Facts On File, Inc.

The encyclopedia of the back and spine systems and disorders.

According to Dr. Arya Nick Shamie (director, UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center), 90 percent of adults will experience back pain or related disorders at some time. Entries compiled by medical writer Sayler range from 'abatacept,' the first of a new class of drugs for treating rheumatoid arthritis, to 'zinc,' which aids in bone development. Coverage of specific conditions includes symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, risk factors, and preventive measures. Entries on drugs include dosage, possible side effects, and studies. Resources include organizations, Web journals, and general and categorized references (relating to birth defects, bone cancer, complementary and alternative medicine, nutrition, osteoporosis, and pain management). Labeled line drawings would have enhanced the volume. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Encyclopedia of weather and climate, rev.ed.; 2v.

Prompted by recent advances in research in the atmospheric sciences, this revised encyclopedia on weather and climate has also been restructured such that material that previously appeared in shorter entries has now been incorporated into fewer but longer entries. Additionally, biographical information on scientists and the principal ocean currents have been moved to appendixes with the intent of aiding the reader in location. The cross-referenced, alphabetical entries that remain describe and explain atmospheric processes and phenomena, as well as scientific measurements, classification systems, techniques, and instruments used for studying the weather and climate. Examples of specific topics covered include aircraft electrification, airmass, anabatic wind, boundary layer, convection, Dansgaard-Oeschger event, Dobson spectrophotometer, gradient wind, katabatic wind, meteorology, noble gases, pollution control, temperature scales, waterspout, and Venturi effect. Many of the entries include brief guides to further reading. In addition to those mentioned above, appendixes provide supplementary information on tropical cyclones and storms; tornadoes; laws, regulations, and international agreements; the geologic timescale; glacials and integlacials, scientific instrument units and conversions, and disaster and discovery chronologies. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Encyclopedia of world scientists, rev. ed.; 2v.

From American meteorologist Cleveland Abbe (1838-1916) to Russian-American physicist and electrical engineer Vladimir Zworykin (1889-1982), this biographical encyclopedia profiles some 1000 scientists from all scientific disciplines — including anthropology, astronomy, biochemistry, biology, botany, chemistry, ecology, engineering, genetics, mathematics, medicine, microbiology, oceanography, physics, virology, and zoology — as far back as 600 BC. Notably, around half of the profiled figures are women and an effort has also been made to make the encyclopedia ethnically inclusive. Each of the essays, ranging from 500 to 1500 words, include basic biographical information, including educational background, positions held, and prizes awarded, but devote their greatest attention to the scientists' work. A number of indexes aid in locating scientists by field of specialization, nationality, and year of birth. Some 200 black and white portraits accompany the entries. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Human spaceflight.

Targeted to high school students and up, this reference, part of a six-volume set, describes the events, scientific principles, and technical breakthroughs that have allowed humans to travel and live in space. A special feature of the reference is a focus on future human spaceflight expeditions, with chapters on permanent moon bases, human expeditions to Mars, and large space settlements. Material is presented in chapter format, with capsule biographies of key figures, and sidebars on physical and engineering concepts. B&w photos and illustrations depict historical, contemporary, and future spaceflight activities. A 20-page chronology and a 34-page glossary are included. Angelo, a consulting futurist and technical writer, teaches astronomy at Rollins College. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Life in the universe.

For students in grades nine and higher, as well as general readers, this volume considers the question of whether intelligent life is unique to Earth. Angelo (physics, Rollins College) describes how scientists explore this question through space technology and astronomy, as well as the principles of exobiology and how they are being used to guide robot spacecraft in the search for life beyond Earth. He also discusses efforts at interstellar communication, contamination issues, and SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) programs, and includes biographies of scientists. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)