Vital Science

by Karl Kruszelnicki

Get your pulse racing with Australia's most popular scientist, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.

Discover why humans tell lies, why some planets are hotter than stars and how humans are terraforming the Earth. Is cockroach milk really the next Superfood? Why are birds so smart? Why do trees need each other to grow and how do they communicate? Why did a group of scientists voluntarily starve to death while surrounded by tonnes of food?

How long does a decapitated head stay 'alive'? What human artefacts can be seen with the naked eye from the International Space Station? Who is Bertha Benz and how did her first car trip revolutionise how we use petrol today?

Finally, monitor your breathing and learn why whales are so big, why oral histories are surprisingly accurate and try the five tried-and-tested steps to becoming a wellness guru.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

320 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

Known popularly as Dr Karl.

Karl has degrees in Physics and Maths, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine and Surgery and has worked as a physicist, tutor, film-maker, car mechanic, labourer, and as a medical doctor at the Kids' Hospital in Sydney.

In 1995 he took up the position of the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at Sydney University, spreading the good word about science and its benefits.

His enthusiasm for science is totally infectious and no one is better able to convey the excitement and wonder of it all than Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is.

Dr Karl's Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) site:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/

http://www.abc.net.au/profiles/conten...

Reviews

[Jake Crozier · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5)

[Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Karl is an excellent science communicator. I have heard him speak on many occasions on the radio and even at my university. Every time he manages to capture my attention and keep my attention.

Yet this book could not do this for me. I tried to read it many years ago and finally came back for another try. I ended up having to slog through it in order to tick it off.

The content of the book is not boring. Karl surveys a variety of topics, spread across all fields of science and varying novelty.

Despite that, my concentration and curiosity was not sustained. I would read a few pages intensely only to be day dreaming again.

The design of the book does not help. Each chapter has many sections that make the chapter disjointed.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book with cute illustrations, humor and some thought-provoking facts. While I found it somewhat interesting, I felt as thought I did not learn anything truly special or important.

I suggest this book for anyone looking for a bit of light-hearted science. It might make a nice gift for teenager. If you are looking for substance, you should try another book.

[Marcus Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book really interesting and entertaining. Reading about the various scientific topics was quite intriguing, particularly the level of sophistication within plant's sensory, and Dr Karl's writing style makes it a joy to read.

A strong recommendation from me

[Chris Cousins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always good to read a new book by Dr Karl.

[Josh Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome read from Dr Karl
Hi Kenz! 😊

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from reading this interesting collection of relevant information about important life topics.

[Brooke Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mythbusting and random facts in an easy-to-read, digestible format.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, great from Dr Karl. Easy to read and interesting book about science.

[Ashley Salta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book to keep on the bedside table. Dr Karl has a way of explaining the world that is both interesting and factual. I genuinely felt that I learnt so much after reading this book.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! So many interesting topics