13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries cover art

13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries

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13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries

By: Michael Brooks
Narrated by: Matt Addis
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About this listen

Science starts to get interesting when things don't make sense. Even today, there are experimental results that the most brilliant scientists can neither explain nor dismiss. In the past, similar anomalies have revolutionised our world: in the 16th century, a set of celestial irregularities led Copernicus to realise that the Earth goes around the sun and not the reverse.

In 13 Things That Don't Make Sense, Michael Brooks meets 13 modern-day anomalies that may become tomorrow's breakthroughs.

Is 96%of the universe missing? If no study has ever been able to definitively show that the placebo effect works, why has it become a pillar of medical science? Was the 1977 signal from outer space a transmission from an alien civilization? Spanning fields from chemistry to cosmology, psychology to physics, Michael Brooks thrillingly captures the excitement and controversy of the scientific unknown.

©2010 Michael Brooks (P)2011 Audible Ltd Physics Science Thought-Provoking Genetics String Theory

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All stars
Most relevant  
Fascinating trip through perceptions of the world around us that we try to interpret and understand.

Fascinating trip through perceptions of the world

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Some interesting facts. Goes to show we as Humans have not got it all figured out yet.

variety

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This book was an interestimg Detour from the established Science books. There is a sense of wonder, facts and a lot of ancedotes. Overall entertaining and an excellent narration

Intelligent stimulation

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I have a Master's degree in the History of Science, and I found this easily accessible, but I'm unsure as to whether the uninitiated would completely follow the author's discussion of Kuhn's model of scientific revolutions - which plays, in my opinion, an excessive role in the narrative. But, then, perhaps the more obtuse parts of the book will simply wash-over without causing a problem... I'm not comfortable with the author's penchant for declaring certain parties in the history of science 'right' and 'wrong', however. The book is more convincing when it's arguing, rather than asserting.

As for the titular '13 Things', some of the chapters are more satisfying than others. One or two of them are excellently thought-provoking, one or two are kinda 'meh...', and all the others are solid. If you're intrigued about science, and particularly about how science develops (or doesn't!), this is well worth your time.

Good, but perhaps not a book for everybody.

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13 challenges you could live quite happily without in blissful ignorance, but without doubt an interesting read for an inquisitive mind.

Interesting !

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I think it has genuine merit. But it was performed like at documentary on sharks or nazi's that fill day-time airtime. Whilst there was lots of truth there were also lots of "mysteries" mostly around one scientist sticking to one result. Passed a few hours for someone interested in science, but won't learn much.

Hard to separate from the Discovery channel

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At last a book that has taught me the difference between Dark Matter and Dark Energy! This is a book that really brings to life some complicated and difficult areas of scientific understanding. I think it is pitched at a good level, you might not understand all of it (I certainly didn't, some of the mathmatical reasoning went beyond me), but it does not detract from the overall enjoyment.

It is not all quantum theory, there are lots of biological ideas as well as phiosophical ones. It is also really well read by Matt Addis, beautifully paced and clear. Highly recommended.

Superbly Read

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Like everyone else, I just believe things, and then make my world fit my perceptions. I would love to think I am a rational, logical guy, but I am a victim of my own delusional attitudes. I enjoy reading books that challenge assumptions, and I am currently enjoying ’13 Things That Don’t Make Sense’ by Michael Brooks. This is perfectly read by Matt Addis, and it should be read widely by religious people in particular, but I guess it would be far too questioning for such faithful followers to even give this book a look.

Making Sense

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This is a wonderful listen. Michael Brooks explains each subject is a very understandable yet inspiring way. Great voice. Highly recommend.

Brilliant

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very interesting, great book to dip in and out of as each chapter is its own topic.v

very interesting. great book to listen to.

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