Designing the Molecular World

Designing the Molecular World
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Excellent, thorough, and thought provoking

A fantastic review of or introduction to molecular design

Chemistry Update w/o Mathematical Rigor

A fascinating update on a neglected area

Designing the Molecular World
Philip Ball
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0691029008

Book Description

Some of the most exciting scientific developments in recent years have come not from theoretical physicists, astronomers, or molecular biologists but instead from the chemistry lab. Chemists have created superconducting ceramics for brain scanners, designed liquid crystal flat screens for televisions and watch displays, and made fabrics that change color while you wear them. They have fashioned metals from plastics, drugs from crude oil, and have pinpointed the chemical pollutants affecting our atmosphere and are now searching for remedies for the imperiled planet. Philip Ball, an editor for the prestigious magazine Nature, lets the lay reader into the world of modern chemistry. Here, for example, chemists find new uses for the improbable buckminsterfullerene molecules--60-atom carbon soccerballs, dubbed "buckyballs"--which seem to have applications for everything from lubrication to medicine to electronics.

The book is not intended as an introduction to chemistry, but as an accessible survey of recent developments throughout many of the major fields allied with chemistry: from research in traditional areas such as crystallography and spectroscopy to entirely new fields of study such as molecular electronics, artificial enzymes, and "smart" polymer gels. Ball's grand tour along the leading edge of scientific discovery will appeal to all curious readers, with or without any scientific training, to chemistry students looking for future careers, and to practicing chemical researchers looking for information on other specialties within their discipline.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, thorough, and thought provoking.......2006-02-14

Odd to say that a book published in 1994 is still relevant but the frontiers of science are pushed out so quickly that is always a good to wonder about. Ball's book is well written and thorough but at times can drag on a bit. Some level of understanding of college level chemistry will be helpful but not necessary. I'm a biologist at heart but chemistry - especially this kind of chemistry - always fascinates me. This is the realm of tinker toys on the molecular level. Reading the book makes chemistry exciting - why should the physicists have all the fun? Ball shows how chemistry is being used to make new kinds of materials that have great impact on everyday living. He gives excellent explanations of technique and the historical context of the present work. There's a lot here but it's well worth it.

A fantastic review of or introduction to molecular design.......2002-04-10

When looking for detailed, specific information about nanotechnology, I stumbled across this book. At that time, I knew that there was a link between chemistry and nanotechnology, but was having trouble finding chemistry books that made sense from a molecular engineering (nanotechnology) point of view.

I rarely read technical books from cover to cover, but this one was so engaging and covered so many topics that I actually WANTED to learn more about that I found I could not put it down. Most chemistry books seem to be focused on bulk properties of broad classes of chemical compounds (i.e. "When compounds of class A are mixed with compounds of class B, the result is typically compounds of classes D and E). This was the only popular book I found that day that specifically discussed atomic and molecular processes from an ATOMIC level.

After reading the book, I found myself reading complex technical articles with surprising ease and understanding terminology that I otherwise would not have recognized, though I might have been exposed to it in college.

The end of the book contains several chapters describing the author's particular views about the origins of life and the universe, and about various environmental crises with a noticeable, but not overriding, disdain for certain other points of view. I appreciated that the author shared his opinions on these matters, but also kept them to the end and clearly separated from the rest of the book. This section is still engaging and presents interesting points of view.

This book combines historical stories and anecdotes with explanations of traditional chemistry to show how "chemistry" has changed and how it has spawned the new field of molecular engineering (popularly known as Nanotechnology), related to but distinct from chemical engineering.

Chemistry Update w/o Mathematical Rigor.......2000-09-05

Enzyme technology? Molecular sieve? Nanotechnology? You'll find clear and illustrative discussion of these current topics in Philip Ball's "Designing the Molecular World." Though the impact of chemistry is ubiquitous, the author contends about the usual emphasis and coverage on physics, astronomy and biology. I tend to agree with this point as one might not even find a chemistry section in a decent-sized independent bookstore. Major chains would have one yet the selection is unfortunately poor with titles like "Chemistry the Easy Way." Ball also retells the discovery of buckminister fullerene C60. Don't be discouraged by the introductory physics remarks, you will find this book very interesting and open your eyes to the up-to-date chemistry research.

A fascinating update on a neglected area.......1999-10-27

The author contends that physics and astronomy get all the public attention these days, to the neglect of chemistry, yet advances in this field have more real impact on our lives. The most interesting parts of this book show how we are adapting biochemistry, such as enzymes, to everyday production of useful chemical resources. The book is written at the level of the "old" Scientific American, with plenty of real science and less of the "gee-whiz" of other popularizations. Thankfully, there is little need for math here, but read the first section carefully, where he explains the basic physics of molecules, which is central to the rest of the book. I enjoyed it thoroughly and it really brought this reader, who had his last chemistry in 1961, up to speed on chemistry today.

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DESIGNING THE MOLECULAR WORLD
Philip Ball
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N6OYEO

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Designing the Molecular World Chemistry
Philip Ball
Manufacturer: PRINCETON ^ UNIV PRESS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N79042

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Designing the Molecular World.

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ICKRPI

Book Description

This wide-ranging collection of essays presents the best of Panofsky's most accessible writings. It covers his early collaboration with Luis Alvarez and his later work as researcher and director at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Through several essays--some reflecting his lifelong concern with nuclear weapons and arms control--Panofsky also reveals the often intractable differences that exist between the drives of theoretical science and the constraints of public policy.

Micro-Particle Impact Detector Experiment on MightySat I

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Micro-Particle Impact Detector Experiment on MightySat I

Manufacturer: Storming Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: 1423564596

Product Description

This is a AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB KIRTLAND AFB NMSPACE VEHICLES DIRECTORATE report procured by the Pentagon and made available for public release. It has been reproduced in the best form available to the Pentagon. It is not spiral-bound, but rather assembled with Velobinding in a soft, white linen cover. The Storming Media report number is A690143. The abstract provided by the Pentagon follows: The purpose of this paper is to present an engineering design of a spaceborne Micro Particle Impact Detector (MPID) experiment. This experiment is manifested on an Air Force Research Laboratory spacecraft called MightySat I scheduled for launch in July 1998. A follow on report will present the resulting particle impact data. The objective of this experiment is to measure direction and time of impact of spaceborne micron size particles with time of impact resolution of 0.1 s. The primary element in this experiment consists of two Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) discharge capacitor detectors that discharge upon hypervelocity particle impact. These detectors were developed by Prof. J.J. Wortman from North Carolina State University. Each MOS particle detector is 3 in x 11/2 inches and approximately 0.013 in thick. Each particle detector is bonded to a detector assembly that is in turn mechanically fastened to the external bottom plate of the MightySat I spacecraft. The detector assembly and associated electronics weigh less than 0.4 lb and have a total impact sensing area of 3.7 in 2. Each particle impact causes an impact event record to be stored in the spacecraft control unit for later downlink. Each impact event record will store time of impact and output from two coarse sun sensors. Data from the coarse sun sensors is used to help determine attitude of the spacecraft. The Air Force Research Laboratory MightySat I spacecraft is a 6-sided composite structure, 20. 5 in (height) by 19.0 in (diameter), 150 lb., and spin stabilized with 5 degree attitude knowledge.

Particulate Matter Science for Policy Makers: A NARSTO Assessment

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Particulate Matter Science for Policy Makers: A NARSTO Assessment

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521842875

Book Description

The volume provides policy makers who implement air-quality standards with relevant scientific information. Policy development and revision is an ongoing process, and scientific understanding is continually improving. This assessment describes current science in a manner that meets the needs of policy makers in addressing current and anticipated standards.

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Poliscide
Benjamin Ginsberg
Manufacturer: University Press of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Textbook Binding

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ASIN: 0819176540

Polluted Science: The Epa's Campaign to Expand Clean Air Regulations

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Good refutation of EPA claims regarding "dirty" air

Polluted Science: The Epa's Campaign to Expand Clean Air Regulations
Michael Fumento
Manufacturer: Aei Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0844740411

Book Description

In his book, Michael Fumento persuasively shows that the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) expansion of the Clean Air Act could burden Americans with major lifestyle changes and cost tens of billions of dollars-with no real benefit. The author looks at recent EPA proposals to tighten national air quality standards for particulate matter and ozone. He argues that the evidence supporting the health benefits of the new standards is extremely weak and ambiguous and has been distorted by the EPA. Furthermore, he says that proposing new regulations is absurd considering that the levels of these pollutants are already much lower than they used to be and are still dropping.

By demanding pollution levels well below the level at which health effects are apparent, he says, the EPA labels all man-made emissions-even those that are harmless-as pollutants. He suggests that the clearest results of adopting the new standards would be to expand the agency's regulatory powers and set a precedent for making future revisions to air quality standards with little regard for demonstrated health effects.

This book will appeal to environmental, energy and health policy makers and analysts, scientists, economists, legislators, and executives in utilities, chemical, transportation and manufacturing industries.

Customer Reviews:

Good refutation of EPA claims regarding "dirty" air.......1998-12-04

Good work by Michael Fumento in discussing the continuing saga of the EPA's so-called "clean" air regulations. A good examination of the expense and the lack of need for these types of regulations.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Farm Journal, published by Farm Journal Media on May 1, 2002. The length of the article is 617 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: The Environmental Protection Agency has won a legal fight to impose stricter standards on fine particle air. These standards will require that states and local authorities level stringent controls on pollution-causing chemicals and microscopic soot. The article provides additional information on the new standards.

Citation Details
Title: Air Control.(new standards on fine particle air from EPA)
Author: Jeanne Bernick
Publication: Farm Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2002
Publisher: Farm Journal Media
Volume: 126 Issue: 7 Page: 24(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Trends in speciated fine particulate matter and visibility across monitoring networks in the Southeastern United States.(TECHNICAL PAPER) : An article ... of the Air & Waste Management Association

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Trends in speciated fine particulate matter and visibility across monitoring networks in the Southeastern United States.(TECHNICAL PAPER) : An article ... of the Air & Waste Management Association
Patricia F. Brewer , and Joseph P. Adlhoch
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000E0LGRM
Release Date: 2005-12-21

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, published by Thomson Gale on November 1, 2005. The length of the article is 8788 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Trends in speciated fine particulate matter and visibility across monitoring networks in the Southeastern United States.(TECHNICAL PAPER)
Author: Patricia F. Brewer
Publication: Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 55 Issue: 11 Page: 1663(12)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Health effects of airborne particles (Discussion paper series / Energy and Environmental Policy Center, John F. Kennedy School of Government)

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Health effects of airborne particles (Discussion paper series / Energy and Environmental Policy Center, John F. Kennedy School of Government)
Halûk Özkaynak
Manufacturer: Energy and Environmental Policy Center, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Misadventures and Merfolk

One of the best books I've ever read

A wry and adventurous story

A wonderful comedy of errors!

Misadventures & Merfolk - A Big Fish Story That Never Got Aw

Misadventures and Merfolk
Kelly Reno
Manufacturer: Reed Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1891437011

Book Description

An obnoxious American travel writer is stranded in the remote British Isles during a matchmaking festival.

Customer Reviews:

Misadventures and Merfolk.......2007-07-14

Brendan James is a travel writer. He's had one successful novel and one horrible flop. He's now on the search in the British Isles for ideas for his third novel, that will either make or break his writing career. Unfortunately, he finds nothing in these islands except sheep and his deadline has come and gone. With panic setting in, Brendan attends the Mermaid Festival in Heather Bay on the Isle of Sky.

This event celebrates the anniversary of a mermaid who fell in love with a man. It features parades and shows unlike any other festival. Although unlike other festivals, this event features matchmaking events, strange creatures, and people claiming to be the descendants of real merfolk.

Misadventures & Merfolk is a hilarious fantasy with a romantic twist or two. A great story about being at the darkest point in your life and finding a new way that you never even knew existed. A book about using the heart to make decisions and not the head. However, the best part of this book is the unique mix of characters. Some of the characters are completely normal, realistic, everyday people thrown into extraordinary situations. Others are completely off their rockers and remind the reader of that weird aunt or uncle that nobody talks about in public.

One of the best books I've ever read.......2005-11-06

Misadventures and Merfolk is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. You are drawn in from the start and are left hoping merfolk are real or wishing you were one. This definitely needs to be made into a movie. Orlando Bloom would be the perfect Charlie. If he is unavailable, Antonio Bandaras or Johnny Depp would also be great. The market for honey would skyrocket with women everywhere making Honey Cakes. Kelly Reno is a fantastic storyteller. I can hardly wait for the sequel.

A wry and adventurous story .......2005-01-06

Misadventures & Merfolk is an inventive novel about a travel writer who visits the British Isles and finds a seaside town teetering on the edge of insanity. Enchanted by a local mermaid impersonater, nearly killed in a bizarre mating ritual, solicited to give an organ donation by the neighborhood church, he resolves to expose the whole truth about the bizarre town for good or ill. A wry and adventurous story of bizarre but all too human community.

A wonderful comedy of errors!.......2004-11-27

When Brenden James' thoughts' on his travels around the States get turned into a book, which becomes a best seller, he never expected the sequel to be a horrible flop. Now, touring the British Isles, he is clueless as well as suffering from writers block on how to write another best selling novel which is the only way to save his writing career. After all, how much can be said about old people and sheep? When he is stranded on the Isle of Man (because his ferry sank) during the annual Mermaid Festival, suddenly, he feels the start of a story that should satisfy his publisher...

The seaside village of Heather Bay has women flocking to the town to try and find their soul mates; a young girl continues the habit of dressing up like a mermaid (started by her grandmother); and all of the local fishermen seek vengeance from "Charlie the Tuna". Then there is the cranky lighthouse keeper that wrote a novel about mermaids, the Priest who wears a close pin on his nose and... AH Yes! Story Heaven... But the longer Brenden spends in this "mad" town, the more fascinated he becomes with Christine, the local mermaid and the people of the town. How can he put his satirical view on these small town people, which would cause them harm?

Kelly Reno has written a fantastic novel. Besides that I adore the cover (Waterhouse is my favorite artist!) the book also includes pictures that give the story more of the "travel book" quality that Brenden is writing about. This story actually gives you the feeling of being in a small town overrun with tourist during a festival. I loved it!

I haven't read too many mermaid stories, so this is one of the attractions I had to MISADVENTURES & MERFOLK. I was really happy with the "happily ever after" part of the story and found Ms Reno's merfolk fascinating. Because Brenden is a total disbeliever in merfolk, you actually are discovering the culture along with him (very interesting actually!). I really hope that there will be a sequel written about Charlie "the Tuna".

Each chapter is almost its own insane event, which leaves you satisfied with the what is happening (for example the parade) and yet aching to know what will happen next. So if you have short amounts of time to read during the day this book is perfect! You can read a chapter, and then put the book down because you know what happened. However, the energy of MISADVENTURES & MERFOLK will have you picking the story back up at the first possible opportunity because you want to know what will happen next! This was so unique, and I found really enjoyable.

Besides the humorous events that take place between the pages, Kelly Reno has a very different writing voice than I am used too, and I loved it. It was like watching a BBC special where everything is either insane or ...just not what it appears to be. I don't think I can recommend this book enough! I don't think anyone could be disappointed.

Misadventures & Merfolk - A Big Fish Story That Never Got Aw.......2004-10-01

For a seasoned travel writer tiptoeing through sheep souvenirs in the British Isles, Brendan James lugs way too much baggage, starting with his L.A. size ego. His last book, Scorpions in my Jockstrap, slithered into the desert of garage sale books that never move. But the one before, the NY Times bestseller Screwed, Blued and Tattooed, is all Brendan needs to lure the next nameless hottie into the sack. Unfortunately, for Mister Studmuffin, the only banging going on right now is at his door: the deadline to deliver the manuscript for his third - "do or die book" - has died. So has Brendan's ability to write. Too far away to strangle the irresponsible author about to erase his job, editor Jake Hogan dispatches Brendan to Heather Bay, a tiny village (ignored by the likes of Bill Gates) on the nearby Isle of Man. It's hate at first sight for Brendan, whose hopes of sailing to Dublin to get drunk sink when he's told the ferry did the same. Impersonating a Conde Naste travel writer hoping to get a room, Brendan lands up in a leaky houseboat. Despite the stench of fish guts, TV host Fiona Cross, an old flame covering the village's Soul Mate Festival, staggers aboard to spawn. The off-the-wall locals, including a priest with a clothespin on his nose soliciting organ donations, provide colorful fodder for Brendan's blank pages. But it is Christine Hamilton, a mermaid who sells souvenirs when she's not in the tourist tank, who reels in the cocky American from his jaded sea of self-absorption. Christine, and her brother Charlie the Tuna (a Merman who seduces grannies on a nightly basis) are, Brendan discovers, for real. Smitten, Brendan must make a choice. Turn in the last chapter of a guaranteed best-selling manuscript that will destroy Heather Bay, or make an honest woman out of Christine.

On the surface, Misadventures and Merfolk is a big fish story that never got away. But dive into the vibrant world that Kelly Reno has created and you will surface with a treasure chest of love, longing, loneliness and hope. M&M is a genre-bending story that swims easily in the waters of romance, adventure, fable, satire, erotica and suspense. I rate it two tridents up.

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