MAKE IT CLOUD NINE Bal Phondke Publisher: Publications & Information Directorate, India Price: Rs 50
DID you know that the best remedy for jet lag is sunshine? Or that female athletes can outrun males in a marathon? And, if your teenage son drives his mobike at breakneck speed, blame it on an enzyme that regulates brain chemicals. These are not based on hearsay but on Make it Cloud Nine, a popular science book meant for the uninitiated.
In the book, Phondke combines wisdom with wise-cracks and his reader-friendly approach explains scientific facts without becoming boring. The book tells us that scientists worry about the ozone hole because even a 7 per cent decrease would increase ultraviolet radiation by 15 per cent, which would threaten bio-molecules - the very basis of life. It also informs us about the little known fact that ground level ozone, a component of smog and haze, can cause debilitating changes in our lungs.
We also come to know that a close bond exists between sleep and memory. If a person is allowed a good night's sleep, his visual memory improves. The brain uses the time a person is asleep to build neural circuits to consolidate knowledge acquired earlier.
Going by Phondke, one wonders why a man can't be more like a woman - he claims women are biologically more fit, with lower cholesterol levels and stronger chromosomes.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.