Soap, Science, and Flat-Screen TVs

Author: David Dunmur
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0191004308
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 368

Book Description
The terms 'liquid crystal' or 'liquid crystal display' (LCD) are recognized in the context of flat-screen televisions, but the properties and history of liquid crystals are little known. This book tells the story of liquid crystals, from their controversial discovery at the end of the nineteenth century, to their eventual acceptance as another state of matter to rank alongside gases, liquids, and solids. As their story unfolds, the scientists involved and their works are put into illuminating broader socio-political contexts. In recent years, liquid crystals have had a major impact on the display industry, culminating in the now widely available flat-screen televisions. This development is described in detail over three chapters, and the basic science behind it is explained in simple terms accessible to a general reader. New applications of liquid crystals in materials, biosystems, medicine, and technology are also explained. The authors' approach to the subject defines a new genre of popular science books. The historical background to the scientific discoveries is given in detail, and the personal communications between the scientists involved are explored. The book tells the story of liquid crystals, but it also shows that scientific discovery and exploitation relies on human interactions, and the social and political environments in which they operate.

The Science of TV's the Big Bang Theory

Author: Dave Zobel
Publisher: ECW Press
ISBN: 1770907076
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 336

Book Description
Reveals the hard facts behind the laughter on TV's most popular sitcom The highest-rated scripted show on TV, The Big Bang Theory often features Sheldon, Howard, Leonard, and Raj wisecracking about scientific principles as if Penny and the rest of us should know exactly what they're talking about. The Science of TV's The Big Bang Theory lets all of us in on the punchline by breaking down the show's scientific conversations. From an explanation of why Sheldon would think 73 is the best number, to an experiment involving the physical stature of Wolowitz women, to an argument refuting Sheldon's assertion that engineers are the Oompa-Loompas of science, author Dave Zobel maintains a humorous and informative approach and gives readers enough knowledge to make them welcome on Sheldon's couch.

Genius on Television

Author: Ashley Lynn Carlson
Publisher: McFarland
ISBN: 0786497734
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 229

Book Description
Whether it's Sherlock Holmes solving crimes or Sheldon and Leonard geeking out over sci-fi, geniuses are central figures on many of television's most popular series. They are often enigmatic, displaying superhuman intellect while struggling with mundane aspects of daily life. This collection of new essays explores why TV geniuses fascinate us and how they shape our perceptions of what it means to be highly intelligent. Examining series like Criminal Minds, The Big Bang Theory, Bones, Elementary, Fringe, House, The Mentalist, Monk, Sherlock, Leverage and others, scholars from a variety of disciplines discuss how television both reflects and informs our cultural understanding of genius.

Scientific American

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 876

Book Description
Monthly magazine devoted to topics of general scientific interest.

Science Frontiers, 1946 to the Present

Author: Ray Spangenburg
Publisher: Infobase Publishing
ISBN: 0816068801
Category : Electronic books
Languages : en
Pages : 273

Book Description
Discusses major scientists and scientific issues and discoveries of the last half of the twentieth century.

Science Higher

Author: Brian Arnold
Publisher: Letts and Lonsdale
ISBN: 9781843156451
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 132

Book Description
This Success Revision Guide offers accessible content to help students manage their revision and prepare for the exam efficiently. The content is broken into manageable sections and advice is offered to help build students' confidence. Exam tips and techniques are provided to support students throughout the revision process.

Science Now

Author: James Harrison
Publisher: Arco
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 256

Book Description

Cultures of Energy

Author: Sarah Strauss
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1315430843
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 361

Book Description
This path-breaking volume explores cultures of energy, the underlying but under-appreciated dimensions of both crisis and innovation in resource use around the globe. Theoretical chapters situate pressing energy issues in larger conceptual frames, and ethnographic case studies reveal energy as it is imagined, used, and contested in a variety of cultural contexts. Contributors address issues including the connection between resource flows and social relationships in energy systems; cultural transformation and notions of progress and collapse; the blurring of technology and magic; social tensions that accompany energy contraction; and sociocultural changes required in affluent societies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Each of five thematic sections concludes with an integrative and provocative conversation among the authors. The volume is an ideal tool for teaching unique, contemporary, and comparative perspectives on social theories of science and technology in undergraduate and graduate courses.

Popular Science

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 142

Book Description
Popular Science gives our readers the information and tools to improve their technology and their world. The core belief that Popular Science and our readers share: The future is going to be better, and science and technology are the driving forces that will help make it better.

International Handbook on Ecotourism

Author: Roy Ballantyne
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 0857939971
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 521

Book Description
Roy and Jan have assembled a timely snapshot of our current understanding of ecotourism, both as a concept worthy of scientific inquiry and as an increasingly significant segment of global commerce and industry. A terrific piece of work! Sam Ham, University of Idaho, US In the 30 or so year since it became established in the tourism literature and in tourism practice, ecotourism has attracted as many proponents as opponents. This Handbook now brings together some of the leading scholars worldwide in this field, to explore the current position of this form of tourism. In doing so, it offers serious critiques, it explores meanings and paradoxes, it offers best practices and it looks to the future. It is the Handbook for one of tourisms fastest growing and controversial sectors. David Airey, University of Surrey, UK This is a most welcome and needed book. With a very strong editorial team and contributing authors, the Handbook covers all the key issues of ecotourism. It cuts through the confusion surrounding the much-misunderstood concept of ecotourism, clearly dealing with definitions, concepts and research issues. The Handbook is particularly welcome for its focus on the visitor experience, a strength of the editors, and for clearly linking the theory of ecotourism with practice in the field. Christopher Cooper, Oxford Brookes University, UK This Handbook brings together contributions from over forty international experts in the field of ecotourism. It provides a critical review and discussion of current issues and concepts it challenges readers to consider the boundaries of what ecotourism is, and could be. The Handbook provides practical information regarding the business of ecotourism; insights into ecotourist behaviour and visitor experiences; and reflections on the practice of ecotourism in a range of different contexts. The Handbook is designed to be a valuable reference book for tourism scholars and researchers.