Soaring Gothic cathedrals, violent crusades, the Black Death: these are the dramatic forces that shaped the medieval era. But the so-called Dark Ages also gave us the first universities, eyeglasses, and mechanical clocks. As medieval thinkers sought to understand the world around them, from the passing of the seasons to the stars in the sky, they came to develop a vibrant scientific culture. In The Light Ages, Cambridge science historian Seb Falk takes us on a tour of medieval science through the eyes of one fourteenth-century monk, John of Westwyk. Born in a rural manor, educated in England's grandest monastery, and then exiled to a clifftop priory, Westwyk was an intrepid crusader, inventor, and astrologer. From multiplying Roman numerals to navigating by the stars, curing disease, and telling time with an ancient astrolabe, we learn emerging science alongside Westwyk and travel with him through the length and breadth of England and beyond its shores. On our way, we encounter a remarkable cast of characters: the clock-building English abbot with leprosy, the French craftsman-turned-spy, and the Persian polymath who founded the world's most advanced observatory. The Light Ages offers a gripping story of the struggles and successes of an ordinary man in a precarious world and conjures a vivid picture of medieval life as we have never seen it before. An enlightening history that argues that these times weren't so dark after all, The Light Ages shows how medieval ideas continue to color how we see the world today.

Designed to stimulate curiosity & insight, & to clearly connect lecture & laboratory concepts & techniques, this volume contains experiements that maximise a discovery-orientated approach & minimize personal hazards & ecological impact. Use of chromates, barium, lead, mercury & nickel salts has been avoided.

"BioCoder" is a quarterly newsletter for DIYbio, synthetic bio, and anything related. You ll discover: Articles about interesting projects and experiments, such as the glowing plantArticles about tools, both those you buy and those you buildVisits to DIYbio laboratoriesProfiles of key people in the communityAnnouncements of events and other items of interestSafety pointers and tips about good laboratory practiceAnything that s interesting or useful: you tell us!And "BioCoder" is free (for the time being), unless you want a dead-tree version. We d like "BioCoder" to become self supporting (maybe even profitable), but we ll worry about that after we ve got a few issues under our belt.If you d like to contribute, send email to [email protected]. Tell us what you d like to do, and we ll get you started."

Raymond E. Barrett's Build-It-Yourself Science Laboratory is a classic book that took on an audacious task: to show young readers in the 1960s how to build a complete working science lab for chemistry, biology, and physics--and how to perform experiments with those tools. The experiments in this book are fearless and bold by today's standards--any number of the experiments might never be mentioned in a modern book for young readers! Yet, many from previous generations fondly remember how we as a society used to embrace scientific learning. This new version of Barrett's book has been updated for today's world with annotations and updates from Windell Oskay of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, including extensive notes about modern safety practices, suggestions on where to find the parts you need, and tips for building upon Barrett's ideas with modern technology. With this book, you'll be ready to take on your own scientific explorations at school, work, or home.

BioCoder is a quarterly newsletter for DIYbio, synthetic bio, and anything related. You'll discover: Articles about interesting projects and experiments, such as the glowing plant Articles about tools, both those you buy and those you build Visits to DIYbio laboratories Profiles of key people in the community Announcements of events and other items of interest Safety pointers and tips about good laboratory practice Anything that's interesting or useful: you tell us! And BioCoder is free (for the time being), unless you want a dead-tree version. We'd like BioCoder to become self supporting (maybe even profitable), but we'll worry about that after we've got a few issues under our belt.

Succeed in biology with LABORATORY MANUAL FOR NON-MAJORS BIOLOGY! Through hands-on lab experience, this biology laboratory manual reinforces biology concepts to help you get a better grade. Exercises, pre-lab questions, and post-lab questions enhance your understanding and make lab assignments easy to complete and easy to comprehend.

The Oxford Handbook of the History of Physics brings together cutting-edge writing by more than twenty leading authorities on the history of physics from the seventeenth century to the present day. By presenting a wide diversity of studies in a single volume, it provides authoritative introductions to scholarly contributions that have tended to be dispersed in journals and books not easily accessible to the general reader. While the core thread remains the theories and experimental practices of physics, the Handbook contains chapters on other dimensions that have their place in any rounded history. These include the role of lecturing and textbooks in the communication of knowledge, the contribution of instrument-makers and instrument-making companies in providing for the needs of both research and lecture demonstrations, and the growing importance of the many interfaces between academic physics, industry, and the military.

Most lab manuals assume a high level of knowledge among biochemistry students, as well as a large amount of experience combining knowledge from separate scientific disciplines. Biochemistry in the Lab: A Manual for Undergraduates expects little more than basic chemistry. It explains procedures clearly, as well as giving a clear explanation of the theoretical reason for those steps. Key Features: Presents a comprehensive approach to modern biochemistry laboratory teaching, together with a complete experimental experience Includes chemical biology as its foundation, teaching readers experimental methods specific to the field Provides instructor experiments that are easy to prepare and execute, at comparatively low cost Supersedes existing, older texts with information that is adjusted to modern experimental biochemistry Is written by an expert in the field This textbook presents a foundational approach to modern biochemistry laboratory teaching together with a complete experimental experience, from protein purification and characterization to advanced analytical techniques. It has modules to help instructors present the techniques used in a time critical manner, as well as several modules to study protein chemistry, including gel techniques, enzymology, crystal growth, unfolding studies, and fluorescence. It proceeds from the simplest and most important techniques to the most difficult and specialized ones. It offers instructors experiments that are easy to prepare and execute, at comparatively low cost.

This revision brings the reader completely up to date on the evolving methods associated with increasingly more complex sample types analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, or HPLC. The book also incorporates updated discussions of many of the fundamental components of HPLC systems and practical issues associated with the use of this analytical method. This edition includes new or expanded treatments of sample preparation, computer assisted method development, as well as biochemical samples, and chiral separations.

Specifically intended for lab-based biomedical researchers, this practical guide shows how to design experiments that are reproducible, with low bias, high precision, and widely applicable results. With specific examples from research using both cell cultures and model organisms, it explores key ideas in experimental design, assesses common designs, and shows how to plan a successful experiment. It demonstrates how to control biological and technical factors that can introduce bias or add noise, and covers rarely discussed topics such as graphical data exploration, choosing outcome variables, data quality control checks, and data pre-processing. It also shows how to use R for analysis, and is designed for those with no prior experience. An accompanying website (https://stanlazic.github.io/EDLB.html) includes all R code, data sets, and the labstats R package. This is an ideal guide for anyone conducting lab-based biological research, from students to principle investigators working in either academia or industry.

A bestseller for nearly 25 years, Analysis of Messy Data, Volume 1: Designed Experiments helps applied statisticians and researchers analyze the kinds of data sets encountered in the real world. Written by two long-time researchers and professors, this second edition has been fully updated to reflect the many developments that have occurred since the original publication. New to the Second Edition Several modern suggestions for multiple comparison procedures Additional examples of split-plot designs and repeated measures designs The use of SAS-GLM to analyze an effects model The use of SAS-MIXED to analyze data in random effects experiments, mixed model experiments, and repeated measures experiments The book explores various techniques for multiple comparison procedures, random effects models, mixed models, split-plot experiments, and repeated measures designs. The authors implement the techniques using several statistical software packages and emphasize the distinction between design structure and the structure of treatments. They introduce each topic with examples, follow up with a theoretical discussion, and conclude with a case study. Bringing a classic work up to date, this edition will continue to show readers how to effectively analyze real-world, nonstandard data sets.

This new book aims to guide both the experimentalist and theoretician through their compulsory laboratory courses forming part of an undergraduate physics degree. The rationale behind this book is to show students and interested readers the value and beauty within a carefully planned and executed experiment, and to help them to develop the skills to carry out experiments themselves.

Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis: Radiation Physics and Detectors, Volume One, and Radioanalytical Applications, Volume Two, Fourth Edition, constitute an authoritative reference on the principles, practical techniques and procedures for the accurate measurement of radioactivity - everything from the very low levels encountered in the environment, to higher levels measured in radioisotope research, clinical laboratories, biological sciences, radionuclide standardization, nuclear medicine, nuclear power, and fuel cycle facilities, and in the implementation of nuclear forensic analysis and nuclear safeguards. It includes sample preparation techniques for all types of matrices found in the environment, including soil, water, air, plant matter and animal tissue, and surface swipes. Users will find the latest advances in the applications of radioactivity analysis across various fields, including environmental monitoring, radiochemical standardization, high-resolution beta imaging, automated radiochemical separation, nuclear forensics, and more.

The Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller Have you ever wondered if a severed head retains consciousness long enough to see what happened to it? Or whether your dog would run to fetch help, if you fell down a disused mineshaft? And what would happen if you were to give an elephant the largest ever single dose of LSD? The chances are that someone, somewhere has conducted a scientific experiment to find out... 'Excellent accounts of some of the most important and interesting experiments in biology and psychology' Simon Singh If left to their own devices, would babies instinctively choose a well-balanced diet? Discover the secret of how to sleep on planes Which really tastes better in a blind tasting - Coke or Pepsi?

This book introduces the fundamentals of biobanking and guides through the practical planning thereof, with a special focus on the situation in low- and middle-income countries. On the example of the setup of a Ukrainian biobank the book discusses the main steps and aspects of successful biorepository implementation and management. Topics covered include collection, storage and shipping of samples, establishment of an IT system, development of a sustainability plan, and project and risk management. Furthermore, the importance of the formation of international biobanking societies such as the Ukraine Association of Biobanks is highlighted, and their main objectives and tasks are discussed.The book addresses life science and business professionals as well as national authorities who are interested in biobanking in general and in setting up a biobank in particular.

Radioisotopes are invaluable tools for research in the biosciences. They provide unrivalled sensitivity for the detection and identification of biological molecules, facilitating for example drug discovery and human genetics.The book helps the research scientist to understand what is involved in the use of radioactive compounds and provides protocols for their use. Advice on legislation, guidance on safe handling and detailed recipes are provided.

The first part of this book describes the development of the trade in scientific instruments in Elizabethan London. In the second part, the author describes in detail the provenance and context of all the existing scientific instruments from this period. Highly illustrated throughout this book is a fascinating and scholarly study of a neglected period.

This book explicates the optical controls of antiferromagnetic spins by intense terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves. The book comprises two key components: (1) the experimental demonstration of the enhancement of a THz magnetic field using a split-ring resonator (SRR) and (2) the control of the direction of magnetization by using the enhanced THz magnetic field to break the symmetry of optically-induced phase transition. These make up the first step leading to future spintronics devices. In the beginning of the book, the author reviews the basics of the ultrafast laser and nonlinear optical techniques as well as the previously achieved experiments to control spin dynamics by THz magnetic fields. In this context, a new experimental protocol is described, in which electron spins in a ferromagnetic material are redirected at the unprecedented level in cooperation with the enhanced THz magnetic field. Subsequently, the author demonstrates that the THz magnetic field is significantly amplified as a nearfield around the SRR structured metamaterial, which is implemented by measuring spin precession in a solid. At the end, the author presents the key experiment in which the amplified THz magnetic nearfield is applied to the weak ferromagnet ErFeO3 along with the femtosecond near-infrared pulse, demonstrating the successful control of symmetry breaking of the spin system due to coherent control of the optically-induced spin reorientation phase transition pathways. The comprehensive introductory review in this book allows readers to overview state-of-the-art terahertz spectroscopic techniques. In addition, the skillful description of the experiments is highly informative for readers in ultrafast magnonics, ultrafast optics, terahertz technology and plasmonic science.

The fundamental principles of the scientific method are essential for enhancing perspective, increasing productivity, and stimulating innovation. These principles include deductive and inductive logic, probability, parsimony and hypothesis testing, as well as science's presuppositions, limitations, ethics and bold claims of rationality and truth. The examples and case studies drawn upon in this book span the physical, biological and social sciences; include applications in agriculture, engineering and medicine; and also explore science's interrelationships with disciplines in the humanities such as philosophy and law. Informed by position papers on science from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Academy of Sciences and National Science Foundation, this book aligns with a distinctively mainstream vision of science. It is an ideal resource for anyone undertaking a systematic study of scientific method for the first time, from undergraduates to professionals in both the sciences and the humanities.

The present biodiversity crisis is rife with opportunities to make important conservation decisions; however, the misuse or misapplication of the methods and techniques of animal ecology can have serious consequences for the survival of species. Still, there have been relatively few critical reviews of methodology in the field. This book provides an analysis of some of the most frequently used research techniques in animal ecology, identifying their limitations and misuses, as well as possible solutions to avoid such pitfalls. In the process, contributors to this volume present new perspectives on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.

"Research Techniques in Animal Ecology" is an overarching account of central theoretical and methodological controversies in the field, rather than a handbook on the minutiae of techniques. The editors have forged comprehensive presentations of key topics in animal ecology, such as territory and home range estimates, habitation evaluation, population viability analysis, GIS mapping, and measuring the dynamics of societies. Striking a careful balance, each chapter begins by assessing the shortcomings and misapplications of the techniques in question, followed by a thorough review of the current literature, and concluding with possible solutions and suggested guidelines for more robust investigations.

This is a fundamental reference work for any scientist contemplating using AI for data analysis.

This book contains up-to-date methods for all aspects of breeding and studying mice as a model for the way that genes work to control development, physiology and behaviour. The mouse has recently become the model organism for human genetics. The chapters are written by experts in the field and aimed both at an audience of scientists new to the field, and those who want an overview of the latest techniques.

It has been recognised for many years that power ultrasound has great potential for uses in a wide variety of processes in the chemical and allied industries. Reported applications include cleaning, sterilisation, flotation, drying, degassing, defoaming, soldering, plastic welding, drilling, filtration, homogenisation, emulsification, dissolution, deaggregation of powder, biological cell disruption, extraction, crystallisation and, more recently, as a stimulus for chemical reactions. With the increasing use of power ultrasound in chemistry comes the need for specialist text books covering this emerging discipline. This book is suitable for chemists and chemical engineers at all levels who wish to gain a rapid insight into what is becoming a standard method in the chemical laboratory. It is designed to answer the following questions: What is sonochemistry? Why is it important? What systems are affected by sonochemistry? What are the major applications of this technique? What types of ultrasonic equipment are available? How do the different types of equipment compare? How is the equipment best configured for chemical applications? What parameters can be changed to optimise sonochemical results? What equipment is available for the scale-up of sonochemistry?

X-ray crystallography is the major method of determining biological structures yet the procedures involved in obtaining the required crystals are still seen as something of a black art by many molecular biologists. As with the previous edition this book will dispel this idea by providing a detailed and rational guide to obtaining crystals or proteins and nucleic acids for diffraction studies.

In addition to the issues constituting the basis of microbial biotechnology, such as microorganisms culturing or their use in industry and environmental protection, the book includes modern analytical techniques known as "omics", as well as digital techniques used to record adverse changes in the environment those resulting from the harmful activity of bacteria and fungi. A color atlas (Chapter 8) with photos of the fungi discussed in each chapter was also included. The book was prepared with the use of many years of scientific and didactic experience of the authors who conduct classes in various fields and specializations of natural sciences. This resulted in the interdisciplinary nature of the publication. It will be useful not only for PhD students and students of biotechnology and microbiology, but also environmental protection, ecological biotechnology, urban revitalization, as well as all those interested in applying the latest achievements of these areas of science in practice.