A popular science book: Atomic Fingerprints
Atomic Fingerprints: a Popular Science book that tells the story of isotopes. Invisible to everyday eyes, isotopes are variants of the chemical elements, which differ only in their atomic mass. And yet they tell us the age of our solar system, reveal an ancient murder high in the Alps and a more modern murder in Lindow Moss. Atomic Fingerprints tells the fascinating story of how isotopes have opened a window into the natural world. They tell us how isotopes released during the atomic bomb tests of the 1960/70s tell us our heart is older than our brain and why we might put on weight as we get older. Those same bomb isotopes leave no doubt burning fossil fuels is warming our planet. Isotopes reveal the relationship between lavender soap in your bathroom, the tyres on your car, and if you are that way inclined, cannabis in your glovebox. New medicines, old toxins and medial imaging all involve the use of isotopes. From Viking invasions to the Mary Rose, isotopes have their unique story to tell.
Watch the 2-minute video to find out more...
"There are great little excursions, for example into getting radioactive tracers into DNA, or in drugs such as paracetamol to trace its path through the human system….. In terms of content, this is a solid 4 ★ book, and it's for this reason that I thoroughly recommend it."
- Brian Clegg, author of many popular science books
"The author obviously knows what he is writing about and gives clear explanations on types of isotopes, how they have been used for a range of applications from medicine to archeology, and the history behind their use in a clear and entertaining way using a range of examples. I thoroughly recommend this book for not only scientists but also for anyone interested in the field."
- 5 ★ review on Amazon
The story of the Human Regenerative Map Project, told in the book was made into a Netflix documentary by Latif Nasser. The series is called Connected (The Hidden Science of Everything). The particular episode is number six, called Nukes. If you are logged into your Netflix subscription, then this link should take you there.
