Light elements: Essays in science from gravity to levity

An award-winning columnist for Discover magazine takes a light look at hard science. If science had been this funny in school, maybe you would have listened.

Part stand-up comic, part gonzo journalist, Discover magazine’s Judith Stone can sniff out strange science at five paces. This offbeat collection of her trenchant, witty essays explodes the boundaries of science, with outrageous insights and surprising factual information that will keep you laughing and learning.

Praise for Light Elements

“You need this book, because it contains Amazing Science Facts, such as how the entire world could be destroyed by cows. Also there’s a fascinating chapter on getting yourself mummified. This would be after your death, of course. Which could be any day now, what with these cows. You definitely need this book.”—Dave Barry

“Ms. Stone is a boon to those who stopped listening after fourth-grade science. She is witty and knowledgeable. I can’t believe it’s actually fun.”—Wendy Wasserstein

“It’s full of interesting information and it’s really funny. If that’s not what you’re looking for, you’re not looking for a book. Why not try a good appliance store?”—Penn & Teller