The Quantum Zoo: A Tourist's Guide to the Never-Ending Universe
Marcus Chown (2006)
ISBN: 0309096227

While quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of relativity are two of the most immense scientific achievements in physics to date, it seems that hardly anyone in the general community understands them. Perhaps you've been put off becoming familiar with Schrodinger's cat or getting to grips with the twin paradox by some officious know-it-all, who scoffs at your limited knowledge of scientific intricacies. Well, never fear, Chown is here! In The Quantum Zoo, Marcus Chown, award-winning writer and broadcaster, lifts the shroud of mystery surrounding the two theories by explaining them in a manner that is both clear and concise. Chown makes the steep learning curve easy and entertaining, and has dispensed with those tortuously complex, brain-warping examples that you'd need a PhD in physics to be able to decipher. Throughout the book, Chown reveals some totally astonishing tidbits such as the concept that the entire human race could be crammed into the volume of a sugar cube, or that some of the annoying static interrupting your favorite TV program is actually residue from the Big Bang. With the advent of modern computing, lasers and nuclear reactors, quantum theory has already changed our lives fundamentally, and looks as though it will continue to do so in the future. Consequently, it makes sense that we should have an understanding of how, why and where science and technology will be taking us next. So go out and grab yourself a copy of The Quantum Zoo, and you too can sound like an expert.

Pulse: The Coming Age of Systems and Machines Inspired by Living Things
Robert Frenay (2006)
ISBN: 0374113270

Pulse is Robert Frenay's debut book, and as a former contributing editor to Audubon magazine, there should be no surprises that this science book's message is decidedly green. Vast, faceless transnational corporations plundering the Earth's resources, congested cities pumping out pollutants, and bureaucratic systems that require people to work beyond retirement can only be maintained for so long… until something gives. Optimistically, Frenay puts his money on the human race changing their unsustainable ways, instead of nature faltering under our relentless attempts to tame it. Looking at the latest science trends, Frenay notes how society and machine systems are gradually becoming more "organic" and reflective of natural systems. Like a growing number of futurists, Frenay foresees the merging, synchronizing and streamlining of man, machine and system. According to Frenay, humanity is on the cusp of a new evolutionary change, where we are likely to see emotional computers, ships that move like swimming fish, and accelerated evolution. Frenay's mind works feverishly overtime in this beautifully written book, as he fires off one idea after another. This thought provoking account of the future is fleshed out with an abundance of examples that includes everything from artificial intelligence to organic farming. Despite his optimism for the future, Frenay knows that utopia is no more than a pipe dream, so he presents some potential dangers that might accompany this otherwise bright and promising future. Frenay also provides a glimpse at some of the colorful characters currently engaged with integrating human and machine, whose discoveries will likely lead us into the next phase of human development.