Science & Technology

A curious world, indeed, is brilliantly described in this definitive guide. Expert botanists with wide renown, Barthlott, Stefan Porembski, Rüdiger Seine, and Inge Theisen have compiled the first comprehensive listing of all 630 known species of so-called flowers of evil. They detail the plants' biology, diversity, and cultivation. Over 150 color and black-and-white illustrations and two maps illuminate the exotic and beautiful world of plant carnivory. Chapters cover their habitats around the world, biogeography, variety of attracting and trapping mechanisms, prey, and digestion and nutrient uptake systems. The authors discuss the evolution of carnivory, conservation, and requirements for growing these bizarre plants. Sections on the ten families of carnivorous plants and the animal-trapping mosses and fungi open with essays, informed both by historical understanding and by recent scholarship. A full list of carnivorous plants is supplied, A-to-Z by name of species, with the year they were first described and distribution information. A glossary, bibliography, index, and list of carnivorous plant societies and sources close this fine volume. Highly recommended for all gardening or reference collections.—Donna L. Davey, Tamiment Lib., New York Univ.

In the mid-1990s, Brazil created an international model for AIDS treatment by making antiretrovirals available to any registered HIV patient. To examine this system's impact, Biehl (anthropology, Princeton Univ.; Vita: Life in a Zone of Social Abandonment) spent much of the last decade visiting Brazilian AIDS treatment centers and interviewing administrators, medical personnel, and patients. Here, he compiles his findings and discusses the "pharmaceuticalization of public health," wherein access to medication has become the primary focus of public health. However, as this scholarly ethnography clearly illustrates, treatment success is not limited to drug distribution. While AIDS medications have improved the lives of many Brazilians, others, particularly the poor, may get lost in the system. Without additional social and public health support, marginalized populations often end up back where they started, both medically and socially—unable to keep up with treatment regimes and needing psychological services and such major life necessities as adequate food and income. Photographer Eskerod's poignant images and Biehl's extensive quotations from patient interviews strengthen the book's message. Recommended for academic libraries.—Tina Neville, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.

Genadry (gynecology & obstetrics) and Mostwin (urology), professors and medical directors at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, have written an excellent resource for women with urinary incontinence and their caretakers. Wide in scope and thorough in coverage, the book describes the stages and types of incontinence, kinds of exams and tests, current drugs and methods of treatment, anticipated outcomes, and possible complications. Nonspecialists will appreciate that terms are defined within the text as well as in an eight-page glossary. The list of web sites is useful; however, in one case the authors miss an opportunity to guide readers to a site's A-to-Z topic list, instead recommending a search for two somewhat minor phrases. Line drawings illustrate the physiology of incontinence, while case examples tell of individual patients' experiences and outcomes. The book advises patients to advocate for their best individual care and emphasizes that every person's situation is unique. Conservative in their approach to treatment, Genadry and Mostwin eschew surgery in favor of less radical (and therefore reversible) cures. One of a few recent works on this topic for women, this is suitable for academic, public, or health-oriented libraries.—Lois K. Merry, Keene State Coll. Lib., NH

Media celebrities like Deepak Chopra, Bill Moyers, and Wayne Dyer have popularized theories of powerful currents linking our minds, emotions, and physical bodies. In contrast, Harrington (history of science, Harvard Univ.; Reenchanted Science: Holism in German Culture from Wilhelm II to Hitler), who has spent her scholarly career exploring mind-body relationships, enlightens readers through an authoritative historical account of healers' efforts through the ages to use the mind to cure the body. From Old Testament accounts of demon possession through neurasthenia, hypnosis, psychotherapy, and biofeedback to the West's recent explorations of Qigong Chinese medicine and Tibetan meditation techniques, she here provides a fascinating tour of the many contested terrains between mind and body and science and culture. Writing stories of inexplicable healings and referencing respected scientific research studies, Harrington persuades readers of the undeniable power of the mind over the physical body. Recommended for thoughtful readers in most libraries.—Kathy Arsenault, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.

Lose weight without going hungry? We all thought it was impossible, until we began to explore the possibility of using fiber-rich foods to fill us up without packing on the calories. InovoBiologic Inc. used studies conducted at the University of Toronto to produce PolyGlycopleX™ (PGX), a water-soluble "super fiber" that absorbs 600 times its weight in water. Lyon is one of the doctors who developed the product, and together with Murray (The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods), he here presents a weight-loss plan that involves ingesting PGX in tandem with foods that raise the metabolic rate and improve the body's ability to utilize its own insulin, a process called thermogenesis. The plan also includes menus and recipes. Though following the diet might induce weight loss, the added fiber may not deter a determined nosher. Also, PGX will create severe blockage unless the user is careful to drink sufficient fluid. Not a necessary purchase, but there could be demand around the holidays. [Visit author Murray online at DoctorMurray.com.—Ed.]—Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

Pregnant women or new mothers may experience pelvic instability, or pain in their pelvic region, owing to a weakening of the ligaments. This English translation of Dutch physiotherapist and orthopedic-manual therapist Röst's 1998 book is based on techniques the author claims have helped more than 90 percent of her patients overcome pelvic pain and related symptoms and led to relief from her own pelvic instability following her third pregnancy. The book's first four parts, geared toward the patient, explain what pelvic instability is, present exercises to help relieve pain, offer advice on how to go about daily activities, and more. Part 5, written for physiotherapists and health-care professionals, contains analysis of Röst's research and discusses risk factors and issues relating to consultation and therapy. Röst's personal anecdotes about women with this condition whose pain was relieved within days or weeks of performing the exercises are inspiring. Although the illustrated exercises are easy to follow at home, Röst also encourages readers to perform them with a health-care professional. Offering relief to women suffering from this condition, this book is recommended for libraries with consumer health and health sciences collections.—Rebecca Raszewski, Drexel Univ. Health Sciences Libs., Philadelphia

Stewart, a recognized expert on uterine fibroids, presents in varying detail what is known about the causes of and treatment for these benign, smooth muscle knots that can affect fertility and menstrual flow (an estimated 23 million women could be afflicted) and encourages patients to partner with their physicians to choose an individualized treatment plan. The descriptions of the underlying biology and surgical treatments (involving various excisions and targeted injections) are thorough and current, but they are written at a college level and include many undefined medical terms. Conversely, the chapters on medical treatment options (e.g., hormones, steroids, and other drugs) are slightly more accessible, as are those covering such factors and conditions as genetics, pregnancy, and uterine cancers. The addition of simpler diagrams, a glossary, augmentations like tables, and plain-English summaries would have been helpful. The only other current title in this area, Scott C. Goodwin, Michael Broder, and David Drum's unillustrated What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibroids, features less depth but more breadth, covering also complementary medicine and healthy lifestyles. A heavily referenced work recommended only for comprehensive consumer-health collections and large public libraries. (Index not seen.)—Janice Flahiff, Univ. of Toledo Libs.

"Nearly every urban community in America, and countless rural areas as well, has confronted the failure of the retail food industry to adequately serve its citizens." From Winne's own experience as executive director of the Hartford Food System in Connecticut, he writes about the lack of options for many elderly and poor people in the United States. He discusses strategies tried by numerous communities to combat this problem—e.g., farmers' markets, community gardens, food pantries—pointing out where, why, and the various ways in which these strategies have managed to fail or succeed. Chapter content ranges from largely factual accounts of various food-systems projects to memoirlike accounts of the author's experiences in Hartford and elsewhere. The book closes with a call to action to "re-store America's food deserts" by looking at the larger picture rather than focusing too narrowly on one aspect of the problem. More suitable for academic readers than general audiences; recommended for academic and larger public libraries.—Mindy Rhiger, Minneapolis

When the Beaujolais nouveau arrives in wine shops around the world on the third Thursday in November, it is cause for celebration. But until the middle of the 20th century, Beaujolais was a cheap, common red wine unknown outside the French region where it was produced. Here, Chelminski (The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine) details the captivating story of Beaujolais's ascent to wine fame and profiles the one person—winemaker Georges Duboeuf—most responsible for its hard-won success. By expertly blending entertaining snippets of wine history, bits of agricultural science, and a generous soupçon of French culinary lore, Chelminski has created a deliciously amusing tale that is highly recommended for most public libraries.—John Charles, Scottsdale P.L., AZ

Tantalizing yet comforting, sophisticated but simple, DePalma's cookbook bears the same virtues as the Italian sweets it describes. Presenting a wide array of traditional Italian recipes, it includes her own ingenious and mouthwatering updates and alterations and covers many desserts, including cookies, cakes, puddings, ice cream, fruit, specialties, and even savories and cheese selections. Introductory materials offer information about regions within Italy, important Italian ingredients, necessary equipment, and a helpful source list included as an appendix. Each recipe is introduced with notes and explanations steeped in DePalma's own extensive experience. She is currently pastry chef at Mario Batali's Babbo in New York City and has been nominated for the James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef Award. Recommended for all public libraries.—Courtney Greene, DePaul Univ. Lib., Chicago

The Herb Society of America has assembled a fantastic book on common and not-so-common herbs. Tips for growing and cooking are included, as well as illustrations and recipes. Each herb is given a brief history, where it originated on the globe, how to care for the plant, and ideas on what food would be best with which to pair it. Recipes are offered for appetizers, beverages, breads, soups and sandwiches, salads and salad dressings, main dishes, vegetable and side dishes, desserts, as well as sauces and blends. Although a lovely book, color photographs would have been a fantastic addition. This is excellent for the home cook interested in learning more about how to start an herb garden for added flavor to foods, as well as gardeners looking for ideas on how to utilize their crops for the kitchen. Recommended for all public libraries.—Jennifer A. Wickes, Garden Plate Magazine, Pine Beach, NJ

A lovely photograph of a bowl of tofu marinated in parsley and olive oil graces the cover of this cookbook, which is full of bright and beautiful photos accompanying the simple vegetarian appetizer, lunch, and dessert recipes that are artful and simple and require a refined palate. The condiment dishes are fabulous and innovative for readers who are looking for something new to add to their repertoire of lunchtime sandwiches and salads. The desserts are decadent, and especially appealing is the Chocolate Chew recipe, which incorporates three types of chocolate and is not overly sweet. Nutritionist Oliveira focuses on healthful eating, but the recipes do not lack in flavor or creativity. This cookbook is not for everyone, as it is limited to vegetarian lunchtime meals and snacks. Recommended for public libraries with a solid collection of special diet cookbooks or academic libraries with a nutrition section.—Claire Schaper, Franklin Inst., Philadelphia

Roscher, with over 25 years as a cook and restaurant manager, experienced a potentially deadly flare-up of Crohn's disease in 2001. The result of her subsequent research into both Crohn's and colitis is this cookbook, designed to provide patients with tasty recipes that will supposedly lesson the likelihood of flare-ups. However, most of the dishes are similar to those found in many general collections. Readers will find such recipes as a standard potato salad mixture, Sirloin Tips on Rice, or Maple-Glazed Carrots. Even the dessert options are very common (e.g., Bren's Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Pumpkin Pie), although they do offer alternatives that are lower in fat than the typical recipe. The fat per serving is probably reduced further by the sometimes unrealistic servings: most pumpkin pie recipes cannot serve up to ten people! A nutritional analysis is not provided for each recipe, so users must consult another source to compile accurate per-serving nutritional specifics. Recommended only for very large or highly specialized cooking collections.—Deborah Lee, Mississippi State Univ. Libs., Starkville

Sometimes a convert makes the most ardent missionary. Such may be the case with novelist and science writer Cravens. Initially biased against nuclear energy because of its commonly perceived risks, she changed her mind when introduced to the scientific facts. Cravens found that scientists who understand nuclear energy most clearly are almost universally in favor of its expansion, arguing that it has a far greater safety record than conventional energy sources and that fears of radiation accidents are either unfounded or exaggerated. Thus, guided by nuclear scientist and environmental enthusiast Richard "Rip" Anderson, Cravens embarks upon a "Nuclear America Tour," wherein she is introduced to the history, science, potential, and facts of nuclear energy. Systematically, she becomes converted to the notions that there is more ambient radioactivity in Denver than in Chernobyl, that well-designed nuclear plants are safer than coal-fired ones, and that probably the surest way to mitigate global warming is by investing in nuclear energy. Her presentation of these arguments is lucid and convincing, and her prose is lively and colorful. To be fair, she does not go out of her way to seek or quote contrary opinions, but those arguments have been put forward in a variety of other sources. This is a sensible and important contribution to the dialog. Recommended for all science collections.—Gregg Sapp, Science Lib., SUNY at Albany

Gorillas and humans share a common ancestor, belong to the same family of great apes (Hominidae), and vary in their DNA by only 2.3 percent. Since their discovery in Africa by Western explorers about 150 years ago, gorillas have fascinated humans. At first they were feared and hunted, then they were observed and studied—most notably by Dian Fossey and George Schaller—and now they are threatened with extinction. Grant, who works in the zoo and leisure industries, has written an overview of gorilla behavior and a comparison with human behavior. Using facts and figures culled from various articles and books (especially Schaller's), he aims to present this information "in a fun, accessible way." Unfortunately, the result is more condescending than fun, more a corny recitation of facts than an insightful discussion. The accompanying illustrations are poorly drawn and often silly. One, for example, shows a gorilla with a napkin tied around his neck sitting at a table holding a knife and fork; another shows a frustrated gorilla throwing his golf clubs into a pond. Such depictions turn gorillas into caricatures and destroy all sense of awe or respect for this amazing, gentle creature. A much more insightful overview with beautiful photos is Gorillas: Natural History and Conservation by Kelly Stewart, who worked in Africa with Fossey. Another well-done introduction is Michelle Gilders's The Nature of Great Apes. Grant's book is not recommended.—Ilse Heidmann, Washington State Lib., Olympia

This compelling book on the supporting characters of the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries chronicles the as yet untold stories of the many people who were not the great iconic names familiar to us but were still important as science evolved. Harkness (history, Univ. of Southern California) is already known for John Dee's Conversations with Angels, in which she also examined the social side of the history of science. In this new book, we see that the scientific revolution was more gradual and wider spread than many believe. Harkness re-creates the lives of the merchants, gardeners, barber-surgeons, alchemists, and other individuals in Elizabethan London who were engaged in the same exciting world of discovery as their better-known peers. Fascinating and fun to read, Harkness's book explores a new area in the history of science. Recommended for all college, academic, and larger public libraries where there is an interest in science history.—Eric D. Albright, Tufts Univ. Health Sciences Lib., Boston

Puma. Cougar. Mountain lion. Panther. These words and the creatures they represent inspire awe, wonder, excitement, terror, and reverence in the writers whose contributions make up this anthology. Bekoff (emeritus, ecology and evolutionary biology, Univ. of Colorado; The Emotional Lives of Animals) and Lowe (cofounder, Cougar Fund) have in a sensitive, factual, and respectful way provided us, through the eyes of others, a glimpse of this magnificent animal. Noted writers and poets like Barry Lopez, Rick Bass, and Gary Gildner share their personal encounters with the big cat, while biologists and conservationists discuss cougar ecology. Hunters, environmental activists, lovers of the outdoors, and Native Americans also offer their insightful perspectives. This well-written and informative volume is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries and natural history collections focusing on animal behavior.—Melody Ballard, Pima Cty. P.L., Tucson, AZ

Repcheck, the author of a well-received popular biography of geologist James Hutton, The Man Who Found Time, is a skilled synthesizer of previously published scholarly and popular works. In this slender volume, he spins the tale of how a cleric of the Catholic Church developed a highly sophisticated theory of the architecture of the heavens. Much of the narrative, a distillation of earlier popular works about Copernicus, emphasizes the feet-of-clay aspects of the astronomer's life (1473–1543). Repcheck's descriptions of the political, cultural, and geographic landscapes in which Copernicus lived are fresh and spirited. The sections that distinguish his book from other recently published works (e.g., Owen Gingerich's The Book Nobody Read; Dennis Danielson's The First Copernican; William T. Vollmann's Uncentering the Earth) are those in which Repcheck draws on his insights into the publishing process as a W.W. Norton science editor to describe the complexities of bringing De Revolutionibus into print in 1543, from convincing the reclusive scholar to publish a work that would generate controversy to the printing of the manuscripts. Recommended for the popular science collections of public and college libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 8/07.]—Sara Rutter, Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa Lib., Honolulu

An Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) advanced aircraft accident qualified investigator, Bibel (mechanical engineering, Univ. of North Dakota Sch. of Engineering and Mines) presents several case studies of airplane accidents, from the 1931 crash that killed football coach Knute Rockne to the 1996 explosion of TWA Flight 800 shortly after takeoff from New York's JFK airport. Offering insights into how aviation accident investigations are conducted, Bibel addresses the causes of such accidents, from in-flight breakup to metal fatigue and combustion, and the lessons learned. Enriched with many drawings, graphs, and equations, this is a good aeronautics text for a mechanical or safety perspective. The specific findings from many investigations demonstrate principles or applications from aerodynamics, physics, and engineering. While Bibel's book compares with Glenn Ellis's 1984 Air Crash Investigation of General Aviation Aircraft, it is more up-to-date, with post-1984 case studies and includes commercial airline accidents. This is highly recommended for academic libraries supporting aerodynamics, aviation, or engineering courses or as support for physics and criminal justice investigation classes; it should also be included in aeronautical and engineering industry libraries.—Jim Agee, Univ. of Northern Colorado Lib., Greeley