This riveting work of investigative reporting and history exposes classified government projects to build gravity-defying aircraft--which have an uncanny resemblance to flying saucers.

The atomic bomb was not the only project to occupy government scientists in the 1940s. Antigravity technology, originally spearheaded by scientists in Nazi Germany, was another high priority, one that still may be in effect today. Now for the first time, a reporter with an unprecedented access to key sources in the intelligence and military communities reveals suppressed evidence that tells the story of a quest for a discovery that could prove as powerful as the A-bomb.

The Hunt for Zero Point explores the scientific speculation that a "zero point" of gravity exists in the universe and can be replicated here on Earth. The pressure to be the first nation to harness gravity is immense, as it means having the ability to build military planes of unlimited speed and range, along with the most deadly weaponry the world has ever seen. The ideal shape for a gravity-defying vehicle happens to be a perfect disk, making antigravity tests a possible explanation for the numerous UFO sightings of the past 50 years.

Chronicling the origins of antigravity research in the world's most advanced research facility, which was operated by the Third Reich during World War II, The Hunt for Zero Point traces U.S. involvement in the project, beginning with the recruitment of former Nazi scientists after the war. Drawn from interviews with those involved with the research and who visited labs in Europe and the United States, The Hunt for Zero Point journeys to the heart of the twentieth century's most puzzling unexplained phenomena.


From the Hardcover edition.

NEW! Now in full color! With its distinctive investigative approach to learning, this best-selling laboratory manual is now more engaging than ever, with full-color art and photos throughout. As always, the lab manual encourages students to participate in the process of science and develop creative and critical-reasoning skills. The Eighth Edition includes major revisions that reflect new molecular evidence and the current understanding of phylogenetic relationships for plants, invertebrates, protists, and fungi. The sequence of the lab topics has been reorganized to reflect the closer relationship of the fungi and animal kingdoms. A new lab topic, "Fungi," has been added, providing expanded coverage of the major fungi groups. The "Protists" lab topic has been revised and expanded with additional examples of all the major clades. Both lab topics include suggestions and exercises for open-inquiry investigations. In the new edition, population genetics is covered in one lab topic with new problems and examples that connect ecology, evolution, and genetics.

Spark scientific curiosity from a young age with this six-level course through an enquiry-based approach and active learning. Collins International Primary Science fully meets the requirements of the Cambridge Primary Science Curriculum Framework from 2020 and has been carefully developed for a range of international contexts. The course is organised into four main strands: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth and Space and the skills detailed under the ‘Thinking and Working Scientifically’ strand are introduced and taught in the context of those areas. For each Teacher’s Guide at Stages 1 to 6, we offer: A comprehensive Teacher’s Guide is easy to follow with a clear and consistent lesson plan layout, including built in continuous assessment The Teacher’s Guide Plus ebook includes components such as slideshows, video clips, additional photographs and interactive activities Earth and Space content covers the new curriculum framework Thinking and Working Scientifically deepens and enhances the delivery of Science skills Includes practical activities that don’t require specialist equipment or labs Scaffolding allows students of varying abilities to work with common content and meet learning objectives Supports Cambridge Global Perspectives™ with activities that develop and practise key skills Provides teacher support as part of a set of resources for the Cambridge Primary Science curriculum framework (0097) from 2020 This series is endorsed by Cambridge Assessment International Education to support the new curriculum framework 0097 from 2020.

Bringing together the contributions of eleven leading photometric experts, this practical reference guide presents common design formulas, essential rules-of-thumb, worked-out examples, and discussions of photometric instruments. The book is arranged for ease of reference. The twelve chapters, each of which may be read independently, are grouped into three sections. The first contains introductory material, and defines the terminology and units of measurement used in photometry. The second section covers photometric methods and procedures and provides numerous illustrative case studies. The third section contains reports from the frontiers of photometry, and includes a look at the directions future research might take. The Handbook incorporates some special features, including a list of Web sites which offer photometry information. The editor has also set up the Web Companion, an online site for discussion about the book and related photometric issues. He will post errata and new information related to the book, and will respond to the most frequently asked questions. Profusely illustrated and thoroughly referenced, The Handbook of Applied Photometry will prove invaluable to those involved in lighting design, optical physics, or applications design, and will be welcomed by workers in government-standards laboratories.

A comprehensive laboratory manual containing 39 experiments that parallel the text, including a final group of six experiments on qualitative cation analysis.

The measurement of metabolic rates is central to important questions in many areas of physiological research. Unfortunately these measurements are anything but straightforward, with numerous pitfalls awaiting both the novice and even the experienced investigator. The original edition of this work, published in 2008, quickly became the principle "how to" manual for the field. It successfully de-mystified the topic, explaining every common variation of metabolic rate measurement. Background information on different analyzer and equipment types allowed users to choose the best instruments for their application. Respirometry equations, normally a topic of terror and confusion to researchers, were derived and described in sufficient detail to facilitate their selection and use. In this new edition, the content has been thoroughly updated and a decade of new literature incorporated. New chapters on room calorimetry, human metabolic measurement, and metabolic phenotyping have also been added.

Paul Feyeraband famously asked, what's so great about science? One answer is that it has been surprisingly successful in getting things right about the natural world, more successful than non-scientific or pre-scientific systems, religion or philosophy. Science has been able to formulate theories that have successfully predicted novel observations. It has produced theories about parts of reality that were not observable or accessible at the time those theories were first advanced, but the claims about those inaccessible areas have since turned out to be true. And science has, on occasion, advanced on more or less a priori grounds theories that subsequently turned out to be highly empirically successful. In this book the philosopher of science, John Wright delves deep into science's methodology to offer an explanation for this remarkable success story.

Innovations in crystallographic instrumentation and the rapid development of methods of diffraction measurement have led to a vast improvement in our ability to determine crystal and molecular structure. This up-to-date resource will allow the reader to harness the potential of X-ray diffraction instruments. Different sources of X-radiation used in crystallography are introduced, including synchrotron radiation, as well as a systematic review of detectors for X-rays and basic instruments for single crystal and powder diffractometry. The principles of the diffraction experiment are discussed and related to their practical application with a comparative description of different scan procedures. Diffraction data collection and processing are also reviewed and methods for error correction are described. This book will provide a useful guide for researchers and students starting in this area of science, as well as skilled crystallographers.

Electron Magnetic Resonance: Applications in Physical Sciences and Biology, Volume 50, describes the principles and recent trends in different experimental methods of Electron Magnetic Resonance (EMR) spectroscopy. In addition to principles, experimental methods and applications, each chapter contains a complete list of references that guide the reader to relevant literature. The book is intended for both skilled and novice researchers in academia, professional fields, scientists and students without any geographical limitations. It is useful for both beginners and experts in the field of Electron Spin Resonance who are looking for recent experimental methods of EMR techniques.

A time-tested, systematic approach to the buying and selling of complex research instruments

Searching for the best laboratory instruments and systems can be a daunting and expensive task. A poorly selected instrument can dramatically affect results produced and indirectly affect research papers, the quality of student training, and an investigator's chances for advancement. "Buying and Selling Laboratory Instruments" offers the valuable insights of an analytical chemist and consultant with over four decades of experience in locating instruments based upon both need and price. It helps all decision makers find the best equipment, service, and support while avoiding the brand-loyalty bias of sales representatives so you can fully meet your laboratory's requirements.

The first section of the book guides buyers through the hurdles of funding, purchasing, and acquiring best-fit instruments at the least-expensive price. It explains how to find vendors that support their customers with both knowledgeable service and application support. Also offered is guidance on adapting your existing instruments to new applications, integrating new equipment, and what to do with instruments that can no longer serve in research mode.

The second section explains the sales process in detail. This is provided both as a warning against manipulative sales reps and as a guide to making the sale a win-win process for you and your vendor. It also shows you how to select a knowledgeable technical guru to help determine the exact system configuration you need and where to find the best price for it. Added bonuses are summary figures of buying sequence and sales tools and an appendix containing frequently asked questions and memory aids.

"Buying and Selling Laboratory Instruments" is for people directly involved in selecting and buying instruments for operational laboratories, from the principle investigator to the person actually delegated with investigating and selecting the system to be acquired. Sales representatives; laboratory managers; universities; pharmaceutical, biotech, and forensic research firms; corporate laboratories; graduate and postdoctoral students; and principle investigators will not want to be without this indispensible guide.

Image processing is fast becoming a valuable tool for analyzing multidimensional data in all areas of natural science. Since the publication of the best-selling first edition of this handbook, the field of image processing has matured in many of its aspects from ad hoc, empirical approaches to a sound science based on established mathematical and physical principles. The Practical Handbook on Image Processing for Scientific and Technical Applications, Second Edition builds a sound basic knowledge of image processing, provides a critically evaluated collection of the best algorithms, and demonstrates those algorithms with real-world applications from many fields. It covers all aspects of image processing, from image formation to image analysis, and gives an up-to-date review of advanced concepts. Organized according to the hierarchy of tasks, each chapter includes a summary, an outline of the background the task requires, and a section of practical tips that help you avoid common errors and save valuable research time. New in the Second Edition: Expanded application areas now include technical fields such as the automotive industry, quality inspection, and materials science More practical tips in each chapter Discussion of digital camera interfaces and a comparison of CMOS vs. CCD cameras A section on wavelets Advanced techniques for reconstruction, new segmentation methods based on global optimization and anisotropic diffusion, and additional classification techniques, including neural networks, polynomial classification, and support vector machines Just as digital image processing provides the key to studying complex scientific problems that researchers once could only dream of tackling, this handbook unlocks the intricacies of image processing and brings its power and potential within the grasp of researchers across the spectrum of scientific and engineering disciplines.

Although methods and techniques that will help solve various analytical problems do exist, they are often difficult to perform. Using polarized light microscopy as the method of choice, Color Atlas and Manual of Microscopy for Criminalists, Chemists, and Conservators offers swift, simple, yet irrefutable analytical tests and testing procedures that can be used to identify organic and inorganic particles. Seasoned forensic microscopists Nicholas Petraco and Thomas Kubic have lent their expertise as consultants to forensic scientists, analytical chemists, art historians, pathologists, customs agents, detectives, gemologists, numismatists, and art conservators. Now they share their extensive photomicrograph collection of minute specimens along with clear, concise, and simple methods to help solve your analytical problems.

Million-copy bestselling author of The Elements, Molecules, and Reactions Theodore Gray applies his trademark mix of engaging stories, real-time experiments, and stunning photography to the inner workings of machines, big and small, revealing the extraordinary science, beauty, and rich history of everyday things. Theodore Gray has become a household name among fans, both young and old, of popular science and mechanics. He's an incorrigible tinkerer with a constant curiosity for how things work. Gray's readers love how he always brings the perfect combination of know-how, humour and daring-do to every project or demonstration, be it scientific or mechanical. In How Things Work he explores the mechanical underpinnings of dozens of types of machines and mechanisms, from the cotton gin to the wristwatch to an industrial loom. Filled with stunning original photographs in Gray's inimitable style, How Things Work is a must-have exploration of stuff - large and small - for any builder, maker or lover of mechanical things.

I In this volume, the author demystifies the Design of Experiments (DOE). He begins with a clear explanation of the traditional experimentation process. He then covers the concept of variation and the importance of experimentation and follows through with applications. Stamatis also discusses full and fractional factorials. The strength of this volume lies in the fact that not only does it introduce the concept of robustness, it also addresses "Robust Designs" with discussions on the Taguchi methodology of experimentation. And throughout the author ties these concepts into the Six Sigma philosophy and shows readers how they use those concepts in their organizations.

Private landowners or Federal Agencies responsible for cleaning up radiological environments are faced with the challenge of clearly defining the nature and extent of radiological contamination, implementing remedial alternatives, then statistically verifying that cleanup objectives have been met. Sampling and Surveying Radiological Environments provides the how-tos for designing and implementing cost effective and defensible sampling programs in radiological environments, such as those found in the vicinity of uranium mine sites, nuclear weapons production facilities, nuclear reactors, radioactive waste storage and disposal facilities, and nuclear accidents. It includes downloadable resources that walk you through the EPA's Data Quality Objectives(DQO) procedures and provides electronic templates you can complete and print. Sampling and Surveying Radiological Environments addresses all of the major topics that will assist you in designing and implementing statistically defensible sampling programs in radiological environments, including: Summary of the major environmental laws and regulations that apply to radiological sites, and advice on regulatory interfacing * Internet addresses where you can find regulations pertaining to each States Theory of radiation detection and definitions of common radiological terminology Statistics and statistical software that apply to the environmental industry Details on commercially available radiological instrumentation and detection systems Building decontamination and decommissioning, radiological and chemical equipment decontamination procedures, and tank/drum/remote characterization Standard operating procedures for collecting environmental media samples Guidance on sample preparation, documentation, and shipment Guidance on data verification/validation, radiological data management, data quality assessment (DQA)

Toxicology has made tremendous strides in the sophistication of the models used to identify and understand the mechanisms of agents that can harm or kill humans and other higher organisms. Non-animals or in vitro models started to gain significant use in the 1960s. As a result of the increased concern over animal welfare, economic factors, and the need for greater sensitivity and understanding of mechanisms, interest in in vitro models has risen. This volume demonstrates that there now exists a broad range of in vitro models for use in either identifying or understanding most forms of toxicity. The availability of in vitro models spans both the full range of endpoints (irritation, sensitization, lethality, mutagenicity, and developmental toxicity) and the full spectrum of target organ systems (including the skin, eye, heart, liver, kidney and nervous system). Chapters are devoted to each of these speciality areas from a perspective of presenting the principal models and their uses and limitations.

For all the emphasis on particle counting, there are extremely few pub lications of the technology - until now. A Practical Guide to Particle Counting for Drinking Water Treatment is a user's manual poised to re medy this problem with insight into every area of particle counting, f or both the system designer and the treatment operator The coverage f eatures an overview of particle counting, including the basic principl es of operation, application in the treatment process, and the fundame ntals of installation, operation, maintenance, data collection, and sy stem integration. It provides understanding of the general equipment s pecifications that help you make intelligent choices in equipment sele ction for a given application and of the underlying technology to help you make the most of your particle counting system.

'G. Adams in Fleet Street London' is the signature on some of the finest scientific instruments of the eighteenth century. This book is the first comprehensive study of the instrument-making business run by the Adams family, from its foundation in 1734 to bankruptcy in 1817. It is based on detailed research in the archival sources as well as examination of extant instruments and publications by George Adams senior and his two sons, George junior and Dudley. Separate chapters are devoted to George senior's family background, his royal connections, and his new globes; George junior's numerous publications, and his dealings with van Marum; and to Dudley's dabbling with 'medico-electrical therapeutics'. The book is richly illustrated with plates from the Adams's own publications and with examples of instruments ranging from unique museum pieces - such as the 'Prince of Wales' microscope - and globes to the more common, even mundane, items of the kind seen in salesrooms and dealers - the surveying, navigational and military instruments that formed the backbone of the business. The appendices include facsimiles of trade catalogues and an annotated short-title listing of the Adams family's publications, which also covers American and Continental editions, as well as the posthumous ones by W. & S. Jones.

Forensic DNA analysis plays a central role in the judicial system. A DNA sample can change the course of an investigation with immense consequences. Because DNA typing is recognized as the epitome of forensic science, increasing public awareness in this area is vital. Through several cases, examples and illustrations, this book explains the basic principles of forensic DNA typing, and how it integrates with law enforcement investigations and legal decisions. Written for a general readership, Understanding Forensic DNA explains both the power and the limitations of DNA analysis. This book dispels common misunderstandings regarding DNA analysis and shows how astounding match probabilities such as one-in-a-trillion are calculated, what they really mean, and why DNA alone never solves a case.

Forensic DNA analysis plays a central role in the judicial system. A DNA sample can change the course of an investigation with immense consequences. Because DNA typing is recognized as the epitome of forensic science, increasing public awareness in this area is vital. Through several cases, examples and illustrations, this book explains the basic principles of forensic DNA typing, and how it integrates with law enforcement investigations and legal decisions. Written for a general readership, Understanding Forensic DNA explains both the power and the limitations of DNA analysis. This book dispels common misunderstandings regarding DNA analysis and shows how astounding match probabilities such as one-in-a-trillion are calculated, what they really mean, and why DNA alone never solves a case.

Experts from The Jackson Laboratory and around the world provide practical advice on everything from how to establish a colony to where to go for specific mutations. Systematic Approach to Evaluation of Mouse Mutations includes information on medical photography, grafting procedures, how to map the genes and evaluate the special biological characteristics of the mice.

Since the initial discovery of the G protein-coupled receptor system that regulates cyclicAMP production, the G protein field has rapidly expanded. Cell surface receptors that couple to heterotrimeric G proteins, the G prote- coupled receptors (GPCRs), number in the hundreds and bind to a wide div- sity of ligands including, biogenic amines (e. g. , adrenaline), lipid derivatives (e. g. , lysophosphatidic acid), peptides (e. g. , opioid peptides), proteins (e. g. , thyroid-stimulating hormone), and odorants to name a few. The GPCR system is found throughout biology in such simple organisms as yeast and in such more complex organisms as Dictyostelium discoideum (slime mold), Caen- habditis elegans (nematode worm), and of course in humans. GPCRs and their associated G protein systems are the subject of intense academic research and because of their involvement in a human biology and disease, the pharmac- tical industry has large research initiatives dedicated to the study of GPCRs. By some estimates, more than 50% of the pharmaceuticals on the market are targeted at GPCRs. The G protein/G protein-coupled receptor system consists of a receptor (GPCR), a heterotrimeric G protein consisting of ?, ?, and ? subunits, and an effector. G protein effector molecules, such as enzymes or ion channels, respond to acti- tion by the G protein to generate second messengers or changes in membrane potential that lead to alterations in cell physiology.

The goal of this book is to make some underutilized but potentially very useful methods in experimental design and analysis available to ecologists, and to encourage better use of standard statistical techniques. Ecology has become more and more an experimental science in both basic and applied work, but experiments in the field and in the laboratory often present formidable statistical difficulties. Organized around providing solutions to ecological problems, this book offers ways to improve the statistical aspects of conducting manipulative ecological experiments, from setting them up to interpreting and reporting the results. An abundance of tools, including advanced approaches, are made available to ecologists in step-by-step examples, with computer code provided for common statistical packages. This is an essential how-to guide for the working ecologist and for graduate students preparing for research and teaching careers in the field of ecology.