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Because of the biological similarities between many animals and humans, scientists can learn about diseases, and find out how humans might react to medicines, cosmetics, chemicals, and other products by testing them on animals first. According to the Humane Society of the United States, more than twenty-five million animals are used in research, testing, and education each year. Readers learn about the various philosophies on animal testing, what tests are used, and how they are performed. The book presents the pros and cons of animal testing and some of the alternative methods to animal testing that scientists are developing today.
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Artificial Intelligence is one of the most intriguing and difficult technological advances ever explored by man. It is the study of intelligent behavior and the attempt to recreate it through technology. This beginner's guide explores, not only the technology behind AI, but the current and future benefits of further exploration.
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As the world's population expands, so too does the risk of communicable disease and global pandemics. Consequently, healthcare has assumed a greater centrality in the public consciousness both in the United States and around the world. With various national and international organizations dedicated to epidemiological research and disease control, societal welfare has become an increasingly significant aspect of public policy. The historical, legal, and scientific factors that form the basis of public health locally and globally are the subjects of this relevant and revealing volume.
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Imagine traveling at half the speed of a jet plane without ever leaving the ground! Students will discover the technology that makes such speeds possible, from special tracks and safety precautions to aerodynamically designed trains. What are the limits to the speed of trains? What imposes those limits? Students also will read about the future of passenger train travel, from flying trains to trains that use huge magnets to levitate inches or centimeters off the track. Some trains safely reach speeds of more than 200 mph!
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The spread of harmful chemicals and biological organisms can injure and kill thousands of people and make an infected area unlivable for some time to come. In the age of modern terrorism, many people fear militant organizations will unleash chemical and biological weapons in public places. This book provides readers with an overview of what these weapons are, who uses them and why, and explains how much of a threat they are to our way of life. Over time, countries have pledged to ban the use of CBWs in various agreements, with limited success.
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Chemistry is often a daunting subject for students, fostering a bewilderment that sets in upon their first encounter with the Periodic Table. This book demystifies an important aspect of the subject--chemical reactions--and demonstrates exactly how fascinating and fun chemistry can be. Starting out by explaining just what a chemical reaction is--and what it isn't--the book details in accessible language the various kinds of chemical reactions that are possible. It draws upon readily comprehensible everyday examples, like rusting metal, baking bread, battery power, digestion, rotting eggs, and burning candles. The book then turns to a survey of the history of chemical research, beginning in the Ancient and Classical Worlds, progressing to the Medieval alchemists and Renaissance innovators, and ending with the leading lights of modern chemistry. Readers will be introduced to luminaries such as Antoine Lavoisier, John Dalton, Louis Pasteur, Dmitri Mendeleyev, the Curies, and Ernest Rutherford. It concludes with an inspiring examination of how current research and cutting edge developments are using chemistry and chemical reactions to save lives and insure continued life on Earth. This book amply illustrates the accessibility, relevance, and gee-whiz fun of chemical reactions.
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The Internet brought about a total revolution in the world of information. Today, anyone with an Internet connection can access a wealth of information online. As our access to data increases, copyright laws struggle to keep up. This book examines how copyright law has been applied to online content, the emerging open source movement, fair use, proper citation practice, and the ethics of using and citing online information. It is an invaluable resource for today's students.
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The world's wildlife is vanishing at an alarming rate. Scientists at the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Federation estimate that one in four mammals, and a full third of Earth's amphibians are in danger of becoming extinct. Today species are becoming extinct at a rate that is anywhere from 100 to 1,000 times faster than normal. People have been in fierce competition with wild animals for land, food, and natural resources for years. When over-hunting and -fishing of species and a rise in the level of pollution is added to this mix, humans come to represent the single gravest threat to wildlife survival. Any species that disappears leaves a hole in the web of life. Mass extinction would leave so many holes that the web might totally fall apart. Humans must realize the important role wildlife plays in the survival of the planet and reverse the damage--before it's too late.
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Since the terrible events of 9/11, more attention than ever has been paid to the threats and challenges posed by terrorists. Weinberg explains who the terrorists are, where they came from, what motivates them, and what, if anything, can be done to stop them. It provides a fascinating insight into how terrorist 'cells' operate and what they might do in the future. Leonard Weinberg is Foundation Professor of Political Science at the University of Nevada. He has also served as a consultant to the United Nations Office for the Prevention of Terrorism and was a recipient of the 1999 Thornton Peace Prize.
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Today there are more than 1.1 billion Muslims in the world. Even in the wake of this enormous growth, many of the practices established by Muhammad remain intact today. By adhering to the Qur’an, Muslims observe a rich cultural tradition that bridges the past, present, and future worlds in a community of the faithful.
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This book gives students an in-depth look at how large telescopes work. The wonder and awe of space and the scientific instruments we use to study it both come shining through in this fascinating book. Full-color diagrams and illustrations will help students visualize how the technology of telescopes works. Students will learn about the creation of mirrors 26.2 feet wide and telescope teams that work together to create a telescope as powerful as if it had a mirror the size of Earth!
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In this riveting bilingual caption book, young naturalists will learn about the group dynamics of a pride of lions. This book is written in English and standard Latin-American Spanish and provides both a fun introduction to these fearsome and fascinating big cats and an opportunity to acquire vocabulary in another language.
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The increasing power of mobile communications devices has reached the point where they now act as a pocket-sized computer. With this much power, a wide range of downloadable applications, and always-available Internet access, the ability to use todays smartphones for productivity and schoolwork has huge potential. This book examines the uses, applications, and relative strengths and weaknesses among these devices. It also reveals how mobile devices can be used to find information related to communication, research, school work, and even fun and games. The reader will discover the latest techniques for gathering information on-the-go, in the form of digital photos, text, audio, and video, using mobile devices. They will also learn how to use those same mobile devices to organize, retrieve, and relay the information they have gathered to friends, family, study partners, and teachers. The book also includes the latest guidelines for proper digital and cell phone etiquette and security, Myths and Facts, and 1 Great Questions to Ask an IT Specialist