The Secret Science of Baby, Michael Banks
The Secret Science of Baby, Michael Banks
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The Secret Science of Baby
The Surprising Physics of Creating a Human, from Conception to Birth - and Beyond

Author: Michael Banks

Narrator: Jonathan Cowley

Unabridged: 10 hr 3 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/27/2022


Synopsis

Parents and parents-to-be are bombarded with information, from what to expect to what to do (and not to do) when it happens. But what they may not realize is that from the chemistry of pregnancy tests to the vacuum physics of breastfeeding, there is fascinating science at the heart of every aspect of creating and raising a new human.

Written by science journalist Michael Banks, The Secret Science of Baby won't tell you how to raise a perfect violin-playing, mandarin-speaking toddler, but it will shed a new light on how and why things happen as they do—from conception and pregnancy to cooing and pooing.

Exploring the hidden physics behind uterine contractions, the fluid dynamics of diapers, and more, both parents and curious non-parents will gain a fresh perspective on the infant universe . . . and the thrilling science that makes it possible.

Banks draws from his own experience, interviews with scientists, and the latest research (including some involving conception inside an MRI machine) to offer a book that focuses on "how?" rather than "how-to." The result is an illuminating and hilarious journey through the everyday science of making, baking, and bringing up baby.

About Michael Banks

Michael Banks was born in Oldham, Lancashire, UK. After an undergraduate degree in physics from Loughborough University, UK, Michael did a PhD in condensed-matter physics at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Physics in Stuttgart, Germany, studying magnetism. For over a decade, Michael has been news editor of the international monthly magazine Physics World, where he covers the latest developments in physics.

Michael has given talks worldwide about science and science journalism including in China, Japan, and the US. In addition to Physics World, he has written for Nature, BBC Focus, and Science Uncovered, as well as appeared on BBC Radio 4. Michael is based in Bristol, UK, where he lives with his wife and two boys.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Sara

Pluses: The science of baby and pregnancy, but base it in biophysics? Pretty unique! Not going to find a lot of books on that topic. Liked the anecdotes. Most of the topics were interesting: the highlights included how diapers and breast pumps work, walking, and the mystery of the placenta. Diapers a......more

Goodreads review by Maggi

Started off well enough; I was thoroughly informed and entertained. Then it got kind of boring. I had to push myself to get through certain chapters.......more