ZAPPED

This book thoroughly explores the surprising realms of microwaves, infra-red, ultraviolet, Xrays and the others, and how they dramatically altered the lives of their discoverers - and ours.

In ZAPPED, Berman explores the phenomenon of radiation – invisible light that is all around us. As you read this you are being swarmed by microwaves from your cell phone. Step outside and you'll get a dose of ultraviolet and infrared from the sun. Go on vacation and you submit to a full body security scan at the airport. Cell towers, tanning salons, microwave ovens, CT scans, mammogram machines, saunas, nuclear power plants - all are emitting radiation in your general direction. What effect is it having?

An accessible blend of narrative history and science, ZAPPED tells the story of the unseen energies all around us, tracing infrared, microwaves, ultraviolet, X-rays and other forms of radiation from their historic discoveries and oft-misguided early uses to their health costs (and benefits) in our daily lives. With a unique talent for making science relatable and fun, Bob Berman hunts for leftover light rays from the universe's birth, explores the consequences of our newest technologies, looks at how invisible light affects the brain, and even spends time with scientists attempting to detect broadcasts from extraterrestrials.

Lively, informative, and packed with "eureka moment" stories, ZAPPED will delight anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of our world.

Bob Berman, author of eight previous popular books, is the contributing editor of Astronomy Magazine for over 20 years, and the astronomy editor of the Old Farmers Almanac for the last quarter century. He was also (1989-2006) the monthly science columnist for Discover. He has a weekly radio show on Northeast Public Radio, and has been a guest on such TV shows as Late Night with David Letterman.