This month’s most engaging popular science books showcase a diverse array of topics focused on invention, ambition, and hubris. Themes include the marvels of flight, sustainable eating practices, architectural achievements, and the complex world of pharmaceuticals that often falls short. Dive into this month’s offerings, packed with entertaining, enlightening, and thought-provoking insights.

Ever wondered, “How can I stop hiccups?” or “Why is sadness so isolating?” In Ask Google: A Surprisingly Hopeful Picture of Humanity, Simon Rogers examines the poignant, shared inquiries we’ve posed to Google over the last two decades. His findings may intrigue or discomfort some, revealing the extent of our collective curiosity. Alongside his role at Google, Rogers imparts his expertise in data journalism at Medill Northwestern University and has authored several acclaimed books, including facts are sacred. His unique perspective on search behavior is both captivating and eye-opening, as noted by economist Tim Harford.

Walk: Your Life Depends on It by Courtney Conley and Milica McDowell

Many of us grapple with our daily routines, yet the trend around achieving thousands of steps can inspire change. This book explores the myriad health benefits of walking, regarded as “one of the most powerful, yet least prescribed medicines.” From preventing obesity to alleviating back pain, this enlightening discourse aligns with historical perspectives of the interconnectedness of movement and creativity.

Experience the intersection of politics and physics with The Ends of Space and Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Boogie of Cosmic Dreams by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein. Celebrated for her previous work, Turbulent Universe, this new release is praised for its lyrical exploration of cosmic concepts as articulated by influential thinkers like Ruja Benjamin and Sean Carroll. The forthcoming title promises profound insights unearthed through compelling metaphors.

The Power of Plankton by Vincent Doumeizel

Delve into the vital role of plankton with The Power of Plankton: How Plankton Made Life on Earth Possible and Why They Are Key to Our Future. As the Senior Ocean Advisor for the UN Global Compact, Doumeizel reveals treasure troves of information about these microscopic lifeforms’ crucial role in sustaining our planet and stories that resonate from scientific history.

Dr. Turi King gained fame for identifying King Richard III’s remains and sequencing Adolf Hitler’s genome. In her compelling book, The Secret of Our DNA: How Genetics Has Changed the World, she elucidates the intricate relationship between genetics and our lives, highlighting how this science offers both interconnectivity and profound ethical dilemmas. King’s insights remind us that DNA isn’t destiny, but a narrative shaped by myriad factors.

Understanding the nocebo effect is essential, as it can lead to real psychological and physical ailments. Science writer Helen Pilcher tackles this in This Book May Cause Side Effects: Why Our Minds Get Sick, exploring how negative expectations can sway health outcomes. Given the rise of social media-induced health phenomena, this investigation sparks critical conversation about psychosomatic disease.

Curious about improving medication effectiveness? How to Take Medicine: A New Approach to Medicine for Better Results and Fewer Side Effects by Nick Barber strives to enlighten readers about the complexities surrounding drug use and the significant burden of adverse reactions on the healthcare system. With Barber’s expertise as a pharmacy professor, this book promises crucial insights and practical suggestions.

Navigating healthy eating while protecting the planet is no easy task. However, Eating Well for the Planet: How to Fix a Toxic Food System – One Meal at a Time by Dave Goulson provides a roadmap for tackling this multilayered issue. Goulson combines extensive research with actionable advice, advocating for sustainable practices that can lead to substantial change.

For those captivated by the notion of flight, Simon Burns’ How to Fly: Fly with Birds, Bats, Insects, and Humans promises an exhilarating exploration of aerodynamics in nature. Discover incredible facts about various species’ flight strategies, from bees to ancient pterosaurs, making this an enchanting read for anyone fascinated by the science of soaring.

The Three Gorges Dam on China’s Yangtze River, measuring 185 meters high and 2,300 meters long, has implications that extend beyond its physical grandeur, having affected Earth’s axis. Fred Mills, in Mega Builds: 10 Mega Construction Projects That Will Change the World, offers insight into revolutionary engineering feats, promising a thrilling exploration of humanity’s architectural ambitions.

In Response: A Story of Fire and Flood in Britain’s New Extreme World, David Shukman provides a candid examination of the UK’s unpreparedness for climate change. His compelling narrative, endorsed by climate advocates, serves as a wake-up call about the urgent realities of our changing environment and the collective responsibility to act.