The versatility of carbon is what makes this element so much a part of human life. All life on Earth is carbon-based, and humans cannot live without carbon. Most of the energy humans use to power homes and cars comes from carbon combustion. As a result of these multiple, widespread uses of carbon, humans have accidentally disrupted the Earth's balance of carbon - with largely unknown future consequences. Now, science looks to the chemistry of carbon to set the balance straight. This title describes how carbon is an essential element for life on Earth, how it is found in everyday life, and what is being done to offset the increased carbon emissions modern life has caused....

Without the different states of matter - the solids, liquids, and gases that make up our universe - the world would be a very boring place. States of matter are constantly changing form all around us: Hot showers steam up the bathroom mirror, gaseous water falls to the ground as snow, and liquid escapes from our skin to cool the body. But, as readers of this insightful new book will learn, these things don't happen by accident. "States of Matter: Gases, Liquids, and Solids" deciphers the science behind these chemical states to present an engaging and eye-opening reference. This new title is enhanced by full-color photographs and illustrations, sidebars, a glossary, and a list of suggested Web sites and further reading....

The human mind is a learning machine. We are constantly taking in new information, processing that information, and making decisions based on what we learn. Biofeedback is a process that teaches the mind so that it can learn to control the body. This book is a comprehensive look into this holistic type of learning; it explores how moods, muscles, nerves, and brain waves can be controlled by the mind through biofeedback treatment. "Biofeedback" also examines the discussions surrounding this topic. Though a lot of research has gone into exploring the mechanisms of biofeedback, science cannot explain exactly how the mind learns, so it cannot explain exactly how biofeedback works, either. And for this reason, biofeedback has long been questioned by traditional medicine....

The popular drug of choice in the 1980s and '90s, cocaine is an illegal drug that can prove dangerous - even deadly - for users, especially in its impure form, crack. Yet, pure cocaine has been used as an energy booster and pain reliever for thousands of years. "Cocaine and Crack" examines the global history, chemistry, industry, and control of cocaine in the United States....

Animal courtship is a process that results in two mature members of a species becoming a couple, usually with the intent to mate and produce offspring. Different species of bugs, birds, fish, shellfish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals have their unique sets of courtship rules and rituals. In "Animal Courtship", learn how various species attract mates, including those that sing, dance, glow, or even attack....

The Earth is made of layers, each with its own unique characteristics and processes that make it a vital part of the planet. The solid inner core, for example, is the farthest layer from the planet's surface, yet it provides much of the heat needed to fuel dramatic surface phenomena such as volcanoes and earthquakes. Likewise, the outer core generates a magnetic field that protects the planet from harmful particles in space. In "Layers of the Earth", learn how scientists use modern tools like seismology, geodesy, computer modeling, and global positioning systems to study the workings of the inner Earth....

Steroid use is not just a problem for professional sports stars. Studies show that teenagers - especially boys - are using steroids in high school to change the appearance and strength of their bodies. As is true of the use of many addictive, illegal drugs, steroid use at a young age comes with a long list of worrisome side effects, including heart irregularities, cancer, and serious emotional problems. "Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs" explores the facts and science behind teen steroid use, as well as efforts to keep the problem under control for professional sports stars and young people....