This sweeping history reveals how the use of chemicals has saved lives, destroyed species, and radically changed our planet: “Remarkable . . . highly recommended.” —Choice In The Chemical Age, ecologist Frank A. von Hippel explores humanity’s long and uneasy coexistence with pests, and how the battles to exterminate them have shaped our modern world. He also tells the captivating story of the scientists who waged war on famine and disease with chemistry. Beginning with the potato blight tragedy of the 1840s, which led scientists on an urgent mission to prevent famine using pesticides, von Hippel traces the history of pesticide use to the 1960s, when Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring revealed that those same chemicals were insidiously damaging our health and driving species toward extinction. Telling the story in vivid detail, von Hippel showcases the thrills—and complex consequences—of scientific discovery. He describes the creation of chemicals used to kill pests—and people. And, finally, he shows how scientists turned those wartime chemicals on the landscape at a massive scale, prompting the vital environmental movement that continues today.

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “Brilliant and enthralling.”​ —The Wall Street Journal A paradigm-shifting book from an acclaimed Harvard Medical School scientist and one of Time’s most influential people. It’s a seemingly undeniable truth that aging is inevitable. But what if everything we’ve been taught to believe about aging is wrong? What if we could choose our lifespan? In this groundbreaking book, Dr. David Sinclair, leading world authority on genetics and longevity, reveals a bold new theory for why we age. As he writes: “Aging is a disease, and that disease is treatable.” This eye-opening and provocative work takes us to the frontlines of research that is pushing the boundaries on our perceived scientific limitations, revealing incredible breakthroughs—many from Dr. David Sinclair’s own lab at Harvard—that demonstrate how we can slow down, or even reverse, aging. The key is activating newly discovered vitality genes, the descendants of an ancient genetic survival circuit that is both the cause of aging and the key to reversing it. Recent experiments in genetic reprogramming suggest that in the near future we may not just be able to feel younger, but actually become younger. Through a page-turning narrative, Dr. Sinclair invites you into the process of scientific discovery and reveals the emerging technologies and simple lifestyle changes—such as intermittent fasting, cold exposure, exercising with the right intensity, and eating less meat—that have been shown to help us live younger and healthier for longer. At once a roadmap for taking charge of our own health destiny and a bold new vision for the future of humankind, Lifespan will forever change the way we think about why we age and what we can do about it.

We live in an age of convenience, consumerism, and immediate gratification. But the exponential changes happening in our society have an effect: More toxins are invading our lives than ever before. The best way to prevent harm from toxins is to avoid them-and Janet Newman, Ph.D., can show you how. Living in the Chemical Age is an eye-opening look at how we can live less polluted lives. In this indispensable guide, Janet identifies contaminants in our food, water, personal care products, environment, pharmaceuticals, and even nature; explains the physical effects these chemicals can have; and explores everyday ways to avoid them. Whether you're a mom concerned about her kids or a citizen hoping to positively use your consumer power, Janet's clear and simple tips will help you make everyday choices that can lead to a healthier world.

The spectrum of physical and chemical dating methods now covers the entire range of Earth history. But there are so many methods that it is becoming increasingly difficult to select those that are appropriate for solving a specific problem. The objective of this book is to cover the whole spectrum of methods and to give examples of their applications. Thus it is addressed to everybody interested in the application of physical and chemical dating methods to the geosciences and archeology. It is especially valuable as a concise, but comprehensive reference for students and practitioners.