Synopses & Reviews
Science magazine meets The Onion, Mental Floss, and Mad magazine in this ingenious guide to the science behind the newsFor more than a decade , the intrepid folks at whyfiles.org-the #1 science destination on the web-have been exploring the science behind newsworthy events. Now condensed into a book written with the site's characteristic wit, The Why Files features scores of articles organized into sections that mirror any city's daily newspaper: World News, Metro, Business Life, Sports, Arts and Leisure, Travel, Style, Opinion Page, and more. Who knew that science can explain why extremists say "God Told Us to Kill," how poker can make you sick, why great racehorses have big butts, and if electrocution is the best way to zap a bug? For those who love accurate science served up with humor in a one-of-a-kind newscast, this decidedly non-geeky guide is a must.
Review
"Clear, fun explanations of the science behind the headlines."
-U.S. News and World Report
" Provides a good mix of information and interactivity that takes the chore out of learning. In fact, you might even have a good time."
-The Washington Post
Synopsis
Clear, fun explanations of the science behind the headlines ("U.S. News & World Report"), "The Why Files" explains how poker can make one sick, whether electrocution is the best way to zap a bug, and more. b&w illustrations throughout.
About the Author
DAVID TENENBAUM has written about science, health, and the environment for publications including the
Los Angeles Times, Technology Review and the
Milwaukee Journal.
TERRY DEVITT is director of research communications for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.