Science & Technology

In 2007, there were over 170,000 new breast cancer cases, so the need for up-to-date resources continues. Drawing on the expertise of private consultants, this five-part book edited by Miller (medicine & oncology, Yale Cancer Ctr.) succeeds at being an authoritative resource for a wide audience: women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer and even those with metastatic cancer. The first two parts introduce breast cancer and its treatments; the last three parts deal with the personal experience of breast cancer. Various chapters profile doctors in specialties related to breast cancer such as radiation oncologists and plastic surgeons—there is even a chapter about doctors who are breast cancer survivors. This book effectively illustrates the disease's complexity. Readers will see how women made choices based on what was best for themselves, not on statistics. The illustrations are helpful in demonstrating how breast cancer forms and the surgical procedures. Although medical terms are defined in different sections, a glossary would have been helpful. Highly recommended for consumer health and public libraries.—Rebecca Raszewski, Drexel Univ. Health Sciences Libs., Philadelphia

Duke, a personal trainer to celebrities like Kirsten Dunst, Denzel Washington, and Julianne Moore, has crafted an inspirational volume to help women "celebrate the body you have, get the body you want." She addresses not only the physical aspects of fitness but also the spiritual and emotional components needed to maintain it. Women will appreciate her emphasis on sense of self; the point here is to realize the potential of one's individual physique, not aim for an unattainable Hollywood ideal. Each of the three parts ("I Am," "I Can," and "I Do") features motivational text, "woman warrior" exercises, healthy recipes, milestones, and a workout log. Duke has an approachable style and blends references to current scientific research with information on different cultural goddesses throughout. Her book creates the effect of having a personal trainer, and the general public will love it. Highly recommended for public libraries, particularly where self-help and fitness books are popular.—Mary Grace Flaherty, Sidney Memorial P.L., NY

As midlife approaches, many women beginning to experience the signs and symptoms of menopause—from hot flashes to sleep problems—may feel overwhelmed. Eaker (Fat-Proof Your Family), a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and a committed Christian, offers these women advice with a religious component. He covers the usual anatomical and physiological information about the changes that occur during menopause, referring to the process as "God's plan." He then discusses the benefits and risks associated with hormone-replacement therapy and the use of some herbs (e.g., St. John's wort) and supplements (e.g., calcium) to counter menopausal symptoms, explaining that bioidentical hormones have the same risks as synthetic preparations. He also discusses nutrition and exercise, stating these are both beneficial and biblical. Eaker concludes with a chapter on the healing power of prayer. This book contains no new information, but women who wish to incorporate Christian elements into their treatment of menopausal symptoms will find it useful. Recommended for collections where there is demand for Christian health material.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L.

Medical sociologist Liebmann-Smith and medical journalist Egan have compiled descriptions of "body signs" to help adults differentiate minor physical issues from symptoms of disease or disorder. Covering head to toe in nine chapters is ambitious, but the authors do not claim comprehensiveness. The descriptions for a tingling posterior, streaked nails, extreme flatulence, and other signs are brief; simple graphics illustrate concepts or anatomy. Scattered throughout are "signposts," captions meant to inform or warn but more often distract the reader; some don't match the adjacent text, and at least two appear twice in the galley copy. The nonalphabetic arrangement of body signs also makes access challenging, and some of the content is irrelevant for lay readers, e.g., the signpost on CREST, a physicians' mnemonic for detecting limited scleroderma. Ultimately, this blend of important information with entertaining tidbits is awkward and hard to navigate. Not recommended.—Lois K. Merry, Keene State Coll., NH

Physician Lydon (Look Hot, Live Long) presents a six-week nutrition and exercise plan designed to promote weight loss, improve fitness, and reduce the signs of aging. Rooted in research and the author's medical knowledge and background in nutrition and fitness, this serious and occasionally technical work eschews fad-diet trends for clear and in-depth explanations of Lydon's recommendations. While advocating the nutritional importance of lean protein, judicious intake of good fats, and plenty of lower-glycemic carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables, she also strongly emphasizes the greater value of shorter, high-intensity weight-bearing exercise sessions over lengthy periods of aerobic exercise. Clearly illustrated exercise routines, self-tracking forms, recommended-foods lists, and a small recipe section round out the text. Neither condescending nor dumbed down, this intelligent guide will make a worthwhile and refreshing addition to the fitness-and-nutrition genre. Readers interested in physician-authored diet books may also like Nicholas Perricone's The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet or Andrew Weil's Eating Well for Optimum Health. Highly recommended for all public libraries.—Ingrid Levin, Salve Regina Univ. Lib., Newport, RI

Even though autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis impact the lives of millions of Americans, few books on the subject are aimed at general readers. Journalist Nakazawa (Does Anybody Else Look Like Me?) seeks to shed light on this relatively new area of medicine, drawing on personal experience, extensive research, and interviews with medical personnel to look at what autoimmune diseases are, why they happen, and what may trigger them. Special attention is paid to the overwhelming number of seemingly harmless triggers that surround all of us every day. Readers will find practical suggestions on how to minimize susceptibility to these diseases, but the majority of the book concentrates on the scientific studies that are helping to explain autoimmunity and the recent, cutting-edge research that may one day make autoimmune diseases more predictable and more treatable. Nakazawa articulates highly complicated medical processes in extremely comprehensible language. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.—Tina Neville, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.

Renowned neurologist and Alzheimer's expert Whitehouse founded the University Memory and Aging Center at Case Western Reserve University. Here, he and his research assistant, George, confront traditional views of Alzheimer's, offering new perspectives that will help readers understand what Alzheimer's disease is and isn't and providing a new framework for approaching memory loss and aging with dignity. Part 1 surveys the history of Alzheimer's, including myths and the commercialization of Alzheimer's by drug companies and celebrities. The science of Alzheimer's and treatments past and present, including the merits and effectiveness of current drugs, are detailed in Part 2, as is the world of genetics and molecular medicine. In Part 3, the authors present a new model for living with brain aging, practical information on preparing for a doctor's visit, and a prescription for successful and healthy aging across the life span based on nutrition, avoiding environmental exposures, building a cognitive reserve, and community-based activity. With suggested readings and resources for more information, this enlightening book persuasively argues for a more holistic view of Alzheimer's, i.e., it's not so much a disease or a cluster of diseases as a part of the natural changes in the aging brain. An important contribution to the literature, it is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Elizabeth M. Wavle, Elmira Coll., NY

Talk-show host Williams wrote about his battle with multiple sclerosis in his 2005 New York Times best seller, Climbing Higher. In this title, he describes the lifestyle changes he's made that enable him to function normally, and he recommends the same program for anyone who wants to feel better and be healthier. His sensible eating plan concentrates on fresh vegetables, especially those that are high in antioxidants; avoids highly refined foods; and incorporates a wide variety of whole grains (recipes are included). His exercise routine combines aerobics, flexibility, and strength training and promotes power walking because, as Williams points out, exercise is a potent antioxidant itself. Fans and anyone who wants to look better, feel better, and live longer will definitely want this excellent lifestyle makeover manual; highly recommended for public libraries.—Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

The best thing about Culinary Concepts—besides its perky name—is that it represents the best of what cookbooks should offer: a sumptuous variety of easy-to-follow recipes by someone who knows the way around the kitchen, inside and out, and isn't afraid to take you to your best chef self. That person is Baigent, the owner of Culinary Concepts (CC), a highly interactive cooking school located in Tucson, AZ, where students offer their own styles and specialties to share with others in a 1300-square-foot classroom. This is a unique cookbook filled to the brim with CC's students' favorite recipes, taking Baigent's creative "collective" sensibilities that much further. Here nascent chefs will find tools: a key for terminology (e.g., blend, simmer, julienne) and all the basics for creating appetizers and meals for one or many. The book's colorful design and mouthwatering photographs of prepared dishes are among its best features. For soups and salads, vegetables and meat dishes, this volume is sure to be referenced for years to come. Recommended for medium and large collections.—Steven G. Fullwood, Schomburg Ctr. Lib., New York

Cautioning readers that it may be offensive to "Republicans, vegans, pharmaceutical lobbyists, those on a low-sodium diet [and that] animals were harmed during the writing of this book," former waiter Damrosch tells of her 18-month span at chef Thomas Keller's New York restaurant Per Se. Those expecting a tell-all, name-dropping book, however, will be mightily disappointed; most of it is filled with Damrosch's love affair with a coworker. The book's appeal lies in the tips sprinkled throughout the text, e.g., "a diner's bill of rights," which includes the right to have water and enough light to read one's menu, and dining tips like avoiding making faces or gagging noises. Recommended for those interested in the inner workings of an upscale restaurant, but not an essential purchase.—Nicole Mitchell, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Lib., Lister Hill

This collection includes vegetables, chicken, beef, pork and lamb, fish and shellfish, pasta and beans, and chilled and fruit soups. Most sections include both lighter soups and heartier stews. While many are the long-simmering creations we associate with the genre, others take advantage of deli items, ramen noodles, or other conveniences to make a quick meal. Some are also designed for the Crock-Pot, and many of those that aren't could easily be adapted by slow-cooker users. The recipes are laid out nicely, and the spiral binding allows the book to lie flat when open. Not all recipes are illustrated, but those that are feature close-up photos that show the dishes off to real advantage. Overall, what you would expect from Good Housekeeping: well-tested, not too complicated recipes at a reasonable price. Recommended for large cookery collections or where there is interest.—Susan Hurst, Miami Univ. of Ohio, Oxford

Kazdin's (psychology, Yale Univ.; director, Yale Parenting Ctr. & Child Conduct Clinic) first mass-market book is a doozy featuring a deceptively simple parenting method that involves intense, positive behavioral modification. For every behavior the parent observes a child doing "right," the child earns points and enthusiastic praise. Points are structured to be immediately redeemable for small prizes or saved up for larger rewards. By linking "correct" behavior with immediate gratification, children internalize the behavior-reward connection and soon eliminate undesired (read: unrewarded) behaviors. Over time, tangible rewards are phased out, praise becomes the prize, and the correction of other behaviors follows suit. Kazdin gives plenty of straightforward examples of how the method plays out, from instances of squabbling siblings to disrespectful adolescents. A bound-in DVD features tips for common problems. So-called experts (e.g., Marilu Henner in I Refuse To Raise a Brat) have long been mangling behavioral modification; Kazdin is the real deal, and his book should effectively complement how-to titles like Hal Edward Runkel's Screamfree Parenting. Despite its lack of citations to "scientifically proven" claims, this book is highly recommended for large libraries serving college-educated parents and for collections serving child-care professionals. (Index not seen.)—Douglas Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford

Call them Millennials, Gen Yers, or MySpacers—but pay attention! Millennials (those born after 1979) are different from their predecessors; not only do they use their time differently, but they seek to create content, are bored if not multitasking, are far from private, and are always online. Rosen (psychology, California State Univ.; coauthor, TechnoStress: Coping with Technology @ Work @ Home @ Play) offers a well-documented comparison between and among baby boomers (b. 1946–64), Gen Xers (b. 1965–79), and Millennials—their values, career goals, loyalties, workplace styles, and more. When not on social-networking sites like MySpace or Facebook, Millennials are IM'ing, conducting research online, visiting the virtual world Second Life, or playing video games—sometimes all at the same time. Interestingly, Millennials also value their parents' opinions and are career- and college-focused, emotionally open, and very social. Rosen advises parents to be proactive and to learn how to avoid problems before they start—e.g., by placing the family computer in a common area of the home, setting limits, using MySpace themselves, and talking with and listening to their kids even more. Highly recommended.—Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA

Tasty local tidbits from Ethiopia to Fiji often sold from street vendor carts or markets are the feature of this text from the author of Desserts & Drinks from Around the World. Arranged by region, the recipes feature a few that will be familiar to most cooks, such as the Chicken Satay from Indonesia, but the majority of the entries celebrate foods off the beaten track. Tchedoudiene will make your mouth water as you prepare fresh fall picks of carrots, eggplants, and pumpkins combined with fish and fresh spices for this one-pot wonder. Unlike in many cookbooks, the majority of the ingredients needed to prepare these recipes are readily available in all supermarkets. For those that are not, Wells has added a resource list. Each entry includes a wonderful description of where the item is found in the world, a color photograph, and an anecdote regarding the dish, illustrating how food is a part of one's culture. Recommended for medium to large public libraries that want to expand their global cookbook collections.—Kristen Mastel, MINITEX Lib. Information Network, Minneapolis

There has recently been a rash of coffee-table books about the marine environment (e.g., Reef, The Deep), but this one, by underwater photographer Ballesta and marine biologist Descamp, stands out from the rest. Originally published in French (2005), it is a joyous celebration of the diversity of marine life and environments. Following an introduction by ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau are some 400 outstandingly beautiful photographs organized around different environments (e.g., polar oceans, undersea mountains) and functions (e.g., love life, cohabitation) and complemented by brief textual explanations. Essays from 20 World Conservation Union affiliates focus on the general subject of the preceding section—e.g., aquaculture, sustainable fishing—giving the reader a well-rounded picture of the state of marine biodiversity. But there are flaws: first, while all plants and animals are clearly identified, it is by common name only; no scientific names are given. Also, the book lacks an index, its size and weight make it unwieldy, and there is neither a bibliography nor suggestions for further reading; however, the wide variety of photos and areas covered recommend it for a curriculum relating to or patron interested in the marine environment. For public, school, and college libraries where there is (or should be) interest.—Margaret Rioux, MBLWHOI Lib., Woods Hole, MA

Seeds grow up to be many fundamental things: food, fiber for clothing, and lumber for houses. These plants also filter our air as they release oxygen. That plants are fundamental to our existence on this planet seems obvious, yet as journalist and former environmental lawyer Cummings argues here, genetically engineered plants seriously threaten the world's seed supply and the future existence of plants. Cummings carefully builds her arguments against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) much like a court case, relentlessly providing piece after piece of damning evidence. She contends that GMOs are a creation of big agribusiness to make money, and, with just a handful of companies controlling the market, they have created an enforced dependence on GMOs. Furthermore, she argues, government agencies and research institutions are both implicitly and explicitly supporting these endeavors. Her persuasive book reminds us all that we can no longer be passive observers to the world around us—our future depends on it. Highly recommended for all academic and public libraries.—Marianne Stowell Bracke, Purdue Univ. Libs., West Lafayette, IN

Edwards (biomedical engineering, Harvard) attempts in this truly inspiring work to shed light on the perceived dichotomy between the arts and sciences and why it needs to be challenged. He looks closely at the idea of translating concepts or ideas through pure sciences and the arts as they occur in all sectors of life. Essentially, he shows how scientific ideas flourish in the artistic community and how art can inspire science. Edwards takes interdisciplinary thinking to another level, going a long way in demonstrating a kind of symbiosis that can—and for many, does—exist between the arts and sciences. He relates stories of "artscience" innovation in France, Germany, and the United States; discusses his recent founding of Le Laboratoire, an artscience cultural center in Paris; and explains the theory behind his idea of the "laboratory." Edwards's book belongs on the shelves of any arts and humanities or natural science library and can wonderfully support an interdisciplinary curriculum.—Michael McArthur, Northern Ontario Sch. of Medicine's Health Information Resource Ctr. Lib., Sudbury

Science writer Hall interweaves material gathered from published research studies and interviews with some 100 women to illustrate the issues faced by women in the science and technology fields today. Addressing women's abilities in science through the lens of the nature-nurture question, she considers the educational opportunities for women in these fields as well as the obstacles they face in pursuing related careers in academia, government, and industry. She tackles issues such as the competing demands of career and family and gender bias in the workplace. Then, after discussing the experiences of women who, like herself, left the sciences for other careers, Hall opines on ways to enhance educational opportunities for young girls and to make science and technology careers more welcoming for women. She acknowledges that many of the challenges facing women in these disciplines are not gender-specific and, further, that the factors likely to make these careers more welcoming are not discipline-specific. This valuable study provides a useful review of the research on this topic; recommended for all academic and many public libraries.—Barbarly Korper McConnell, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerton

Part memoir and equal parts philosophy, biology, and cultural theory, this book's central story is the growing bond between leading science studies scholar Haraway (history of consciousness, Univ. of California, Santa Cruz; The Companion Species Manifesto: Dogs, People, and Significant Otherness) and her canine companion, Cayenne, as they train for and compete in the sport of dog agility. She also explores a broad range of other relationships, from those among farmers, herding dogs, and sheep to the symbiosis of microscopic organisms, concluding that, far from being separate, companion species are shaping one another as they develop together. The writing is as varied as the content, ranging from dense and academic language that could be daunting to general readers to personal emails to her dog-agility friends. Though she claims that interspecies relations are too complex for absolute judgments and maintains human privilege to use (nonhuman) animals as workers, research subjects, and a food source, Haraway acknowledges the devastating consequences of our current relationships with them. Recommended for academic libraries and public libraries with large subject collections.—Leslie Patterson, Chicago P.L.

Can the revolution caused by open source software (OSS) in the computer industry be emulated in biotechnology? In this book, Hope, research fellow at the Australian National University and a former lawyer with experience in biochemistry and molecular biology, provides a model of open source biotechnology, the "biobazaar," that she believes can further such a revolution. While the revolution would naturally draw from the experience of OSS, biotechnology is different in significant ways, e.g., the already present patent and copyright maze created by intellectual property law. Other differences include the financing and regulatory environments. The author gives numerous examples of how a biobazaar might arise in these varying environments. There are some current initiatives in biotechnology that aspire to bring about a thriving biobazaar, and Hope offers alternate scenarios that may also work. If open source biotechnology is successful, it has incredible potential to affect basic needs such as food production and medical care. As the first in-depth book on this topic, this is recommended for academic and corporate libraries.—Joshua Lambert, Missouri State Univ. Lib., Springfield

Within the context of modern cosmology, organic evolution, and new outer space exploration technologies, Impey (Steward Observatory, Univ. of Arizona) critically examines those facts and ideas in the relevant sciences that suggest the existence of life forms (and perhaps intelligent beings and advancing civilizations) elsewhere in this dynamic cosmos. Rational speculations in the emerging discipline of astrobiology are an outgrowth of continuing discoveries in astronomy, biochemistry, and genetics. After discussing the chemical origin of DNA and its biological history on Earth, Impey focuses on the probability of finding life on Mars and the moons Titan and Europa. In the last two chapters, he extends his survey to consider the possibility that some other worlds beyond our solar system may also harbor forms of life. In particular, the ongoing scientific discovery of exoplanets increases the probability that other evolving biospheres exist somewhere in this universe. Impey has written a readable, comprehensive, and informative book that includes numerous illustrations, extensive notes, and a glossary. Recommended for all academic and public science collections.—H. James Birx, SUNY at Geneseo

Mishra, winner of the J. Paul Getty Conservation Prize in 1987, was instrumental in developing Nepal's Royal Chitwan National Park, home to one of the last populations of the one-horned Asian rhinoceros (among other species). In this autobiographical history, he explains the roots and creation of this conservation program and the political and cultural differences that made its creation difficult. But what might have been a tantalizing tale is marred by inconsistencies and a lack of clear direction. Mishra's very descriptive prose is in certain parts of the book an asset, but he often goes further than necessary in the retelling of his adventures. The end result is a choppy, long-winded account with anecdotes unhelpful to the story's progression. Additionally, his narration takes readers back and forth through time, which makes unclear the actual order of events. A book of subpar quality; not recommended unless significant edits occur before its finalization.—Kyrille Goldbeck, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. & State Univ. Lib., Blacksburg

In an inspiring, personal book, Rabinowitz (executive director, Science and Exploration Program, Wildlife Conservation Society; Jaguar; Chasing the Dragon's Tail) recounts his struggles to protect the tiger population in Myanmar, formerly Burma. He describes his efforts to carve out a portion of the rugged Hukawng Valley as the world's largest tiger reserve while coping with a military dictatorship, insurgencies, and deforestation in one of the world's poorest countries. Rabinowitz makes his remarkable life accessible as he writes about his marriage, his leukemia diagnosis, his frustration with his father, and, even in the face of failing health, his inability to leave Myanmar behind. Ultimately, his book is about challenges, possibilities, and hope. Recommended for both public and academic libraries.—Robin K. Dillow, Rotary International Archives, Evanston, IL

Stretching 1200 miles along the east coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is renowned for the beauty of its diverse and colorful marine life. Formed by corals, this unique marine ecosystem is protected by the Australian government's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. In spite of its marine-protected status, as discussed by David Lawrence and others in The Great Barrier Reef, the GBR is threatened by world climate change, increased carbon dioxide emissions, and ocean acidification. Veron (Corals of the World), a former chief scientist with the Australian Institute of Marine Science and an award-winning authority on the biological, geological, and ecological aspects of coral reefs, predicts its gradual destruction in the next few decades and makes an impassioned plea for individuals and governments to take action to reduce energy consumption. Touching on the concepts of biology, geology, oceanography, paleontology, reef geology, and ocean chemistry, he precedes each chapter with an abstract and includes charts, diagrams, and color plates. An extensive bibliography and glossary are included. Suitable for academic and large public libraries.—Judith B. Barnett, Pell Marine Science Lib., Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston

Levy, a renowned expert on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and author of Robots Unlimited, gives us an awe-inspiring and frightening peek into the future, to imagine a society where humans have deep psychological and physical relationships with robots. Rather than focusing on the current state of the art, Levy explores both the technological breakthroughs and the evolutionary changes in human behavior necessary to achieve his utopian dream. Our psychological knowledge of relationships is used as design specifications to develop animate creations that can play a major role in the advancement of humankind. Levy uses today's robots (e.g., ASIMO, AIBO, Repliee Qi, the RealDoll) and research into human behavior with technology to argue that love and sex with robots on a grand scale is inevitable. While Levy asks and answers a lot of intriguing questions, he does not acknowledge whether, just because we can, we should. Although reading the book in public would not raise eyebrows in Japan, here, be prepared to cause a major stir. Strongly recommended for academic and public libraries.—James A. Buczynski, Seneca Coll. of Applied Arts & Technology, Toronto

This exposé on the environmental consequences of thrillcraft—defined here as motorized recreational vehicles including jet skis, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, snowmobiles, and other motor-powered vehicles designed for use in off-road areas—presents an astonishing view of how negative these consequences can be. What may seem like a benign form of recreation at first consideration quickly proves to be an unsustainable "wreckreational" pursuit brought to light through essays from environmentalists, economists, and activists from across the country. Supplementing the text are photographs depicting the environmental damage these vehicles cause and giving a glimpse into the culture of thrillcrafters. The volume is divided into five sections: a chapter delineating the disconnect from nature these thrill seekers have; one tracing the evolution of this culture; one giving specific examples of the environmental impacts these types of recreation have caused; one providing case studies highlighting the environmental degradation in different states; and one showcasing examples of efforts to counteract the thrillcraft culture. This oversized book with pictures as big as the monster vehicles being denigrated is appropriate for academic libraries that have forestry or environmental programs or larger public libraries.—Diana Hartle, Univ. of Georgia Science Lib., Athens