The Universe Inside You: The Extreme Science of the Human Body from Quantum Theory to the Mysteries of the Brain [Kindle Edition]

I found this an interesting book. It addresses issues that I am aware of but have never thought through e.g. why did we lose our fur coats unlike chimpanzees (who are our cousins, NOT our ancestors)? The author states 'It seems counter-intuitive that the early humans should have lost that helpful fur'. The author comments on what he observed while walking his dog - he was both stung by nettles and felt cold yet his dog's fur protected it from both. He then proposes possible explanations which I have never thought of and found interesting (I'm not telling you what they are as that would spoil it). The author then modestly pulls his punches - he cautions that we do not know the actual reason, explaining "It's a bit like news analysis saying that the stock market fell 'because of lack of confidence in the government', or for some other reason. No one really knows why the market reacted in this way, and similarly no one can prove why humans developed a particular trait" [i.e. losing their hair].

On the same topic, the author goes on to debunk Hollywood's interpretation of science e.g. Schwarznegger's 'Total Recall' which memorably depicts the effect of exposing the body to zero atmospheric pressure on Mars (you will recall, err, totally, that heads increase in size due to the lack of pressure and then explode. The author explains why this would not happen). He also debunks the Hollywood impression that you would freeze instantly in the very low temperatures of space if for example your space suit tore (which I had assumed was true). He reminds us of how a vacuum flask works, and therefore (because heat cannot conduct through a vacuum) the human body will not lose heat in space (save by radiating IR light which is an interesting point). Instead you just suffocate. So (if I may summarise the author's analysis) the good news is that you die slowly instead of quickly.

I found the author's very simple explanation as to why it is an evolutionary advantage for Caucasians to have lost the dark pigmentation of their African ancestors interesting (essentially the pigment in dark skin protects the skin from UV light - it's like permanent sunscreen). It reminds me of recent news that rickets is making a comeback in the UK because parents are slapping sunscreen on their children without appreciating the consequences. You can't seem to get away from the saying 'everything in moderation' (if only I could follow that regarding books).

If you like this, I can also suggest 'Science - A History' by John Gribbin (a superb book) and 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' by Bill Bryson. All three are worth reading. Clegg's book is in my opinion significantly more dilute and tamer than either Gribbin's or Bryson's book, both of which I rate as 5 stars. I'd rate Clegg's as 3.5 stars (because the Gribbin & Bryson books are just so good) but the fact that Clegg's book is in the Kindle Spring Sale makes it excellent value and a taster before you jump into the other two. And it's worth it for the occasional nugget of gold e.g. 'Atoms are like small children - they are never entirely still' (the author's introduction to Brownian motion).

*** Edit 21/7/12: I've logged on this morning and see that this book is today's Kindle Daily Deal. I'm concerned that what I said in the final paragraph above may put people off buying it. I only wrote that because I simply love the Bryson & Gribbin books. I'd say grab this book while it's a bargain - I thoroughly recommend it. And then, if you like it, you may then choose to read either Gribbin's or Bryson's book too. And there really are some nuggets of gold in this book - sometimes an author explains something in a different way and you think "I never thought of it like that".

Bought this during the Kindle Sale and was expecting nothing more than an interesting "this is how your body works" kinda thing.

You get so much more.

I'm a science geek, there I said it, and I love reading anything sciencey. I know a lot about the topics about which the author has written in this book, but to see it explained even more in depth, in understandable terms, really gave me a kick. I must've giggled like a schoolgirl a dozen times reading this, saying "I KNOW this" as you come across familiar concepts and theories, and it really does give you a buzz to see it there written down for you, exactly as you know them and then taken further. That probably sounds like the geekiest thing you'll ever read, and this is on the internet for christ sake, where people put up photos of themselves wearing Star trek uniforms, or make videos of themselves waving around toy lightsabers as if they were really duelling a Sith lord, so I know how mental that must sound, but honesty, if you've an interest in science at all, this book will elicit the same reaction from you.

There are occasional lapses into the more hardcore mind bending realms, but they are few and far between and serve as nothing more that to let you know that what you think you understand is just the tip of the iceberg towards a whole new plain of weirdness.

It's not the most authoritative encylclopedia on the world of science, but what it touches on and it's relationship to you, your body, the earth, the universe, everything that is, ever has been and will be is truly fascinating, and it's with full credit to Brian Clegg that he manages to take you on this rollercoaster of a ride and out the other side more informed and more amazed.

The only problem is that is seems to finish quite suddenly, but in a way, that's a good thing, as it's a clear indicator if just how much you were enjoying it that you are sorry to finish it.

I'm almost sorry I bought this in the sale, as I'd be extremely happy to pay full price for this. I'll definitely be buying future titles from the author if this is anything to go by.

Quantum physics is, by it's nature, devilishly hard to 'simplify' for mere mortals and most books tend to fail by not being able to help themselves and get too complex. Brian Clegg does an excellent job however and keeps things lighthearted and 'real'.
The references to the human body are pretty thin however, he could just as well of used a dog or a pineapple, but it doesn't really matter.
Good read, informative and entertaining. Thank you Mr Clegg :)