Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foods we love and hate : the chemistry and biology of taste

Why old masters fade : chemicals that give us colour

Cuts are red, veins are blue ... : how blood delivers our vital oxygen

The dual nature of light : particle or wave? That is the question

Models : developing models or finding the truth?

How we see : from the eye to the brain

The brain : what it’s made of, how it works

Hormones : what they are, what they do

Reflections on molecules and the body : understanding the complexity of molecular mechanisms

Bacteria, viruses and antibiotics : why you can’t take a pill for ’flu

Floating and density : why icebergs float

Tides and gravity : holding the universe together - from Newton to Einstein

Energy : the scientific angle on an everyday concept

Energy on the move : how heat energy gets around

Energy for life : mitochondria and the ‘three-parent baby’

Electricity : where does it come from, how does it work?

MRI and the brain : brain scanning and what it reveals : discussion with

A cognitive neuroscientist

Animal culture : defining culture : discussion with an anthropologist

Epilogue : reflections on what’s been learned and how to take it forward

Appendix. Atoms, elements and molecules : briefing on the building blocks of matter