The Best American Science Writing 2012 (Best American Science Writing)

Edited by Michio Kaku, cofounder of string field theory, theoretical physicist, and New York Times bestselling author, The Best American Science Writing 2012 is the latest edition of the popular annual series dedicated to collecting the most crucial, thought-provoking, and engaging science writing of the year. Culled from a wide variety of publications, these selections of outstanding journalism cover the full spectrum of scientific inquiry, providing a comprehensive overview of the most compelling, relevant, and exciting developments in the world of science. From climate change to public health, the origins of the universe to the wiring of the human brain, parallel universes to artificial intelligence, the world of science is vast and diverse, offering endless challenges and possibilities that provide new understanding of ourselves, our world, and our universe. Provocative and engaging, The Best American Science Writing 2012 reveals just how far science has brought us and where it is headed next.

"Theoretical physicist and self-described 'science junkie' Kaku serves as guest editor of this intriguing collection of science-related articles published in 2011. The pieces featured here — which originally appeared in publications such as The New York Times and National Geographic — ripple outward from a focus on the human body to explore the environment, the space program, the universe, and finally the physical limits of science itself when it runs contrary to popular opinions, widely-held religious beliefs, and other social issues. Many of the authors investigate cutting-edge and controversial research, such as experiments that use blood vessels grown in a lab to replace malfunctioning ones in humans. Another essay proposes a new hypothesis as to why teenagers do dangerous things; the author asserts that '...the willingness to take risks during this period of life has granted an adaptive edge.' Ethical concerns are addressed in a study of physical predictors of criminal behavior and in the consequences of allowing those with mental illness to decide whether or not to take medication, and an essay on the hunt for the Higgs boson (purportedly discovered in July 2012) showcases the exponential progress of science. Kaku writes that his hope for this book is that it might 'inspire young scientists... to spark... a new era of innovation and discovery.' While only time will tell whether Kaku's hopes will be fulfilled, in the meantime, this anthology is guaranteed to pique readers' interests. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Best American Science Writing 2012 is yet another endlessly fascinating and mind-expanding installment of the popular science series that Kirkus Reviews calls, “Superb brain candy.” Edited by renowned theoretical physicist and bestselling author Michio Kaku, co-founder of string field theory, this collection contains the most engaging and provocative science writing of the year—gathering in one volume enthralling and eye-opening essays about the latest developments in biochemistry, physics, astronomy, genetics, evolutionary theory, cognition, and more.

Dr. Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist and the cofounder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and he continues Einsteins search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory. He is also the New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including his most recent work, Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100.

Jesse Cohen is a writer and freelance editor. He lives in New York City.