Science & Technology

Health & Medicine

First published in 1993 as The Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Survival Guide, this comprehensive book is updated with additional coverage on biotherapy, immunotherapy, nutrition, stress reduction, chemotherapy drugs, and more; it does not address radiation therapy. Without specifying a particular chemotherapy or treatment regimen for a certain type of cancer, oncology nurses McKay and Schacher include overviews of chemotherapy, treatment plans, and common blood tests as well as information on how to cope with side effects, nutrition, fatigue, and physical changes. In addition to their own expertise, the authors utilize a qualified nutritionist and psychiatrist with in-depth experience in oncology-related support. This general resource may need to be supplemented with information regarding users' specific oncology treatment or chemotherapy regimens. This should be included in any comprehensive consumer health collection, even those owning the earlier editions; also for larger general library collections.—Lori Gluckman, NY Harbor Healthcare Syst., Manhattan Campus Lib., Winterfeldt, VA

Snyderman (chief medical editor, NBC News) is a public face of consumer health information, much like Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Similar to her last book, Medical Myths That Can Kill You, this work offers ten chapters each titled after a common health myth, from "Your Weight Is Your Fault" to "You Can't Keep It Off." Within these chapters, Snyderman provides clear explanations as to why these statements are myths. She also adds several "Truth" sidebars, which provide fast facts for the reader. With a self-assessment quiz and Snyderman's Treat Yourself Diet, this book provides easy explanations to assist in healthy weight loss and maintenance, though by simply listing healthy meals instead of giving recipes, Snyderman may be fooling readers into thinking they're eating healthy when they're not. Recommended for all public libraries as well as larger hospital libraries with consumer health weight-loss and weight-management collections.—Rachel M. Minkin, Lansing Community Coll., MI

While Darwin's theory of natural selection, which holds that species are engaged in a competitive and violent struggle for existence, is well known, less familiar is the concept that moral behavior (e.g., cooperation, empathy, and a sense of justice) has also evolved in many animal societies. Focusing here on the gentler side of animal natures, animal behaviorist Bekoff (ecology & evolutionary biology, emeritus, Univ. of Colorado, Boulder; Animals Matter) and philosopher Pierce discuss recent scientific studies documenting that great apes, monkeys, wolves, coyotes, hyenas, dolphins, whales, elephants, rats, and mice are capable of a wide range of moral behavior. They strongly urge the scientific and philosophical communities to recognize that these animals can act as moral agents within the context of their own social groups. This provocative and well-argued view of animal morality may surprise some readers as it challenges outdated assumptions about animals. The authors' intention, however, is not to unseat humans from their moral pinnacle but to uplift our animal kin into the moral realm. Written as much for other academics as for interested lay readers, this lucid book is highly recommended for animal behavior collections in university and large public libraries.—Cynthia Knight, Hunterdon Cty. Lib., Flemington, NJ

So what is synesthesia? Researcher Cytowic (The Man Who Tasted Shapes) and neuroscientist Eagleman (Ctr. for Synesthesia Research, Baylor Coll. of Medicine) offer an answer: synesthesia is a response to a stimulus with the joining of senses that creates a particular experience of the world. It could be an association of a letter to color, shapes to music, an orgasm to flashes of color, or a phoneme to taste. The authors' descriptions of the varieties of joined sensation appear limitless. Herein the reader discovers the often-hidden and, to the uninitiated, idiosyncratic world of the synesthete. The authors also delve into the importance of synesthesia to creativity, explore successful synesthetes, including artists, authors (e.g., Vladimir Nabokov), and composers, and introduce the genetics and neuroscience behind the condition. Filled with detailed tables, clarifying illustrations, and instructive chapters, this title, which includes an afterword by Nabokov's son, Dimitri (also a synesthete), should be required reading for teachers and anyone who works with children.—Scott Vieira, Johnson Cty. Lib., KS

Modern technology allows for more sophisticated tracking of animal populations and more detailed analysis of the results, leading to a huge advancement in the body of knowledge about the phenomenon of migration. Hoare, a nature writer who has contributed to more than 40 reference works as well as BBC Wildlife and Birdwatch magazines, introduces the reader to that wealth of information, describing how mammals, sea animals, birds, and even insects migrate over land, through the water, and through the air. For each migratory animal, a profile includes a map of the area of migration, the typical distance traveled, the reason for migration, and the season in which migration occurs. Some species travel thousands of miles each way, while others make changes in elevation only. Hoare also discusses migratory animals' amazing ability to adapt to their changing environments and the challenges brought about by the destruction of natural habitats and global warming. With a directory of suggested viewing spots for major animal migrations, this book could be used by animal enthusiasts to browse for quick facts and to enjoy the photographs or for more in-depth research.—Deborah Emerson, Rochester Regional Lib. Council, Fairport, NY

Neuroscientist Restak (Mozart's Brain and the Fighter Pilot) offers readers an insightful, varied prescription for achieving optimal brain health. His clear, concise description of brain development and functioning and neurological processes throughout the brain's maturation process provides a fertile context for his recommendations for improving neurological performance. Restak pulls together the latest brain research, as well as information gathered in conversations with experts in a variety of related fields, and provides ways to support brain health beginning with basic nutrition and dietary choices and physical activity. He then describes mental activities, outlining specific exercises to strengthen various types of brain functionality, such as memory, mental acuity, curiosity, spatial awareness, response time, and creativity. Throughout, the importance of sleep is illustrated. The final section examines ways to overcome nonoptimal brain function, particularly that associated with aging, through tactics such as employing one's abilities, socializing, and reducing stress. His epilog outlines ways to keep your brain actively engaged and to enhance its functionality, encapsulating what he covers throughout the book while including more specifics about diet. Highly recommended for public libraries.—Candice A. Kail, Columbia Univ., New York