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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Introduces genetically modified foods, describing current research, health concerns, and their effect on modern agriculture. -
Discusses the extent and effects of human trafficking, the term that is used today for modern-day slavery, which takes place in almost every country in the world. -
Introduces islamic innovations ranging from the astrolabe to the scientific method. -
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. -
Describes headaches and migraines, including the difference between headaches and migraines, what causes migraines to occur, and how to prevent them from reoccurring. -
Describes modern developments in the field of genetics, discussing the mapping of the human genome, the genetic causes of afflictions, and genetic modification. -
Presents a general history of the cultural and social aspects of the ancient Maya and Aztec empires up to the arrival of Spanish conquerors, in a book that also provides readers with instructions for creating such related craft projects as a feather fan, a mosaic mask, a codex, and a miniature pyramid temple. -
Presents information about the endocrine system, including what it is, conditions and diseases associated with it, how endocrine problems are diagnosed and treated, how to maintain a healthy endocrine system, and ways of coping with endocrine problems. -
Understanding how the stock market works is essential in todays economy. This book offers readers straightforward explanations of the essentials, including the definition of stocks, how theyre bought and sold, how theyre priced, commissions, splits, and more.
