This work is a unique introductory A–Z resource detailing the scientific achievements of the contemporary world and analyzing the key scientific trends, discoveries, and personalities of the modern age.

Space exploration. Cloning. The Internet. In the past, such modern scientific marvels would have been dismissed as the wildest excesses of science fiction. Yet the age in which humans discovered DNA—the blueprint of all life on earth—has also seen the development of terrifying weapons capable of destroying all such life, as well as a heightened public consciousness about science and technology.

An authoritative reference survey of the modern age of scientific discovery, Science in the Contemporary World is a scholarly yet accessible chronicle of scientific achievement from the discovery of penicillin to the latest developments in space exploration and cloning.

Over 200 A–Z entries cover the full spectrum of contemporary science, with emphasis on its diverse nature. Within the last 50 years, medicine has eradicated the killer disease smallpox, but primarily because the virus can live only in humans. Space probes have revealed that on Europa, a moon of Jupiter, an ice-capped ocean with the potential to support life probably exists. Marvels from animal psychology and deep-sea exploration are also explored extensively.

Series Features

• Hundreds of A–Z entries on key scientists, discoveries, and inventions
• A topic finder to quickly locate subjects such as people, countries, scientific disciplines, and institutions

Title Features

• Over 200 A–Z entries covering topics ranging from plate tectonics to the first Moon landings
• More than 40 stunning photographs providing a unique pictorial chronicle of the achievements of modern science

Highlights

• Provides a unique resource to help students learn about the science of the last 50 years
• Includes coverage of the full range of scientific study: medicine, chemistry, marine exploration, astronomy, psychology, and more
• Examines why the achievements of the last 50 years have been unparalleled in the history of science

Published by ABC-Clio.