The Why Files: The Science Behind the News by David Tenenbaum, Terry Devitt

From Barnes & Noble

For more than a decade, the nosy good folks at whyfiles.org have been asking and answering the questions that tickle the minds of industrious readers: Do terrorists really believe that God wants them to kill? Can poker really make you sick? What's the best way to zap a bug? And, of course, the inevitable: Why do great racehorses have big butts? The Why Files book delves deep into the underbrush of stories that fascinate us and keep us from sleep.

From the Publisher

Science magazine meets The Onion, Mental Floss, and Mad magazine in this ingenious guide to the science behind the news

For more than a decade , the intrepid folks at whyfiles.org-the #1 science destination on the web-have been exploring the science behind newsworthy events. Now condensed into a book written with the site's characteristic wit, The Why Files features scores of articles organized into sections that mirror any city's daily newspaper: World News, Metro, Business Life, Sports, Arts & Leisure, Travel, Style, Opinion Page, and more. Who knew that science can explain why extremists say "God Told Us to Kill," how poker can make you sick, why great racehorses have big butts, and if electrocution is the best way to zap a bug? For those who love accurate science served up with humor in a one-of-a-kind newscast, this decidedly non-geeky guide is a must.

Product Details