Books in the Understanding Life series

Most people have some dissatisfaction or concern about body weight, fatness, or obesity, either personally or professionally. This book shows how the popular understanding of obesity is often at odds with scientific understandings, and how misunderstandings about people with obesity can further contribute to the problem. It describes, in an approachable way, interconnected debates about obesity in public policy, medicine and public health, and how media and social media engage people in everyday life in those debates. In chapters considering body fat and fatness, genetics, metabolism, food and eating, inequality, blame and stigma, and physical activity, this book brings separate domains of obesity research into the field of complexity. By doing so, it aids navigation through the minefield of misunderstandings about body weight, fatness, and obesity that exist today, after decades of mostly failed policies and interventions.

The legend of Charles Darwin has never been more alive or more potent, but by virtue of this, his legacy has become susceptible to myths and misunderstandings. Understanding Charles Darwin examines key questions such as what did Darwin's work change about the world? In what ways is 'Darwinism' reflective of Darwin's own views? What problems were left unsolved? In our elevation of Darwin to this iconic status, have we neglected to recognise the work of other scientists? The book also examines Darwin's struggle with his religious beliefs, considering his findings, and whether he was truly an atheist. In this engaging account, Peterson paints an intimate portrait of Darwin from his own words in private correspondence and journals. The result is the Darwin you never knew.

Understanding Reproduction offers a broad perspective on the phenomena of sex and reproduction. Written in an accessible and easy to digest style and featuring an abundance of examples from animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms, this book will appeal to interested general readers, biologists, science educators, philosophers and medical doctors.

Life is definitively purposive and creative. Organisms use genes in controlling their destiny. This book presents a new understanding of how living systems function, showing how organisms generate purposive behaviour. For general readers interested in evolutionary biology, systems biology, genetics, and history and philosophy of science.

A handy guide to every method of contraception, helping readers decide what works best for them. Covering how each method works, how to use it correctly and how effective it is, the authors expertly explain how life stage can affect choice, and how hormonal contraception can help other health conditions.

Written by an expert who has spent 40 years treating couples who had fertility challenges, this book provides a clear explanation of what a couple need to conceive, and how to deal with problems which may be encountered. A recommended read for those wanting to conceive, their friends and families, and anyone interested in reproduction.

Why is the information available about the coronavirus/COVID-19 so confusing? Written by a leading researcher, Understanding Coronavirus is a concise and accessible introduction to all the science and facts you need to understand how the virus works, how it spreads and how it compares to other respiratory viruses.

Life sciences, Genetics, Philosophy of science

Life sciences, Neuroscience, Cognition

An accessible and engaging introduction to how DNA ancestry tests work and what they can be used for, as well as the ethical and privacy concerns surrounding their use. The book portrays a realistic view of the art and science behind genetic genealogy testing for the general reader.

This book provides non-experts with an accessible but rigorous introduction to genes. Drawing on contemporary research in genetics and genomics, as well as on ideas from history of science, philosophy of science, psychology and science education, it explains what genes are and what they can and cannot do.

A brief and accessible account of evolutionary developmental biology, 'evo-devo', for anyone intrigued by this exciting interdisciplinary field, including biological science students and general readers. It covers all key themes, including: developmental bias, toolkit genes, gene co-option, and the origins of evolutionary novelties and body plans.

Using familiar examples and easy-to-follow arguments, this concise book offers fresh alternatives to a number of widespread misconceptions about development. It will appeal to anyone interested in novel views and ideas in biology, including biologists, science educators, philosophers, students and general readers.

Why is evolution so difficult to understand? Uncover the common misconceptions and core concepts in this concise and accessible book.