This is a lively overview of recent breakthroughs and discoveries in science, as well as a review of some basic principles, in the form of intriguing trivia questions and answers. Covering a broad range of subjects, the book includes the disciplines of computer science, technology, medicine and health, Earth science, chemistry, astronomy, physics and mathematics. Each entry is accompanied by a short list of recommended reading on two levels: one in popular and accessible literature and the other in readily available scientific journals.

Table of contents includes: Soap and Nicholas Leblanc, Color and William Henry Perkin, Sugar and Norbert Rillieux, Clean water and Edward Frankland, Fertilizer, poison gas, and Fritz Haber, Leaded gasoline, safe refrigeration and Thomas Midgley, Jr., Nylon and Wallace Hume Carothers, DDT and Paul Hermann Muller, Lead-free gasoline and Clair C. Patterson.

Presents fun facts and trivia including how a pearl forms and the origin of safety glass, connecting them to Christian life using passages from the Bible.

A whimsical construction of an imaginary dialogue between two people intent on understanding esoteric topics that range from human sexuality to physics. Ehrlich (physics, George Mason U.) is dedicated to making the sciences fun and interesting, and though the conceit is "cute," the information it contains is dynamic and scientifically sound, posing interesting questions and speculations on life in the universe, human behavior, perception, gravity, material properties, physics, time, space, and a sample list of "What ifs?" to pursue on one's own. The answer to the title's question (we were dying to know) is that, in part, it's all a matter of probabilities. The promotional material says the cartoons are humorous. Not. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Mielczarek (physics, George Mason U.) and science writer McGrayne explore the critical importance of the metal element in life from bacteria to humans. They report on recent discoveries about iron and magnetism in bacteria, in myriad animal and plant species, and in humans, such as that many migrating animals have minute deposits of magnetite inside them that are sensory navigators. They also, of course, discuss the role of iron in mammalian blood and the iron- related diseases of humans.

Presents information on a variety of scientific subjects as answers to frequently asked questions.

Contains 365 facts of recent developments in a variety of fields including biology, medicine, engineering, technology, zoology, chemistry, and astronomy, arranged in question and answer format.