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Brian Cox

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Brian Edward Cox OBE, FRS is an English physicist who serves as professor of particle physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester.
11 books on the list
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Consilience book cover
Consilience
The Unity of Knowledge
Edward Osborne Wilson - 1999-03-30
Goodreads Rating
"Consilience" by Edward Osborne Wilson is a captivating exploration of the sciences and humanities, in search of a unified theory to bind them together. Wilson draws significant connections between disparate fields of study, from physics to biology, social sciences to the humanities. Through beautiful and clear prose, he uncovers the unique links that chemistry, genetics, and biology have with the arts. This sweeping and eloquent work is a testament to Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning scientific legacy, aligning him alongside the likes of Newton and Feynman.
Brian Cox
2022-08-21T09:06:33.000Z
I agree. Superb from @matthewsyed . As an aside, E. O. Wilson’s book ‘Consilience’ made a big impact on me when I first read it in the late ‘90s.      source
The Secret Body book cover
The Secret Body
How the New Science of the Human Body Is Changing the Way We Live
Daniel M. Davis - 2021-07-01
Goodreads Rating
Discover the groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs transforming our understanding of the human body and changing the future of healthcare in The Secret Body. Written by an award-winning scientist, this gripping exploration of six important frontiers - including the immune system, brain, and genome - reveals a new biological wonder filled with dizzying complexity and possibility. Join Daniel Davis on the cutting edge of research and learn about the stunning new technologies that will transform our lives.
Brian Cox
2021-04-07T17:03:00.000Z
This is a great book. I’ve read an advanced copy :-)      source
The Black Hole War book cover
The Black Hole War
My Battle with Stephen Hawking to Make the World Safe for Quantum Mechanics
Leonard Susskind - 2008-07-07
Goodreads Rating
Explore the tension between two of physics' greatest theories in this thought-provoking read by Leonard Susskind and Gerard’t Hooft. Dive into the clash between the theory of general relativity and quantum mechanics as these two renowned physicists attempt to reconcile their differences and uncover the mysteries of our universe. Experience the intellectual struggle and determination of these great minds as they challenge each other's beliefs and push the boundaries of modern physics.
Brian Cox
2021-01-01T18:04:38.000Z
@Robwilliams71 A good place to start on the Black Holes thing is “The Black Hole War” by Leonard Susskind. For the quantum computing stuff, it’s so recent that nobody has yet written a book on it!      source
Kindred book cover
Kindred
Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art
Rebecca Wragg Sykes - 2020-08-20
Goodreads Rating
Discover the real Neanderthal in Kindred, as Neanderthal expert Rebecca Wragg Sykes delves into their vast and diverse life across Eurasia through hundreds of thousands of years of climate change. This book sheds new light on where they lived, what they ate, and their complex culture. With first-hand experience, Sykes provides an information-rich and easy-to-read insight into the fascinating reality of 21st century Neanderthals, from recent discoveries to enduring mysteries of their relationship with modern humans.
Brian Cox
2020-08-15T12:16:48.000Z
This is indeed a superb book!      source
What Is Real? book cover
What Is Real?
The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics
Adam Becker - 2018-03-20
Goodreads Rating
Explore the heated controversy surrounding quantum mechanics with this compelling book. Follow the journey of courageous scientists who challenged the widely accepted Copenhagen interpretation and sought to uncover the true meaning of quantum mechanics. With deep research and charming anecdotes, this book offers an accessible account of an important scientific debate.
Brian Cox
2019-08-10T18:04:39.000Z
This great podcast from @seanmcarroll talking to David Albert about the measurement problem in Quantum Mechanics introduced me to a terrific book - What is Real? by Adam Becker. It’s fascinating on the history of QM, Bell’s theorem, Many Worlds ....      source
Recommended by
Ken Nakamura
Life Ascending book cover
Life Ascending
The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution
Nick Lane - 2009-06-22
Goodreads Rating
Discover the fascinating history of evolution through biology's most important inventions. From the origins of DNA to the evolution of consciousness, Nick Lane takes readers on an exhilarating journey of scientific discovery. In his latest book, he expertly describes the ten greatest inventions of nature, resulting in a stunning account of nature's ingenuity.
Brian Cox
2019-06-20T02:28:50.000Z
@StrongLikeBear @ShalanSharma @Dagk Yes, that’s right. I think it’s correct to say that many biologists (not all) believe the step from prokaryote to eukaryote was highly unlikely. See for example Nick Lane’s Life Ascending - a great book for many reasons.      source
Gravity book cover
Gravity
An Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity
James B. Hartle - 2002-12-26
Goodreads Rating
This groundbreaking text aims to make general relativity accessible to all physics majors, using a "physics first" approach and a minimum of new mathematics. Written by renowned physicist James B. Hartle, the book explores exciting phenomena of gravitational physics and the growing connection between theory and observation. Topics covered include the Global Positioning System, black holes, pulsars, quasars, and the Big Bang. An essential read for physics enthusiasts and students alike.
Brian Cox
2019-05-22T15:42:45.000Z
@rationalist44 (1) is easy - there are two components, but for distant galaxies the so-called ‘proper motion’ is negligible. (2) You need a little GR. Look up cosmological redshift. The best intro text book in my view is Hartle - the calculation is in section 18.2.      source
On the Future book cover
On the Future
Prospects for Humanity
Lord Martin Rees - 2018-10-16
Goodreads Rating
Discover a thought-provoking and inspiring book on the future of humanity and science. Renowned scientist and bestselling author Martin Rees highlights the critical moment we face, along with the existential risks over the next century. Rees argues that we need to take a different approach to planning for the future, emphasizing rational, global, and optimistic long-term thinking. With technological advancements in biotech, cybertech, robotics, and AI, we have the potential to overcome the threats we face, from climate change to nuclear war. Rich with insights into cutting-edge science and technology, this accessible book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the challenges defining our future on Earth and beyond.
Brian Cox
2019-03-09T11:35:23.000Z
This will be worth hearing - Martin Rees’s book ‘On The Future’ is very good.      source
Childhood's End book cover
Childhood's End
A Novel (Del Rey Impact)
Arthur C. Clarke - 1987-05-12 (first published in 1953)
Goodreads Rating
An alien race known as the Overlords arrive on Earth with a seemingly benevolent mission to unify the planet and eliminate poverty and war. But their true intentions become questionable, leaving humanity to wonder if this is the end of their existence or a new beginning. This literary thriller from Arthur C. Clarke is a science fiction classic and a must-read for fans of the genre.
Brian Cox
2019-02-14T12:13:45.000Z
Re-reading Clarke’s Childhood’s End after decades. Wonderful book - set in 2050 ish but an astronomer has to go to a library to look up a star’s catalogue number. Very few sci-fi novels predicted the internet!      source
Recommended by
Ben ShapiroKevin Kelly
Empire of the Clouds by James Hamilton-Paterson
Ad Astra by Jack Campbell