Jennifer Viegas – författare

The Declaration of Independence became the cornerstone document of our democratic nation. But why was it written? What influenced its author, Thomas Jefferson, and what made it so revolutionary? Discover how this document shaped the foundation of a nation, and how it continues to influence American government today.

This book celebrates one of history‘s most brilliant and renowned composers. Readers will explore what made Beethoven who he was, how religion shaped his music, and how his compositions reflected the sweeping historical and philosophical changes that were taking place in the early nineteenth century.

With temperatures dipping to -366 degrees Fahrenheit and the theory that there may be a layer of diamonds below its surface, Uranus will fascinate any student. This book offers a detailed look at the planet’s magnetic field, climate, composition, and possibilities for life. Full-color images make this a wonderful read and a handy reference tool for young adults. This revised edition of Uranus includes new information on the first discovery of the planet’s rings almost 200 years earlier than believed, the 2005 discovery of a pair of rings and two small satellites previously unknown, and recently observed large clouds and a dark spot on the planet’s surface. This revision also includes updated references to Pluto’s new status as a “dwarf planet,” having been demoted from full planethood.

All around us, the natural world goes through cycles of growth and decay. Fungi, including molds, are crucial to these life cycles and can be both destructive and beneficial to humans. From the cultivation of mushrooms, through the molds employed to make cheeses and other food products, to water-damaged human environments where mold must be contained, this book explores these organisms that exist largely unseen all around us. This big-picture approach demonstrates how fungi differ from other organisms, how they affect the world, and their crucial role in our ecosystem.

Though not thought about as much as viruses or bacteria, parasites are behind much sickness and suffering in both animals and humans all over the world. Parasites range from microscopic protozoans to insects like ticks and lice and intestinal worms. What they all have in common is that their survival comes at the expense of other living things. This book gives readers a solid introduction to these unpleasant but fascinating organisms, describes how they lead to illness, and discusses preventative measures and cures.

Humans rely on their sense of sight to move in their surroundings. Of the five senses, it is probably the one most used and relied upon by people, day-to-day, moment-to-moment, especially in our modern multiscreen world. In this enlightening resource, readers discover how the eye works, how images are focused on the retina, and how nerves relay signals and impulses to the brain for processing. They get not only in-depth explanations of the parts of the eye and how they function, but also detailed images of the eye''s anatomical structures. In addition, common eye problems and disorders, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, colorblindness, glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and blindness, are examined.

Detailed 3D anatomical images of the cardiovascular system, and the heart in particular, make it easy to visualize the workings of this important biological system. Readers will learn about the different parts of the heart itself, as well as the circulatory system, the various kinds of blood cells, and how the kidneys clean blood. The proper functioning of the heart is discussed in detail, as are the common diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system that endanger health. Filled with fun facts and dazzling, high-definition images, this is an ideal Life Science resource, particularly for visual learners.

The lower limbs run from the hips to the toes. They govern how we move from place to place, how we balance, and the types of activities we pursue. The anatomy and mechanics of these essential limbs are examined in vivid 3D relief in this concise volume. Labeled diagrams help readers easily identify the various muscles and bones of the hip, legs, and feet, while a clear narrative describes how the interconnected parts work together to facilitate our everyday movements.

Nothing could be plainer than the nose on your face (and the mouth below it), but the mouth and nose have big, important jobs to do. Their work is not as simple as a quick sniff or nibble of pizza makes it seem. Learn how the jaw, mouth, and throat all work together, how the process of eating works, and what happens in the nose when we take a whiff of that apple pie in the oven. This book highlights, in both the text and in the stunning images, the complexities of such seemingly simple sensory organs.

Al-Kindi is believed by many scholars to be the first Islamic philosopher. At a time when Europe was plunged into the Dark Ages, the Islamic world was experiencing an important time of cultural growth and scientific advancement. While many considered Muslim students of ancient Greek philosophers to be infidels, al-Kindi was able to master the scholarship while interpreting it through his Muslim faith. His conclusions always supported the teachings of Islam, but the methods that he drew upon to reach these conclusions were rooted in science, math, and principles accepted by many other cultures and faiths.