Category: Books and Magazines. Book Review: What a Plant Knows by Chamovitz, Daniel. (Scientific American / Farrar, Straus and Giroux,2012) [Hardcover] What a Plant Knows is an engaging book that explores the fascinating world of plants and their ability to sense and respond to their environment. The author, Chamovitz, takes readers on a journey through the latest scientific discoveries in plant biology, revealing how these organisms are not just passive bystanders in the natural world but active participants in shaping their own environments. One of the key themes of the book is the idea that plants have senses similar to those found in animals. Chamovitz explains how plants can detect changes in light intensity and direction, as well as temperature, humidity, and even gravity. These sensory abilities allow plants to adapt to their environment and ensure their survival. Another fascinating aspect of the book is the way that plants communicate with each other. Chamovitz describes how plants release chemicals into the soil that can attract or repel neighboring plants, as well as signal danger when threatened by herbivores or pathogens. This complex system of communication helps to maintain balance in plant communities and ensure their continued existence. Overall, What a Plant Knows is an excellent introduction to the world of plant biology. The author's engaging writing style makes even the most technical concepts accessible to readers with little prior knowledge of the subject. The book also includes plenty of interesting examples and case studies that help to illustrate the importance of plants in our ecosystems. Category: Magazines. Magazine Review: Scientific American Magazine October 2012 (The Inner life of Quarks) Scientific American Magazine is a well-respected publication that provides readers with the latest news and insights into science, technology, and medicine. The October 2012 issue features an article titled "The Inner Life of Quarks" that explores the fascinating world of subatomic particles. The article begins by explaining how quarks are the building blocks of all matter in the universe. These tiny particles come in six different "flavors," including up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom. The author goes on to describe how scientists have been able to study these particles using advanced technologies such as particle accelerators. One of the key takeaways from the article is the way that quarks interact with each other. The author explains how these particles can form bonds through a process called confinement, which keeps them together even at extremely high temperatures and energies. This property makes it possible for scientists to create new materials and technologies based on the unique properties of quarks. Another interesting aspect of the article is the way that scientists are using quarks to study the fundamental nature of our universe. The author describes how researchers are studying the behavior of these particles in order to better understand the early universe, as well as the forces that govern gravity and other fundamental phenomena. Overall, "The Inner Life of Quarks" is an excellent article that provides readers with a fascinating glimpse into the world of subatomic particles. The author's engaging writing style makes even the most technical concepts accessible to readers with little prior knowledge of the subject.