Other books that might interest you

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  Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins...

  One R. Pagan

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  From the cup of coffee that jumpstarts the day to dangerously addictive drugs, the recreational use of plants with psychoactive properties has a long history among humans.But, as with many things, it turns out that other animals got there first.From parrots to primates, consuming medicinal chemicals is an instinctive behavior that helps countless organisms fight infection and treat disease. But the similarities don't end there: Like us, many creatures also consume substances that have no apparent benefit . . . except for inducing intoxication. In fact, animals have been using drugs for recreational purposes since prehistoric times. We may even have animals to thank for the idea—legend says that coffee was discovered by observing the behavior of goats that had eaten it. In his previous book, Strange Survivors, author and biologist Oné R. Pagán introduced readers to some of the truly bizarre strategies animals use to survive in the cutthroat world of natural selection. Now, in Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins, he sheds light on the surprising cravings they indulge when it's time to unwind. In this book, you'll get an eye-opening glimpse into the mind-altering behavior of the non-human members of the animal kingdom, spanning insects to elephants—including the dolphin species that apparently likes to pass around an intoxicating pufferfish as if they were sharing a joint. Combining fascinating science with humor and enthusiasm, Pagán's latest is full of the kind of unforgettable stories and odd facts that you'll find yourself repeating to everyone you meet. From fruit fly happy hour to the evolutionary reasons behind nature's drugs, Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins takes you on a trip through the colorful world of animal intoxication—and along the way, explores what this science reveals about the surprising connections between all the world's creatures.

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  Planetary Systems - A Very Short...

  Raymond T. Pierrehumbert

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  Not long ago, the Solar System was the only example of a planetary system—a star and the bodies orbiting it—that we knew. Now, we know thousands of planetary systems, and have even been able to observe planetary systems at the moment of their birth. 
   
   
   
  This Very Short Introduction explores this new frontier, incorporating the latest research. The book takes the listener on a journey through the grand sweep of time, from the moment galaxies begin to form after the Big Bang to trillions of years in the future when the Universe will be a dilute soup of dim galaxies populated mostly by red dwarf stars. Throughout, Raymond T. Pierrehumbert introduces the latest insights gained from a new generation of telescopes that catch planetary systems at the moment of formation, and to the theoretical advances that attempt to make sense of these observations. He explains how the elements that make up life and the planets on which life can live are forged in the interiors of dying stars, and make their way into rocky planets. He also explores the vast array of newly discovered planets orbiting stars other than our own, and explains the factors that determine their climates. Finally, he reveals what determines how long planetary systems can live, and what happens in their end-times.

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  The Age of Reason

  Thomas Paine

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  "Thomas Paine's "The Age of Reason" is a thought-provoking work that both defends Deism and challenges the world's major monotheistic religions. Let's delve into its fascinating aspects:    Overview:  "The Age of Reason" is a book by English and American political activist Thomas Paine.  It argues for the philosophical position of deism, which emphasizes reason, natural religion, and skepticism toward institutionalized religion.  The book was published in three parts: in 1794, 1795, and 1807.  While it became a best-seller in the United States, British audiences received it with more hostility due to fears of increased political radicalism after the French Revolution.  Key Themes:  Deism: Paine's work follows in the tradition of 18th-century British deism. Deists advocated for free rational inquiry, religious toleration, and an end to religious persecution.  Natural Law: Deists believed that all things in the universe, including God, must obey the laws of nature. They rejected miraculous accounts and insisted on reason and rationality.  Bible Critique: Paine challenges the legitimacy of the Bible, viewing it as an ordinary piece of literature rather than a divinely-inspired text.  Appealing Style: By presenting deistic arguments in an engaging and irreverent style, Paine made deism accessible to the masses.  "The Age of Reason" remains a significant work that shaped intellectual discourse and inspired free thinkers."

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  Artificial General Intelligence...

  Julian Togelius

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  Artificial intelligence surrounds us. More and more of the systems and services you interact with every day are based on AI technology. Most AI is narrowly specific; that is, it can only do a single thing, in a single context. For example, your spellchecker can't do mathematics, and the world's best chess-playing program can’t play Tetris. Human intelligence is different. We can solve a variety of tasks, including those we have not seen before. In Artificial General Intelligence, Julian Togelius explores technical approaches to developing more general artificial intelligence and asks what general AI would mean for human civilization. 
   
   
   
  Togelius starts by giving examples of narrow AI that have superhuman performance in some way. He then discusses what it would mean to have general intelligence, by looking at definitions from psychology, ethology, and computer science. Next, he explores the two main families of technical approaches to developing more general artificial intelligence: foundation models through self-supervised learning, and open-ended learning in virtual environments. The final chapters of the book investigate potential artificial general intelligence beyond the strictly technical aspects. The questions discussed here investigate whether such general AI would be conscious, whether it would pose a risk to humanity, and how it might alter society.

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  Software Development - Tools...

  Michael Bishop

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  In today's digital era, software development is at the core of technological innovation, transforming industries and everyday life. Software Development: Tools, Methodologies, and Best Practices for Building High-Quality Software Solutions is an essential guide designed for beginners and aspiring developers who want to understand the complete process of creating software from the ground up. 
   This comprehensive book covers everything from the fundamental concepts of programming and key development methodologies, to modern tools and technologies shaping the future of software. With clear explanations and practical insights, it introduces readers to the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), explores popular programming languages like JavaScript and Python, and delves into critical topics like version control, software architecture, and testing strategies. 
   Whether you're learning how to collaborate in Agile teams, understanding the importance of DevOps for continuous integration, or exploring future trends such as AI-driven development and cloud computing, this book provides the foundation you need to excel in the ever-evolving world of software development. 
   Perfect for students, newcomers, and professionals looking to strengthen their knowledge, Software Development: Tools, Methodologies, and Best Practices for Building High-Quality Software Solutions demystifies the complexities of software creation, guiding you through every step to help turn your ideas into functional, high-quality software solutions.

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  The Intersectional...

  Leah Thomas

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  From the activist who coined the term comes a primer on intersectional environmentalism for the next generation of activists looking to create meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable change. The Intersectional Environmentalist examines the inextricable link between environmentalism, racism, and privilege, and promotes awareness of the fundamental truth that we cannot save the planet without uplifting the voices of its people -- especially those most often unheard. Written by Leah Thomas, a prominent voice in the field and the activist who coined the term "Intersectional Environmentalism," this book is simultaneously a call to action, a guide to instigating change for all, and a pledge to work towards the empowerment of all people and the betterment of the planet. Thomas shows how not only are Black, Indigenous and people of color unequally and unfairly impacted by environmental injustices, but she argues that the fight for the planet lies in tandem to the fight for civil rights; and in fact, that one cannot exist without the other. An essential read, this book addresses the most pressing issues that the people and our planet face, examines and dismantles privilege, and looks to the future as the voice of a movement that will define a generation.

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