John Gribbin is a British science writer and astrophysicist whose work spans a vast array of topics, from quantum physics and the origins of the universe to human evolution and climate change. He is celebrated for his engaging prose, which masterfully translates complex scientific ideas for a general audience. Gribbin's writings often delve into fundamental questions about reality and humanity's place within the cosmos. In addition to his non-fiction, he also explores speculative themes through science fiction.
Gribbin presents the recent dramatic improvements in experimental techniques that have enabled physicists to formulate and test new theories about the nature of light. He describes these theories not in terms of hard-to-imagine entities like spinning subnuclear particles, but in terms of the fate of two small cats separated at a tender age and carried to opposite sides of the universe.
Over the past two decades, no field of scientific inquiry has had a more striking impact across a wide array of disciplines–from biology to physics, computing to meteorology–than that known as chaos and complexity, the study of complex systems. Now astrophysicist John Gribbin draws on his expertise to explore, in prose that communicates not only the wonder but the substance of cutting-edge science, the principles behind chaos and complexity. He reveals the remarkable ways these two revolutionary theories have been applied over the last twenty years to explain all sorts of phenomena–from weather patterns to mass extinctions.Grounding these paradigm-shifting ideas in their historical context, Gribbin also traces their development from Newton to Darwin to Lorenz, Prigogine, and Lovelock, demonstrating how–far from overturning all that has gone before–chaos and complexity are the triumphant extensions of simple scientific laws. Ultimately, Gribbin illustrates how chaos and complexity permeate the universe on every scale, governing the evolution of life and galaxies alike.
This collection features a selection of short stories from a renowned science writer, showcasing a retrospective of their imaginative and thought-provoking narratives. Each story delves into unique themes, exploring the intricacies of science and its impact on humanity. The author’s mastery in blending scientific concepts with compelling storytelling offers readers a captivating journey through speculative fiction, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
The History, Theory, and Application of a Revolutionary Science
The revolution is here. In breakthrough after breakthrough, pioneering physicists are unlocking a new quantum universe which provides a better representation of reality than our everyday experiences and common sense ever could. The birth of quantum computers - which, like Schrödinger's famous dead-and-alive cat, rely on entities like electrons existing in a mixture of states - is starting to turn the computing world on its head. In his fascinating study of this cutting-edge technology (first published as Computing with Quantum Cats and now featuring a new foreword), John Gribbin updates his previous views on the nature of quantum reality, arguing for a universe of many parallel worlds where 'everything is real'. Looking back to Alan Turing's work on the Enigma machine and the first electronic computer, Gribbin explains how quantum theory developed to make quantum computers work in practice as well as in principle. He takes us beyond the arena of theoretical physics to explore their practical applications - from machines which learn through 'intuition' and trial and error to unhackable laptops and smartphones. And he investigates the potential for this extraordinary science to allow communication faster than light and even teleportation, as we step into a world of infinite possibility.
Nearly everyone knows the names of the great scientists, but how many of us know anything about their work, let alone their private lives? In this easy-to-read series, eminent science writers John and Mary Gribbin look at the lives and work of eight major scientists; each book is accessible enough to be read for fun but informative enough to appeal to students of science. The iconic Albert Einstein emerges as a dashing ladies' man and the greatest scientist of his time; but why did Charles Darwin wait for decades before going public with his ideas on evolution? How was Marie Curie's great work shaped by her childhood experiences of oppression under the Czars? And what was Edmond Halley, of comet fame, doing as Captain of a King's Ship and later spy for the Crown? We meet a bookbinder's apprentice, an obscure monk, a Victorian gentleman--eventually famous scientists all. An introduction and afterword places each scientist's work in the context of the development of their subject, but in accordance with their true worth, not necessarily in accordance with their place in popular mythology. Engaging, stimulating, and instructive
Early scientific theories made things seem completely predictable. But the real world is unpredictable, and this book explains why. The reader can find out what chaos has to do with earthquakes and avalanches, the stockmarket, Saturn's rings, evolution and special offers at the local supermarket.
The book explores the life and contributions of Count Rumford, a significant yet underappreciated figure in American scientific history, alongside renowned contemporaries like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. It delves into Rumford's groundbreaking work and his impact on the scientific community, presenting a comprehensive narrative that highlights his achievements and legacy. This fresh examination aims to elevate Rumford's status in the historical canon, offering readers an insightful perspective on his importance in shaping American thought.
Time travel is a familiar theme of science fiction, but is it really possible?Surprisingly, time travel is not forbidden by the laws of physics - and John Gribbin argues that if it is not impossible then it must be possible.Gribbin brilliantly illustrates the possibilities of time travel by comparing familiar themes from science fiction with their real-world scientific counterparts, including Einstein's theories of relativity, black holes, quantum physics, and the multiverse, illuminated by examples from the fictional tales of Robert Heinlein, Larry Niven, Carl Sagan and others.The result is an entertaining guide to some deep mysteries of the Universe which may leave you wondering whether time actually passes at all, and if it does, whether we are moving forwards or backwards. A must-read for science fiction fans and anyone intrigued by deep science.
A scintillating collection of short essays that really does cover 'life, the Universe, and everything'.
Biography of physicist Stephen Hawking interweaving the events of his life with concise explanations of his theories.
