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The Science of Health Disparities Research
by Irene Dankwa-Mullan Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable Kevin L. Gardner Xinzhi Zhang Adelaida M. RosarioIntegrates the various disciplines of the science of health disparities in one comprehensive volume The Science of Health Disparities Research is an indispensable source of up-to-date information on clinical and translational health disparities science. Building upon the advances in health disparities research over the past decade, this authoritative volume informs policies and practices addressing the diseases, disorders, and gaps in health outcomes that are more prevalent in minority populations and socially disadvantaged communities. Contributions by recognized scholars and leaders in the field—featuring contemporary research, conceptual models, and a broad range of scientific perspectives—provide an interdisciplinary approach to reducing inequalities in population health, encouraging community engagement in the research process, and promoting social justice. In-depth chapters help readers better understand the specifics of minority health and health disparities while demonstrating the importance of advancing theory, refining measurement, improving investigative methods, and diversifying scientific research. In 26 chapters, the book examines topics including the etiology of health disparities research, the determinants of population health, research ethics, and research in African American, Asians, Latino, American Indian, and other vulnerable populations. Providing a unified framework on the principles and applications of the science of health disparities research, this important volume: Defines the field of health disparities science and suggests new directions in scholarship and research Explains basic definitions, principles, and concepts for identifying, understanding and addressing health disparities Provides guidance on both conducting health disparities research and translating the results Examines how social, historical and contemporary injustices may influence the health of racial and ethnic minorities Illustrates the increasing national and global importance of addressing health disparities Discusses population health training, capacity-building, and the transdisciplinary tools needed to advance health equity A significant contribution to the field, The Science of Health Disparities Research is an essential resource for students and basic and clinical researchers in genetics, population genetics, and public health, health care policymakers, and epidemiologists, medical students, and clinicians, particularly those working with minority, vulnerable, or underserved populations.
The Science of Heroes
by Yvonne Carts-PowellA fun, fact-filled examination of the science (or lack thereof) behind the hit television series Heroes. Ordinary people with extraordinary powers populate the world of the hit television show Heroes, where characters exhibit such abilities as flight, telepathy, tissue regeneration, prognostication, invisibility, and teleportation through space and time. The Science of Heroes explores these superpowers and many more through real-world research into the potential of human physical and mental capabilities. Citing the work of renowned scientists and engineers, Yvonne Carts-Powell reveals that even the least likely of powers has been studied?and in some cases, even developed. From the wonders found in nature and cutting-edge technological achievements to the latest discoveries in genetics and mutations, humanity might just possess the knowledge to achieve the extraordinary.
Science of HIIT: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Transform Your Body
by Ingrid S. ClayTrain your way to a leaner, stronger body in half the time or less!Get ready to break a serious sweat with this scientific guide to HIIT training! Discover everything you need to know to achieve the best results from your HIIT workouts by understanding the muscle action needed to perfect each exercise.Inside the pages of this fitness book, you&’ll explore the physiology of more than 90 essential HIIT exercises! It is packed with: • Specially commissioned CGI artworks depicting all the main HIIT resistance exercises — from burpees to plank jacks — and variations that add or reduce the challenge. • CGI artwork features color-coding to highlight how the muscles, ligaments and joints engage, stretch and relax to perform each exercise. • Training programs, tailored to different abilities and goals, provide suggested workouts with a progressive increase in challenges over weeks and months. • Easy-to-follow infographics help explain the hard science behind why HIIT training is so efficient, and what beneficial physical adaptations it can bring. High-intensity interval training is a fantastic way to lose weight and get strong by performing very short bursts of targeted exercise. Recent scientific research shows that HIIT is the most efficient form of exercise for raising fitness levels and increasing cardio-respiratory health. Science of HIIT reveals the facts to help you optimize the benefits of HITT to your body and mind.The clear CGI artwork details the mechanics of each exercise, correct body posture, the muscles involved and how they engage to perform movements. You&’ll also learn the knowledge and tools needed to be able to create your own bespoke workouts. This HIIT guide will completely transform your performance and help you smash your goals!DK Publishing&’s Science of series helps readers discover the research and scientific theories behind exercise and sport. It&’s perfect for training at home or the gym. Other sport science books in this series include Science of Yoga and Science of Strength Training.
The Science of Hitting a Home Run: Forces And Motion In Action (Action Science Ser.)
by Jim WhitingDescribes the science behind hitting a home run, including pitch types, different bats, and force
The Science of Human Evolution
by John H. LangdonThis textbook provides a collection of case studies in paleoanthropology demonstrating the method and limitations of science. These cases introduce the reader to various problems and illustrate how they have been addressed historically. The various topics selected represent important corrections in the field, some critical breakthroughs, models of good reasoning and experimental design, and important ideas emerging from normal science.
The Science of Human Perfection: How Genes Became the Heart of American Medicine
by Nathaniel ComfortAlmost daily we hear news stories, advertisements, and scientific reports promising that genetic medicine will make us live longer, enable doctors to identify and treat diseases before they harm us, and individualize our medical care. But surprisingly, a century ago eugenicists were making the same promises. This book traces the history of the promises of medical genetics and of the medical dimension of eugenics. While mindful of the benefits of genetic medicine, the book also considers social and ethical issues that cast troublesome shadows over these fields. Keeping his focus on America, Nathaniel Comfort introduces the community of scientists, physicians, and public health workers who have contributed to the development of medical genetics from the nineteenth century to today. He argues that medical genetics is closely related to eugenics, and indeed that the two cannot be fully understood separately. He also carefully examines how the desire to relieve suffering and to improve ourselves genetically, though noble, may be subverted. History makes clear that as patients and consumers we must take ownership of genetic medicine, using it intelligently, knowledgeably, and skeptically.
The Science of Imaging
by Graham SaxbyEdited and expanded to keep pace with the digital revolution, the new edition of this highly popular and critically acclaimed work provides a comprehensive exploration of imaging science. Brilliantly written and extensively illustrated, The Science of Imaging: An Introduction, Second Edition covers the fundamental laws of physics as well as the cut
The Science of Influencers and Superspreaders: Using Networks and Artificial Intelligence to Understand Fake News, Pandemics, Markets, and the Brain (Understanding Complex Systems)
by Hernán A. Makse Marta ZavaThis book explores the identification of influencers in complex networks, bridging theoretical approaches with practical applications across diverse fields. It examines interdisciplinary complex systems, including online social media, biological networks, brain networks, socioeconomic and financial systems, and ecosystems. The research presented aims to benefit scientists in relevant areas and inspire new scientific inquiries, potentially advancing the field of influencer identification. In this context, 'influencer' serves as an umbrella term for essential, core, or central nodes within any complex network. The book investigates various manifestations of influencers, such as key figures in social media, critical nodes in genetic and brain networks, keystone species in ecosystems, systemically important banks in financial markets, and disease superspreaders. These diverse scenarios are approached by mapping the influencer identification problem to challenges in physics or computer science. The book caters to readers at three distinct levels: 1. Those seeking mathematically rigorous theories of influencers will find Chapter 2 particularly valuable, as it delves into the mathematical foundations of influencer identification algorithms. Subsequent chapters explore the application of these theories across various disciplines. 2. Data scientists interested in implementing these algorithms in their research and practical work will find relevant information throughout the book. 3. Professionals in finance, marketing, politics, and social media, as well as readers curious about the intersection of big data, influencers, and AI, will gain insights into how these tools can enhance decision-making processes. These readers are encouraged to focus on the introduction and chapters most relevant to their fields, while briefly reviewing the more technical sections. By offering this multi-layered approach, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of influencer identification in complex networks, from theoretical foundations to real-world applications across various domains.
The Science of Interstellar
by Kip ThorneA journey through the otherworldly science behind Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film, Interstellar, from executive producer and theoretical physicist Kip Thorne.
The Science of James Bond: The Super-Villains, Tech, and Spy-Craft Behind the Film and Fiction (The Science of Series)
by Mark BrakeSpy-Fi Culture with a License to KillFrom Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, James Bond is the highest-grossing movie franchise of all time. Out-grossing Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the world&’s most iconic and international secret agent has a shelf life of almost six decades, from Dr. No to Spectre. As nuclear missile threats are replaced by a series of subtler threats in a globalized and digital world, Bond is with us still.In The Science of James Bond, we recognize the Bond franchise as a unique genre: spy-fi. A genre of film and fiction that fuses spy fiction with science fiction. We look at Bond&’s obsessions with super-villains, the future, and world domination or destruction. And we take a peek under the hood of trends in science and tech, often in the form of gadgets and spy devices in chapters such as:Goldfinger: Man Has Achieved Miracles in All Fields but Crime!You Only Live Twice: The Race to Conquer SpaceLive and Let Die: Full Throttle: Bond and the CarSkyfall: The Science of CyberterrorismAnd more!This is the only James Bond companion that looks at the film and fiction in such a spy-fi way, taking in weapon wizards, the chemistry of death, threads of nuclear paranoia, and Bond baddies&’ obsession with the master race!
The Science of James Smithson: Discoveries from the Smithsonian Founder
by Steven TurnerAccessible exploration of the noteworthy scientific career of James Smithson, who left his fortune to establish the Smithsonian Institution. James Smithson is best known as the founder of the Smithsonian Institution, but few people know his full and fascinating story. He was a widely respected chemist and mineralogist and a member of the Royal Society, but in 1865, his letters, collection of 10,000 minerals, and more than 200 unpublished papers were lost to a fire in the Smithsonian Castle. His scientific legacy was further written off as insignificant in an 1879 essay published through the Smithsonian fifty years after his death--a claim that author Steven Turner demonstrates is far from the truth.By providing scientific and intellectual context to his work, The Science of James Smithson is a comprehensive tribute to Smithson's contributions to his fields, including chemistry, mineralogy, and more. This detailed narrative illuminates Smithson and his quest for knowledge at a time when chemists still debated thing as basic as the nature of fire, and struggled to maintain their networks amid the ever-changing conditions of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
The Science of Jurassic World: The Dinosaur Facts Behind the Films (The Science of)
by Mark Brake Jon ChaseA tale of some of the most amazing creatures ever to grace this tiny planet—unearth how the science fiction of the Jurassic World franchise inspired the evolution of dinosaur science. It all began in 1993. Jurassic Park was a movie landmark in the development of computer-generated imagery and animatronic visual effects. Jurassic Park became the highest-grossing movie of that year, and the highest-grossing film ever at the time, a record held until the 1997 release of Titanic. The field of dinosaur science has blossomed by leaps and bounds and branched out in recent years, in no small part to this iconic movie series. In The Science of Jurassic World, we experience the amazing story of the birth of the dinosaurs, how they evolved to world dominance, how some became gargantuan in size, how others grew wings and flew, and how the rest of them met an untimely end. Chapters include: How did Jurassic Park transform dinosaur science?Was Dr. Alan Grant&’s job a walk in the park?What&’s with the giant dinosaur poop?When will we clone dinosaurs?And so much more! Discover how some of cinema&’s most incredible creations do justice to the jaw-dropping evolution of these fantastic creatures.
The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us
by Sheril KirshenbaumFrom a noted science journalist comes a wonderfully witty and fascinating exploration of how and why we kiss. When did humans begin to kiss? Why is kissing integral to some cultures and alien to others? Do good kissers make the best lovers? And is that expensive lip-plumping gloss worth it? Sheril Kirshenbaum, a biologist and science journalist, tackles these questions and more in THE SCIENCE OF KISSING. It's everything you always wanted to know about kissing but either haven't asked, couldn't find out, or didn't realize you should understand. The book is informed by the latest studies and theories, but Kirshenbaum's engaging voice gives the information a light touch. Topics range from the kind of kissing men like to do (as distinct from women) to what animals can teach us about the kiss to whether or not the true art of kissing was lost sometime in the Dark Ages. Drawing upon classical history, evolutionary biology, psychology, popular culture, and more, Kirshenbaum's winning book will appeal to romantics and armchair scientists alike.
The Science of Leonardo: Inside the Mind of the Great Genius of the Renaissance
by Fritjof CapraLeonardo da Vinci¿s pioneering scientific work was virtually unknown during his lifetime. Leonardo was in many ways the un-acknowledged ¿father of modern science. ¿ Drawing on an examination of over 6,000 pages of Leonardo¿s surviving Notebooks, Capra explains that Leonardo approached scientific knowledge with the eyes of an artist. Through his studies of living and non-living forms, from architecture and human anatomy to the turbulence of water and the growth patterns of grasses, he pioneered the empirical, systematic approach to the observation of nature -- what is now known as the scientific method. ¿A fresh and important portrait of a colossal figure in the world of science and the arts. ¿ Includes 50 beautiful sepia-toned illustrations.
The Science of Life: Projects and Principles for Beginning Biologists
by Frank G. Bottone Jr.This activity book for budding biologists introduces kids to the five kingdoms of life through 25 engaging projects using materials commonly found around the house, yard, or classroom. Kids will learn how to conduct experiments using the scientific method in a carefully controlled environment. They'll make their own culture media and determine which is more effective at inhibiting the growth of bacteria: an antiseptic, a disinfectant, or plain soap and water. They will delight in collecting and comparing night-flying versus day-flying insects and learn how to clone a mushroom from a piece of its own tissue. Plenty of background information is provided, along with fun facts, a glossary, and wonderful Web sites to explore.
The Science of Life: Andrew Huxley, Richard Keynes and Horace Barlow (Creative Lives and Works)
by Alan MacfarlaneThe Science of Life: Andrew Huxley, Richard Keynes and Horace Barlow is part of the series Creative Lives and Works. It is a collection of interviews conducted by one of England’s leading social anthropologists and historians, Professor Alan Macfarlane. Filmed over a period of 40 years, the three conversations in this volume are part of a larger set of interviews that cut across various disciplines—from the social sciences, the sciences, to the performing and visual arts. The current volume on two of England’s foremost physiologists and a vision scientist is yet another addition to the series of several such books. These Cambridge men of science, Sir Andrew Huxley, Richard Keynes and Horace Barlow, apart from shaping certain very fundamental and critical elements in the disciplines of Physiology and Neuroscience also belong to illustrious lineages. Sir Andrew Huxley, for instance is a direct descendant of T.H. Huxley, while Richard Keynes and Horace Barlow are both the great grandsons of Charles Darwin. Their conversations greatly expand our understanding of physiology and neuroscience. The book will be of very great value not just to those interested in Physiology, Medicine and Neuroscience. The interviews also take us into a fascinating period of Cambridge Science, dominated by certain key families of distinguished thinkers. Print edition not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Bhutan).
The Science of Marvel: From Infinity Stones to Iron Man's Armor, the Real Science Behind the MCU Revealed!
by Sebastian AlvaradoScience meets fantasy in this behind-the-scenes look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe—now you can experience the magic of the movies, and learn how to replicate it in real-life. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is filled with extraordinary humans and abilities. There are teenaged geniuses swinging through the streets of New York, billionaires creating impenetrable armor in hidden caves, and aliens flying through wormholes to Earth. All of these characters seem to lie firmly in the realm of fantasy—but the technology behind them might not be as farfetched as you think… The Science of Marvel pulls back the curtain and reveals the secrets behind Marvel movie magic, and shows us how to recreate these comic book wonders in our everyday life. Using quantum physics, a little bit of mechanical engineering, and some out-of-the-box thinking, you’ll be amazed to discover that it’s possible to create a real-life Captain America, Incredible Hulk, or Black Panther. The perfect gift or collectible for Marvel fans everywhere, The Science of Marvel brings beloved movies and characters to life like never before.
The Science of Measurement: A Historical Survey
by Herbert Arthur Klein"Klein is both a skilled reporter and a wide-ranging humanistic scholar. The book is popular and learned, witty and serious, literary and mathematical -- always solid and entertaining." -- Los Angeles Times.Although the topic of measurement might seem to lend itself to a dry-as-dust treatment, this book is just the opposite: an engrossing, easy-to-read study that treats a multifaceted topic with wit, imagination, and wide-ranging scholarship.Metrology, the science of measurement, usually concerns itself with length, weight, volume, temperature, and time, but in this comprehensive work the topic also encompasses nuclear radiation, thermal power, light, pressure, sound, and many other areas. Representing nearly ten years of research effort, The Science of Measurement is considered a definitive book on the concepts and units by which we measure everything in our universe. Nontechnical in its approach, it is not only completely accessible to the general reader but as entertaining and fun to read as it is informative and comprehensive. " . . . not concerned only with problems of measuring the limits of space or the size of the proton. It is filled with interesting digressions. Not a book for daydreaming, but a book for the curious. Klein's survey of the units and concepts by which we measure everything in the universe helps us understand that universe much better." -- Boston Herald Advertiser
The Science of Meat Quality
by Chris R. KerthMeat has been a long sought after source of nutrients in human diets. Its nutrient-dense composition of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals makes it an integral part to healthy and balanced diets. As demand for meat continues to increase globally, a better understanding of efficiently producing quality meat products is becoming increasingly important. The Science of Meat Quality provides comprehensive coverage of meat quality from the biological basis of muscle development to end-product-use topics such as preparation and sensory analysis.The Science of Meat Quality explores the basis of meat quality long before it hits grocery store shelves. The book opens with a look at cellular muscle tissue development, metabolism and physiology. Subsequent chapters look at topics surrounding the development of tenderness, water-holding capacity, lipid oxidation and color in meat products. The final chapters discuss producing a good-tasting end product from preparing meat to preventing food-borne illness. Each chapter contains not only the theory behind that topic, but also detailed lab methodologies for measuring each meat quality trait. The Science of Meat Quality is an essential resource and reference for animal scientists, meat scientists, food scientists, and food industry personnel. Meat has been a long sought after source of nutrients in human diets. Its nutrient-dense composition of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals makes it an integral part to healthy and balanced diets. As demand for meat continues to increase globally, a better understanding of efficiently producing quality meat products is becoming increasingly important. The Science of Meat Quality provides comprehensive coverage of meat quality from the biological basis of muscle development to end-product-use topics such as preparation and sensory analysis.The Science of Meat Quality explores the basis of meat quality long before it hits grocery store shelves. The book opens with a look at cellular muscle tissue development, metabolism and physiology. Subsequent chapters look at topics surrounding the development of tenderness, water-holding capacity, lipid oxidation and color in meat products. The final chapters discuss producing a good-tasting end product from preparing meat to preventing food-borne illness. Each chapter contains not only the theory behind that topic, but also detailed lab methodologies for measuring each meat quality trait. The Science of Meat Quality is an essential resource and reference for animal scientists, meat scientists, food scientists, and food industry personnel.
The Science of Michael Crichton: An Unauthorized Exploration into the Real Science Behind the Fictional Worlds of Michael Crichton
by Michael CrichtonMichael Crichton’s thrillers traverse the cutting edge of science and then push the envelope. How realistic are his takes on subjects ranging from dinosaur cloning to global warming, nanotechnology to time travel, animal behavior to human genetics? The Science of Michael Crichton gathers essays from prominent experts that examine the amazing inventions of Crichton’s books and lift up the hood, revealing the science underneath—exploring which Crichton imaginings are feasible and which are just plain impossible. Computer science innovator Ray Kurzweil looks at how virtual reality is portrayed in The Terminal Man; anthropologist Ian Tattersall takes on Crichton’s depiction of Neanderthals in Eaters of the Dead; meteorologist David Lawrence discusses global warming in State of Fear—and much more, in a fascinating volume that separates the science from the fiction.
The Science of Middle-earth: A New Understanding of Tolkien and His World
by Arnaud RafaelianThe surprising and illuminating look at how Tolkien's love of science and natural history shaped the creation of his Middle Earth, from its flora and fauna to its landscapes.The world J.R.R. Tolkien created is one of the most beloved in all of literature, and continues to capture hearts and imaginations around the world. From Oxford to ComiCon, the Middle Earth is analyzed and interpreted through a multitude of perspectives. But one essential facet of Tolkien and his Middle Earth has been overlooked: science. This great writer, creator of worlds and unforgettable character, and inventor of language was also a scientific autodidact, with an innate interest and grasp of botany, paleontologist and geologist, with additional passions for archeology and chemistry. Tolkien was an acute observer of flora and fauna and mined the minds of his scientific friends about ocean currents and volcanoes. It is these layers science that give his imaginary universe—and the creatures and characters that inhabit it—such concreteness. Within this gorgeously illustrated edition, a range of scientists—from astrophysicists to physicians, botanists to volcanologists—explore Tolkien&’s novels, poems, and letters to reveal their fascinating scientific roots. A rewarding combination of literary exploration and scientific discovery, The Science of Middle Earth reveals the hidden meaning of the Ring&’s corruption, why Hobbits have big feet, the origins of the Dwarves, the animals which inspired the dragons, and even whether or not an Ent is possible. Enhanced by superb original drawings, this transportive work will delight both Tolkien fans and science lovers and inspire us to view both Middle Earth—and our own world—with fresh eyes.
The Science of Minecraft: The Real Science Behind the Crafting, Mining, Biomes, and More! (The Science of)
by James DaleyDiscover the science behind the Minecraft phenomenon! With more than 200 million units sold, Minecraft is the undisputed bestselling video game of all time. Since it first launched, the game&’s groundbreaking mix of open-world exploration, creative construction, and stunningly simple graphics have kept players old and young alike constantly coming back to explore, survive, and create. Even now, a decade after its release, there are still more than 126 million active users supporting not only the game, but an entire universe of movies, comics, conventions, classes, and so much more. A perfect gift for any Minecraft enthusiast, The Science of Minecraft explores some of the game&’s most popular topics and gameplay mechanics, including: ResourcesMiningConstructionCraftingMechanical DevicesBiomesWeapons and ArmorAnd So Much More This book explains how the game&’s famous construction mechanics would function in real life, what its many natural resources share (or do not share) with their terrestrial counterparts, and what the deal is with the mysterious alternative dimensions of the Nether and the End. Whether you&’re a fan of creative or survival mode, The Science of Minecraft will illuminate and inspire you with the scientific realities behind this iconic game.
The Science of Mom: A Research-Based Guide to Your Baby's First Year
by Alice CallahanThe Science of Mom blogger makes sense of research studies for new mothers.It seems like every time a new mother turns on her computer, radio, or television, she is greeted with news of yet another scientific study about infancy. Ignoring good information isn’t the right course, but just how does one tell the difference between solid studies, preliminary results, and snake oil? In this friendly guide through the science of infancy, Science of Mom blogger and PhD scientist Alice Callahan explains how non-scientist mothers can learn the difference between hype and evidence. Readers of Alice’s blog have come to trust her balanced approach, which explains the science that lies behind headlines. The Science of Mom is a fascinating, eye-opening, and extremely informative exploration of the topics that generate discussion and debate in the media and among parents. From breastfeeding to vaccines to sleep, Alice’s advice will help you make smart choices so that you can relax and enjoy your baby.
The Science of Monsters: The Truth about Zombies, Witches, Werewolves, Vampires, and Other Legendary Creatures
by Meg Hafdahl Kelly FlorenceA must-have for any fan of horror and fantasy movies—Night of the Living Dead, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining (Stephen King), and so many more! If you love film that scares, and want to believe that zombies, vampires, and other deadly and terrifying creatures could be real, let Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence, the women behind the Horror Rewind podcast called “the best horror film podcast out there” by Film Daddy, take you to the world where horror and science meet. How would a zombie really decompose in Night of the Living Dead?Are there instances of shape shifting in nature like in The Wolf Man?What is the science behind the night terrors that inspired the creation of Freddy Krueger?Is there scientific data supporting ghost detection like the tools used in Poltergeist?What is the psychological drive that compels cannibals like Hannibal Lecter?How does modern medicine and therapy differ from what would have been offered to Norman Bates in 1960?How are subliminal messages related to propaganda or brainwashing like in The Ring?What would the scientific explanation be for witches possessing people like in Carrie?Was The Blair Witch Project based on any real or imagined creature that came before?”And so much more! Gothic media moguls Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence revisit the films from their childhood to discover the science behind the fear. Join Kelly and Meg as they unravel the medical mysteries and scientific marvels that inspired the creation of famous monsters like Nosferatu, Norman Bates, Dracula, Frankenstein, and many more. An approachable and frightfully fun examination of what goes bump in the night, The Science of Monsters will thrill every horror fan.
The Science of Monsters: Why Monsters Came to Be and What Made Them so Terrifying
by Matt KaplanModern audiences do not find dragons frightening. Fascinating as mythical creatures, yes, but terrifying, no. Yet, present them with a story about a virus that can kill a healthy adult in hours and they will have nightmares for weeks. The difference between the two is believability. Monsters are at their most frightening when they carry characteristics that tie them to the real world in some way.Preposterous as they might seem today, dragons were no different in ancient times. Humans long ago stumbled upon skeletons that had sharp teeth and talon-like claws. These fossils were real and some were frighteningly large. Those who looked at them could only guess at how dangerous the animals that they belonged to must have been. From such interactions, dragons were born. Yet, in spite of ample physical evidence that dragons existed, none were ever seen in the flesh. Dragon bones were ultimately proven to be the bones of huge predatory dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex, but before the mystery was solved, they were the makings of frightening beasts that managed to evade human sight by lurking deep within the shadows of the wild.The Science of Monsters will explore monsters that have haunted humanity throughout the ages, from Medusa to sea serpents, giants, and vampires. In each chapter Kaplan uses scientific principles, current research, and his thorough knowledge of the natural world to explain why specific monsters came to be and what it was about them that was so terrifying to the people who brought them to life.