Science & Technology

Boruchowitz, the editor of Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine, has worked as a fish keeper for more than 60 years; his expertise and his inspiring vision of nanoaquariums are reflected in this comprehensive yet detailed guide to creating and maintaining aquatic minienvironments, both fresh- and saltwater. The book discusses the important elements concerning setup, equipment, and the wide range of specimens including fish, vegetation, coral, invertebrates, and amphibians. The author dispels myths and misconceptions about goldfish and other types of misunderstood species. Although this volume focuses on small aquariums, it lends itself to responsible and creative larger aquarium systems and will educate and inspire those who enjoy them. There is an engaging section on outdoor ponds and water features that complement Boruchowitz's concept of small aquatic ecosystems. Physically, this is a handsome hardcover with color pictures, tips, sidebars, resource lists, and an index for quick reference. Recommended for all pet-care and fish-keeping collections.—Ron Samul, New London, CT

In this guide boasting full-color photographs on every page, step-by-step how-tos, and practical, easy-to-follow advice, Buckingham (Australian Inst. of Family Studies, Melbourne) shows how nearly everyone can grow his or her own vegetables. A discussion of choosing and preparing your garden space is followed by a section laying out tips, tools, and techniques to help demystify the art of growing vegetables; a month-by-month planner explaining what to do to maximize your success; and a "vegetable doctor" outlining effective and appropriate cures and treatments for any pests or diseases you may encounter. Both organic and nonorganic options are presented, allowing the gardener to be as ecologically sound as he or she chooses. The juiciest parts are the several chapters devoted to the vegetables themselves—e.g., root and stem vegetables, fruiting vegetables, and herbs. Each vegetable's listing includes several photos, a neat description, and a chart showing the best times to sow/plant, transplant, and harvest. An admirable go-to guide for new and experienced gardeners alike, this will make a good addition to public library collections and will have a happy place in this reviewer's own gardening library. Expect interest owing to the increasing popularity of the local food movement.—Eboni A. Francis, Ohio State Univ. Libs., Columbus

Ultrasound has become a common practice in pregnancy, both to confirm the health of the fetus and to provide information about gender to the prospective parents. Using 250 diagnostic ultrasound images, Harvard radiology professors Doubilet and Carol B. Benson, with health writer Roanne Weisman, present a marvelous book charting the growth of babies in the womb. Readers are taken through the entire reproductive process, from ovulation through the third trimester. Each of the images is paired with a mirroring line drawing that clarifies the image through labels, helping the reader to "see" even the smallest nuance. Multiple pregnancies earn a chapter; other diagnostic testing, such as amniocentesis, is mentioned. The authors well explain the different types of ultrasound and their medical uses, especially the 3D images that show the outer surface of the baby and the 2D images revealing the internal development of organs. This virtual tour of a life in the making will attract future parents in droves.—Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp. Lib., Tampa

Hadler (medicine & microbiology/immunology, Univ. of North Carolina-Chapel Hill) amplifies and updates his 2004 book, The Last Well Person: How To Stay Well Despite the Health-Care System, here writing another clear message on his prescription pad: "Rx: less is more." Challenging conventional medical wisdom, he advises a healthy skepticism about the benefits of drugs, routine tests, and many common medical procedures—dubbing what he describes as impeccably performed but medically unnecessary treatments "Type II Medical Malpractice"—and he makes the unfashionable assertion that aches and pains are a normal part of the aging process. Topical chapters provide information on heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other common conditions as well as discussions of how mental states and socioeconomic factors affect health; "shadow chapters" offer additional, specialized information on each topic. Though the book may not convince readers to forgo their annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests or mammograms, it will educate them on being far better health-care consumers. This often densely written but provocative look at the U.S. medical system is worth the effort; recommended for larger public and academic libraries.—Kathy Arsenault, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.

Despite the overwhelming evidence that tobacco use causes lung cancer and other forms of the disease, the American tobacco industry vigorously denied for decades any cancer link, hiding the facts and attempting to discredit the growing body of medical and scientific evidence. Michaels, a scientist and former government regulator, identifies many other harmful industries in the nation that are using similar tactics. He points to the chrome-plating, lead, and rubber industries, which in many instances knowingly expose workers to toxic substances and produce harmful products. These businesses, like the tobacco industry, continue to deny and attack the findings that show their harm. They label such findings as "junk science," and they hire product-defense consultants to shape and skew the scientific literature, create uncertainty, and influence policy decisions in their favor. To protect against such tactics, Michaels discusses a number of ways to strengthen the nation's court system and regulatory agencies. This insightful, well-written, and well-researched book is an essential read for anyone interested in occupational health and safety and public health.—Ross Mullner, Sch. of Public Health, Univ. of Illinois, Chicago

At the beginning of Norton's memoir, the most compelling thought for the reader is to avoid medical treatment in Paris (free though it may be), as the description of her health-care adventures are horrifying at best. Eventually, Norton, a thirtysomething black woman married to a Frenchman, settles in to a wonderfully enlightening and honestly (if somewhat digressively) written account of her struggle with inflammatory breast cancer. A California native, Norton comes from an educated and affluent family and had the air of entitlement to prove it. But she was truly humbled by this disease, especially by its indignities and appalling survival statistics. She moved with her husband and 11-month-old son back to her parents' sphere, where she did the requisite chemo, surgery, radiation, and more chemo. Her tone may be facetious, her language colorful, and her distractions gritty (readers will gasp at the taxidermy activities of a former neighbor), but her view of cancer (funny and irreverent) and her place in the world (she found herself "waiting for a miracle. Not a miracle to save my life, but the miracle to make something of it") will make readers stand up and cheer. Highly recommended for most libraries.—Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal

Rovina, who grew up in South Africa but moved to a kibbutz in Israel and married a fellow kibbutznik (also from South Africa), was only 26 when her young husband was killed in the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Realizing then that "life is random and unfair, no one is immune from suffering," she decided to study occupational therapy at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, moved again, and then finally settled in the San Francisco Bay area, where she found employment as a home health-care therapist at the Contra Costa County home-health agency. This is the inspirational story of her encounters with homebound patients, all sufferers of old age, devastating illness, or violence. Because she was one of the agency's few home health-care therapists willing to venture into low-income and often dangerous neighborhoods, that's where she was often assigned. With skill and devotion, Rovina cared for her patients, many of whom came to appreciate and love her for it. Not many home health-care therapists have written about their experiences—fewer still with such care reflection, and skill. Highly recommended for general library collections.—Marcia Welsh, Dartmouth Coll. Libs., Hanover, NH

Productivity expert and best-selling author Stack (Leave the Office Earlier) again tempts the overwhelmed and overworked in this examination of one of productivity's main enemies: exhaustion. Following a brief introduction, a self-assessment test helps readers identify where they fall within the low-energy spectrum. Each of the 21 chapters addresses an energy factor, and together they make up Stack's 21-day plan. For each factor, Stack defines "energy bandits" and offers "energy boosters," tailored, practical strategies for battling exhaustion. Of some concern are sections wherein Stack reaches beyond her area of expertise, as with her chapter on nutrition, in which she delves into nutrients and micronutrients. Also troubling is her support of claims with citations to commercial web sites, not independent research: the resource she cites under "Dehydration," e.g., is www.bottledwater.org. That said, most of the content is based on well-known, common-sense advice, and Stack's distinctive approach, accessible style, and clear organization should make this as successful as her previous works. For public libraries with extensive self-help or consumer-health collections.—Bridget Faricy-Beredo, MLIS, Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Yarosh, a practicing scientist in the skin-care industry for decades, has a doctorate in molecular biology and a background as a researcher, inventor, manufacturer, formulator, and supplier. Here, he draws on that experience as well as on our increasing understanding of DNA and its effects on the skin to assess the myriad skin-care tools (e.g., moisturizers, sunscreens, self-tanners, peels) available to consumers today. He thoroughly describes and analyzes each product, recommends daily skin-care regimens, and clues readers in on future developments. Each product is categorized with symbols based on price and availability. Chapters detail product ingredients, explain how to read labels, include helpful "bottom line" summaries, and more. Yarosh's writing style is engaging; his approach to the subject matter, enthusiastic and exhaustive. Consumers will welcome his book, as it cuts through the myths and hype surrounding the quest for eternal youth in the form of smooth skin. In fact, they may want to take it along with them on their next trip to the drugstore. Highly recommended.—Mary Grace Flaherty, Sidney Memorial P.L., NY

Readers looking for ideas to take to their hairstylists for special occasions will find this book useful; those looking to get the knack may find it disappointing unless they are working to become hairdressers. Biton is a successful hairstylist based in Tel Aviv, Israel, who has produced other publications to train stylists on a variety of techniques. The illustrations and instructions are thorough, but each style would benefit from a list of tools and products needed to achieve it, as well as tips on what hair lengths and types would be best suited for the look. There is a section on supplies and tips that indicates some hairstyles may require the assistance of a friend, but readers unfamiliar with more advanced techniques might still find some of the content daunting. Those needing well-illustrated, step-by-step instructions for fairly complex hairstyles will appreciate this book. For public libraries without current hairstyling books.—Shelley Brown, New Westminster P.L., B.C.

Burney (coauthor, Boost Your Child's Immune System), a nutritionist, has blended the most recent discussions of superfoods and children's eating habits into an economical, easy-to-use text. She includes over 160 recipes, geared toward different age groups. Rather than disguising superfoods, as Jessica Seinfeld does in Deceptively Delicious, Burney takes on the difficult challenge of keeping the ingredients' integrity. In some instances, the author might be wise to follow Seinfeld's example: it's not likely many teenagers will find appealing the whole anchovies in her Hot Salad with Balsamic Dressing and Fresh Anchovies. Part 2 contains an excellent discussion of foods for immunity, and one of the more stiking aspects is "food to fight common illnesses" in Part 4. Most have heard of a tablespoon of honey for a sore throat, but what about garlic-infused honey to build the immune system or black currant and strawberry ice pops to boost vitamin C and soothe? Though the recipes are inviting and nutrient rich, one may find difficulty in introducing them to children. Recommended for larger public libraries that already have a focus on childhood nutrition.—Kristen Mastel, MINITEX Lib. Information Network, Minneapolis

In addition to offering detailed information on nutrition and diet, this hefty volume provides valuable advice on purchasing and storing healthy foods, menu planning, and cooking techniques that reduce calories while still retaining flavor. From soups to desserts, recipes for 400 different dishes—each of which serves ten or more—are given, with complete nutritional information included for each. While there are plenty of choices when it comes to general books on nutrition and healthy cooking, this useful, information-packed book is highly recommended for academic libraries requiring a practical text for culinary arts programs or public libraries needing an expertly written resource for professional cooks.—John Charles, Scottsdale P.L., AZ

The Jamisons, authors of over a dozen cookbooks and travel guides including four James Beard Award-winning titles, have a background so ideally suited to producing this book that it's a wonder it took them 20 years. Part guidebook, part memoir, and part cookbook, it features a narrative that flows along like a conversation with extremely well-traveled friends. The effort put into organizing this trip of a lifetime is impressive, and the authors' stories are peppered with tidbits of wisdom, such as how to maintain a low profile by using Canadian-flag luggage tags. The reader joins the authors on a culinary tour through ten countries in three months. Each chapter closes with a list of key restaurants, hotels, and resources and a recipe that represents the country. But after a chapter full of vivid descriptions of outstanding and often unusual meals, readers will frequently wish there were more. Highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Rosemarie Lewis, Broward Cty. P.L., Fort Lauderdale, FL

"Where no food is a sin" is a slogan for the British version of Weight Watchers®, and this book illustrates that tenet. The recipes, arranged by type, do not sound like diet food—e.g., Bacon, Egg and Cheese Casserole, Pork and Rice-Stuffed Cabbage, Berry and Cream Cheese Open-Face Sandwiches, Fettuccine with Gorgonzola and Toasted Walnuts, and Boston Cream Pie. Mexican, Italian, German, and Moroccan are a sampling of the international flavors of the all-time favorites. The recipes that are suitable for Weight Watchers' Core Plan are marked with an icon, and POINTS® are listed for the Flex Plan. Nutritional information is also included, and each recipe is followed by a suggestion or hint. Although some of the recipes are similar to those in other Weight Watchers cookbooks, fans of the system will enjoy this new source. Recommended for culinary collections as a general cookbook with simple and fast dishes that are delicious.—Christine Bulson, SUNY at Oneonta Lib.

Oxford University mathematician and physicist Hodges (Alan Turing: The Enigma) focuses in nine chapters on the nine integers from one to nine (although the first chapter also includes some necessary reflections on zero). Each chapter begins with comments on the characteristics of the integer in question and then meanders through a variety of related topics such as prime numbers, Sudoku puzzles, and applications to physics. Throughout, there is scattered an assortment of problems for the reader; Hodges rates the challenges on a scale running from "easy" to "fiendish" and "deadly." He leavens his well-written text with pleasant touches of humor. Most of the content should be comprehensible and interesting for readers, even for those who choose not to venture beyond the "easy" level of problems. Strongly recommended for both public and academic libraries.—Jack W. Weigel, Ann Arbor, MI

Monmonier (geography, Syracuse Univ.; How To Lie with Maps), the author of over 15 books on mapping, cartographic presentation, interpretation, and environmental analysis, has written an interesting commentary on how mapmakers represent the changing nature of nautical coastlines. Writing in nontechnical language aimed at a general or undergraduate readership, the author extensively uses maps, figures, charts, footnotes, and diagrams to illustrate effectively how cartographers and mapmakers depict historical and time-series data on the evolving nature of beaches, navigation charts, and maritime zones. Via the use of mainly American examples, Monmonier tackles the theme of dealing with the assumptions, ideas, and beliefs arising from coastal ecology, flooding, rising sea levels, and the effects of global warming on the land-sea divide. The text is rich in historical content and includes a bibliography with scholarly articles, books, web sites, and government publications. Recommended for undergraduate and larger public library environmental and geography collections.—Ian D. Gordon, Brock Univ. Lib., Saint Catharines, Ont.

Exploring the connections between human and animal intelligence, Rothenberg (philosophy & music, New Jersey Inst. of Technology; Why Birds Sing) has played his clarinet to communicate with whales in Canada, Russia, and Hawaii aboard boats equipped with microphones, underwater speakers, hydrophones, and headphones. His belief that "we are not the only musicians on the planet" has been reinforced through a study of the sound patterns and rhythms resulting from the whales' responses. The accompanying CD is an unusual mixture of songs, cries, gurgles, and clicks combined with the author's clarinet, guitar, percussion, and violin played by other musicians. Rothenberg traces the history of whale-sound research from the navy's interest in the 1950s through the work of Roger Payne, who produced the 1970 recording Songs of the Humpback Whale. He attributes the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972 to the growing popular consciousness of whale intelligence; ironically, however, this act considers playing music to whales a form of harassment. Enhanced by acoustic diagrams and a fine bibliographical essay as well as bibliographical footnotes, this intriguing book will capture the imaginations of music and nature lovers and is suitable for high school, public, and college libraries.—Judith B. Barnett, Pell Marine Science Lib., Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston

Very recently, there have been excellent biographies of Einstein (Walter Isaacson's Einstein) and Oppenheimer (Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin's American Prometheus). So, what new information can be found in this combined treatment? The question posed in Schweber's preface is intriguing: "How did Einstein and Oppenheimer try to remain relevant after they had made their singular contributions?" After experiencing their greatest achievements, both men had sometimes exalted, sometimes tumultuous careers. Both were parts of a scientific and political community uniquely engaged in the beginning of the Cold War nuclear arms race. Schweber (history of ideas, Brandeis Univ.) examines selective parts of their later careers (for example, Einstein's role in the founding of Brandeis University, Oppenheimer's work with the interdisciplinary Institute of Advanced Studies) and portrays them as key figures in their sociopolitical times, who wore their iconic credentials with great pride—and maybe sometimes hubris. This book is more about the times than it is about these historic figures, and as such it provides insight and perspective but not so much discovery or conclusiveness. For larger academic libraries with collection strengths in the history of science.—Gregg Sapp, Science Lib., SUNY Albany

To display a broad swath of the people, scientific processes, and discoveries involved in biology, science writer Zimmer (Soul Made Flesh: The Discovery of the Brain—and How It Changed the World) describes a common, luxuriantly growing, usually benign gut bacterium, Escherichia coli, or E. coli. Easily grown in petri dishes, the species has alter egos that can kill its hosts, making the organism a useful laboratory model to explore the basis of heredity. Zimmer recounts the ingenious experiments performed over the last century, garnering Nobel prizes for those scientists who outlined the textbook diagrams of the biochemical processes that all organisms on Earth share with E. coli. He effectively counters the proponents of intelligent design concepts by describing the work of evolutionary development scientists who have shown evolutionary processes occurring in E. coli within a very short time line. The scientists, their work, and the ethical questions with which they wrestle are sensitively profiled, and Zimmer employs imagery to great effect, leaving the reader with the sense of having attended a well-executed museum exhibit intended for intelligent adults. Recommended for public and academic libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 1/08.]—Sara Rutter, Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa Lib., Honolulu