Here's a great list of cool science books custom made for the beach. These are all pretty cool reads. I hope you have enough time to check at least one of them out: (PLEASE NOTE: THESE ARE NOT AN ASSIGNMENT. THEY ARE JUST COOL!)
1.Omnivore’s dilemma by Michael Pollan
-this book really lets you explore your relationship with food. How we’re putting it on the table now and how we used to do it. (and why we need to re-examine this)
In defense of food by Michael Pollan
-a faster read about the same big subjects as Omnivore’s Dilemma. Less science, but a message that is important (and so obvious that its hard to believe someone has to write this book)
Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
-getting to think I’ve got a favorite science author, yet? Its about four plants that have used humans to make themselves more successful: apples, tulips, marijuanna, and potatoes
2. Survival of the Sickest by Sharon Moalem
-this is the book that I read to you in class. We read about how stress caused more spontaneous abortion of males than females. The book is filled with interesting biology questions (and only a few answers). One of the more entertaining reads I've had in years
3. Eve’s rib by Marianne Legato
3. Eve’s rib by Marianne Legato
-medicine should be different for females than males. here’s why.
4. The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins
-an inspiring book by one of the most prolific evolutionary biology authors. It awakens you to the beauty of evolution.
5. Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut
-the only fiction title on the list. I’d read anything written by Vonnegut. The fact that you learn a few evolutionary principals along the way is just a bonus.
6. Life at the Extremes by Frances Ashcroft
-the hottest, coldest, fastest, highest, etc... that humans can handle. You’ll feel more impressed with yourself.
7. Honey, Mud, maggots and other medical marvels by the Root-Bernsteins
-the science of folk medicine. Cool AND disgusting!
8. Stiff by Mary Roach
-looking for a way to use all those bodies in your garage? Here's a few ideas.
9. The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
-in 1951 she died of cervical cancer. scientists have kept her cell line alive ever since (her cells combined weight....more than three empire state building!!) Shocking exploration of science's ethical failure and technological success.
