Look inside-How Computers work

From the author of Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google?, a fascinating look at how an equation that foretells the future is transforming everything we know about life, business, and the universe.In the 18th century, the British minister and mathematician Thomas Bayes devised a theorem that allowed him to assign probabilities to events that had never happened before. It languished in obscurity for centuries until computers came along and made it easy to crunch the numbers. Now, as the foundation of big data, Bayes' formula has become a linchpin of the digital economy.But here's where things get really interesting: Bayes' theorem can also be used to lay odds on the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence; on whether we live in a Matrix-like counterfeit of reality; on the "many worlds" interpretation of quantum theory being correct; and on the biggest question of all: how long will humanity survive?The Doomsday Calculation tells how Silicon Valley's profitable formula became a contr

Elements make up everything around us — our computers, our games, and our food and drink. They make up trees and grass, cars and roads, and are the fundamental components of us, human beings. But what exactly are elements? What is their history? When were they discovered? It's Elementary! explores the chemistry of everyday things, from how blood needs iron to why helium balloons are lighter than air. Structure and headings based around easy-to-understand questions and statements, such as "What's a dog made from?" and "Inside and Atom" clearly organizes the material, while bold design and engaging stories work together to make learning about the elements surprising, fun, and understandable to kids.It's Elementary! looks at this weird and wonderful side of science, providing a unique and exciting biography of the elements and making chemistry fun for kids.