Chemistry for Breakfast: The Amazing Science of Everyday Life

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A whirlwind romp through everyday science, perfect for fans ofHow Stuff Works,Stuff You Should Knowand Netflix'sExplained

In this quirky and endlessly surprising book, a quick-witted chemist reveals the amazing science behind everyday things (like drinking water, breakfast and trips to the dentist) and not-so-everyday things (like space travel and baby dinosaurs). Dr. Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim uses the same relatable style that makes her a popular YouTuber to explain scientific concepts everyone should know.

Over the course of a single day, Mai shows us that amazing science happens everywherewe just have to look for it. In the morning, her partner's much-too-loud alarm prompts a deep dive into biological clocks and fight-or-flight responses, followed by a coffee with a side of heat conduction and states of matter. Mai continues with explainers of cell phone technology, food preservation, body odor, the effects of alcohol and the science behind the expression 'love drunk.' At the book's end, she leaves readers with an appreciation of facts and a basic understanding of the fascinating science of everyday life.

Filled with charming illustrations and Mai's own (often hilarious) personal anecdotes,Chemistry for Breakfastturns the ordinary into extraordinary. With Mai as your guide, you'll find something fascinating in everything around you.

'With its wealth of examples taken from everyday life, from soap to toothpaste, Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim's charming romp through the essence of chemistry may just inspire a new generation of chemists.' Larry Gonick, author ofThe Cartoon Guide to Chemistry

Reviews

This book shows that chemistry is not just relevant to life; its really, really interesting. Its is an insiders look into scientists minds, social interactions, and laboratories that will change the way that readers view their lives, surroundings, and bodies and gives advice that you didnt know you needed. Chemistry for Breakfast is an engaging, accessible, and downright fun science book. Foreword Reviews, STARRED review With its wealth of examples taken from everyday life, from soap to toothpaste, Mai Thi Nguyen-Kims charming romp through the essence of chemistry may just inspire a new generation of chemists. Larry Gonick, author ofThe Cartoon Guide to Chemistry InChemistry for Breakfast, Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim uses her passion for science to give us a lighthearted and enjoyable look into the fascinating discoveries hidden in the things we encounter every day. Dr. Steven Farmer, author ofStrange Chemistry: The Stories Your Chemistry Teacher Wouldn't Tell You It is hard to resist being swept up in Mai's enthusiasm and begin to see the worldas she doesas a wonder of interacting chemical processes. Dr. Paul May, professor at the University of Bristol, editor of the websiteMolecule of the Month, and co-author ofMolecules that Amaze Us Chemistry for Breakfast bristles with imaginative ideas, and its fresh style will commend it to many readers, particularly those who would not usually read a chemistry book. Dr. Simon Cotton, Honorary Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Birmingham As readers journey through revelations about chemicals found in the likes of toothpaste, hamburgers, the brain and even human flatus, they may hardly notice that along the way they have been painlessly educated in the nuances of chemical bonding. Chemistry for Breakfast is a wonderful remedy for chemophobia, a condition that seems to be infectious and is much in need of treatment. Joe Schwarcz, Chemistry Professor and Director, McGill Office for Science and Society Blended with physics, biology and medicine, Mais book Chemistry for Breakfast is a magical tour of the fundamentals of chemistry and its impact on science and society. K.C. Nicolaou, PhD, Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor of Chemistry at Rice University and CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research Chemistry for Breakfast bristles with imaginative ideas, and its fresh style will commend it to many readers, particularly those who would not usually read a chemistry book." Dr. Simon Cotton, Honorary Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Birmingham

Author Bio

DR. MAI THI NGUYEN-KIM is a chemist and science journalist. During her doctoral studies at Harvard, she started the YouTube channel The Secret Life of Scientists, which marked the start of her mission to infect people with a love of science. She lives in Germany, where she hosts a national TV series on science and produces the YouTube channel maiLab.