Over at Download the Universe, we’re continuing to explore the growing world of science ebooks. Here’s the latest batch of reviews:
Going to Extremes: An Ebook About the Climate Forest and the Weather Trees Dan Fagin writes about what our weird weather these days can tell us about our warming future.
An overstuffed colon and a perfectly sized Kindle Single Seth Mnookin on Andy Borowitz’s very funny take on a horrendous bowel disorder. (Really!)
eBooks and the democratization of crackpottery John Timmer muses on the digital future of self-published pseudoscience.
Rudy Rucker Resurrects a Lost Classic of Psychedelia Steve Silberman writes an impassioned review about a forgotten tale of mind-altering drugs, now rescued from obscurity as an ebook.
Telegraphing What Technology Wants John Hawks takes a look at a digital retooling of a science book and wonders if ebooks will become the new Cliff Notes.
A Journey to the Island of Tree Kangaroos Matthew Power enjoys a good old-fashioned tale of jungles, exploration, and weird marsupials.
Can the wonders of the universe fit on an iPad? Jennifer Ouellette Jaime Green reviews an app by physicist-celebrity Brian Cox.
The Frankenstein Universe: How The New York Public Library Blew Up the Ebook I review an enormous virtual museum exhibit about biotechnology’s founding allegory.
Wonders of Geology: Getting High On Mountains Veronique Greenwood enjoys what might once have been called a coffee-table book about our planet’s stunning surface.
Go Further
Animals
- Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
- Animals
- Feature
Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them? - This biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the AndesThis biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the Andes
- An octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret worldAn octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret world
- Peace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thoughtPeace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thought
Environment
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
- Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security, Video Story
- Paid Content
Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security - Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet?Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet?
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
History & Culture
- Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political dramaStrange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama
- How technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrollsHow technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrolls
- Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?
- See how ancient Indigenous artists left their markSee how ancient Indigenous artists left their mark
Science
- Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of yearsJupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of years
- This 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its timeThis 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its time
- Every 80 years, this star appears in the sky—and it’s almost timeEvery 80 years, this star appears in the sky—and it’s almost time
- How do you create your own ‘Blue Zone’? Here are 6 tipsHow do you create your own ‘Blue Zone’? Here are 6 tips
- Why outdoor adventure is important for women as they ageWhy outdoor adventure is important for women as they age
Travel
- This town is the Alps' first European Capital of CultureThis town is the Alps' first European Capital of Culture
- This royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala LumpurThis royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur
- This author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomadsThis author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomads
- Slow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings in the Czech capitalSlow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings in the Czech capital
