Why in the world are we paying for all this "basic" research? The answer to this question becomes clear in this romp through the "seemingly useless" world of pure science, where one thing leads to another in ways that result in major scientific advancements.

With a novelistic style, C. Renee James reveals how obscure studies of natural phenomena--including curved space-time, poisonous cone snails, exploding black holes, and the precise chemical makeup of the sun--led unexpectedly to WiFi, GPS, genetic sequencing, pain medications, and cancer treatments. "Science Unshackled" brings both science and scientists to life and shows how simple curiosity can result in life-changing breakthroughs.

Scientists engaged in basic research, funded in large part by governments around the globe and throughout the centuries, never know when exploring small questions will have big impacts. But, by following the scientific method, disciplined inquiry can lead to wondrous and practical discoveries that benefit all of us in the end. The next time someone asks you why "the government" wastes its money on weird research, recall the intriguing stories James has told and tell them the answer.

Time. Gravity. Night. So much of what surrounds us feels familiar and mundane. But each is a wonder that reveals profound insights into the world around us.

C. Renee James's whimsical tour of seven everyday experiences--night, light, stuff, gravity, time, home, and wonder--opens the Universe to fantastical contemplation. Light? Although we need it to see, there's much more to it than meets the eye. Stuff? When it comes down to it, things are almost entirely empty space--99.9% nothing--especially when you get to the atomic level. Home? James's contemplation of our place in the Universe shows that it's not just a place to hang your hat--and that there's really nothing else like it.

James introduces each of these seven wonders with a simple question that appears to be easily answered. The questions are deceptive, though--as is James's casual, light-hearted style. Underneath lie such concepts as relativity, matter and antimatter, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Her accessible discussion uses common analogies and entertaining illustrations to provide a bundle of detail on historical discoveries and to provoke serious pondering.

Fun and edifying, "Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably Took for Granted" is an inviting introduction to secret knowledge of our everyday world. This book may be 99.9% nothing, but the thoughts it will inspire are massive.

Time. Gravity. Night. So much of what surrounds us feels familiar and mundane. But each is a wonder that reveals profound insights into the world around us.

C. Renee James's whimsical tour of seven everyday experiences--night, light, stuff, gravity, time, home, and wonder--opens the Universe to fantastical contemplation. Light? Although we need it to see, there's much more to it than meets the eye. Stuff? When it comes down to it, things are almost entirely empty space--99.9% nothing--especially when you get to the atomic level. Home? James's contemplation of our place in the Universe shows that it's not just a place to hang your hat--and that there's really nothing else like it.

James introduces each of these seven wonders with a simple question that appears to be easily answered. The questions are deceptive, though--as is James's casual, light-hearted style. Underneath lie such concepts as relativity, matter and antimatter, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Her accessible discussion uses common analogies and entertaining illustrations to provide a bundle of detail on historical discoveries and to provoke serious pondering.

Fun and edifying, "Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably Took for Granted" is an inviting introduction to secret knowledge of our everyday world. This book may be 99.9% nothing, but the thoughts it will inspire are massive.