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Chemistry for Breakfast
The Amazing Science of Everyday Life
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Chemistry for Breakfast
$5100
Unit price
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
FINALIST for the Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books
'This book shows that chemistry is not just relevant to life; it's really, really interesting.' - Foreword Reviews, starred review
A perfect book for readers of The Physics of Everyday Things and Storm in a Teacup.
Have you ever wondered why your alarm clock sends you spiralling? Or how toothpaste works on your teeth? Why do cakes and cookies sometimes turn out dry? (Hint: you may not be adding enough sugar.) In Chemistry for Breakfast, award-winning chemist and science communicator Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim reveals the amazing chemistry behind everyday things (like baking and toothpaste) and not-so-everyday things (like space travel). With a relatable, funny, and conversational style, she explains essential chemical processes everyone should know - and turns the ordinary into extraordinary.
Over the course of a single day, Mai shows us that chemistry is everywhere: we just have to look for it. In the morning, her partner's much-too-loud alarm prompts a deep dive into biological clocks, fight-or-flight responses, and melatonin's role in making us sleepy. Before heading to the lab, she explains how the stress hormone cortisol helps wake us up, and brews her morning coffee with a side of heat conduction and states of matter.
Mai continues her day with explainers of cell phone technology, food preservation, body odour, baking, the effects of alcohol, and the chemistry behind the expression 'love drunk'. All the while, she shows us what it's really like to be a working chemist, and fights against the stereotype of a nerd playing with test tubes in a lab coat.
Filled with charming illustrations, laughter, and plenty of surprises, Chemistry for Breakfast is a perfect book for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of chemistry without having prior knowledge of the science. With Mai as your guide, you'll find something fascinating everywhere around you.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Chemistry for Breakfast is praised for making the science accessible and enjoyable, blending everyday examples like soap and toothpaste with chemistry fundamentals. Reviewers highlight its engaging and fun style, which may inspire future chemists, offering a lighthearted insight into the chemistry of daily life. The book is recognised for reducing chemophobia by seamlessly introducing readers to complex concepts and changing their perception of the world.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781778400322
Publisher: Greystone Books,Canada
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 24 November 2022
Country: Canada
Imprint: Greystone Books,Canada
Illustration: Black and white illustrations throughout, number TBC
Contributors:
- Illustrated by claire Lenkova
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 139.0mm
Height: 215.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 240
About the Author
Dr. Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim is a chemist and science journalist. During her doctoral studies at Harvard, she started the YouTube channel The Secret Life of Scientists, which marked the start of her mission to 'infect' people with a love of science. She lives in Germany, where she hosts a national TV series on science and produces the YouTube channel maiLab.
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