Nanoscale Visualizing an invisible world

This book examines various molecular structures that are typically less than a nanometer in diameter and constitute some of nature's smallest entities. Since this is below the range of a scanning electron microscope, various graphic conventions must be used to translate these structures into the visual connections of ordinary experience. By accomplishing this, Deffeyes (emer., geology, Princeton) enables readers to "visualize the invisible." Based in large part on X-ray crystallography, the atomic structures range from the relative simplicity of caffeine, aspirin, and water vapor molecules to the staggering complexities of the rod virus, erionite, and rare earth magnets. In the introduction, the author explains that he chose these 50 subjects because each "illustrates how atomic structure creates a property such as hardness, color or toxicity; ... has a great story; or simply ... is beautiful." These subjects include chemical bonds, fuel cells, lubricants, laser crystals, buckyballs, and Penrose tiling, to name but a few. While the topics are sufficiently complex to challenge a sophisticated reader, the lucid writing, anecdotal style, and exceptional illustrations will invite the interest of a wider audience. Nanoscale would be an important addition to any library shelf. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic, professional, and public libraries; all levels. R. M. Davis emeritus, Albion College

Though even an electron microscope with a resolution of 1 to 5 nanometers cannot photograph "the way atoms actually look"-at the quantum level the world is inherently "fuzzy"-author and professor Kenneth Deffeyes (Hubbert's Peak: The Impending World Oil Shortage), with help from illustrator Stephen, takes readers on a thoughtful, playful "tour through the nano-scale world." Starting with oxygen (originally a pollutant in Earth's atmosphere), the 50 cameo explanations are clear and vivid, often with surprising details and amusing touches of humanity. Ice, classified a mineral, is unusual for having substantial strength even at one degree below the melting point, which is why (like "unpopped popcorn") they're such a boon to dentists. Explaining the structure of DNA, proteins and enzymes, Deffeyes compares similar molecules like coffee and caffeine, aspirin and Tylenol, testosterone and estrogen; detailing the life cycle of quartz, "from beach sand to wristwatches," he takes a sobering detour into lung disease among miners. Deffeys concludes with the exciting discovery, made by one of his students, of quasi-crystal geometry in the patterns of 500-year old Islamic "Penrose Tiling" mosaics. Surprisingly engaging, this collection of short lessons in molecular science is a fun, informative way to get lost in inner space. (Mar.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.