Presents lighthearted explanations of the chemistry behind sixty-seven everyday objects and processes, from foods and shampoos to flatulence and anesthetics.

Sixty-four short essays tell anecdotes about the applications of chemistry to everyday life and recount important episodes from the history of science. Humor and disaster stand side by side, as Schwarcz (chemistry, McGill University) comments on drain cleaners, candies, stinky feet, spoon-bending, and the use of Thalidomide to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. The chemistry of health and food is emphasized. c. Book News Inc.

This informative new guidebook helps students take a hands-on approach to a career in science with accurate, current industry information, job profiles, and tips for career exploration. Job profiles include: Astronomers Biologists Chemists Ecologists Forensic scientists Genetic scientists Geologists Meteorologists Physicists Science technicians.

Science has gone viral! In more ways than one. Bestselling popular science author Dr. Joe Schwarcz breaks down the science of essential oils, placenta creams, intermittent fasting, and of course the spread of COVID-19 misinformation in this new collection from the master of demarcating non-science from science Since we first heard rumblings about a novel type of pneumonia in Wuhan, China, terms like pandemic, spike protein, viral particles, variants, mRNA vaccines, antibodies, hydroxychloroquine, social distancing, immune response, convalescent plasma, aerosol transmission, and of course, face coverings, have entered our everyday vocabulary. The scientific literature has exploded with studies exploring every facet of COVID-19, but unfortunately the “viral” spread of misinformation about the pandemic has also reached epic proportions. Science Goes Viral provides a framework for coming to grips with the onslaught of COVID-19 information and misinformation in this ever-changing pandemic. Here, you’ll learn about the first antibodies ever identified, the connection between tonic water and coronavirus, and whether we can zap COVID with copper. And although our thoughts and daily activities have been hijacked by the pandemic, life does go on, as does the pursuit of science. Dr. Joe features his usual array of diverse topics, including biblical dyes, essential oils, Jean Harlow’s hair, Lincoln’s magician, and bioplastics along with assorted examples of quackery. Delving into the many fascinating facets of science can serve as a welcome distraction from the COVID curse. In fact, enchantment with science can also be contagious. Will you be infected?

Sample topics include cell division, virtual dissection, earthquake modeling, the Doppler Effect, and more!

The bestselling popular science author “has made it his mission to tackle myths about science and the so-called experts who spread them” (CBC Radio). The internet is a powerful beast when it comes to science; the answer to any query you may have is just a few keystrokes away. But when there are multiple answers from various sources, how do we know what information is reliable? In Monkeys, Myths, and Molecules, bestselling author Dr. Joe Schwarcz takes a critical look at how facts are misconstrued in the media. He debunks the myths surrounding canned food, artificial dyes, SPF, homeopathy, cancer, chemicals, and much more. Unafraid to expose the sheer nonsense people are led to believe about health, food, drugs, and our environment, Dr. Joe confronts pseudoscience and convincingly and entertainingly advocates for a scientific approach to everyday life. “A compendium of short articles on a variety of subjects, written in a humorous, accessible style, and larded with intriguing trivia . . . Dr. Joe skewers food myths, opposition to GMOs, Dr. Oz, and Vani Hari, aka the Food Babe.” —Science-Based Medicine “Ultimately, the author successfully demonstrates how claims should be queried and analyzed before they are accepted . . . Recommended for readers of health, nutrition, and popular science.” —Library Journal “The book is chock-full of captivating anecdotes . . . The author engages readers with his wit and wisdom.” —The Canadian Jewish News

1656: A Boston court sentences a ship's captain to sit in the stocks for two hours for 'lewd and unseemly behaviour' on the Sabbath. His offence? Arriving home that Sunday after three years at sea, he had kissed his wife. 1889: The chief justice of England debates with fellow judges whether a man can have 'sexual connection with a duck.' 1968: J. Edgar Hoover tries to ban the recording 'Two Virgins' because the cover depicts John Lennon and Yoko Ono stark naked from both directions. 2000: A stripper sues her plastic surgeon because her bottom looks like her top after he stitches breast implants into her buttocks. Spanning all legal history, from the Bible onward, these and other sex-charged legal cases are covered when sex meets the law in "Ardor in the Court."