science / life sciences / evolution

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science / life sciences / evolution

Sapiens

a brief history of humankind
2018
"Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but [the author] breaks the mold with this . . . book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, [this book] integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas. [The author] also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend the laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. We are acquiring the ability to design not only the world around us, but also ourselves"--Provided by publisher.

The hungry brain

outsmarting the instincts that make us overeat
"From an obesity and neuroscience researcher with a knack for engaging, humorous storytelling, The Hungry Brain uses cutting-edge science to answer the questions: why do we overeat, and what can we do about it? No one wants to overeat. And certainly no one wants to overeat for years, become overweight, and end up with a high risk of diabetes or heart disease--yet two thirds of Americans do precisely that. Even though we know better, we often eat too much. Why does our behavior betray our own intentions to be lean and healthy? The problem, argues obesity and neuroscience researcher Stephan J. Guyenet, is not necessarily a lack of willpower or an incorrect understanding of what to eat. Rather, our appetites and food choices are led astray by ancient, instinctive brain circuits that play by the rules of a survival game that no longer exists. And these circuits don't care about how you look in a bathing suit next summer. To make the case, The Hungry Brain takes readers on an eye-opening journey through cutting-edge neuroscience that has never before been available to a general audience. The Hungry Brain delivers profound insights into why the brain undermines our weight goals and transforms these insights into practical guidelines for eating well and staying slim. Along the way, it explores how the human brain works, revealing how this mysterious organ makes us who we are"--.
Cover image of The hungry brain

Science in the soul

selected writings of a passionate rationalist
2017
Collects forty-two career-spanning essays, polemics, and paeans by Richard Dawkins with newly annotated essays that investigate issues that include bad science, religion in schools, climate-change, and more.
Cover image of Science in the soul

The sixth extinction

an unnatural history
2014
Explores how human beings have altered life on Earth, discussing a dozen species facing extinction or already extinct.
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