Books with author Tom Jackson

What is transhumanism? What is AI? Are these good developments or bad ones? How might immortality be possible? And should we even want to live forever? Get the facts and make up your own mind on these and more questions related to enhanced human potential with Future Humans, part of the new What's the Issue? series. What does it really mean to be human? In the future, might we be forced to rethink the answer? In this fascinating book, explore these questions through topics like:Prosthetics and implantsPlastic surgeryPerformance drugsExternal memoryGenetic modificationsNanotechnologySmart drugs (cognitive enhancers)CyborgsBioprintingThe What's the Issue? series tackles engaging, thought-provoking subjects chosen from the headlines and public debates. What's the Issue? asks ‘what’s all the fuss about?’, presents the key facts, reviews what’s at stake in each case and weighs the pros and cons. The goal of the series is to help young people understand difficult concepts, provide them with the tools to inform their own opinions and help them to see and influence changes within our society.

Inside of every plant, animal, and human lies thousands of genes. These genesand the DNA they are composed ofare the basis for heredity. Before we are born, the information encoded in our genes determines our physical features, predisposition to disease, and more. Genetics traces our understanding of heredity from the discovery of inheritance to modern day, as scientists seek to manipulate genes in order to control the blueprints of life. Topics in this book include genetically modified food, epigenetics, stem cells, and xenobiology. Readers are given balanced information about these controversial topics and encouraged to think critically to form their own opinions.

Even the most reluctant readers are likely curious about cloning and the scientific future of human evolution. This book finally makes it possible for them to access the latest information about genetic engineering, stem cells, heredity, and the idea that humans may be able to manipulate the process of reproduction to create the offspring they desire. It even covers hot button issues like eugenics and the genetic modification of plants and animals used for food. With vivid, full-color artwork and fascinating sidebars and fact boxes throughout the uncomplicated, fascinating text, this book will find a perfect home in any collection.

Identity is vital to any scientific research―but it is not always easy to establish, especially with groups of species that look very similar, or those with secretive lifestyles. A number of fascinating techniques are used to establish species’ identities, including recording sounds, monitoring tree damage, DNA analysis, and carbon dating fossil finds. Case studies include: woodpeckers, fur analysis, and identifying bats in flight.

Some animals build astounding homes to provide shelter and safety for themselves and their young. From ants gluing leaves together to create a nest, to groundhogs engineering enormous underground towns, the creatures featured in this book create homes that are both unique and out-of-this-world. Find out more about these masters of engineering and learn how evolution has shaped the way each animal constructs their home and uses it.Vivid, arresting photography paired with captivating animal encounters make this book a thrilling introduction to some of the basics of evolutionary theory.

Mammals are some of the fastest and slowest, largest and smallest, and most unique animals on Earth. Their bodies are built to survive in and master their environment. Readers will love reading about the super swimming dolphin, the super-sensing bat, and the super-slow sloth. Theyll learn about the mechanics behind a skunks stink supply and a cheetahs record-breaking speed. This book is full of color photographs and fact boxes that bring these exotic mammals to life. This technological spin on animal skills and survival is sure to stand out from the rest.

It is hard enough getting a complete picture of how the most common animals (domestic pets, for example) behave. However, this is tougher still for creatures that are active at night, such as many species of cats, live in remote regions, or live in the top of the tree canopy. Zoologists have developed a variety of techniques to conduct behavioral studies including remote sensing, cameras and video cameras, and webcams.