Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2021 -

This question-and-answer book is one volume in the publisher's popular "Handy Answer Book" series. Astrophysicist Liu (City Univ. of New York) has also authored a "Handy" astronomy answers book. The premise of the series is that people have questions on many subjects deserving answers that make sense to a lay audience. Overall, Liu addresses this need credibly. The book is arranged in ten theme-based sections covering topics from "Motion" to "Atomic and Quantum Physics." Within each section the author poses questions that one might ask, such as: How is acceleration related to force? What is conservation of momentum? Why does the sun look yellow? or How is stereo sound transmitted? Nearly all the questions (and Liu's answers) are valid. Some basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, at high school level, would be helpful to readers. But science practitioners will also value the book as a handy resource for responding to frequently asked questions. The entries include historical anecdotes about famous physicists over the centuries, together with their contributions to current understanding of our universe and everyday experience. Helpful illustrations amplify the text. While some readers might cavil that Liu's answers are simplistic, his book serves to elevate physics to its deserved place in explaining what we see, hear, and sense around us.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

Genomics technology can successfully edit the DNA of human germ line cells, allowing a manipulated genome to be passed down to subsequent generations. While germline editing can be used to eradicate some inheritable diseases, it could also accidentally and permanently write unintended features--good, bad, or even ugly ones--into the genome of whole human lineages. Such capability raises apprehension and moral concerns. This book represents the official report of an international commission of notables on the acceptability of heritable human genome editing (HHGE) and on determining the kind of knowledge that will be needed before considering HHGE to be safe. Although the text is written in dry, technocratic language, making few concessions to engaging style, it is clear and precise. The report comprises four substantive sections addressing the state of the science, potential applications, translational paths toward controlled clinical applications, and national and international governance. Each section incorporates the essential definitions and facts, also establishing the general criteria that should govern pertinent discussion, and each concludes with a set of recommendations. Didactic images and diagrams addressing the nonexpert consumer and a glossary are included. This report is a must-have for anyone working on genetics, biomedical ethics, or related public policy, and also provides an accessible resource for the general reader.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.