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How the World Flows: Microfluidics from Raindrops to Covid Tests
How the World Flows acts like a microscope that pulls the listener into the barely noticeable, Lilliputian world of fluids at small scales—the microfluidic world—and answers the question "What is microfluidics?" in non-technical language.
Microfluidics is the field of science that studies fluids constrained to spaces that are smaller than one millimeter wide, and by extension, the engineering field which builds devices that exploit the unique properties of fluids at these scales. Author Albert Folch explores this micro science which has inspired engineers to build devices such as engines, spray cans, ballpoint pens, inkjet and 3D printers, pregnancy and Covid tests, glucometers, asthma nebulizers, kidney dialysis machines, and DNA analyzers.
This book also shows that many processes essential to life on Earth—such as the formation of raindrops, the rise of sap in plants, and the percolation of water through soil—are all microfluidic marvels. It examines how our cells breathe, feed, and fight diseases through small capillaries. Through engaging and digestible stories, Folch takes a lens to this tiny science and demonstrates how big a role microfluidics play in life as we know it.
Microfluidics is the field of science that studies fluids constrained to spaces that are smaller than one millimeter wide, and by extension, the engineering field which builds devices that exploit the unique properties of fluids at these scales. Author Albert Folch explores this micro science which has inspired engineers to build devices such as engines, spray cans, ballpoint pens, inkjet and 3D printers, pregnancy and Covid tests, glucometers, asthma nebulizers, kidney dialysis machines, and DNA analyzers.
This book also shows that many processes essential to life on Earth—such as the formation of raindrops, the rise of sap in plants, and the percolation of water through soil—are all microfluidic marvels. It examines how our cells breathe, feed, and fight diseases through small capillaries. Through engaging and digestible stories, Folch takes a lens to this tiny science and demonstrates how big a role microfluidics play in life as we know it.
Audible Audio
Published December 23, 2025
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December 23, 2025
An interesting and accessible overview of the role of micro fluids in our lives, their origins, and how they operate. While the non-fiction material can be dry, the author does an excellent job connecting the processes to common products, including pens, sanitary supplies, and blood tests. Summaries at the end of key chapters were very useful to reinforce key points.
It’s a well-narrated audiobook, but it references drawings and charts. I expect this audiobook will (or should) have an accompanying PDF when released, although a website would be more useful in my opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HighBridgeAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #HowtheWorldFlows for review purposes. Happy audiobook release day today: 23 December 2025!
It’s a well-narrated audiobook, but it references drawings and charts. I expect this audiobook will (or should) have an accompanying PDF when released, although a website would be more useful in my opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HighBridgeAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #HowtheWorldFlows for review purposes. Happy audiobook release day today: 23 December 2025!
Displaying 1 of 1 review