We humans pride ourselves on our capacity to have ideas, but perhaps this pride is misplaced. Perhaps ideas have us. After all, ideas do appear to have a life of their own. Many biologists have already come to the opinion that our genes are selfish entities, tricking us into helping them to reproduce. Is it the same with our ideas? Jonnie Hughes, a science writer and documentary filmmaker, investigates the evolution of ideas in order to find out. Adopting the role of a cultural Charles Darwin, Hughes heads off, with his brother in tow, across the Midwest to observe firsthand the natural history of ideas--the patterns of their variation, inheritance, and selection in the cultural landscape. In place of Darwin's oceanic islands, Hughes visits the "mind islands" of Native American tribes. Instead of finches, Hughes searches for signs of natural selection among the tepees.--From publisher description.

"Diabetes is the catalyst for a whole host of chronic complications that can appear as a result of the disease, such as: diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, foot ulcers, kidney failure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Diabetes management is changing rapidly, and powerful new agents, including some that may modify the natural history of diabetes and its complications, continue to be introduced, as both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes increase in prevalence and impact worldwide. This brief guide summarizes the specific information needed for clinical treatment of diabetic patients"--Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher: Green Technology is an eight-volume set that examines the relationship between human activities and their sometimes harmful consequences for the environment and explores new methods of repairing and restoring the Earth. Approaching environmental issues confronting society from a technological perspective has spawned significant controversy, and the books in this set present all sides of the debate. Designed to complement science curricula, the set also covers relevant history and new green technologies and innovations that will contribute to the field in the future. Environmental Engineering: Designing a Sustainable Future examines how this field, which incorporates not only aspects of art and design but also physics, geology, ecology, and the chemistry of matter, evolved from a discipline of civil engineering. Environmental engineers learn how to work with nature to improve and control the quality of the land, air, and water for the benefit of human and nonhuman cohabitation. Sidebars, figures, and case studies enhance fundamental concepts and examine urgent issues related to the "natural future" of the environment. The volume includes information on: aerodynamics; ecological and energy "architecture"; energy-efficient electronics; innovations in personal vehicles; landscape design; micro climates; solar homes; sustainable manufacturing; transit systems; and wastewater. The book contains 50 color photographs and line illustrations, five appendixes, a glossary, a detailed list of print and Internet resources, and an index. Green Technology is essential for high school students, teachers, and general readers who seek information on the important issues that affect the environment worldwide.

Synopsis: Green Technology is an eight-volume set that examines the relationship between human activities and their sometimes harmful consequences for the environment and explores new methods of repairing and restoring the Earth. Approaching environmental issues confronting society from a technological perspective has spawned significant controversy, and the books in this set present all sides of the debate. Designed to complement science curricula, the set also covers relevant history and new green technologies and innovations that will contribute to the field in the future. Renewable Energy: Sources and Methods examines the current technologies in renewable energy, a critical subject given that the world increases its energy consumption between 1 and 3 percent each year. Considering the current rate of energy consumption and the consequences of continuing at this rate, the book explains how the main conventional sources of energy-including coal, oil, and gas-affect economies worldwide. The book also focuses on the remarkable diversity of ideas and innovations in the field of alternative energy. Sidebars, figures, and case studies enhance fundamental concepts and examine urgent issues related to the future of the environment. The volume includes information on: alternative vehicles; biomass; the biorefining industry; "clean" energy; converting solid waste to energy; Earth's energy sources; green building design and construction; recycling; water conservation; and worldwide energy programs. The book contains more than 40 color photographs and line illustrations, five appendixes, a glossary, a detailed list of print and Internet resources, and an index. Green Technology is essential for general readers who seek information on the important issues that affect the environment worldwide.