Kirjahaku

Behind the magic of Harry Potter--a witty and illuminating look at the scientific principles, theories, and assumptions of the boy wizard's world, newly come to life again in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the upcoming film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Can Fluffy the three-headed dog be explained by advances in molecular biology? Could the discovery of cosmic "gravity-shielding effects" unlock the secret to the Nimbus 2000 broomstick's ability to fly? Is the griffin really none other than the dinosaur Protoceratops? Roger Highfield, author of the critically acclaimed The Physics of Christmas, explores the fascinating links between magic and science to reveal that much of what strikes us as supremely strange in the Potter books can actually be explained by the conjurings of the scientific mind. This is the perfect guide for parents who want to teach their children science through their favorite adventures as well as for the millions of adult fans of the series intrigued by its marvels and mysteries. - An ALA Booklist Editors' Choice -

Can reindeer fly? Could scientists clone the perfect Christmas tree? How does Santa manage to deliver presents to an estimated 824 million households in a single night? These are among the questions explored in an irresistibly witty book that illuminates the cherished rituals, legends, and icons of Christmas from a unique and fascinating perspective: science. "Excellent entertainment for the Christmas connoisseurs in your circle." --USA Today

"This sumptuously illustrated celebration of Hawking's life captures perfectly its depth and breadth." - Marcus Chown -- A behind-the-scenes tour of the inner sanctum of one of the world's most prominent scientific thinkers. In 2021, The Science Museum made a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition of the contents of Stephen Hawking's office. This book delves into that remarkable collection, using the seminal papers, items, and curiosities in his office to explain his theories and reveal more about one of the greatest minds in modern science. It's an unprecedented glimpse into the life of the best-known scientist of modern times. Artifacts include: A Simpsons bomber jacket gifted to him following his appearance on the showA copy of Hawking's PhD thesis: Properties of an Expanding UniverseSingularities and the Geometry of Space, written at the beginning of his vital collaboration with Roger PenroseHis blackboard, where he debated ideas and doodled with his contemporariesScientific bets made with colleagues to prove (and sometimes disprove) his theoriesHis Permobil F3 wheelchair and communications systemsHawking's Franklin medal and his CBE"In this unique book, Roger Highfield's clear expositions of Stephen Hawking's ideas are supplemented by fascinating illustrations that convey how he lived and worked. It's a beautifully-presented celebration of Stephen's amazing life - how his insights and discoveries were achieved against heavy odds." - Martin Rees, Baron Rees of Ludlow and Astronomer Royal

An irresistible stocking-filler: a hilarious romp through the science of Christmas.How does snow form? Why are we always depressed after Christmas? How does Santa manage to deliver all those presents in one night? (He has, in fact, little over two ten-thousandths of a second to get between each of the 842 million households he must visit.) This book contains information on how drugs might make us see flying reindeer, how pollution is affecting the shape of Christmas trees and the intriguing correlation between the length of our Christmas card list and brain size.