dementia care introduces the knowledge that nurses need, including the evidence base for practice and the guidance to transfer this newly acquired knowledge into everyday practice. Each of the 25 chapters are written by experts in the field of dementia care and are grounded in thoroughly researched, up-to-date evidence, have a direct bearing to nurse practice, and use case studies to give examples of application of the evidence to practice.It begins by introducing dementia as a diagnosis, a syndrome, and a set of diseases, signs and symptoms. It then deals with various principles that underpin dementia care, including person-centred care, behaviours that challenge, risk management, and understanding relationships affected by dementia. Finally, it assesses dementia care across a range of care settings, such as primary care, care homes, domiciliary care, acute hospital, and hospice services.
Evidence-Based Practice With Women: Toward Effective Social Work Practice With Low-Income Women
by Bonnie L. Yegidis Martha J. MarkwardThis one-of-a-kind book presents evidence-based coverage of the assessment and treatment of the most common mental health disorders among women, particularly low-income women. For each disorder— depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma (including sexual abuse), generalized anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, and borderline personality disorder—the authors include assessment instruments and detailed case examples that illustrate the assessment and treatment recommendations.
Evidence-Based Practices in Mental Health: Debate and Dialogue on the Fundamental Questions
by John C. Norcross Larry E. Beutler Ronald F. LevantAddresses fundamental questions in the debate on evidence-based practices (EBPs) such as What qualifies as evidence? What qualifies as research on which to judge effective practice? Are research patients and clinical trials representative of clinical practice? Are evidence-based treatments readily transportable to clinical practice? and others. Positions are argued with passion and intelligence. Each question-focused chapter concludes with a dialogue among the contributors in which they emphasize their points of agreement and disagreement. The debate, interchange, and dialogue format makes this an ideal tool for teaching and discussion. For mental health practitioners, trainers, and graduate students.
The Evidence for Phantom Hitch Hikers: An objective survey of the vanishing passenger from urban myths to actual events (Mind, Body, Knowledge Ser.)
by Michael GossAll over the world motorists report giving lifts to hitch-hikers who then vanish, ghostlike, en route. Phantom Hitch-Hikers, as these insubstantial passengers are called, have become classified as an urban legend and related to historical tales of supernatural travelling companions. But is there more to such stories than picturesque folklore? Are there genuine paranormal experiences behind the reports? This book addresses itself seriously to such questions and examines the available evidence for these encounters critically and objectively. In so doing, it dispels several misconceptions about the phenomenon and presents new evidence to suggest that in some cases real experiences are being reported. Aspects covered include: The Phantom Hitch-Hiker as folklore The Hitch-Hiker as prophet Literary precedents - the Demon Lover The role of the press The sexual element The historical background Evaluating the evidence
Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy
by David KirbyIn the 1990s reported autism cases among American children began spiking, from about 1 in 10,000 in 1987 to a shocking 1 in 166 today. This trend coincided with the addition of several new shots to the nation's already crowded vaccination schedule, grouped together and given soon after birth or in the early months of infancy. Most of these shots contained a little-known preservative called thimerosal, which includes a quantity of the toxin mercury.Evidence of Harm explores the heated controversy over what many parents, physicians, public officials, and educators have called an "epidemic" of afflicted children. Following several families, David Kirby traces their struggle to understand how and why their once-healthy kids rapidly descended into silence or disturbed behavior, often accompanied by severe physical illness. Alarmed by the levels of mercury in the vaccine schedule, these families sought answers from their doctors, from science, from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture vaccines, and finally from the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration-to no avail. But as they dug deeper, the families also found powerful allies in Congress and in the small community of physicians and researchers who believe that the rise of autism and other disorders is linked to toxic levels of mercury that accumulate in the systems of some children.An important and troubling book, Evidence of Harm reveals both the public and unsung obstacles faced by desperate families who have been opposed by the combined power of the federal government, health agencies, and pharmaceutical giants. From closed meetings of the FDA, CDC, and drug companies, to the mysterious rider inserted into the 2002 Homeland Security Bill that would bar thimerosal litigation, to open hearings held by Congress, this book shows a medical establishment determined to deny "evidence of harm" that might be connected with thimerosal and mercury in vaccines. In the end, as research is beginning to demonstrate, the questions raised by these families have significant implications for all children, and for those entrusted to oversee our national health.
Evil: Spine-Tingling True Stories of Murder and Mayhem
by Colin Wilson Damon WilsonA collection of the most shocking, horrifying accounts of true crime ever.Evil knows no boundaries. In 1614, Hungarian countess Elizabeth Báthory died, sealed in a tiny closet in her castle. Her crimes? She was rumored to have bathed in the blood of her victims, which may have numbered in the hundreds. More recently, Russia's Andrei Chikatilo, the United States' Ted Bundy, and Great Britain's Peter Sutcliffe added to the horrors humans inflict upon their fellow man. Featuring maps, callouts, and facts that follow these criminals' trails of crime, Evil is a groundbreaking volume. It explores some of the most famous crime cases of real-life murder and mayhem.In this epic account of history's most infamous murder cases, leading true-crime researcher and writer Colin Wilson teams up with his son Damon Wilson to masterfully recount the shocking details of more than sixty cases of murder and mayhem. Illustrated with hundreds of color and black-and-white photos, Evil features images of criminals, forensic evidence, and key personalities and places that put each crime in historical context.In a continuing search for the meaning in murder, the Wilsons create one of the definitive books in the field of criminology.
Evocazioni: Tipici sortilegi statunitensi hoodoo dal 1800 al 1920
by Talia FelixUn vero resoconto della magia statunitense hoodoo e voodoo come veniva praticata in passato. L'arte magica dell'hoodoo é stata incompresa per tutta la sua esistenza. Tramite questo prezioso trattato storico sarete in grado di osservare lo stile genuino degli incantesimi usati dai praticanti del passato, inclusi sortilegi del Doctor Buzzard, di Marie Laveau, Zora Neale Hurston ed altri. Questa nuova edizione è organizzata in maniera conveniente in base allo scopo dell'incantesimo per facilitarne la consultazione. Magie per: SACCHETTI MAGICI, HAND, MOJO & GRIS-GRIS - BOTTIGLIE E FIASCHI - SIGILLI E SCRITTURE SACRE - DANZE - INCANTESIMI D'AMORE - FEDELTA' - MATRIMONIO - SORTILEGI PER RIMUOVERE RIVALI IN AMORE - PER FAR TORNARE AMANTI PERDUTI - INCANTESIMI PECUNIARI - PER VINCERE AL GIOCO - PER AVERE SUCCESSO NEGLI AFFARI - PER OTTENERE UN LAVORO - PER VINCERE UN PROCESSO - PER SFUGGIRE A GUAI LEGALI - USCIRE DI PRIGIONE - EVITARE L'ARRESTO - OTTENERE GIUSTIZIA - MALEDIZIONI, INCANTESIMI PER ARRECARE DANNO E MORTE - BAMBOLINE VOODOO - PROTEZIONE E RIMOZIONE DI MALEDIZIONI - RIMOZIONE DI STREGONERIE E SORTILEGI. Più di 160 incantesimi!
Evolution
by Joe ManganielloFrom the star of True Blood and Magic Mike, Joe Manganiello, comes the cutting edge guide for achieving the perfect body. Joe Manganiello has become known around the world for his incredible physique. Now, from the man that director Steven Soderbergh called 'walking CGI', comes the cutting edge guide to achieving the perfect body and raising your overall quality of life. In Evolution, Manganiello shares his lifetime of experience and research in terms of diet, cardio and anatomy, to bring you the only fitness book you'll ever need in order to look and feel your best.His memorable performance in the 2012 film Magic Mike, catapulted him and his fine, firm physique to the top of the list of Hollywood's most desired male actors. With a build that men envy and women adore, Joe Manganiello is more than qualified to write the end-all-guide to sculpting the perfect body. Featuring black-and-white photographs throughout, and Manganiello's step-by-step workout routine that combines weights, intense cardio and a high protein diet, this book reveals exactly how to get the body of one of Hollywood's hottest stars. Promising to turn any Average Joe into a Joe Manganiello!
Evolution: The Cutting Edge Guide to Breaking Down Mental Walls and Building the Body You've Always Wanted
by Joe ManganielloWANT IT. The mind: If you are ready for change--real change, no looking back change--this is where you need to be. This is the source, the manual, the Rosetta Stone that can teach you to clear your mind, transform your body, and change your life . . . forever. There's only one question, and only you can answer it: How bad do you want it? DO IT. The tools: Everyone possesses the capability to look the way they want. Joe Manganiello learned that when he achieved the "impossible," overcoming difficult obstacles at every level by transforming himself into the ripped star of True Blood. It took nothing less than one hundred percent commitment, discipline, routine, and drive. Joe is living proof: If he can do it, so can you. EVOLVE. The results: The evolution never ends. You'll live it every day, with an insane amount of internal confidence and absolutely no regrets. Not the struggle, the sacrifices, the sweat, and definitely not the image you see in the mirror. You'll wake up each morning to a new future. All the answers are now in your hands. How far do you want to go?
Evolution and Learning: The Baldwin Effect Reconsidered
by Bruce H. Weber David J. DepewThe role of genetic inheritance dominates current evolutionary theory. At the end of the nineteenth century, however, several evolutionary theorists independently speculated that learned behaviors could also affect the direction and rate of evolutionary change. This notion was called the Baldwin effect, after the psychologist James Mark Baldwin. In recent years, philosophers and theorists of a variety of ontological and epistemological backgrounds have begun to employ the Baldwin effect in their accounts of the evolutionary emergence of mind and of how mind, through behavior, might affect evolution. The essays in this book discuss the originally proposed Baldwin effect, how it was modified over time, and its possible contribution to contemporary empirical and theoretical evolutionary studies. The topics include the effect of the modern evolutionary synthesis on the notion of the Baldwin effect, the nature and role of niche construction in contemporary evolutionary theory, the Baldwin effect in the context of developmental systems theory, the possible role of the Baldwin effect in computational cognitive science biosemiotics, and the emergence of consciousness and language.
Evolution and the Emergent Self: The Rise of Complexity and Behavioral Versatility in Nature
by Raymond L. NeubauerRaymond L. Neubauer presents a view of nature that describes rising complexity in life in terms of increasing information content, first in genes and then in brains. The evolution of the nervous system expanded the capacity to store information with relatively open-ended programs, making learning possible. Portraying four species with high brain-to-body ratios&mdashchimpanzees, elephants, ravens, and dolphins&mdashNeubauer shows how each shares with humans the capability for complex communication, social relationships, flexible behavior, tool use, and powers of abstraction. He describes this constellation of qualities as an emergent self, arguing that humanity is not the only self-aware species and that human characteristics are embedded in the evolutionary process and are emerging in a variety of lineages on our planet. Neubauer ultimately shows that human culture is not a unique offshoot of a language-specialized primate, but an extension of a fundamental strategy that organisms have used since the beginning of life on earth to gather information and buffer themselves from environmental fluctuations. Neubauer also views these processes in a cosmic setting, detailing open thermodynamic systems that become more complex as the energy flowing through them increases. Similar processes of increasing complexity can be found in "self-organizing" structures in both living and non-living forms. Recent evidence from astronomy indicates that planet formation may be nearly as frequent as star formation. In February 2011, NASA announced that the Kepler space telescope had located fifty-four planets in the habitable zones around their stars. Life makes use of the elements most commonly seeded into space by burning and exploding stars, and the evolution of life and intelligence that occurred on our planet may be common across the universe.
The Evolution Angel
by Todd MichaelR. Todd Michael was medical director of a level-three trauma center when he had his own brush with death before being saved by the voice of an angel. In this collection of true stories from the emergency room, Dr. Michael relates his experiences with dying patients and the angels that invariably attend these critical rites of passage. Eventually he began communicating with an angel who was sent to aid us in our human evolution. Evolution, as described in The Evolution Angel, is "a quantum leap, a jump to a completely new and higher level of being. " What exactly is that higher level of being, and how do we achieve it? The "Evolution Angel" provides fascinating lessons, wisdom, and insight into turning our human journey into one where we can not only communicate with the Spirit World, but we can access this otherworldly wisdom in our lives at any moment. Answering questions about the purpose of our lives, life after death, and the nature of our soul, this astounding book has already changed countless lives of those who have heard this in-demand speaker, or read his self-published edition that has sold thousands. Inspirational, poignant, and wise, The Evolution Angel is a guide for everyone who wants to learn about living at the highest level, and is curious about what happens to the soul after we die.
Evolution Gone Wrong: The Curious Reasons Why Our Bodies Work (Or Don't)
by Alex Bezzerides&“An unforgettable journey through this twisted miracle of evolution we call &‘our body.&’&” —Spike Carlsen, author of A Walk Around the BlockFrom blurry vision to crooked teeth, ACLs that tear at alarming rates and spines that seem to spend a lifetime falling apart, it&’s a curious thing that human beings have beaten the odds as a species.After all, we&’re the only survivors on our branch of the tree of life. The flaws in our makeup raise more than a few questions, and this detailed foray into the many twists and turns of our ancestral past includes no shortage of curiosity and humor to find the answers.Why is it that human mothers have such a life-endangering experience giving birth? Why are there entire medical specialties for teeth and feet? And why is it that human babies can&’t even hold their heads up, but horses are trotting around minutes after they&’re born?In this funny, wide-ranging and often surprising book, biologist Alex Bezzerides tells us just where we inherited our adaptable, achy, brilliant bodies in the process of evolution.
Evolution of a Revolution: Autism and the Path from Hope to Healing
by Helen Conroy Laura HirschThis book is a collection of stories about the real secret life of several autism mothers, detailing their stress, their joys, their tears, their laughter, and their disappointments. They describe the struggles they have faced in battling the schools, the state, the media, public opinion, and the medical community that believes autism is a psychological condition rather than a treatable medical disorder. Most importantly, this book reveals the truth behind the causes of autism and offers accounts of real recoveries from a disease that is supposed to be a lifelong disability.These heart-rending and, ultimately, inspirational accounts offer support, practical advice, and spiritual strength to families dealing with autism. They remind the readers that no matter how hopeless their struggle may seem, recovery is within reach.
The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwin's Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World - and Us
by Richard O. PrumA major reimagining of how evolutionary forces work, revealing how mating preferences—what Darwin termed "the taste for the beautiful"—create the extraordinary range of ornament in the animal world. In the great halls of science, dogma holds that Darwin's theory of natural selection explains every branch on the tree of life: which species thrive, which wither away to extinction, and what features each evolves. But can adaptation by natural selection really account for everything we see in nature? Yale University ornithologist Richard Prum—reviving Darwin's own views—thinks not. Deep in tropical jungles around the world are birds with a dizzying array of appearances and mating displays: Club-winged Manakins who sing with their wings, Great Argus Pheasants who dazzle prospective mates with a four-foot-wide cone of feathers covered in golden 3D spheres, Red-capped Manakins who moonwalk. In thirty years of fieldwork, Prum has seen numerous display traits that seem disconnected from, if not outright contrary to, selection for individual survival. To explain this, he dusts off Darwin's long-neglected theory of sexual selection in which the act of choosing a mate for purely aesthetic reasons—for the mere pleasure of it—is an independent engine of evolutionary change. Mate choice can drive ornamental traits from the constraints of adaptive evolution, allowing them to grow ever more elaborate. It also sets the stakes for sexual conflict, in which the sexual autonomy of the female evolves in response to male sexual control. Most crucially, this framework provides important insights into the evolution of human sexuality, particularly the ways in which female preferences have changed male bodies, and even maleness itself, through evolutionary time. The Evolution of Beauty presents a unique scientific vision for how nature's splendor contributes to a more complete understanding of evolution and of ourselves.
The Evolution of Consciousness
by Bjørn GrindeThis book gives the reader an understanding of what consciousness is about, and of how to make conscious experiences more pleasant. It expands on a new theory that describes the evolutionary trajectory leading to conscious life forms. In short, the evidence suggests that consciousness first evolved some 300 million years ago as a consequence of the introduction of feelings. Feelings offer a strategy for making behavioural decisions. Besides playing a crucial role in the evolution of the human mind, they are a key factor in regard to mental health and quality of life. Fortunately, the human brain is plastic. By exploiting available options for modulating the mind, it is therefore possible to impact on what sort of experiences the brain serves. More specifically, you can strengthen the capacity for positive feelings and reduce the sway of negative feelings. The text covers biological, neurological, psychological, and philosophical aspects of the mind.