Out in hardback in October 2016 in the UK, January 2017 in the US and now in paperback too. You can order the hardback, paperback or Kindle on Amazon, in paperback or ebook from Bloomsbury direct, from Waterstones and probably other places too.
You can also see an extract on our Furry Logic website or listen to us talk about the book on The Cosmic Shed podcast or BCfm Radio.
Here’s the official blurb:
Furry Logic: the physics of animal life
The animal world is full of mysteries. Why do dogs slurp from their drinking bowls while cats lap up water with a delicate flick of the tongue? How does a tiny turtle hatchling from Florida circle the entire northern Atlantic before returning to the very beach where it was born? And how can a Komodo dragon kill water buffalo with a bite only as strong as a cat’s?
As Furry Logic reveals, these puzzles – and many more besides – are all explained by physics. Whether it’s ants, elephants, bees or squirrels, animals are cleverer than we think. From heat and light to electricity and magnetism, Furry Logic unveils the ways that more than 30 animals exploit physics to eat, drink, mate and dodge death in their daily battle for survival.
Along the way, science journalists Matin Durrani and Liz Kalaugher introduce great physicists whose discoveries helped us understand the animal world, touching briefly on why you should only stick things in your eyes if you’re a genius. And there’s plenty on the animal experts of today, from the Australian who made an annual pilgrimage to “biologists’ heaven” in Canada, to the Canadian — inspired by watching David Attenborough as a child — who made the reverse journey to look for archerfish in Australia’s rivers, to the researcher who videoed flirting peacocks.
Written in a simple and engaging style, Furry Logic will appeal both to animal lovers and to those curious to see how physics crops up in the natural world. It’s more of a “howdunit” than a whodunit though you’re unlikely to guess some of the answers.
And here are a selection of reviews:
Chemistry World
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the researchers’ work and their sometimes unusual methods to study their animal of choice in more detail. I think it is these personable insights that will make the physics more approachable. Its tone is jovial and packed full of pop culture references.”
Katrina Krämer – Science correspondent, Chemistry World
Science News
“A fun, informative chronicle of how myriad animals take advantage of the laws of physics.”
Science
“Furry Logic is an important book that is equally inspiring and humbling.”
Booklist Review
“Many readers will see the word physics in the subtitle and sheer away from this captivating work, but even the most phobic will be reassured as Durrani and Kalaugher demonstrate how animals use physics in their daily lives. Bad jokes, cool animals, and easy-to-digest physics make this one a winner.”
Kirkus Review
“Light science reading that informs while it entertains.”
School Library Journal
“Readers don’t need a background in physics to enjoy this engaging, educational title. Recommended for fans of popular science, including YA audiences.”
Popular Science – 5 stars *****
“A fresh and enjoyable take on an aspect of the workings of animals that is rarely covered – a worth addition to the popular science hall of fame.”
The Daily Telegraph – 4 stars ****
“An appealing mix of familiar animals … and the life stories and weird research techniques of physicists and biologists, past and current, famous and unknown.”
Publishers Weekly
“Durrani and Kalaugher approach their captivating material in a lighthearted fashion…The examples are often fascinating, but Durrani and Kalaugher’s larger message about the need to integrate the sciences is far more important.”
BBC Wildlife
“An enlightening and entertaining slant on two very different scientific disciplines, rendering a tricky subject accessible.”
Liz Kalaugher 